>Great theater ahead, indeed
>You point out the real "head-scratcher" -- why did this team get throttled so badly after a great regular season? Why so "dead" on the ice?
>Also have to wonder how both Stan & Q are taking the McD "review" after all the success they have had
>I sincerely hope every move the org makes works "big time"
- SnapitUpstairs

First and IMO, the entire organization from top to bottom completely underestimated the Nashville Predators. That's called lack of respect for the opponent; bad things happen with that attitude. The Preds are a very good hockey team and well coached. They were and are better than the Blackhawks currently.

But even inferior teams compete extremely hard in the playoffs (e.g. Toronto, Calgary, Columbus). Chicago did not - why not is the most troubling question when analyzing the roster composition.

McD is doing the corporate performance review thing. Recording "Failure to Meet Expectations" is the forerunner to dismissal and change. Q and Stanbo make big coin in their jobs - deliver the goods or we"ll find somebody that will.

I'd be very interested to know what the season ticket renewal rate is going into next year. It has been virtually automatic for the last few years even tho the prices kept climbing.

For sure McD has his finger all over that pulse.
- RickJ

I'm guessing that it remains high. One thing that a 50 win season does is mask the quick exit in the eyes of the people forking up the dough. The thought is probably that this was just a bump in the road and they will remain competitive.

I find some of your comments bizarre
Seabrook - why would you even speculate something like that
Keith - a year ago, I am sure he is over it, more like his knee may be shot
Anisamov - what does his ethnicity have to do with his skill level or health?
Oduya - Only normal comment
Panarian - again, ethnicity?
Toews - a bit jealous? they have dated through a few cups. As vetted in detail on this blog, people speculate it is his training and diet regime.
- riozzo

who do you think got Toews on that diet regime or why he would do it? just joking, I have no idea.
Basically, the players can have lots of off ice stuff going on that might effect training regiment and mental state (compete level); like most professional athletes.

Please tell me why Panarin has not showed up in the playoffs the last two years, I only can think that he is Russian. lol jj, who knows.

First and IMO, the entire organization from top to bottom completely underestimated the Nashville Predators. That's called lack of respect for the opponent; bad things happen with that attitude. The Preds are a very good hockey team and well coached. They were and are better than the Blackhawks currently.

But even inferior teams compete extremely hard in the playoffs (e.g. Toronto, Calgary, Columbus). Chicago did not - why not is the most troubling question when analyzing the roster composition.

McD is doing the corporate performance review thing. Recording "Failure to Meet Expectations" is the forerunner to dismissal and change. Q and Stanbo make big coin in their jobs - deliver the goods or we"ll find somebody that will.
- RickJ

THIS^^^^^^

well said.....

who do you think got Toews on that diet regime or why he would do it? just joking, I have no idea.
Basically, the players can have lots of off ice stuff going on that might effect training regiment and mental state (compete level); like most professional athletes.

Please tell me why Panarin has not showed up in the playoffs the last two years, I only can think that he is Russian. lol jj, who knows.
- Topshelf2010

he had 7 points last year vs STL........he was a ghost this year like many others.

Watching these Eastern Conference playoffs makes you realize how far the Hawks were from playoff tempo.

I mean, if the Hawks were to play how they played against the Preds and had to match up against the Pens, Caps, Rangers, Sens and even the teams knocked out in the first round, they would get creamed.

They truly were unprepared and stood no chance in the playoffs.

EDIT
I think the East looks stronger than the West this year.

First and IMO, the entire organization from top to bottom completely underestimated the Nashville Predators. That's called lack of respect for the opponent; bad things happen with that attitude. The Preds are a very good hockey team and well coached. They were and are better than the Blackhawks currently.

But even inferior teams compete extremely hard in the playoffs (e.g. Toronto, Calgary, Columbus). Chicago did not - why not is the most troubling question when analyzing the roster composition.

McD is doing the corporate performance review thing. Recording "Failure to Meet Expectations" is the forerunner to dismissal and change. Q and Stanbo make big coin in their jobs - deliver the goods or we"ll find somebody that will.
- RickJ

As it should be. Being successful over the last 8 years gives them both a little bit of leash, but that only goes so far. Look at the list of Cup winners over the last 15-20 years. All of them have gone through coaching and/or GM changes since their last win.

Winning buys you time......it does not guarantee you a lifetime position.

