I'm not against loyalty. What I'm against is when people who's responsibility it is to step back and make tough decisions based on facts, numbers , performance.

Toews has had 1 great season in 5 years since getting his new contract each year was one excuse after another. I'm singling toews out because he is not only being paid for his past , but also the expectations he will deliver those same or close enough results along with the fact the team honored him as the captain.

So that being said at what point do you say to yourself this has gone on long enough and we've aloud this to happen and looked then other way.

Maybe it's time for JC to sit toews for a couple of games to garner his and the teams attention that he is not above reproach.

That's where by bringing in a new GM their are no emotional ties to the core, and I fully acknowledge it will take some time to put this team on the right track , but tinkering around the edges as to what Stan has been doing isn't truly working based on the teams record and overall performance.
- Taylorst1

And replace him with whom exactly? As much as people rag on him (justified or not) he is still the best center on this team (and dear god, nobody try and tell me that Dach is better right now). Maybe we pry Bryan Smolinski out of retirement?

Toews has had three years in his career where he has been at or near a point per game. He was never an elite point producer. He was paid to be the whole package, and for years he was. He also did not (at the time) show any signs of slowing down.

I don't think it's anywhere near realistic to bring in a new GM and expect a notably different results. I also don't think sitting Toews would do an ounce of good on THIS team. Maybe a new coach would help, but I don't personally see one available that I think would notably improve this team. I was big on Tippett when the whipsers around Q were getting louder, but who knows if that would have even worked with this group of players. Every team dynamic is different.

I wouldn’t speculate on something like that. Not cool!
- walleyeb1

Agreed, however Lehner the great got lit up, blamed everybody but himself, and now he has the flu. Something is rotten in Denmark.

Nobody knew Toews was going to struggle this badly as he got older. I understand the frustration of the fanbase, but the guy has played hard minutes over the years, and I really do wonder how much is left in the tank. You throw in basically 2 seasons of playoff hockey as well. Toews played a style where he was not afraid to go into high contact areas, plus he went head to head a lot of times against the other teams' top centers in the postseason after Bolland was traded to Toronto. He is not earning his keep there is no doubt about that, but the contributions he made to this organization were never from a lack of effort. He has been the heart and soul of this team since he started playing for the Hawks. I don't think Toews ever should be measured by points, but by his all-around game and leadership. Hate when people dog the Captain because he has done a ton for the organization, and I also firmly believe that his game not being the same anymore is more of a result of not having much left in the tank, and his body is just about shot from playing so hard for so long.

I wouldn’t speculate on something like that. Not cool!
- walleyeb1

i agree, lets not go down that road

Nobody knew Toews was going to struggle this badly as he got older. I understand the frustration of the fanbase, but the guy has played hard minutes over the years, and I really do wonder how much is left in the tank. You throw in basically 2 seasons of playoff hockey as well. Toews played a style where he was not afraid to go into high contact areas, plus he went head to head a lot of times against the other teams' top centers in the postseason after Bolland was traded to Toronto. He is not earning his keep there is no doubt about that, but the contributions he made to this organization were never from a lack of effort. He has been the heart and soul of this team since he started playing for the Hawks. I don't think Toews ever should be measured by points, but by his all-around game and leadership. Hate when people dog the Captain because he has done a ton for the organization, and I also firmly believe that his game not being the same anymore is more of a result of not having much left in the tank, and his body is just about shot from playing so hard for so long.
- ChicagoHope

Then retire.

Nobody knew Toews was going to struggle this badly as he got older. I understand the frustration of the fanbase, but the guy has played hard minutes over the years, and I really do wonder how much is left in the tank. You throw in basically 2 seasons of playoff hockey as well. Toews played a style where he was not afraid to go into high contact areas, plus he went head to head a lot of times against the other teams' top centers in the postseason after Bolland was traded to Toronto. He is not earning his keep there is no doubt about that, but the contributions he made to this organization were never from a lack of effort. He has been the heart and soul of this team since he started playing for the Hawks. I don't think Toews ever should be measured by points, but by his all-around game and leadership. Hate when people dog the Captain because he has done a ton for the organization, and I also firmly believe that his game not being the same anymore is more of a result of not having much left in the tank, and his body is just about shot from playing so hard for so long.
- ChicagoHope

Other elite centers have played for just as long and in just as many playoff games and yet they remain elite. Crosby and Bergeron come to mind. So does Backstrom. Even Kopitar still plays like a legit 1C and is currently producing at a PPG rate.

