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Forums :: Blog World :: John Jaeckel: Why The Hawks Will Contend. Why They Won’t.
Author Message
RickJ
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Burlington, ON
Joined: 01.12.2010

Jan 7 @ 8:30 PM ET
You would think a team that has built itself on a very image conscience business plan, would be the leader in a SINCERE apology to their fan base...but no....that lies with the classy Pittsburgh Penguins who offered a no bs apology.
that's how you keep a fan base. You don't pull punches, you don't make excuses, you tell it how it is...NO gimmicks, just the truth.

Maybe Al is right, and maybe the attendance is up due to a highly contested season. Nobody will ever know what the focus group told the owners about the results of different scenarios right as the lockout started, but I'll bet both my nuts the 48 game schedule was floated out there....

- SteveRain


There is absolutely no time to draft any hollow lockout apology speeches or messages - the management is too busy working on their sales pitch to season ticket holders to avoid refunding the cash for the 17 home games that won't be played this season.

Ogilthorpe2
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 37,000 FT
Joined: 07.09.2009

Jan 7 @ 9:07 PM ET
There is absolutely no time to draft any hollow lockout apology speeches or messages - the management is too busy working on their sales pitch to season ticket holders to avoid refunding the cash for the 17 home games that won't be played this season.
- RickJ

I don't want an apology. No matter what was said, I wouldn't buy it anyway. I would prefer they spare us all the insulting, half a$$ed, hollow attempt at an apology.

Just Fehring play Hockey damn it.

Besides, to quote a really, really bad song...."it's too late to 'pologize"
StLBravesFan
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 07.03.2011

Jan 7 @ 9:12 PM ET
Agree with you but winning it all is stilled based on a no check league season

I wonder like in football how much weight per line the hawks give up to the competition

- molly2522


More concerning is that they will likely still be relying on players who haven't yet really done (or proven that they can do it) it in the show - Kruger, Stalberg, Shaw, Frolik, Bollig, Hayes, Bickell, Leddy - that's a lot of "maybe" on a roster whose window won't stay open much longer.
moylander
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 06.14.2011

Jan 7 @ 9:54 PM ET
Count me as one as "I'll believe it when I see it" in regards to this team being anything other then a 6-8 seed.

I'm not sold on Kruger. You have 4 LEGIT Top 6 forwards in Kane, Hossa, Toews, Sharp. After that your depth is sporadic. Bolland is probably the most consistent player from there, but again...health concerns plague him. Otherwise can you buy into Kruger, Stalberg, Shaw, Frolik? These are going to be guys counted on to pick up the slack when a condensed schedule tires out your big guns.

Lets not also forget that EVERY d man except Leddy, Brookbank, and Hammer has a NTC. Yes even the coveted Rozsival. So can you afford to move a Hammer for a top 6 forward and then pray that a Roszival or Montador can play top 4 minutes and bail out an Oduya when he takes chances?

This team is very flawed and baring a parade of career years, MINIMAL injuries, a resurgance from #50, and the special teams becoming...special, I don't see the reason to get overly excited.

Figure the NHL is going to push officials to call a very tight game, just as they did the last time the league came back. So special teams are going to be HUGE, because the only way to attract back the casual fan is offensive game. Not 2-1 yawns between STL and LA.

If you sense a dose of high pessimism, you are correct. I am not sold on Bowman. I am not sold on Kitchen. I look at this roster and shake thinking how dead tired 10, 88, 81,19, 2, and 7 will be by game 15 from carrying this team in all facets.

I hope am I wrong, but this could be the bottom out from the cup year that has flared up the past 2 seasons. And if it is, no barrage of gimmicks from the marketing department can offset a thud of a season.

- SteveRain


This^^^^


Thanks for the brookbank one goal laugh as well.
yave1964
Detroit Red Wings
Location: Libett to Danny Grant, he shoo, OH
Joined: 07.16.2011

Jan 7 @ 10:06 PM ET
I am a Wings fan but let me tell you, the Hawks are LOADED with young forward prospects who can flat out play, and play right now. Pirri, Saad, Shaw, Bickel, Hayes, Bolig and Kruger are the deepest bunch of forward prospects in the game this side of Edmonton. And that is not even mentioning Teravainen who is a year or two away. And dont forget Kane is only 23 and Toews is only 24.
Any blue line that starts with Keith, Seabrook and Leddy is gonna be solid.

