ESPNChicago.com

  (2:30 PM)

Guys, as you have noticed, Jesse is running late. He'll be here in a couple of minutes. Sorry and thanks for your patience.

Jesse Rogers

  (2:39 PM)

Ok, Folks, Welcome to our weekly Hawks chat. Apologize for being late. Was talking with Bettman and Brendan Shanahan at the league offices..good stuff I'll try to pass on...As for tonight, Hawks had their moen prac..What a couple weeks it has been..I know fans are frustrated..Ill try to help...chat coming to you from Times square. Fire away!

Mike (Great White North)

You thought I was crazy when I asked you 6 weeks ago if Q had lost this team. I am not going to cast blame on the coach, but Cup contending teams don't lose this many games in a row. Is it crazy to think Scotty Bowman could be dusted off and take over the head coaching job for the stretch run?

Jesse Rogers

  (2:40 PM)

I thought it was crazy then because I did not see evidence of that specific thought...During the last portion of this streak I havce been very critical of Q and the idea they arent "responding" to him is legit..you are right, longest streak in NHL should get people's attention..but dont think scotty is the answer..he doesnt want to and it just wouldnt make sense on several levels..

Greg (SW MO.)

I just can't understand how all the talent can't click on the PP, whats your take on this area ???????

Jesse Rogers

  (2:42 PM)

Tough one there.. Hardest part to fig out..prob squeezing sticks thinking about it too much, especailly during this streak. ya know, instead of just going out and having fun and playing natural..a lot of it mental..it is confounding...the one legit pron is the point men..no doubt about it..guys are hesitant to shoot and when they do they;re off or get blocked which makes them hesitant next time down..so it gets worse and worse in that respect

Aaron (Winfield)

With news out of Tampa that Kubina is likely to be traded, do you think he would be a good fit with the Hawks? He's been a solid defenseman for a long time and his current numbers aren't that bad, but he's old and his cap hit is $3.8mil.

Jesse Rogers

  (2:44 PM)

The short answer is yes. ANY D-men that is avil that is better than the Hawks 6-8 guys, the hawks are making calls on. No doubt. Stan does not want to be left at the altar...now there are guys they loike better than others..I dont know if Hawks are on Kubina's list of teams he would go to...this just happened this morn so we'll see...but yes, he fits as does anyone else basically on the market...puck moving, big, fast, whatever..the hawks need

Dave G (NW Indiana)

Hey! Love the Blog. So much to ask....Do you really think it would be wise to deal Kane right now? So far it looks like we've regretted getting rid of Nemi...and pretty positive Campell is an All-star so we definitely miss him... Why dish off another star player with all this extra cap room?

Jesse Rogers

  (2:47 PM)

Its not about a blanket statement like "we should trade kane." when a team goes south like this and if they miss the playoffs especially you do explore all options...IF A TEAM GOES NUTS AND GIVES YOU THE WORLD FOR KANE of course you listen..offseason..when you rethink your team, etc. So again, "get rid of kane" this month before the deadline is just dumb talk..and no i would not trade him for ryan miller so dont ask!

Scott (Chicago, IL)

You've mentioned multiple times about how the goalies aren't getting it done. While I agree they need to improve, aren't they getting hung out to dry some by defense not performing well? Like I said, they need to improve, but can only do so much.

Jesse Rogers

  (2:50 PM)

Listen, we know the Hawks D hasnt been great but if you think in pure talent the Hawks D is worse than like every team in the league, no way. No shutouts, 3 goals or more in 9 stright games..very few 1 goal games, at some point a goalie has to steal one...goalie can really make the D look good just like the D can make the goalie look good...diff is other teams are GOING TO GET CHANCES no matter what...im sorry, at this point its the goalies first..I think very early there were MORE open side goals etc. They arent making enough big saves AND now they are gicing up one weak one a game...my opinion

mike (Chi)

Is there any truth to the Kane-Miller trade?

Jesse Rogers

  (2:51 PM)

NONE WHATSOVER. NONE

Dave (Chicago)

Jessi, John Buccigross did a Vlogum the other day and referred to the Blackhawks as "whiny and selfish." I know they've been losing but whiny and selfish? Is that the sense you got?

