Q used up a a lot of political capital and fan good will with Kompon. He is now officially part of the problem, no question.
- John Jaeckel

I'd contend that he's been part of the probelm the entire time.

I cannot stand the line juggling act. It never lets chemistry develop organically, and always reeks of desperation. Even I can throw crap against the wall in hopes that something sticks...

I think lack of chemistry has really augmented the weaknesses of the roster over the past two seasons.

For the life of me, I also cannot understand the treatment of Frolik last season. His struggles with inconsistency, in my mind were attributed to his lack of playing time, and lack of playing time with the right line(s). The guy is responsible defensively, and potted 20 two times with lesser talent around him in Florida. I realize the makeup of the roster provided some constraints - but re-signing him for the kind of money he got should have dictated that he get a legit shot at top-six play, which he didn't.

As shoddy as Detroit's blueline corps are now, I don't see Detroit making the playoffs.
- EKolb13

Eli...the way you've been complaining, I can't imagine you expect the Hawks to make the playoffs either.

Am I wrong?

Unbelievable...

...so we now have Wings fans joining Hawks fans to bytch about the offseason. Didn't think I'd see that happen...ever.

So...the division belongs to the Blues now?

Well I'm not ready to anoint them with anything...F' the Blues!
- ArlingtonRob

LOL... It was bound to happen sooner or later.

I'd have to agree that the Blues would be the favorite to win the division. They are a tough team to play against. They have size, very solid defense and are still young. They just need more offense. They gotta be able to roll 4 good lines to win the Cup though. Like the Wings use to do when they were contenders.

Eli...the way you've been complaining, I can't imagine you expect the Hawks to make the playoffs either.

Am I wrong?
- ArlingtonRob

No, you're not wrong. However, I think the Hawks chances of making the playoffs are better than Detroit's at this point.

Even if the Hawks make the playoffs, they won't get very far. Another 1st round and out. Unless Bowman gets a real goaltender and/or a power forward (wing or center) that can play in the top six by the trade deadline.

So...the division belongs to the Blues now?

Well I'm not ready to anoint them with anything...F' the Blues!
- ArlingtonRob

They had a hell of a run last season. We'll see if it's for real this season. If the season is even played?

Looks like we're back to the 2005-7 days when the management is so dysfunctional that no one wants to come here... Sad. Looks like nothing will get done till we end this season in disgrace and hopefully McD and SB and Q and his cronies all get let go...

If Toews ever leaves as a FA I'm done with this team...
- busmaster

Stop whinning!!!!

They will be fine. Prob win the division, and have a better roster than last year (barring catostrophic injury)

Guys like shaw, olsen, kruger, leddy, heck and maybe stalberg will be more matured with another year under their belts. They will contribute.

No, you're not wrong. However, I think the Hawks chances of making the playoffs are better than Detroit's at this point.

Even if the Hawks make the playoffs, they won't get very far. Another 1st round and out. Unless Bowman gets a real goaltender and/or a power forward (wing or center) that can play in the top six by the trade deadline.
- EKolb13

On this we largely agree. But there are alot of unpredictable things that can happen during a season, so I'm gonna watch things unfold and hope for the best....

...then there's that CBA thing all the kids are talkin' about....

D on this team is still razor thin. Sure it looks decent on paper now...but can it sustain 1 or GOD FORBID 2 injuries and thrive?

*drinks gallon of tequila*
- imgross.org

Razor thin????

Same defensive roster as last year, with adding brookbank, full year of oduya, no lepisto or o'donnell, and a more mature and hopefully better olsen and leddy

Razor thin????

Same defensive roster as last year, with adding brookbank, full year of oduya, no lepisto or o'donnell, and a more mature and hopefully better olsen and leddy
- Wowo2282

I agree, but good gahd I hope Crawford finds his game...

...of SB finally brings in a good veteran goalie...from somewhere...somehow.

I forget his full name, but one of my most cherished books in my collection, was Career Misconduct by Mark Weinberg. It offered a introspective on more than just Bill Wirtz' rule over the Hawks organization. It pieced together years of Bill Wirtz' actions that led to the power he had in Chicago, with the sports franchises, professional boxing, property along the lake front, and the NHL's old school ownership crust. This book chipped off a 30-40 year span of his career, and in neatly organized sections presented a redux for readers to understand the more focused on points of the downfall of his reign in the 90s with the lack of televised home games, exit of players named Belfour, Roenick, Amonte, and Chelios.

I always remember buying his Blue Line publications for a $1 outside the Stadium and then Center before Weinberg just stopped wasting his efforts and money. He was truly a pioneer and one of the guys that helped the fans of Chicago realize what was happening behind closed doors and with the organization that wasn't covered in the traditional press credentialed outlets of the Trib or Sun Times. That spat between Weiberg and Wirtz and co. Reminds me alot of the crap that Islanders blogger went through earlier this year.

