Blackhawks' Best Plan of Attack? Just Win

It seems everyone is picking on the Blackhawks this week, or at least playing like they have a huge target on their backs. Not only did Jay Leno have fun at their expense in his opening monologue Tuesday night, but twice in the past week, opponents have knocked out Hawks players with brutal hits.

Defenseman Brian Campbell suffered a broken collarbone Sunday after the Caps’ superstar Alex Ovechkin shoved him into the boards. Campbell will be out the rest of the season, and Ovechkin got a game misconduct and two-game suspension.

Wednesday night in Anaheim, the Ducks’ James Wisniewski charged into Brent Seabrook, who fell to the ice apparently unconscious. Seabrook left the game and hasn’t played since. Wisniewski served a two-minute charging penalty and an eight-game suspension for hitting Seabrook, who didn’t have possession of the puck at the time.

Now the players are vowing to fight back, but within the rules, so they say. While it’s important for the Hawks to remain tough and stand tall in the face of these aggressive hits, it’s not necessary to form a goon squad. Hockey is a tough enough sport without having to resort to overly aggressive retaliation tactics that serve no purpose other than to detract the team from its ultimate goal -- winning the Stanley Cup. Besides, they’d only be stooping to the same low levels as Wisniewski and Ovechkin.

As last night's 3-0 shutout of the L.A. Kings proves, the best revenge is to simply win. Hit opponents where it hurts most – on the scoreboard. Make a statement if you have to, but don’t sink to the opponents’ level of stupidity and nonsense.

Ironically, the hits on Seabrook and Campbell may be the very thing the Hawks need to snap out of the post-Olympic doldrums. Since the Olympics, the Hawks are 4-4-1, and they have not played well as a team during that time. Nothing brings a team together more quickly and more tightly than adversity, and these incidents may serve as a reminder to play with the same level of intensity and purpose as they have since the season started and do the things that got them this far – puck possession and strong defense. If they focus on playing their best hockey, the goaltending issues may resolve themselves, and players like Wisniewski and Ovechkin may finally get off their backs.

Blackhawks Appear on Leno

The Blackhawks continue to be in the national spotlight. Last night, during their West Coast road trip, they made a “cameo” appearance on Jay Leno, and Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook showed off their hardware from the Olympics.

Wonder what would happen if the Hawks actually won something, like the Stanley Cup?

Blackhawks Bask in National Spotlight

Nice piece in USA Today from last week about the resurgence of the Chicago Blackhawks. Apparently, the popularity of this team has reached far beyond Chicago’s city limits.

If people didn’t notice this team during their surprising playoff run last season, they are bound to notice them this year. No longer playing in obscurity, the Hawks are now among the NHL's best teams. They are the hottest ticket in Chi-town these days, and they are featured on NBC’s game of the week two weeks in a row (last Sunday against the Detroit Red Wings and this coming Sunday against the Washington Capitals). And while they carry the city’s hopes for a Stanley Cup on their young shoulders, they seem undaunted by the task ahead of them. I think that bodes well for the collective psyche of this team heading into the final few weeks of the season.

Now if they can only get their defense and goaltending back on track…..

Bears, Hawks Launch Ad Campaign

I’m eager to see the new series of ads that will promote the Chicago Bears and Chicago Blackhawks. The ads, which will begin airing in a few weeks, will feature members of both teams in various scenarios. For example, Bears’ quarterback Jay Cutler and Hawks’ captain Jonathan Toews exchange tips on passing.

The ad campaign is unique in that the teams are aligning their brands to reach their fan base, something they apparently share. According to a Chicago Tribune story, 92 percent of hockey fans are also football fans.

The Hawks wanted to reach out to this fan base and approached the Bears to see if they were interested. They even offered to foot the bill for production and air time. The Bears have nothing to lose since they are already well-known worldwide. The Hawks, on the other hand, are trying to capitalize on the buzz they created last year when they surpassed everyone’s expectations in reaching the NHL’s Western Conference finals before losing to the Detroit Red Wings.

If these ads do well, I’m willing to bet the other teams in town -- the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls and Fire – will look to join forces to cross-promote their brands.

Bucket List of Sports

Writers at Sports Illustrated shared their “bucket list” of sports events – events they want to see before they die. That inspired me to share my own list.

I’m proud to say I’ve witnessed several exciting sports events in my life – White Sox-Mariners playoff game in 2000; the memorable “black-out” play-in game between the White Sox and Minnesota Twins last October; the 2006 World Figure Skating championships in Calgary; 2008 and 2009 national figure skating championships in St. Paul, Minn., and Cleveland; and the second round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the United Center in 2007. But there’s plenty more I want to see.

1. Kentucky Derby – Mint julep, anyone? I love a good horse race, and while I’ve been to Arlington Park Race course in suburban Chicago, it probably doesn’t compare to the tradition and excitement of the Derby.

