Let’s hope Varlamov has lost our number, since he’s had it for years.
- pdx2ord

They have recently been riding Grubauer, idk what happened to Varlamov. If Varlamov plays, he should in a btb, hopefully his all star play that he brings against us is nonexistent.

NO, NO NO.....I will emphatically disagree with this. You are not looking at the long term affect of this entire organization but simply looking at winning one game ? Look long term please.

This team has been soft for years and a bunch of nice guys too long. Yes thankfully they've won 3 Stanley Cups but since the 2010 team that included Burish, Eager, Buff, Ladd, Bolland, and a youger Seabrook, this team has relatively nobody to make the opposition fear. And anybody that has played hockey at any level understands this. Teams waltz into UC knowing that they are playing the easiest team in the NHL, toughness wise. I'm not only talking about fighting, I'm talking about TEAM toughness and standing up and making a statement to your opponent. Last nights display after Gudas sucker job proves my point. Kunitz needed to IMMEDIATELY drop the gloves and put an end to these types of bullying tactics on this team and organization in general. His lack of response is the reason why teams have NO FEAR playing our Blackhawks, and probably the reason we have NO dominance on home ice. I am sick of it !!
Standing up for yourself and your team mates is essential in the NHL. Without it, teams laugh at you under their breath.

Now that I (we) have all blamed Quenneville for the recent disastrous and disappointing 4 consecutive seasons, maybe that was incorrect ? How can an organization that has 3 Hall of Famers currently in Kane, Toews, and Keith continue to falter and disappoint ? And I'll add Hossa and Quenneville to these past 10 years as well. Thas 5 probable Hall of famers.

Lastly, as many of you know, I am a 55 year season ticket holder. I was 9 years old in 1963 when my dad purchased 4 center ice mezzanine tickets for 3.00 apiece. Now in 100 level center ice, these tickets are thousands and thousands of dollars and quite honestly, it's just not worth it much longer.

As somebody posted the question yesterday on who's renewing ? YES, we are renewing for One Last Season.

I'm going to give Mr. Wirtz one last attempt to change this team over into a group of players, coaches, and managers that show a different type of intensity, determination, and eagerness to stand up with some toughness and heart, because without it, next year will be our last year......along with hoards of other season ticket holders as well. Count on it !!
- Hawkytalk

Like Sam Kinison said in Back To School, "I'm gonna keep my eye on you. I like the way you think." Great effing post!

My fanatical emotions are usually elevated immediately after a game - too sunny after a win or too dark after a loss. A good nights sleep provides the needed separation for intellect to wrest control from naked emotion. It's fun being a fan but it sure has its ups and downs.

Big picture perspective on this season ... let's keep it.

Oh well, back to watching the Tank standings. Vancouver and Edmonton are coming on. Maybe if our weekend goes badly ….
At least we are not the Columbus Blue Jackets -that would be really frustrating.
- 67hawks

Or Ottawa. Think how frustrating it would be to be a Sens fan.

My fanatical emotions are usually elevated immediately after a game - too sunny after a win or too dark after a loss. A good nights sleep provides the needed separation for intellect to wrest control from naked emotion. It's fun being a fan but it sure has its ups and downs.

Big picture perspective on this season ... let's keep it.
- EbonyRaptor

One small step in the right direction, for sure.

Or Ottawa. Think how frustrating it would be to be a Sens fan.
- EbonyRaptor

1st overall picks are overrated. 15 is where it's at these days.

NO, NO NO.....I will emphatically disagree with this. You are not looking at the long term affect of this entire organization but simply looking at winning one game ? Look long term please.

This team has been soft for years and a bunch of nice guys too long. Yes thankfully they've won 3 Stanley Cups but since the 2010 team that included Burish, Eager, Buff, Ladd, Bolland, and a youger Seabrook, this team has relatively nobody to make the opposition fear. And anybody that has played hockey at any level understands this. Teams waltz into UC knowing that they are playing the easiest team in the NHL, toughness wise. I'm not only talking about fighting, I'm talking about TEAM toughness and standing up and making a statement to your opponent. Last nights display after Gudas sucker job proves my point. Kunitz needed to IMMEDIATELY drop the gloves and put an end to these types of bullying tactics on this team and organization in general. His lack of response is the reason why teams have NO FEAR playing our Blackhawks, and probably the reason we have NO dominance on home ice. I am sick of it !!
Standing up for yourself and your team mates is essential in the NHL. Without it, teams laugh at you under their breath.

