Hawks the measuring stick now
ANAHEIM, Calif. - It's time to start thinking differently about the Blackhawks.
Defenseman Duncan Keith was asked following Wednesday's 7-2 rout of the Sharks, who still have the best record in the NHL, if beating San Jose meant the Hawks had passed some sort of test.
It should be the other way around. Playing the Hawks now is a test for other clubs. The Hawks are the best team in the Western Conference at the moment, not San Jose. The Hawks went farther than the Sharks in the playoffs last spring and have beaten them twice in two games this season.
If it weren't for Pittsburgh, the Hawks would be the best team in the NHL. The Penguins still rule because they have the Stanley Cup and are 16-8-0.
You want a test for the Hawks? How about next Saturday night in Pittsburgh against Sid the Kid, Malkin and Marc-Andre Fleury? Can't wait for that one.
The Hawks play the Ducks on Friday, looking for their ninth straight win, not to mention coach Joel Quenneville's 500th career victory.
Anaheim coach Randy Carlyle understands what is happening. He told the Orange County Register on Thursday this would be his club's biggest challenge of the season.
Like we said, the Hawks are the test now.
"It's an elite hockey club," Carlyle told the Register. "It's an opportunity to see how far we've come with our group and we have to go in with some desperation, some commitment to playing a very high level of game. Maybe the highest level we've played this year."
We had a group at Brick House to watch the game. Our theory was that since Kane turned 21 on the trip, things were going well and the had the day off - they ate and drank too much celebrating. They seemed sluggish on Friday.
Things are still bright here in L.A. with 78 % circus trip success
I hate overtime shoot-outs because one on one is not a team sport and I was hoping that the 'hawks could end it before that. Huet got schooled on those shots.
I had seats where the Hawks shoot twice tonight and Simmonds looked superb when "zeus" forced seabrook and Keith back and Keith had to pressure, giving Simmonds just that enough space to make a nice reception of a wild puck and score. I love beautiful hockey even when it is done to my team.
I think I have figured out the basics to the lack of scoring.
Besides two good nights by 'tenders, and some near miss chances in two games, the apparent problem, in my humble opinion, is there are two lines just night jelling yet.
The Buff Versteeg Sharp line just looks like there are in need of more playing time together.
The "two RW line" is a bit more perplexing as at times it looks like guys are being far to overly generous with the puck, when maybe they should force pressure to them before passing.
Also is it me, or are Hossa and Kane always too close to each other no matter if they are both lump on the right of floating to the left boards?
It took until the third tonight for Q to try some on the fly and juggled Sharp in for Hossa, then Versteeg with Kane and Sharp, and the Ladd on the LW with Hossa and Toews. Yeah, I know the Brouwer Sharp Madden group was back together soon after.
Granted, the Toews Hossa Kane skill looks really fine on the PP.
...but you gotta wonder how long this trio stays together even strength.
BTW, You gotta love Hossa rushing back and throwing that great check with 2 minute left in overtime.
In your opinion what would you consider a successful season in 2009-2010? In other words, a season that leaves you happy and satisfied (if there is such a thing).
1) A Stanley Cup and nothing less
2) Make it to the finals at minimum (Campbell Bowl)
3) A President's Cup trophy
4) A Blackhawk winning a Norris, Hart, Vezina, Ross, etc... award
5) Other
I think I'll go with #2 Make it to the finals minimum. We have seen them win the Presidents trophy and get knocked out of the playoffs in the first round. It would be a disappointment if that happened. I don't think many of us would be happy with that scenario. Winning the Presidents trophy and not getting to the finals might be looked at as underachieving.
To me, this can already be considered a successful season with all i have been able to see.
and the only thing that would make it perfect is Lord Stanley's Cup.
I never missed games for years, before and after the drought years, but last year what started unfolding in November 2008, was like nothing we had seen before, NOTHING!
Not Bobby's slappers, Mikita not shaking hands after a Cup series lose, Reggie Flemin pounding guys, Dougie Wilson and Doug Crossman manning the points, those 3 line strong teams that were a cut below Gretsky's Edmonton,the night in 1992 that the Hawk defense destroyed the Quebec team with truly big hits including the Sakic cartwheel hit, the Mike Smith fan press conference, Savard Secord Larmer, NOTHING!
