RIP Dollar Bill!
- Ogilthorpe2

It's amazing how we fans are so much at the mercy of the owners, for good or for ill.

And it's also amazing that no matter how bad they are at managing sports franchises and leagues, they can't kill the sports - or, in most cases, the franchises.

3rd Man In piece on Beach



http://thethirdmanin.com/...nterview-with-kyle-beach/

Includes downloadable interviews with Ted Dent re: Beach and Beach himself.

*****HIGHLY RECOMMEND

It's amazing how we fans are so much at the mercy of the owners, for good or for ill.

And it's also amazing that no matter how bad they are at managing sports franchises and leagues, they can't kill the sports - or, in most cases, the franchises.
- StLBravesFan

Dollar Bill came close Saint. At least in Chicago. Which is impossible to believe given the fan support.

You highlighted my biggest issue with Leddy Savvy. The tendency to get lost in his positioning in front of the net from time to time. That being said, he has made progress this year as far as engaging along the walls. At the end of the day or season if you will, it will be Leddy and Rozy playing together as the season heads to the playoffs. I will take that 3rd pairing all day everyday.

Another way to look at it regarding Leddy's progress, imo. What effect has he had on Brookbank's improved play? I think an argument can be made that Leddy has helped Brookbank. And his play was improved by playing with a consummate pro in Rozy last year.
- Elbows15

Elbows -- 1st, sorry I'm late to reply to your post (which was excellent btw). Got distracted with work and just back to check in now!

Couldn't agree more -- I'm not happy with his work in front of our net but do agree and glad others see it too, he's definitely better along the wall and apparently stronger. Really wish he would work more on those dump ins and evading the pressure while keeping control and composure. Hjalmarsson handles it by simply accepting the hit (which I don't like either btw) -- while Keith is really the master on our club and Oduya is quite good. Maybe it simply takes time at NHL speed.

On the comment re the 3rd pair, again, I think we have the best 3 sets and Leddy and Rozy are quite good. Never gave it a thought that Leddy helped Brookbank -- but I have noticed not only Brookbank's improved play but the fact he seems to know his limitations and doesn't pull a Monty by trying to be Bobby Orr when he clearly can't pull that off!

I do think that if we give Leddy time, he will grow into the position even more. His skills skating and with the puck are quite good and if he was paired with Hammer, I'll just bet those guys would be excellent as well (maybe next yr?).

Dollar Bill came close Saint. At least in Chicago. Which is impossible to believe given the fan support.
- Elbows15

Croaked just in time to save the franchise.

Good on him

Dollar Bill came close Saint. At least in Chicago. Which is impossible to believe given the fan support.
- Elbows15

He got it to life support, but he couldn't quite kill it.

Fan support, until very recently, was very shallow in Chicago: especially from the 80s on, after Jordan came in, there really weren't any marginal fans following the Hawks. Part of it was no TV of home games, but before the cable explosion, not sure where the home games would have gone on TV: Einhorn's pay over the air experiment was a disaster, and then the cable sports station was not part of basic cable.

Now I think that even if Rocky turned into his father, the fan support would be there: look at the Cubs under the Tribune - futility on the field but gold in the box office; look at the 10 post-Jordan years for the Bulls: worst team ever, but they led the league in attendance each year.

I think all of the sports franchises in Chicago are bullet proof.

Elbows -- 1st, sorry I'm late to reply to your post (which was excellent btw). Got distracted with work and just back to check in now!

Couldn't agree more -- I'm not happy with his work in front of our net but do agree and glad others see it too, he's definitely better along the wall and apparently stronger. Really wish he would work more on those dump ins and evading the pressure while keeping control and composure. Hjalmarsson handles it by simply accepting the hit (which I don't like either btw) -- while Keith is really the master on our club and Oduya is quite good. Maybe it simply takes time at NHL speed.

On the comment re the 3rd pair, again, I think we have the best 3 sets and Leddy and Rozy are quite good. Never gave it a thought that Leddy helped Brookbank -- but I have noticed not only Brookbank's improved play but the fact he seems to know his limitations and doesn't pull a Monty by trying to be Bobby Orr when he clearly can't pull that off!

