HOCKEENIGHT POST MORTEM:Season In Review
This was something we shouldn't have to do in April.At this point, the ice is gone, the lockers are empty, the tee times are reserved. When the season started, there was nothing but optimism. Fork predicted a Stanley Cup championship, which the Blackhawks fell a mere 14 postseason wins short of.
So what went wrong? The HOCKEENIGHT crew do a little brainstorming...
The season started with Patrick Kane filling the role of second line center, and plenty of space under the salary cap. It seemed fair to expect GM Stan Bowman was positioning the team to pick up a second line center, but the closest he came was Brendan Morrison. What the hell happened?
Slak - Lots of people feel that it should be Patrick Sharp. Either Sharp doesn't want to play center (and if he's not comfortable there, why force it?) or the coaching staff prefers him on the wing. We would know the answer to this if the Blackhawks would do something other than dodge this question every single time it's asked. As it stands, it sounds like next year they're going to lean on Patrick Kane to try and pivot the second line again.
Of course, I am optimistic that this is just lip service and smokescreening by Stan Bowman and he's going to try and find someone to fill that role so Kane can play his natural wing. It's obvious David Bolland needs to own his status on the third line and Marcus Kruger's just not that guy yet. The BMO pickup was a complete failure even if the only price was Brian Connelly. Seems that second line center for the Hawks is the same as offensive line for the Bears.
CT - What happened? Too many teams were still in the playoff picture at the deadline, and prices went sky high. Derek Roy was supposedly an option, but were the Hawks really going to send real talent to Buffalo for a guy who scored 17 goals? Say what you want about Kane playing center, but I'd rather have him there than Roy. The only impact 2nd line center who changed hands at the deadline was Jeff Carter and that just wasn't going to fit under the Hawks salary cap.
Next year? Now it gets tricky. With the CBA expiring, there's no telling what the cap is going to look like next year, but it probably isn't going up. Basically, I see two options, either Patrick Sharp and his brand new contract extension are moving to center, or Brandon Pirri or Mark McNeill will make the team out of camp.
Fork - I don't like Kane centering the second line, if only because I think when Kane and Jonathan Toews skate together, not only does it create a lot more offense for the Hawks but it creates some severe matchup headaches for other teams. I think Pirri is one option - he had a solid year in Rockford, and looks like he might be ready to make the jump. McNeill is going to be a beast when he gets here, but his game still needs some refinement. Unfortunately, because of his age I think he's going to wind up in the OHL for another year. His development would be better served with a stint in the AHL.
And CT's absolutely right about the CBA. We need to see how that shakes out before we can discuss any free agents. Otherwise, I'd think taking a one-year gamble on somebody like Olli Jokinen to make goofy faces between Sharpberg™ and Hossa wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
A lot of eyebrows went up when Daniel Carcillo was signed last summer. Then, as he was sitting out with a season-ending injury and suspension, the Hawks game him a two-year extension. What do you think Bowman's thinking was here?
Fork - I don't like Kane centering the second line, if only because I think when Kane and Jonathan Toews skate together, not only does it create a lot more offense for the Hawks but it creates some severe matchup headaches for other teams. I think Pirri is one option - he had a solid year in Rockford, and looks like he might be ready to make the jump. McNeill is going to be a beast when he gets here, but his game still needs some refinement. Unfortunately, because of his age I think he's going to wind up in the OHL for another year. His development would be better served with a stint in the AHL.
And CT's absolutely right about the CBA. We need to see how that shakes out before we can discuss any free agents. Otherwise, I'd think taking a one-year gamble on somebody like Olli Jokinen to make goofy faces between Sharpberg™ and Hossa wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
A lot of eyebrows went up when Daniel Carcillo was signed last summer. Then, as he was sitting out with a season-ending injury and suspension, the Hawks game him a two-year extension. What do you think Bowman's thinking was here?
Slak - I do not know. He got a raise, too. At the time of the signing I was fine with it figuring a healthy Carcillo at least could give Andrew Shaw more time to put his game together in Rockford and come back later next season after Carcillo gets kicked out of the league. Instead, Shaw was called back up and showed remarkable improvement from his first stint earlier this season. So do they combine forces on a 4th line and become the most annoying group in the league? I have no idea. I'm stumped on this one.
