The First amendment allows TT and anyone else to express their opinions and I support his right to do so. He's a big boy and can and will deal with whatever blow back comes his way. That Freedom is a two way street..... so he will hear plenty either way.
JJ,
I read your blog religiously, and the comment boards that follow. One thing I wonder right now, though, with all of these trade rumors going around that may or may not be credible or factual, is who do you personally think the Hawks should go after as the deadline approaches, and how many potential moves you think the Hawks need to make to be sure-bet Cup contenders?
The First amendment allows TT and anyone else to express their opinions and I support his right to do so. He's a big boy and can and will deal with whatever blow back comes his way. That Freedom is a two way street..... so he will hear plenty either way. - PuckkmeNOpuckU
I completely disagree with Thomas's decision to not attend the White House, as for me he should have gone to support his own team mates, but I do agree it should be his choice to not attend a "work function" if he indeed felt uncomfortable in doing so. I think that is his choice to do so and I think the reasoning he gave is acceptable and not offensive to anyone and he, as a citizen, should be allowed to voice his opinion in this fashion. It is simply just his own political belief and whether I agree with the principle of the matter or not, I don't have any issue with him expressing it provided it was presented as it was.
This reminds me of last year around the Holidays when Kane and Hossa were both hurt. Q too for that matter. The Hawks streamlined their game. Kept it simple as hell, no back passes, or back door set ups. Straight lines to the goal, and the result was 4 straight wins.
Slightly different animal as Toews is out, but keep it simple, stay disciplined,and cash in on the chances that hard work presents.
It would be nice if Kane just drives the Preds nuts. it would also be nice if the puck is seemingly on Keith's stick the entire night tonight. And maybe, just maybe, Q unites the Ice Hogs on a line that just kills it.
It's possible that this is just a one game thing, and Toews and Sharp are back for Vancouver. But even if it goes into the latter days of the WC part of the trip, this doesn't have to be disasterous. It actually could be just the challenge this team needs.
I completely disagree with Thomas's decision to not attend the White House, as for me he should have gone to support his own team mates, but I do agree it should be his choice to not attend a "work function" if he indeed felt uncomfortable in doing so. I think that is his choice to do so and I think the reasoning he gave is acceptable and not offensive to anyone and he, as a citizen, should be allowed to voice his opinion in this fashion. It is simply just his own political belief and whether I agree with the principle of the matter or not, I don't have any issue with him expressing it provided it was presented as it was. - Lohaus
Agreed. And if he's wearing the Red White & Blue for Team USA I'm going to b rooting for him 100%
Looking for a Dman? Maybe one of the following Avs:
"Coach Joe Sacco said he will go with seven defensemen but no work on who will be held out of this game, though either Jan Hejda or Ryan O'byrne look to be the best candidates. Their efforts to score on their own team will be missed but the team will just have to power through games without them." -Musik
As for Thomas---he has the right to say a lot of things, as do all of us. My only question is if it doesn't do his teammates a disservice by making the trip all about him. Historically, there are always guys in every sport who don't like the sitting President but go anyway. Maybe his teammates don't care but still...
I completely disagree with Thomas's decision to not attend the White House, as for me he should have gone to support his own team mates, but I do agree it should be his choice to not attend a "work function" if he indeed felt uncomfortable in doing so. I think that is his choice to do so and I think the reasoning he gave is acceptable and not offensive to anyone and he, as a citizen, should be allowed to voice his opinion in this fashion. It is simply just his own political belief and whether I agree with the principle of the matter or not, I don't have any issue with him expressing it provided it was presented as it was. - Lohaus
I think the whole TT issue is blown way out of proportion. I would guess that there are millions of people that would make the same decision that he made (if had the chance). Of those millions of people we would not know or care what their reason was. It's too bad that he is in the spotlight, it shouldn't be about him.