Jesse Rogers

  (2:53 PM)

Pron more nuanced than that..maybe a feeling they "deserve" better but arent making it happen themselves..thats why I came down on Q very recently..they havent played with fear and desperation in the latte half of this streak..though tues in nash was better...it just sounds like they assume they will come out of this cause they know/think they are a good team instead of again, making it happen..thats my issue..

JK (Dwight)

Any update on the injured D-men? Bad unit to begin with even worse without #4 & #5.

Jesse Rogers

  (2:55 PM)

hammer little bit better...not so much with montador..neither for any games this weekend

Dave (Chicago)

Jesse, I agree with Roenick to an extent that Kane is not untouchable, but don't you think a top d man would be much more helpful than a top goalie? Especially if it means spending 5 or 6 mil on that goalie....

Jesse Rogers

  (2:58 PM)

It all depends if craw finds him game again...all things being equal right now, the goalie might be the bigger need..a stud fixes so many things...look at rinne the other night...hawks D outplayed Nash D if you count up off chances for the opposition let alone shots on goal..there is your proof...no one is complaing about nash D after that game...

patrick (Itasca)

Everyone in hockey seems to think the Hawks will be ok, but I'm just not buying it. Too many bad habits and glaring deficiencies that they cannot just fix out of the blue. Do you agree? Or are you drinking the same koolaid ?

Jesse Rogers

  (3:02 PM)

About 3-4 games ago I started NOT being ok. Cmon, all these people like babcock, etc are just being PC. They love this..they all do. They have no idea whats going to happen. None. If I have to choose between be ok and not, I go with not at this point..I see issues..starting with why has it taken so long for them to play desperate, change personnel, change strategy..for gods sake, its the longest streak in the league this year..Not even columbus went nine games without a win...so I think there are problems and it would all be better if a goalie stepped up and played lights out for a game let alone a week..that would help the most...19 shots last game. 19!...3 goals and a loss...now pp is always going to be streaky and deserves blame but its demoralizing to play that well defensively and still lose

Kevin (Sacramento)

JR, Duncan Keith is officially aweful. I'm tired of the excuses of "he set the bar too high" or "he's not built to play in his own zone". He's a freaking defenseman, his job is to be able to play in his own zone. At least we only have to watch him misread plays, turn the puck over at the blueline and lose a step every year for another TEN seasons. Is it safe to say at this point that that Norris trophy belongs more to the team that was around him than the man himself?

Jesse Rogers

  (3:05 PM)

I guess so. I think its complicated. Their style that year nd leading up to it was perfect for him..now they are more of a "normal" team..top 2 lines, then a drop off, etc. slower as well..hes not a big guy..also wonder if he's lost a step..dont ALWAYS see the burst..lot of a min on those legs over the years so who knows...but I agree, more than anyone else, he's been affected by the changes in personnell compared to championsip year..prob not a good excuse for fans but thats what I see

Mike (Addison)

What are your thoughts on Adam Burish and the Hawks either re-acquiring him at the trade deadline or during the summer? A 4th line next year of Burish-Mayers-Carcillo seems like it would be a pretty good one.

Jesse Rogers

  (3:06 PM)

I love Burish. always did...hawks locker room misses him in my opionion. I would not have a prob with that fourth line at all. yes, even with carcillo..I want speed and a forecheck..think they would do it..dont know about him at deadline..

Andrew (Chicago, IL)

I am doing my best not to panic during this losing streak. I think we'll lose tonight to the Rangers and finally end the skid against the Blue Jackets. I do agree with you, and anticipate the Hawks will start winning some home games and get into the playoffs in like the 6-8 spot. My question is, do you think the seeding matters that much in the NHL playoffs? Or can we just get in then get hot offensively and figure out just enough on D to make a run?

Jesse Rogers

  (3:07 PM)

Def doesnt matter THAT much..now playing det in det this year seems like a bad idea but getting in is what matters for sure..

Andy (East Moline, IL)

JR- Coverage has been great, dont let a lot of these yahoo's tell you otherwise. I have a good feeling about the game tonight. You think the hawks will pull this one out against Lundy and the Rangers or do you think we lost tonight and win in Columbus?

