There are reports that Denis Savard and Dale Tallon had a conversation on Wednesday afternoon before the game against Phoenix regarding the goaltending situation. Savard evidently wanted to play Nikolai Khabibulin in net while Tallon favored the highly paid Cristobal Huet, who he signed on Day One of free agency in the offseason. Whether or not this discussion took place, it makes more sense to fire Savard over this--as crazy as it would be--than citing Savard's lack of experience, as John McDonough, Dale Tallon and Scotty Bowman did at yesterday's press conference. They knew about Savard's experience entering the season, so it would not have taken four games into a season to realize this apparent issue. More than likely, if Savard was not let go because of philosophical differences, he was dismissed because the Hawks see the chance to seize the city and do not want to miss out on this golden opportunity. For the first time in many years, the Hawks can own this city again, and McDonough knows he cannot let this moment slip through his fingers. Bottom line: Joel Quenneville is a safer choice to lead the Hawks moving forward.
I do believe that Quenneville is the right man to lead the Blackhawks into the future. This guy can plain and simply coach. He's notched 40 wins in eight of his nine seasons and made the playoffs every year he has coached but one--and that year his club earned 95 points. He will, however, need his veteran players to step up. Martin Havlat is an elite player when he is healthy. And he had a spectacular goal in Wednesday's win. But he must stay healthy. Brian Campbell must be a difference-maker on defense. Brent Seabrook, deemed untradeable, has not been a consistent performer on the NHL level. He has failed to make the stides necessary to be a top-notch defenseman. And even younger players like Dustin Byfuglien and Dave Bolland--albeit young and prone to inconsistencies--showed last year that they can play better than they have this season.
The honus is on the players now. And Dale Tallon. If the Savard firing was really a group decision, then the next major announcement will be one, as well. Dale Tallon better hope he is still part of that all-powerful decision-making group.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Blackhawks Fire Savard; Name Quenneville Coach
The Chicago Blackhawks fired head coach Denis Savard on Thursday morning just four games into the 2008-09 season. Veteran Joel Quenneville was named the 37th head coach in franchise history.
Savard, who was in the last year of his contract after not getting an extension in the offseason, led the Hawks to their first win of the season on Wednesday night against Phoenix at the United Center. The team lost its first three games prior to Wednesday night's 4-1 victory.
Quenneville, who had been working as a scout for the Blackhawks for the last few weeks, inherits a young squad that fans and media in Chicago and across the NHL have tabbed as one of the most promising teams in the league. Quenneville most recently coached the Colorado Avalanche from 2005 through 2008 and led the St. Louis Blues for seven seasons prior to that endeavor (1996-2004). His career record is 438-283-118, including a 44-31-7 mark last year leading the 'Lanche.
Savard recorded a 65-66-16 mark in parts of three seasons as coach of the Blackhawks. Last season, he engineered the team's first 40-win season since 2001-02.
The timing obviously raises some eyebrows. After all, the Hawks have played four games this season. If there were concerns about Savvy getting this team from Point A to Point B, why wouldn't this move have been made preseason? There's whispers that the goaltending quandary could have expedited this change; perhaps Tallon and Savvy disagreed on who should receive the bulk of the playing time. Some wonder if there is some more serious issue at play. Hopefully some major questions are answered this afternoon when the Hawks hold a news conference to announce Quenneville as the new coach. One thing remains clear, though: the revamped front office will do anything to put a winning product on the ice.
Savard, who was in the last year of his contract after not getting an extension in the offseason, led the Hawks to their first win of the season on Wednesday night against Phoenix at the United Center. The team lost its first three games prior to Wednesday night's 4-1 victory.
Quenneville, who had been working as a scout for the Blackhawks for the last few weeks, inherits a young squad that fans and media in Chicago and across the NHL have tabbed as one of the most promising teams in the league. Quenneville most recently coached the Colorado Avalanche from 2005 through 2008 and led the St. Louis Blues for seven seasons prior to that endeavor (1996-2004). His career record is 438-283-118, including a 44-31-7 mark last year leading the 'Lanche.
Savard recorded a 65-66-16 mark in parts of three seasons as coach of the Blackhawks. Last season, he engineered the team's first 40-win season since 2001-02.
The timing obviously raises some eyebrows. After all, the Hawks have played four games this season. If there were concerns about Savvy getting this team from Point A to Point B, why wouldn't this move have been made preseason? There's whispers that the goaltending quandary could have expedited this change; perhaps Tallon and Savvy disagreed on who should receive the bulk of the playing time. Some wonder if there is some more serious issue at play. Hopefully some major questions are answered this afternoon when the Hawks hold a news conference to announce Quenneville as the new coach. One thing remains clear, though: the revamped front office will do anything to put a winning product on the ice.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Hawks Capped In D.C.
The Blackhawks were unable to hold an early 2-0 lead and fell to the Capitals 4-2 on Saturday night in Washington, D.C.