I do think that if we give Leddy time, he will grow into the position even more. His skills skating and with the puck are quite good and if he was paired with Hammer, I'll just bet those guys would be excellent as well (maybe next yr?).
- savvyone-1

The other aspect of his game that is different as compared to Oduya is shot blocking. At some point it isn't about skill but heart. Leddy has showed me some by his willingness to engage along the walls. Also, taking a hit to make a play is part of the game Savvy. Always has been, always will. That will come with experience. Look how much better Hammer has gotten at it.
While I think Hammer and Leddy would be an effective pair. Right now I am not sure Leddy can handle the assignment against other team's top line. Will it change? As hawk fans I think that is what we hope for.

He got it to life support, but he couldn't quite kill it.

Fan support, until very recently, was very shallow in Chicago: especially from the 80s on, after Jordan came in, there really weren't any marginal fans following the Hawks. Part of it was no TV of home games, but before the cable explosion, not sure where the home games would have gone on TV: Einhorn's pay over the air experiment was a disaster, and then the cable sports station was not part of basic cable.

Now I think that even if Rocky turned into his father, the fan support would be there: look at the Cubs under the Tribune - futility on the field but gold in the box office; look at the 10 post-Jordan years for the Bulls: worst team ever, but they led the league in attendance each year.

I think all of the sports franchises in Chicago are bullet proof.
- StLBravesFan

By shallow I think you mean overall Saint. I agree up to a point. There have always more Hawk fans around than the media gives credit for. At least in my social circles. The lack of home games on TV obviously had a huge effect on sheer numbers.

Regarding the Cubs I remember the days in the mid 70's into the 90's? when the upper deck was closed during games. Even now they are beginning to see a drop-off in attendance.

And he's a bullet point on Stan's resume/legacy
- philco28

I would have agreed with that a year ago. Now, Oduya is just as good of a bullet point. Also, the Cup makes all other bullet points fade in comparison.

Croaked just in time to save the franchise.

Good on him
- Ogilthorpe2

It amazes me constantly Ogi that some of these owners have successful businesses. Its like they get a sport franchise and forget the most basic business concepts. Although, the Wirtz family made a lot of money off the Blackhawks,

I would have agreed with that a year ago. Now, Oduya is just as good of a bullet point. Also, the Cup makes all other bullet points fade in comparison.
- NewToHockey

Yep

3rd Man In piece on Beach



http://thethirdmanin.com/...nterview-with-kyle-beach/

Includes downloadable interviews with Ted Dent re: Beach and Beach himself.

*****HIGHLY RECOMMEND
- philco28

Good god Phil, if that kid could ever put it together, the money he could make. As my Dad would say. Million dollar talent, ten cent head.

What kinks? I think he is having a better year this year than last year.....
- UnnamedSource

you are classic - do you watch the games? so i had to look if i can find some stats - i saw Hjammer this year, he is a -2.32 ratio (takeaway/giveaways with time on ice considerations) 626 out of 636 and the worst on the Hawks. Last year he was a -0.69 where he was better than a majority of the Hawks dman (Seabrook was the worse and league average was -0.12). I did see that Frolik was 2nd in the leagues last year. I can provide the link if you wish. Surprisingly, Oduya was better than Hjammer both years. Hossa is leading the league this year. Hjammer is getting involved offensively more, which is nice. But was lacking some intensity early in the season.

Good god Phil, if that kid could ever put it together, the money he could make. As my Dad would say. Million dollar talent, ten cent head.
- Elbows15

Indeed and it seems the org is really taking a final straw/tough love approach with him...and voila...he nets a hattie.

Sounds like the work he's put in on his skating is showing and he raised the name Klinkhammer in his interview, as an example of a guy the Hawks gave up on, that went on to blossom somewhere else.

Just not sure if there's anywhere for him to play in Chi. Looks like TRADE BAIT.

Indeed and it seems the org is really taking a final straw/tough love approach with him...and voila...he nets a hattie.

Sounds like the work he's put in on his skating is showing and he raised the name Klinkhammer in his interview, as an example of a guy the Hawks gave up on, that went on to blossom somewhere else.

Just not sure if there's anywhere for him to play in Chi. Looks like TRADE BAIT.
- philco28

A guy with his size and skill? Oh, if they thought they could count on him, they would find a place for him. I agree though. Send him East though, I had enough of Dan (frank)ing Cleary haunting the Hawks for years.

Croaked just in time to save the franchise.