I think the whole TT issue is blown way out of proportion. I would guess that there are millions of people that would make the same decision that he made (if had the chance). Of those millions of people we would not know or care what their reason was. It's too bad that he is in the spotlight, it shouldn't be about him. - powerenforcer
Didn't he create the "spotlight" on himself? Many might make the same decision, but I doubt many would be so hypocritical to say that it's not "political" as most would say it was so.
JJ,
I read your blog religiously, and the comment boards that follow. One thing I wonder right now, though, with all of these trade rumors going around that may or may not be credible or factual, is who do you personally think the Hawks should go after as the deadline approaches, and how many potential moves you think the Hawks need to make to be sure-bet Cup contenders? - Blackhawks928
There's a difference between "should" (as you ask), "can" and "will."
My thoughts on what they should do: I would really like to see them add a #4-#5 level defenseman who is physical, takes care of business aorund his net, relatively mistake free, kills penalites and blocks shots.
The guy who really fits that is Mark Stuart of the Winnipeg Jets, who I was told they had a lot of interest in last year before Boston dealt him to Atlanta (now the Jets).
Problem is, Stuart is now sort of the lynch pin of the D in Winnipeg and signed to a very cap friendly deal for a number of years. it would take a lot to get him. More I think than a lot of fans would think he's worth.
Another option here might be Brett Clark (Tampa) or Tim Gleason (Carolina). Neither of these guys is coming cheap, especially not Gleason.
I would make that move right now however, and then see where that puts the team. As Al C. and I both have said, this move would have a positive domino effect on the rest of the defense. And defense are where the problems with this team start.
I would like to see them also add a 4th line banger, a guy who goes 215 plus pounds who can skate and hit and avoid dumb penalties. Maybe Jimmy Hayes can do this if they keep his feet to the flame but he is not really fundamentally this kind of player. They need some muscle to wear down opposing defenses in the playoffs.
Finally, I would like to see them add a forward who can play C or W, who kills penalties can take a faceoff and is tough to play against. Maybe the last two players can be the same guy. Nate Thompson of Tampa is that kind of guy. Again, he will not be easy to pry away from the Bolts where he is very popular for what he does.
A couple of other options: David Clarkson of the Devils and Matt Martin of the Islanders. Again, both guys well-valued by their teams.
Start the bidding with Bryan Bickell plus for any of these players. The plus being likely a highly rated hawk prospect or two, and/or a draft pick.
Whether you like what he did or not. Don't try to project your perception of what he believes, simply respect it. It is his right as a free man. I am sure most of his team knew this well in advance and can care less.
2 days from now, nobody will remember they were even at the White House.
There's a difference between "should" (as you ask), "can" and "will."
My thoughts on what they should do: I would really like to see them add a #4-#5 level defenseman who is physical, takes care of business aorund his net, relatively mistake free, kills penalites and blocks shots.
The guy who really fits that is Mark Stuart of the Winnipeg Jets, who I was told they had a lot of interest in last year before Boston dealt him to Atlanta (now the Jets).
Problem is, Stuart is now sort of the lynch pin of the D in Winnipeg and signed to a very cap friendly deal for a number of years. it would take a lot to get him. More I think than a lot of fans would think he's worth.
Another option here might be Brett Clark (Tampa) or Tim Gleason (Carolina). Neither of these guys is coming cheap, especially not Gleason.
I would make that move right now however, and then see where that puts the team. As Al C. and I both have said, this move would have a positive domino effect on the rest of the defense. And defense are where the problems with this team start.
I would like to see them also add a 4th line banger, a guy who goes 215 plus pounds who can skate and hit and avoid dumb penalties. Maybe Jimmy Hayes can do this if they keep his feet to the flame but he is not really fundamentally this kind of player. They need some muscle to wear down opposing defenses in the playoffs.
Finally, I would like to see them add a forward who can play C or W, who kills penalties can take a faceoff and is tough to play against. Maybe the last two players can be the same guy. Nate Thompson of Tampa is that kind of guy. Again, he will not be easy to pry away from the Bolts where he is very popular for what he does.