It comes down to goaltending though, and while I think Chicago has one of the most talented teams in the league I dont see Crawford as a Stanley cup goalie. Not now, not ever. If you guys can add a Ryan Miller, an aging vet looking for a cup it could be over for the other 29 teams in a hurry. If not, with Crawford in goal second round is best case. He is too old to be a prospect, he is only two years younger than Emery for Gods sake. As a Wings fan I hope you guys stick by your boy one more year. Good luck this year.
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Jan 7 @ 10:10 PM ET
There is absolutely no time to draft any hollow lockout apology speeches or messages - the management is too busy working on their sales pitch to season ticket holders to avoid refunding the cash for the 17 home games that won't be played this season.
- RickJ


I am a season ticket holder and if I get something, I;ll copy it and post it here.
Gerk
St Louis Blues
Location: say it aint so TARASENKO, YT
Joined: 01.07.2008

Jan 7 @ 10:28 PM ET
The short training camp, and compressed schedule might help this team because it will allow less practice time for Q, Kitch, and Tampon to corrupt the natural hockey instincts of the players...especially the young ones.
- Ogilthorpe2


Or just means Q and Kitch default back to whatever they used/ knew last year.
SHOOTDAPUCK
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 01.07.2013

Jan 7 @ 10:39 PM ET
Almost every year we see a goalie from some team just flat out take a playoff series on his own. I could never imagine Crawford being that guy. In big games he looks scared. Why our FO won't wake up and realize this I'll never understand. We have enough depth to make the playoffs but every series will always come down to a 7th game due to poor goaltending. Just once I want a stud goalie sweeping teams. It's not to late to make something happen I hope.
Ogilthorpe2
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 37,000 FT
Joined: 07.09.2009

Jan 7 @ 11:04 PM ET
Or just means Q and Kitch default back to whatever they used/ knew last year.
- Gerk

Doesn't really matter. Whatever those two come up with will be bad. In a shortened season, I'm almost thinking it might be worth it or ths team to fall flat on their faces in order to get a fresh start next year.
mrpaulish
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Itasca, IL
Joined: 01.18.2010

Jan 7 @ 11:06 PM ET
Doesn't really matter. Whatever those two come up with will be bad. In a shortened season, I'm almost thinking it might be worth it or ths team to fall flat on their faces in order to get a fresh start next year.
- Ogilthorpe2


Hey Bro, How you been ?

I understand what you're saying but when we look back on our lives we wont want to have any wasted Kane/Toews/Hossa years. If the Power Play can be fixed this team as is can win the cup.
TrueGrit
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: FL
Joined: 07.19.2011

Jan 7 @ 11:11 PM ET
Jeez, we sit for months waiting for a new season and most of you, go back to your playbooks from last April. Really, the Eyore crowd is out in full force. Figured many of you would have been able to come up with one new and creative idea/thought for the new season...but nope..just more sky is falling hysteria.

Ogilthorpe2
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 37,000 FT
Joined: 07.09.2009

Jan 7 @ 11:13 PM ET
Hey Bro, How you been ?

I understand what you're saying but when we look back on our lives we wont want to have any wasted Kane/Toews/Hossa years. If the Power Play can be fixed this team as is can win the cup.

- mrpaulish

I'm all right. How you?

I know, it's almost blasphemy to root for a down year just to get rid of Q and company. All I'm saying is, if they have to have a bad year, why not do it in a lockout shortened season? Why not make the painful road to change as short as possible, no?
moylander
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 06.14.2011

Jan 7 @ 11:14 PM ET
http://espn.go.com/blog/n...eals-and-more-cba-details


Am I reading the new luongo rule correctly pertaining to Hossa? If Hossa retires after the 2015-16 season the hawks will be on the hook for $3.675 AAV each season after he retires until 2020-21? If he retires after the 2016-17 season they will be on the hook for $4.275 AAV until 2020-21?

2009-10: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2010-11: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2011-12: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2012-13: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2013-14: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2014-15: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2015-16: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2016-17: $4,000,000 » $5,275,000
2017-18: $1,000,000 » $5,275,000
2018-19: $1,000,000 » $5,275,000
2019-20: $1,000,000 » $5,275,000
2020-21: $1,000,000 » $5,275,000


That's hossa's contract.... If I'm reading this correctly he could very well be a compliance buyout after the 2013-14 season. JJ, Al? Thoughts?