Now that I (we) have all blamed Quenneville for the recent disastrous and disappointing 4 consecutive seasons, maybe that was incorrect ? How can an organization that has 3 Hall of Famers currently in Kane, Toews, and Keith continue to falter and disappoint ? And I'll add Hossa and Quenneville to these past 10 years as well. Thas 5 probable Hall of famers.

Lastly, as many of you know, I am a 55 year season ticket holder. I was 9 years old in 1963 when my dad purchased 4 center ice mezzanine tickets for 3.00 apiece. Now in 100 level center ice, these tickets are thousands and thousands of dollars and quite honestly, it's just not worth it much longer.

As somebody posted the question yesterday on who's renewing ? YES, we are renewing for One Last Season.

I'm going to give Mr. Wirtz one last attempt to change this team over into a group of players, coaches, and managers that show a different type of intensity, determination, and eagerness to stand up with some toughness and heart, because without it, next year will be our last year......along with hoards of other season ticket holders as well. Count on it !!
- Hawkytalk

You must have missed Gary Bettman's message when he was asked about the state of the Ottawa Senators and Eugene Melnyk's ownership. His answer was that all teams go thru cycles - periods of up and periods of down. Nothing to be surprised or worried about. I'm guessing that means Gary still considers the Blackhawks as a dynasty and that there is nothing to worry about in Florida, Arizona and other doormat team locations.

As far as the on ice product in Chicago and in fact most of the NHL - was there a rule passed that I missed that forbids bodychecking and physical play? I watch these games and nobody hits anybody. Many of these games look the the non contact Post Office League where the boys can't get hurt because they need to be delivering mail in the morning.

Players like Radko Gudas, Tom Wilson, Josh Manson, Eric Gudbranson and Robert Bortuzzo might infuriate opposition team fans but they are good for the entertainment value of the NHL game. For that reason I hope the Capitals band and crash their way to another Cup.

Gimme some nasty and vitriol and grudges. If I want to watch the ballet I will buy tickets for that.

Interesting as heck. Never once thought big Jim was peddling Americanism. Just following through on a moment that temporarily seized the nation. I recall being semi scared whitless at the time. Thought the Hawks fans cheering was a classy antidote.
- gabriel

If you’re referring to 9/11 - that was 17 1/2 years ago.

The Hawks fans cheering during the anthem goes back to the first Gulf war in 1991 at the All Star game, IIRC.

My issue (beside playing the anthem at every mundane sporting event) is with Cornellison’s overly dramatic, over-the-top, slow but shouted performance - saying “hey, look at me doing this”.

Manufactured flag waving isn’t patriotism.

If you’re referring to 9/11 - that was 17 1/2 years ago.

The Hawks fans cheering during the anthem goes back to the first Gulf war in 1991 at the All Star game, IIRC.

My issue (beside playing the anthem at every mundane sporting event) is with Cornellison’s overly dramatic, over-the-top, slow but shouted performance - saying “hey, look at me doing this”.

Manufactured flag waving isn’t patriotism.
- StLBravesFan

I never watch it on T.V.... I'd imagine those folks that regularly attend professional sporting events don't really get anything from the anthem performances either. I think its probably a bigger deal for the people that go to a game once every few years.

They have recently been riding Grubauer, idk what happened to Varlamov. If Varlamov plays, he should in a btb, hopefully his all star play that he brings against us is nonexistent.
- I Am The Breadman

Back up opposing goalies and newbies scare me more than the starters. Like how many times has this club made them look like the second coming of Patrick Roy?
Not that it really matters at all because we seem to have lost our ability to score period.

1st overall picks are overrated. 15 is where it's at these days.
- I Am The Breadman

#15 is the new #1.

Back up opposing goalies and newbies scare me more than the starters. Like how many times has this club made them look like the second coming of Patrick Roy?
Not that it really matters at all because we seem to have lost our ability to score period.
- 67hawks

Seems the puck luck has run out. I think Hart used his face 3-4 times to make saves last night.

Backend is still a mess. More often then not it kills the Hawks transition game.

Back up opposing goalies and newbies scare me more than the starters. Like how many times has this club made them look like the second coming of Patrick Roy?
Not that it really matters at all because we seem to have lost our ability to score period.
- 67hawks

The scoring dried up because of: poor passing, teams sniffing out the pass first mentality and high amount of shot blocks, lack of net front presence, not get at second chance opportunity pucks in the blue paint, not elevating pucks on goalies going down early, and one of your previous points, goalies playing us at high levels.

