Money Talk

There is not a whole lot to be upset about right now as a Blackhawks' fan. It was only a couple years ago that we were the laughing stock of sports. The Blackhawks were all but guaranteed a losing season, did not show their home games on TV and were voted by Forbes Magazine as the worst franchise in all of sports. So after almost running to the Stanley Cup last year and starting this year 5-2-1, I am feeling pretty good. But all is not right.

What's not right? Money. Plain and simple.

First big example: The goaltending. Christobal Huet was obviously overpaid. We found that out last year when the goalie that we were trying to get rid of (Khabibulin) stepped up and took us deep into the playoffs. But we couldn't keep the Bulin Wall because we had already spent too much money of Huet. We can't pour half our salary cap between the pipes. Not with Toews and Kane expecting big pay days. Fair Enough, I can live with that decision. But beginning the year, Huet has looked like he is playing with his eyes closed. It's not the number of goals (which is bad), it's the type of goals being scored. Soft, easy, unmistakeable. On the other hand, Huet's back-up, Antti Niemi, has shown the ability to get in the way of a few pucks and remains undefeated. Yet Huet remains the guy. Why? Because he is making the money. You have to play who you pay.

Second Example: Jack Skille has racked up more frequent flyer miles than Airline employees going between Rockford and Chicago (Ok, I know thats not far enough to fly, but you get the point). Because his salary is higher than most AHL players, the Hawks have been resistant to keeping him on the roster. He was our first round pick in 2005 and has played like it recently. He fits perfectly with the mold of the team and the 4th line. Yet, Skille is back in Rockford waiting for the next phone call.

As a Hawks fan, I say put the best team on the ice. This team is young and ready to take over the NHL. Play the goalie who can see the puck. Put the best offensive players on the depth chart. As Vancouver comes to town this Wednesday, I look for the Hawks to come out resilient and attacking Luongo.

On a side note, would it have not made sense to have Bachelorette, Jillian Harris, shoot the puck during the Vancouver game, as she is from Vancouver, rather than this past Saturday. Also, I thought even the women in Canada were good at hockey. She seemed to be a bit out of practice (to be nice). At least Ed looked to enjoy being famous...