Upon further review.... If they don't utilize one of their 2 buyouts on him before the 2014-15 season the hawks are ALREADY on the hook for $10.5 mil AAV (through this season) divided by the # of years remaining in hossa's contract after retirement.... Even if he's traded? Seems crazy.... Especially for teams like Minnesota, Pittsburgh, and Nashville which recently front loaded huge contracts.
AceRatbang
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 07.20.2012

Jan 7 @ 11:54 PM ET
Jeez, we sit for months waiting for a new season and most of you, go back to your playbooks from last April. Really, the Eyore crowd is out in full force. Figured many of you would have been able to come up with one new and creative idea/thought for the new season...but nope..just more sky is falling hysteria.
- TrueGrit


Exactly my thought too
Al
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: , IL
Joined: 08.11.2006

Jan 7 @ 11:55 PM ET
http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/21219/trades-cheat-deals-and-more-cba-details


Am I reading the new luongo rule correctly pertaining to Hossa? If Hossa retires after the 2015-16 season the hawks will be on the hook for $3.675 AAV each season after he retires until 2020-21? If he retires after the 2016-17 season they will be on the hook for $4.275 AAV until 2020-21?

2009-10: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2010-11: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2011-12: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2012-13: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2013-14: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2014-15: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2015-16: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2016-17: $4,000,000 » $5,275,000
2017-18: $1,000,000 » $5,275,000
2018-19: $1,000,000 » $5,275,000
2019-20: $1,000,000 » $5,275,000
2020-21: $1,000,000 » $5,275,000


That's hossa's contract.... If I'm reading this correctly he could very well be an amnesty buy out after the 2013-14 season. JJ, Al? Thoughts?

Upon further review.... If they don't utilize one of their 2 buyouts on him before the 2014-15 season the hawks are ALREADY on the hook for $10.5 mil AAV (through this season) divided by the # of years remaining in hossa's contract after retirement.... Even if he's traded? Seems crazy.... Especially for teams like Minnesota, Pittsburgh, and Nashville which recently front loaded huge contracts.

- moylander


This would be the exact definition of caught between a very expensive rock and a very expensive hard place.

On twitter@AlCimaglia
Ogilthorpe2
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 37,000 FT
Joined: 07.09.2009

Jan 8 @ 12:00 AM ET
Jeez, we sit for months waiting for a new season and most of you, go back to your playbooks from last April. Really, the Eyore crowd is out in full force. Figured many of you would have been able to come up with one new and creative idea/thought for the new season...but nope..just more sky is falling hysteria.
- TrueGrit

I guess your condescending attitude hasnt changed either.

And just what as changed for the better since April that would change anyone's opinion?

Same $hitty GM, same $hitty Coach, same holes in the roster (2C, G)...what's there to be positive about?

Al
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: , IL
Joined: 08.11.2006

Jan 8 @ 12:00 AM ET
Doesn't really matter. Whatever those two come up with will be bad. In a shortened season, I'm almost thinking it might be worth it or ths team to fall flat on their faces in order to get a fresh start next year.
- Ogilthorpe2


Sir...

You appear to be in the exact same situation as many Bear fans...

....As they hoped for the team to collapse so Lovie would be dispatched.

That's where you are at....If the team wins a playoff round Q. will be back to finish out his contract. If they don't make the post season or are one and done he probably will be out.
bogiedoc
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: VA
Joined: 09.27.2011

Jan 8 @ 12:02 AM ET
Could be, but could be a blessing...Would mean a lot of home ganes later on.

Bottom line is there isn't going to be as much time to practice this season.

- Al


Very true....sloppy play, high scoring games and dare I say more injurys! At least that's the obvious conventional wisdom.

I wonder how many of the AHL guys through out the league who have been playing are going to replace some vets..
NewToHockey
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 02.23.2010

Jan 8 @ 12:04 AM ET
Jeez, we sit for months waiting for a new season and most of you, go back to your playbooks from last April. Really, the Eyore crowd is out in full force. Figured many of you would have been able to come up with one new and creative idea/thought for the new season...but nope..just more sky is falling hysteria.
- TrueGrit

Replacing Havi with Kompon solves everything? Brookbank is the messiah? Based upon what would we expect anything other than more of the same?

