3 recent plays we should remember -

Playoffs vs Blues where Brower elbowed Crow as he skated past him. Taking a slap shot between the eyes from Weber vs Montreal, and Malkin kneeing him well outside the crease.

Do you think, between the combination of the 3, and 2 where the league could have done something about but did not, he just doesn't want to put up with this $hit anymore?
- powerenforcer

Then why would he be attending the convention, if he didn't want to come back (not saying that he is able at this time, or will be during the season ahead)?

I was surprised he was in attendance, given his absence from view basically since December.

vabeachbear, with all due respect, please see post from lato649 above.
- scottak

OK, I guess I didn't really read his comment because he's a Montreal Canadians guy, I don't consider him one of us.

No harm meant, just don't think the high majority of "Hawks" fans don't think this way and aren't saying that.

If "Rick from work's" job is to entertain people, and he is now deemed unfit to do that job, and it could possibly lead to a decrease in the quality of the entertainment that you're paying hundreds of dollars to view, then (frank) yes send out an email explaining the situation. It has nothing to do with who that person is as a human being, but it absolutely affects my desire to spend my money on somewhere where I think I'm buying apples but get oranges.
- Lato649

The thing is Corey is protected by the Union and the Hawks can't send out a email/give a statement for the fans to say what exactly is going on (unless Corey gives their permission).

It sounds like there is/was a lot of uncertainty around his injury so it may have been very difficult for them to come out and say he's going to miss the "entire year or he'll be back in 3 weeks."

The Hawks coming out and providing as many details as possible would not have allowed Corey to be back in the net any sooner. It may have cause more confusion (like the Habs did a couple years ago with Cary Price) of his actual return, thus making STHs and fans even angrier.

Then why would he be attending the convention, if he didn't want to come back (not saying that he is able at this time, or will be during the season ahead)?

I was surprised he was in attendance, given his absence from view basically since December.
- StLBravesFan

If he's not there, it draws more questions as to where he is long term with his health. He is also under contract and I'm guessing in their contracts it states they need to be there. Just a hunch.

The thing is Corey is protected by the Union and the Hawks can't send out a email/give a statement for the fans to say what exactly is going on (unless Corey gives their permission).

It sounds like there is/was a lot of uncertainty around his injury so it may have been very difficult for them to come out and say he's going to miss the "entire year or he'll be back in 3 weeks."

The Hawks coming out and providing as many details as possible would not have allowed Corey to be back in the net any sooner. It may have cause more confusion (like the Habs did a couple years ago with Cary Price) of his actual return, thus making STHs and fans even angrier.
- Justin Lowe

Eh, other teams are very forthcoming with injuries. they announce concussions when they occur, Pittsburgh is one of them.

McDonough was hell bent on controlling the message with the Cubs and that hasn't changed the last 11 years with the Hawks. They are always very tight lipped with injuries and the Q game of "we'll see", "out for a bit", "see how he prevents himself tomorrow" is all a riddle the media has to play when trying to figure out severity of any Hawks injuries.

That's the issue. That's the problem.

Justin your analogy of using some everyday common worker is pathetic. Please give us a break and show more respect to us the fans who pay their salaries.


If this team can't be honest with its fan base as well well as season ticket holders who expect a great on ice product, then they should expect a significant drop off in sales.


Looking at this teams many problems , with no clear vision or urgency to address them why should we as paying fans be expected to pay or promote this type of behavior or garbage being passed off as a competitive team.

We deserve better then this.
- Taylorst1

Taylor - there was no disrespect meant.

The point of that was to say humanize the entire situation. Also, I saw a lot of angst towards the situation this weekend and wanted to reiterate that the Hawks can't provide details of the situation.

So you're statement of "If this team can't be honest with its fan base"... they legally cannot provide the details.

As I mention in my post above, it sounds like there is a lot of uncertainty around his injury so I'm not sure there's much else to come out and say anything other "we hope Corey is back in the net when the season starts" because they don't know and it doesn't sound like Corey himself even knows.

