First off, I want to say up front that I think the Hawks are going to be fine, given the injuries they have had. I think many are overreacting right now.
Even with the problems I list below, I think they will easily make the playoffs.
That said, I think there are a few issues they need to address to be better. I see lots of fingers being pointed in bizarre directions as to the root cause of some problems. I think we have to see the problems for what they really are.
1. The power play is just awful. I think everyone would agree with this. Point shots do not get through. No traffic is in front of the net. Passes are slow and predictable.
I think this will resolve once they get Toews and Hossa back. They can have two solid units rather than trying to use guys like Kopecky. It is troubling how inconsistent Barker and Campbell have been on the power play (and overall to be honest) considering that is really all either of them are good for (supposedly).
2. Goaltending is marginal at best and bad at worst. If Huet can just be "good" (which he has been recently, to be fair) I think this is a good playoff team. I don't see how they can ever be a cup threat with the current goalies. I am not sure they can do much about this. Just cross their fingers and hope.
3. Campbell and Barker can't coexist on the same team. I have said it many times and it becomes more apparent the more they play. Each one brings offense to the table but they are both fucking awful in their own end. You can hide one guy like this but two guys like this just kill your team. Barker is still the same lazy, disinterested player he was when he was first called up. He loves to shoot the puck but when he has one of his patented, shit stain turnovers he doesn't even try to catch the guy who took the puck. Campbell is ALWAYS out of position. It happens from time to time for every defenseman but with Campbell it is almost shocking when he actually makes the right play in his own zone. I think they are stuck with Campbell (thanks Dale). I think Barker could and should be moved.
4. They need a physical presence on the blueline. Opposing forwards are skating way too carefree in the Hawks' end.
Could you trade Barker for a more physical, defense-first d-man? Possibly Volchenkov ($2.5 mil...UFA after this year)? Personally, I think it solves a key problem on defense if they could do something like that. True, you do lose Barker's big point shot but he really hasn't done much with it this season anyway. Do you gain more by having a stopper than a clusterfuck with a cannon? I believe they do.
That said, I think there are a few issues they need to address to be better. I see lots of fingers being pointed in bizarre directions as to the root cause of some problems. I think we have to see the problems for what they really are.
1. The power play is just awful. I think everyone would agree with this. Point shots do not get through. No traffic is in front of the net. Passes are slow and predictable.
I think this will resolve once they get Toews and Hossa back. They can have two solid units rather than trying to use guys like Kopecky. It is troubling how inconsistent Barker and Campbell have been on the power play (and overall to be honest) considering that is really all either of them are good for (supposedly).
2. Goaltending is marginal at best and bad at worst. If Huet can just be "good" (which he has been recently, to be fair) I think this is a good playoff team. I don't see how they can ever be a cup threat with the current goalies. I am not sure they can do much about this. Just cross their fingers and hope.
3. Campbell and Barker can't coexist on the same team. I have said it many times and it becomes more apparent the more they play. Each one brings offense to the table but they are both fucking awful in their own end. You can hide one guy like this but two guys like this just kill your team. Barker is still the same lazy, disinterested player he was when he was first called up. He loves to shoot the puck but when he has one of his patented, shit stain turnovers he doesn't even try to catch the guy who took the puck. Campbell is ALWAYS out of position. It happens from time to time for every defenseman but with Campbell it is almost shocking when he actually makes the right play in his own zone. I think they are stuck with Campbell (thanks Dale). I think Barker could and should be moved.
4. They need a physical presence on the blueline. Opposing forwards are skating way too carefree in the Hawks' end.
Could you trade Barker for a more physical, defense-first d-man? Possibly Volchenkov ($2.5 mil...UFA after this year)? Personally, I think it solves a key problem on defense if they could do something like that. True, you do lose Barker's big point shot but he really hasn't done much with it this season anyway. Do you gain more by having a stopper than a clusterfuck with a cannon? I believe they do.
. HE NEVER THOUGHT THAT THE
HAWKS OR ANYBODY, WOULD REALLY OFFER HIM THAT BIG CONTRACT. 