Hopefully they will be a work in progress that trends up over the year. But if they do slip I hope their chute opens.
- 6628

>Seems hard to believe the same group of players and approaches will produce better results
>Unless different roles are given to players and also the younger players really improve

Watching these Eastern Conference playoffs makes you realize how far the Hawks were from playoff tempo.

I mean, if the Hawks were to play how they played against the Preds and had to match up against the Pens, Caps, Rangers, Sens and even the teams knocked out in the first round, they would get creamed.

They truly were unprepared and stood no chance in the playoffs.

EDIT
I think the East looks stronger than the West this year.
- Hank3Henshaw

Agreed....I think your cup final is happening right now between Pitts-Wash. Baring a major injury, I can't see the winner losing to NYR-OTT or having a western conference team take them out.

Wash has the talent, but can they overcome the mental side to get past Pitts?

First and IMO, the entire organization from top to bottom completely underestimated the Nashville Predators. That's called lack of respect for the opponent; bad things happen with that attitude. The Preds are a very good hockey team and well coached. They were and are better than the Blackhawks currently.

But even inferior teams compete extremely hard in the playoffs (e.g. Toronto, Calgary, Columbus). Chicago did not - why not is the most troubling question when analyzing the roster composition.

McD is doing the corporate performance review thing. Recording "Failure to Meet Expectations" is the forerunner to dismissal and change. Q and Stanbo make big coin in their jobs - deliver the goods or we"ll find somebody that will.
- RickJ

>Indeed
>Also, McD knows that if players play like they "do not care" -- fans first get pissed, then stop caring
>Which leads to fans not buying tickets or following the team

Watching these Eastern Conference playoffs makes you realize how far the Hawks were from playoff tempo.

I mean, if the Hawks were to play how they played against the Preds and had to match up against the Pens, Caps, Rangers, Sens and even the teams knocked out in the first round, they would get creamed.

They truly were unprepared and stood no chance in the playoffs.

EDIT
I think the East looks stronger than the West this year.
- Hank3Henshaw

Frankly, the way the Hawks played they would have had a difficult time prevailing over the Buffalo Sabres or New Jersey Devils.

THIS^^^^^^

well said.....
- SteveRain

Hey Rain, Rick has been on fire for a couple of weeks now.
My tix in the 200 level last season with the seat license figured in cost 309.00 for the pair per game. I only keep a few games as I deem that excessive. But as long as I have people hounding me for tickets I'm in. But only as long as they do. Effort and compete will keep them buying no matter the record. But a poopshow like round 1 again and that might change.

Agreed....I think your cup final is happening right now between Pitts-Wash. Baring a major injury, I can't see the winner losing to NYR-OTT or having a western conference team take them out.

Wash has the talent, but can they overcome the mental side to get past Pitts?
- SteveRain

Totally agree, but anything can happen in the playoffs, you know? But it's funny because the Western Conference teams just look so much weaker than what we're seeing in the PIT-WAS series. Some great hockey!

You're right, Washington has the team, but will historical bad mojo derail them?

Hey Rain, Rick has been on fire for a couple of weeks now.
My tix in the 200 level last season with the seat license figured in cost 309.00 for the pair per game. I only keep a few games as I deem that excessive. But as long as I have people hounding me for tickets I'm in. But only as long as they do. Effort and compete will keep them buying no matter the record. But a poopshow like round 1 again and that might change.
- 6628

Agreed and the science of nhlticket exchange allows teams to monitor the secondary market so they can pass along increases without hesitation.

I agree......lots of what I deem casual fans are all IN now, but that fight for the discretionary dollar is what McD is up against......especially in fall with Bears, or a baseball team doing well......winter/spring is what he has to own......

face value to sit in our seats is $400 for all 4.....easy out parking is $35......food/concessions....you are looking at $500 minimum for a family of 4 to sit in the 300 level in the highest tier.

That's asking a LOT.

But the average fan, and the majority of those that fill the seats in the UC now are not knowledgable fans like those that come on a hockey blog. They are lemmings that lap up all the "one goal" hype and the pre-game theatrics. They drove to the game in their Chevy, because thats what Kane and Toews drive, and they barely know the difference between Offsides and Icing. They can maybe tell you who Sidney Crosby is, but most likely can't name the top player on most of the other teams. These are the people that McD and the Hawks care about, because they allow them to continue to raise ticket prices and get premium $ for concessions, etc. Regardless of Toews' production, he is the face too many of the fans associate with the Hawks, and they won't risk the backlash of trading him.
- TheTrob

Yep Trob, agreed 100% on all of the above ^^^^^

Totally agree, but anything can happen in the playoffs, you know? But it's funny because the Western Conference teams just look so much weaker than what we're seeing in the PIT-WAS series. Some great hockey!

