in the early 2000's the blackhawks were not only known as the worst team in hockey... they were the worst team in all of sports. the hawks franchise was a complete mess from top to bottom.and now they are not only the best in hockey... but they are arguably the best team in all of sports right nowpretty weird huh?BONUS: Do you think the blackhawks are going to hoist the cup this season?
It helps when your owner (a blithering idiot who had the business acumen of a bag of milk) dies, and his marginally intelligent son takes over about the time that the team's draft picks mature. The last four seasons speak to a certain level of performance- 2009: Lost in WCF 2010: Won Stanley Cup 2011: Lost in 1st round (down 3-0 to VAN to come back to 3-3) 2012: Lost in 1st round
All it really took was the passing of Bill Wirtz who, by some accounts, held the franchise back for all his tight-fisted ways. I've heard that he was respected by those who played or worked for the team, but I don't see it. I mean I wouldn't. I don't like to see a team jump out from the start and try to maintain a superior W/L record to try and win the President's Trophy because it burns them out for the third and fourth playoff rounds. The best thing for them was ending the streak. If any team can win it this season it's Chicago.
Has a lot to do with ownership. It has been owned by the Wirtz Corporation for a long time. The father (bill) refused to televise home games for decades and refused to pay the players the team had what the market dictated. Tough to want to support a team you cant watch play. Tough to want to go to all the home games if the d1ck owner won't sign anybody or keep any star players. The AHL Wolves had better attendance for years. Father died in 06 or 07 and the son changed all the policies of the team. He televised games, brought fans and sponsors back. The hawks drafted some awesome young superstars and have turned the franchise around.
When you have a draft, that's how it works. If they do win it, I'll enjoy seeing Emery hoist it.
