Exactly! I remember being so excited when The Hockey News would arrive in the mail and I’d pour our over it for hours. My hands would be black from the ink bleeding off the page. Good times.
- Chief4Feathers

Hey, that brings back memories!
The Hockey News was the best source for hockey info at all levels until reliable internet arrived. The newspaper version pretty much died shortly after. I believe that is where Bob McKenzie came from -probably why he is an encyclopedia of information about hockey.

And their business model on the Northside was also to blow (it got ruined when the won a World Series --- as they ceased being perennial lovable losers).... but get 3 mil fans in and give them a bobble head of the flavour of the month... sell them on some curse or some other inanity.



Frankly I have never actually read anyone defending Bill Wirtz -- this is kind of an interesting development. I came close once, where I wrote that I think it was clear that the man loved ice hockey... and that was when there was some urban-myth maybe story going around about a check out dude at a TRU and noticing WWW's name on a credit card when he allegedly went in to buy something there for someone. I don't doubt that he did live and breathe hockey ... there is no crime against that... but, seriously, some of his choices were (to be polite about it), flawed. And proven to be so.
- steve-hist-sdc

While some of his team decisions were simply befuddling to fans, I have heard over the years that old man Bill actually did have a heart and was kind and loyal to his employees to some degree almost to a fault.

A relative of mine interned for the Hawks in the dark years of the 2000's. She said that that lunch was brought in for office staff constantly among other perks.

Also know of a relative's uncle who was an old stadium vendor who was mugged and shot after a game one night. Old man Wirtz helped with the medical bills, kept him on the payroll and the old vendor could always pick up a pair of tickets for a game for free until he died.

I am happy for the win however it appeared to me to be a goalie win.
Argument can be made if Crawford keeps playing like that (or like he was in 2016) gets into shape and has outstanding season he can get them to maybe 25th-27th place in the league and handicap their chances for high draft pick and prolong overall misery and mediocrity.
Looks like Pens do not have it anymore in them so Caps can repeat again. Also ironically looks like its West over Central now, with 5 teams in the West contending for playoff spots. With Colorado reverting, Central only has Nashville and Winnipeg, the rest look like a dump.

The ONLY thing ever reported about McDonough - and his involvement with player decisions - was a piece John Jaeckel wrote a few years ago. From one of his sources - he said that McDonough wanted to be in the room when decisions were being made - because he felt as president of the team - he should be there.

But nowhere else has it EVER been said that he interferes with the people charged with player acquisitions or player development. He himself has repeatedly said he knows nothing about the process - and never tried to interject himself into the process.

Only the fan base on this site took the original piece and changed the narrative to fit what they want to believe. It's truly been an alternate universe thing here.
- dahawks8819

Are you his brother or something? Why are you so offended?

My point is they are all on the downside of their careers. I agree 100% on the lack of depth but Keith, Toews and even Kane soon are not elite players anymore and are more or less complimentary, depth, players now. And in the cap world a team can't afford to pay a large percentage of their cap on aging players who's best days are behind them. Trouble is all but Kand, and possibly Keith will be difficut to trade and will being little of value back. Imagine what one or all of them would have fetched had Bowman had the foresight and moved them after the 2015 cup win? On the other hand what if they continured to have productive seasons and the prospects the Hawks received turned into flops? Tough job Bowman has, alot tougher than we give him credit for.
- paulr

Idk about that, he plays the game at such a cerebral level, he will be a 70+ point player the rest of his career.

The Wings already went through this process and it is painful... but you have to just deal with it. The talented core of any championship team is going to get older. Just like Datsyuk, Lidstrom, Zetterberg, etc... Yeah it sucks. No doubt about it. I hope for Chicago's sake Bowman doesn't do the same stupid crap that Holland did in Detroit and keep resigning mediocre veterans just to squeak into the playoffs. His dumb "retool on the fly" was an abject failure and delayed the proper rebuild in Detroit by about 5-6 years.

I REALLY miss the old rivalry the Wings and Hawks had when they were in the same division. It was tough to lose that with the realignment... but I do think the Wings are in the proper division in terms of logistics/travel now.
- Vladdie_Kon1

You speak the truth .As much as I understand the advantages of tanking , I till just can't get behind the idea when watching a game, have to cheer for the boy's ,must be DNA . I want them to win every game . When they do lose I guess it makes it a little easier to say one step closer to a 1st pick overall . 18% is still a slim number to tank a year over ,if it still going south in a month or two toss the towel trade what ya can add a couple more scouts and plan the draft party .

I miss the HAWKS coming to Detroit I don't live far easy commute for games . Maybe the HAWKS and Wings will meet for the cup in the near future that would be great ..

