Laz went on a bit of a Twitter rant last night about Blackhawks "fans" who are over-the-top in their spewing bile about the team and its core players. Seeing it and, more importantly, the responses from fans of other teams was a good reminder that we've been very, very spoiled with this team in the cap era. Ironically, the reason our expectations are so seemingly overblown.

Let me preface this ill-advised rant by saying I'm well aware that #BlackhawksTwitter is not representative of the fan base as a whole. This is a place of extremes. That said...

What astounds me is how much so many of you seem to HATE these guys. You don't lament Seabrook's decline, you DESPISE him for it. You hold his contract against him like he robbed you personally, as if you would have turned it down.

You don't wonder if Jonathan Toews is slipping, you want to fire him into the sun for slipping. You HATE him. You HATE Jonathan Freakin' Toews.

All Duncan Keith has done is win two Norris Trophies and a Conn Smythe. And you HATE him because he's lost a step in his THIRTEENTH season. You don't lament his contract, you HATE him and want him GONE.

I don't want to be homer-y here. This season is a disaster in many ways, but JFC, get a grip and get some perspective. You got three Cups in nine years and you HATE these guys. What the hell kind of fan are you?

Be sad. Be frustrated. Rage against management, sure. Want them traded for cap reasons, even. That's all legitimate and warranted in some cases. But the vitriol you spew at players who brought you so much over the years, Jesus. Get a grip.

You know what most fans would give to have a decade like you've had?

If he had any notion to trade any of the core, I'm not sure a comment like "These players are all mere shells of their former selves and likely won't be much of an asset to your on-ice product" is the kind of sales pitch you run with.
- HawkintheD

This is what I am hoping for because if Bowman seriously believes that this core (eating up this chunk of Cap space) is okay then Bowman is the one who needs to go.

Laz went on a bit of a Twitter rant last night about Blackhawks "fans" who are over-the-top in their spewing bile about the team and its core players. Seeing it and, more importantly, the responses from fans of other teams was a good reminder that we've been very, very spoiled with this team in the cap era. Ironically, the reason our expectations are so seemingly overblown.
- pdx2ord

I approve of his rant.

It sucks now to see these guys have lost a step but we need to remember that they're slowing down because they gave every single ounce for this team for so ling resulting in 3 championships.

I don't agree. Klefbom isn't terrible IMO, he's an great skater, can play in all situations and is 24 years old making 4.1M. Caggiula is just added in as he played on Schmaltz's line for 2 years and he may be a borderline player so I'll give you that one.

It was a late night thought. My rationale is that rumours surfaced that Klefbom might be available and the Hawks are in desperate need for a top 4 defenceman moving forward.

You have to give to get so unless the Hawks deal someone of significance (current NHLer or prospect) they won't be getting one.

And I for one will not be content with rolling out Keith-Seabs-Oesterle-Murphy-Forsling-Rutta-Dahlstrom next year on the back end.
- Justin Lowe

If your analysis of Klefbom was correct he would be untouchable for the Oilers. The Oilers are always trying to find D-Men - this has been a very well publicized issue for a very long time. I have close connections to Edmonton and know the Oilers well. When you watch them one thing that stands out about their D-Men is that none of them stand out or are anything special - none of them. Not Larrson, who the Oilers idiotically traded Hall for, not Nurse and certainly not Klefbom.

While it may be necessary to trade quality to get quality Klefbom is not quality. Cagguila is a non-issue as he is barely a player and could easily be off the team. The Hawks should not want these players period but your suggestion that they should give DeBrincat, Forsling and prospects to get them is simply not well founded.

DeBrincat, who fortuitously fell to the Hawks in the 2nd Round but should have been taken in the 1st Round, should be an untouchable that you build around. Also Forsling could be a great D-Man if he adds some aggressiveness to his game.

John Jaekel disagreed with me too. He said that DeBrincat’s stats in junior wouldn’t translate at all in the NHL while I said that they certainly did and that I had watched DeBrincat and I knew he would have success immediately. Guess Z3 was right about that.

I approve of his rant.

It sucks now to see these guys have lost a step but we need to remember that they're slowing down because they gave every single ounce for this team for so ling resulting in 3 championships.
- Justin Lowe

And the vitriol is typical of unappreciative fans who support one team only and know so very little about the rest of the teams in the league and in fact the game itself. They got 3 Cups - while fans of teams like Nashville, Washington, Minny, St.Louis, Toronto are hoping, praying to win one.

