I don't every sport should be growing because the pop. grows. Hockey was tied with basketball for the 3rd biggest sport in na. Now it's football basketball baseball and hockey is way down the lists. No one around me follows hockey anymore. And back where the majority of my family lives Chicago northern wis they barely watch anymore to.
- vandymeer23

I think you're rewriting history - hockey (in my long lifetime) was NEVER above basketball, nationally or (since the Jordan years) in Chicago.

Hockey couldn't even get any national TV contracts in the US, back in the day, when fighting was prevalent.

I do not understand the concern over the rumoured Gustafsson signing at a number that can mostly be buried in the AHL if he cannot cut it. This is insurance for us and if he ends up in the AHL, it is only Rocky's money which he has plenty of.

Can anyone tell me what Al MacIssac really does?

I do not understand the concern over the rumoured Gustafsson signing at a number that can mostly be buried in the AHL if he cannot cut it. This is insurance for us and if he ends up in the AHL, it is only Rocky's money which he has plenty of.
- 67hawks

Take your pick: why now, what has he done to prove useful, why for anything over the minimum, etc?

It doesn't matter much to me, as I'm guessing the move was more strategic, vs. any good for the team. We'll see if this is Runblad 2.0 (1.5?) or just a paper transaction for a later move...

Just another reason Stan Bowman should be fired.

Just another reason Stan Bowman should be fired.
- tompo1015

You should be fired

Take your pick: why now, what has he done to prove useful, why for anything over the minimum, etc?

It doesn't matter much to me, as I'm guessing the move was more strategic, vs. any good for the team. We'll see if this is Runblad 2.0 (1.5?) or just a paper transaction for a later move...
- Chunk

IMO, this is just Stan, doubling down on another loser because he doesn't know what else TO do. After all, who is going to want to sign here for this clown-car experience other than guys with barely a modicum of NHL talent. Gus (to me) looks like Cam Barker WITHOUT the booming shot and very little else.

You should be fired
- Stan_Bowman

Hey Stan, WTF is up with Q's attitude these days?

I saw some tape of him trying to explain away the 2 horrible W coast performances and I thought I saw more than a bit of a smirk on his face. Seriously, what gives? Is this a private F.U. to you - since you have provided him with so much garbage for players?

Or, is it because he knows he's got a huge iron-clad contract that John made you give him and he is laughing under his breath all the way to the bank? Meanwhile, you keep trading away the young talent and keep giving out big contracts, long-term deals and NMC's to guys that should probably not have gotten 'em.

You are really a piece of work too, having the nerve to tell us fans that we "should expect more of the same because the team will look pretty much the same next year."

I think you're rewriting history - hockey (in my long lifetime) was NEVER above basketball, nationally or (since the Jordan years) in Chicago.

Hockey couldn't even get any national TV contracts in the US, back in the day, when fighting was prevalent.
- StLBravesFan

when gretzky played in northern states it was right there. Yeah when Jordan and the bulls were winning it wasn't close. But now is it 4th? NASCAR use to be bigger soccer? mma?

Just another reason Stan Bowman should be fired.
- tompo1015

why would they give goose a 2 year deal I doubt anybody would have been waiting to take him. Anyone know what Shawn Lalonde is up to? He's got to be better then what we have.

why would they give goose a 2 year deal I doubt anybody would have been waiting to take him. Anyone know what Shawn Lalonde is up to? He's got to be better then what we have.
- vandymeer23

Wasnt Rozy's named mentioned at least once during the Duck game when the Hawks D dumpster fire was being discussed? something about digging him up for the last 10 games....

Wasnt Rozy's named mentioned at least once during the Duck game when the Hawks D dumpster fire was being discussed? something about digging him up for the last 10 games....
- glennjpawlak22

not sure which goal it was, they all have the similar tone...but Osterle was just standing in front of the goals just watching as the Duck player just moved in for the tap in. He put up to fight to lift a stick, block out - thats EASY to play against. In that same frame i think you see Highmore lifting the stick of his check - completely different players. these may not be the same play, but did anyone notice?

IMO, this is just Stan, doubling down on another loser because he doesn't know what else TO do. After all, who is going to want to sign here for this clown-car experience other than guys with barely a modicum of NHL talent. Gus (to me) looks like Cam Barker WITHOUT the booming shot and very little else.
- savvyone-1

Oh come on now, 56 has a great goal celly, right? you remember? that one time??

if money is available, players will always want to sign a contract. That said, I think they need to make some significant changes both in the system and in the team structure for them to get turned around. All year, this team has been very passive. In the d-zone relying on "positioning" and stick work, and in the o-zone being a mostly perimeter team trying to pass around the pressure instead of creating pressure of their own.

After watching how they played in that first game, it amazes me that they fell back to this type of play the rest of the year. I've re-watched that game 5 times and it was amazing. Speed, guys going to the front of the net and STOPPING/STAYING there, almost all goals within 10 feet of the crease, and SOME solid checking.

All vanished by game three...

Hey Stan, WTF is up with Q's attitude these days?

