Do they have apps for computers like they do for cell phones that make you solve a complex math problem prior to making a call/text after a certain time of night?
- FredoXV

They should...I may have my wife hide my computer from me.

I do have Spartacus at 9 pm to fall back on....So the night may not all be lost.

a

I'll just say this Fredo. I hve felt (and I believe once or twice remarked on) this for nearly a year now.

This has eerie parallels to the Bears in 1985-86, when Michael McCaskey eliminated Jerry Vainisi for management/style reasons. At that time, the Bears looked like and should have been a dynasty for another 5-10 years, a thoroughly dominant team and the youngest at that time in the NFL. What followed was a slow slide from dominance to respectability to mediocrity to laughing stocks over about ten years. Mostly because McCaskey's ego could never get out of the way.
- John Jaeckel

That's a very interesting parallel.

Here's my question, though. Other than the fact that the team has a very visible, and heavy-handed marketing campaign (and mindset), is there any real evidence of the arrogance?

I don't really get the McCaskey/Phillips/Angelo/Smith vibe from the pressers just yet. Suppose that doesn't mean it's not headed that way - I'm just wondering if all of this is tied up in the backlash of a paltry January followed by last night's posterior-pounding. If they had won the game last night, I don't think anyone would be writing that the front office is arrogant today...

I wonder if any Red Wings bloggers wrote anything like this when they lost 7-2 to the Canadiens...wow.
- andru2797

Not to quibble, but have you looked at the team stats? No comparison...
The Wings bad game in Montreal? They won 7 straight before it, and have won 2 straight since.

Yeah...alot to complain about.

Is it seriously this bad? Two years removed? It hasn't quite shown in the standings yet.

''Funny how things come full circle. It was the first Edmonton Debacle in November that caused me and a few others to have some serious doubts about this team. We were branded Negative Naysaying Nellies by the One Goal True Believers. "This team is just going through what all good teams do. Stan will fix it. Blah, blah, blah."

How ya feelin' now?''

Do you enjoy this in some sick way because you get to pour salt in the wounds of passionate fans simply because your opinion happened to be right(ish) this time? Congrats, you've been vindicated.

I'd love it if you stopped polarizing this fanbase into rose colored glasses wearing hippies, and truth seeing realists... thanks in advance.
- nathanjf

hahaha I secretly think this every post Nathan.. you'll be right more often this way. I used to check this blog everyday and its slowly fading with the amount of negativity that comes out of JJ's mouth(keyboard) yea yea realist bs.

complaining about a marketing campaign? really? didn't you used to be in marketing JJ? what do you expect it to be? the one goal for every team is to win a cup!..

out

Is it seriously this bad? Two years removed? It hasn't quite shown in the standings yet.
- Just5

Welcome to the rollercoaster of chicago sports fans. Think Philadelphia fans, with less fisticuffs and public urination.

Welcome to the rollercoaster of chicago sports fans. Think Philadelphia fans, with less fisticuffs and public urination.
- FredoXV

Was that:

less (fisticuffs and public urination)

or

(less fisticuffs) and with public urination

Can't tell in Wrigleyville sometimes.

Time to eat some Crow and bench Crawford. it's obvious he's not the answer.
- dstarz20

No crow eating necessary - though I think we'd all agree - since it's already been done with good success.

Time to go to Ray and see what he can do. And by that I don't mean 3 or 4 games total on this trip. Let Crawford sit at the end of the f(u)cking bench and be a door man until they play at least another 3 or 4 games back at the UC.

Was that:

less (fisticuffs and public urination)

or

(less fisticuffs) and with public urination

Can't tell in Wrigleyville sometimes.
- StLBravesFan

Touche. Was meant for less fisticuffs and less public urination. But maybe only slightly less.

FWIW I'd plug Lepisto into the lineup tonight. Can't be worse than Scott, etc. and he'd be rested.

I'd also put Frolik in as well. I know he isn't lighting it up but the guy competes and makes the small plays - even does well on the boards. Given the injury to #15, he may have to go in anyway. Again, fresh legs may help (given 3 in 4 nights for the team).

Go with Emery - he is the new #1.

And then hope like hell StanBo can make a deal before the next game. It is time to jump out ahead of the deadline and part with some "pieces" to get a true top 4 Dman. Maybe even one who isn't an UFA. And also pick up a bruiser for the backend too. Then let Monty and the new bruiser fight it out for the #6 and 7 spots on D. #6 becomes depth.

I'd like to see changes up front but I am not sure Stan can pull it all off. So, if we had to prioritize, I'd go with addressing the following needs:

Must Do: Get top 4 D, get #6/7 physical D

Would Like to Do: Get a physical forward to play 3rd line, PK, etc.

Ulikely: New Goalie and #2 C (I know, I know...Morrison is there now)

If they can only get the Dmen, then I guess you roll the dice with what you have up front and in net.

I will say this, I do enjoy this blog....I dont' always agree with everything that is said, but the thoughts/opinions are well thought out and bring things to my attention that I usually over look.

