Anybody notice that when the Hawks suck the blog comments approach 900 to a 1000, but when they're on a roll there are only about 300?
Maybe because of the Holidays?
- boilermaker100

1. yes its the holidays
2. some the trolls and baiters are back under their rocks
3. no big news or trade speculations to ruminate about
- bogiedoc

All correct but he had the answer in the original post though. When the Hawks are losing/sucking there are way more comments.

Darth was also right. It's always been that way...for as long as I've been on here anyway.

That was probably Stan’s worst deal, but it’s time to move on.
- DarthKane

As much as I'd like to, I'll never be able to.

This one and Kimmo one, all the others he gets bashed about, I really didn't mind. These two drive me crazy.

The fact that the Kruger contract became an issue for two years after, and probably cost you Shaw, adds fuel to the fire.
Could've traded Kruger, at that point, his stock was high, kept Shaw and Danault.

Those 2 are about $5M in cap space that Stanbo could never explain his reasoning behind.
- RickJ

Rick, all I wanted going into this season was for Stan to do no harm and he did that. Objectively the roster told anyone the team was not going to win so don't tie up money long term on a JVR type.

That said Stan has to have PTSD, and he should, over last yrs goaltending and defense (IMO he should be fired for the way he allowed the goaltending depth to be so atrocious should Crow go down).

That said, do no harm and the tending and D were horrid last yr. So he went out and got a bonafide NHL goalie, a Dman who could skate an NHL shift with some size and an aging forward who understands the NHL and has won cups. Two on a 1 yr contract and one on a 2yr contract for pennies by NHL standards (do no harm).

Yea these guys are at the bottom 1/4 of their positions but they have proven they can play in the NHL, understand it (positioning/preparedness) and conduct themselves as professionals. To Stan IMO they are the devil he knows as opposed to the devil he doesn't (last yrs goalies and young Dmen), proven NHLers.

I mean the goalers last yr were Forsberg, Glass, Delia, Berube!! You shi%#$@& me???? Playing behind Oesterle, Gus, Forsling, Hillman, Rutta (IIRC none had 100 NHL games) along with an aging Keith and Seabs under Q!!

Yea Ward is nearing the end but you wanna sign a Hutton for 3-4-5 yrs at 4+ mil, approach the season with tenders like last yr or go with a Ward for ONE yr in a season where you know it's a lost one???? Yea Manning is a 7th Dman but you wanna go with what you had last yr, multiple guys with not even 100 NHL games??? He provides an NHL known with 200+ games, agreed not great, as opposed to 2-3-4-5 unknown non-prospects with less than 100 NHL games they ran out last yr.

IMO this is one of Justin's best blogs. Pointing out that Ward stepped up in the room calling the team out, he brings experience and professionalism to the club despite poor numbers coming in and signed for ONE yr. Same for Manning and Kunitz all the while doing no LONG term harm to the cap. All 3 are knowns ....... The trade off was proven NHL professionals on their down side to the complete sideshow that was last yrs D and goaltending (multiple unknowns).

Stan checked the only box I cared about in the offseason, do no harm. 2nd would be provide something that isn't a complete sideshow.

As much as I'd like to, I'll never be able to.

This one and Kimmo one, all the others he gets bashed about, I really didn't mind. These two drive me crazy.

The fact that the Kruger contract became an issue for two years after, and probably cost you Shaw, adds fuel to the fire.
Could've traded Kruger, at that point, his stock was high, kept Shaw and Danault.
- vabeachbear

Possibly, and it would be great to still have both. Hate the Danault trade then and now.

But, I don’t think they fix an aging core and especially on defense. I think they are at least trying to address it.

Many, the Hawks themselves, have drawn comparisons to the Wings model. The Wings started their decline in about 2010 and were completely done when Lidstrom retired. A big difference between the two teams can be seen in their drafts of recent years where the Hawks have loaded up on dmen and through FA where they’ve tried to plug the dyke til prospects become ready.

That was probably Stan’s worst deal, but it’s time to move on.
- DarthKane

We all have opinions- its what the board is built on
Newsflash- no team takes Manning off your Hands anytime soon - would offer Manning & Rutta for Kasian - in a heart beat.

No time line for moving on from bad trades-

All correct but he had the answer in the original post though. When the Hawks are losing/sucking there are way more comments.

Darth was also right. It's always been that way...for as long as I've been on here anyway.
- HawkintheD

Starting off with some positivity. I hope the Bears beat the 49ers. I know they're in, but don't play down to the level of the team. Play hot, and ride that into the play-offs. Anything can happen then.

Also, hope the hawks can stay on this hot streak, and beat the (sex) Panthers. Last time, iirc, we beat them after coming back from a three goal deficit. Adb with the tying goal, but can't remember the ot winner. Doesn't matter, win today.