CT - I have no idea what the point of re-signing Carcillo was. I didn't like it then, and I like it even less now. Carcillo's idiotic shenanigans have always been brushed off by the excuse that he can play hockey a little bit. Well, we saw another guy like that torpedo Marian Hossa in the playoffs this year, and I'd rather not have a Hawk pull the same shit.
Fork - Again, CT's right. Look, last season Matt Cooke got a 10 game suspension. This year Raffi Torres got 25. I have no doubt that either a season-long suspension or a lifetime ban is coming. If you had a pool for that, there are not many safer picks than Carcillo. Worse than the suspension is the damage that will prompt it. I'm pretty certain the Hawks can get a player with the same basic skillset who isn't going to maim another player, for no reason other than he can't be bothered to play by the basic rules of the game.
Let's talk goaltending.
Fork - Let's not.
Seriously. The vast majority of the Blackhawks' fanbase, along with a large portion of the hockey media, seem to have thrown in the towel on Corey Crawford. Your take?
Fork - Crawford had a rough season, to be sure. As much of a beating as he's taking over the playoffs, the fact of the matter is that for 5 games, he played Mike Smith dead even for 60 minutes. Sure, he let in a couple brutal goals in the overtime of games 3 and 4, but if the forwards had been smarter about shooting higher on Smith, and had been willing to pay the price to get into the dirty areas for rebounds, those overtime periods never would have happened. Of course we can "if" ourselves to death. If my aunt had balls, she'd be my uncle.
That being said, the one encouraging thing here is that when Crawford's game was a hot mess in mid season, and he was getting caught behind his own net, he made adjustments to his game. He's shown he's willing to listen to Stephane Waite, and willing to work. I don't really see any reason to not expect improvement from him next year. Oh, and the next person to bring up the no-shutouts thing is welcome to gargle razor blades.
CT - If you want to judge Crawford based on two soft goals, that's your business. But the truth is, goaltenders are completely fucked up and anybody who says otherwise is wrong. Let's say the Hawks decide to cut bait with Crawford. Who should they get? Sign last year's Vezina Trophy and Conn Smythe winner? That bum just got bounced in the first round by a heavy underdog (and if you're a fan of soft goals, check out Troy Brouwer's game winner from game 5)! Anyway, Tim Thomas isn't happening, so how about Cristobal Huet? Tomas Vokun? I hear Roberto Luongo is available...
Fork - Again, CT's right. Look, last season Matt Cooke got a 10 game suspension. This year Raffi Torres got 25. I have no doubt that either a season-long suspension or a lifetime ban is coming. If you had a pool for that, there are not many safer picks than Carcillo. Worse than the suspension is the damage that will prompt it. I'm pretty certain the Hawks can get a player with the same basic skillset who isn't going to maim another player, for no reason other than he can't be bothered to play by the basic rules of the game.
Let's talk goaltending.
Fork - Let's not.
Seriously. The vast majority of the Blackhawks' fanbase, along with a large portion of the hockey media, seem to have thrown in the towel on Corey Crawford. Your take?
Fork - Crawford had a rough season, to be sure. As much of a beating as he's taking over the playoffs, the fact of the matter is that for 5 games, he played Mike Smith dead even for 60 minutes. Sure, he let in a couple brutal goals in the overtime of games 3 and 4, but if the forwards had been smarter about shooting higher on Smith, and had been willing to pay the price to get into the dirty areas for rebounds, those overtime periods never would have happened. Of course we can "if" ourselves to death. If my aunt had balls, she'd be my uncle.
That being said, the one encouraging thing here is that when Crawford's game was a hot mess in mid season, and he was getting caught behind his own net, he made adjustments to his game. He's shown he's willing to listen to Stephane Waite, and willing to work. I don't really see any reason to not expect improvement from him next year. Oh, and the next person to bring up the no-shutouts thing is welcome to gargle razor blades.
