Different feel this season

[jaxhawksfan]

Am I just spoiled now that something I have been waiting for for 24 years has finally happened? I don't expect this team to win the cup every year from here on out, and I don't expect them to be a dynasty. With that said, I am finding less enjoyment watching the games this season for some reason. Even when the team sucked ass I was having more fun watching them, and enjoyed the games. This season just doesn't seem to be doing it for me. Is it the lack of effort game after game? Is it the lack of playing a full 60 minutes? Is it knowing that the officials are going to find some way to **** the team out of points in at least a few games per month? I don't know the answer. Is anyone else feeling the same way about the games this season? I'm always going to be a fan of the team, and root for the team, so that isn't what I am saying at all. I'm just saying there were some very entertaining losses last year and I kept reminding people about how much fun it was to watch. This year, not so much.

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

lost half of their team... no team has or likely will win consecutive cups after the lockout... i am surprised by this team's short comings but still think they will make the playoffs.

 

[Pez68]

For me, it's the lack of playing anything even close to a full 60 minutes. This team falls asleep for huge stretches of the game, in pretty much every game.

 

[R K]

We are spoiled. Or have been. This is the first "team" adversity they've had in three years. Hard to maintain the level of last year when you lose half the team.



Talented top players or not when your 3rd and 4th line aren't there night in and night out to grind, it wears on your stars. You can't always expect your stars to grind, or they would be grinders.



Top line was fantastic tonight but after the first they shut them down. Focused on them every time. Well the other lines once again did not produce. That happens more nights this year.



It is what it is. Spoiled fans. Funny considering where we came from just 7 or so short years ago.



20 wins! The ENTIRE SEASON!

 

[Tim]

I refuse to blast this team. They lost half their fucking players and yet they are in most every game. They have surrendered the lead approximately 13 or 14 times in the 3rd period resulting in lost points but I attribute this to lack of team toughness. Last year, opposing teams were worn down going into the 3rd. The hitting and nastiness that Ladd, Buff, Madden , and even Eager brought are gone. There is no denying the talent level of the core, with a little tweaking the team will be back in the hunt. Who knows, maybe Stan trades into another player or two in the next couple of weeks.

 

[mikita's helmet]

Our play has been schizophrenic this year. Last night's game is a perfect example. Complete domination in the 1st period with what followed afterward. We're still a team to reckoned with and no one will want to face us in the playoffs. IF we fail to make the (I think we'll be in) the teams that do make it in the West will be breathing a sigh of relief. Beating the Hawks in 4 of 7 won't be easy and will be mentally, emotionally and physically taxing on any team that does.

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

Our play has been schizophrenic this year. Last night's game is a perfect example. Complete domination in the 1st period with what followed afterward. We're still a team to reckoned with and no one will want to face us in the playoffs. IF we fail to make the (I think we'll be in) the teams that do make it in the West will be breathing a sigh of relief. Beating the Hawks in 4 of 7 won't be easy and will be mentally, emotionally and physically taxing on any team that does.

Good point... now it's just a question of getting there!

 

[R K]

I refuse to blast this team. They lost half their fucking players and yet they are in most every game. They have surrendered the lead approximately 13 or 14 times in the 3rd period resulting in lost points but I attribute this to lack of team toughness. Last year, opposing teams were worn down going into the 3rd. The hitting and nastiness that Ladd, Buff, Madden , and even Eager brought are gone. There is no denying the talent level of the core, with a little tweaking the team will be back in the hunt. Who knows, maybe Stan trades into another player or two in the next couple of weeks.

Good post buddy! Good post.

 

[FlyChicaga]

I am just unimpressed with the teams lack of intensity this year. We play a high-speed quick transition game, but lack physicality. Guys aren't winning board battles, and when the other team gets physical, it completely throws us off our game. Look at last night as a prime example. That's why I have no fun watching the games this year.



There was two dozen or more times last night that I was yelling, "make a hit there!" at the TV. Face it, when we get to the playoffs (which I don't see happening), it's going to get more physical. Just watch the finals again from last year.

 

[the canadian dream]

yah its def the physical aspect I am missing the most. And some pestiness that we lost with the likes of Ladd, Buff, Eager and Versteeg. Physicality is one thing this team also lacks the pests.



The bright side is it shouldn't be too hard to bring some of that into the club. I'm starting to side with Ton a little bit on the Frolik deal even though its far too early to judge it. Stan def needs to bring some physical bodies into the fold now. Or Q has to get what he has hitting more.



