Blackhawks 2014-15 Season Thread

[anotheridiot]

They can give sharp more time waiting for the next one to fall. I cant see them sending Nordstrom back, he is so active out there, third on team in hits and he has only played 9 games and he is not a player known for hitting.

Now if Carcillo goes back to a healthy scratch with sharp back it might be different, but kruger, nordstrom and smith are shutting down top lines more with them keeping the puck in their offensive zone than playing defense.

I dont think Crawford has much time left here. His next 30 day injury might be a stint in rehab.

Rinne and Darling look like offensive tackles.

 

[JBM73]

From ESPN:

4. Time for Morin to move

Another player being shopped is Chicago’s Jeremy Morin. Over the weekend, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Morin asked to be traded if he can’t get more consistent playing time for Joel Quenneville.

When I checked in with a source close to the situation, he didn’t frame it exactly as a trade demand.

“It’s more of a case of both parties recognizing he’s not in [Quenneville’s] plans,” he said. “Stan [Bowman] is working the phones.”

5. Morin's talent remains to be tapped

[+] EnlargeDave Reginek/NHLI/Getty ImagesFormer second-round pick Jeremy Morin is reportedly on the trading block.


Morin doesn’t have a single point in 15 games, but is averaging just 7:44 of ice time per game.

Despite his lack of production at the NHL level, one Western Conference talent evaluator was complimentary of him when I checked in on Sunday.

“One of the best pure scorers drafted in recent years,” he said. “Always possessed that NHL asset. [NHL success was] just a matter of whether he could find that extra step to allow his gifts to flourish at the next level and become passable without the puck.”

6. Underlying indicators are there

The sample size isn’t large, but Morin always seems to produce strong possession numbers. He currently has a Corsi percentage of 60.6, trailing only Patrick Sharp on the Hawks. Last season, he finished with a Corsi of 62.5 percent. He also averaged a team-best 3.13 points per 60 minutes of play last season, which suggests he earned more ice time than he was given by Quenneville.

 

[anotheridiot]

Morin is hitting, started to get more defensive minded and will constantly get shots to the net and create rebound chances for his line mates.

It is dumbfounding that Q wont let him play and one guy that will sorely be missed next season when Kane and Toews dollars kick in and you cant resign Richards and probably have to trade Sharp or Bickell to even find money for the 7 guys you need to sign to make it to 20 under the cap next season. I really do expect Crawford to be mentioned in trades as well.

I guess we wait and see who Florida is willing to give up to get a D Man to block Dahlback and Clending even more...................

 

[JBM73]

Coming soon
Quenneville said winger Patrick Sharp likely will return when the Hawks face the Devils on Tuesday night in New Jersey. Sharp missed his 14th consecutive game for the Hawks on Saturday with a right knee injury suffered Nov. 4 against the Canadiens. The veteran traveled with the Hawks and skated Saturday morning. Quenneville said there's "a good chance (Sharp) is going to play on that trip and likely … the first game."

 

[anotheridiot]

Gonna be interesting to see where he plays. Saad has had his best three games of his season in a row. No way you mess with that second line now. He skated with Shaw and Bickell, but it really moves one to the opposite side they are used to. Guess there is a sense that Q is gonna wait til its time to juggle some lines and try to mix and match. I guess we wont see too much more Kane double shifting for Carcillo, but I will be disappointed if Nordstrom is sent back to Rockford again.

 

[JBM73]

Gonna be interesting to see where he plays. Saad has had his best three games of his season in a row. No way you mess with that second line now. He skated with Shaw and Bickell, but it really moves one to the opposite side they are used to. Guess there is a sense that Q is gonna wait til its time to juggle some lines and try to mix and match. I guess we wont see too much more Kane double shifting for Carcillo, but I will be disappointed if Nordstrom is sent back to Rockford again.

Yeah, was wondering the same thing. Starting him on the 3rd line for now makes sense. Could we finally be looking at the year Sharp gets moved, after all of the rumors the past couple of years?