Anywho, JJ, I really enjoy your pieces and while I may differ in opinions occasionally, that is what keeps me coming back. This piece is a perfect example of what we all come here for. A view of some of the things that we may piece together from various outlets, but you do your research, get your scoops, and compile them in her dot argue facts that point to the erosion of the dynasty core that was formed in a few short years, after many many many dismal years fans of this franchise were so happy to put behind us. Just like that this cyclical window of the franchise seems to be closing while McD and StanBo put another can of plutonium in the Delorium, and hit the pedal leading us back to the future.

Understanding the seeds planted in the past 5 years, what's been ripped out and why we are reliving some of the same drama of a power hungry organization that can hide behind a marketing campaign, a similar campaign that's plagued the lovable organization McD came from, yet many refuse to uncover and make public. Thank you for keeping us informed of ripples out at sea and how they equate to the waves we see on shore.

Thank you for making your blog one of the best sources for Blackhawks family matters that impact the product we support and pay to see. I think you have one of the most interesting and best blogs on this site. Keep doing what you are doing.
- GuyForget

Honored, thanks

First time in a long time I write on this board...I just want to say you absolutely hit it on the head with this article JJ. I already sent this article out to friends of mine who have been saying a few of the points you hit on.

It really has been sad to watch this organization go from the top in 10' to puttering away now in 2012. My expectations for this upcoming season could not be any lower. The word "neglect" seems to be how I would describe StanBo's tenure as the GM here in Chicago.

The Campbell signing seemed to be the changing of the guard, big time free agents were now talking of Chicago as the "place to be". To hear that is no longer the case only a few short years later, with middle of the road FA's not even wanting to come here has to say something. Hopefully something is done, but I do not hold my breathe. I have a strange feeling StanBo will be around for a few more years even if things wind up like we all expect them to this year...

Thanks again JJ!
- cubbfan19

You are very welcome

JJ, do you really think that Toews will leave (or wants to leave right now) once he reaches UFA?

-If that happens, the Hawks are completely screwed, and I would probably give up hope.
- KingIndig0

I have no special insight here. I do get the sense he and Seabrook REALLY just want to win. And that both are frustrated wit the hast two years. If it continues like this . . .

Stop whinning!!!!

They will be fine. Prob win the division, and have a better roster than last year (barring catostrophic injury)

Guys like shaw, olsen, kruger, leddy, heck and maybe stalberg will be more matured with another year under their belts. They will contribute.
- Wowo2282

Kruger should be better ....Shaw...lets hope he at least holds even same with Stalberg Olsen should improve...Leddy needs about 25 lbs AND bickell should play better (contract year ).....

90% Pandering to your follower base.

10% Substance.

Who's your editor Roger Ailes? Lost a lot of respect for you today.



- scorerstouch

Results speak volumes.

90% Pandering to your follower base.

10% Substance.

Who's your editor Roger Ailes? Lost a lot of respect for you today.



- scorerstouch

Unfortunately, JJ, I agree with this. This blog post was too over the top, sky is falling. Love reading your stuff, appreciate your effort and time. Thanks always, but this one felt like a pandering to get attention/hits, etc

JJ is very good at spotting trends and seeing where they are heading.... a lot of other writers (and fans) ignore those trends. The Hawks in reality are a playoff bubble team now. Truth is, had they lost 2 more games may have been out completely last season. You say the 9 game losing streak like it was an anomaly ... and maybe it was.... but couldnt the first 50 games or so going injury free at home be an anomaly as well. 101 points was good for 11th in the NHL last season. The hawks have not improved and while some teams may have gotten worse in the west others should do better in the standings (LA, SJ, Minny for example). You might not agree with JJ now but one day if you suck up your pride you'll be back saying 'JJ made some valid points'.
- moylander

A bubble team just won the stanley cup! The Kings were playing great at the right time. The nine game losing streak was an anomaly this year, everything that could go wrong, did. Even going under .500, say 4-5 instead puts them in contention for the conference lead. All I'm saying is that this is a good team that need to fix a couple things. IF they can do that, then I'd say watch out. JJ writes like they are the blue jackets.

Do you really believe JJ that things are that bad in Hawknation? WOW He "found" ONE, yes ONE un-named "source" who hates Kompon!!! Yeah, that's enough for me, one "source"....JJ has hardly anymore access to information coming out of the Hawks than you or I. You need to read these blogs on hockeybuzz like you're reading the weekly world news, very rarely does anything any of these guys print come true.

This is a team coming off a 101 point season, while suffering a 9 game losing streak, losing their best player to a concussion, and having crappy special teams.
The way this blog is written, you'd think they had 85 points and missed the playoffs.
- Htppr

I actually found a number of sources who think Kompon is a joke. Didn't take the time to attribute them all.

