Chicago Blackhawks: Who Is Most Responsible for Defensive Woes?

The Chicago Blackhawks are one of the league's best offensive teams two months in to the 2011-12 season.

The same can't be said about the defense.

Chicago is 20th in goals allowed per game. This needs to change if the 'Hawks wish to be more than a regular season sensation.

We all know that defense is at more of a premium come spring. Chicago's has been inconsistent and not of the quality needed to sustain a deep playoff run. What's the solution right now?

That depends on what you think the problem is.

You could bed down in one of the following camps:

1. Duncan Keith is the problem.

2. John Scott is the problem.

3. Sami Lepisto/Sean O'Donnell is the problem

4. Niklas Hjalmarsson is the problem.

 

5. Corey Crawford is the problem.

So let's look for some answers.

 

Duncan Keith

Keith could be the problem. While his play is an improvement over his start last season, it isn't Norris-caliber either. He is making a lot of noise in the offensive zone. Since returning from a injury, he has two goals and nine points in his last ten games.

At times he's looked good in his own zone, but it's not going down like that every night.

 

John Scott

Scott being what he is, he's certainly not the sole issue facing the defense. You can say that he's made the other D-men work harder, but he's just a minus-two in the time he's skated this season.

If Scott was skating Keith's minutes, the difference in performance would surely make him an obvious scapegoat. However, the ten minutes he skates a night on the blue line when he's in the lineup doesn't provide a complete explanation for the porous defense the 'Hawks have brought out some nights.

 

Sami Lepisto/Sean O'Donnell

Sean O'Donnell is slow, but he was slow last year and was effective for the Flyers. Lepisto is so far in someone's doghouse that it isn't fair to assign him the blame. After all, he's a plus-four when he's played.

 

Niklas Hjalmarsson

Hjalmarsson is doomed to suffer from the dreaded Brian Campbell complex, especially when the malady's namesake is down Florida way with the surprising Panthers.

 

All that fans are going to see is an inflated price tag on a player who is going to provide steady defensive play—just not the performance his salary would suggest.

Hjalmarsson is plus-seven this season, but his offense is practically nonexistent. I think he and Nick Leddy have made a pretty good tandem, though.

 

Corey Crawford

Crawford isn't having a Steve Mason-like fall back to earth, but it hasn't all been cake and roses for the new main man in net.

The 'Hawks are ninth in the league in shots allowed, suggesting that Crawford could stop a few more shots every night. He hasn't had the lockdown performance of last season's playoffs, but he's had a few impressive outings in the first two months.

So...who gets to shoulder the blame? I think there's enough to go around.

Everyone involved on the Blackhawks' rear guard could stand some tightening. Keith can be more consistent, hopefully aided by increased time with a healthy Brent Seabrook. Crawford can come up with an extra big save or two per game.

The third pairing can be solidified. Might a more physical guy like Ryan Stanton be called up from Rockford and given a chance at some third line minutes?

Heck, would it hurt the checking line to snap back into the shape it was when the season began?

Some commentators are urging the 'Hawks to obtain an impact player on the blue line soon. That may be an option in due time. With Seabrook back, I'd like to see the 'Hawks address their defensive issues within the organization for the time being. If the struggling continues, it may be time to make a move.

 

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/961064-chicago-blackhawks-who-is-more-responsible-for-defensive-woes

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