You're right, Washington has the team, but will historical bad mojo derail them?
- Hank3Henshaw

I'm pulling hard for Wash. I don't like Crosby, respect his game, accomplishments, just not a fan. Would be great for hockey to see OVi an Washington win, and most importantly a guy like Trotz.

See what happens......

Thinking out loud. Would hawks fans do the following.

Trade Toews to LV for

Vegas 1st round this year
Choice of who Vegas selects from Chicago
Gets to pick 2 players from the list of all available players to be include in the trade

who do you think got Toews on that diet regime or why he would do it? just joking, I have no idea.
Basically, the players can have lots of off ice stuff going on that might effect training regiment and mental state (compete level); like most professional athletes.

Please tell me why Panarin has not showed up in the playoffs the last two years, I only can think that he is Russian. lol jj, who knows.
- Topshelf2010

Dude that is bordering on being racist.

Yep Trob, agreed 100% on all of the above ^^^^^
- Murph76

100% agree.....I wrongfully name these folks the t-shirt mafia. They regurgitate some of the most asinine crap you will ever hear when they sit near you and just dont' understand the game.

Usually it's a pack of 4....the 2 guys are there to watch the game, and the 2 ladies chat up each other mid play or are on their phones.

Just my experience in dealing with them....not being sexist, that's a sample size of a couple hundred games over the last 5+ years.

First thing is you cannot stay good forever in the salary cap world. When you give $10.5 mil to 2 guys on your roster you hope to win with them. You did! Now you are stuck with them and you hope you develop well. I think Chicago has done a great job. If you can move a contract or two, it would help. I think Seabrook contract was a big mistake and will come back to haunt you.
- Champ

For me, the beginning of the Cup window closing happened when these 2 contracts kicked in. Collectively the Wonder Twins raise was what, 8 or 9 million?? Weren't they already making about 6 to 6.5 apiece?? I find it laughable to think of 10.5 as a "hometown discount". Imagine the ripple down affect if they had signed for "only" 8 or 9 apiece.

I don't care for McD, but i'm glad to read of his gross displeasure about the overall current state of the Hawks. Will be glad to see a number of major changes. The only 2 guys in the entire organization that i would not consider moving are Kane and Hossa. Everyone else including front office, coaching staff, scouting, etc.,etc. should be in play!

Oh yea, one other thing, HEY ROCKY, DUMP CORNELIASON AND BRING BACK WAYNE MESSMER

A moment of silence for those of you who remember it fondly:

Jen‏ @NHLhistorygirl
On this date in 1994, #Blackhawks played their final game in Chicago Stadium.
- pdx2ord

yes, sad day. took off a week of work to come into town for the last 3 regular season and 2 playoff games.

Dude that is bordering on being racist.
- riozzo

Is Russian a race?

It does appear to be a fact that many Russians disappear in the NHL playoffs. There are exceptions but many also appear to be more interested in international play than a Cup. So far, Panarin has been a no show other than the regular season drive to the bonus. Hope that changes but he needs to provide some proof.

I read that Montreal may not protect Daunault for the draft. I wonder if it would be a good idea to work a trade with Las Vegas. I always liked Daunault. I think he could be a solid 3rd or 4th line center.

Thinking out loud. Would hawks fans do the following.

Trade Toews to LV for

Vegas 1st round this year
Choice of who Vegas selects from Chicago
Gets to pick 2 players from the list of all available players to be include in the trade
- Gerk

More garbage from a bitterly jealous fan of a mediocre franchise. You're trolling would be so much more effective if the Blues ever won a cup.

I'd lay even odds Yeo loses the room by December next season. Both the Blues and Preds "Cup wins" were beating the Hawks in the playoffs. That is the crest of the wave for both organizations. Better than even odds that this Hawks core is back in the finals before Tarasenko (at least while he is in SL).

More garbage from a bitterly jealous fan of a mediocre franchise. You're trolling would be so much more effective if the Blues ever won a cup.

I'd lay even odds Yeo loses the room by December next season. Both the Blues and Preds "Cup wins" were beating the Hawks in the playoffs. That is the crest of the wave for both organizations. Better than even odds that this Hawks core is back in the finals before Tarasenko (at least while he is in SL).
- tredbrta

Wtf are you talking about.

pretty clear who the bitter one is