@johndietzdh
Q dropped at least three F bombs after making guys skate their asses off to end practice.
He then abruptly left the ice.
- JRoenick97

You can point fingers at veterans not playing up to par. You can point fingers at Q not convincing or really it is Bowman not providing players who will have net front presence. You can also claim Q's system is antiquated and as the team gets worse the past two seasons, Q has fewer good players to make his system appear strong and functionally successful.

You can also say very loudly that veterans who have been there, done that are not enthusiastic as they can witness that the team has gone to a new level of "sucks."

And it isn't helped by three huge drops: Hossa not playing (at minimal still a back checking maven), Toews a much different and not nearly as valuable player, and the obvious decline in Seabrook + Keith to less extent.

Hartman has not progressed, actually has regressed this season, and the defense is minus Hammer too while too many at one time young guys are learning on the job on the Blue line.

Amidst all this anyone who expected more than this team shows is dreaming to avoid the pain.
Cmon on everyone the facts are in our face.

Now I won't claim to be the wisest guy at how this sorry situation could somewhat turn around. The options to change are not seemingly very convincing. Better times ahead, maybe, but not much better.

I think a new coach needs to make the game challenging and fun and some veterans should be cast aside. I want badly to see Kane rise up and be "the Ovechkin force"yet whom can lead, too.

Is that last point unrealistic?

Well we might get a high draft choice. But if we do, better not draft a softie center.

You can point fingers at veterans not playing up to par. You can point fingers at Q not convincing or really it is Bowman not providing players who will have net front presence. You can also claim Q's system is antiquated and as the team gets worse the past two seasons, Q has fewer good players to make his system appear strong and functionally successful.

You can also say very loudly that veterans who have been there, done that are not enthusiastic as they can witness that the team has gone to a new level of "sucks."

And it isn't helped by three huge drops: Hossa not playing (at minimal still a back checking maven), Toews a much different and not nearly as valuable player, and the obvious decline in Seabrook + Keith to less extent.

Hartman has not progressed, actually has regressed this season, and the defense is minus Hammer too while too many at one time young guys are learning on the job on the Blue line.

Amidst all this anyone who expected more than this team shows is dreaming to avoid the pain.
Cmon on everyone the facts are in our face.

Now I won't claim to be the wisest guy at how this sorry situation could somewhat turn around. The options to change are not seemingly very convincing. Better times ahead, maybe, but not much better.

I think a new coach needs to make the game challenging and fun and some veterans should be cast aside. I want badly to see Kane rise up and be "the Ovechkin force"yet whom can lead, too.

Is that last point unrealistic?

Well we might get a high draft choice. But if we do, better not draft a softie center.
- jhawk59

Kane is better than Ovechkin and has been for a couple years now.

Last two seasons:

Kane 80 goals, 195 points

Ovechkin 88 goals, 140 points.

OV is a tremendous goal scorer, but that's all he is now.

Couple of crazy (or maybe not-to-so crazy) hypotheses:

1) Q was summoned to a management meeting to state he's on the heat seat (i.e. will be replaced soon if the ship doesn't turn around) and he's showing passive aggressiveness against the team for putting him in this situation.

2) Q is in a blame game amongst certain players, likely veterans, who mouthed off or talked back about the state of the team and where/who the problems are.

3) Q is seeing factions forming amongst the players and maybe even assistant coaches.

4) Q simply trying to light a fire under the team.
- AEL_Fox

I'd guess it is probably all four, but the first one is biggest change this year (if it happened). This is first I can recall that a lackadaisical approach to practicing has resulted in this, and I've been to a few of the open practices. More on that:

Mark Lazerus‏ @MarkLazerus
Q was unhappy with the intensity of practice, hence the laps and F-bombs. Said it reached "tough to watch" levels.

JJ, thanks for the patience showed me (and others) who are not as steeped in hockey experience and knowledge when we made what might have been crazy suggestions or observations. Always learned by coming here from both you and the other posters.

Best of luck to you on the new venture. Will see you on the flip side.

Thanks for all your work here John!!!!

I will follow you to your next site - and hope most of the dink bags stay here!!!!!!


- dahawks8819

So you're staying here?

Hockeybuzz has been the single greatest way for me to get through the workday for the last several years. Having an outlet to talk Blackhawks' hockey with other people who actually KNOW the game was really awesome. Having a blogger who had insight into the Front Office thinking, provided daily updates on trades, injuries, lines and shared his own opinion on the state of the Hawks.....great stuff. Thanks JJ!
- EnzoD

AMEN EnzoD

- DarthKane

Back atcha, Darth. All the best.

JJ, thanks for the patience showed me (and others) who are not as steeped in hockey experience and knowledge when we made what might have been crazy suggestions or observations. Always learned by coming here from both you and the other posters.

Best of luck to you on the new venture. Will see you on the flip side.
- pdx2ord

Thx pdx

Vegas is now on their FOURTH STRING goalie. If I'm Stan Bowman, I'm on the phone with McPhee trying to acquire a Defenseman for Forsberg or Berube.

