Gripe Of The Day

Getty Images

Scrambled Defense

So, as you all know, of course, the Hawks are leading the Western Conference standings in the NHL as of now; but, that could all change later tonight. Once again, they are facing a Phoenix Coyotes team who fought their way back into a game on Saturday, took it into overtime, and then beat the Hawks.

What will happen tonight at the United Center? Your guess is as good as mine. But, I can tell you what to watch for.

One problem I have noticed time and time again is a lack of awareness in the defensive zone. Or something. I'm not sure if the guys are playing like a "zone defense" as you'd see in a basketball game, or what they are doing. Apparently, they don't know, either.

A lack of physical play can be blamed, but more than that, I think it is just guys not being aware of what their job is supposed to be when they are defending their net. If they don't know what their assignment it, then things aren't going to go well.

I see the defensemen moving out of positing to cover someone in the corner, and no one coming back to cover the side of the net, nor covering an opponent. The forwards have to be much more aware of what's going on in their zone and stop STANDING AROUND!

Really, I see them waiting at the blueline for the greatly anticipated breakout pass...that's not coming, oh, and guess why?! It's already in your net!!!

Move your feet. Cover someone. You know enough to fill in for the D when they pinch in the offensive zone, so...hey, here's a novel idea: cover for them by the net, or in the slot, when they check an opponent in the corner in your zone.

Yeah, I know the Hawks are in first place now, and I know they can score. But they have to learn to defend their zone a little better, and stop letting the goalies take all the heat for losses.