Blackhawks Armchair Manager

A Case For Cristobal

Chicago Sports Armchair Managers — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:11:26 +0000

After last night’s dramatic comeback from a 5 goal deficit by the Hawks that only rivals one other game in NHL history, the Montreal Canadiens 6-5 victory over the New York Rangers in a shootout. Many Hawks fans are calling for Huet’s backup Annti Niemi to take the over permanently and a replacement to be found for Huet. Some have even gone as far as to compare Huet to Chicago Sports duds like Rex Grossman, Cedric Benson, or even Milton Bradley. To these fans I would remind them of the following. The Hawks have played 5 regular season games. If the season was half over then maybe these arguments would be valid. But with only 5 games down I believe it is slightly premature to make such suggestions without even analyzing the way each goal was scored. I suggest we take a look at each play to determine if it was bad goaltending by Huet or good goal scoring by the Calgary Flames. Goal #1 was scored by Dustin Boyd at 6:14 in the first period on a clearing attempt by Cam Barker that bounced Brandon Prust and was then passed to the open Boyd for a 1 on 1 in front of the Hawks net. If you look at the replay you can clearly see the breakdown in the Hawks defense and notice that the closest Hawk to Boyd was almost 5 feet away at the time of the goal. Goal #2 also clearly dictates a lack of defense by the Hawks. Calgary’s Curtis Glencross dumps the puck in from center ice then beats both Brian Campbell and Niklas Hjalmarsson to the puck. This sets up Robyn Regehr at the blue line with an open shot on Huet. The initial shot was blocked by Huet but the rebound bounces to his left right to Eric Nystrom who put wrists a shot past Campbell whose back is turned and screening Huet. Goal #3 is scored on a break out pass from Olli Jokinen to Jarome Iginla who is skated uncontested down the ice for a 1 on 1 against Huet. All three of these goals show a complete breakdown on the part of the Hawks defense reminiscent of the defense Hawk great Ed Belfour received in the ‘90’s when the Hawks where making their playoff run. In no way should Huet be chastised for any of these goals. Now I am not disputing the move to pull Huet after the third goal. Giving up 3 goals in under a minute is catastrophic to a goaltender’s self esteem. Especially when that goaltender knows his fans are not behind him. Coach Quenneville made the correct decision because it not only attempts to break the momentum of the opposing team but it also changes the dynamic of the game. I would like to merely remind Hawks fans that Huet is an excellent goalie and should be allowed to prove that instead of being written off so soon. I would also remind Hawks fans that Miikka Kiprusoff, one of the NHL’s top goaltenders, gave up 6 goals in the same game. Lastly I like to mention the biggest oversight in the Vs. Channels Post Game Analysis. Bill Patrick, Keith Jones, and Brian Engblom were so excited to compare the Hawk’s victory over the Flames to Montreal’s victory of the Rangers that they completely missed and failed to mention who the goaltender for the Montreal game was. If you haven’t guessed it, it was Cristobal Huet. In that game Huet was called upon to replace a faltering Carey Price. So Hawk’s fans don’t be so quick to write off Cristobal so quickly. Give him a chance and let’s see what he can do. If he doesn’t improve I will be the first to admit that a move needs to be made but until then let’s see what Cristobal can do.

Get With the Program Spiegel

Chicago Sports Armchair Managers — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 01:44:58 +0000

Today on the Danny Mac Show on AM radio 670 the Score, co-host Matt Spiegel was commenting on how he wasn’t ready for hockey season and “Hawks love” yet since there is still post season baseball to be played. In fun blog manager Shoeless Joe sent this text message to the show, which Matt read on the air.

Spiegel don’t be a closet Hawks fan. It’s cold outside. Snow is coming. Baseball’s over. Wipe your nose, strap on your skates and get with the program. Joe

Matt’s response (laughing): I will pay attention.

Danny Mac’s response (in a singsong voice): Strap on your skates Spiegel. Take up your stick. Come with me and talk some hockey.

To hear the entire broadcast check out the Danny Mac Show 9am hour, 10-09-09 Podcast on 670thescore.com

Hawks Drop Season Opener in Finland

Chicago Sports Armchair Managers — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:35:55 +0000

Panthers def. Blackhawks 4-3 (SO)

The Florida Panthers defeated the Chicago Blackhawks in spectacular shootout fashion in the NHL Season opener held in Helsinki Finland. The 1st period was a goal tending duel, pitting Chicago’s Cristobal Huet, who allowed no goals on 8 shots, vs Florida’s Tomas Vokoun, the eventual winner who allowed no goals on 10 shots. In the 2nd period both team’s offense picked up the pace with the Hawk’s pummeling Vokoun with 16 shots. The Hawks were rewarded with the games 1st goal on a solid backhand shot from Patrick Kane assisted by Niklas Hjalmarsson. Late in the 2nd Michael Frolik snuck a wrister past Huet to tie the game going into the 2nd intermission. The 3rd perios saw a birrage of goals with Hawk Dustin Byfuglien scoring the 1st, Panther Ville Koistinen the 2nd, Hawks Patrick Sharp the 3rd, and Panther David Booth the 4th to force an uneventful overtime period. With the score tied after the OT period the crowd in Helsinki Finland beared witness to its first shootout. Toews, Kane, and Sharp shot for the Hawks with Toews scoring the only goal. Reinprecht and Koistinen shot for the Panthers each scoring goals and solidifying the win. Vokoun bested Huet blocking 52 of 55 shots in regulation to Huet’s 21 of 24 and was rewarded with his 1st win of the season, although the Blackhawks still receive 1 point for forcing the shootout.

Our Concern Feautred on the Danny Mac Show

Chicago Sports Armchair Managers — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:28:44 +0000

During the 11 o’clock hour of the Danny Mac show today on 670 the Score, Mac asked Hawks fans to call/email/txt in their concerns for this years season. So our very own Blog Manager Shoeless Joe did just that. Below is what Shoeless Joe texted into the Danny Mac Show.

Mac. My biggest concern is u traded for a player when u knew he was hurt. Hossa is a good setup guy but u traded a top scorer to get him. Seems kinda Silly. Joe

And here is Mac’s response.

Ah…Ya know what it looks like I was wrong on this deal. I thought when I hear shoulder surgery, ok its not good. Your gonna have the shoulder worked on. Hell be back by October…late October. They’re still saying December on this…The last I read it was very…it was not optimistic he’d be here in until December, so that is a big concern. Yea, especially with Burish out.

To hear Mac answer the question check out the Danny Mac Show 11am hour, 10-01-09 Podcast on 670thescore.com

Regular Season Kickoff

Chicago Sports Armchair Managers — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:25:06 +0000

The Blackhawks will kickoff the regular season on Friday October 2nd at 11:00 am vs the Florida Panthers. Why such a wierd time you may ask. Well that is because the game is being played across the Atlantic in Helsinki Finland. For those of fans that have to work and want to catch the game live turn your radios, blackberries, ipods, etc. to the WIND-AM (560) where John Wiedeman and Troy Murray will have the call. Or for those fans that want to watch the first game of the Hawks season check out CSN-CH (HD) or Vs. (HD).

Let the Armchair Managing Begin!

Chicago Sports Armchair Managers — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:13:23 +0000

Welcome to the Chicago Blackhawks Armchair Manager blog. The only blog that allows you the fan to make the call on how to manage the team. We will be bringing you our picks and opinions and welcome yours as well. Who knows maybe Joel Quenneville and the Hawks will stop by and take some of our suggestions. So grab your favorite beverage, computer, and armchair. Turn on the game. “Sit back, relax, and strap it down…” Chicago Blackhawks Armchair managing is coming your way!