Vegas is now on their FOURTH STRING goalie. If I'm Stan Bowman, I'm on the phone with McPhee trying to acquire a Defenseman for Forsberg or Berube.
- EnzoD

I hear you.

No way on Forseberg in my opinion. Legit backup for CC.

Berube could move, but I don't think Vegas wants seasoned goalies. The theory that they want to tank keeps getting stronger...moving Pickard, picking up Subban, playing Dansk, now playing Lagace and calling up a completely green dude as backup...

I'd guess it is probably all four, but the first one is biggest change this year (if it happened). This is first I can recall that a lackadaisical approach to practicing has resulted in this, and I've been to a few of the open practices. More on that:

Mark Lazerus‏ @MarkLazerus
Q was unhappy with the intensity of practice, hence the laps and F-bombs. Said it reached "tough to watch" levels.
- pdx2ord

A coach cannot accept bad practice habits. A coach needs to motivate his players. Both seem (emphasis: seem) to be problems. I am among first ones who will play intense and yell at others, so I am probably not a good judge as how Q handles these "problems."
I do see the outburst as a deserved kick irregardless of whom is to blame how or why there are problem on the ice and probably in the locker room too. This outburst likely foreshadows some changes both temporary and long term. And I mean, changes on ice personnel players and coach(s). Bowman' s hand will be forced.

You know the words in that old Kenny Loggins song, where he croaks, " You got to to when to hold them, when to fold them; you never...."

Bowman has a spotty GM record despite the Cups. Let me put it this way, is there someone better than Stan? McDonough really admires, respects Scotty. I feel McDonough can screw up decision making too. Anyway, fresh blood on ice and behind bench is a matter of how soon. Stan could be on the guilateen too but i expect if that happens, then it is after a dismal season.

I would love to get in McDonough's face and tell him, you can't always stay successful after a run like we had. I know, business people cannot think that way.

I hear you.

No way on Forseberg in my opinion. Legit backup for CC.

Berube could move, but I don't think Vegas wants seasoned goalies. The theory that they want to tank keeps getting stronger...moving Pickard, picking up Subban, playing Dansk, now playing Lagace and calling up a completely green dude as backup...
- Hank3Henshaw

I agree that Forsberg has very high potential, but Crawford isn't going anywhere in the next few years. If Anton Forsberg ++ get's you a young Dman with cost-control and upside (Theodore, Schmidt, ect), I'd make that trade without hesitation.

I agree that Forsberg has very high potential, but Crawford isn't going anywhere in the next few years, and if Anton Forsberg ++ get's you a young Dman with cost-control and upside (Theodore, Schmidt, ect), I'd make that trade without hesitation.
- EnzoD

Theodore would be great. I've been watching him with the Wolves before he got called up. He's noticeably ahead of everyone on the ice night-in-night-out.

Great vision, confident with the puck and could be a QB on the Power play--which the Hawks sorely need.

Theodore would be great. I've been watching him with the Wolves before he got called up. He's noticeably ahead of everyone on the ice night-in-night-out.

Great vision, confident with the puck and could be a QB on the Power play--which the Hawks sorely need.
- Hank3Henshaw

5 goals and 6 assists in 8 games for the Wolves.

Thanks JJ , its been a blast. Good luck.


-Paulish

A coach cannot accept bad practice habits. A coach needs to motivate his players. Both seem (emphasis: seem) to be problems. I am among first ones who will play intense and yell at others, so I am probably not a good judge as how Q handles these "problems."
I do see the outburst as a deserved kick irregardless of whom is to blame how or why there are problem on the ice and probably in the locker room too. This outburst likely foreshadows some changes both temporary and long term. And I mean, changes on ice personnel players and coach(s). Bowman' s hand will be forced.

You know the words in that old Kenny Loggins song, where he croaks, " You got to to when to hold them, when to fold them; you never...."

Bowman has a spotty GM record despite the Cups. Let me put it this way, is there someone better than Stan? McDonough really admires, respects Scotty. I feel McDonough can screw up decision making too. Anyway, fresh blood on ice and behind bench is a matter of how soon. Stan could be on the guilateen too but i expect if that happens, then it is after a dismal season.

I would love to get in McDonough's face and tell him, you can't always stay successful after a run like we had. I know, business people cannot think that way.
- jhawk59

*Kenny Rogers

This first quote does not sound good to me (nor does Kane - for the first time in his career that anyone can remember - skipping optional practices). It sounds like us v. him.

John Dietz‏
@johndietzdh
Kane didn't really want to discuss Q's blowup.
His response: "As a group we're just talking about trying to get through this slump, so I don't know particularly what he's feeling or what kind of emotions he has, but as a group we're just trying to stay together."

Sharp: "I don't think panic sets in, but there certainly should be a sense of urgency within the locker room."

Connor Murphy on laps at end of practice: "If you're not giving that extra push in practice, then that's what you deserve is to get skated."