The skill level is no fluke and I try not to miss one minute.
Good things happen all over the ice in even losses, that give you hope that a better day is coming.
and this team will be good for awhile, so I would have to say I ma happy already!
My faith in mankind is restored. I agree this season is an ONGOING success.
With all the talk about a Cup or nothing had me a little worried.
The difference between now and the past that you speak of is the owner. In years past winning was just a way to put a few more dollars in Dollar Bill's wallet. It is sad to say there have been many great players that were on fool's errands. Their value was in filling the seats and spending money, not winning.
Thankfully, we have an owner that wants to win.
They were going to lose one eventually but they sure looked flat last night. Hawks are hot right now but every team has their ups and downs. We just have to hope the Hawks aren't in a down period come April. I also want nothing to do with the Ducks in a 7 game series. They seemed to really match up well with the Hawks and Gigure can steal a series.
Last I checked there is no trophy or award for having the best record or being rated the best team a quarter of the way through the season. The NHL isn't the BCS (although sometimes BS) so rankings and power ratings mean nothing. Let's just take a breath and let the season play out. There still is a lot of hockey to be played and the real season starts when the playoffs start. Right now we're just jockeying for position. It makes no difference who the best team is right now. All that matters is which teams will be playing past Memorial Day. That can be the measuring stick. I am as excited about the Hawks as everyone else and I think they are a legit cup contender. Are they the best team, in the top three or top ten who knows that will be decided later. I can't blame others for being enthusiastic about the Hawks and their chances. This organ-i-zation has been mired in the NHL version of the Dark Ages for so long that when we see them emerging from the doldrums how do you not get sucked in? Let's just hang on and enjoy the the ride.
I like your posts Wiz, you are devoted Hawk fan and always call it as it is. You and Swissy always make true and interesting posts, keep up the good work. I know you are thinking we can do it and go all the way but I am like you and do not want to go out on a limb and say we are the best and are going to win it all. After we win it we can then have the bragging rights for the year.
Good response and that makes sense. Too bad the streak ended here. I think tempering the enthusiasm with a dose of reality is always best for the die hards..right. Hope tomorrow's outcome is better. I may defend Tim too vehemently!
and coupled by a lot of solid hits on our defenseman, and three PP goals, we got measured for the three nails in the coffin.
No panic, but , I am sure glad I wasn't canonizing them.
Trade Everybody!
Fire All the Coaches!
Change Management!
Get New Ownership!
We're right back where we were 3 weeks ago when we lost our last game!
4-1 on the Road? Not good enough!
No Cup this year unless the Bloggers run the team by Committee!
Niedermeyer? DEAD!
Just when you think it's safe to crow...
you take three penalities and Huet and the PK become ordinary.
That's why I reserve my boasting until the post season is over....
(via I-Phone)
I guess Anaheim is the team to beat now. Just Joking
It's those early afternoon games. The Hawks were a step slow all game. The Hawks were not prepared and looked terrible. It was difficult watching the game, knowing they were better than this.
By the way - i don't think San Jose didn't have a good game on Wednesday. Nabokov was horrendous. The Hawks took advantage of their opportunities.
Not even one mention of that with the Ducks announcers....But its okay to lose the occasional game...
Right now the Hawks are probably the best team in the West,Pittsburgh in the East.We
don't know what is going to happen in April.Detroit is fading with time and age.San Jose works
so hard at winning the Presidents Trophy,they are worn down by playoff time.
Why is everybody ripping on Doug Wilson? What does it have to do with the Hawks
success?
I don't think it's something Hawks fans should worry about.
Boston dominated the East all last year,then puked in the playoffs.Hawk fans should
sit back and enjoy the ride and think back to 2003-2005 era.No home tv,empty UC,
no matter what you offered players would not come here after the strike,watching them
get blown out by good teams.I think Tim is right,right now they are a measuring stick
for other teams.Relax-Enjoy.Games results don't lie.