Jesse Rogers

  (3:09 PM)

Biron is playing so thats a good thing...will be tough..Hawks D could be in trouble..this team plays hard on the forecheck, etc. Olsen and Lepisto and O'Donnell could be in trouble..let alone the others...Maybe NY plays down tonight..its possible...I would assume win in columbus but folks, all bets are off...no idea..pschye of team is prob a mess..one bad goal and.....

Marc (Chi)

Jesse, can our goaltending tandem get us deep in the playoffs? Is all this goaltending talk only because of the current skid we are in?

Jesse Rogers

  (3:11 PM)

With zero shutouts and few 1 goal games I would say this has been a year long prob thats just been worse lately and spotlighted with less offense..but alos, Hawks D was worse earlier on in my opinion..you dont see AS many open net or open side goals...but again rinne came up with HUGE saves...hawks need more of those

Frank (Naperville)

Isn't playing Crawford and hoping he gets his confidence back the only move here? Emery may be solid, but he is so limited. Especially moving post to post.

Jesse Rogers

  (3:13 PM)

I dont know at this point..emery has been mor steady lately for sure..but I dont have a big issue going back to craw..on paper he is more talented...they either win or this gets ugly, hows that for going out on a limb!

Joe (Indian Head Park)

Jesse,Not much talk so far about who you think will be available at trade deadline. Opinion.

Jesse Rogers

  (3:16 PM)

I think one guy the hawks are targeting is Nicklas Grossman in Dallas..like other d-men this season he might re-sign there..they are talking but if he doesnt I see the Hawks going after him over next 10 days if dallas becomes a seller..gill or campoli I havent heard much about but makes sense..I think Stan is just waitning for a few of these teams to be sellers..coming soon I imagine..watch for grossman though if dallas doesnt re-sign him

greg (cleveland)

Jesse, I've heard alot of talk that a trade for a goalie might make sense as an upgrade that could help out the 6-8 Def whereas a single Dman might not help the unit as a whole, but I have not heard any Goalies who might be available or any trades that might make sense. I know it's just speculation but anything come to mind?

Jesse Rogers

  (3:18 PM)

Ive tweeted, wrote about, and mentioned Khabibulin a bunch of times cause its a trade that could happen today...costs you in cap space but I would not be opposed to it..might have one more run in him..knows the hawks/city, etc. which is important when you make a trade for that position in the spot the hawks are in...I AM NOT SAYING ITS THE GREATEST scenario but I would consider

David (school) [via mobile]

Is there any chance Hayes comes back? Seems like the team has lost something since he left

Jesse Rogers

  (3:20 PM)

This has nothing to do with Hayes..he was good, decent player...but everyone wants him instead of bickell, they are prob right but at least BIckell has socred a couple of goals lately so lets not pick a small thing like that or carcillo in jury and say thats the pron..bigger than a "minor" player

Jesse Rogers

  (3:20 PM)

Having some internet problems..give me a min..be right back and I will stay overtime!

Jesse Rogers

  (3:26 PM)

Ok, Im back. sorry for delay

Cris (Indiana)

Jesse, what do you think the atmosphere of the UC will be like their first home game back? Do you think the crowd will stay positive and try to will them to a win or do expect alot of boos?

Jesse Rogers

  (3:27 PM)

if they lose the next 2 games, I dont think it will be a good one at all..if they win both, much better...gotta win sat or sun could be real somber

Jack (Deefield)

My concern is that for the last two years the Hawks have not been difficult to play against. Toews, Kane, Sharp, Hossa, Bolland, Stalberg, Kruger, Keith, Leddy, and Bickell all aren't very physical players. They may have the Red Wing philosophy, but I wonder if they have too many of the same type of player? Thoughts.

Jesse Rogers

  (3:30 PM)

I dont think so...if you're good, you're good...bickell has size, mayers is tough, etc. I dont have a prob with the forwards but here is the deal they are built more like a normal team as I said kind of before..good couple lines and then a drop off...prob is their D IS UNDERSIZED so they cant deal with so much time in their own zone...thats been the case going back to their cup year but it never was a major prob cause they were so deep and had the puck so much..now its more "normal" and they are being exposed in thier own zone for being undersized and their goalies arent bailing them out as much as they should...thats what I think in a nutshell..