CT - If you want to judge Crawford based on two soft goals, that's your business. But the truth is, goaltenders are completely fucked up and anybody who says otherwise is wrong. Let's say the Hawks decide to cut bait with Crawford. Who should they get? Sign last year's Vezina Trophy and Conn Smythe winner? That bum just got bounced in the first round by a heavy underdog (and if you're a fan of soft goals, check out Troy Brouwer's game winner from game 5)! Anyway, Tim Thomas isn't happening, so how about Cristobal Huet? Tomas Vokun? I hear Roberto Luongo is available...
My point isn't that Crawford is great, it's that outside of a few elite guys, it's damn near impossible to predict how a young goalie will play each year. Look at Mike Fucking Smith. He's 29 and had a career save percentage of .905 prior to this year. Nobody thought he was Mike Fucking Smith at the start of this season. My message is this - Crawford can be better, and he needs to be. He's shown some talent and the ability to bounce back from tough starts and that's big for a goalie. So when he's the starter in the opener next year (and he's going to be) don't start pissing and moaning about the season being a total loss. Give a week at least.
Slak - It's amazing what a hot goalie can do for a team's perception. Does anyone think the Coyotes are in the second round of the playoffs without Mike Smith's miracle campaign? They've got this mythical label of being lumped in with the staunch defensive hockey clubs like the Blues when the truth is the Blackhawks peppered Mike Smith like a two dollar steak. He was just that damn good. Period.
Considering that Crawford is signed and no one will take him after his up an down season, he's here to stay. Emery is going to be the back up unless he hurts himself. And in that case it'd probably be Carter Hutton who earned himself some rope with a good season in Rockford. Alexander Salak is a certain goalie expert's wet dream but he's an oft-injured hothead and he has to prove himself in the AHL before he thinks he's ever going to wear the Indianhead.
Here's hoping Crawford has that crazy, unpredictable season that sometimes just happens with goaltenders. Goaltenders are a lot like major league bullpens. You can spend all the money in the world and end up with crap or you can catch lightning and run with it. People can whine and moan all they want but Crawford will be back and I think it's probably the best option. Though I do love me some Roberto Luongo....
Which player this season was the most pleasant surprise? Biggest disappointment?
Fork: I was never exactly the president of the Viktor Stalberg Fan Club, but he took his success against Columbus and parlayed it into a damn fine season. If he brings that confidence at the beginning of next season, the Hawks suddenly have an offensive threat.
The biggest disappointment also kind of broke my heart. I've always liked Andrew Brunette, and really thought he'd come in and still be able to get 20-25 ugly goals. Unfortunately, it never really worked out.
CT - I'll go with Stalberg as the most pleasant surprise. Not because I didn't think he had the skill to score 20 goals, but because I figured he'd pack it in as soon as Joel Quenneville started jerking him up and down the lineup. Instead, Viktor played whatever role he was given on any given night, and for the most part, played it well.
Biggest disappointment? Let's just say that the "vastly improved" skating of one of the Hawks defensemen was greatly exaggerated by management, and as a result I'm now stuck with a gross of MUDERSAURUS sherseys that I can't find a taker for.
Slak - Count me in on Stalberg. I couldn't stop making fun of the guy last season. He couldn't find the net with a GPS and ten seeing eye dogs until suddenly something clicked and he started looking less like Jack Skille and more like Marian Hossa. He's got a wonderful cap hit and now if he can do what the coaching staff needs him to to get some special teams time, all the better. Or, you know, maybe they trade him. Honorable mention to Marcus Kruger.
My biggest disappointment would be Steve Montador and not really because of him but the way he was used or more accurately, misused. He didn't get used much on the kill where he was supposed to be valuable and on the power play they decided to use him at forward for a spell. Then the crazy bastard decided to score a few goals and make the coaching staff think they were geniuses. He was then concussed and reconcussed in his first game back because the coaching staff put him at forward again. STOP THIS. He's got a long deal and makes good coin to play defense. Please use him correctly. Honorable mention: Michael Frolik (regular season variety).
Which young player are you most optimistic about? Which players to you think are willing to either make the jump to the NHL or assume a larger role with the Blackhawks? Are there any that don't seem to be a good fit here?
