To have another donut, FATSO, was my recollection. Laughed during the years over that wisecrack. Even funnier was Koharski mentioning he never ate donuts.
- gabriel

Immortalized in Wayne's World, with Officer Koharski hanging out in front of Stan Mikita's Donut Shop.

The official text of the communication to Koharsky was "have another donut you fat pig"
- RickJ

Where were you forced to dig to unearth that nugget? Thanks for the update. Wasn't Lysiak given a 12 game suspension for tripping that linesman? Lysiak was never a dirty player, so was royally pissed at the time.

That passage of time is significan't too. Some of us are age 50 or 60 +. I still do the math because I just don't see that age when I look in the mirror. Some arthritis not too bad. I might do the opposite of some of you, and resume playing ice hockey in older age.

Steve Rain: if you cannot play any longer, I do hope you derive much satisfaction watching your kid(s) play.

6628: Did you watch the women's hockey at the new rink next to United Center was it just this past weekend or two ago? Good exciting action.
- jhawk59

You want action? I was babysitting with the grand kids. Never made it to see women's hockey. But I have many times and they are getting better and better. As more girls play the depth of the teams is getting much better. Someday there might be more than just a couple of strong teams playing for gold medals.

Where were you forced to dig to unearth that nugget? Thanks for the update. Wasn't Lysiak given a 12 game suspension for tripping that linesman? Lysiak was never a dirty player, so was royally pissed at the time.
- gabriel

20 games

20 games
- LAHawk

Really? No wonder I was outraged. I simply recall Tom placing his blade between the skate of the linesman and knocking him off balance. Never was there an intent to injure the guy. Just was showing him up, I think, for something previous. If I get THIS wrong, I'm 0-3.

Really? No wonder I was outraged. I simply recall Tom placing his blade between the skate of the linesman and knocking him off balance. Never was there an intent to injure the guy. Just was showing him up, I think, for something previous. If I get THIS wrong, I'm 0-3.
- gabriel

https://thehockeywriters....ets-a-20-game-suspension/

Really? No wonder I was outraged. I simply recall Tom placing his blade between the skate of the linesman and knocking him off balance. Never was there an intent to injure the guy. Just was showing him up, I think, for something previous. If I get THIS wrong, I'm 0-3.
- gabriel

It wasn’t about intent to injure. It’s about sending a message that on ice officials aren’t to be physically abused in any manner. It’s kind of like why murdering a police officer is a capital offense vs murdering a civilian is a murder charge.

Immortalized in Wayne's World, with Officer Koharski hanging out in front of Stan Mikita's Donut Shop.
- 333inthe3rd

i smell bacon!

https://thehockeywriters.com/october-30-1983-tom-lysiak-gets-a-20-game-suspension/
- LAHawk

Sounds like a little politicking going on here. Maybe a game misconduct and fined, but 20? Grievous overeach. Nice read from the past.

It wasn’t about intent to injure. It’s about sending a message that on ice officials aren’t to be physically abused in any manner. It’s kind of like why murdering a police officer is a capital offense vs murdering a civilian is a murder charge.
- paulr

Hey Paul. I recall a time when pro umps weren't tyrants, like they are now. I never would condone physical contact with officials. But now, you can't even bark a little at an umpire without getting the heave-ho. Officials have become heavy handed sometimes. 20 games to me, at least, seems ridiculously severe.

Probably lavender, no less....
- mohel

That was my first thought. Explains a lot really.

Hey Paul. I recall a time when pro umps weren't tyrants, like they are now. I never would condone physical contact with officials. But now, you can't even bark a little at an umpire without getting the heave-ho. Officials have become heavy handed sometimes. 20 games to me, at least, seems ridiculously severe.
- gabriel

I disagree, yelling at officials is one thing. The minute a player is physically abusive, throw the book at them. I think 20 games for physically abusing an official is very light.

That was my first thought. Explains a lot really.
- HawkintheD

Where are JJ and Eli when you need them? You know you wouldn’t have the guts to mock me if they were still here. Meanwhile I’m gonna curl up in a fetal position, suck my thumb and whine for my Mommy. I learned that from Edzo.

I disagree, yelling at officials is one thing. The minute a player is physically abusive throw the book at them. I think 20 games for physically abusing an official is very light.
- paulr

It is similar to getting pulled over by the cops. Even if you feel justified to defend yourself, be careful how you communicate.