The direction of this team can't all be related back to Corey and this situation. I'm with you, I wish Stan went out and grabbed a couple more upgrades but when he went out and signed Cam Ward, that's was a sign that they may need someone (not named Corey) to play the majority of the games this year.

vabeachbear, with all due respect, please see post from lato649 above.
- scottak

Here’s the most disconcerting thing for me, IMHO, one of two things is going on:

The Blackhawks and Crawford along with his medical team aren’t on the same page. Your basic failure to communicate.

Or

The Blackhawks and Crawford along with his medical team are on the same page in terms of knowledge about his condition.

But, each has decided to take a different approach in terms communication with the public. The Blackhawks taking a (I’ll be nice) more optimistic nothing to see here, everything is going be just fine approach.

Where as Corey decided to take a more straight forward unvarnished approach. I’m not 100%, but I’m working hard trying to get better, but I don’t really know and can’t give you a definitive timetable.

If "Rick from work's" job is to entertain people, and he is now deemed unfit to do that job, and it could possibly lead to a decrease in the quality of the entertainment that you're paying hundreds of dollars to view, then (frank) yes send out an email explaining the situation. It has nothing to do with who that person is as a human being, but it absolutely affects my desire to spend my money on somewhere where I think I'm buying apples but get oranges.
- Lato649

An unfortunate fact. An entertainer (athlete) who is a top 10 on earth in his field is not the same as 99.999999% of all employees just as sports is not the same as any other business.

The Hawks' entertainment value is "probably" (I'm not ready to concede the Hawks blow without Crawford) lower without him and as a business the Hawks are wise to conceal any info that would endanger that entertainment value. That can be done honestly though.

But exposing yourself as lying as to any problems is not good for business either.

A simple company line of "Corey is battling a health problem. He and the Hawks are doing everything that can be done to get him 100% healthy but right now we don't have a time table on his return. Until an update on his health is provided we won't comment on this any further."

Simple and not deceitful and something a reasonable fan can accept and make his/her choice as to whether to fork out ticket money.

Whether or not the Hawks were being deceitful or organIzationally inept with their messaging ("we expect Corey to be ready for camp") is a question of the Hawks' own making and falls on the shoulders of the prez, Shovel Face.

To say we should allow Corey space and hope he gets well is obvious but unfortunately whether or not the Hawks are being honest with their fans is not, and that is of the Hawks' own making.

110% correct.
I think most, if not all, of the posters here and fans of the team would agree. Crawford doesn't owe us an explanation.

However, I do think the Blackhawks organization needs to be straight-up with the people that buy season tickets, the people that buy the advertising -- essentially, anyone that spends $ (and in many cases, big $'s). Instead of the crap they have been feeding the media -- just be straight-up and say "we can't discuss what's wrong with Corey, we hope and expect him to make a full recovery and get back on the ice. However, we honestly DON'T KNOW when or IF that will happen."

Don't continue to express the baloney of expecting him to be ready for Camp or ready for game 1 of the regular season. These have all been quotes from the mouths of the Blackhawks brass.

And it's disingenuous.

THAT is what I believe most here are saying. And hopefully it is obvious that we are wishing Corey the best in terms of his recovery and health. If he's not able to rejoin the club, most of us would be pretty bummed -- and we'd hope that he is at least able to live a normal life from this point forward.
- savvyone-1

Well said.


I hope the best for Crawford and his long term health. I posted a few blogs back I had heard 2nd hand that his LT health was very questionable and the Ward signing of being overpaid, and a NTC just shows how badly WARD was THEIR top priority this offseason. Furthermore if they are going to lose Forsberg for nothing, quite possible when he gets put on waivers, what a horrible job of asset management by Bowman who should have dealt Forsberg at the draft for a late round pick.


To see a guy still that frustrated 7 months after originally injured tells you it's 1 of 2 things. I'm not buying an off the ice issue...….when you have had that many concussions and I believe he's had at least 2 prior to this, it doesn't take a huge jolt to shake things up again.