Good on him
- Ogilthorpe2

Mr. Compassion.

3rd Man In piece on Beach

http://thethirdmanin.com/...nterview-with-kyle-beach/

Includes downloadable interviews with Ted Dent re: Beach and Beach himself.

*****HIGHLY RECOMMEND
- philco28

Good stuff. Sounds like he has a clue, at least. Here's hoping for the best for the kid.

Dent sounded rather harsh in some of the things he said about various players. Not sure those comments belonged in public. I've worked enough management to know that it's usually best to praise publicly and criticize privately.

Elbows -- 1st, sorry I'm late to reply to your post (which was excellent btw). Got distracted with work and just back to check in now!

Couldn't agree more -- I'm not happy with his work in front of our net but do agree and glad others see it too, he's definitely better along the wall and apparently stronger. Really wish he would work more on those dump ins and evading the pressure while keeping control and composure. Hjalmarsson handles it by simply accepting the hit (which I don't like either btw) -- while Keith is really the master on our club and Oduya is quite good. Maybe it simply takes time at NHL speed.

On the comment re the 3rd pair, again, I think we have the best 3 sets and Leddy and Rozy are quite good. Never gave it a thought that Leddy helped Brookbank -- but I have noticed not only Brookbank's improved play but the fact he seems to know his limitations and doesn't pull a Monty by trying to be Bobby Orr when he clearly can't pull that off!



I do think that if we give Leddy time, he will grow into the position even more. His skills skating and with the puck are quite good and if he was paired with Hammer, I'll just bet those guys would be excellent as well (maybe next yr?).
- savvyone-1

I wish leddy would get some of Keith's red a$$ when dealing with people running at him. I think that is a deterant with the reputation Keith has built for himself. But make no mistake Keith is excellent at avoiding the contact while controlling the puck. Leddy has the talent to learn from watching Keith

A guy with his size and skill? Oh, if they thought they could count on him, they would find a place for him. I agree though. Send him East though, I had enough of Dan (frank)ing Cleary haunting the Hawks for years.
- Elbows15

BINGO...Dent said it all in his interview. The lad has a pattern and record of frankly being a DIC KHEAD and the powers are fed up. He comes back to Rockford and is a healthy scratch for 4 or 5 games because of his behavior, finally returns, and scores a hat trick, while getting key time on on the pk.

Talent is there. Maturity never has been. He seems to say the right things, but then reverts to that classic PHUCKHEAD m/o of his.
One step up, 3 back

Good stuff. Sounds like he has a clue, at least. Here's hoping for the best for the kid.

Dent sounded rather harsh in some of the things he said about various players. Not sure those comments belonged in public. I've worked enough management to know that it's usually best to praise publicly and criticize privately.
- NewToHockey

Dent's frustration i think is reflective of the whole organization's. A lot of time and money has been invested in this kid with precious little to show for it. I don't blame him for airing that out. It's really no secret with Beach.

Dent's frustration i think is reflective of the whole organization's. A lot of time and money has been invested in this kid with precious little to show for it. I don't blame him for airing that out. It's really no secret with Beach.
- philco28

With Beach, I can see that point of view. To throw Brookbank and I think Peckham was the other also under the bus, didn't seem very professional.

With Beach, I can see that point of view. To throw Brookbank and I think Peckham was the other also under the bus, didn't seem very professional.
- NewToHockey

Good point...i did hear him mention those two...they're both lucky to be playing pro hockey so no biggie to me....but your point is taken

Exhibit 1) Jim Benning

and 1 A) Fred Boimistruck

both high round picks by Toronto that were thrown to the wolves straight out of junior and I KNOW Rick J remembers these two



- philco28

Very true and that stuff doesn't happen only North of the Border....The Rangers could have handled Del Zotto in a smarter way.

Circus trip ends with impressive 5-2 win. Hawks are set up for a great December -. On The Blackhawks: My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eDT6X6

Blues lose and Hawks are back in control of the Central

Very true and that stuff doesn't happen only North of the Border....The Rangers could have handled Del Zotto in a smarter way.

Circus trip ends with impressive 5-2 win. Hawks are set up for a great December -. On The Blackhawks: My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eDT6X6
- Al

You could argue Seabs' was tossed into the chum filled waters too but his CHARACTER saw him through those tough early years.