But yah there has been a different feel this year. I think the physical play or lack there of has made many games feel like they are just going through the motions. not saying thats what they are doing..but thats how it feels.

 

[puckjim]

I just want the playoffs. One round! A chance at defending.



I never expected a repeat, but making the playoffs is not too much to ask.

 

[jaxhawksfan]

Make no mistake, I wasn't "blasting" anyone. I simply asked if it was only me? Two or three seasons ago I loved watching the team, even when they lost. This year, when they lose it pisses me off because most of the time, they shouldn't have. Has nothing to do with losing half the team because players come and go each season, it just has to do with how I feel about the games this year.

 

[SArmonte90]

It seems this team is very cocky. We have blown what? Like 30 leads this season? Seems kinda crazy. They need to show some more intensity and play hard the whole 60 min.

 

[PatrickShart]

Differet team...different personnel. This year's team had to deal with injuries to Hossa, Kane, Campbell...Pisani, Bolland. Subpar/Inconsistancies of Keith and Seabrook. 2 new goaltenders as well.



Yet...at the same point last year, this team has scored more goals than last.

This year's team has given up about 30 more goals at the same point.

The PP this year is much better...about 7% better

The PK this year is worse.........about 7% worse



This years Hawks in the Western Conference -

3rd in Goals For

7th in Goals Against

3rd best in shots against

2nd in PP Percentage

Least amount of penalties in the Conf





This should be good enough/to be better than 11th in the conference. However, when you have 10+ players that have to learn a new system there's going to be breakdowns. Their home record - 13 losses in 29gms so far - has been the stat that will define if they make the playoffs, IMO. With 12 home games left, if they can get 18 points to salvage their home record and go .500 on the road...would give them 94pts.



Their home schedule -

Vs Minn

Vs CLB

Vs Pitt (No Crosby, Malkin)

Vs PHO

Vs CAL

Vs CAR

Vs SJ

Vs FLA

Vs ANA

Vs TAM

Vs STL

Vs DET

 

[PatrickShart]

The one thing I wasnt counting on, was the play of Keith and Seabrook...based on what they've done the past 3 years together.



From 07 - 10

Sbrok - +56 ...giveaway totals each of the years - 41,35,43

Keith - +84 ...giveaway totals each of the years - 41,40,59



This year - Both are in top 10 in giveaways

Sbrok - -3 ....52 giveaways (pace for 76)

Keith - -3 ....64 giveaways (pace for 101)



The "giveaway" leaders in the NHL over the last few years..94, 103, 92



Keith and Seabrook have always played against other teams top players - and notoriously been in the top of the +/- ...yet this year, find themselves near the tops for giveaways.

 

[supraman]

My frustration with the team mainly comes from not playing 60 minutes of hockey. If we lose because we got beat, fine as along as we went down swinging. I remember a game last year against the Sharks we outplayed the living shit out of them and lost. I wasn't even mad about the lost, I know who played better, the Sharks knew who played better and I understand goalie's get red hot or bounces just don't go your way.



This season yeah I'm disgusted with the on ice performance. I'm very pessimistic about the team and honestly I dread the nights the hawks are playing because I will watch it and I will be annoyed. At this point if the game isn't on HD or if I have to watch the other team's feed and I hate their announcers...**** it I don't watch the game.



Look at the Dallas, I was pissed, **** I was livid. We blew a 3-0 fucking lead. The Yotes, we rallied back only to blow chunks in the SO, we have two money players in Toews and Kane when it comes to the shootout and NOTHING.



I'm sick of Hossa's ass already, I say ship the ghost elsewhere but I know and admit that if he shows up again I will love him again.



Kopecky as a center, Q are you fucking high? Q might be the guy that just pisses me off the most, **** him, fire him for all I care. Kitchen...fucking useless as far as I can tell. Scooter needs to get a plan to bring some new 3rd and 4th liners in the ones we got, meh. Yeah I know some are on their first seasons up and some have shown promise, keep them ship the rest.



Brouwer you know I'd rather see him not signed. I know that isn't a popular opinion but I just don't care for Brouwer. If he wants to re-sign for about what he makes now then I can swallow but he ain't worth 2 mil a year (not saying he'd get that but just saying he aint worth it).



Overall just annoyed with the team really. On paper we should have had a great chance to defend the cup and we still might if we make the playoffs. I do understand that once you get into the sweet 16 it is anyone's game.

