No, but the big news here today is the Mayor's admission that he smoked crack...so it does kinda feel Springer-esque.
- Ogilthorpe2

He must not smoke a lot. He is the biggest crackhead I have ever seen.

Porcelain?
- UnnamedSource

"Then, in 1983, in his swan song to the Bears, Finks drafted seven men who would key the 1985 title run: offensive left tackle Jimbo Covert and wide receiver Willie Gault in the first round, cornerback Mike Richardson in round two, strong safety Dave Duerson in round three, guard Tom Thayer in the fourth round, and two incredible steals in the eighth round, pass rusher and Super Bowl XX MVP Richard Dent and left guard Mark Bortz.

As soon as Finks signed his draftees, he turned in his resignation to Halas."
- Ogilthorpe2

Weird....this is from the Bears website.

"But Finks' tenure in Chicago ended suddenly in 1982 when he resigned because George Halas did not consult him in the hiring of Mike Ditka as head coach."

http://www.chicagobears.c...n-the-hall/jim-finks.html

So, you are kind of saying my response was a bit harsh?
- Elbows15

I guess if we're trying to refrain from personal attacks, then yes.

No kidding. Really hasn't happened much in the Favre and Rogers era. Still sweet. "We would have won if Rogers didn't get hurt". Of course, fully forgetting that the Bears are missing their starting QB.
- Elbows15

The Bears had several decent wins in the Kyle Orton and Rex days, but that was usually due to Favre's uncanny ability to throw the most wonderful interceptions at the worst times.

As much as I hate saying it, seems Rodgers never really picked up on a lot Favre's bad habits. Besides being an a**hole anyway.

Since Cutler came along the Bears had won only one game against the Fudge. I like Cutler, but that is a horrendous and embarrassing imbalance of the "rivalry". Hope this win at Lambeau is the turning point.

Buddy Ryan was the brains behind the Bears success.
- faustus1500

No, just the D.

He had arguably better talent in Philly and never won $hit. Great D coord, not a great coach, just like the kids.

No, but the big news here today is the Mayor's admission that he smoked crack...so it does kinda feel Springer-esque.
- Ogilthorpe2

Get him and Marion Barry together.

I will take that action.
- UnnamedSource

Done.

I have a feeling I'm getting a Snickers out of this deal.

Just make sure that when you pay me my winnings, it won't be the same Snickers bar I gave you.

Have you seen the price of candy bars? You about need a loan for one these days.
- Elbows15

They aren't a nickel anymore? When did that happen?

No, just the D.

He had arguably better talent in Philly and never won $hit. Great D coord, not a great coach, just like the kids.
- vabeachbear

The Eagles were a middling franchise before Ryan went to Philly. He turned the defense into an elite team. Unfortunately, the Giants and Redskins were pretty stout those days.

Oh man. Savvy ain't gonna like that. Trade Leddy? Where do I sign?
- Elbows15

I reconciled myself the fact that there are a bunch of fans that don't get it and so if Stanley trades Nick, I'm fine with it. I'll be sad but I'll follow his progress.

My hope, once again, is that he would land somewhere where he will get the proper tutoring/mentoring -- much like Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook were beneficiaries of from Trent Yawney.

Think about it . . . Leddy has had NONE of that. He sure ain't getting any of that from Dumb and Dumber (Mike Kitchen and Jamie Kompon) and Q was a journeyman at best in the NHL and is not known for bringing along young talent (he's always been known more of a vet's coach)

So, if he's traded and goes somewhere where he can finally get good direction, I'm fine with it.

6628 isn't around here much and there's only a few that really recognize Leddy's talents. I've been around the rink myself for well over 40 years. Guys that skate like Leddy are truly far and few between. Hands-down the best skater on the Hawks and easily one of the top 10 skaters in the NHL. And I am NOT simply talking speed cause if that's what people think, they have it all wrong.

Anyway, you boys go on about your various trade scenarios for Nick. Doubt they will happen as Leddy is Stanley's biggest prize so far and I am pretty sure he is not letting him go. Al has tried to provide the most rational points about Leddy, his development and age. But I don't think most really process what's said. I love Nik Hjalmarsson (both daughters had me get them an official Nik sweater, back before the 1st CUP was won). But he had AHL time. Leddy came right out of HS effectively (played a few college games if I recall right). I think he's done quite well and continues to show improvements.

We should all be pulling for this kid because if he can make something out of the tools he has, the Hawks as a team will be much better for it.

I reconciled myself the fact that there are a bunch of fans that don't get it and so if Stanley trades Nick, I'm fine with it. I'll be sad but I'll follow his progress.

My hope, once again, is that he would land somewhere where he will get the proper tutoring/mentoring -- much like Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook were beneficiaries of from Trent Yawney.

Think about it . . . Leddy has had NONE of that. He sure ain't getting any of that from Dumb and Dumber (Mike Kitchen and Jamie Kompon) and Q was a journeyman at best in the NHL and is not known for bringing along young talent (he's always been known more of a vet's coach)

So, if he's traded and goes somewhere where he can finally get good direction, I'm fine with it.

