Was surprised to see how much Tampa has regressed. They don't look like the team I saw last season, the speed isn't there, the offensive dominance isn't there. But I notice they are playing a more conservative responsible game. Maybe Cooper learned from that disaster last spring when his team was unable to play sound defensive hockey and unwilling to play in the hard areas or get their noses over the puck and be willing to do the wok needed to win?

Rumour out of Toronto suggests if Tampa fades down the stretch, Babcock may be the guy to replace Cooper.
- paulr

Babcock could afford to sit out a year or two and collect his $6.25M from the Leafs. He'll be behind someone's bench one of these days. Maybe the Hawks in 21-22 if JC doesn't do the job? Or if Cooper is canned one of these days, maybe he'll be on the short list for the next Hawks coach? Or maybe either Babs or Cooper wind up in Seattle? So many questions, so few answers.

As for this absurd ‘Bettman hates the Hawks’ diatribe, WTF?

My guess is, if totally honest, he’d like the big markets and Original 6 to do well, because they are the teams that drive league revenue. The Blackhawks fit both categories. And, in case you didn’t notice, the NHL does everything it can to get the Hawks on TV as many times as possible. Has anyone played more outdoor games?National games? European games?

GB would have a wet dream if the WCF was between the Hawks and anyone else.

GB loves the Hawks, and all the cash they generate.

D put it best, now that the Hawk's winning streak is over the manic BOD is back to normal.
- paulr

As a card carrying BOD member, I thought they played pretty well last night, against a much better opponent.

Babcock could afford to sit out a year or two and collect his $6.25M from the Leafs. He'll be behind someone's bench one of these days. Maybe the Hawks in 21-22 if JC doesn't do the job? Or if Cooper is canned one of these days, maybe he'll be on the short list for the next Hawks coach? Or maybe either Babs or Cooper wind up in Seattle? So many questions, so few answers.
- boilermaker100

After Toronto I'd hazard a guess Babcock will want to step onto a contending team. Chicago is a long wany from contending, I can't see him wanting to go through the growing pains.

As for this absurd ‘Bettman hates the Hawks’ diatribe, WTF?

My guess is, if totally honest, he’d like the big markets and Original 6 to do well, because they are the teams that drive league revenue. The Blackhawks fit both categories. And, in case you didn’t notice, the NHL does everything it can to get the Hawks on TV as many times as possible. Has anyone played more outdoor games?National games? European games?

GB would have a wet dream if the WCF was between the Hawks and anyone else.

GB loves the Hawks, and all the cash they generate.
- scottak

Corrected the last line for you.

Last time you had another theory as to why Bettman hates the Hawks and at one point you said it was due to Tom Lysiak tripping the linesman. Seems the logic gets lost in the conspiracy theories.
- paulr

This is how I picture PE's basement.

This is how I picture PE's basement.

- Rota's Rooter

As a card carrying BOD member, I thought they played pretty well last night, against a much better opponent.
- scottak

As a card carrying HIA member (head in the air/ass), I didn't think they played bad at all.

After Toronto I'd hazard a guess Babcock will want to step onto a contending team. Chicago is a long wany from contending, I can't see him wanting to go through the growing pains.
- paulr

That's a good point and I see why TBL was mentioned. Presently, they are an underachieving, good team and since Copper has been there several years maybe his message isn't getting through to the players any more.

Last time you had another theory as to why Bettman hates the Hawks and at one point you said it was due to Tom Lysiak tripping the linesman. Seems the logic gets lost in the conspiracy theories.
- paulr

No, I believe it was the Hull to WHL. But yes, Lysial tripping the linesman helps.

This is how I picture PE's basement.

- Rota's Rooter

Not even close.

As a card carrying HIA member (head in the air/ass), I didn't think they played bad at all.
- gabriel

Maybe the Hawks didn't play that bad, but they lost an opportunity to pick up some points at home against a TB team that was without Kucherov and Stamkos.

Not even close.
- powerenforcer

?

Off topic, but Cale Makar playing great for Colorado. 7 goals and 18 assists in 22 games. Could be both the Calder and Norris winner this year. Hawks will get a close up view of him next week during the two back to back games.

As for this absurd ‘Bettman hates the Hawks’ diatribe, WTF?

My guess is, if totally honest, he’d like the big markets and Original 6 to do well, because they are the teams that drive league revenue. The Blackhawks fit both categories. And, in case you didn’t notice, the NHL does everything it can to get the Hawks on TV as many times as possible. Has anyone played more outdoor games?National games? European games?

GB would have a wet dream if the WCF was between the Hawks and anyone else.

GB loves the Hawks, and all the cash they generate.
- scottak

Apples to oranges. It is like saying, I don't like a president, but I do like my stock portfolio increasing because of the policies he is setting. I am not denying he wants the Chicago franchise to make money for the league, but it kills him to see the team win the cups.

?


- BINGO!

Very nice. Now go back to the hilljack from nashville and play with your sisters.

Maybe the Hawks didn't play that bad, but they lost an opportunity to pick up some points at home against a TB team that was without Kucherov and Stamkos.
- boilermaker100

Very true. But, can we not accept the fact that TB is the better team at this stage of our development? I can. With or without the two vacancies you mentioned.

As a card carrying BOD member, I thought they played pretty well last night, against a much better opponent.
- scottak

I didn't think they played poorly considering the opponent as you say and considering there are so many holes in the Hawk lineup.

Maybe the Hawks didn't play that bad, but they lost an opportunity to pick up some points at home against a TB team that was without Kucherov and Stamkos.
- boilermaker100

Most importantly, JC found a way to get 4K into a game against his old team...

Wonder if Stan is having 2nd thoughts regarding Cat's contract.
- boilermaker100

Very tradable contract for a team looking to get smaller and slower.

?


- BINGO!

I'm guessing it goes much deeper then that.

No, I believe it was the Hull to WHL. But yes, Lysial tripping the linesman helps.
- powerenforcer

You do realize Bettman wasn't even part of the NHL when these events happened? Or does that even matter?

Unrelated questions:

Was the moon landing staged?
Was 911 an inside job?
Did the FBI really kill Kennedy?
Is Elvis still alive?
And how do they get the caramel inside the chocolate or the cream inside the twinkie?

You do realize Bettman wasn't even part of the NHL when these events happened? Or does that even matter?

Unrelated questions:

Was the moon landing staged?
Was 911 an inside job?
Did the FBI really kill Kennedy?
Is Elvis still alive?
And how do they get the caramel inside the chocolate or the cream inside the twinkie?
- paulr

No, it doesn't matter. Aren't you watching current events?

No
No
Clinton's had something to do with it
No
You don't want to know

Very nice. Now go back to the hilljack from nashville and play with your sisters.
- powerenforcer

It was a good effort but I live quite a distance northwest of you.

Most importantly, JC found a way to get 4K into a game against his old team...
- Davewn

May not ever know the real reason why that happened. Just thought the reasoning behind it, sounded a tad lame. Just suggesting as a possibility that something more went into that decision.