Fork: Aside from Leddy, who is still going to get better - pretty nice knowing a 21-year-old DMan with 40+ points is going to improve - I (and everyone else) really like Brandon Saad. He's ready to spend all of next season with the Blackhawks. I'm really hoping Jeremy Morin is ready too. He's got decent size and likes getting into the tough areas to score.
If there's a guy who just doesn't seem to fit here, it's Marcus Kruger. Not that I'm all that hot on throwing in the towel on a player his age, just he's Dave Bolland, only less so. He still gets knocked around a lot, and can't win faceoffs.I'd prefer his game improves, and they find a spot for him. But for now, I just don't know.
Which young player are you most optimistic about? Which players to you think are willing to either make the jump to the NHL or assume a larger role with the Blackhawks? Are there any that don't seem to be a good fit here?
Fork: Aside from Leddy, who is still going to get better - pretty nice knowing a 21-year-old DMan with 40+ points is going to improve - I (and everyone else) really like Brandon Saad. He's ready to spend all of next season with the Blackhawks. I'm really hoping Jeremy Morin is ready too. He's got decent size and likes getting into the tough areas to score.
If there's a guy who just doesn't seem to fit here, it's Marcus Kruger. Not that I'm all that hot on throwing in the towel on a player his age, just he's Dave Bolland, only less so. He still gets knocked around a lot, and can't win faceoffs.I'd prefer his game improves, and they find a spot for him. But for now, I just don't know.
CT - I assume I'm not allowed to pick Patrick Kane or Jonathan Toews. I'm going with Dylan Olsen here. I was worried about him being called up, but he held his own on the 3rd pair, a pretty big deal for a 21 year old defenseman who didn't even have a full year of pro hockey under his belt. Olsen might start next season in the AHL, but he's guy I'm most excited about.
Bad fit? I'll have to agree with Fork here. Marcus Kruger figures to be a 4th line center on this team, but seems like he should be more. If Bowman believes that Brandon Pirri and Mark McNeill are both going to be NHL guys, he should see what Kruger's value is around the league.
Slak - I'm excited as hell for Brandon Saad to cut his teeth in a full NHL season next year, assuming that he makes the roster again. His sense of positioning and overall hockey smarts are an excellent foundation for his pure offensive skill. I could be setting myself up to be let down but he is pretty damn special. Other than him, I think I'd really like Brandon Pirri to get a look next season. I've lost my MorinBoner and I'm not expecting anything from him, to be honest. Hopefully he can surprise me. Oh hey - here's an obligatory Kyle Beach mention. I'm hoping he can surprise as one of three members of his fan club.
As far as bad fits - I don't know. You guys ragging on my guy Marcus Kruger is worrisome but I do agree he's gotta bulk up otherwise he's going to keep getting smashed into lingonberry jam. It's way too early to say that Mark McNeill is a bad fit but he's been passed up by a couple of the guys drafted before him already. His foray into the AHL with Rockford wasn't exactly worth writing home about. That said, I'm open to moving anyone that doesn't have their own Chevy commercial.
What needs to be done to improve the blueline?
Fork: One big thing would be for Duncan Keith to return to 2010 form. Not only is he no longer one of the top three defensemen in the NHL, but I don't even think he's the best one on the Blackhawks - I think Brent Seabrook now fills that position. Another thing would be for Steve Montador to get healthy. The only question with him is, does he skate as the #5 next to Dylan Olsen or the #4 next to Nick Leddy? The Hawks need to decide, and get someone to fill the other role. At this point, I wouldn't even mind Sami Lepisto at the 5 spot any more if that's the way the Hawks decide to go. But to my original point, there's some serious talent here. They just need to use it all.
Slak - I think it's fair to say that Seabrook, Keith, Leddy and Montador (assuming his health returns) are all locks for the blue line next season. Dylan Olsen is still young and I don't know if he's 100% ready to be a full time contributor. He's a physical brute of a defenseman but he's slow and has little value where the Blackhawks need it - and that would be a defenseman who can hit the net with his shot and help out on the powerplay. I have a feeling Oduya is done - he did some great things while Toews was out but regressed back to Winnipeg Johnny in the Phoenix series. I'm not an NHL personnel expert and I won't pretend to be one unlike certain, more committed fans. If Stan can get a guy that can at least man the point effectively, I'll be pretty happy.