Quenneville: "I didn't like the last part of our practice. I thought the intensity and the pace went down to a tough-to-watch (level). We want to make sure that there’s enough intensity there where we get something out of practice. At the end, the pace wasn’t good enough.”

*Kenny Rogers

This first quote does not sound good to me (nor does Kane - for the first time in his career that anyone can remember - skipping optional practices).

John Dietz‏
@johndietzdh
Kane didn't really want to discuss Q's blowup.
His response: "As a group we're just talking about trying to get through this slump, so I don't know particularly what he's feeling or what kind of emotions he has, but as a group we're just trying to stay together."

Sharp: "I don't think panic sets in, but there certainly should be a sense of urgency within the locker room."

Connor Murphy on laps at end of practice: "If you're not giving that extra push in practice, then that's what you deserve is to get skated."

Quenneville: "I didn't like the last part of our practice. I thought the intensity and the pace went down to a tough-to-watch (level). We want to make sure that there’s enough intensity there where we get something out of practice. At the end, the pace wasn’t good enough.”
- pdx2ord

I'm glad to see Q start cracking down on the "country club atmosphere" with this team. If Q cannot get through and motivate these players, then something needs to change. Either another big-contract Veteran needs to be traded to send a big message, or Q needs to be replaced. This news, while disappointing, is not surprising. Effort and intensity have been the biggest reason for this losing streak, IMO.

I'm glad to see Q start cracking down on the "country club atmosphere" with this team. If Q cannot get through and motivate these players, then something needs to change. Either another big-contract Veteran needs to be traded to send a big message, or Q needs to be replaced. This news, while disappointing, is not surprising. Effort and intensity have been the biggest reason for this losing streak, IMO.
- EnzoD

The only game they looked good in was the Nashville game. Seems they lost and just packed it in the next night.

Thanks for all you have done JJ. It's incredibly difficult to have a full time job, a life and THEN write a blog for us hockey doofuses. Then having to deal with the blowback of us idiots thinking we can fix everything with one trade of Rundblad's skate blades for the 1984 version of Gretzky.

Thank you and good luck.

Huge loss for the site. Enjoyed your writing and looked forward to the Blogs. It is too bad you are leaving now- was looking forward to your coverage as the Hocks make their way back to the draft lottery. We always have the Playoffs from last Spring.
- VopatsRash

You Jackass....

Theodore would be great. I've been watching him with the Wolves before he got called up. He's noticeably ahead of everyone on the ice night-in-night-out.

Great vision, confident with the puck and could be a QB on the Power play--which the Hawks sorely need.
- Hank3Henshaw

Theodore would immediately be slotted top four and could be the Hawks 2nd best D-man in my view.

*Kenny Rogers

This first quote does not sound good to me (nor does Kane - for the first time in his career that anyone can remember - skipping optional practices). It sounds like us v. him.

John Dietz‏
@johndietzdh
Kane didn't really want to discuss Q's blowup.
His response: "As a group we're just talking about trying to get through this slump, so I don't know particularly what he's feeling or what kind of emotions he has, but as a group we're just trying to stay together."

Sharp: "I don't think panic sets in, but there certainly should be a sense of urgency within the locker room."

Connor Murphy on laps at end of practice: "If you're not giving that extra push in practice, then that's what you deserve is to get skated."

Quenneville: "I didn't like the last part of our practice. I thought the intensity and the pace went down to a tough-to-watch (level). We want to make sure that there’s enough intensity there where we get something out of practice. At the end, the pace wasn’t good enough.”
- pdx2ord

don't recall a Q-ruption like this at all...

hawks have been lousy with 3 plus days between games...maybe that carrying over to practice after a couple of days

I agree that Forsberg has very high potential, but Crawford isn't going anywhere in the next few years. If Anton Forsberg ++ get's you a young Dman with cost-control and upside (Theodore, Schmidt, ect), I'd make that trade without hesitation.
- EnzoD[/quote


I agree. Crawford's contract is for 2 more seasons after this one. If you can move Forsberg+ for Theodore, I'd do it. Theodore is gonna be a stud. You'll have two years to find a replacement for CC.

[quote=EnzoD]I agree that Forsberg has very high potential, but Crawford isn't going anywhere in the next few years. If Anton Forsberg ++ get's you a young Dman with cost-control and upside (Theodore, Schmidt, ect), I'd make that trade without hesitation.
- tompo1015[/quote


I agree. Crawford's contract is for 2 more seasons after this one. If you can move Forsberg+ for Theodore, I'd do it. Theodore is gonna be a stud. You'll have two years to find a replacement for CC.

Berube is killing it in the A, he could probably be a decent backup.

John, I haven't been around too much recently (work, friends, schooling, etc.)... All I can say from the time I have been reading and the time I have joined.. all I can say is it has been a pleasure. Great discussion and input and superior writing. Hope to see ya around soon here... And hopefully the hawks can find a groove.


Thanks for all you did/do man