Chicago Blackhawks: Don’t treat Joel Quenneville like Bears treated Lovie Smith

The Chicago Blackhawks’ streak of playoff appearances officially ended at nine seasons. Is their coach to blame?

Once upon a time, the Chicago Blackhawks were a powerhouse. Due to various reasons, that time came to an end during the 2017-2018 season. While many still believe they are talented enough to win now, when healthy, some question whether a change in leadership is the right move.

Head coach Joel Quenneville has been as consistent as they come since being named head coach in 2008. He has led the Blackhawks to a winning record in every single season he has been in Chicago, prior to this year.

Over the last two seasons, things haven’t gone quite as planned come postseason play. After winning three Stanley Cups in a span of five years, Quenneville’s team has struggled to do much of anything in the playoffs as they have been ousted in the first round two years in a row — this year, of course, the Blackhawks missed out completely.

Amidst roster changes, trades, injuries and simply underperforming, the Blackhawks still boast an impressive core with guys like Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. When he’s on the ice consistently, Corey Crawford is still viewed as a strong goaltender. Chicago has plenty of young guys who will continue to grow going forward, as well.

The focus here, though, is not on the roster. The focus is on Quenneville. While many feel it might be time to move on from the 3-time Stanley Cup Champion coach, I caution those to take a step back.

This isn’t Lovie Smith and the 2011 Chicago Bears.

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Sure, Smith was beloved by players, fans and all of the Bears organization. But, when everybody knew it was time for a change, that’s exactly what happened. Smith led the Bears to a single Super Bowl, losing to the Indianapolis Colts in 2006.

Smith never won anything, and by that I mean that he was replaceable. It’s a harsh reality, but it is factual. Did he ever win a championship? No. Did he get close? Of course.

In the end, however, he never walked off the field a champion come February — and that’s what it’s about. It has always been about championships — point blank, period, end of conversation.

Quenneville, on the other hand, has done nothing but win since coming to the Windy City. Yet, somehow, there are people out there that want to get rid of him? To me, that makes zero sense.

After one losing season, the last thing you would want to do is fire a coach like Quenneville. I can guarantee you, if he was to be fired, he’d have a job immediately afterward — and one could argue other teams would do whatever it took to ensure he was their man.

If the Blackhawks want to blame anyone for their lackluster season this year, blame management. Blame those responsible for putting the Blackhawks in such a tough spot when it came to the trade deadline. Having so many guys with no-trade clauses, for one, makes things a bit difficult.

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Blame injuries. Blame a roster shake-up. I don’t care who you blame, but don’t blame Quenneville. That’s ridiculous and uncalled for. Come the start of the 2018-2019 season, there better be one guy and one guy only coaching the Blackhawks — coach Quenneville.