2 Chi victories! I'm also supposed to yell more! To make sure The Anchorman reference is complete, "Loud noises!"- Brick Tambland!

Sunday Funday...can the Hawks win 4 in a row?

interesting tidbit from Spector's hockey:

KEITH DISILLUSIONED IN CHICAGO?

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons reports a source close to Duncan Keith claims the long-time Blackhawks defenseman is “disillusioned” in Chicago. Simmons wonders if the 34-year-old would be a perfect fit on the Maple Leafs blueline. “He’s got lots left,” the source said. Would you try to get him if you were the Leafs, I asked. “In a second,” was the answer.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No word of Keith’s supposed disillusionment in the Blackhawks has surfaced in the Chicago media this season. He’d have to waive his no-movement clause for any club to acquire him via trade. 

interesting tidbit from Spector's hockey:

KEITH DISILLUSIONED IN CHICAGO?

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons reports a source close to Duncan Keith claims the long-time Blackhawks defenseman is “disillusioned” in Chicago. Simmons wonders if the 34-year-old would be a perfect fit on the Maple Leafs blueline. “He’s got lots left,” the source said. Would you try to get him if you were the Leafs, I asked. “In a second,” was the answer.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No word of Keith’s supposed disillusionment in the Blackhawks has surfaced in the Chicago media this season. He’d have to waive his no-movement clause for any club to acquire him via trade. 
- ikeane

Hawks ain't winning a cup with this core any longer, I'd move who I could to get good returns to build for the future.

AA and Keith both playing better, should bring a decent and good returns.

If Keith is disillusioned about Chicago, I'd move him. He'll play good with a team like the leafs, and this board will go nuts then and say Stan's an idiot for trading their best dman, but its time to move on. Don't need the negativity for the youngsters.

Came from Canadian press, and nothing here, so might also be fake news, someone in Toronto understanding they ain't winning the cup with that D and wishful thinking.

Rick, all I wanted going into this season was for Stan to do no harm and he did that. Objectively the roster told anyone the team was not going to win so don't tie up money long term on a JVR type.

That said Stan has to have PTSD, and he should, over last yrs goaltending and defense (IMO he should be fired for the way he allowed the goaltending depth to be so atrocious should Crow go down).

That said, do no harm and the tending and D were horrid last yr. So he went out and got a bonafide NHL goalie, a Dman who could skate an NHL shift with some size and an aging forward who understands the NHL and has won cups. Two on a 1 yr contract and one on a 2yr contract for pennies by NHL standards (do no harm).

Yea these guys are at the bottom 1/4 of their positions but they have proven they can play in the NHL, understand it (positioning/preparedness) and conduct themselves as professionals. To Stan IMO they are the devil he knows as opposed to the devil he doesn't (last yrs goalies and young Dmen), proven NHLers.

I mean the goalers last yr were Forsberg, Glass, Delia, Berube!! You shi%#$@& me???? Playing behind Oesterle, Gus, Forsling, Hillman, Rutta (IIRC none had 100 NHL games) along with an aging Keith and Seabs under Q!!

Yea Ward is nearing the end but you wanna sign a Hutton for 3-4-5 yrs at 4+ mil, approach the season with tenders like last yr or go with a Ward for ONE yr in a season where you know it's a lost one???? Yea Manning is a 7th Dman but you wanna go with what you had last yr, multiple guys with not even 100 NHL games??? He provides an NHL known with 200+ games, agreed not great, as opposed to 2-3-4-5 unknown non-prospects with less than 100 NHL games they ran out last yr.

IMO this is one of Justin's best blogs. Pointing out that Ward stepped up in the room calling the team out, he brings experience and professionalism to the club despite poor numbers coming in and signed for ONE yr. Same for Manning and Kunitz all the while doing no LONG term harm to the cap. All 3 are knowns ....... The trade off was proven NHL professionals on their down side to the complete sideshow that was last yrs D and goaltending (multiple unknowns).

Stan checked the only box I cared about in the offseason, do no harm. 2nd would be provide something that isn't a complete sideshow.
- Mr Ricochet

I think you argument is a good one. However this is the same stanbow who upon the firing of Q and the horrible losing streaks insisted this is a playoff team. If so he thought that over the summer and those FA signings did nothing to improve the team or support that view. As you pointed out the the goalies avail were expensive and wanted multi-year 3 mildo per deals. Ward got 1 year and the NMC for signing only a 1 year deal. Ward deal was a good one the other two signings just didn't make sense. other than they were short term deals.

Hawks ain't winning a cup with this core any longer, I'd move who I could to get good returns to build for the future.

AA and Keith both playing better, should bring a decent and good returns.

If Keith is disillusioned about Chicago, I'd move him. He'll play good with a team like the leafs, and this board will go nuts then and say Stan's an idiot for trading their best dman, but its time to move on. Don't need the negativity for the youngsters.