I like it that the big 3 of Sid the Skid, Malkin me sick, and White Kessel didn't find the scoresheet at all. Murphy was after Malkin a couple of times, after the big hit. Is there any way to pry Guentzel away from the pens? I really like that kid. He's good, and gets better in the playoffs.
- I Am The Breadman

As the saying goes, if Gretzky can be traded, anyone can. But Guentzel is a big cornerstone of the Pens (they market him more than Kessel). He's still on an entry level contract, and will be an RFA at the end of the season. So there's a bit of cost control there. The only way Guentzel moves is if the Penguins get blown away by a deal or he asks to be moved.

Does the opposite tend to happen with an EK rumor?
- I Am The Breadman

yes

Wow, the personal attacks on this board are unbelievable. No wonder there are so few who regularly post here any more.
- BMWChiFan

what happened to the moderators/referees? I wouldn't mind having some of these posters banned, so I don't have to wade through all of this nonsense.

As the saying goes, if Gretzky can be traded, anyone can. But Guentzel is a big cornerstone of the Pens (they market him more than Kessel). He's still on an entry level contract, and will be an RFA at the end of the season. So there's a bit of cost control there. The only way Guentzel moves is if the Penguins get blown away by a deal or he asks to be moved.
- Jance

I hear what you're saying but is there a less marketable player in sports than Kessel? He looks like some dude prospecting for gold and he's one of the worst interviews, not that hockey players are great ones. Lucky for Kessel he's good at hockey.

I am happy for the win however it appeared to me to be a goalie win.
Argument can be made if Crawford keeps playing like that (or like he was in 2016) gets into shape and has outstanding season he can get them to maybe 25th-27th place in the league and handicap their chances for high draft pick and prolong overall misery and mediocrity.
Looks like Pens do not have it anymore in them so Caps can repeat again. Also ironically looks like its West over Central now, with 5 teams in the West contending for playoff spots. With Colorado reverting, Central only has Nashville and Winnipeg, the rest look like a dump.
- vshun

Think Toronto will have something to say about that ,they will be all in this year .

Martinsen 6 hits in 7 minutes. Everyone whines about the lack of ‘grit’, but Martinsen can skate, and he likes to run into people. He can play 4th line grinder on my team anytime.
- scottak

Absolutely agree Scott. I've posted many times that this guy creates space out there. Give him the 4L role every stinkin game and let him get 8 to 12 minutes of ice, and HIT. It's a transition that this team needs going forward. A couple of forwards that use the body and then a couple of Dmen as well.

FWIW, Dreger said the only way Keith is moved is if he walks into Stan's office and says he is not with this recoup and wants to be traded. I know he has the NMC. He said he didnt think the Hawks would ask him it would have to come from Duncs.

Also, I found it interesting that he would refer to the core simply as Kane, Toews and Keith and leave out Seabrook. I wonder if there is something in the works for #7

I hear what you're saying but is there a less marketable player in sports than Kessel? He looks like some dude prospecting for gold and he's one of the worst interviews, not that hockey players are great ones. Lucky for Kessel he's good at hockey.
- paulr

Speaking of interviews, Toews was incredibly uncomfortable with Pierre last night during post game lol

Think Toronto will have something to say about that ,they will be all in this year .
- oldduffman

If the Leafs don't shore up that defense they will have a tough time in the playoffs. The lack of defensemen capable of battling for the puck, are able be first on loose pucks and be willing to take a hit was exposed by the Bruins in last years playoff. While Reilly has really brought his game to the next level none of the other defensemen have. I think the Leafs have the best and deepest forward core in the league but they can't do much when they are so weak in their own end.

Speaking of interviews, Toews was incredibly uncomfortable with Pierre last night during post game lol
- nickmo2699

Toews is probably my favorite Blackhawk but he comes from the Bull Durham school of interviews, drone cliche after cliche in monotone. That said wouldn't you be uncomfortable being near Pierre?

My point is they are all on the downside of their careers. I agree 100% on the lack of depth but Keith, Toews and even Kane soon are not elite players anymore and are more or less complimentary, depth, players now. And in the cap world a team can't afford to pay a large percentage of their cap on aging players who's best days are behind them. Trouble is all but Kand, and possibly Keith will be difficut to trade and will being little of value back. Imagine what one or all of them would have fetched had Bowman had the foresight and moved them after the 2015 cup win? On the other hand what if they continured to have productive seasons and the prospects the Hawks received turned into flops? Tough job Bowman has, alot tougher than we give him credit for.
- paulr

I would disagree with the bolded. I think Toews is proving this year that he is still elite, and Kane hasn't dropped off yet. And, I don't think Keith has really lost much either. He has been paired with sub-par and rookie defensemen for the past three seasons, which could explain some of what we see as fall off.

So Crow really good. Nice to see the 4th line get some goals but pretty sure they are still very bad regardless of how hard they try or hit or have the Hawk Harrelson will to win metric oozing out their pores.

Would have liked to be in the meeting where someone said Manning/Rutta/Gus are NHL players but Dahlstrom not. The dude isnt great but as a third pairing guy probably not the worst option they have. But it is only one game against a top heavy struggling team. Also, even if he is just as bad he is definitely cheaper.