I saw some tape of him trying to explain away the 2 horrible W coast performances and I thought I saw more than a bit of a smirk on his face. Seriously, what gives? Is this a private F.U. to you - since you have provided him with so much garbage for players?

Or, is it because he knows he's got a huge iron-clad contract that John made you give him and he is laughing under his breath all the way to the bank? Meanwhile, you keep trading away the young talent and keep giving out big contracts, long-term deals and NMC's to guys that should probably not have gotten 'em.

You are really a piece of work too, having the nerve to tell us fans that we "should expect more of the same because the team will look pretty much the same next year."
- savvyone-1

come on Savvy. Q knows that he has an AHL level defense, AHL level goaltending, and a bottom tier NHL offense. Q knows that he has a guaranteed contract, so why would he have a care in the world about this sad state of affairs? If he gets fired, he gets paid AND doesn't have to deal with the embarrassing excuse for an "NHL Roster" that Bowman has assembled. We are both on the same page as far as Q's history of player usage, doghouse vs penthouse treatment, and overall stubborness....HOWEVER, I simply cannot pin the blame on Q this year. Rutta, Oesterle, Forsling, Gustafson, and Dahlstrom don't belong on NHL ice. Even Seabrook and Murphy have barely been performing at 3rd pair levels this year. Q can't go out there and make players better than they are. This season, and the following years of SUCK we should all be bracing ourselves for, falls squarely on the shoulders of Bowman, 19 and 7.

Marketing is sweating. I got out this season with my tickets in section 316. My friend kept his . Today he got his 2nd phone call to renew. The agent said our management is going to fix this. My friend said who Stan? The agent said we have many future good young players. My friend asked who is still to come. The agent named Sikura and Jokiharju. The agent said they have 21k people on the waiting list. My friend said most people do not want the tickets anymore. I bet 6 to 8 thousand people do not renew their season tickets. I do think next year could be a rebound year but as I mention previously 3 thing must happen. 1. top 4 pick 2. Healthy Crow 3. new coaching staff. And I would add a 4th thing. 4. Hossa return
And even then I would think they would be a playoff team but not a Cup team.

come on Savvy. Q knows that he has an AHL level defense, AHL level goaltending, and a bottom tier NHL offense. Q knows that he has a guaranteed contract, so why would he have a care in the world about this sad state of affairs? If he gets fired, he gets paid AND doesn't have to deal with the embarrassing excuse for an "NHL Roster" that Bowman has assembled. We are both on the same page as far as Q's history of player usage, doghouse vs penthouse treatment, and overall stubborness....HOWEVER, I simply cannot pin the blame on Q this year. Rutta, Oesterle, Forsling, Gustafson, and Dahlstrom don't belong on NHL ice. Even Seabrook and Murphy have barely been performing at 3rd pair levels this year. Q can't go out there and make players better than they are. This season, and the following years of SUCK we should all be bracing ourselves for, falls squarely on the shoulders of Bowman, 19 and 7.
- EnzoD

Enzo, they're (Q and Blowman) are kind of like the battered person syndrome where they know the relationship is toxic and potentially fatal to their well-being but they somehow, some way either enjoy it or fear not having it. It's really the best analogy I can think of -- we're definitely on the same page about Q's player usage/doghouse-penthouse routine -- and really on the same page as far as Blowman goes.

WhoTF ever thought or gave Stan the imbecilic idea that Murphy was a 2nd pairing guy? Might not even be worthy of 3rd pairing on a Stanley Cup bound team. Cost certainty. What a good laugh that's been.

No, I think like you that they both need to go.

Hey Stan, WTF is up with Q's attitude these days?

I saw some tape of him trying to explain away the 2 horrible W coast performances and I thought I saw more than a bit of a smirk on his face. Seriously, what gives? Is this a private F.U. to you - since you have provided him with so much garbage for players?

Or, is it because he knows he's got a huge iron-clad contract that John made you give him and he is laughing under his breath all the way to the bank? Meanwhile, you keep trading away the young talent and keep giving out big contracts, long-term deals and NMC's to guys that should probably not have gotten 'em.

You are really a piece of work too, having the nerve to tell us fans that we "should expect more of the same because the team will look pretty much the same next year."
- savvyone-1

Oh, you definitely saw more than a hint of a smirk. Totally inappropriate affect for someone who should care about how this team (and his coaching staff) look this year.

If the tank is on and he can't help himself, then someone forgot to tell the players, and it's frankly a crappy thing to do to them. Good luck getting the morale back up for next year.

I do think next year could be a rebound year but as I mention previously 3 thing must happen. 1. top 4 pick 2. Healthy Crow 3. new coaching staff. And I would add a 4th thing. 4. Hossa return
And even then I would think they would be a playoff team but not a Cup team.
- Rayipsd

And would you put your faith in this brain trust to pick the right guy?

I would not.

I'm in agreement that Blowman is the wrong guy to lead any kind of rebuild.
Too many bad moves since his ascension to GM

I think you're rewriting history - hockey (in my long lifetime) was NEVER above basketball, nationally or (since the Jordan years) in Chicago.