2. Baseball World Series – I missed the opportunity to watch the White Sox in the 2005 Series, but I’m hoping for another chance.

3. Wimbledon – I watched a women’s pro tournament at the UIC Pavillion in the mid-90s, including Venus and Serena in a doubles match when they were mere teenagers. If I’m going to see a pro tournament, it might as well be the grandaddy of them all – Wimbledon.

4. NHL playoffs – With the Blackhawks reaching the Western Conference finals in the playoffs this year, my love of hockey has been reignited. With their young, talented team, there is no reason why the Hawks shouldn’t make a return trip to the playoffs over the next few seasons. The trick will be to get my hands on what is sure to be the hottest show in town.

5. Michael Phelps – As long as he continues to swim competitively, my desire to see him compete is alive and well.

6. Olympics in Chicago – If Chicago is named the host city for the 2016 Olympic Games, I will have a smorgasbord of events to choose from – diving, rowing, gymnastics, basketball. Even better would be to attend the opening ceremonies and the parade of nations.

7. Chicago Fire or Red Stars soccer – The Fire and Red Stars are Chicago’s two pro soccer teams (men’s and women’s soccer, respectively). I watched some soccer while attending a small college. The team was one of the best in the nation, having won eight NAIA titles in 13 seasons. I’m eager to see the Fire and Red Stars at Toyota Park.

8. WNBA – Rumor has it the WNBA is struggling and could be the next league to fold after the Arena Football League suspended operations last week. If that’s the case, then I should check out the improved Chicago Sky this season. Runner up: NBA playoff game featuring the Bulls. Again finding a ticket for the pro game is tricky.

9. Snowboarding – I was fascinated watching the snowboarding competition during the 2006 Torino Olympics on TV. These guys and gals look like they’re having a blast, and it must be even more fun to watch them in person.

10. Gymnastics – When I was in high school, I had to learn to do a routine on the balance beam and uneven parallel bars, and I’m not athletically inclined. I have a tremendous appreciation for what these young men and women do on these apparatuses.

The Hawks’ Kids Are Alright

The Who’s classic tune “The Kids Are Alright” has been playing in my head, ever since the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the favored Vancouver Canucks Monday night to advance to the NHL Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1995. The song seems to be a fitting tribute to the young, upstart Hawks, who are the youngest team in the league at an average age of 25.5. But don’t let their youth fool you. They are playing at a level well beyond their years.

I don’t think anyone expected the Hawks to get as far as they have this postseason. With each victory, they are discovering just how good they are and what their potential is. It's like watching a child learn to crawl and then begin to walk -- you want to applaud every step he takes. With each success, the Hawks are beginning to believe more in themselves. Belief plus talent can be a potent combination for success. Anything is possible. It is not only magical to watch for fans, it may be dangerous for their opponents.

For many Chicago fans, this playoff run by the Hawks is a dream come true. If that’s the case, I’m not ready to wake up from this dream just yet.

Blackhawks Return to Free TV

This is no April Fool’s joke. Blackhawks' games will appear on WGN-TV beginning next season.

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that all 82 regular-season games will air on cable and free TV for the next three seasons. That includes 20 games on WGN-TV, which broadcast many of the Hawks’ games in the late 60s and early 70s. The majority of the remaining games will be broadcast on the Hawk’s cable partner, Comcast SportsNet.

I remember when I was a kid, my Dad and I would spend Saturday evening watching the games together on TV. And the few games I went to at the old Stadium were filled to capacity. Those were the good ole' days.

Being on free TV again is another brilliant move by Hawks' President Rocky Wirtz and Marketing genius John McDonough, one that will bring numerous dividends – more exposure for the team, more excitement for fans, and in the long run, a more improved, perennial-winning team.

NHL’s Winter Classic Lives Up to Its Name

A fan’s sign at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo said it all. “Look Mom, No Roof.”

In a throwback to the old days, the NHL’s Winter Classic between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres was held outdoors in a rink built inside the stadium where the Buffalo Bills play. Hampered by the weather conditions, the game wasn’t exactly hockey at its greatest. The Penguins prevailed, defeating the Sabres 2-1 in a shootout on a goal by Sidney Crosby. But Crosby was not the only star of the show.

Amazingly, more than 71,000 hearty souls filled the seats to watch the game, a NHL record. The game lacked the speed and quickness most fans are used to seeing due to the sleet, snow and swirling winds. It was a nostalgic reminder of how hockey used to be played half a century ago.

The NHL took a big gamble by showing the game on New Year’s Day, when college bowl games dominate the TV landscape. I doubt that NBC, which broadcast the Winter Classic, will get high ratings. Regardless how it does in the ratings, those who tuned in saw a memorable game, one that is likely to prompt the NHL to repeat the Winter Classic in future years.