Where are JJ and Eli when you need them? You know you wouldn’t have the guts to mock me if they were still here. Meanwhile I’m gonna curl up in a fetal position, suck my thumb and whine for my Mommy. I learned that from Edzo.
- paulr

His name is Enzo. You're looking for trouble, fella.

His name is Enzo. You're looking for trouble, fella.
- mohel

For that I’m brewing a cup of my Sage tea. I’ll reply to you afterwards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWBL6EHgGpQ

potential 2023 number 1 Connor Bedard. this kid is gonna be a good one. Stan should start stock piling number ones.

Biggest issue fir the Blackhawks has been touched upon by various people, including Theo I believe

I wandered over to TheRink app first time in a few months and saw a lengthy story by JJ from mid February....it addressed this biggest problem

It is 5 on 5 play. We are negative past to years.

I attribute the young guys and injuries as one cause

I attribute uncomfortable with JC system to some extent as another cause

The forwards effort and location on break outs is fixable but is yet another cause

The biggest problem I have and duly noted by JJ, is lack of top six Line forwards willing or any good at cing and battling in board scrums. This is not a plus area for Suter. Due to lack of top six forwards in the system we probably have to draft a top six fiesty but skilled forward. Someone who accumulates points although it necessarily a big points producer.

Bowman drated a couple players to combat duty in Dach and on defense Vlasic eventually (hopefully). I do like Theo's prognosis for "Alty" and Barret t they might be more third line guys. Entwhistle too - he has a knack to win board battles. A couple of collegiate kids line up to meet this need but alas they appear future third liners.

Stan your team can only get so much better if you do not concentrate on trading or drafting the type players the team success will greatly hinge upon. Seems so obvious. Glad Stan may be transitioning from the smaller skill guys at the draft. As far as I am concerned Stan better draft right or he is going to become on the clock for a pink slip

For that I’m brewing a cup of my Sage tea. I’ll reply to you afterwards.
- paulr

Looking forward to that.

Biggest issue fir the Blackhawks has been touched upon by various people, including Theo I believe

I wandered over to TheRink app first time in a few months and saw a lengthy story by JJ from mid February....it addressed this biggest problem

It is 5 on 5 play. We are negative past to years.

I attribute the young guys and injuries as one cause

I attribute uncomfortable with JC system to some extent as another cause

The forwards effort and location on break outs is fixable but is yet another cause

The biggest problem I have and duly noted by JJ, is lack of top six Line forwards willing or any good at cing and battling in board scrums. This is not a plus area for Suter. Due to lack of top six forwards in the system we probably have to draft a top six fiesty but skilled forward. Someone who accumulates points although it necessarily a big points producer.

Bowman drated a couple players to combat duty in Dach and on defense Vlasic eventually (hopefully). I do like Theo's prognosis for "Alty" and Barret t they might be more third line guys. Entwhistle too - he has a knack to win board battles. A couple of collegiate kids line up to meet this need but alas they appear future third liners.

Stan your team can only get so much better if you do not concentrate on trading or drafting the type players the team success will greatly hinge upon. Seems so obvious. Glad Stan may be transitioning from the smaller skill guys at the draft. As far as I am concerned Stan better draft right or he is going to become on the clock for a pink slip
- jhawk59

Funny, for years the Hawks greatest need was defensive prospects, and Stan concentrates on defensive prospects. Now you are threatening that if he doesn't pick the next Leon Draisaitl you are going to fire him yourself.

Biggest issue fir the Blackhawks has been touched upon by various people, including Theo I believe

I wandered over to TheRink app first time in a few months and saw a lengthy story by JJ from mid February....it addressed this biggest problem

It is 5 on 5 play. We are negative past to years.

I attribute the young guys and injuries as one cause

I attribute uncomfortable with JC system to some extent as another cause

The forwards effort and location on break outs is fixable but is yet another cause

The biggest problem I have and duly noted by JJ, is lack of top six Line forwards willing or any good at cing and battling in board scrums. This is not a plus area for Suter. Due to lack of top six forwards in the system we probably have to draft a top six fiesty but skilled forward. Someone who accumulates points although it necessarily a big points producer.

Bowman drated a couple players to combat duty in Dach and on defense Vlasic eventually (hopefully). I do like Theo's prognosis for "Alty" and Barret t they might be more third line guys. Entwhistle too - he has a knack to win board battles. A couple of collegiate kids line up to meet this need but alas they appear future third liners.