 

[JBM73]

Just found this:

"Sharp will line up at left wing on Andrew Shaw’s line. This effectively bumps Dan Carcillo down to the fourth line and Joakim Nordstrom to the press box."

 

[anotheridiot]

Just found this:

"Sharp will line up at left wing on Andrew Shaw’s line. This effectively bumps Dan Carcillo down to the fourth line and Joakim Nordstrom to the press box."

the worst forward on the ice now is Carcillo, and he is even playing well. Going east I guess Q wants some fight in there, but Nordstrom is hitting more than anybody now.

 

[JBM73]

Carcillo with a team low 6:25 of ice time. The Sharp-Shaw-Bickell line scored a goal, but was also on the ice for both NJ goals.

 

[JBM73]

Five statistical reasons why the Hawks are soaring - Chicago Blackhawks Blog - ESPN Chicago

Also, Morin sent down to Rockford for "conditioning".

 

[anotheridiot]

Wasnt Morin out of options or did that end at training camp when he made the team?

Is conditioning a way to keep him from being claimed?

Will be interesting to see if Q goes with Raanta or Darling in Boston tonight. Definitely expect Raanta to be the #1, but last time Darling was up he took 3 out of 4 games crow missed, three in a row.

 

[JBM73]

Darling gets the start.

Chara supposed to be back for Boston.

 

[anotheridiot]

I wonder if they sent Raanta back to Rockford if they would let Darling play every other game.

I kinda think the hawks are starting to listen if teams are asking about the availability of crawford in a trade.

 

[JBM73]

I wonder if they sent Raanta back to Rockford if they would let Darling play every other game.

I kinda think the hawks are starting to listen if teams are asking about the availability of crawford in a trade.

I was thinking about that as well, but it's a whole other situation to be able to play well under playoff pressure.

 

[averagejoe]

Gotta tell ya, I'm really impressed with the Carcillo-Smith-Kruger line. These guys are all hustle. And have great chemistry.

 

[anotheridiot]

Gotta tell ya, I'm really impressed with the Carcillo-Smith-Kruger line. These guys are all hustle. And have great chemistry.

I am not more impressed when it was Kruger, Smith and Nordstrom, those are three forwards that all play center. Plus, after Toews went down after being boarded, Smith was the guy doubling up on shifts, he was mainly the top line center. I think Carcillo will get more pucks to the net, but Nordstrom gives you possession you want in the zone while your top lines are getting some air.

I'm just glad the Kruger to the second and third line looks to be done. He belongs on the fourth.

Well, nick leddy night, playing well for the islanders, 5 goals 14 assists. Glad he is doing well.

 

[anotheridiot]

Still a fun game last night. Darling was pretty awesome at times, that second and third goal were pretty bad positioning. That third period pressure seemed alot to handle. Hope Q gives Raanta next game and continues with a better balance for each guy.

 

[averagejoe]

Watching the Flames-Hawks and was shocked to hear of the Morin-Erixon trade. Could they be regretting letting go of Leddy? Jackets may have gotten the better of this deal at face value.

 

[JBM73]

Watching the Flames-Hawks and was shocked to hear of the Morin-Erixon trade. Could they be regretting letting go of Leddy? Jackets may have gotten the better of this deal at face value.

Chicago Blackhawks trade Jeremy Morin to Columbus Blue Jackets for Tim Erixon - ESPN Chicago

Both guys have had extended chances at the NHL level to prove something and neither have. Could be a wash. Then again, Morin will get a chance in the top 6 in Columbus, something he didn't have much of an opportunity to do in Chicago.

 

[anotheridiot]

its too bad, Mo had alot of offense to offer here, but if Q doesnt like you, you might as well ask to be traded. We should see Mo next weekend. Columbus has been really hit with injuries. I really cant say Mo has had extended chances, they kept him down gave him a couple games, then back down last year, this year they had no choice to have him make the team out of camp.,he would have been claimed for nothing.

I dont get the whole dress Erixson immediately either after just one game day skate. He didnt look terrible, but cant get to see much from 10 minutes.