Faxes from Uncle Dale

Tag: Chicago Blackhawks

  • Boys For Sale: Draft Preview – The Blue Line

    The Hawks will do other things besides swing some trades this week. They’re also going to pick some kids (unless Stan trades the entire draft for some player because he temporarily switches brains with Mike Ditka. Because that went so well. Lesson, kids: Don’t switch brains with Mike Ditka).

    Looking at the Hawks system, they are short on centers. Big shock, I know. But once you get past Teuvo Teravainen, really the only center prospect is Phillip Danault (and who knows if he’s involved in any of these trades). Mark McNeill has been moved to wing, whichever Broadhurst it is that plays center doesn’t project to be an impact player, Tyler Motte is a couple years away, and so on.

    They’re better stocked on the blue line. We know Stephen Johns will most likely make the Hawks next year, and behind him there’s Adam Clendening, Klas Dahlbeck, David Rundblad could all make appearances for the Hawks next year. They’re all ready for sure. There’s a couple in a wave behind that as well. But today we’ll focus on the d-men, and tomorrow will look at some forwards. Maybe. Depending on my sobriety level after the US match.

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  • Morning Links 6/20/14

    8 Picks: Chicago Tribune

    Come on Gramps: CBC

    On the roster would be preferable: Comcast AP

    Go get drunk for a good cause: HockeeNight

    The top 30: Sportsnet

     

  • Morning Links 6/17/14

    Morning Links 6/17/14

    But what about the PK!!!!!!! Chicago Tribune

    This only matters if you win games in June: CSN AP

    Because you get to do this: ESPNLA AP

    Don’t worry Q has already called: TSN

  • Morning Links 6/13/14

    Can Hank do it again? CBC

    2C: Globe and Mail

    The Summer wind: Hockeenight

    Seabass said that? PuckDaddy

    You’re Welcome: Chicago Tribune

  • Morning Links 6/11/14

    Morning Links 6/11/14

    Welcome Dr. Rasmussen: Chicago Tribune

    He won’t dress: Chicago SunTimes

    We all do it: Daily Herald

    Let the rumors begin: NESN

    Holy crap they hired outside of the Organ-I-zation: TSN

    Help! 538

  • Morning Links 6/9/14

    Such Great Heights: NHL

    Hockey players hide injuries? TSN

    Fancystats Revolution: Globe and Mail

    2-0 Kings: Chicago Tribune

    Times were tough: SunTimes

  • The Empire That Wasn't

    In last year’s Stanley Cup commemorative issue of the Indian, I believe in the first paragraph I declared that this was “The Blackhawks Era.” It felt like that at the time. And having a few days to reflect, maybe that’s the pain that won’t subside now. Because at best, the Hawks are going to have to share this era.

    Last night didn’t really do anything to dissuade most of us that the Kings will make quick work of the Rangers and collect their second Cup in three years. And once that happens, we’ll have to wait another year before making that claim again, and even then it will sound pretty hollow with another team holding multiple championships, if the Hawks return to the summit.

    I fully recognize that this would be the hockey definition of #FirstWorldProblems (a phrase I abhor, by the way). Fans of 28 other teams wish they had this conundrum, and I get that. But being a sports fan means being greedy. One championship is never enough, unless there are extenuating circumstances like a certain Northside baseball team (I don’t know if Sox fans think 2005 is enough or not, but I’m guessing no). Two means you have a chance to go down in history forever. And you don’t want anyone else doing that with you.

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  • The Empire That Wasn’t

    In last year’s Stanley Cup commemorative issue of the Indian, I believe in the first paragraph I declared that this was “The Blackhawks Era.” It felt like that at the time. And having a few days to reflect, maybe that’s the pain that won’t subside now. Because at best, the Hawks are going to have to share this era.

    Last night didn’t really do anything to dissuade most of us that the Kings will make quick work of the Rangers and collect their second Cup in three years. And once that happens, we’ll have to wait another year before making that claim again, and even then it will sound pretty hollow with another team holding multiple championships, if the Hawks return to the summit.

    I fully recognize that this would be the hockey definition of #FirstWorldProblems (a phrase I abhor, by the way). Fans of 28 other teams wish they had this conundrum, and I get that. But being a sports fan means being greedy. One championship is never enough, unless there are extenuating circumstances like a certain Northside baseball team (I don’t know if Sox fans think 2005 is enough or not, but I’m guessing no). Two means you have a chance to go down in history forever. And you don’t want anyone else doing that with you.

    (more…)

  • And Off Silently

    And Off Silently

    Yesterday was just about the last formal time that the Hawks’ brass meets with the media, barring a trade or something, and the players are not seen again until the Convention. I’m sure they’re heartbroken to not have to answer the same questions over and over again.

    Usually at these season wrap-up things is when you find out all the injuries that players were carrying but weren’t talking about during the playoffs. There wasn’t much from the Hawks, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. I’m sure there were some, Sharp especially, but I appreciate not running to that as an excuse. One of the hallmarks of Q’s teams is that they don’t run for excuses and generally take responsibility for everything that goes on (except for Q himself, of course).

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  • Morning Links 6/3/14

    Morning Links 6/3/14

    The future is bright: NHL

    The ultimate goal: Cheer the Anthem

    Choose your narrative: Hockee Night

    Its Sucks: CBS

    So what went wrong: Suntimes

    I’ll let all of you comment on this: TSN