The core by itself is good enough for a run to the 2nd round. that's the sad part. They just need the RIGHT role players, and a defensive commitment.

Agreed on Emery. Time for Crawford to sit on his ass. I know you saw Sassone's tweet about comparing Crawford last night to Huet in Columbus 2 years ago. Dead nuts on....
- SteveRain

I haven't been on here, even to read, since getting banned last year for--apparently-- insulting a Canucks fan during the Vancouver riots. It has been an enjoyable last little while this afternoon reading the conversation. Though I can cheat a little and read Sassone's articles at the Daily Herald for free, I have been reduced to reading Jesse Rogers as much as anybody for Blackhawks info! Glad you are still here Steve Rain and JJ (along with a few others).

As some of you have been posting, everyone knows what the team is, even as we keep waiting for "tomorrow" when the "real" Blackhawks will show up. Please. The pk and pp are what they are, and the team is what we've been seeing. How can anyone say otherwise? Good teams just don't have games like the 'Hawks have had all year. The core is good, but the bottom half of the team--with a few exceptions--adds very little collectively. I suppose the jury is still out on Morrison, but c'mon, he couldn't play for Calgary???? Not sure he's the answer. And not sure, like many of you guys are saying, that all that farm "talent" is as talented as the PR machine wants everybody to believe.

Anyway, never was a big poster, but glad to be allowed back in to participate occasionally and hear from you all.

Welcome to the rollercoaster of chicago sports fans. Think Philadelphia fans, with less fisticuffs and public urination.
- FredoXV

cool

After which they played quite well for a couple of weeks.
- StLBravesFan

I'm not big on rewarding poor play.

There is a HUGE difference that I think you are missing.

The Hawks fans WILL stay away in droves, where the Cubs fans will not. That's the big difference. That hell hole at Clark and Addison still has people going to it because Cubs games have gone from watching baseball to being an "event".

I own season tickets. Sit in the 300 level. I get the value, but will I pony up 3-4K if this team becomes a marginal team? HELL NO. Ask somebody back in 1999-2007 about trying to dump their seats....it was impossible. Watching Jeff Hamilton type players doesn't excite me. If i want to go to a game, I'll have NO problem getting seats.

McDonough hit a homerun getting the winter classic. His season ticket base escalated, and why? He had a young team with some talent, but more importantly, every person who had season tickets was guaranteed a spot at that game. Look it up. 2007-08 season tickets vs 2008-09. The old man died, they kissed the asses of scorned players (Hull, Mikita, Tony O)....

Fact is, this team talks out of one side of it's mouth, and does another. That's the point. You don't broadcast a commitment to excellence and then do it half ass. There is NO excuse for that, and that's what they are doing.
- SteveRain

Watch what you say about 1060 W. Addison St.

3/4ths of the "attendees" delusional? Sure. Tide is turning though. That 3 million in "attendance" was really less than 2.3 million.

I haven't been on here, even to read, since getting banned last year for--apparently-- insulting a Canucks fan during the Vancouver riots. It has been an enjoyable last little while this afternoon reading the conversation. Though I can cheat a little and read Sassone's articles at the Daily Herald for free, I have been reduced to reading Jesse Rogers as much as anybody for Blackhawks info! Glad you are still here Steve Rain and JJ (along with a few others).

As some of you have been posting, everyone knows what the team is, even as we keep waiting for "tomorrow" when the "real" Blackhawks will show up. Please. The pk and pp are what they are, and the team is what we've been seeing. How can anyone say otherwise? Good teams just don't have games like the 'Hawks have had all year. The core is good, but the bottom half of the team--with a few exceptions--adds very little collectively. I suppose the jury is still out on Morrison, but c'mon, he couldn't play for Calgary???? Not sure he's the answer. And not sure, like many of you guys are saying, that all that farm "talent" is as talented as the PR machine wants everybody to believe.

Anyway, never was a big poster, but glad to be allowed back in to participate occasionally and hear from you all.
- AL SEC0RD

Welcome back, was wondering where you went. Always appreciate your posts.

cool
- Just5

The non-sarcastic answer, no, it's not that bad overall. Last night was horrendous, and the team is trending in a way that isn't appealing.


That said, it isn't completey beyond the realm of possibilities that this team could contend for the cup with some adjustments to the roster and greater effort from certain players. It isn't the 2009-10 Blackhawks, concisely put.

And, much of this is a lot of "What have you done for me lately?"

That's an interesting point. Niemi only was instrumental in helping them win a cup (and they really needed him in the SJ series) while Crawford didn't even win a playoff series and they weren't willing to give Niemi anything near what they gave Crawford in a new contract. Didn't they only want to give Niemi like $1.5 to $1.8 mil?
- Invest

Different situation. They were in cap HELL in July, 2010. Thanks in part to my all-time favourite 'Hawks player Doug Wilson, GM of the Sharks. That $3.5M OS to Hammer really put the screws to SB, who BTW said he wasn't scared of an OS.

