To approach maudlin for a minute or two (not the cartoonist):

There is only so much hockey that you can talk - whether in the off season or during the season - only so many rumors you (not you, JJ) can make up, only so much Crawford sucks, Leddy's terrible, PP is bad....

We had a nice community here probably until after the play-offs last year, and I think it was largely because we felt that when the hockey talk slowed down, we could discuss other things: music, movies, first jobs, even a bit of politics - we'd keep coming back to see what was going on, contributing....

On game nights, we were all here because we felt like we knew each other and wanted to discuss the game. Many game nights would have 1,000 posts, page after page, hockey, jokes, put-downs, insults - we all survived and wanted to come back for more.

But now - I don't think many feel that way anymore - we have to watch what we talk about, we have to watch what we say - certainly we all (many of us) go overboard at times - but I'm not sure the "old crowd" feels like checking in to see what's going on any more. Philco, Bogie, Mo - where are they?

Now, maybe that's the way Ecklund - and JJ - want it. But, with all due respect, Eli - we never needed a referee, things never got that out of hand - and I miss the old place.
- StLBravesFan

StL, this is fair.

But I wish you wouldn't point it at Eli.

Let me say this, I personally have no issue with: "music, movies, first jobs, even a bit of politics ". Well the politics stuff ALWAYS gets heated and personal. So no, I can't be cool with that.

Truth.

Unfortunately, I don't know where guys like Philco went. I consider him a friend.



That said, I know why a lot of others are gone. Let's face it, so do you. And we both know it had nothing to do with movies or first jobs. And I can't blame Eli for that. He did the job a mod is supposed to do.

And I think if we're all being completely honest, some people have an issue with that.

The fun will come back.

Just some of the people who made it personal, well beyond "overboard"—calculated, orchestrated, let's try to tear people down, here and on Twitter—without question—like the ugly, personal and uncalled for post that got taken down yesterday—won't. Or not for a long time and with a different attitude.

Peace.

TV market goes into Canada, right? Might have a lot of Canadian fans - don't really know how Buffalo relates to just across the river.
- StLBravesFan

Just a silly joke, no need to read too much into it

Maybe he's ok in real life but i dislike him as an entertainer, and i picture him acting that way all the time.
- BlazinMike

I've had a few interactions with him. Found him to be a very nice guy.

StL, this is fair.

But I wish you wouldn't point it at Eli.

Let me say this, I personally have no issue with: "music, movies, first jobs, even a bit of politics ". Well the politics stuff ALWAYS gets heated and personal. So no, I can't be cool with that.

Truth.

Unfortunately, I don't know where guys like Philco went. I consider him a friend.

That said, I know why a lot of others are gone. Let's face it, so do you. And we both know it had nothing to do with movies or first jobs. And I can't blame Eli for that. He did the job a mod is supposed to do.

And I think if we're all being completely honest, some people have an issue with that.

The fun will come back.

Just some of the people who made it personal—without question—like the ugly, personal and uncalled for post that got taken down yesterday—won't. Or not for a long time and with a different attitude.

Peace.
- John Jaeckel

My opinion is that we didn't need a mod - we were doing fine on our own - and I'm not laying it on Eli, I'm laying it on the fact that we wound up with a full time mod. Yes, Eli is doing what the powers that be want him to do - I don't think we needed the supervision here.

I'm done.

Good question. None that I recall.
- John Jaeckel

Verdi covered the hawks for more than just a couple of years in the late 60's and 70's, but nobody ever came close to Sassone.

Personally, I think Kap's a really nice guy.
- John Jaeckel

Kap might be a nice guy, but his on air persona is preachy, condescending, and presumptuous. I cannot stand to listen to him or Haugh when they get up on some social issue soapbox. I attempt to watch their show because I want to hear about sports, you know, to take me away from the real news. Then they try to socialize every story in sports and it ruins it.

My opinion is that we didn't need a mod - we were doing fine on our own - and I'm not laying it on Eli, I'm laying it on the fact that we wound up with a full time mod. Yes, Eli is doing what the powers that be want him to do - I don't think we needed the supervision here.

I'm done.
- StLBravesFan

Agreed

My opinion is that we didn't need a mod - we were doing fine on our own - and I'm not laying it on Eli, I'm laying it on the fact that we wound up with a full time mod. Yes, Eli is doing what the powers that be want him to do - I don't think we needed the supervision here.

I'm done.
- StLBravesFan

I do not mind having a Mod, especially when trolls show up. I look at the role of a Mod is to protect our turf, not to punish us.
Another thing, we are all passionate about the Blackhawks, hockey, sports, whatever subject is being discussed. If we can't laugh at ourselves sometimes, then we shouldn't be on this board. It is a greeat place to vent, discuss, and learn.