When Kris Versteeg scored just 26 seconds into the game, it looked as though Capitals goalie Jose Theodore was going to have another long night--and early exit--as he had in Washington's opener against Atlanta. Versteeg's goal went right between his legs on the games's first shot, and Jack Skille made it 2-0 less than 12 minutes in when he tapped in his own rebound. Unfortunately for the Hawks, Theodore was able to settle in and did not allow another goal the rest of the night.
Reigning league MVP Alex Ovechkin, who led the league in goals and points last year, scored two goals and the Caps' checking line led by Matt Bradley helped Theodore notch his first win in a Capitals sweater.
Nikolai Khabibulin started in net for the Hawks and stopped 30 shots while allowing four goals.
Washington has now won its last seven regular-season games at home, dating to last season.
When Kris Versteeg scored just 26 seconds into the game, it looked as though Capitals goalie Jose Theodore was going to have another long night--and early exit--as he had in Washington's opener against Atlanta. Versteeg's goal went right between his legs on the games's first shot, and Jack Skille made it 2-0 less than 12 minutes in when he tapped in his own rebound. Unfortunately for the Hawks, Theodore was able to settle in and did not allow another goal the rest of the night.
Reigning league MVP Alex Ovechkin, who led the league in goals and points last year, scored two goals and the Caps' checking line led by Matt Bradley helped Theodore notch his first win in a Capitals sweater.
Nikolai Khabibulin started in net for the Hawks and stopped 30 shots while allowing four goals.
Washington has now won its last seven regular-season games at home, dating to last season.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Hawks Seek Road Win in D.C.
The Blackhawks look to bounce back from a 4-2 Friday night setback against the Rangers in New York when they battle Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals in D.C. on Saturday evening.
Jose Theodore has replaced 16-year Capital veteran Olaf Kolzig in net for Washington, who also seeks its first win of the year. Theodore, who signed a two-year, $9 million contract in the offseason, looks to bounce back from a rough night in the team's season opener, where he gave up four goals before getting pulled in the second period. Coincidentally, it was new Blackhawk Cristobal Huet that helped nudge Kolzig out of Washington, as Huet's acquisition at the trade deadline last season sent Kolzig to the bench.
The Caps revitalized the hockey scene in D.C. last year, as the club finished 43-31-8 before bowing out to Philadelphia in the first round of the playoffs.
Nikolai Khabibulin will most likely get the nod in net for the Hawks, as Khabby holds a 2.00 GAA in 20 career games against the Caps. Huet is 6-2-1 with a 2.45 GAA in nine games versus Washington. The Capitals have lost three straight against the Hawks since posting a 4-0 road victory on February 15, 2004. The Hawks, who contained Ovechkin in the teams' last meeting, must also contend with rising star offensive defenseman Mike Green.
Jose Theodore has replaced 16-year Capital veteran Olaf Kolzig in net for Washington, who also seeks its first win of the year. Theodore, who signed a two-year, $9 million contract in the offseason, looks to bounce back from a rough night in the team's season opener, where he gave up four goals before getting pulled in the second period. Coincidentally, it was new Blackhawk Cristobal Huet that helped nudge Kolzig out of Washington, as Huet's acquisition at the trade deadline last season sent Kolzig to the bench.
The Caps revitalized the hockey scene in D.C. last year, as the club finished 43-31-8 before bowing out to Philadelphia in the first round of the playoffs.
Nikolai Khabibulin will most likely get the nod in net for the Hawks, as Khabby holds a 2.00 GAA in 20 career games against the Caps. Huet is 6-2-1 with a 2.45 GAA in nine games versus Washington. The Capitals have lost three straight against the Hawks since posting a 4-0 road victory on February 15, 2004. The Hawks, who contained Ovechkin in the teams' last meeting, must also contend with rising star offensive defenseman Mike Green.
Hawks Drop Opener To Rangers
Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith tallied goals, but the Blackhawks fell 4-2 to the New York Rangers on Friday night at Madison Square Garden in the team's season opener.
The Hawks skate tonight in Washington against Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitals before opening the United Center portion of their schedule Monday night against Nashville.
Brandon Dubinsky tallied a goal and assisted on two others for the Rangers, who also received goals from newcomers Wade Redden, Nikolai Zherdev and Aaron Voros. Henrik Lundqvist stopped 30 shots for the Rangers, who are 3-0 for the first time since 1989.
After Redden opened the scoring less than seven minutes in, Brian Campbell fed last year's rookie of the year Kane for a goal, completing an end-to-end rush.
Down 3-1, Keith cut the defecit to 3-2 at 7:13 of the third before Zherdev tallied to get the lead back to two.
