Finally Some Fire from the Chicago Blackhawks: Duncan Keith Tells It Like It Is

To say that it has been a frustrating few months in Hawkville would be an understatement.  With a slow start to the season, many were sure it was just the Cup funk and that after a short time this Cup-winning team would be back to its former glory.  

Well, fast forward a few more months and then the focus was put on the goaltending— in short order that problem appeared to be solved. Yet, like acne on a 14-year-old, the blemishes just kept on coming to the surface. 

Sure, there were flashes of brilliance—some nice shutouts, a respectable Circus trip and most recently, the All-Star game, but now, we are back at it. Games are much more important than they were in October.  Last night's loss to the Calgary Flames brought out some much needed fire in the post-game interviews. 

When asked if the teams weak play on power play opportunities was at fault for the Hawks 3-1 loss to Calgary, a rather ticked off Duncan Keith responded plainly, "F$&% the power play!  Nobody goes to the net to score goals.  That's why we don't win." 

Finally, the frustration that the Blackhawk faithful have been confronted with game after game has come to roost with the players.  It is refreshing to know that there are a few players on the ice that want to actually win a game. Considering the fact that Keith is one of the quieter, more soft-spoken players on the team, it's a pretty safe bet that many others have been fuming as well.  Keith was just the first was to get caught letting off steam with the press. 

Some of the major issues, aside from possible Cup funk, are;  

Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa:  They have been milking their injuries to the point of not even coming close to playing 100 percent for fear of re-injuring themselves.

Stan Bowman:  I have been preaching this all along, and I think finally others are starting to see it as well.  Stan gave away too much over the summer, focusing more on the numbers needed to cover the cap and added far too may "kids" to the franchise.  Thus, not giving the performance of said players (and their contribution within the present system) a closer look.  Let's face it, Stan was cocky and wanted to prove to the world that he was just as good as Dale Tallon.

Marty Turco:  Stan was trying to pass Turco's signing off as the Second Coming and really tried to sell fans on Turco and all that he would contribute to the team, etc.  Well, Turco has been a flop.  He isn't 25 years old anymore and seems to refuse to change his style of play to fit the Blackhawks.  You certainly don't see any Dallas Star fans clamoring to have him back—many are not afraid to say, with a cleansing breath, that he is our problem now.

Line Inconsistencies:  It is like going to work and having your parking spot changed on you daily.  Sure, with injuries and sicknesses, etc. some lines are going to change but it seems like there is no rhyme or reason as to why players are matched up together and then when they are, it is shuffled again the next game. The constant game of musical chairs certainly isn't giving players confidence in the coaching staff.

Checking:  Or dare I say a lack thereof? It is a rare game when the team as a whole is playing hard-nosed tough hockey.  Few players finish their checks and stick with their counter parts and really make them work to get the puck.  For some reason, when they do finish their checks, we often do this weird thing...it's called winning.

Intensity:  They all seem to have this sit back and wait attitude, very little sense of urgency.  Instead of being proactive, they sit back and wait for an opportunity instead of making one happen; Kane and Seabrook in particular. They are always looking for someone else to make the first move. 

Unless they want to be making tee times and watching the playoffs from a couch rather than a bench in May, there is a serious need for a reality check. The boys needs to be shaken up. 

I wonder what Denis Savard charges for speaking engagements?  It might just be worth the investment.