Stan your team can only get so much better if you do not concentrate on trading or drafting the type players the team success will greatly hinge upon. Seems so obvious. Glad Stan may be transitioning from the smaller skill guys at the draft. As far as I am concerned Stan better draft right or he is going to become on the clock for a pink slip
- jhawk59

They lost two of their best cycle players before the year started in Dach and Toews, which also completely jumbled up their lines. They are doing about as well as can be expected with what they have.

I have said (like numerous others) that this is not a fast process - if you want to do it properly. You can't just launch all the guys on contract that you don't like and easily replace them with perfect fits. There are both limited resources (cap space and assets), and limited talent available. They seem to be doing it right. Next year should be a bit better than this one, and they should be much better the following. Ideally, they continually introduce young players each year, but 1-2 instead of 8 at a time.

Do not be fooled into thinking that this team is a piece or two away from being a "contender". They are not. Oddly enough, that does not mean that they cannot have great success now. Lights out goalie play and some good luck goes a long way to success in the playoffs. I'm just saying that sustained high level play won't be achieved for a couple years.

They lost two of their best cycle players before the year started in Dach and Toews, which also completely jumbled up their lines. They are doing about as well as can be expected with what they have.

I have said (like numerous others) that this is not a fast process - if you want to do it properly. You can't just launch all the guys on contract that you don't like and easily replace them with perfect fits. There are both limited resources (cap space and assets), and limited talent available. They seem to be doing it right. Next year should be a bit better than this one, and they should be much better the following. Ideally, they continually introduce young players each year, but 1-2 instead of 8 at a time.

Do not be fooled into thinking that this team is a piece or two away from being a "contender". They are not. Oddly enough, that does not mean that they cannot have great success now. Lights out goalie play and some good luck goes a long way to success in the playoffs. I'm just saying that sustained high level play won't be achieved for a couple years.
- Chunk

This is correct. Good job, Chunk.

Biggest issue fir the Blackhawks has been touched upon by various people, including Theo I believe

I wandered over to TheRink app first time in a few months and saw a lengthy story by JJ from mid February....it addressed this biggest problem

It is 5 on 5 play. We are negative past to years.

I attribute the young guys and injuries as one cause

I attribute uncomfortable with JC system to some extent as another cause

The forwards effort and location on break outs is fixable but is yet another cause

The biggest problem I have and duly noted by JJ, is lack of top six Line forwards willing or any good at cing and battling in board scrums. This is not a plus area for Suter. Due to lack of top six forwards in the system we probably have to draft a top six fiesty but skilled forward. Someone who accumulates points although it necessarily a big points producer.

Bowman drated a couple players to combat duty in Dach and on defense Vlasic eventually (hopefully). I do like Theo's prognosis for "Alty" and Barret t they might be more third line guys. Entwhistle too - he has a knack to win board battles. A couple of collegiate kids line up to meet this need but alas they appear future third liners.

Stan your team can only get so much better if you do not concentrate on trading or drafting the type players the team success will greatly hinge upon. Seems so obvious. Glad Stan may be transitioning from the smaller skill guys at the draft. As far as I am concerned Stan better draft right or he is going to become on the clock for a pink slip
- jhawk59

Well if JJ thinks it, it has to be right! Right?

Well if JJ thinks it, it has to be right! Right?
- HawkintheD

(frank)ing A, Bubba.

They lost two of their best cycle players before the year started in Dach and Toews, which also completely jumbled up their lines. They are doing about as well as can be expected with what they have.

I have said (like numerous others) that this is not a fast process - if you want to do it properly. You can't just launch all the guys on contract that you don't like and easily replace them with perfect fits. There are both limited resources (cap space and assets), and limited talent available. They seem to be doing it right. Next year should be a bit better than this one, and they should be much better the following. Ideally, they continually introduce young players each year, but 1-2 instead of 8 at a time.

Do not be fooled into thinking that this team is a piece or two away from being a "contender". They are not. Oddly enough, that does not mean that they cannot have great success now. Lights out goalie play and some good luck goes a long way to success in the playoffs. I'm just saying that sustained high level play won't be achieved for a couple years.
- Chunk

While not thinking they are a piece or 2 away, what about 5? Toews, Dach, Nylander and Reichel next year, plus their 2021 #1 the following year, and they could be pretty formidable up front. Now the dmen would have to keep progressing, but I could see us being Cup contenders in 2 to 3 years.

ETA: obviously there are a lot of ifs with this scenario. Is Toews going to come back at all, and if so, at what level? Will Dach's wrist allow him to take the next step? Will Nylander ever figure it out? While Reichel's play is encouraging, will it translate to the NHL? Where will our first round pick be this year? Will we even select a forward?