My opinion is that we didn't need a mod - we were doing fine on our own - and I'm not laying it on Eli, I'm laying it on the fact that we wound up with a full time mod. Yes, Eli is doing what the powers that be want him to do - I don't think we needed the supervision here.

I'm done.
- StLBravesFan

With or without Eli, there was still going to be a mod more dedicated to here.

Kap might be a nice guy, but his on air persona is preachy, condescending, and presumptuous. I cannot stand to listen to him or Haugh when they get up on some social issue soapbox. I attempt to watch their show because I want to hear about sports, you know, to take me away from the real news. Then they try to socialize every story in sports and it ruins it.
- DirkGraham

Funny, Haugh is also a really nice guy personally (from my experience). Listen, I don't go out drinking with these guys. They've just been friendly and respectful in my interactions with them.

I do not mind having a Mod, especially when trolls show up. I look at the role of a Mod is to protect our turf, not to punish us.
Another thing, we are all passionate about the Blackhawks, hockey, sports, whatever subject is being discussed. If we can't laugh at ourselves sometimes, then we shouldn't be on this board. It is a greeat place to vent, discuss, and learn.
- powerenforcer

That was my thought as well. If you sign off of Hockeybuzz at night or after work or whatever too angry to sleep then you have no business being here. Its a god damn hockey rumor blog website. As far as i know, nobody has ever threatened/insulted anyones family on here. Grow up dorks!

With or without Eli, there was still going to be a mod more dedicated to here.
- stashu

more dedicated is different from full-time. Mods used to show up occasionally but then they'd leave and everything was fine with them or without them here.

Now it sucks basically

Funny, Haugh is also a really nice guy personally (from my experience). Listen, I don't go out drinking with these guys. They've just been friendly and respectful in my interactions with them.
- John Jaeckel

Not trying to change your mind about them, just saying the way they come off when on the air, they seem like jerks. If they were nice to you when you talked to them then thats cool.

Funny, Haugh is also a really nice guy personally (from my experience). Listen, I don't go out drinking with these guys. They've just been friendly and respectful in my interactions with them.
- John Jaeckel

I don't doubt any of that. Just can't stand their style of journalism.

more dedicated is different from full-time. Mods used to show up occasionally but then they'd leave and everything was fine with them or without them here.

Now it sucks basically
- BlazinMike

As I've mentioned in posts on the Sabres board, I welcome emails to CaptEO if my "work" appears to be getting done wrong. If he thinks they're right, I'll see that god-like Referee tag disappear from under my name.

As I've mentioned in posts on the Sabres board, I welcome emails to CaptEO if my "work" appears to be getting done wrong. If he thinks they're right, I'll see that god-like Referee tag disappear from under my name.
- stashu

Who's CaptEO? And how do i email him to complain about our Ref?

My opinion is that we didn't need a mod - we were doing fine on our own - and I'm not laying it on Eli, I'm laying it on the fact that we wound up with a full time mod. Yes, Eli is doing what the powers that be want him to do - I don't think we needed the supervision here.

I'm done.
- StLBravesFan

Again, I can't comment on bans handed down for movies, music, etc.,

But where I will disagree with you is your assertion that a mod wasn’t necessary.
You are conflating—perhaps deliberately shifting—the movies. tv, etc issue with the fact that some guys got themselves banned because they decided to go on a character assassination crusade, that had nothing to do with movies, tv, Obama or first dates—got several warnings and finally got themselves banned.

I plan to work on the movies, tv, etc issue, because, I have no problem with it.

It’s regrettable that you feel that whatever it is, it’s worth leaving over. But if your feelings are not about movies, tv, etc., and really the other stuff and not being able to let that go, it’s probably better that you go.

Too bad. You're always welcome back.

Who's CaptEO? And how do i email him to complain about our Ref?
- BlazinMike

http://www.hockeybuzz.com..._message.php?user_id=3355

more dedicated is different from full-time. Mods used to show up occasionally but then they'd leave and everything was fine with them or without them here.

Now it sucks basically
- BlazinMike

I agree with you. I have no problem once a while having a monitor check us out. However, having a full time sensor has put a bad taste in my mouth. I made a rebuttal on a hot political subject( very short). And bang it ..was pulled within a minute.. This site will dwindle from the biggest to the Anaheim site, It's a shame.

StL, this is fair.

But I wish you wouldn't point it at Eli.

Let me say this, I personally have no issue with: "music, movies, first jobs, even a bit of politics ". Well the politics stuff ALWAYS gets heated and personal. So no, I can't be cool with that.

Truth.

Unfortunately, I don't know where guys like Philco went. I consider him a friend.