Dan (Scottsdale)

What would the Hawks have to give up to get the likes of a Jonathan Bernier? A long term goalie solution needs to be addressed at some point. When could we see Salak get a chance at a start or two?

Jesse Rogers

  (3:32 PM)

They are not getting a goalie from a contending team especially in their confernece..not till offseason at least so stop that talk.Schnieder, etc. laughable..Salak would be as desperate as Khabibulin, not now. hed be thrown into the fire and he's not exactly had the best year in minors plus injured....but you always explore so I leave any possibility open I suppose but very, very doubtful

Ethan (Palatine)

What do you see as the mindset for stan and the front office heading to the offseason? Trade some pieces, keep trying to find guys to get a solid 3/4 line, top netminder, etc.?

Jesse Rogers

  (3:33 PM)

All depends on how this shakes out...miss the playoffs, you go back to the drawing board..make it and lose in 1st..more drawing board..go far, it changes..results determine it..so cant ask me now...unless you give me hypothetical

Matt (Libertyville)

Are sophomore slumps common with goalies? Can we reasonably expect a rebound from Crawford next year?

Jesse Rogers

  (3:34 PM)

Yes, they are..not jus with goalies but plenty of players...that fear isnt there as much..talked to niemi in san jose..asked about that rookie yr..he said he thoguht--right or wrong--he needed to perform or was going back to finland..cant duplicate that kind of rookie "fear" so prob a part of it all...

John (Arlington Heights)

Khabby? Really? 26th in GAA, and 24th in Save%. $3.75M cap hit this year and next year. I'll take my chances with Craw and Emery, thanks. Spend that cap room on D or a center.

Jesse Rogers

  (3:36 PM)

ok, well let me tell you something..if Crawford was 26th and 24th..how many more wins would they have and how long would this streak be? see my point..he's like 42! Im not saying he's Patrick Roy in his prime but HE COULD be better..thats all they need...

Michael (Iowa)

Seems there has been a lack of emotion in the games during the streak. Honestly, as a fan, I'd like to see visible frustration in the form of fighting, crashing the net hard, etc. to send a message. Are you surprised this "tougher" team hasn't done that?

Jesse Rogers

  (3:38 PM)

yeah, my big thing has been not laying out to block shots..you better do everything humanly possible to stop that puck from getting to the net..they all say they just need one win to turn this around..well go nuts for 60 min in ALL ways and you might get it..I odnt love the idea of hossa, etc. blocking shots, but its that mentality they need...and for one game take your chances and lay out..and that goes for all aspects where simple desire makes a difference. so Im with ya

Nate (Evanston)

Hi Jesse, I just read a Scott Burnside article where he suggests that it may actually be beneficial for the Hawks to be the 6th seed because then they would not have to play a Central Division rival in the first round. Do you agree with this?

Jesse Rogers

  (3:39 PM)

Sure, why not. Gotta look at the bright side of something..and maybe a win in the first round gets them confidence but this is all just splitting hairs..play some good, passionate hockey--if you can, the rest will take care of itself

Jesse Rogers

  (3:39 PM)

Sure, why not. Gotta look at the bright side of something..and maybe a win in the first round gets them confidence but this is all just splitting hairs..play some good, passionate hockey--if you can, the rest will take care of itself

Rich (Chicago)

If you look at some of their losses, the other team's goalie has stood on their head. This will eventually go the Hawks way if they keep up the pressure. It would be nice if our goalies did the same but I still don't think it's panic time. Once they start winning they will find their groove.

Jesse Rogers

  (3:41 PM)

Its certainly possible. Lets face it they wont lose every game rest of the way and once they get home they will prob go on a run..and they built a good playoff cushion to kind of survive this but it changes the outlook and the feel and frankly, the confidence and swagger in this team..maybe thats a good thing..but youd rather be consistent and not have the peaks and valleys..

John (Arlington Heights)

Jesse:There are a lot of goalies in the league that COULD be better than Crawford that would have a much smaller cap hit than Khabby. You can win the lottery with a $1 ticket as well as with spending $100 (or $3.75M per).