"101 points," Is that you, Stan?

A bubble team just won the stanley cup! The Kings were playing great at the right time. The nine game losing streak was an anomaly this year, everything that could go wrong, did. Even going under .500, say 4-5 instead puts them in contention for the conference lead. All I'm saying is that this is a good team that need to fix a couple things. IF they can do that, then I'd say watch out. JJ writes like they are the blue jackets.
- Htppr

The (frank)ing Kings were PERFECTLY built for play off hockey! PERIOD .

A bubble team just won the stanley cup! The Kings were playing great at the right time. The nine game losing streak was an anomaly this year, everything that could go wrong, did. Even going under .500, say 4-5 instead puts them in contention for the conference lead. All I'm saying is that this is a good team that need to fix a couple things. IF they can do that, then I'd say watch out. JJ writes like they are the blue jackets.
- Htppr

I've forgotten more than you know about the Blue jackets, believe me. There is room here for Pom Pom Wavers.

Everything that could go wrong did?

REALLY?

In truth, while the Hawks had some injuries in the latter part of the season, until the ASG, they were the healthiest team in the league.

What else went wrong? Your boy "Crow" gave up two of the softest goals—in OT no less— is Stanlet Cup history. The power play was dreadful all season. The captain got knocked around like a rag doll and nobody did anything about it.

A good team that needs to fix a couple of things? Maybe.

What's been fixed? That's the point.

Keep waving the Pom Poms!

Leddy needs about 25 lbs
- southernhawk

I actually found a number of sources who think Kompon is a joke. Didn't take the time to attribute them all.

"101 points," Is that you, Stan?
- John Jaeckel

.....beat me to it......

Kruger should be better ....Shaw...lets hope he at least holds even same with Stalberg Olsen should improve...Leddy needs about 25 lbs AND bickell should play better (contract year ).....
- southernhawk

Exactly, I don't understand all this gloom and doom. Everyone in here is just looking for a "splash" to be made. You would think we are cheering for the bluejackets or something.

I wanted the hawks to sign suter or parise of course but at a reasonable cap hit. What they got especially suter is astronomical and I am quite happy stan bowman was not a moron and spent the remainder of the cap on him. How good will he even be w/o being paired with weber? Bet he won't be that great. And those of you who want to sign the winnik's of the world? WHY? What have they ever done? Last i saw the san jose sharks loaded up on those types of guys at the deadline. Yaaaaa how far did that get them? I'd rather insert hayes or a younger guy into the lineup that could bring energy. This is just my opinion. Hawks on paper are the best in the division right now.

And don't you think rocky understands the whole free agent contract situation will be addressed in the CBA? Personally i hope the cap goes down a bit and those teams paying big bucks for above average players will rot with those contracts

- EKolb13

Exactly, I don't understand all this gloom and doom. Everyone in here is just looking for a "splash" to be made. You would think we are cheering for the bluejackets or something.

I wanted the hawks to sign suter or parise of course but at a reasonable cap hit. What they got especially suter is astronomical and I am quite happy stan bowman was not a moron and spent the remainder of the cap on him. How good will he even be w/o being paired with weber? Bet he won't be that great. And those of you who want to sign the winnik's of the world? WHY? What have they ever done? Last i saw the san jose sharks loaded up on those types of guys at the deadline. Yaaaaa how far did that get them? I'd rather insert hayes or a younger guy into the lineup that could bring energy. This is just my opinion. Blues on paper are the best in the division right now.
- Wowo2282

Fixed.

Really liked how the last one resorted to posting pictures of pretty ladies. That was amusing to say the least.

In honor of the Olympics: http://content.usatoday.c...-then-wins/1#.UAlXR2Ge4TY

Anyways, don't the Hawks will be terrible. Think I have mentioned that before. Don't think they are going to be significantly better (or better in general) than some of the more competitive teams in the West (Vancouver, LA, San Jose).

They have some young talent, which is neat. Problem is they have a coach who is in my opinion better at coaching veterans than developing youth... Massive issue if they are getting younger. Plan A, Plan B and Plan C seem to be a clusterwhatever of who knows what.

Kruger and Leddy and Bickell and Stalberg should take a step forward, true. However, relying on them or a rookie or two to step up and make a big impact is pretty foolish. If that is their intention they should have fired the coaching staff, brought in someone who could "teach the game" and market "these kids can play" so they are at least straight forward about the situation and fans know what to expect.

The Hawks are still relevant IMO but if they bonk like they did last year a lot of "casual" fans / box owners who can't see past the PR are going to be irritated they were sold a golden goose but ended up with same old dairy cow instead.