Blackhawks Feel Right at Home on TV

Tribune columnist Ed Sherman wrote a positive review of the Blackhawks' first televised home game in eons. Thanks to a directive from deceased owner Bill Wirtz many years ago, Hawks home games were rarely shown because Wirtz wanted fans to pay to see the game. But the tactic backfired, and the Hawks lost fans over the years, which led to a loss in revenue. In the end, the team could not keep up with the higher-salaried teams in the league.

But times, they may be a changing, to borrow Bob Dylan’s words. Rocky Wirtz, Bill’s son and now the current president of the team, has very different ideas than his father. With yesterday’s telecast, the Hawks may be set to begin its resurgence in the NHL, though it may take two or three more years before they truly become competitive. But yesterday was a good start, and the Hawks did not disappoint. They played an inspired game, winning 3-2 over the Wings on the strength of their two rookies, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Even the home crowd seemed more pumped up than usual, perhaps sensing the significance of this game (a far cry from the Saturday night’s Bulls’ crowd).

I used to be an avid hockey fan during the days of Stan Mikita and Tony Esposito. I gave up watching the Hawks a long time ago, mostly due to the team’s poor play and too many fights. But after watching the team yesterday, I may have to jump back on their bandwagon.

BlackHawk Home Games Back on TV?

A new era may be dawning for the Chicago Blackhawks. Rocky Wirtz, son of the late Bill Wirtz, announced today that the team has been meeting with the folks at Comcast Sports Net to air Blackhawk home games as soon as this season. This is great news for Chicago hockey fans and a huge departure for the Hawks, who for years did not broadcast the home games thanks to Bill Wirtz’s belief that if fans wanted to see the home games, they had to pay to see them. But son Rocky has other ideas, and wants to begin putting the home games on TV. Comcast already has most of their schedule set for this year, but you can bet the network will squeeze in a few games here and there, with a full lineup of home games next season.

Perhaps we are beginning to see a new era for the Blackhawks, both on and off the ice. The team is off to a good start with a 5-3 record, led by their top draft picks, 19-year-old Jonathan Toews and 18-year-old Patrick Kane.

Wirtz Era at an End?

Funeral services for Blackhawks’ owner Bill Wirtz took place today. When I first learned that Wirtz had passed away, it didn’t take me long to realize the implications his death might have for the team. Wirtz has always been an astute business man who loved hockey as much as his family. While he did a lot to expand the NHL, when it came to his own team, he had earned a reputation of being somewhat miserly. Many fans criticized Wirtz’s decision to pull all Blackhawk home games off network TV and put them only on cable. His reasoning was that if fans wanted to see the games, they would have to pay for them, either by paying for tickets for the home games or subscribing to cable. Diehard Hawks fans claim that Wirtz’s decision eventually hurt the team since fewer fans would be able to enjoy the games. Fewer ticket sales and fewer fans means less profit. And that means fewer financial resources to pursue the right talent to compete in the league. Hence the Hawks fall from grace.

All in all, Wirtz’s passing may have closed the door to one era, and opened another one to (hopefully) a brighter and better future. It’s unclear at this point what the Wirtz family will do with the team. If they’re smart, they may decide to find a suitable buyer, preferably one with deeper pockets and a commitment to the sport the way it should be played.

I wonder if Mark Cuban would be interested.

NHL Champs Are a Bunch of Quacks

The Anaheim Ducks clinched the NHL Stanley Cup last night, defeating the Ottawa Senators 6-2 and winning the series 4-1. I don't know about you, but I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that the new NHL champions are a bunch of ducks.



Quackers, anyone?

Spying on the Enemy

Just how nasty was Ted Saskin, the former executive director of the NHLPA who was fired several weeks ago? An article in this week’s Sports Business Journal recounts a report that details allegations of an electronic spying program at the NHLPA that targeted 45 players and was nicknamed “Big Brother.” The spying program also extended to Saskin monitoring e-mails to see which individual players voted in the secret ballot to ratify the NHL labor deal. According to anonymous sources close to the report who were interviewed for the story, Saskin read personal e-mails of staff members for more than a year, stopped briefly when the Hewlett-Packard corporate surveillance scandal broke, then resumed when he learned that several players, led by former Blackhawk Chris Chelios, wanted to authorize an investigation into his hiring.

How desperate and insecure must a man be to use these tactics to protect his job? And how is it possible that he and his business director Ken Kim were able to access players’ personal e-mails, not just on NHLPA.com, but other e-mail accounts as well? Maybe guilt was a factor. It seems to me that anyone who is suspected of acquiring a job by dishonest means is going to be looking over his shoulder. In other words, what goes around comes around.