Jesse Rogers

  (3:42 PM)

Good point. But I have my doubts on some young guy coming in here with the spotlight of every hawk fan and basically being the savoir..lot to ask for..i dont like anabkov either but based on what I said earlier, it would be hard to do worse..but you could! khabby would not have to deal with the mental part just the physical

Janice (Naperville)

What are your thoughts on John Scott in the line-up over Frolik, when he only plays 4 minutes? I've been conflicted since the SJ game, when the Sharks were targeting Toews.

Jesse Rogers

  (3:44 PM)

Thats the point. Everyone was screaming about no protection for toews and now scott is in and everyone screaming about that..considering frolik cant score and has taken bad penalites i dont have a prob with it..twice hes helped lose games with a high stick..scott hasnt lost one for them yet..especially on the 4th line cause at least he's not taxing the defense when he doesnt play much back there..I dont have an issue..be diff if frolik brought much to the table

bobby (deerfield)

jesse - the special teams are brutal. Would the hawks add a player or two who specializes in PK? When do the coached take the heat for the PP?

Jesse Rogers

  (3:47 PM)

I think they should add one that specializes on the PP..especially a point man...coaches should take a lot more heat for PK then PP in my opinion..its so obvious their strategy is flawed as well as personell..they have been so stubborn about it..they tweaked it (finally!) in nashville and it was better..PP...I mean yeah some on the coaches..but bottom line kane, toews etc have to make that happen...need point men to get shots thru

Aaron (Winfield)

How much of the goaltending struggles are on Stephane Waite? Both Emery and Crawford seem to have a terrible time moving from post to post. Bowman might be able to light a spark in the team by firing an assistant as opposed to Q.

Jesse Rogers

  (3:47 PM)

I guess the evidence is there right? I could see him being the fall guy if they dont make the playoffs..not sure its on him but would be easy to point that way

TJ (Dallas)

What's the over/under that tonight the hawks make a statement win against the league best Rangers that finally shuts everyone up???

Jesse Rogers

  (3:49 PM)

Hmm...25%..1 in 4 chance? sounds about right..i do like that nash game and frankly they prob deserve some fluke goal to go their way but every time I write this I have to say THAT IF CRAWFORD can be solid for 60...its the total equalizer here..

Chris (Chicago)

Jesse, any chance the Hawks would consider trading Hossa over the offseason in an attempt to get a goalie or d-man? Yes he's an all star player but he's streaky and seems to incur alot of injuries over the course of a season.

Jesse Rogers

  (3:51 PM)

Again, you cant ask me that without specifics..they dont make the playoffs you re-examine everything...you get a deal you cant refuse you make the deal..but just to say he's no good get rid of him..no. hes had one slump this year. right now..still one of the best in the league and his nmbers are still good for the season...just in a slump just as the whole team is..thats how you lose 9 in a row...but if a season desont go the way you want you explore everything..

Jesse Rogers

  (3:51 PM)

Again, you cant ask me that without specifics..they dont make the playoffs you re-examine everything...you get a deal you cant refuse you make the deal..but just to say he's no good get rid of him..no. hes had one slump this year. right now..still one of the best in the league and his nmbers are still good for the season...just in a slump just as the whole team is..thats how you lose 9 in a row...but if a season desont go the way you want you explore everything..

Jesse Rogers

  (3:51 PM)

Again, you cant ask me that without specifics..they dont make the playoffs you re-examine everything...you get a deal you cant refuse you make the deal..but just to say he's no good get rid of him..no. hes had one slump this year. right now..still one of the best in the league and his nmbers are still good for the season...just in a slump just as the whole team is..thats how you lose 9 in a row...but if a season desont go the way you want you explore everything..

Jesse Rogers

  (3:51 PM)

Again, you cant ask me that without specifics..they dont make the playoffs you re-examine everything...you get a deal you cant refuse you make the deal..but just to say he's no good get rid of him..no. hes had one slump this year. right now..still one of the best in the league and his nmbers are still good for the season...just in a slump just as the whole team is..thats how you lose 9 in a row...but if a season desont go the way you want you explore everything..

Paul (Chicago)

Jesse, if you are the GM of the Hawks until the trade deadline, how do you prioritize (G,D,C) in the trade market. And who, if anyone are you targeting in bringing to the Hawks?