The scoring dried up because of: poor passing, teams sniffing out the pass first mentality and high amount of shot blocks, lack of net front presence, not get at second chance opportunity pucks in the blue paint, not elevating pucks on goalies going down early, and one of your previous points, goalies playing us at high levels.
- I Am The Breadman

I have to believe Kane may be dinged up as well.

#15 is the new #1.
- EbonyRaptor

Exactly. Lucky Ottawa, all we have is a crappy #10.

I have to believe Kane may be dinged up as well.
- riozzo

Idk, he's double teamed constantly and ridden into the wall nearly every shift and off the puck.

If you’re referring to 9/11 - that was 17 1/2 years ago.

The Hawks fans cheering during the anthem goes back to the first Gulf war in 1991 at the All Star game, IIRC.

My issue (beside playing the anthem at every mundane sporting event) is with Cornellison’s overly dramatic, over-the-top, slow but shouted performance - saying “hey, look at me doing this”.

Manufactured flag waving isn’t patriotism.
- StLBravesFan

goes back to the 80s vs Vancouver in the playoffs. white towel waiving Canucks.

You must have missed Gary Bettman's message when he was asked about the state of the Ottawa Senators and Eugene Melnyk's ownership. His answer was that all teams go thru cycles - periods of up and periods of down. Nothing to be surprised or worried about. I'm guessing that means Gary still considers the Blackhawks as a dynasty and that there is nothing to worry about in Florida, Arizona and other doormat team locations.

As far as the on ice product in Chicago and in fact most of the NHL - was there a rule passed that I missed that forbids bodychecking and physical play? I watch these games and nobody hits anybody. Many of these games look the the non contact Post Office League where the boys can't get hurt because they need to be delivering mail in the morning.

Players like Radko Gudas, Tom Wilson, Josh Manson, Eric Gudbranson and Robert Bortuzzo might infuriate opposition team fans but they are good for the entertainment value of the NHL game. For that reason I hope the Capitals band and crash their way to another Cup.

Gimme some nasty and vitriol and grudges. If I want to watch the ballet I will buy tickets for that.
- RickJ

I agree 100% My mens league game on Wednesdays has more contact then most Hawks games. Guys are too afraid to throw a hit because A). they will probably be called for some BS infraction and be suspended B). They may throw themselves out of position if they miss.

On JVRs goal Keith had a clear chance to clear the crease, didn't, and the puck ends up in the back of the net. Yet, Im sure the meatheads over at the Rink will blame Gus who popped his 15th goal and seems to be the only one on D who has any sort of offensive IQ. He makes himself available and his shots usually get through and are on target. Not into shin pads or 10 ft wide like the immortal Keith.

They aren't dead yet but facing 2 non playoff teams, at home, with 11 games to go and coming out of it with just 1 point....well.....that's pretty pathetic. They can spin about bounces, or how most nights that effort is good enough, please.....they lost and they can keep clinging to these dillusions all they want...…

They are undermanned and out gunned not only on the ice but behind the bench as well.

Idk, he's double teamed constantly and ridden into the wall nearly every shift and off the puck.
- I Am The Breadman

Its pretty simple.....you stop Kane the Hawks lose. Teams are focusing on it more and more as these games hold much more significant value and if you think this is bad, if they somehow make it to the dance it will be 10000 times worse.

The lack of depth scoring and ability for others to cash in on opportunities is glaring. We can sit here and verbally stroke 95 because he's getting chances but the fact is he can't finish and if he can't finish playing with 19 and 88 who the hell thinks he will when he's in a more supportive role in the bottom 9 and playing with less skilled players?

I was at the game last night (my second game of the season), and I loved the playoff atmosphere at the start. The UC was rocking. A couple of my observations, take them for what you want:

-88 looks gassed. He has carried this team all year.
-19 looks great. He is a beast in the corners of the offensive zone.
-2 looks like he has lost his hands. He seemed to really struggle making crisp passes, especially in the defensive zone. Part of getting old I guess.
-Not much from 12, although it's clear that he and 17 have amazing chemistry (great trade by the way).

In general, it seemed like the team didn't have that extra "push" as the game wore on. Not out of it yet though! Go Hawks.

My fanatical emotions are usually elevated immediately after a game - too sunny after a win or too dark after a loss. A good nights sleep provides the needed separation for intellect to wrest control from naked emotion. It's fun being a fan but it sure has its ups and downs.

Big picture perspective on this season ... let's keep it.
- EbonyRaptor

yeah I don't get over emotionally involved watching games anymore as this team isn't a contender. So I just enjoy the game and try to watch the younger kids and see if I see any attributes similar to the great depth players Hawks had back 10 years ago.