Stan and Q are convinced the solution is within the system. My opinion is the system, most especially Stan and Q, is the problem.
Ogilthorpe2
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 37,000 FT
Joined: 07.09.2009

Jan 8 @ 12:05 AM ET
Sir...

You appear to be in the exact same situation as many Bear fans...

....As they hoped for the team to collapse so Lovie would be dispatched.

That's where you are at....If the team wins a playoff round Q. will be back to finish out his contract. If they don't make the post season or are one and done he probably will be out.

- Al

1 down, 1 to go.
busmaster
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 08.06.2010

Jan 8 @ 12:08 AM ET
More concerning is that they will likely still be relying on players who haven't yet really done (or proven that they can do it) it in the show - Kruger, Stalberg, Shaw, Frolik, Bollig, Hayes, Bickell, Leddy - that's a lot of "maybe" on a roster whose window won't stay open much longer.
- StLBravesFan


As opposed to this list of superstars they acquired via trade or FA since the Cup?

Brunette
Carcillo
Mayers
Montador
Morrison
O'Donnell
Oduya
Campoli
Johnson
Pisani
Turco
Taffe

This list has nothing to look forward to but dentures and Depends. There's at least 2-3 bright futures in your list.
philco28
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Mississauga, ON
Joined: 12.06.2011

Jan 8 @ 12:09 AM ET
1 down, 1 to go.
- Ogilthorpe2


Q: 1 Cup

Lovie: multiple eggs on his face.

Who do you want to coach us Ogie ?
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Jan 8 @ 12:11 AM ET
http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/21219/trades-cheat-deals-and-more-cba-details


Am I reading the new luongo rule correctly pertaining to Hossa? If Hossa retires after the 2015-16 season the hawks will be on the hook for $3.675 AAV each season after he retires until 2020-21? If he retires after the 2016-17 season they will be on the hook for $4.275 AAV until 2020-21?

2009-10: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2010-11: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2011-12: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2012-13: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2013-14: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2014-15: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2015-16: $7,900,000 » $5,275,000
2016-17: $4,000,000 » $5,275,000
2017-18: $1,000,000 » $5,275,000
2018-19: $1,000,000 » $5,275,000
2019-20: $1,000,000 » $5,275,000
2020-21: $1,000,000 » $5,275,000


That's hossa's contract.... If I'm reading this correctly he could very well be a compliance buyout after the 2013-14 season. JJ, Al? Thoughts?

Upon further review.... If they don't utilize one of their 2 buyouts on him before the 2014-15 season the hawks are ALREADY on the hook for $10.5 mil AAV (through this season) divided by the # of years remaining in hossa's contract after retirement.... Even if he's traded? Seems crazy.... Especially for teams like Minnesota, Pittsburgh, and Nashville which recently front loaded huge contracts.

- moylander



Why would the owners want this clause on existing contracts? It makes sense for new deals but why enforce it on old contracts?
Al
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: , IL
Joined: 08.11.2006

Jan 8 @ 12:16 AM ET
Why would the owners want this clause on existing contracts? It makes sense for new deals but why enforce it on old contracts?
- DarthKane


I just tweeted this and will have more to say in a column on Wed.....

What should be realized is the NHL is no longer controlled by big market teams who spend the most.
NewToHockey
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 02.23.2010

Jan 8 @ 12:17 AM ET
More concerning is that they will likely still be relying on players who haven't yet really done (or proven that they can do it) it in the show - Kruger, Stalberg, Shaw, Frolik, Bollig, Hayes, Bickell, Leddy - that's a lot of "maybe" on a roster whose window won't stay open much longer.
- StLBravesFan

Just to play Devil's Advocate: How many players on the 09-10 team had proven they could do it consistantly prior to, say, Spring of 09?

I agree with you in principle. I think Shaw is headed for a bad rep and a career of questionable actions. I don't foresee Stalberg having a future here, especially with what's coming at wing in the next few years. Both have relatively high value now. Move them for a center if possible.

If you can fill the 2/3 center slot with Bolland and an acquisition for this season, then you just need one wing to play top 6 and hopefully keep a spot warm for TT.
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