Chicago Blackhawks 2012 Playoffs

[UMFan83]

BTW, the Kings are 5 points behind us in the 9th spot and have 2 games in hand over us. At this point I think its more likely we miss the playoffs than make it.

 

Considering how willing everybody in the organization was to take that giant step back last year, this might be the actual wake up call they need to finally stop living off the glory of 2010. Nobody seemed all that upset about having a 1st round exit. Everybody just chalked it up to a hangover and assumed they'd be back this season. But now that they might actually miss the playoffs that nonsense can stop. Bowman has to actually start acquiring impact players at some point. He hasn't done anything but sell so far. I'd be fine if it doesn't happen until the offseason. Missing the playoffs would suck, but maybe this team needs the excuse to fire Q and overhaul the supposed "core" that has done very little since the cup. My biggest concern is Rocky will hesitate to remain financially aggressive, but if he keeps the checkbook even moderately open, they should be much better very soon.

 

I agree with this. Last year everyone expected to be a rough one but pretty much everyone figured we'd "bottom out" last year and improve to some degree starting the next season....and even with "bottoming out" I don't think anyone thought we'd barely make the playoffs. If we miss the playoffs this year, we will have been a quasi-miracle win by the Wild from not making the playoffs 2 years in a row after winning the Cup. With the talented core that we have that's ridiculous. I understand the limitations we had and everything, but its on Bowman to make it work. He has proven nothing in this job so far so the rope is only as long as the Hawks respect for his father. I still do like quite a few of the moves he made to put us in a solid cap position but I do sort of regret defending the players he acquired this offseason.

[jersey cubs fan]

He has proven nothing in this job so far so the rope is only as long as the Hawks respect for his father.

 

Well, the rope should only be that long but given how they shot their wad early on his contract extension, that rope is much longer for Bowman.

[UMFan83]

This is a couple of days old, but I don't think it got mentioned here:

 

Dennis Bernstein

‏ @DennisTFP

Since we're on topic of locker room chemistry, heard at Kings practice from NHL source that tone around Blackhawks not exactly nirvana.

 

I think I've read a couple of 'reports' that suggest the Hawks locker room chemistry is not good at all. It really isnt much of a surprise, but it could help explain why the team was previously winning close games despite not playing their best and are now losing games handily. A big part of it is talent of course but chemisty can come into play too. Doesn't help that Q has consistently shuffled the lines as he has his entire career.

[kujay]

Seeing potential targets like Oduya and Campoli. Guess that's what is available. Either would be an upgrade, albeit a slight one.

[UMFan83]

lol @ Campoli

[kujay]

lol @ van getting pahlsson

[kujay]

Okay we got Oduya. It's something.

[UMFan83]

I miss back in December when the talk was making a run for Iginla or Nash. Now we're reduced to hoping we can get a marginal defensive upgrade instead of doing nothing at all.

[NewUserName]

someone on a Wings board says the Hawks got Oduya...no link though

[kujay]

Yeah don't know price yet...

[NewUserName]

lol @ van getting pahlsson

 

I like Pahlsson. Of course he has never played for the Wings, so I didnt get the every game feel that Hawks fans got

[NewUserName]

I guess Rick Nash is really pushing for a trade.

[kujay]

Gave up two picks for Oduya.

[kujay]

lol @ van getting pahlsson

 

I like Pahlsson. Of course he has never played for the Wings, so I didnt get the every game feel that Hawks fans got

 

Mr. Invisible all too often. And soft.

[UMFan83]

lol @ van getting pahlsson

 

I like Pahlsson. Of course he has never played for the Wings, so I didnt get the every game feel that Hawks fans got

 

Yeah we got to learn a lot about him in the 13 games he played for the Hawks and then the 3 month concussion he suffered.

[UMFan83]

Gave up two picks for Oduya.

 

What kind of blue liner is he? Would he be a 2nd pairing on some teams or a 3rd pairng?

 

I don't know much about him.

[kujay]

2nd and 3rd picks. Steep.

[kujay]

Gave up two picks for Oduya.

 

What kind of blue liner is he? Would he be a 2nd pairing on some teams or a 3rd pairng?

 

I don't know much about him.

 

3rd pairing. Moves the puck well.

 

NHL radio is discussing stans job security now. Interesting.

[UMFan83]

2nd and 3rd picks. Steep.

 

Makes sense. Everyone knew the Hawks desperately needed defensive help, and the Hawks are reeling losing 12 of 16 and now fighting for their playoff lives. Meanwhile the Jets are in the playoff race and probably didn't need to trade him if they didn't get a good offer.

[NewUserName]

Gave up two picks for Oduya.

 

What kind of blue liner is he? Would he be a 2nd pairing on some teams or a 3rd pairng?

 

I don't know much about him.

 

2nd or 3rd pairing. defensive defenseman. Not big but not small. He had several solid seasons with NJ. I think it is a solid pick up for the Hawks. Steep price though

[kujay]

His contract is up this year but yeah I agree peg didn't need to move him.

[kujay]

His cap hit is 3.5. Glad we won't be paying that.

[jersey cubs fan]

Don't know much about Oduya but I did like the way Chico Resch pronounced his name on Devils games.

[kujay]

Apparently Nashville got Gaustad. Wow.

[UMFan83]

Pencils down, the deadline has passed. Edited February 27, 2012 by UMFan83