 

[Xhockeygoon10]

Am I just spoiled now that something I have been waiting for for 24 years has finally happened? I don't expect this team to win the cup every year from here on out, and I don't expect them to be a dynasty. With that said, I am finding less enjoyment watching the games this season for some reason. Even when the team sucked ass I was having more fun watching them, and enjoyed the games. This season just doesn't seem to be doing it for me. Is it the lack of effort game after game? Is it the lack of playing a full 60 minutes? Is it knowing that the officials are going to find some way to **** the team out of points in at least a few games per month? I don't know the answer. Is anyone else feeling the same way about the games this season? I'm always going to be a fan of the team, and root for the team, so that isn't what I am saying at all. I'm just saying there were some very entertaining losses last year and I kept reminding people about how much fun it was to watch. This year, not so much.

It has nothing to do with being spoiled, I feel exactly the same. I haven't totally figured it out yet myself, but I'm pretty sure it has something to do with waiting so many years (40+) in high anticipation to finally win a cup and now there is a little let down. Plus I'm sorry to say this team is fucking boring to watch most games!!! I like a more physical style of hockey and even though last years team was soft on defense, they could bring some grit once and awhile on offense. This years team is soft on both offense and defense and all you have to do is look at what player in the Hawks line up is 4th in hits, Stalberg enough said. No matter what I won't miss a game and will continue to back this team till the end of the year.

 

[PatrickShart]

Hits -

09-10 - 1555 total for year

10-11 - 1297 total as of game 56 (pace for 1899)



Leaders -

09-10 - Buff (215), Seabrook (208), Brouwer (189), Ladd (104), Kopecky (74)

10-11 - Brou (185), Seabrook (158), Bickell (128), Skille (95)*, Stalberg (71), Dowell (70)

*Pace - Brou (271), Seabrook (231), Bickell (198), Stalberg (112), Dowell (108)



Stalberg has 71 hits in 52gms...which would give him 112 on the year.



4th line comparison "hits"-

09-10 - Fraser (62 - 70gms), Kopecky (72 - 74gms), Eager (51 - 60gms)

10-11 - Dowell (70 - 53gms), Stalberg(71 - 52gms), Skille (95 - 49gms), Scott (52 - 33gms)

 

[PatrickShart]

Comparisons...

Power Play -

09-10 - 17.7% (52g/294)

10-11 - 24.5% (48g/196)



Penalty Kill -

09-10 - 85.3% (SH 39g/265 times) (13 SH Goals)

10-11 - 78.8% (SH 39g/184 times) (5 SH Goals)



Goals For -

09-10 - 262 (3.14gm)

10-11 - 174 (3.11gm)(254 pace)



Goals Against -

09-10 - 203 (2.43)(90.1 save %)

10-11 - 154 (2.75)(90.4 save %)(225 pace)



Shots for -

09-10 - 2798 (34.1)

10-11 - 1795 (32.1)(2628 pace)



Shots Against -

09-10 - 2058 (25.1)

10-11 - 1603 (28.6)(2347 pace)



Hits -

09-10 - 1555

10-11 - 1297 (1899 pace)



PIMS -

09-10 - 924 (11.2gm)

10-11 - 541 (9.66gm)(792 pace)



Average Age -

09-10 - 26.243

10-11 - 27.157



Record at 56gm Mark -

09-10 - 37-15-4 (Home - 21- 6-1)(Road 16-9-3)

10-11 - 28-22-6 (Home - 16-13-0)(Road 12-9-6)



This team isnt THAT far off of last years stats - other than record. Specifically, home record...the 5 loss difference equals 10 points and would put them right near the top. Their PK has been the worse part of their game. Alot of this years problems have been of chemistry and a team that has 10+ new faces. Last years team...the majority of the team played together for a few years. This year the Hawks had to come out and play 20 games in the first 39 days - no practice time for alot of new players. I think that would've taken its toll and quite a few teams. Through it all, I think they're battling pretty damn hard. All the while, having the "Stanley Cup Target" on their back - for every team they play. As far as the Dallas game, they played a physical team, on the road, down a full line...and dominated the first 30 min. Then, guys left the game/hurt..DAL gets 4 PP's the last 30 min...it takes its toll.





Interesting stat...WASH is on pace for 96 less goals than last year...

 

[PatrickShart]

Hawks last 26 last year....

15-7-4

(8-2-3 at home)

(7-5-1 on road)



Do that again....and hit 96pts...and should be good enough for the playoffs