A couple of other options: David Clarkson of the Devils and Matt Martin of the Islanders. Again, both guys well-valued by their teams.
Start the bidding with Bryan Bickell plus for any of these players. The plus being likely a highly rated hawk prospect or two, and/or a draft pick. - John Jaeckel
Gleason would be an excellent pickup. Sort of wish he didn't hate Ottawa...
There's a difference between "should" (as you ask), "can" and "will."
My thoughts on what they should do: I would really like to see them add a #4-#5 level defenseman who is physical, takes care of business aorund his net, relatively mistake free, kills penalites and blocks shots.
The guy who really fits that is Mark Stuart of the Winnipeg Jets, who I was told they had a lot of interest in last year before Boston dealt him to Atlanta (now the Jets).
Problem is, Stuart is now sort of the lynch pin of the D in Winnipeg and signed to a very cap friendly deal for a number of years. it would take a lot to get him. More I think than a lot of fans would think he's worth.
Another option here might be Brett Clark (Tampa) or Tim Gleason (Carolina). Neither of these guys is coming cheap, especially not Gleason.
I would make that move right now however, and then see where that puts the team. As Al C. and I both have said, this move would have a positive domino effect on the rest of the defense. And defense are where the problems with this team start.
I would like to see them also add a 4th line banger, a guy who goes 215 plus pounds who can skate and hit and avoid dumb penalties. Maybe Jimmy Hayes can do this if they keep his feet to the flame but he is not really fundamentally this kind of player. They need some muscle to wear down opposing defenses in the playoffs.
Finally, I would like to see them add a forward who can play C or W, who kills penalties can take a faceoff and is tough to play against. Maybe the last two players can be the same guy. Nate Thompson of Tampa is that kind of guy. Again, he will not be easy to pry away from the Bolts where he is very popular for what he does.
A couple of other options: David Clarkson of the Devils and Matt Martin of the Islanders. Again, both guys well-valued by their teams.
Start the bidding with Bryan Bickell plus for any of these players. The plus being likely a highly rated hawk prospect or two, and/or a draft pick. - John Jaeckel
I couldn't agree more with going after Gleason if the price isn't too ostentatious, especially since the Canes are seemingly on the verge of dumping vets. Who the Hawks send to him is another question, though. One trade I wouldn't mind (I'd love this, actually) is Bickell+Pirri+perhaps a pick or wing prospect for Cal Clutterbuck and Brad Staubitz. That would likely only work if Minny continues their downward slide, though. If Gleason doesn't work with Carolina but the Hawks still want to trade with them, I'd love to see Tuomo Ruutu back in the Indianhead.
Location: But it wouldn't have looked nearly as bad if the dam partition was secure. Joined: 01.18.2008
Jan 24 @ 3:01 PM ET
- Wowo2282
TT does love America....he just thinks the guy running it is a piece of garbage.
Either way...it wasn't Thomas that put himself in the spotlight. Blame the media for making it such a big deal and digging harder into the story. Had no one pointed it out in the media, 99% of the population would have had no idea that he didn't show. It a stupid moment anyways...does the President really have nothing better to do than hang out with athletes?
Whether you like what he did or not. Don't try to project your perception of what he believes, simply respect it. It is his right as a free man. I am sure most of his team knew this well in advance and can care less.
2 days from now, nobody will remember they were even at the White House. - TrueGrit
He has every right to believe what he believes. And to do what he chooses. I don't need or want his political explanation (whichever way it points) for it however.
TT does love America....he just thinks the guy running it is a piece of garbage.
Either way...it wasn't Thomas that put himself in the spotlight. Blame the media for making it such a big deal and digging harder into the story. Had no one pointed it out in the media, 99% of the population would have had no idea that he didn't show. It a stupid moment anyways...does the President really have nothing better to do than hang out with athletes? - nikoli1206
This President or every President going back 50 years?
And like it or not, Obama loves America just as much as he does. As so does Bush.