I have to strongly disagree with what appears to be an aggressive criticizm of a valid blog by Tim. (calling it "dumb"??? REALLY??) Maybe he just isn't creative enough to come up with a moniker like Swisscheese39, or nicknames like "the pastry" or "phantom 51"-(don't believe that's a swisscheese original). It ISN'T too early to get excited about this team as you've written and who are you to tell others when the right time is to get excited??? It's too early to get excited when you are sitting on a potential record setting run???. UGH!!! You're the type that sits at the UC coaching out loud the entire game and booing your own team. Wake up- the team is actually successful you might want to enjoy it. We all want the cup and won't be satisfied until it's a reality but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the ups and downs of a season. Please
I agree with you totally in your assesment. I do not post here often anymore because I do not like what I read half the time. How things change, Huet no longer sucks, the hawks are the team to beat, Campbell is awesome etc.. I remember the same bloggers running these guys out of town for even one bad game. I guess it is tough being a pro athlete in Chicago! I do believe the Hawks have the potential to be the best team in the NHL this year and could challenge for a cup but fans should quietly hope this happens and not brag to the world to who ever will listen. I know it takes a lot to get to the top and then it takes even more to stay there so my point is lets just quietly get there and work hard to stay there. I mean we could get there and then lose Hossa, Kane and Campbell to injuries and that would change things big time. Still not sold on Huet but he has been holding up lately but he does scare me once the playoffs begin. Lots of goalies can survive on a good team as Huet as, not because they are great. ie. Osgood, Cloutier had 30W seasons but were really average just like Cristobel. I do like him though, especially his nickname swisscheese39.
Apparently needed for both the All Is Well Crowd and the Huet/Campbell Bashers.
First, I (for one) have been on record that this team can and should be IMPROVED UPON for the playoffs.
The truth is, they met a team that is composed in a way (Anaheim) that will give them trouble— big, skilled forwards and mobile, positionally sound defense. Didn't help that the Hawks had no jump and got some bad bounces. Also, Carlyle, like Alain Vigneault trapped the middle a lot and that's how you have to play to beat the Hawks' transition game. McCellan didn't the other night and they got smoked.
The fact that Anaheim forwards got goals by going to the net and staying there (and the Hawks could not do the same) points to the need for another big, physical d-man.
Bulin. It's not that Huet doesn't suck anymore. He never really has sucked. He's a decent enough goalie if the Hawks play good defense in front of him. The ONLY thing I've seen the last ten games or so that he can improve on is rebound control. But I'll take his performance most nights.
And aside from the fact that Edzo picked on one of Campbell's puck decisions in the broadcast, he's been fine. Again, no power play without him.
The Hawks are not yet the measuring stick. It can be argued they're one of the league's measuring sticks. But they can be beaten by certain teams on certain nights, and there's always room for improvement.
It appears as if I am getting 50-50 in responses about my original blog.
That is cool. We all have opinions. I always voice mine without getting out of control.
Tim Sassone is a good hockey writer. I have told him so in emails over the years.
He is good enough to be the beat writer for Hockey News, and that is saying something.
So when he gets overamped about the current team, it is OK if I call the column dumb. He has nailed many other columns dead on.
The current Hawks team is very good. Very good, indeed.
But as a test for other teams in the league? C'mon.
I love Kool-Aid. Especially grape.
But I don't like Kool-Aid with Jim Jones stuff in it.
Right now, calling the Hawks a test for others is Jim Jones Kool-Aid.
If they are still smoking the top teams in the league come April/May/June, I will swallow the stuff in gallons.
FYI, I suck at coaching and have lost my voice many times screaming from the 2nd balcony since 1967.
The Ducks.. A team with Getzlaf, Perry, Niederymeyer and two great goailes like Hiller and Giggy, can never be taken lightly.. Than you got Koivu and Lupol.
Yes, the goalies have struggled but so did ours at the start of the season.. All of these guys can elevate their game. They took the Wings further than we did last year in the playoffs and today's game will be a stiff test.
Tomorrow is going to be even harder, second time playing 3 games in 4 days during this road trip
DEAD!
And don't forget about Gregory Marmalard and Mr. and Mrs. Wormer and Mayor DiPasto and his wife and all those other Hitler youth in the Omega house.
As a fan, for a very long time , I have seen the ups and downs from yr to yr. Seems like you have to keep the highs from getting to your head , and the lows from making you want to commit suicide. That is life ,, and not just in sports. Coach Q has done a pretty good job so far. All good teams have off nites , and the best teams come back harder. I never want to play any team that got creamed the nite before, especially a good one. Remember the roll we were on going into the finals in 93, well so was Pittsburg. Oh well. This is still a special year , win it all or not! And I will enjoy every game , I had taped the comeback game and watched it in its entirety, not even at fast forward , because I wanted to see their response. What a team!
