Chicago Blackhawks: Calling out the Captain, the Core and the Coaching

The Chicago Blackhawks have a slew of problems to deal with as their losing streak reached seven games following a 5-3 defeat in San Jose.

Before we throw guys like Dylan Olsen, Sami Lepisto and Viktor Stalberg under the bus for the umpteenth time, some scrutiny has to be cast in other directions.

It's time to take the big names to task—specifically, captain Jonathan Toews, the Blackhawks core players and head coach Joel Quenneville.

It's easy to blame the marginal players for Chicago's disastrous road trip. We can dream about sweeping them off the roster and replacing them with better personnel. Isn't that what we did to the Ryan Johnsons and Fernando Pisanis and the Jassen Cullimores of the world last year?

When the 'Hawks are through rotating the role players, however, what is constant is the core.

Take a close look at the box score of Friday's loss. The Blackhawks got a goal from Bickell, the scapegoat du jour of the bottom six. He was assisted by Dave Bolland and Lepisto as Chicago tied the game early in the third period. Both Bickell and Lepisto were plus-one on the night.

Marcus Kruger, who Joel Quenneville wisely returned to his natural position of center, was on hand to knock in a pair of rebounds. Despite missing Steve Montador and Niklas Hjalmarsson, Olsen and Lepitsto stepped in and the 'Hawks outscored the Sharks at even strength.

Quenneville chose to bench Stalberg after his turnover led to the third San Jose goal late in the second period. However, Duncan Keith was the one who couldn't handle the pass at the point. Keith also had a chance to clear the puck after Olsen ran down the 2-on-1 but couldn't get a stick on it.

Every time I watch the replay, I see Stalberg make what looks to be a good pass that Keith just misses. Quenneville's solution? Browbeat the role player who has been playing hard on both ends and start playing the doghouse game that has been so beneficial to Bickell and Lepisto.

Nothing like knowing the hook is right there if you ever make a mistake to destroy your confidence.

This game wasn't lost because of Stalberg's phantom turnover or Olsen inadvertently knocking in the goal with his stick in an attempt to protect the net. Keith had two chances to prevent that goal as well.

This game came down to special teams, period. San Jose was three for five with a man up. The 'Hawks were zero for three. End of story.

Chicago was crippled on defense and did not get a goal from any of their top seven goal scorers on the year, yet was even with the Sharks minutes into the final period.

Again, turn your gaze to the stars.

Marian Hossa left some pretty open shooting lanes on the penalty kill and is pointless on the road trip. Patrick Sharp has six points on the trip, including two secondary assist Friday, though both of his goals came in the Edmonton debacle last week.

Patrick Kane had points in each of the last four games before being held off the scoreboard in San Jose. Which brings us to the captain. Going back to his abbreviated appearance January 21st in Nashville, Jonathan Toews has two assists and is a minus-two in his last six games.

Now, before I am engulfed in the rising of Tazer Nation, let me say this: I know the guy's hurt. I am aware that we have two of our top four battling hand and wrist injuries right now. I fully understand that his leadership on the ice is on full display.

However, when Toews has that "C" on his sweater and can have well-deserved praise heaped upon him for his leadership in the good times, it has to go both ways. He is this team's leader, no doubt. Is is out of the question to ask if his message is getting through in the locker room?

It is also fair game to point out that his injury, while totally not his fault, is limiting his effectiveness. While I'm not questioning Tazer's heart or effort in any way, his injury has a hand in the current troubles Chicago is experiencing right now.

Of course, if Quenneville wants to scratch Stalberg and Lepisto to make some kind of point, go on and believe that the problems will disappear. All that is, however, is burying your head in the sand.