6628 isn't around here much and there's only a few that really recognize Leddy's talents. I've been around the rink myself for well over 40 years. Guys that skate like Leddy are truly far and few between. Hands-down the best skater on the Hawks and easily one of the top 10 skaters in the NHL. And I am NOT simply talking speed cause if that's what people think, they have it all wrong.

Anyway, you boys go on about your various trade scenarios for Nick. Doubt they will happen as Leddy is Stanley's biggest prize so far and I am pretty sure he is not letting him go. Al has tried to provide the most rational points about Leddy, his development and age. But I don't think most really process what's said. I love Nik Hjalmarsson (both daughters had me get them an official Nik sweater, back before the 1st CUP was won). But he had AHL time. Leddy came right out of HS effectively (played a few college games if I recall right). I think he's done quite well and continues to show improvements.

We should all be pulling for this kid because if he can make something out of the tools he has, the Hawks as a team will be much better for it.
- savvyone-1

Very good points. Interesting point about journeymen becoming coaches.

No, but the big news here today is the Mayor's admission that he smoked crack...so it does kinda feel Springer-esque.
- Ogilthorpe2

Like Bill Clinton, he probably didn't inhale it.

I guess if we're trying to refrain from personal attacks, then yes.
- EKolb13

I was polite. He called me arrogant. and presumption. I said thanks.

The Bears had several decent wins in the Kyle Orton and Rex days, but that was usually due to Favre's uncanny ability to throw the most wonderful interceptions at the worst times.

As much as I hate saying it, seems Rodgers never really picked up on a lot Favre's bad habits. Besides being an a**hole anyway.

Since Cutler came along the Bears had won only one game against the Fudge. I like Cutler, but that is a horrendous and embarrassing imbalance of the "rivalry". Hope this win at Lambeau is the turning point.
- prd797

Wasn't Favre something like 20 and 3 against the Bears?

I was polite. He called me arrogant. and presumption. I said thanks.
- Elbows15

Who am I to really judge at this point?

I reconciled myself the fact that there are a bunch of fans that don't get it and so if Stanley trades Nick, I'm fine with it. I'll be sad but I'll follow his progress.

My hope, once again, is that he would land somewhere where he will get the proper tutoring/mentoring -- much like Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook were beneficiaries of from Trent Yawney.

Think about it . . . Leddy has had NONE of that. He sure ain't getting any of that from Dumb and Dumber (Mike Kitchen and Jamie Kompon) and Q was a journeyman at best in the NHL and is not known for bringing along young talent (he's always been known more of a vet's coach)

So, if he's traded and goes somewhere where he can finally get good direction, I'm fine with it.

6628 isn't around here much and there's only a few that really recognize Leddy's talents. I've been around the rink myself for well over 40 years. Guys that skate like Leddy are truly far and few between. Hands-down the best skater on the Hawks and easily one of the top 10 skaters in the NHL. And I am NOT simply talking speed cause if that's what people think, they have it all wrong.

Anyway, you boys go on about your various trade scenarios for Nick. Doubt they will happen as Leddy is Stanley's biggest prize so far and I am pretty sure he is not letting him go. Al has tried to provide the most rational points about Leddy, his development and age. But I don't think most really process what's said. I love Nik Hjalmarsson (both daughters had me get them an official Nik sweater, back before the 1st CUP was won). But he had AHL time. Leddy came right out of HS effectively (played a few college games if I recall right). I think he's done quite well and continues to show improvements.

We should all be pulling for this kid because if he can make something out of the tools he has, the Hawks as a team will be much better for it.
- savvyone-1

Trent (frank)ing Yawney? He plays with Keith, Seabrook, Hammer. Oduya and Rozy. C'mon. You think they aren't mentoring him? He came out of HS 5 years ago. I am pulling for him. However, I believe you have seen all the progress from him you will. Seriously. Did he just start playing hockey in HS? He will have a nice long career as a 5th/6th D-man.

Skating is his only attribute. He has no or very little hockey IQ. In a way I agree with you. Send him to Rockford. Then he has no excuse for being inexperienced. Ken Yaremchuk could skate like the wind. Among others. There is way more to the game than being able to skate.

I reconciled myself the fact that there are a bunch of fans that don't get it and so if Stanley trades Nick, I'm fine with it. I'll be sad but I'll follow his progress.

My hope, once again, is that he would land somewhere where he will get the proper tutoring/mentoring -- much like Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook were beneficiaries of from Trent Yawney.

Think about it . . . Leddy has had NONE of that. He sure ain't getting any of that from Dumb and Dumber (Mike Kitchen and Jamie Kompon) and Q was a journeyman at best in the NHL and is not known for bringing along young talent (he's always been known more of a vet's coach)

So, if he's traded and goes somewhere where he can finally get good direction, I'm fine with it.

6628 isn't around here much and there's only a few that really recognize Leddy's talents. I've been around the rink myself for well over 40 years. Guys that skate like Leddy are truly far and few between. Hands-down the best skater on the Hawks and easily one of the top 10 skaters in the NHL. And I am NOT simply talking speed cause if that's what people think, they have it all wrong.