CT - Hmm,, well, having a healthy Steve Montador should help, assuming Q is actually going to skate him at his natural position. Basically, Bowman has to put together a 3rd pairing that Quenneville can trust. Otherwise he's going to bury those guys and skate Keith and Seabrook to death. Also, make sure whatever seasoned veteran is brought in to kill penalties can actually still play hockey. In honor of Slaky, I'm gonna nominate Brent Sopel.
Which Joel Quenneville player decision was the biggest head-scratcher?
Fork: Aside from dressing Old Donald at any time, I'm not quite sure what his hard-on toward Michael Frolik was. Sure, he's not the goal scorer we all hoped he would be, but he's suddenly turning into one helluva defensive forward. And I'm still shaking my head about Brendan Morrison suddenly getting the nod over Jamal Mayers in the playoffs.
Slak - Steve Montador's constant misuse, as mentioned earlier, just blew me away. I also would have liked to have seen more Stalberg on the power play but he's not a half-boards guy so I think I understand why he wasn't out there as much. He would have to be a net presence and I'm not sure he's ever going to become that kind of a player. Frolik on the PK all season could not have hurt. And stop using forward at the point for 7.000,000th time. Christ.
CT - This is a tie between about 6 different things. Burying Michael Frolik. Skating Brandon Bollig in playoff games. Simultaneously playing Steve Montador at forward and Dave Bolland at the point on the power play. Dan Carcillo as a top 6 forward. Jesus, I think Q might be doing all this just to fuck with us.
There is already plenty of talk about trades. Which Blackhawks do you see on the block this summer?
Fork: I don't think there would be any fainting from shock in this town if Niklas Hjalmarsson is plying his trade elsewhere come October (or whenever the season starts...goddamn CBA). If there's a really good veteran center available, I could see some of the younger guys get packaged to bring one in. The fact that all those one-year deals from last summer are rolling off gives the Hawks a lot of roster flexibility without having to make any desparation trades. As stated above, let's see how the CBA plays out.
CT: Several guys should be on the block this year, Niklas Hjalmarsson is probably a 3rd pair guy on this team but 2nd pair elsewhere. The aforementioned Marcus Kruger also doesn't seem to have a real spot in Chicago either. And then there's Viktor Stalberg. While he had a very good season, this might be the time to sell high on Stals. He's got one cheap year left on his deal, and then he'll be a UFA. A bad season in Chicago means the Hawks will likely let him walk and a good season prices him out of their plans. He could definitely be an interesting trade chip.
You know what? I just reread this paragraph and I believe that I might hate Swedish people.
Slak - We all keep talking about trading Hjalmarsson but he's a 3.5mm cap hit. What could realistically be had in return for him? Maybe throwing someone like Stalberg in would sweeten that. Just an idea. I just don't agree with the idea of trading Kruger. I don't see them wanting to trade him and I don't see anyone banging down the door, either. To borrow a useless phrase from a useless person: let's see how it all plays out.
Finally - how much Malort is too much Malort?
Fork: I don't understand the question.
Finally - how much Malort is too much Malort?
Fork: I don't understand the question.
CT - It has been scientifically proven that there is always exactly enough Malort as there needs to be.
Slak - I'm going to need a metric shitload of it to deal with all the "Bring back Ladd/Byfuglien/Campbell" bullshit this offseason. You hear me, Jeppson's? Start fermenting that horse urine.
Posted by Hockeenight at 4/27/2012 9:38 PM 
Categories: ANGRY!, Chicago Blackhawks, News and Notes, Blackhawks
Tags: Chicago Blackhawks Season In Review Raffi Torres Is A Ginger Headed Ballbag
Categories: ANGRY!, Chicago Blackhawks, News and Notes, Blackhawks
Tags: Chicago Blackhawks Season In Review Raffi Torres Is A Ginger Headed Ballbag
Good read. Good points made. Unfortunately no bear force one videos.
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Thanks for the recap. Nothing softens the blow of a disappointing season like listening to hockey-literate people calmly explain possible causes and solutions. You guys are my heroes.
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