As most know I watch the game on mute as I can't stand Foley. However when they showed McDonough I unmuted my TV only to hear Foley give his knee pad salute that is beyond mind numbing.

It's been 11 years....when things go bad you don't have to unprovoked rub one out to how McDonough and Wirtz saved this franchise. Anyone alive with a pulse knows that but that doesn't justify what we are witnessing here the last 2 years and going back to the Nashville series.

Foley is such a mouthpiece its beyond sad. I miss Eddie O but Foley brings Eddie O down so I try to get the REAL eddie O on national telecasts.

Its pretty simple.....you stop Kane the Hawks lose. Teams are focusing on it more and more as these games hold much more significant value and if you think this is bad, if they somehow make it to the dance it will be 10000 times worse.

The lack of depth scoring and ability for others to cash in on opportunities is glaring. We can sit here and verbally stroke 95 because he's getting chances but the fact is he can't finish and if he can't finish playing with 19 and 88 who the hell thinks he will when he's in a more supportive role in the bottom 9 and playing with less skilled players?
- SteveRain

That is what was nice about Caiggula on that line with 19 and 88. He went to the net and has the wheels to get to lose pucks and maintain possession. He opens up the ice. Sikura looks like he might be a nice player if he bulks up but right now he doesn't open up any ice for 19 or 88 to operate.

Sure he is not the ideal person to be on that line but he can do some of the heavy lifting so Kane and Toews doesn't have to go dig out pucks down low all the time. His speed and aggressive play disrupts things. Kane thrives in that environment.

When opposing teams have time to set-up there D scheme it is a lot easier to marginalize Kane. Sikura hasn't shown he is a threat to score goals and he doesn't go establish himself around the net.

Opposing teams don't have to worry about covering him and when he gets possession you can just take away his space and force him to cough up the puck.

That is what was nice about Caiggula on that line with 19 and 88. He went to the net and has the wheels to get to lose pucks and maintain possession. He opens up the ice. Sikura looks like he might be a nice player if he bulks up but right now he doesn't open up any ice for 19 or 88 to operate.

Sure he is not the ideal person to be on that line but he can do some of the heavy lifting so Kane and Toews doesn't have to go dig out pucks down low all the time. His speed and aggressive play disrupts things. Kane thrives in that environment.

When opposing teams have time to set-up there D scheme it is a lot easier to marginalize Kane. Sikura hasn't shown he is a threat to score goals and he doesn't go establish himself around the net.

Opposing teams don't have to worry about covering him and when he gets possession you can just take away his space and force him to cough up the puck.
- bhawks2241

Agreed. Great post.

That is what was nice about Caiggula on that line with 19 and 88. He went to the net and has the wheels to get to lose pucks and maintain possession. He opens up the ice. Sikura looks like he might be a nice player if he bulks up but right now he doesn't open up any ice for 19 or 88 to operate.

Sure he is not the ideal person to be on that line but he can do some of the heavy lifting so Kane and Toews doesn't have to go dig out pucks down low all the time. His speed and aggressive play disrupts things. Kane thrives in that environment.

When opposing teams have time to set-up there D scheme it is a lot easier to marginalize Kane. Sikura hasn't shown he is a threat to score goals and he doesn't go establish himself around the net.

Opposing teams don't have to worry about covering him and when he gets possession you can just take away his space and force him to cough up the puck.
- bhawks2241

This^^

Balance opens the ice.

Banger/Toews/Kane
ADB/Strome/Banger
Saad/AA/Caggiula
Kampf/Kahun/?

Fill 1LW, 2RW and another energy guy with some sandpaper on the fourth line and they have a much more solid forward crew. Round that out and they can tilt the ice back to the O zone more. It will keep shots against down as well.

They do not have these missing pieces in their system. Mostly guys like Sikura who don't have it, or at least don't have it yet.

2/5/7 only NHL level D guys - maybe Joki down the road, and none are true top pairing guys.

Sikura does not create any space for himself or his linemates with or without the puck. He has a high hickey IQ and can make plays (passing) or gets open looks at the net - when someone else sets him up - but can't finish.

Now that he's launched into the top line with 88 & 19, they get other teams best line and D pair matchups. Kane and Toews have been playing 4 on 5. Numerous times last night philly would box 3 guys around Kane and there was nothing he could do.

But I know....its just Sikura hate. I'll still wait for a time he can create space for his linemates