Anyway, you boys go on about your various trade scenarios for Nick. Doubt they will happen as Leddy is Stanley's biggest prize so far and I am pretty sure he is not letting him go. Al has tried to provide the most rational points about Leddy, his development and age. But I don't think most really process what's said. I love Nik Hjalmarsson (both daughters had me get them an official Nik sweater, back before the 1st CUP was won). But he had AHL time. Leddy came right out of HS effectively (played a few college games if I recall right). I think he's done quite well and continues to show improvements.

We should all be pulling for this kid because if he can make something out of the tools he has, the Hawks as a team will be much better for it.
- savvyone-1

I don't know what this means?....what does a journeyman have to do with coaching success?....and Saad, Shaw, Kruger, Bickel, Kane, & Toews all were and are young players under Q and have a turned out to "fine".......heck Stalberg scored 20 goals while playing for him. I could go either way on Leddy.....I think he is a great skater as you've stated but from what I've heard he doesn't have the smarts. Yes he is Bowmans jewel but they are going to have to make a decision on him and Oduya this coming off season......

They aren't a nickel anymore? When did that happen?
- StLBravesFan

Not sure Saint. I suspect it was in the 70's. I am a little unclear on some of those days.

Who am I to really judge at this point?
- EKolb13

True. I was just pointing out I didn't call him names. Of course, he did make assumptions and had no ideas regarding context. But hey. Who is counting?

Trent (frank)ing Yawney? He plays with Keith, Seabrook, Hammer. Oduya and Rozy. C'mon. You think they aren't mentoring him? He came out of HS 5 years ago. I am pulling for him. However, I believe you have seen all the progress from him you will. Seriously. Did he just start playing hockey in HS? He will have a nice long career as a 5th/6th D-man.
- Elbows15

Nope, don't think so.
Never -- never -- never have seen any of those guys other than Roszival spending any time talking to Nick about the game (you can pretty much tell when that's happening versus asking the guy where he's going to eat after the game).

Game is quite different from high school.
Even more different in junior (which Nick NEVER played but the rest have).
Of course, each step up is more difficult -- it's the best of the best.

If you for a moment believe that just because he came out of high school and 4 years later has 100+ games in the NHL and should be or is all he can be as an NHL defenseman, I've got a few bridges I'd like to sell you . . . .

Like Bill Clinton, he probably didn't inhale it.
- RickJ

You mean like Monica.

Oh - different substance - sorry.

Wasn't Favre something like 20 and 3 against the Bears?
- Elbows15

He had an outstanding record against the bears, i think it was 22-10. Hated that guy, Corey Wooten has a permanent spot in my heart for FINALLY putting him to rest

Nope, don't think so.
Never -- never -- never have seen any of those guys other than Roszival spending any time talking to Nick about the game (you can pretty much tell when that's happening versus asking the guy where he's going to eat after the game).

Game is quite different from high school.
Even more different in junior (which Nick NEVER played but the rest have).
Of course, each step up is more difficult -- it's the best of the best.

If you for a moment believe that just because he came out of high school and 4 years later has 100+ games in the NHL and should be or is all he can be as an NHL defenseman, I've got a few bridges I'd like to sell you . . . .
- savvyone-1

If you think they never talk the game to him, I know why you bought them in the first place.
The fundamentals of the game are the same at any level. Sadly, HE hasn't picked up on them.

I don't know what this means?....what does a journeyman have to do with coaching success?....and Saad, Shaw, Kruger, Bickel, Kane, & Toews all were and are young players under Q and have a turned out to "fine".......heck Stalberg scored 20 goals while playing for him. I could go either way on Leddy.....I think he is a great skater as you've stated but from what I've heard he doesn't have the smarts. Yes he is Bowmans jewel but they are going to have to make a decision on him and Oduya this coming off season......
- UnnamedSource

Kane & Toews I think you have to leave out of the conversation simply because with their talent they would have succeeded no matter what. Saad and Shaw spent time in Juniors, Kruger overseas in the top league, Bickell and Shaw spent time in the AHL and really Bicks only emerged last yr's CUP run. Before (and since), most of us are saying he's an enigma much like Buff, but the size and potential is there.

We've had the Stalberg conversation before too, and it's clear much of his success due to the personnel here and not simply Vik's talents.

Don't know about the smarts -- I keep hearing that but that doesn't pass the eye test IMO. I don't see a whole lot on ice demonstration that he's hockey dumb as many here say and repeat over and over. I see plenty of hockey dumb from our other D men so to single out Leddy is pretty funny. Guy's got the least giveaways this year so I'd say he's doing some things right. Yeah, I know he's not got the TOI as the other 4 but still, he's not at 1/2 TOI of the top 4.

What I do agree on is about the decision between him and Johnny Oduya. Can't say I'm unhappy with O's play but he's what, 10 yrs older than Nick? Al's point the other day was O at 22 was a far cry from the level Leddy is at today at 22. No way he's reached the pinnacle as a player, we're probably 2 to 4 yrs away from really knowing what he will be.