The quote that irritated me the most was from Keith proclaiming to be some close friend yet had "no idea" what was wrong with CC or any update. That wasn't well said and shocked the Hawks didn't "coach" him to toe the line. Made him look like a fool.

I'll be pleasantly shocked if CC is ready for camp...and I have very strong doubts he may not be any where close to being ready for the start of the season. He knows it. The Hawks know it.....and it's time the fans accept it.


And.....blow. it. up.

Here’s the most disconcerting thing for me, IMHO, one of two things is going on:

The Blackhawks and Crawford along with his medical team aren’t on the same page. Your basic failure to communicate.

Or

The Blackhawks and Crawford along with his medical team are on the same page in terms of knowledge about his condition.

But, each has decided to take a different approach in terms communication with the public. The Blackhawks taking a (I’ll be nice) more optimistic nothing to see here, everything is going be just fine approach.

Where as Corey decided to take a more straight forward unvarnished approach. I’m not 100%, but I’m working hard trying to get better, but I don’t really know and can’t give you a definitive timetable.
- walleyeb1

Very possible. Sounds like he's been away from the team for some time and he looked very tentative when speaking.


I've said my peace on it......fact is this team is going no where if 50 isn't playing 60+ games and if that's the case......you better start developing a plan on how to sell high on some assets who aren't in the long term plan of this team.

HIPPA laws prevent the sharing of an individuals health issues.

IT is not a matter of preference.

If CC wants to go public, that is his call.

Maybe one day he will

Hawks dont need another overpaid and over rated center.
- PatShart

I dont think he was either of those when he played for the Hawks. After he left the Hawks, sure. But he was awesome when he was here.

Taylor - there was no disrespect meant.

The point of that was to say humanize the entire situation. Also, I saw a lot of angst towards the situation this weekend and wanted to reiterate that the Hawks can't provide details of the situation.

So you're statement of "If this team can't be honest with its fan base"... they legally cannot provide the details.

As I mention in my post above, it sounds like there is a lot of uncertainty around his injury so I'm not sure there's much else to come out and say anything other "we hope Corey is back in the net when the season starts" because they don't know and it doesn't sound like Corey himself even knows.

The direction of this team can't all be related back to Corey and this situation. I'm with you, I wish Stan went out and grabbed a couple more upgrades but when he went out and signed Cam Ward, that's was a sign that they may need someone (not named Corey) to play the majority of the games this year.
- Justin Lowe

Yes, yes and yes. I guess it's a sign of my age but have been saying all along with the Shovel Face/StanBow/organIzational/Q messaging all along, don't tell my ears show my eyes.

Many fans looked at the Ward signing and say it sucked and pointed to his stats. For others though it showed the Hawks were at the very least unsure of Crow's health and got a tried and true professional goaltender who has shown he can carry the load and would sign for ONE yr.

They didn't need to say a word, their signing of Ward spoke for them. If Crow were truly on track to be back healthy and start 55ish games they go with Forberg as their #2 and wouldn't have signed Ward exposing Forsberg to waivers to send him down to make Ward the #2.

I posted a readers comments at the end of your last blog that I pretty much agree with. To me it's very eloquent and what I've been saying since the end of last yr, going into the offseason and FA. Very much agree with the 2nd paragraph and like how he calls out the "Stan has to do something now" media calls. https://www.secondcityhoc...iority-nhl-2018-19-season




"I mean, I guess it’s a point in your favor that McDonough didn’t say "we’re rebuilding," but the championship "One Goal" stuff was clearly absent. Also, doesn’t he have ticket issues to worry about? Didn’t the Hawks face some attendance and season ticket renewal concerns late last season when the losses were really piling up? Is there any incentive for him to come out and say anything less than what he said about the Hawks’ ambitions for this year, even if the team realizes they’re in a transitional period? The rebuilding question is about semantics to some extent. Are the Hawks in firesale, tear it all down, tank for the #1 pick and add all the prospects and draft picks you can in the meantime mode? No. Are they in pull out all the stops to win as many games as possible this season mode? Again, clearly no. The front office plainly does not have the same mindset they had during the championship seasons, or even two years ago. That much is clear beyond a shadow of a doubt.