Reminds me of the Ranger fan who held up his sign reading "Please just once before I die."

And the vitriol is typical of unappreciative fans who support one team only and know so very little about the rest of the teams in the league and in fact the game itself. They got 3 Cups - while fans of teams like Nashville, Washington, Minny, St.Louis, Toronto are hoping, praying to win one.

Reminds me of the Ranger fan who held up his sign reading "Please just once before I die."
- RickJ

Yeah, will forever think of it as 3-in-6, no matter how big that last number becomes while we wait for the next SC run. Pittsburgh may have the two-peat, but they don't have that.

stanbow is attempting to blow some dense ass covering smoke with comments that his remaining hollow core is in their prime.

toews (30 in april): 3 strt under performing seasons 1-3
seabs (33 in april): 7 mildo 4-5 dman at best 1 4
keith (35 in july): certainly a drop off since his norris con smythe days 0-2

during a playoff push that began with the wing game before the break (11 GAMES) they have combined for 2 goals and 9 assists...these guys are trending away from their prime years

saad and kane are still producing...but kane has dropped off recently and saad has been lost since the first 2 games...

patrick sharp (36) was and is done...my guess he retires...doubt anyone offers him a contract
- bogiedoc

Kane is being forced the puck at all most no regard. He is taking unneeded hits. Last night Stevie K stated that a veteran like Kane will take a hit to make a play - THAT HAS NEVER been Kane's MO nor should it be. The teams overall lack of testicular fortitude may serve to speed up Kanes down fall as well. They don't have to out hit a team but really who is afraid of anyone on the team?

Laz went on a bit of a Twitter rant last night about Blackhawks "fans" who are over-the-top in their spewing bile about the team and its core players. Seeing it and, more importantly, the responses from fans of other teams was a good reminder that we've been very, very spoiled with this team in the cap era. Ironically, the reason our expectations are so seemingly overblown.
- pdx2ord

I'm no fan of Laz, but for a change he's right on with this rant.

I've heard even if they trade Wingels now, he could return on to Chicago in the off-season and work with them on a deal.

He has a young family and is from the area. He would love to stick around for a while.
- Justin Lowe

That's good to hear. IMHO, the Hawks need to retain a character guy like Wingels who will give his all each game and doesn't command a high salary. Plus he hits people and has the ability to contribute offensively. Not a ton of offense but enough for a 4th liner who provide other useful attributes when not scoring.

I know the Hawks won't retain both Bouma and Wingels. I'd take Wingels hands down as a veteran presence for the bottom 6. He's been the one amongst he, Bouma, and Hayden that has been a mainstay in the lineup after that 4th line got broken up.

I'm no fan of Laz, but for a change he's right on with this rant.
- 6628

Can't agree more, don't hate them for the decline, not happy with the inability to reinvent there game working around limitations as most great athletes do. I mean how the hell did Payton Manning play until he was 40?

Can't agree more, don't hate them for the decline, not happy with the inability to reinvent there game working around limitations as most great athletes do. I mean how the hell did Payton Manning play until he was 40?
- riozzo

By playing 16 game + some playoffs seasons? And getting hit less frequently, with less physical force, than hockey players?

I approve of his rant.

It sucks now to see these guys have lost a step but we need to remember that they're slowing down because they gave every single ounce for this team for so ling resulting in 3 championships.
- Justin Lowe

Problem is - we mostly expected them to be productive players until - if not 40 - for several years after 30, or 32, or 34. Lazerous is correct - there should be disappointment in, but not vitriol at, Toews for his three -year decline - same with Seabrook - and had this all happened after 35 - there probably would be the former but not the latter. There is the feeling that the decline is somehow their fault - bad diets, not training enough, not caring enough.

I think we were mostly looking forward to several more competitive years for the team - if not more Cups, at least competing for more Cups.

The precipitous decline - two first round outs (one embarrassingly bad) and a last place finish immediately after a glorious Cup win.