Came from Canadian press, and nothing here, so might also be fake news, someone in Toronto understanding they ain't winning the cup with that D and wishful thinking.
- vabeachbear

i don't think keith is "disillusioned". He never was a media guy and and has always been circumspect and cryptic. He is a ironwilled competitor who wants to win. He is also not stupid and is well aware that the glory days are over and he has only a few years left. He should finish and retire as a Hawk and given he has the choice to go where he wants if he is traded it will his decision.

interesting tidbit from Spector's hockey:

KEITH DISILLUSIONED IN CHICAGO?

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons reports a source close to Duncan Keith claims the long-time Blackhawks defenseman is “disillusioned” in Chicago. Simmons wonders if the 34-year-old would be a perfect fit on the Maple Leafs blueline. “He’s got lots left,” the source said. Would you try to get him if you were the Leafs, I asked. “In a second,” was the answer.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No word of Keith’s supposed disillusionment in the Blackhawks has surfaced in the Chicago media this season. He’d have to waive his no-movement clause for any club to acquire him via trade. 
- ikeane

Keith's actual salary may be a bargain but his cap hit going forward for the Leafs is not. This is not happening. Too bad that he is not on an expiring contract because he would be a hot commodity at the TDL.

Game on WGN again tonight which sucks for me, but I noticed on the NHL app it also lists ESPN+ anyone know what that is?

Game on WGN again tonight which sucks for me, but I noticed on the NHL app it also lists ESPN+ anyone know what that is?
- walleyeb1

Additional sports package? No clue on the price, but that's my guess.

Hawks ain't winning a cup with this core any longer, I'd move who I could to get good returns to build for the future.

AA and Keith both playing better, should bring a decent and good returns.

If Keith is disillusioned about Chicago, I'd move him. He'll play good with a team like the leafs, and this board will go nuts then and say Stan's an idiot for trading their best dman, but its time to move on. Don't need the negativity for the youngsters.

Came from Canadian press, and nothing here, so might also be fake news, someone in Toronto understanding they ain't winning the cup with that D and wishful thinking.
- vabeachbear

Agreed as these are reasons why I think it may not be a terrible thing for him to be traded, however sad it would be.

I've noticed since game 4 of the NSH series, that Keith visibly turns it on and plays much better when he has what I assume is some personal motivation to do so, usually against a prior SC playoff opponent / division rival, when we've dug a hole, etc.. That "only when it counts" approach could definitely be a bad example to set on a team full of young, developing guys who undoubtedly look up to him.

As someone who has a hard time personally feeling engaged in my work unless I'm being challenged, I get it, I really do. However, if I'm interpreting what I'm seeing from him correctly (based in part on his own comments), then it may not be the worst thing for him to move along if HE wants to.

Blackhawks⁠⁠ lines:

Saad-Toews-Kahun
Anisimov-Strome-Kane
DeBrincat-Kampf-Sikura
Kunitz-Nilsson-Perlini

Go, Evan!

Blackhawks⁠⁠ lines:

Saad-Toews-Kahun
Anisimov-Strome-Kane
DeBrincat-Kampf-Sikura
Kunitz-Nilsson-Perlini
- walleyeb1

Why Kunitz? Maybe the current winning streak is messing up our plans for this year.

Why Kunitz? Maybe the current winning streak is messing up our plans for this year.
- 67hawks

Good familiarity with Florida?

Allowing him to retain a smidgeon of professional pride?

From Pat Riley....

When a milestone is conquered, the subtle erosion called entitlement begins its consuming grind. The team regards its greatness as a trait and a right. Half hearted effort becomes habit and saps a champion.

For the most part human nature set in with the team a few years back.

I always love this quote in my personal life.

Go, Evan!
- pdx2ord

I'm rooting for EB as well. Wasn't he a scratch yesterday?

From Pat Riley....

When a milestone is conquered, the subtle erosion called entitlement begins its consuming grind. The team regards its greatness as a trait and a right. Half hearted effort becomes habit and saps a champion.

For the most part human nature set in with the team a few years back.

I always love this quote in my personal life.
- TrueGrit

Perfect! Akin to the Dryden chapter on what happened to the Habs' room after all their success.

I'm rooting for EB as well. Wasn't he a scratch yesterday?
- I Am The Breadman

Didn't see that, but if so, maybe he'd already secured his spot and they were giving the other guys one last chance to make the cut.

Blackhawks⁠⁠ lines:

Saad-Toews-Kahun
Anisimov-Strome-Kane
DeBrincat-Kampf-Sikura
Kunitz-Nilsson-Perlini
- walleyeb1

Why? Kunitz...why?

We'll get our first look at Nilsson.

Ward in net tonight.

I'm rooting for EB as well. Wasn't he a scratch yesterday?
- I Am The Breadman

He was a scrstch last night. He should be in the top 6 for the rest of the tourney though. That is, if he plays well.