I am a transplanted Chicagoan, living in a town called Concord in what we call the East Bay out here in California (San Jose is in the South Bay). Doug Wilson has been the Sharks' GM for a few years now. I used to think that he built the Sharks to be like he was when he played for the Hawks: highly skilled but not tough enough. I know there are no wusses in the NHL, and Doug was certainly tough enough, but I think some of you know what I mean. However, now that he has sprinkled in some toughness the past couple of seasons and the Sharks still have not won the Cup, I think that Doug is just an inadequate GM.
How can you dump on a GM who arguably has the best team in hockey over the last few years??? He stole Joe Thornton and currently ranks a top of the NHL in points and your whining over 1 game...and I assume the playoff history!
Doug Wilson isnt going anywhere and rightfully so!
PS You should be thankful for what he has brought you..a consistent elite team!
Sir, the Sharks can blow me. I don't give a hoot about them. I grew up in Chicago, and the Blackhawks will always be my team. If you were out here and saw how the Sharks have been marketed, you would be heaving your guts out.
But if you follow hockey closely than you know he is an outstanding GM who is well thought of in the hockey world! You build a team with talent and character and hope the coach can instill a type of chemistry!!
Regardless if you hate the Sharks or not he has done a remarkable job since he was hired in 2003 and it is laughable to say he is inadequate!
The sharks are not the first to aggressively market their team!
...Lifts all Ships. A successful west coast team like the Sharks is good for hockey. Period.
Chiero's comments seem based in emotion rather than rational thinking.
It's alright to dislike the Sharks or Wilson in particular. But you cannot deny the contribution they made to the league. We need more franchises,owners and management like them. Consider where Detroit was before Illitch bought them (you can still hate them but have to respect what they have done).
Personally, I respect any team (and GM) that has set their goal as winning the Cup. There are very few teams you can say this about - certainly not Toronto. And you could NOT say that about Chicago less than 2 years ago. The Blackhawks, as we all know painfully well, were not about winning a Cup - it was all about Money, Money Money. Thank God that has changed.
Props to SJ and Wilson.
Okay, okay!!!!! Yes, I have lots of emotion. As for West Coast hocky, yes, the Sharks have joined the Kings the Ducks, and the Canucks to give a strong presence. And I do not dislike Doug Wilson, not at all. However, I'd say he's as good a GM as Tallon was.
Instead of signing big name free agents, he was able to extract Thorton and Heatley. Wilson had the players on his roster so that he was able to pull a couple of deals before someone else came along with a better offer.
Lots of GM's and coaches can get into the playoffs, even some do well. But winning the Cup will always be one mark by which a GM and coach is measured.
Looking at Wilson, he was able to sustain a winning team. Because he drafted reasonably well and made astute trades, the team continues to be a top point earning team each year. This year, Bill, Wilson has to answer a lot of critics if the Sharks don't advance farther. The playoffs will be toughest they've been in years, and part of that is due to the trememndous pressure not only Wilson, but Dary Sutter's Flames face after their monumental collapse the past two years. There is always the Stars and Canucks, who certainly have enough good players and both have potentially strong goalies who can steal a series. Sometimes having that star player who will get you that goal ...Heatley, Thorton (others off his passes) need to make a difference. I do think Wilson could not afford to not go after either of those two when available; with Thorton, however, let's just say I don't see teams with Thorton as the biggest star going far....but now you have Heatley and Wilson has re-defined the botom two lines. I've always liked when a team has a strong identity...you know obviously whom the stars are, the rookies, the checkers, the second line offensive players.
I really don't see any reason to rip Wilson presently. He lives with the Thorton trade and what Thorton does in playoffs, and I'm 100% sure each GM also would do the same. I do say, Bill, you can rip Wilson if his team looses in the first round, or is outhustled, outplayed in round two. It certainly would be interesting to see the Las Vegas odds this year for who wins the Cup...whose team will have better line, Sharks or Blackhawks?
Well, keep posting because fellow posters certainly like your coments, even if this one maybe is not agreed upon. I know I don't always have the right opinions, too.
