Improving the Blackhawks

Windy City Hockey says, “Chicago’s “One Goal” isn’t to go the Finals, it’s to WIN!” Of course, even a hockey newb like me knows this is true. This is also why there is so much talk about the Blackhawks’ flaws. And it’s why most Blackhawks’ blogs have been discussing, in-depth, the ‘Hawks problems, or providing possible trades they could make to improve.

Whether these questions are just nitpicking or real issues that will hold the Blackhawks back in the playoffs is hard to say. But the main question is still the same, how can the ‘Hawks improve?

Blackhawks need a goalie:

• Puck Daddy looks at two rumors that say the Blackhawks are interested in one of the following goalies: Jaroslav Halak of Montreal or Boston’s Tim Thomas. Greg Wyshynski says these deals are unlikely, but that the ‘Hawks could use goaltending help, specifically the Islanders’ Dwayne Roloson.

There’s something missing in the Blackhawks’ defense:

• Blame the ‘Hawks goaltenders or not, there have been concerns about this position since the beginning of the year. Still, the Blackhawks’ lead the NHL in goals against average. So, overall the defense has been good. But Second City Hockey is still concerned about the ‘Hawks’ “recent defensive asshoolery.”
• By “asshoolery,” I think he means poor passes and turnovers like the one Keith committed against the Blues on Fed. 3.
  
• Windy City Hockey thinks the Blackhawks can use help on defense. Greg Cyrus thinks the ‘Hawks need more size along the blue line.

If goaltending is a problem, the answer is on the roster:

• John Jaeckel thinks the Blackhawks’ best option is Antti Niemi.
• Windy City Hockey thinks Niemi is the answer, too. Cyrus thinks Niemi was the victim of bad defense in the ‘Hawks win against the Stars, and has video to demonstrate where the defense went wrong.
• Second City Hockey, on the other hand, has had it up to here [place hand, palm facing down, to the top of your head] with the goalie debate: The Blackhawks are fine with Cristobal Huet.

Blackhawks’ power play:

• In one of the previous links, Second City Hockey also worries about the Blackhawks’ power play. However, Blackhawks Confidential says there’s no reason to think the power play will improve this season.

This has nothing to do with the Hawks’ problem. It is just hard to find quality hockey video on YouTube. Plus, it fits in with the Tribune’s article about Patrick Kane’s backhand.