I'm no fan of Laz, but for a change he's right on with this rant.
- 6628

Laz is not right. The reason he can have this type of rant is he is NOT a fan and does NOT care at all about the Hawks. So I should just be happy that Toews is being paid 10.5M now because we won Cups before? So I should just be happy with the inept coaching now because we won Cups before? Laz has obviously never ran his own business. Past success is just that PAST success. Money paid to someone in the present is for present activities. I don’t see Toews or Q giving any money back.

Problem is - we mostly expected them to be productive players until - if not 40 - for several years after 30, or 32, or 34. Lazerous is correct - there should be disappointment in, but not vitriol at, Toews for his three -year decline - same with Seabrook - and had this all happened after 35 - there probably would be the former but not the latter. There is the feeling that the decline is somehow their fault - bad diets, not training enough, not caring enough.

I think we were mostly looking forward to several more competitive years for the team - if not more Cups, at least competing for more Cups.

The precipitous decline - two first round outs (one embarrassingly bad) and a last place finish immediately after a glorious Cup win.
- StLBravesFan

Its Bettman's fault - as he was presenting the Cup in 2015 he called the Hawks a dynasty. Its all fallen apart since because of him.

The NHL is not set up to produce a short list of the same winners or finalists every year. Selection position in the entry draft and the salary cap ensure that. Lets just hope the Hawks don't follow what happened to the memorable dynasty teams of the past - Montreal, NYI and the Oilers.

I agree with your toughness definition - and the Blackhawks’ lack of it.

On the defensemen concentrating on offense first - Q keeps talking about how he likes it when they get involved in the offense.

But if that’s the philosophy - and they want defensemen going down low - isn’t there a forward who’s supposed to cover the vacated point? Hard to coordinate, and they still have to pick their spots, but - everyone down low is not ideal.

And it would help to get a big goalie save when that happens - like Forsberg at the end of the second against the Stars after Keith’s TO, and Glass last nite after Osterlie’s gamble. Tough shots - ok - saveable each - make a damn save when you team needs you to have its back.

It’s not just the save percentage / goals against average for goalies - it’s not just the goals they give up - but the ones they don’t save at important times. That’s what great (even just good) goalies do.
- StLBravesFan

Agree with everything you said. The D-Men do not “pick their spots” as you say. Glass last night was like a cartoon goalie - make a save already. Very fragile team and Glass gives up an atrocious goal to begin the game. The Hawks can’t allow no shots. Have to be troubled by the odd-man breaks but it shouldn’t be a given that the goalie seems to always let them score.

If he had any notion to trade any of the core, I'm not sure a comment like "These players are all mere shells of their former selves and likely won't be much of an asset to your on-ice product" is the kind of sales pitch you run with.
- HawkintheD

hawk...that is a fair point...public vs private consumption...but i don't think any knowledgeable hockey exec or GM considers keith, seabs, toews or even kane in their prime...

and they can't sell low on saad...he is 24-25 with 3 years of control left...ya keep him and expect a huge rebound year from him

Laz is not right. The reason he can have this type of rant is he is NOT a fan and does NOT care at all about the Hawks. So I should just be happy that Toews is being paid 10.5M now because we won Cups before? So I should just be happy with the inept coaching now because we won Cups before? Laz has obviously never ran his own business. Past success is just that PAST success. Money paid to someone in the present is for present activities. I don’t see Toews or Q giving any money back.
- Z3Hawk

I think what Laz means more it that people actually HATE these players now. I'm not happy with the decline since the last cup, and I agree with what you mean. but to actually HATE any of these players for what they have given us fans is ridiculous. I would be open to trading any player if it would make us better in the future. And after they all leave and move on to other teams, or whatever the rest of their life entails, I will always be thankful for the 3 cups and the happiness they brought us.

#19 is listed on the Blackhawk roster as 6'2 201lb. I would venture to say that he doesn't weigh 180lb.

I think what Laz means more it that people actually HATE these players now. I'm not happy with the decline since the last cup, and I agree with what you mean. but to actually HATE any of these players for what they have given us fans is ridiculous. I would be open to trading any player if it would make us better in the future. And after they all leave and move on to other teams, or whatever the rest of their life entails, I will always be thankful for the 3 cups and the happiness they brought us.
- spudrock512

Summing up posters comments, I would say that fans hate the contracts not the players. There is nothing wrong with their play. The problem is that their pay does not match their play.

I approve of his rant.