Preakness Outdraws NHL Playoffs

While I was watching the Cubs-Sox interleague match up on Fox Saturday afternoon, another battle was brewing on NBC. According to the Hollywood Reporter, hockey fans who had tuned in to watch the NHL playoff game between the Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators were left high and dry at the end of regulation and the score tied. At that point, NBC switched to its scheduled Preakness Stakes telecast while the overtime period of the hockey game was carried on the sports cable network Versus, which is not carried in all markets. NBC told the entertainment publication that its contract with the Preakness superseded that of the NHL, and NHL officials also knew that there was a risk that this situation could arise. While hockey fans are crying foul, the reality is, the Preakness Stakes is one of the most watched horseracing events next to the Kentucky Derby. NBC’s ratings for pre-race coverage of the Preakness more than doubled the last half hour of the playoff hockey game.

More evidence of just how far hockey has fallen in terms of national coverage and respect. It all reflects poorly on the league and management. The NHL is in disarray, and until it can get its act together, it will remain near the bottom of TV ratings.

Saskin Fired; Who’s Next For NHLPA?

While the NHL playoffs are picking up steam on the ice, the NHLPA made headlines last week off the ice when its player reps voted unanimously to fire Ted Saskin. The executive director was ousted after an attorney’s report revealed Saskin may have snooped through players’ e-mails. No interim director has been named, which makes you wonder who is running the asylum.

But seriously, whoever is hired as the new NHLPA director will have his (or her) hands full trying to rebuild a more amicable and trusting relationship between the players and owners. He’ll have to be a good listener, a tough negotiator, an astute business person, and a tactful and patient diplomat. Know anyone like that? The NHLPA may be interested in talking to them.

Blackhawks Win Lottery

I suppose there’s one good thing that has come out of the Blackhawks’ dismal season which ended Sunday. For the first time in franchise history, the Hawks won the draft lottery for the top NHL pick.

Unfortunately, there appears to be no big names that stand out in the draft, so it’s unclear who the Hawks would select. Of course, at this point, any fresh body will be an improvement to the team. It might be worthwhile for the Hawks to explore a possible trade to get a more experienced player or two that could help them right away. The NHL draft takes place June 22 and 23.

Hockey in the English Channel?

A work colleague shared this story with me from the Toronto Star, in which her former boyfriend and semi-pro hockey player, Dave Williams, was interviewed about his team, the Wightlink Raiders in Ryde on the Isle of Wight in the English Channel. (I had no idea they played hockey in that part of the world.)

In any case, the Raiders are so bad, they make the Chicago Blackhawks look champions. How bad are they?

* They won only three games out of 43 this season and six games all last season.
* Opponents average 80 shots on goal a game.
* The team is often on the losing end of double-digit scores – 12-2, 11-0, 10-1, and 15-0.
* They average 700 fans per home game in a 1,200-seat arena that is old and deteriorating.

Their home ice rink measures 165-by-65 feet compared to the NHL standard 200-by-85. It is so tiny, Williams says, “You can step out from behind your own net, take a shot and have a legitimate scoring chance. The game is so fast you can shoot from practically anywhere and have a chance to score.”

The Raiders won four championships in the early 1990s, but fell on hard times as other teams became more competitive. The league has no salary cap, so the small-market Wightlink Raiders lost many of their best players to other teams with better funding.

So Hawks fans, relax. Things could be a lot worse.

Simon Says He’s Sorry

The New York Islanders’ Chris Simon was suspended for the remainder of the hockey season as well as the entire Stanley Cup playoffs after his slashing attack on the Rangers’ Ryan Hollweg last Thursday. The suspension could mean Simon is out a minimum of 25 games, which would be one of the lengthiest suspensions in NHL history.

The league determined that Simon attempted to deliberately injure Hollweg after Hollweg checked him into the boards. Hollweg needed several stitches to close a gash on his chin but did return to practice on Friday.

Simon was contrite with his apologies to Hollweg, his team, the league and fans, saying, “What you saw Thursday is not the person, player and competitor that I am.”

That’s an interesting comment, considering that this is the sixth time Simon has been suspended, five times for “violent acts on the ice,” and once for uttering racial slurs against an opponent, according to Reuters.

Considering Simon’s history, I think the NHL’s suspension is too lenient. Why not ban him from the sport altogether and let him be an example for other players? How much is the NHL willing to tolerate? The NHL does not need goons like Simon; what it needs is a stricter policy against player brutality.

Yawney Exits as Hawks' Coach

In the revolving door that has become the Chicago Blackhawks head coaching job, Trent Yawney makes a quick exit after 18 months on the job. Denis Savard, a former Hawk and a popular player in his hey day, takes over.

Savard has never been a head coach, but has been an assistant under three previous Hawks' coaches. It'll be interesting to see what he has learned from them and what he will bring to the team. One thing is for sure, Hawks' management isn't showing much patience. They want fast results, and believe they have the team to achieve them.

Yawney only got 18 months or so to turn this team into a winner. How much time will Wirtz and Co. give Savard with essentially the same players?