Agreed, however Lehner the great got lit up, blamed everybody but himself, and now he has the flu. Something is rotten in Denmark.
- Angotti

He's taken the blame in post-games plenty though. I just finished watching the first periods from the last two games. That was a crapshow in their own ends and the bluelines. I don't personally have a problem with Lehner calling our the team in front of him when he sees that they aren't executing.

I've seen three games this year where the team has actually played well as a unit on the ice. The EDM game and the back-to-back with DAL.

I mean...how is it not Bowmans fault? You can only hand out so many stupid contacts and make so many stupid trades before it catches up to you. Do you disagree that our talent is lacking, especially on defense? That falls squarely on the shoulders of the GM. He’s the one that put it together.
- SimpleJack

There is no fault. The cap and draft are designed to make it EXTREMELY difficult to be continually a legitimate Cup contender.

Tell me, what GM (who is available) would you hire that has a better history than Stan? I am not suggesting he is anywhere near perfect - I'm asking who you'd hire right now if you're McD (who will be asked this by Rocky), and why you think this replacement would be better.

Other elite centers have played for just as long and in just as many playoff games and yet they remain elite. Crosby and Bergeron come to mind. So does Backstrom. Even Kopitar still plays like a legit 1C and is currently producing at a PPG rate.
- SimpleJack

Agreed, Crosby also sat for a good year and a half with concussion issues, Bergeron has had his share of injuries too. I agree when healthy, they have outperformed Toews the last 5 years. Maybe, Toews's body has broken down quicker than those other centers. I still stand by what I said, it is not because his effort level has sucked, he just might not have a whole lot left to give anymore. That sucks because he has been a terrific Blackhawk!! Or maybe Toews played hurt more than those other 2 and you never heard about it because JT played through some bad injuries. Don't know, just speculating.

Then retire.
- Return of the Roar

#realism

Ahhhh no.

From the meticulously managed McD Wikipedia site:

"On November 20, 2007, McDonough left the Cubs and became president of the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago's National Hockey League franchise. The Hawks future stars had already been drafted."

Winning = full stadiums and merch counters.

McD contributed NOTHING to this team winning on the ice. He inherited a franchise set up to succeed. A monkey could have ridden that horse to the bank. Now that hard times have fallen, this is when we see the true test of a leader's character.

Trouble is there is no way out short of other teams taking players well past their prime for the balance of their now bloated contracts, short of career ending injuries, or other some such unfortunate incidents.

Or bums like 19 get a heart transplant. Tyler - its about time you call out the Captain in one of your next blogs.
- Return of the Roar

Prior to 2010, the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup last in 1961.
The three they won from 2010-2015, we should credit EVERYONE in the organization, down to the terlet scrubber. McD included.
I can argue, their marketing should be changing big time now. Because the environment and marketplace are radically different than in 2015. Let's see if McD and his crew can do it.

And beat the reigning champs tonight!!!

There is no fault. The cap and draft are designed to make it EXTREMELY difficult to be continually a legitimate Cup contender.

Tell me, what GM (who is available) would you hire that has a better history than Stan? I am not suggesting he is anywhere near perfect - I'm asking who you'd hire right now if you're McD (who will be asked this by Rocky), and why you think this replacement would be better.
- mohel

Lots of other franchises haven’t found it as difficult dealing with the same cap and same draft as Bowman. Going back to 2013, the Penguins, Bruins, Capitals, Sharks, Blues, and Predators have all remained legitimate contenders despite having to manage contracts for core players and find ways to make everyone fit.

As for available GMs I’m not sure, but why not try to put another mind in charge of the decision making at this point? What do we have to lose? Bowman has made a series of errors and like anyone in any profession when that happens usually they get fired and replaced. It’s time for that to happen now, IMO. He’s had 3-4 years now to fix his mess and it didn’t happen. The roster he constructed is very weak. Time to move on.