It sucks now to see these guys have lost a step but we need to remember that they're slowing down because they gave every single ounce for this team for so ling resulting in 3 championships.
- Justin Lowe

agreed.....the personal bile being spewed is so wrong headed and foolish...not worth engaging or paying attention...

you had a coming together of the greatest talent and competitive will of any team in chicago NHL history or maybe all of chicago sports history: toews, kane, keith, seab, hossa, crawford, sharp excelled and performed at the highest level to win the hardest championship in sports 3x in 7 years and just missed going to a 4th final after another heroic come from behind 3-1 deficit to the kings in 2014....

i have nothing but admiration for them...they accomplished with a roster that turned over 7-10 players a year because of the damn cap...

Laz is not right. The reason he can have this type of rant is he is NOT a fan and does NOT care at all about the Hawks. So I should just be happy that Toews is being paid 10.5M now because we won Cups before? So I should just be happy with the inept coaching now because we won Cups before? Laz has obviously never ran his own business. Past success is just that PAST success. Money paid to someone in the present is for present activities. I don’t see Toews or Q giving any money back.
- Z3Hawk

Exactly!
I don't hate Toews or Seabs as they were amazing and loved every minute of those 3 cups l....it was amazing.
Unfortunately it's a business and the team needs to move forward to keep being successful. That includes turnover and moving players who are no longer producing or are not producing for what they are being paid, sorry folks but that's just good business.....going down memory lane or keeping players around because they when you cups is not a recipe for success, it's sad perhaps but it happens. I think we may be at that point with this team. Let's see what Management can do to turn around this team and if it means moving a Toews or Seabs then it needs to be done because at the end of the day I think their contracts and performances are partly responsible for this teams partial demise.

Laz is not right. The reason he can have this type of rant is he is NOT a fan and does NOT care at all about the Hawks. So I should just be happy that Toews is being paid 10.5M now because we won Cups before? So I should just be happy with the inept coaching now because we won Cups before? Laz has obviously never ran his own business. Past success is just that PAST success. Money paid to someone in the present is for present activities. I don’t see Toews or Q giving any money back.
- Z3Hawk

What would you have written if Toews, Kane, Hossa, Keith, Seabrook etc. had said screw the Olympics (2), the World Cup, IIHF World Championships, showing up at mid summer conventions etc and given their reason as it will shorten their NHL careers, impact on ice performance for their NHL teams and possibly cause a loss in total lifetime earnings? Would you have glowingly endorsed that at the time?

These guys have played an incredible amount of hockey in relatively short careers. For some of it they earned nothing much. Treads on tires wear down with miles. And maybe, just maybe, their interest in the long 82 game NHL seasons and playoffs has diminished. How many more Cups do they need to prove anything?

hawk...that is a fair point...public vs private consumption...but i don't think any knowledgeable hockey exec or GM considers keith, seabs, toews or even kane in their prime...

and they can't sell low on saad...he is 24-25 with 3 years of control left...ya keep him and expect a huge rebound year from him
- bogiedoc

I think you're right but a bit of salesmanship can't hurt. Agree on Saad too and think he'll rebound.

Hmmmm, this is kind of how I feel, I believe Onnit has had a negative effect for Keith and Toews. I believe Seabrook took the summer off and came into camp out of shape. Kane well he's been the only core player performing like a core player.

Until management comes out and says something about Toews quote unquote injury, funny how him and Keith have declined simultaneously? Don't believe in coincidences. The other night Foley talking about Keith working on his shot, WTF, but he doesn't give him the same tongue lashing he gives Saad night in and night out.

History shows Hawks fans as being harsh and resentful. This is what happens when you sign a contract as the two best players in the league and you don't perform anywhere close to it. What do they call that Karma?

Hmmmm, this is kind of how I feel, I believe Onnit has had a negative effect for Keith and Toews. I believe Seabrook took the summer off and came into camp out of shape. Kane well he's been the only core player performing like a core player.

Until management comes out and says something about Toews quote unquote injury, funny how him and Keith have declined simultaneously? Don't believe in coincidences. The other night Foley talking about Keith working on his shot, WTF, but he doesn't give him the same tongue lashing he gives Saad night in and night out.

History shows Hawks fans as being harsh and resentful. This is what happens when you sign a contract as the two best players in the league and you don't perform anywhere close to it. What do they call that Karma?
- BetweenTheDots

I think you mean Sox fans.