The Hawks fans and commentariat are confused by this off-season because they are operating from a fundamentally mistaken premise – that Stan needs to win this year or lose his job. All the actions Stan has taken suggest to me he believes that if this season goes badly, Q is the one whose job is on the line. Stan has never hired a coach, and I think he believes he’ll get that chance before he’s pushed out the door. All his moves (drafting players years away from the league over more NHL ready players, not pushing to overpay the JVR level FAs available this off-season, not swinging big deals for vets that might help the Hawks win this year at the expense of down the road, setting the Hawks up to have a lot of cap space and expirings next summer, etc) suggest a man who believes he’ll be around for the ‘19-20 season no matter what. Is there any other way to interpret what he’s done? He’s got a multi-year plan for this team, and believes he’ll be there to see it through.

By the way, that’s the approach Hawks fans should want from their GM. When you see bad signings and panicky trades in professional sports, a GM with job security anxiety is often the root cause. I don’t know if Stan can build this team back into a title contender, but I’m glad he has thus far refused to give in to the many observers (Lazerus, Myers, Powers, etc) who have formed the "do something" chorus. I think this Hawks team will surprise some people this year without making another move. I expect them to be in the playoff hunt (which is all McDonough is really saying) and then make waves in 2019 with money to spend on impact FAs and young blue line reinforcements on the way. If that’s not "rebuilding" fine, but that sure looks like the front office plan from where I’m sitting."

110% correct.
I think most, if not all, of the posters here and fans of the team would agree. Crawford doesn't owe us an explanation.

However, I do think the Blackhawks organization needs to be straight-up with the people that buy season tickets, the people that buy the advertising -- essentially, anyone that spends $ (and in many cases, big $'s). Instead of the crap they have been feeding the media -- just be straight-up and say "we can't discuss what's wrong with Corey, we hope and expect him to make a full recovery and get back on the ice. However, we honestly DON'T KNOW when or IF that will happen."

Don't continue to express the baloney of expecting him to be ready for Camp or ready for game 1 of the regular season. These have all been quotes from the mouths of the Blackhawks brass.

And it's disingenuous.

THAT is what I believe most here are saying. And hopefully it is obvious that we are wishing Corey the best in terms of his recovery and health. If he's not able to rejoin the club, most of us would be pretty bummed -- and we'd hope that he is at least able to live a normal life from this point forward.
- savvyone-1

I agree with 99% of this. The only thing I waffle on is where you are saying the Hawks are being disingenuous. I think this may just be a matter of semantics. I can grant you that they may be a bit over optimistic, but Corey himself said that it is possible that he is ready for camp.

All they have said is that they “expect” him to be ready. If you line that up with past comments from these same people, that doesn’t necessarily imply all that much confidence in the statement. Like almost everyone else here, I say we wait until camp and see what shakes out.

I agree with 99% of this. The only thing I waffle on is where you are saying the Hawks are being disingenuous. I think this may just be a matter of semantics. I can grant you that they may be a bit over optimistic, but Corey himself said that it is possible that he is ready for camp.

All they have said is that they “expect” him to be ready. If you line that up with past comments from these same people, that doesn’t necessarily imply all that much confidence in the statement. Like almost everyone else here, I say we wait until camp and see what shakes out.
- Chunk

But should a fan have to read between the lines by weighing past comments with current ones? A simple "we have no timetable as we work with Corey to get him 100% for his return and won't comment until a medical update is given" would be honest and fair.

IMO the word expect should be eliminated from their messaging concerning Crow as it seems they, or him, don't really have an idea when he will be healthy.

Well said.


I hope the best for Crawford and his long term health. I posted a few blogs back I had heard 2nd hand that his LT health was very questionable and the Ward signing of being overpaid, and a NTC just shows how badly WARD was THEIR top priority this offseason. Furthermore if they are going to lose Forsberg for nothing, quite possible when he gets put on waivers, what a horrible job of asset management by Bowman who should have dealt Forsberg at the draft for a late round pick.