Emotion is good. The game cannot survive without it>
It is very interesting hearing what SJ's approach to the game is. Wilson told me when they start camp they assume the players know nothing about hockey, not even the veterans, and they start from there. It reminded me of Vince Lombardi saying: "Gentlemen, this is a football."
Wilson was in Chicago when Jim Finks built the Bears Super Bowl team. His strategy was to place the utmost emphasis on character was not lost on him. And a lot of what Doug said was in the same vein. An interesting side point to this is that the '85 Bears had 10 (TEN!) consecutive 1st round draft picks in their starting line up (look what they did after he left).
I know there is a lot more that I don't know about what goes into a decision. I don't know who is a head case, a slacker off the ice, a bad egg in the locker room or who has certain vices that can lead to trouble. But, I am sure he does and knows what to do about it.
Ahhhhhh, I still lived in Chicago when Finks was setting the standard for teambuilding. I've been gone since 1991, and the only team out here that I've warmed to are the Giants.
he must be on his last legs by now, I don't think he will be totally to blame but if the SHarks don't at least get to the finals this year they will have to take a different approach
SO here's to hoping the Hawks get Wilson fired :)
I know him and he is one of the nicest guys you can ever meet.
They have built an excellent and classy organization. They don't deserve to have bad things wished on them.
Have the class to hope for a head-to-head competition that decides the better team and leave it at that.
All the radio sports guys love Doug, too, as he is a courteous and intelligent interview. His acquisition of Joe Thornton hasn't gotten him anywhere, and the Sharks have provided the rest of the league with several fine defensemen, while his reliance on Nabokov befuddles me. Hey, I watched Doug in his prime, with Savard, Secord, Larmer, Lysiak and the rest of 'em, and they also came up short. You'd think he would know what the missing ingredient is after that run of Hawk teams.
The Sharks were a messuring stick for about 25 teams last year when they had the best record in the league. Granted they did not win anything, beaten by a team that knew what it took to reach the next level. But for all the wanna be's they had a bull's eye on their backs just like the Red Wings and Penguins did also. That is all Tim is saying and that is correct...
Tim is right it is fun to be looked up to and not down at. It was not all that long ago when we went on this trip hockey season was over.
This team is fun to watch and I can't wait for the next game weather it is at home or on the road. So, let's just enjoy the ride and let the chips fall where they may. This is a damn good hockey team and they are more than capable of ending the Stanley Cup drought. I will say that beating San Jose the way we did just shows how far this team has come so, in a way it is a measuring stick for us.
All I can say is if I was a San Jose Sharks fan I would feel like a naked country boy lost in the woods shouting out . . . "Joe Thornton? Hello? Are you there? Dany Heatley? Anybody home? Mr. Nabakov? Mr. Nabokov? Is that really you? Please, someone help me. I am so lost and confused."
The sharks game was awesome. But with finesse teams, when they win it's pretty, but when they lose it's ugly. It's not too early to enjoy all of this, but it is way too early to get too cocky. They play the penguins soon and that will be another telling game. But no matter what, I am going to feel a lot better when they start to win games 2-1 with Huet in net against better teams. His balance has been better lately, and I think that has to help keep the "softie " ratio down. If it does, then that bodes well for next spring. But let's wait to schedule a parade until it's time.
Anyone else think that maybe there is a little Crash Davis in Madden?
I guarantee you that other clubs around the NHL look at the Hawks differently. This is what Tim is talking about. You can't sit there and tell me that when teams know the Hawks are coming into their barn they don't get pumped up to take on one of the better teams in the league. Same goes for when teams come into the UC. Teams know who the better teams are and they elevate their games.
This is all Tim is talking about. The Hawks are one of those 4 or 5 teams that EVERYONE gets up to play for.
No matter what happens here on out, I'm enjoying the ride. It wasn't that long ago when none of us had ANYTHING to cheer about. Anything can and quite often does happen.
Enjoy it boys... Drink the kool-aid... Our Hawks are something special... Be proud of the Indianhead and our boys who are takin' care of business.
GO HAWKS!!!
You can throw out all the cliches you want -- there's a long way to go, you don't win Cups in November, they haven't won anything yet -- but if you guys don't see what Tim sees, you're blind.