Hockey couldn't even get any national TV contracts in the US, back in the day, when fighting was prevalent.
- StLBravesFan

NBA had national TV contracts in the 70's...my god the nhl pitted the best expansion team (happened to be the blues)during the late 60's in the finals...thats how bowman sr loss 3 in a row, no one cared...

from wiki: "The National Hockey League has never fared as well on American television in comparison to the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, or the National Football League, although that has begun to change, with NBC's broadcasts of the final games of the 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013 Stanley Cup Finals scoring some of the best ratings ever enjoyed by the sport on American television.

In fact, hockey broadcasting on a national scale was spotty prior to 1981; NBC and CBS held rights at various times, each network carrying weekend-afternoon games during the second half of the regular season and the playoffs, along with some (but not all) of the Stanley Cup Finals. From 1971–1995, there was no exclusive coverage of games in the United States."

Hey Stan, WTF is up with Q's attitude these days?

I saw some tape of him trying to explain away the 2 horrible W coast performances and I thought I saw more than a bit of a smirk on his face. Seriously, what gives? Is this a private F.U. to you - since you have provided him with so much garbage for players?

Or, is it because he knows he's got a huge iron-clad contract that John made you give him and he is laughing under his breath all the way to the bank? Meanwhile, you keep trading away the young talent and keep giving out big contracts, long-term deals and NMC's to guys that should probably not have gotten 'em.

You are really a piece of work too, having the nerve to tell us fans that we "should expect more of the same because the team will look pretty much the same next year."
- savvyone-1

yea his pressers have as much energy as his team: i think he got tired of saying "lets get excited"...he can't wait for 4/7 to arrive...

why would they give goose a 2 year deal I doubt anybody would have been waiting to take him. Anyone know what Shawn Lalonde is up to? He's got to be better then what we have.
- vandymeer23

The hilarity is Bowman was rumored to be shopping this player. He got no takers, then signs him to a new deal. (yea that is just my projection)

I so hope the Bears can get good really quick and the Sox rebuild needs to ramp up, because the Good Ship Blackhawk is a clowncar right now.

The hilarity is Bowman was rumored to be shopping this player. He got no takers, then signs him to a new deal. (yea that is just my projection)

I so hope the Bears can get good really quick and the Sox rebuild needs to ramp up, because the Good Ship Blackhawk is a clowncar right now.
- kwolf68

Be reading that book, "Life In Edmonton and all those top 3 picks". Coming to Chicago book stores soon.

The hilarity is Bowman was rumored to be shopping this player. He got no takers, then signs him to a new deal. (yea that is just my projection)

I so hope the Bears can get good really quick and the Sox rebuild needs to ramp up, because the Good Ship Blackhawk is a clowncar right now.
- kwolf68

Ha! Keep hoping. Cubs are easily the best bet right now to bring home another championship...though I'm with you on the Bears.

come on Savvy. Q knows that he has an AHL level defense, AHL level goaltending, and a bottom tier NHL offense. Q knows that he has a guaranteed contract, so why would he have a care in the world about this sad state of affairs? If he gets fired, he gets paid AND doesn't have to deal with the embarrassing excuse for an "NHL Roster" that Bowman has assembled. We are both on the same page as far as Q's history of player usage, doghouse vs penthouse treatment, and overall stubborness....HOWEVER, I simply cannot pin the blame on Q this year. Rutta, Oesterle, Forsling, Gustafson, and Dahlstrom don't belong on NHL ice. Even Seabrook and Murphy have barely been performing at 3rd pair levels this year. Q can't go out there and make players better than they are. This season, and the following years of SUCK we should all be bracing ourselves for, falls squarely on the shoulders of Bowman, 19 and 7.
- EnzoD

Wow you couldn’t be more wrong. Q has been AWFUL this year, ABOMINABLE this year. He has always been an impediment even in year’s of success. He has never coached the Hawks up making them better than they were. Blaming the players is absolutely ludicrous. For heaven’s sake the Penguins won the Cup last year with basically no D-Men. However, they had a Coach. Q’s systems are a joke. Gimme a break - in a year where maybe some effective coaching would have been helpful Q clearly showed his stats are a reflection of WHERE he has coached not HOW. Welcome to the Scotty Bowman School of Coaching where you only coach really stacked line-ups. Remember, Colorado couldn’t get rid of Q fast enough.

I wish that the Hawks’ management had shown nads and fired Q’s sorry butt in the off-season or no later than the midpoint of this season. When Q had a tantrum and created a scene at the Draft he should have been fired on the spot - I would have voided his contract - no money is absolutely guaranteed. The arrogant, disgusting interviews he is giving right now? Get his sorry butt out the door. He has responsibilities to the team that go beyond standing behind the bench.

Enzo keep cheering for those losses buddy.

Ha! Keep hoping. Cubs are easily the best bet right now to bring home another championship...though I'm with you on the Bears.
- HawkintheD

LOL, I agree. Sox window probably not fully open until 2020...

though it's possible their rotation this year (at some point) will be

Kopech
Giolitto
Lopez
Rodon...

absolutely filthy. Toss in Alex Hansen, Dylan Cease, Dane Dunning vying for spot 5 and things look good for the future.

but we traded Tatis Jr for (frank)ing James Shields. Bone headed move.