With all of the questions that had to be answered in a positive way coming into this season for the Hawks to be successful - Toews playing like he did in 2018/19 rather than how he played in 2017/18 was at the top of the list. No matter what else - if Toews wasn't playing like a #1 center - the Hawks would have little chance of making the playoffs and zero chance of doing anything if they happened to sneak in. So far, after 26 games, Toews has regressed back to more like the 2017/18 season than the 2018/19 season. He doesn't seem to have the slow foot speed and overall game don't seem as bad - but his scoring is worse than 2017/18. Regardless what fancy stats say - he is not playing well enough as the #1 center to lead the Hawks into the playoffs with any hope of getting through even the first round.

And replace him with whom exactly? As much as people rag on him (justified or not) he is still the best center on this team (and dear god, nobody try and tell me that Dach is better right now). Maybe we pry Bryan Smolinski out of retirement?

Toews has had three years in his career where he has been at or near a point per game. He was never an elite point producer. He was paid to be the whole
package, and for years he was. He also did not (at the time) show any signs of slowing down.

I don't think it's anywhere near realistic to bring in a new GM and expect a notably different results. I also don't think sitting Toews would do an ounce of good on THIS team. Maybe a new coach would help, but I don't personally see one available that I think would notably improve this team. I was big on Tippett when the whipsers around Q were getting louder, but who knows if that would have even worked with this group of players. Every team dynamic is different.
- Chunk

While I truly respect your knowledge and opinion. I find fault in two of your points, your claim is toews is our best center ok ill buy that if you can prove otherwise. Toews numbers and production have dropped off, toews isn't just paid to take a face off or play a 2 way game only. He is paid and featured as our number 1 elite center who can break open a game , score make his linemates better.

That's not happening so bench him and utilize your players to slot in the lineup to take his place.

Also Stan created this mess and has been given plenty of time to fix things , the team and vision is lacking and stale.

Lots of other franchises haven’t found it as difficult dealing with the same cap and same draft as Bowman. Going back to 2013, the Penguins, Bruins, Capitals, Sharks, Blues, and Predators have all remained legitimate contenders despite having to manage contracts for core players and find ways to make everyone fit.

As for available GMs I’m not sure, but why not try to put another mind in charge of the decision making at this point? What do we have to lose? Bowman has made a series of errors and like anyone in any profession when that happens usually they get fired and replaced. It’s time for that to happen now, IMO. He’s had 3-4 years now to fix his mess and it didn’t happen. The roster he constructed is very weak. Time to move on.
- SimpleJack

So wrong. Penguins won their Cups how many years apart? And they weren't close in between. Preds have 0 Cups and will be screwed shortly. Sharks? You're kidding, right? Bruins are the closest, but have won just once.

Regarding the GM....."I don't know, but anybody is better than this" is just a temper tantrum of a spoiled fan.

The best thing you said is it is time to move on. From the old vets, I say. They've been rebuilding for a few years now.

I wouldn’t speculate on something like that. Not cool!
- walleyeb1

It’s not speculation. The phrase “flu like symptoms” was synonymous with players getting drunk and not being able to play.

Yeah I listened to that, pretty damning assessment on Marc Crawford. Not sure he survives this.
- walleyeb1

There is a long list of NHL coach a-holes that extend far beyond the names Babcock, Crawford, Peters, Michel Therrien, Mike Milbury etc. And a very long list of active minor pro, junior and amateur coaches too.

None of these stories that players are telling now surprise me. Pro hockey is a nasty business with multiple pressure points from the owner on down. Mommy making an apple pie to give the coach so he treats her son better or gives him more ice time just doesn't work. Players are meat, when the coach or team is done with them its over. Perform or else.

Cruel, but that's the facts. Also factual is that there are a lot of a-hole players who thru bad judgement, stupidity or inability/unwillingness to follow instruction are just as troublesome to a team. Players quit on coaches they don't like or want.

If I was Marc Crawford I'd keep my mouth shut tight. If forced to respond to something he should just say he has learned a lot about people management over his coaching career.