Lot's of crap screwed the 'Hawks going into the '10 offseason, but the Nemo and Craw situations were totally different.

The fact of the matter is, we have seen flashes of a top team in the west some games, and flashes of a roller coaster ride to hell in others. Everyone is going to have their own opinion on changes that need to be made. But where I think the change is going to come is within every one of the twenty guys that put on the sweater that night. Patrick Kane has put up numbers, hasnt scored, but he is a much more skilled passer and playmaker. Our captain is playing his best hockey this year. Hossa in my opinion is glaring. When Marian Hossa wants to be I have no doubt in my mind that he is a top five player in the NHL. But this year we have seen that and we have seen efforts such as the one he put forth last night. Patrick Kane's defense is awful, as an NHL player you will get exploited if you cant hold your own in the D-zone. For the first time in his career teams are exploiting this and we are getting a better look now. I think this team needs to make a couple shake ups but it is the team that takes the ice every night that needs to bring it. One change is not going to win a cup with efforts put forth like last nights.

Talk about Hockey Buzz Kill
- Dojodan

Eternal optimism can be admirable, but have you been watching this team play?...in particular since the new year?

5-6-3 with only 5 games on the road. And 7 more consecutive on the road. Not good.

That's a very interesting parallel.

Here's my question, though. Other than the fact that the team has a very visible, and heavy-handed marketing campaign (and mindset), is there any real evidence of the arrogance?

I don't really get the McCaskey/Phillips/Angelo/Smith vibe from the pressers just yet. Suppose that doesn't mean it's not headed that way - I'm just wondering if all of this is tied up in the backlash of a paltry January followed by last night's posterior-pounding. If they had won the game last night, I don't think anyone would be writing that the front office is arrogant today...
- FredoXV

Here's why the Bears and Cub parallels with the Hawks are not the same. The Hawks have to win to stay relevant in Chicago. As much as everybody complains the Bears sell out every game. Up until this season the Cubs did so as well but their gravy train may be coming to an end as even Cub loyalist stopped going. The only thing that will save them for the next couple of seasons is Ricketts hiring Theo Epstein. That move buys the Cubs some time to rebuild and finally get things right.

The Hawks on the other hand can't afford to sell slogans hope or whatever. One or two years of not making the playoffs and good-bye to the sell outs and 21,000+ Wirtz can not afford to be perceived as doing things on the cheap like his father Dollar Bill. If he does all the good will he's created will be forgotten and the Hawks go back to not being relevant again.

Watch what you say about 1060 W. Addison St.

3/4ths of the "attendees" delusional? Sure. Tide is turning though. That 3 million in "attendance" was really less than 2.3 million.
- blackhawk24

I was a die hard until 2008, but after watching the 5th playoff implosion in my lifetime, I gave up.

Paid vs actual attendance, I agree with...

I haven't been on here, even to read, since getting banned last year for--apparently-- insulting a Canucks fan during the Vancouver riots. It has been an enjoyable last little while this afternoon reading the conversation. Though I can cheat a little and read Sassone's articles at the Daily Herald for free, I have been reduced to reading Jesse Rogers as much as anybody for Blackhawks info! Glad you are still here Steve Rain and JJ (along with a few others).

As some of you have been posting, everyone knows what the team is, even as we keep waiting for "tomorrow" when the "real" Blackhawks will show up. Please. The pk and pp are what they are, and the team is what we've been seeing. How can anyone say otherwise? Good teams just don't have games like the 'Hawks have had all year. The core is good, but the bottom half of the team--with a few exceptions--adds very little collectively. I suppose the jury is still out on Morrison, but c'mon, he couldn't play for Calgary???? Not sure he's the answer. And not sure, like many of you guys are saying, that all that farm "talent" is as talented as the PR machine wants everybody to believe.

Anyway, never was a big poster, but glad to be allowed back in to participate occasionally and hear from you all.
- AL SEC0RD

Big Al...missed you. I'm shocked I didn't get banned, because I let that CanUSA17 have it pretty good during those times.

Whatever...welcome back...just in time for the stretch run!

just saw a tweet from Sassone that said some hawk players congratulated Gagner on the ice last night. Tim goes on to say that it should be addressed by Q and/or Stan.

There's the loveable, soft hawks.

Welcome back, was wondering where you went. Always appreciate your posts.
- Dino_Sucks

Thanks--glad to listen in and chime in now and then.

Big Al...missed you. I'm shocked I didn't get banned, because I let that CanUSA17 have it pretty good during those times.

Whatever...welcome back...just in time for the stretch run!
- SteveRain

Thanks--like nothing changed. Same well-directed sarcasm and analysis.

Same thoughts on the Cubs in your other post--that's like going back to an old girlfriend way too many times. Done with that, and I grew up in the 70s (when they were horrible) worshipping them via Vince Lloyd, Lou Boudreau, and Jack Brickhouse. I don't even go there anymore, and it's still tough to stomach McDounough bringing that crap with him.