Hey guys...sorry for the long space between replies. I just started a family and started a new business so I have been too busy to follow all the sites I used to, lol. I most often post on hockeybuzz now, mostly cause I get a wider view from around the league than most other places. Still, I thought I'd pop in now that I'm awake this late, or early :-P
Boy, this a real tough stretch we're going through. Nothing, NOTHING has gone right for the Hawks since the all-star break.
Crawford and Emery have fallen apart, the defense may be playing their worst hockey in 3+ seasons right now and even the scoring has dried up.
Frolik and Bickell's days as Hawks are numbered (I'll give you Frolik moy...you were right about the guy. tries hard, but maybe will never be a top 6 forward).
Most of Bowman's moves haven't worked out well, mostly cause I think they've been placed in the wrong roles. Montador is not a top 4 dman, but would look ok as a 5th or 6th. The problem is he's getting paid as a 4. Leddy, although dynamic with the puck in the offensive zone, looks lost in his own end sometimes, but it is somewhat excusable from a kid still learning. The upside is still there for him in spades.
Toews has been clearly injured on this trip. That's the only explanation for his **** poor faceoff %. One thing no one deny is the guy has ALWAYS been a top performer consistently at the dot. He just doesn't look right. Same with Sharp and shooting the puck. Maybe both came back too early? If they stay hurt the rest of the year, I don't like our chances.
Kane...well he's not scoring. And when Pat Kane is not scoring, he becomes an ordinary player. Not much else to say there.
I still think there's a good team in here somewhere though. Maybe not good enough to win it all, but good enough to give some of the top teams hell in the playoffs if they're healthy.
The bright spots so far this season:
Viktor Stalberg. He's having a breakout season and although he's still looking for consistency, he's using his speed and size more this year and he's producing more because of it. He's still only scratching the surface of what he can do and I hope the trend continues with him.
Andrew Shaw and Jimmy Hayes. Whether they continued their torrid start is irrelevant. They both showed enough bite, desire and decent enough offensive ability to prove that they have a future as good bottom 6 NHL forwards. Whether that's now or in a year is up for debate, but I like their chances of filling 2 of the bottom 6 spots very well and both have the ability to occasionally play in the top 6 if needed, especially Hayes who has better hands. I really like Shaw though. When he learns a little more and grows up, the kid is gonna be a fierce competitor and a pitbull out there on a 3rd or 4th line. Perfect role player.
Niklas Hjalmarsson. Not flashy. Not "special". But he does the thankless jobs like blocking shots and sacrificing his body as well as anyone. He's an underrated defender who is one of the few on the blueline of this team that have actually "defended" this season.
Jamal Mayers. Again, nothing special, but couldn't have asked or expected any more from a 4th line C. He's been tough, always brings maximum effort and has even scored a few. One of Mr. Bowman's "hits".
Marian Hossa. Like the rest of the team he's struggled so far on this road trip, but until then he was having a Hart Trophy worthy season if not for a guy named Malkin. The Hawks most consistent and best player all year.
I think that's pretty much it, other than to say as a side note that moy, I'm really liking Sean Couturier. That kid is gonna be a special player. He's got a very mature game for his age and I for one can't wait to see what the future holds. Steal of a trade that one, even if Couturier was all the Flyers would have gotten. Still not sold on Brayden Schenn in terms of living up to the hype though. I find there are still lots of holes in his game which makes me wonder if a 3rd line checking role with some offense, a la Dave Bolland, might be his peak.
Anyway, I do miss being on here talking hockey. Sorry again, not too much time these days. Take care everyone. I'll try and be back soon.