Call it nit picking, but I think there's an element the Blackhawks had last year that they are lacking this season.
It's not scoring, it's not leadership, but it's that certain spark. The Hawks have looked asleep at the wheel a few times this season. Fortunately, they have the talent to overcome a lackluster period and win most of the time.
Martin Havlat is gone, but he could disappear with the best of them. Defensemen Matt Walker and Aaron Johnson have moved on, but I don't think their roles were big enough to make such a huge difference.
So what's different? What isn't there this season that was last season? This is the question that's been bugging me all season. I think I've found the answer.
The missing piece is Adam Burish.
I never thought I'd write this blog. I never thought he mattered so much, but he does. His combination of grit, physical play, and leadership have left a bit of a void.
Burish is the guy who's always chirping. Whether it's on the bench or on the ice, you can't relax around him. He's always yapping...always in your ear. Try to yawn around him...I dare you.
The lackluster periods the Hawks have been experiencing lately make the team look like they are sleepwalking. That was very rare last season .
Burish is out until March, so the Hawks are going to have to find an answer to this problem. As the season wears on, the team will wear out. That spark will be the difference in the standings.
Filed under: Adam Burish, ben eager, Blackhawks, Chicago Sports, danny mac show, hockey, NHL, sports, wscr
Tags: adam burish, ben eager, blackhawks, danny mac show, hockey, NHL, wscr
I think we'll be fine until he gets back. We're currently first in the Division and that's without Hossa, missing Seabrook for a few games, Toews for 2 weeks, Eager for a month, and an unhealthy Bolland (now no Bolland). Let see how we do on the circus trip. I miss Burish too, but it's not like we're losing tons of games without him.
@phranchk....i think they're fine too. but these lackluster periods are costing them points. they were skating circles around colorado in the 1st and 3rd, but were asleep in the 2nd. maybe an energetic 2nd would have gotten the hawks that goal that avoids OT, and the point for colorado, who they are chasing.
With Hossa and Burish back I think we have a great shot this year. I agree that we are missing toughness. I would still like to see the Hawks add one more goon to bang with the tougher teams in the playoffs.
I had just written a similar comment to another column.... that the Hawks just seemed to be missing something but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. They definitely got closer to their old form when Eager and Toews returned against LA. Hossa is a great player, and I'm hoping he adds life to the mix. His presence could potentially induce the rest of the team to skate LESS while he takes some of the burden off them!
maybe it has to do with the bad climate coming from the front office. If that's trickling down to the locker room then you've got a BIG problem