That said, I know why a lot of others are gone. Let's face it, so do you. And we both know it had nothing to do with movies or first jobs. And I can't blame Eli for that. He did the job a mod is supposed to do.

And I think if we're all being completely honest, some people have an issue with that.

The fun will come back.

Just some of the people who made it personal, well beyond "overboard"—calculated, orchestrated, let's try to tear people down, here and on Twitter—without question—like the ugly, personal and uncalled for post that got taken down yesterday—won't. Or not for a long time and with a different attitude.

Peace.
- John Jaeckel

Just my $.02. This is still a great Hawks / hockey place, and great media for meeting other (teams) fans. (you know who you are). I travel alot and although I have XM/NHL radio. I do hunger for Hawks talk at the end of the day. I have never met many of you but plan on doing so when I catch an out of town game (Grit/Wiz) as well as here in Chicago, Rockford or in fantasy hockey leagues.

We all have choices on where/how we watch/comment on games. And while we might not always agree, when things get a little personal. The Refs have a responsibility. Remember we are Blackhawk-Nation and this thread is a window into our fan base for all to see.

I don't always catch everything on the different outlets like Twitter but imagine there are some hard feelings. Hell I know it. So while I embark on yet another 2700 mile trip, keep the posts going, it is what helps the time go by until I get back.

Yes John - there is and should be no goalie controversy.

Antti 2.0 has less than twenty NHL games under his belt. And, the more he played last year, the more his weaknesses were exposed. He is still IMHO not fully attuned to the North American game.

He makes great athletic saves in part because he is talented, but also to compensate for being out of position - a lot more than he should. He is not yet fully comfortable with the speed of the NHL game. Hopefully, it will come as he gets more games. I'm pulling for him, but he still has a lot to learn.

What is clear is that someone needs to be able to give C2 some down time. He played 71 games last year. Playing that volume of games every year is a ticket to the DL.

I actually think Darling is the future here as long as he is committed to leaving the partying behind him. He is of the modern mold - tall (6'6"), thin, mobile and pretty unflappable. I'd be very interested in seeing him get a start or three fairly soon.

Again, I can't comment on bans handed down for movies, music, etc.,

But where I will disagree with you is your assertion that a mod wasn’t necessary.
You are conflating—perhaps deliberately shifting—the movies. tv, etc issue with the fact that some guys got themselves banned because they decided to go on a character assassination crusade, that had nothing to do with movies, tv, Obama or first dates—got several warnings and finally got themselves banned.

I plan to work on the movies, tv, etc issue, because, I have no problem with it.

It’s regrettable that you feel that whatever it is, it’s worth leaving over. But if your feelings are not about movies, tv, etc., and really the other stuff and not being able to let that go, it’s probably better that you go.

Too bad. You're always welcome back.
- John Jaeckel

Not that I really care to get into this too much but many bans have been handed out without a warning. Which is fine. We are all adults and I like to believe most of us are intelligent enough to know when we have crossed a line.

At the end of the day, it is what is.

Yes John - there is and should be no goalie controversy.

Antti 2.0 has less than twenty NHL games under his belt. And, the more he played last year, the more his weaknesses were exposed. He is still IMHO not fully attuned to the North American game.

He makes great athletic saves in part because he is talented, but also to compensate for being out of position - a lot more than he should. He is not yet fully comfortable with the speed of the NHL game. Hopefully, it will come as he gets more games. I'm pulling for him, but he still has a lot to learn.

What is clear is that someone needs to be able to give C2 some down time. He played 71 games last year. Playing that volume of games every year is a ticket to the DL.

I actually think Darling is the future here as long as he is committed to leaving the partying behind him. He is of the modern mold - tall (6'6"), thin, mobile and pretty unflappable. I'd be very interested in seeing him get a start or three fairly soon.
- Return of the Roar

Based on the 1 game this year so far, LOL, Raanta appeared to a bit more comfortable in net. He didn't look like a kid taking his first swimming lesson on Tuesday. Hope he can continue that.

Not that I really care to get into this too much but many bans have been handed out without a warning. Which is fine. We are all adults and I like to believe most of us are intelligent enough to know when we have crossed a line.

At the end of the day, it is what is.
- Elbows15

Cheers. That's fair.

If guys weren't given second chances, then shame on us. We need to learn from that.

Hey guys,

Been on the site for 3 yrs (mainly just reading) but haven't been a member for long or posted much at all. Have been a lifelong hawks fan (26yrs) and just wanted to say I enjoy reading everything you post JJ and love all of everyone's responses/comments. It's nice to hear different opinions and I hope to share more of mine in the future.

Still bummed I traded Huberdeau for Richards in my fantasy keeper league cuz I expected more but thank god there's a lot more season left.

Not only do we have the best team but we have the best fans!