This weekend going to be tough match up. Hopefully closer games but i still don't see them being able to hang with the Jets or Sharks.

Good to see a win but they cant win too many lol.

I hear what you're saying but is there a less marketable player in sports than Kessel? He looks like some dude prospecting for gold and he's one of the worst interviews, not that hockey players are great ones. Lucky for Kessel he's good at hockey.
- paulr

He's pretty hilarious. Really dry sense of humor. I think the dude is great but I wouldn't want him on the Hawks at this stage. Players under 28 only to build around. I think the win now ship has sailed and next chance is in 2 or 3 years.

So Crow really good. Nice to see the 4th line get some goals but pretty sure they are still very bad regardless of how hard they try or hit or have the Hawk Harrelson will to win metric oozing out their pores.

Would have liked to be in the meeting where someone said Manning/Rutta/Gus are NHL players but Dahlstrom not. The dude isnt great but as a third pairing guy probably not the worst option they have. But it is only one game against a top heavy struggling team. Also, even if he is just as bad he is definitely cheaper.

This weekend going to be tough match up. Hopefully closer games but i still don't see them being able to hang with the Jets or Sharks.

Good to see a win but they cant win too many lol.
- fattybeef

I thought Dahlstrom played a good game last night. He sure did get the puck on net a lot! Also was not noticeable in the defensive zone, in that he wasn't called out by the announcers for making a bad turnover, or a boneheaded defensive play, so that is always a good thing with defensemen.

Definitely want to see more of him, and hope that he continues this good play.

As the saying goes, if Gretzky can be traded, anyone can. But Guentzel is a big cornerstone of the Pens (they market him more than Kessel). He's still on an entry level contract, and will be an RFA at the end of the season. So there's a bit of cost control there. The only way Guentzel moves is if the Penguins get blown away by a deal or he asks to be moved.
- Jance

I know he's an rfa on an elc, but thank you though. Are there any ideas floating around on what he wants for aav? I really like watching that kid play. I hope for the incredibly small chance he wants to leave, and gets an offer sheet.

I thought Dahlstrom played a good game last night. He sure did get the puck on net a lot! Also was not noticeable in the defensive zone, in that he wasn't called out by the announcers for making a bad turnover, or a boneheaded defensive play, so that is always a good thing with defensemen.

Definitely want to see more of him, and hope that he continues this good play.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

I had the same thoughts. I think Dahlstrom and Murphy have helped the defense, in small sample sizes, but in big ways.

I know JL said he was called up in case Joki leaves for the juniors, I hope he doesn't, I would rather see him stay and play the Winter Classic.

If the Leafs don't shore up that defense they will have a tough time in the playoffs. The lack of defensemen capable of battling for the puck, are able be first on loose pucks and be willing to take a hit was exposed by the Bruins in last years playoff. While Reilly has really brought his game to the next level none of the other defensemen have. I think the Leafs have the best and deepest forward core in the league but they can't do much when they are so weak in their own end.
- paulr

Oh I agree ,can't tell leaf fans that ,Pens did it with a worse D they will say .. Well maybe .I think TO will stick their toe in the trade market for a bigger name D man with all the cap they have this year and also maybe a gritty forward .They will be all in this year as Cap hell is right around the corner

The question regarding moving Crawford has to be, are we getting so mething in return we need, something that will really make a difference.

You might as well keep him and be more careful more competitive than with Delia and Ward. Crawford can play a few more years in top form Probably. He is not as likely to have the off ice "issues" again. I would bet he will be a good soldier and a better father. He has something to prove and someone more now who are telling upon him.

But i digress. Crawford needs to be packaged then maybe (emphasis added "maybe) we could get lucky and extract a #1? Do we even have a #2 to give back, and how good is the tier of players you draft among in the hat first round range with the pick you get for Crawford?

I mean let's wait to see how strong is the mid to late first round. I tend to say, forget it if all we can get us a #2. Anything other than a top prosoects or outside round one is not going to interest me. That sort of return simply is not going to help us barely if at all.

On the other hand, Crawford might help some team win the Cup.

Crawford plays well for a few games near the trade deadline, maybe some GM reaches out to us. It is just really hard to gauge what the market would be .....you have to guess Crawford is not perhaps well liked by Rocky but so what. You cannot trade him just to unload a contract for a poor return.
- jhawk59

You don't see any trades for goaltenders going on around the league despite the fact that at least 2 teams (Philly and Arizona) won't make the playoffs without acquiring a quality G.

No movement means the price to get a Quick or Crawford is sky high right now and will stay at those levels.

An interesting thought is the notion of the Hawks being more fluid in their definition of the core - with less emphasis on locking down those players long term. What if the Hawks had more of a “Belichick” approach to the roster - that is it’s better to trade a player a year too early than a year too late? Would the Hawks have been able to enjoy the same level of success while avoiding the roster constraints they now face? Is the Hawks front office able to unify around that approach (hockey vs marketing)?