Goaltender Cristobal Huet, who signed a four-year, $22.45 million dollar free-agent contract, struggled in his Blackhawk debut. The Frenchman made 25 saves but allowed all four goals and did not look sharp. However, most of the Hawks on the ice didn't look sharp and will look to rebound Saturday night in Washington. Look for Nikolai Khabibulin, who is in the final year of his four-year, $27 million contract, to get the starting nod in net against the Caps.
From the opening faceoff, the Rangers exhibited more energy and crisper skating than the Hawks. That was to be expected from a team having two games under its belt and playing in front of a raucous crowd for the home opener. You can also credit Brandon Dubinsky. Expect Adam Burish to be more energized Saturday night as the Hawks look to break into the win column.
The Hawks skate tonight in Washington against Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitals before opening the United Center portion of their schedule Monday night against Nashville.
Brandon Dubinsky tallied a goal and assisted on two others for the Rangers, who also received goals from newcomers Wade Redden, Nikolai Zherdev and Aaron Voros. Henrik Lundqvist stopped 30 shots for the Rangers, who are 3-0 for the first time since 1989.
After Redden opened the scoring less than seven minutes in, Brian Campbell fed last year's rookie of the year Kane for a goal, completing an end-to-end rush.
Down 3-1, Keith cut the defecit to 3-2 at 7:13 of the third before Zherdev tallied to get the lead back to two.
Goaltender Cristobal Huet, who signed a four-year, $22.45 million dollar free-agent contract, struggled in his Blackhawk debut. The Frenchman made 25 saves but allowed all four goals and did not look sharp. However, most of the Hawks on the ice didn't look sharp and will look to rebound Saturday night in Washington. Look for Nikolai Khabibulin, who is in the final year of his four-year, $27 million contract, to get the starting nod in net against the Caps.
From the opening faceoff, the Rangers exhibited more energy and crisper skating than the Hawks. That was to be expected from a team having two games under its belt and playing in front of a raucous crowd for the home opener. You can also credit Brandon Dubinsky. Expect Adam Burish to be more energized Saturday night as the Hawks look to break into the win column.
Friday, October 10, 2008
2008-09 Campaign Opens at The Garden
The Chicago Blackhawks open the 2008-09 NHL campaign in New York City tonight against the New York Rangers at historic Madison Square Garden.
The club looks to build off of an encouraging 2007-08 season in which the team fell just three points short of making the playoffs in the stacked Western Conference but improved by 17 points from the 2006-07 campaign. Second-year forwards Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane will be joined by free-agent acquisitions Brian Campbell and Cristobal Huet as they seek to continue the revival of a franchise that has not made the playoffs since 2001-02.
Defenseman Campbell not only strenghthens an emerging defensive corps, but gives the Hawks a sorely needed weapon on the power play, where the unit ranked 24th in the league last year (15.9 percent). Huet, despite the presence of incumbent Nikolai Khabibulin, should emerge as the clear-cut number one goalie for a team looking to receive improved play in net. The Hawks gave up the 11th-highest goal total in the league last year, so Huet, who went 32-14-6 with a 2.32 GAA last season, should provide a more stable presence.
Left wing Ben Eager will be out of the lineup for the Hawks as he serves the first of a three-game suspension for swinging a stick at Dallas' Sean Avery in a preseason game last week.
The Rangers are opening the home portion of their season after notching a pair of 2-1 wins over Tampa Bay in the Czech Republic last weekend. The Rangers haven't opened a season with three straight victories since 1989-90, but did not lose in their final 12 regular season home games to close out last season.
In the most recent matchup between two of the NHL's Original Six on February 18, 2007, New York won 2-1 at home.
The club looks to build off of an encouraging 2007-08 season in which the team fell just three points short of making the playoffs in the stacked Western Conference but improved by 17 points from the 2006-07 campaign. Second-year forwards Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane will be joined by free-agent acquisitions Brian Campbell and Cristobal Huet as they seek to continue the revival of a franchise that has not made the playoffs since 2001-02.
Defenseman Campbell not only strenghthens an emerging defensive corps, but gives the Hawks a sorely needed weapon on the power play, where the unit ranked 24th in the league last year (15.9 percent). Huet, despite the presence of incumbent Nikolai Khabibulin, should emerge as the clear-cut number one goalie for a team looking to receive improved play in net. The Hawks gave up the 11th-highest goal total in the league last year, so Huet, who went 32-14-6 with a 2.32 GAA last season, should provide a more stable presence.
Left wing Ben Eager will be out of the lineup for the Hawks as he serves the first of a three-game suspension for swinging a stick at Dallas' Sean Avery in a preseason game last week.
The Rangers are opening the home portion of their season after notching a pair of 2-1 wins over Tampa Bay in the Czech Republic last weekend. The Rangers haven't opened a season with three straight victories since 1989-90, but did not lose in their final 12 regular season home games to close out last season.
In the most recent matchup between two of the NHL's Original Six on February 18, 2007, New York won 2-1 at home.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
