Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010
10:16 a.m.
By Tracey Myers
CSNChicago.com
LOS ANGELESThe Chicago Blackhawks didnt get the start that general manager Stan Bowman was hoping for, but Bowman said hes liked what hes seen from the team in recent weeks.
Speaking prior to the Blackhawks 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, Bowman said the team is finding its identity.
Obviously we were hoping to be better at this time of the year. But Ive seen signs over the last couple of weeks, Bowman said. I think over the long haul, when we play the way we want to play -- control the game and limiting opponents chances -- the results are going to come. We are playing better.
The Blackhawks have gotten better results lately, including that victory over the Kings that gave them a 4-2-0 mark on their annual circus trip. Here are Bowmans thoughts on other subjects regarding the Blackhawks:
If theres a timetable on making a move if the Blackhawks remain near .500:
I dont know if you can put a timetable on it. I like the way that weve responded in terms of our style of play over the last few weeks. Obviously there are some very good players. Even the new players weve brought in are very good; some have probably exceeded expectations, truthfully. Its really just getting this team to create its own identity. Its starting to happen. I see the signs of that.
If this team has enough to win another Cup:
Thats a tough question to answer. I dont think personnel so much wins championships. Obviously you have to have players. But you have to come together as a team and play the right way. Look at standings. Its a very competitive league, especially in the West. Theres a very fine line between winning and losing games. The first 20 games we had a bunch of one-goal games. We lost some games we probably should have won and won some maybe we didnt deserve to. I certainly believe in our players and our experience and the fact that theyve gone through situations, adversity in the past. Now is the time when you have to rely on them to draw upon that.
NHL
On Corey Crawfords progress this season:
Coreys a guy that, I would say Im surprised but, with young players like that you give them the opportunity and they have to take it when theyre given it. His play will dictate how much he plays. He understands the situation hes in, he wants an opportunity to prove himself and hes very confident. Its a different look for him. Hes always been the guy whos played a majority (in Rockford). You dont want to load too much on a guy whos getting used to NHL. It is a long season. We dont want to burn either (Crawford or Marty Turco) out.
On whether or not the salary cap dictates who gets called up from Rockford:
Thats not an issue right now. We have cap space. Weve been fortunate recently that we havent had injuries. Were comfortable with the guys that have been playing. We can bring a guy up tomorrow if we want to; its not a salary cap issue.
Tracey Myers is CSNChicago.com's Blackhawks Insider. Follow Tracey on Twitter @TramyersCSN for up-to-the-minute Hawks information.