To see a guy still that frustrated 7 months after originally injured tells you it's 1 of 2 things. I'm not buying an off the ice issue...….when you have had that many concussions and I believe he's had at least 2 prior to this, it doesn't take a huge jolt to shake things up again.


The quote that irritated me the most was from Keith proclaiming to be some close friend yet had "no idea" what was wrong with CC or any update. That wasn't well said and shocked the Hawks didn't "coach" him to toe the line. Made him look like a fool.

I'll be pleasantly shocked if CC is ready for camp...and I have very strong doubts he may not be any where close to being ready for the start of the season. He knows it. The Hawks know it.....and it's time the fans accept it.


And.....blow. it. up.
- SteveRain

Actually that didn’t bother me at all. I saw it as Keith being his snarky self, refusing to regurgitate the Blackhawks company BS line.

But should a fan have to read between the lines by weighing past comments with current ones? A simple "we have no timetable as we work with Corey to get him 100% for his return and won't comment until a medical update is given" would be honest and fair.

IMO the word expect should be eliminated from their messaging concerning Crow as it seems they, or him, don't really have an idea when he will be healthy.
- Mr Ricochet

Fai enough. This is why I think we are arguing semantics. I take their statement as saying exactly what is bolded above considering their past history on such topics.

At the end of the day, they are still trying to sell a product. Part of that message is putting a positive light (or as positive as possible) on any outlying issues.

Would I like more straightforward? Absolutely. Will we ever get it from this team? I highly doubt that. This is why I'm not as "upset" with the team as others. "Adjusted Expectations".

The Hawks owe nobody an explanation. Not the general fans, not the season ticket holders.

If you are a season ticket holder, you take your chances. If Crawford is playing fine, if he isn't...too bad.

It is no different than you buy your season tickets now....and in November the Hawks trade Toews and Keith for picks and prospects. You can't expect the organization to let the fans know everything ahead of time so they can decide to support the team or not.

We are fans. Nothing more. We are not ownership, not part of the team, not part of the decision making process.

All this..."We are owed explanation" crap is ridiculous.

Hope your health improves Corey. As far as any disclosures, whatever you want to say or not say is totally your call!!!

As the legality of sports gambling in America rises fans will demand more knowledge of players injuries.

The Hawks owe nobody an explanation. Not the general fans, not the season ticket holders.

If you are a season ticket holder, you take your chances. If Crawford is playing fine, if he isn't...too bad.

It is no different than you buy your season tickets now....and in November the Hawks trade Toews and Keith for picks and prospects. You can't expect the organization to let the fans know everything ahead of time so they can decide to support the team or not.

We are fans. Nothing more. We are not ownership, not part of the team, not part of the decision making process.

All this..."We are owed explanation" crap is ridiculous.

Hope your health improves Corey. As far as any disclosures, whatever you want to say or not say is totally your call!!!
- hawk35

As a fan I don't expect full transparency because I don't "own" actual stock in a team that has monetary value OR part of a small minority group. That I agree with.


However, when people invest thousands upon thousands of dollars into a team, as a former season ticket holder, I did expect not to be lead on. What is apparent after this weekend is that NOBODY has a definitive date of when CC will be ready to go which is/does contradict what Bowman had said at the draft and at the prospects camp.


You are dealing with a fickle fan base....and I love how often Wirtz loves promoting all this money the Hawks lost before he took over (believe it was 30 million) like I should care. I don't. It's his yearly "woe is me" crap that he spews to Crains and it's absolutely hilarious.

McDonough is there to maximize Wirtz's revenue as high as the market will bear. See massive ticket price increases since 2007-08, and now they are on the backside of that bell curve.


lastly what it also tells me is that nobody has a full pulse on what is exactly going behind the scenes. For all they are targeting X or Y player, the guy they wanted the most was the back up goalie which people wrote off mainly because their back up last year was such a dumpster fire. I wouldn't be surprised to see them puruse another low cost/low risk veteran goalie here shortly with CC health being a massive unknown.