While I truly respect your knowledge and opinion. I find fault in two of your points, your claim is toews is our best center ok ill buy that if you can prove otherwise. Toews numbers and production have dropped off, toews isn't just paid to take a face off or play a 2 way game only. He is paid and featured as our number 1 elite center who can break open a game , score make his linemates better.

That's not happening so bench him and utilize your players to slot in the lineup to take his place.

Also Stan created this mess and has been given plenty of time to fix things , the team and vision is lacking and stale.
- Taylorst1

Did you really just say Toews is their best center, so let's bench him? That's a good one, even for you!

Lots of other franchises haven’t found it as difficult dealing with the same cap and same draft as Bowman. Going back to 2013, the Penguins, Bruins, Capitals, Sharks, Blues, and Predators have all remained legitimate contenders despite having to manage contracts for core players and find ways to make everyone fit.

As for available GMs I’m not sure, but why not try to put another mind in charge of the decision making at this point? What do we have to lose? Bowman has made a series of errors and like anyone in any profession when that happens usually they get fired and replaced. It’s time for that to happen now, IMO. He’s had 3-4 years now to fix his mess and it didn’t happen. The roster he constructed is very weak. Time to move on.
- SimpleJack[/quote
A fresh set of eyes on what this could be and different vision would not hurt. Hextall i think did a really nice job in Philadelphia he be my first choice. Scouting staff needs to go also, rockford needs a devlopmental coach in rockford players not coming and contributing at the nhl level. Its time like q departure its time for bowman's departure. Anyone believe that chelios will be the next gm just question?

[quote=SimpleJack]Lots of other franchises haven’t found it as difficult dealing with the same cap and same draft as Bowman. Going back to 2013, the Penguins, Bruins, Capitals, Sharks, Blues, and Predators have all remained legitimate contenders despite having to manage contracts for core players and find ways to make everyone fit.

As for available GMs I’m not sure, but why not try to put another mind in charge of the decision making at this point? What do we have to lose? Bowman has made a series of errors and like anyone in any profession when that happens usually they get fired and replaced. It’s time for that to happen now, IMO. He’s had 3-4 years now to fix his mess and it didn’t happen. The roster he constructed is very weak. Time to move on.
- Scott1977[/quote
A fresh set of eyes on what this could be and different vision would not hurt. Hextall i think did a really nice job in Philadelphia he be my first choice. Scouting staff needs to go also, rockford needs a devlopmental coach in rockford players not coming and contributing at the nhl level. Its time like q departure its time for bowman's departure. Anyone believe that chelios will be the next gm just question?

So, the scouting staff sux, too? The whole front office has to go! Pretty much the whole front office has been around through the last 10 years, but let's toss them aside for a guy who hasn't won squat and got fired elsewhere. My goodness.

It’s not speculation. The phrase “flu like symptoms” was synonymous with players getting drunk and not being able to play.
- gifman

"Flu-like symptoms" also refers to those with the flu, eh?

"Flu-like symptoms" also refers to those with the flu, eh?
- mohel

True but that would also require multiple players coming down with the flu. So over the next few days we either see a rash of players getting sick, which in an odd way would be good because I rather not have Lehner regress and I love for him to be a long term CBH

Or..

How does this bumhole still have an account here after his blatantly racist and ignorant comments? This site is a joke.
- Blackhawks8712

Hate speech is free speech in our new world of false equivalency.

He's taken the blame in post-games plenty though. I just finished watching the first periods from the last two games. That was a crapshow in their own ends and the bluelines. I don't personally have a problem with Lehner calling our the team in front of him when he sees that they aren't executing.

I've seen three games this year where the team has actually played well as a unit on the ice. The EDM game and the back-to-back with DAL.
- Chunk

There’s no doubt that team defense have let the goalies down, but last game Lehner also let in a couple that he should have had, then he points fingers. He’s the new kid on the block, a little early to point fingers in my book, but that’s just my honest opinion. I’m betting that calling out when coming off the ice did not go well in the room, there’s a place and time for that, that was not it.

Did you really just say Toews is their best center, so let's bench him? That's a good one, even for you!
- mohel

No I think you read that wrong lol. Chunk was saying he is our best center I merely said I respect his knowledge and opinion but as of right now and for quite some time, toews hasn't played as a number 1 or elite center based on his performance and numbers.