Jesse Rogers

  (3:53 PM)

Boy, tough one...I guess cause I think its about hte only way to save the season i would get a goalie..either way, they will get a dman as well..so thats a given..or at least they will try hard..so really the question is in addition to a d-man..some hot goalie can fix a lot..not saying he has to be the best of all time..just better

Chris (Madison, WI)

do you wish you could go back to the days when you hosted the pre/post game shows when there were so many fewer internet rumors about trading a different star player every day

Jesse Rogers

  (3:56 PM)

I would not want to be hosting the postgame show right now, thats for sure...angry callers...as for internet rumors..what a joke..they are not talking to anyone about kane, they are not going after r. miller, they have not called for Khabby, yet! they are not getting nash...grossman, campoli, maybe some talks for ruutu, kubina possibly..those are some names..any d-man really that avail...no goalie on a contender..

Jack (Illinois)

How do you feel about Roenick saying the Hawks should retire his jersey and his silly comments about the Kane trade? A little full of himself isnt he?

Jesse Rogers

  (3:58 PM)

The number stuff is hilarious..I love that he's pushing that train forward...the kane stuff..listen or read it..makes total sense..IF THE HAWKS WANT AN ELITE GOALIE a guy like Kane might have to be moved..hes right..nothing more to it..and there is a case to be made if they want one then Kane is the bait for it...but not happeniing..certainly not any time soon

Al (Chicago)

If you were in charge, which 3 players (who are available or who are currently rumored to be available) would you add to the Hawks roster before the deadline?

Jesse Rogers

  (3:59 PM)

I like Grossman, Ruutu, and I would try for Burish..just my thoughts..and i do like campoli

Jesse Rogers

  (4:00 PM)

Oh ,and i would seriosuly consider khabby..

Peter M (Quincy)

Jesse we used to hear all the time how strong the Western conf. is. with the way the hawks have played and still being "in" on a playoff spot I have to wonder if it isn't kinda weak at the bottom. Comments?

Jesse Rogers

  (4:01 PM)

yes, I def though the east was better though with st. louis rising and nashville as good as they are..the top of the west is better than I thought..but you are right, the bottom is nothing special even though col and edm have made the hawks look bad...and calgary for that matter..says more about the hawks maybe?

Al (Chicago)

I'd hate to say this BUT there is a really great article over in the Vancouver Sun titled, "If the Chicago Blackhawks need inspiration, they should look to the Canucks". Basically it says Hawks fans shouldn't panic and look to the 08-09 Canucks where they started into a downward spiral. Fans were calling for management's heads and for a roster revamp come trade deadline time. They held firm and were able to turn it around. Do you think the Hawks can do the same thing or are trades NECESSARY to get them into (and be successful in) the playoffs?

Jesse Rogers

  (4:04 PM)

We can probably find examples both ways right? Each situation is diff...I wrote critically of Q not just as a knee-jerk to a losing streak..I saw/see things that are worthy of criticsim: a team that has nt gotten much better in thier own end, a refusal to change a pk for 2 seasons that has struggled...no emotional responses the next game to bad losses during this streak..who knows what van went through.. and that was before they went to the cup, maybe they were more hungary then these hawks..all these things play a part..

moose (canada)

Are DK and Seabrook, given the minutes the workload they face, sustainable as a top pairing or do we need another top end guy to really compete. By way of comparison, Vancouver has a nice top 3 (Edler, Bieksa, Hamhuis) and I think it's safe to say that with Soupy gone, we aren't really close to matching that.

Jesse Rogers

  (4:05 PM)

I dont know..i thought after last year they would both bounce back in a big way..hasnt completely happened though better than last season..maybe they are both #2's and we dont have a 1...

Jesse Rogers

  (4:08 PM)

Thats going to do it for today. Sorry if I didnt get to all your questions..busy day..check blog for audio interview with Andrew BRunette...and video with Andrew Shaw...plus more..and of course after the game...follow me on twitter @espnchihawks..grossman from dallas is my name for you..if he doesnt re-sign there...have not heard ANY goalie talk though people seem to think they are in the market..i have no proof of that..but that's one they will do quietly, very quietly..if they do it at all...check out the blog daily...thanks and great questions! tlak to you next week