This team is terrific. Maybe the best Blackhawks team ever. No joke. Health is the only factor. If we stay healthy (and that includes getting Bollan back), I just don't see them losing a 7 game series to anyone, at least not in the West.
So here's the thing: We get to see what'll happen. We've got one hell of a squad. It's gonna be one hell of ride watching how far they go and there's every reason to believe they can -- GO -- ALL -- THE -- WAY.
That's what Timmy is talking about.
We all played the game before political correctness and lawyers made it all but extinct.
One kid fights his way to the top and the goal is to knock him off the perch. Whoever takes his place becomes the target in an ever changing melee called King of the Hill.
The Hawks are King of the Hill right now as Tim points out. Swisscheese, it matters not who was King of the Hill last week, or last year or how they got there. All that matters is who is on top NOW.
This means two things:
1) Awesome accomplishment for a team that was at the bottom of the hill perennially two years ago.
2) Every game is much tougher. The Hawks have the Indian on the front and a Bulls Eye on the back of their sweaters now. What doesn't kill you makes you tougher.
Perhaps it will change and there will be some new King of the Hill. But, until then, let's enjoy the butt kicking the Hawks are delivering it!
The Pittsburgh Penguiins are the current Champs. The Detroit Red Wings before them.
THOSE are measuring sticks.
Not a 16-5-2 record after 23 games of ONE season.
you just do not get it do you? Last year was last year, and yes the Pens are great, and tim even pointed out that OUR test is next saturday.
Fact of the matter is that we are the test for the rest of the western conference based upon OUR play to date...
The coach of Anaheim said it himself... "It's an opportunity to see how far we've come with our group"
Why would he say that if he did NOT think the hawks were a measuring stick? It is obvious that teams in the western conference are going to be gunning for us, because right now, at this moment in the season, we are the BEST in THIS conference...
Everyone understands that these things can CHANGE.... I am pretty sure though that we all hope it does not because if they continue to play the way they have been, there are not a lot of teams that can beat them in this league!
It is early no doubt and we have not accomplished anything yet however Everyone is excited by this team that has seemingly matured a great deal from last years playoffs!
This team has almost anything you could want...but they key will be how much the team wants it come crunch time!
We all know what happens when Toews goes down and Huet loses confidence.
There are three tests to every NHL season - the regular season before New Years, the regular season after New Years and the playoffs. The early results on the Hawks first test have gone well but they aren't done so nothing much has been accomplished.....yet.
However, it's hard not to get super excited about this team based on how they've done thus far. Many guys have played like they are about to break out and with the addition of Hossa they have the feel of a team that will be the favorite come April.
But there is still a lonngggg way to go. Injuries can happen. The two week break for the Olympics could stop any momentum. A wacky trade. Who knows. Since we're Chicago fans we know a lot about what can go wrong. They certainly will lose some games along the way and probably hit a bad stretch or two. But make no mistake - this road trip is proving some things and if they return to the UC after a 6-0 trip it will be nearly impossible not to start dreaming about a title.
Timmy is right. He said the Hawks are now what other teams will be measured against. He knows that another team could be get hot an be the team to beat in January or February. He knows that we have no Cups in nearly 50 years. He tipped his hat to the 2008/9 Champs. He knows that winning in the playoffs is all that matters.
Quit trying to read into it what is not there. Quit trying to stir the pot. Quit trying to be a critical ass. He made a valid point that we all should feel good about.
And if Timmy is getting a sip of the Blackhawk koolaid I am ok with that too. It is a strange brew to our lips and he must be liking the taste of it. It has been a while since that elixir has been served in the Chicago area. I cannot wait to get home to Chicago for the holidays and ordering a pitcher of it myself.
The last time folks got all jazzed up about the Hawks being the best was the 1990-91 season, when they won the President's Trophy.
OMG they were going all the way that year......
Measuring stick for other teams to gauge..........
Season Ticket holders got playoff tickets with the final ticket for the final game having an illustration of a Blackhawk player skating the Cup.
In the first round, Minnesota beat them in 6.
Don't tell me about stirring the pot and being critical, 700miles.
I have seen this dance before.
Kool-Aid or Kool-Aid.
I'll think about drinking it when the team is still playing well in June 2010.
Sassone has seen this dance too. That is why I am mystified why he would write such things.
Especially when he is the Chicago beat writer for the Hockey News.