Your opinions on young Blackhawks stars

Blackhawks need a veteran captain

I would have to say no to awarding Jonathan Toews with the honor of captain.

While he is doing a great job and definitely deserves to be playing in the NHL, he is not old enough or seasoned enough in the NHL to acquire the responsibilities of being the team captain.

I think the senior/veteran players on the team are enjoying his style, heart and intensity of play, but those feelings of respect might diminish a lot if this new recruit, age 19, gets the "C" on his sweater well before they have gotten the chance of leading and representing their Chicago teammates.

I vote for Robert Lang, Martin Havlat or Brent Sopel to be honored to wear the "C" next season.

Mary Lou Taylor

Bartlett

Toews is special

The great captains in NHL history have some common characteristics -- confidence, respect for the game, respect from their teammates, ability, desire and a leadership quality that just can't be taught.

Steve Yzerman, in my opinion, might be the greatest NHL captain in its storied history. He went about his business every day, seemingly forever. As a lifelong Blackhawks fan, I admired those qualities.

So, to say that our very own Jonathan Toews is showing these characteristics as a rookie at the age of 19 is special. Very special.

It has been a long, long time since we have had a legitimate captain. Chris Chelios and Dirk Graham come to mind.

It appears Toews has the respect of his teammates and he certainly does not act like a 19-year-old kid in front of the media. It will be nice to see someone who really deserves to wear the "C," and I can't think of anyone else who is more primed and ready to take on that role for hopefully the next 10 years.

Now, if we can just get him to put a "v" in his name so everyone can pronounce it correctly.

Jim Gitchell

Geneva

Hyping the kids a cause for concern

Lots of hype about Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Rightly so, but they are rookies and need a little more experience.

I am concerned that the concentrated media focus on the two kids reduces the well-deserved attention on the other vital team players.

Dave Zdan

Winfield

A thankful reader

I'm a Chicago transplant to Idaho who had Hawks season tickets at the old stadium for 12 years before moving out here. I remember the great days in that barn, and I'm excited to see the team moving in a positive direction once again.

I just wanted to say thanks to Tim Sassone and the Daily Herald for your terrific Blackhawks coverage (which I get daily online). You and your paper far outperform the Tribune and Sun Times in breadth of coverage and insight, and I'm most appreciative!

I've been fortunate enough to see our local AA hockey team, The Steelheads, win two ECHL championships in five years, something the Blackhawks were never able to give me.

But, as you note today, next year could be our year if management plays its cards right -- and opens up the purse strings.

Rob Creighton

Boise, Idaho

Time for action from the White Sox

The Detroit Tigers are the team to beat in the AL Central. Yes, they are loaded with talent.

Now the reality: The season is 162 games long and anything can happen.

Here is the real issue confronting White Sox fans and what Jerry Reinsdorf needs to hear and hear loud and clear:

White Sox fans have been told year in and year out, if we don't show up, the White Sox can't afford to compete.

I am sick and tired of hearing this and will not be renewing season tickets this year if the White Sox refuse to sign Aaron Rowand and get a strong left fielder. Stop talking, and do it!

After what we sent through with the Mark Buehrle saga, Sox fans have lost faith in Reinsdorf. They have plenty of money and are about to be shown up by the Kansas City Royals. Ridiculous!

Larry Carlson

Oak Park

Team play is key

If the quality players the Detroit Tigers have acquired conduct themselves as members of a team, Detroit will be hard to beat.

If their attitude in the clubhouse, the dugout and inside the white lines is one of self-importance and personal numbers, manager Jim Leyland will have his hands full.

From owner Jerry Reinsdorf down to the least utilized bench player, the White Sox play as a team. Kenny Williams knows this and he conducts business from this perspective. That could affect the outcome of the AL Central.

A team might win the division. However, if the hitters are not team oriented in the batter's box, play sloppy defense, or do not run the bases intelligently, they will lose.

Richard J. Piagari

Des Plaines

Coin flips a flop

It is very sad that the "NFL Neanderthals," called the rules committee, can not determine a method that both teams would have an opportunity for possession of the ball in overtime.

No, they continue to have the ridiculous notion of having a coin flip determine the start of OT.

Win a coin flip, probably win the game (about 37 percent of the time).

Then, the so-called "experts" feel if it is not broken, don't fix it. How stupid!

That means in 37 percent of the OTs, only one team touches the ball. This is big business, and making the playoffs is the goal of each team -- where there is bonus revenue for the owners, players, etc. In a league where a .500 record can make the playoffs, each team should have a fair opportunity to win in OT.

If these people are too stubborn to let both teams touch the ball, then maybe they can eliminate the coin flip for OT.

Here's an idea: How about making the previous 60 minutes these two teams just played mean something? Why don't you use the number of first downs or total yards as criteria to determine which team gets the ball first in OT?

At least then that team earned the right to get possession of the ball first.

Mark Lind

Algonquin

It could be a long season for the Sox

Are the Sox waving a white flag in December?

Why can't all of Chicago's teams be competitive at the same time? The Blackhawks seem to be on the upswing, and the Bulls and Bears on the downswing. Last year, it was the opposite. Do franchises really believe in winning cycles and down times for their teams?

Is this the reason why Kenny Williams seems to be set with his lineup as he appears to be giving in to the Cubs? Last year, the Cubs made the playoffs and appear to be set for another run, while the White Sox floundered at the bottom of their division and have a "who's who" roster of players who are prone to injury and moving past their primes, prospects that are suspects, and castoffs from other teams.

If the White Sox don't make some quick moves, it's going to be a long season, especially with question marks in LF, CF, 3B, 2B, backup catcher, middle relief and three starting pitching spots.

The only thing fans will have to look forward to is who Ozzie Guillen will insult and another "white flag" sale.

Walter Brzeski

Chicago