NBC Sports’ Joey Alfieri speculates on five potential landing sports for Pacioretty including the Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks, and New Jersey Devils.

NBC Sports’ Joey Alfieri speculates on five potential landing sports for Pacioretty including the Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks, and New Jersey Devils.
- walleyeb1

Noooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So Justin what is the next move? Hawks now have start making moves based on the fact crow is not coming back. So who the hawks target need help in several areas. Need a top 4 d man but nobody is going give that asset without wanting something back of significance. So kind of package can the hawks put together to trade for a d man, top 6 foward, or 3rd line center.

Well said.


I hope the best for Crawford and his long term health. I posted a few blogs back I had heard 2nd hand that his LT health was very questionable and the Ward signing of being overpaid, and a NTC just shows how badly WARD was THEIR top priority this offseason. Furthermore if they are going to lose Forsberg for nothing, quite possible when he gets put on waivers, what a horrible job of asset management by Bowman who should have dealt Forsberg at the draft for a late round pick.


To see a guy still that frustrated 7 months after originally injured tells you it's 1 of 2 things. I'm not buying an off the ice issue...….when you have had that many concussions and I believe he's had at least 2 prior to this, it doesn't take a huge jolt to shake things up again.


The quote that irritated me the most was from Keith proclaiming to be some close friend yet had "no idea" what was wrong with CC or any update. That wasn't well said and shocked the Hawks didn't "coach" him to toe the line. Made him look like a fool.

I'll be pleasantly shocked if CC is ready for camp...and I have very strong doubts he may not be any where close to being ready for the start of the season. He knows it. The Hawks know it.....and it's time the fans accept it.


And.....blow. it. up.
- SteveRain

Agreed on all items.

This issue is first and foremost about CC and his health.

McD has no business spinning to influence interest/ticket sales in a way that is not being 100% honest about CC's predicament.

The TRUTH is, CC is not even 100% ready to get on the ice right now to test the waters. THAT should have been what was communicated out by the FO marketing machine. NOT false hope that he will be back in time for camp.

In the end it blew up in McD's face when CC said as much himself, hence the controversy now surrounding the issue.

What this does speak to is that the proposition that winning puts butts in seats drinking beer and buying jerseys is 100% true, and the crumbling of the mountain of season ticket holders on the wait list is in fact a real thing that news such as CC's is not good for.

Just be honest. A good lesson in most areas of life.

110% correct.
I think most, if not all, of the posters here and fans of the team would agree. Crawford doesn't owe us an explanation.

However, I do think the Blackhawks organization needs to be straight-up with the people that buy season tickets, the people that buy the advertising -- essentially, anyone that spends $ (and in many cases, big $'s). Instead of the crap they have been feeding the media -- just be straight-up and say "we can't discuss what's wrong with Corey, we hope and expect him to make a full recovery and get back on the ice. However, we honestly DON'T KNOW when or IF that will happen."

Don't continue to express the baloney of expecting him to be ready for Camp or ready for game 1 of the regular season. These have all been quotes from the mouths of the Blackhawks brass.

And it's disingenuous.

THAT is what I believe most here are saying. And hopefully it is obvious that we are wishing Corey the best in terms of his recovery and health. If he's not able to rejoin the club, most of us would be pretty bummed -- and we'd hope that he is at least able to live a normal life from this point forward.
- savvyone-1

Hey Savvy great post - my thoughts echo yours and Rainman's as well as Walleye and some others...this is what I posted last night.

This isn't about Crawford's health issues and knowing what's wrong with him. Whatever CC's medical issue I would think we all hope he gets the help he needs long term moving forward and that's more important than any sports team.

The question here is the Hawks framing the situation to fit their narrative. The Hawks claiming that everything is all roses and puppy dogs. Because that's what the Hawks have done since McD took over - they control the message.

But it certainly looks like the Hawks didn't truly know what the condition was regarding one of their own players while telling anyone that would listen he's fine. And it just happened to be the starting goalie who's crucial to this team's rebound this season.

The optics don't look good and the Hawks have a history of medical issues with their own players - See Marty Havlat for starters.