Commit to the Indian?

There are few things that I understand about today's move to fire coach Denis Savard a mere four games into the season. People will tell you that Savard wasn't a great coach and that he was still learning the game. They might also bring up the fact that for the three years he was here he was a notorious line juggler. They might even say that he looks limp and uninspired this season, nose diving in the first two games and losing a close home opener.

Fuck these people.

The reason that I follow the Chicago Blackhawks is not only because i was born and raised on the team. There is a certain history, however tainted it may be, that follows the team. Something that leads the eyes away from the wins and loss columns. I'm not saying that Savard's legacy as a player should secure him an infinite tenure as coach, but I am saying that it warrants him more respect than this. I will follow the Blackhawks if they win or if they lose, but I would rather watch a team with heart lose, than watch a "product" win. Heart is something that is irreplaceable and Denis loved his team and truly wanted to win. He was a passionate and honest coach, and made sure his players trusted him. He basically raised Toews and Kane in the NHL and brought a team with TEN rookies within three points of a playoff spot last year. If this move benefits the Hawks, which it may, am I the only one that thinks Denis got cheated out of his team? Shouldn't it have been Tallon's head on a platter for trading away our 2nd line center to free up cap space and bringing in another goaltender before he had rid us of Bulin? Savard is a patsy, and it is an unfortunate move by a team that, this summer, could do no wrong. Why the downturn? Pressure is a bitch, but sacrificing a team's morale and heart is a dangerous move four games into the year. And why, because we've only got three out of a possible eight points?

Only a fool would have assumed Denis wouldn't be on the way out eventually if the team didn't produce this year with the new guard of McDonough, Bowman, and Rocky at the helm. When Quenneville was brought on in the offseason there is little doubt that Savard was worried. Obviously, Joel was the heir to the throne. Add in the pressure of a Hawks team that is EXPECTED to make the playoffs and you have quite a pressure cooker. Excuses aside, I understand the need to win, and i understand that need far exceeds friendships, history, and loyalty.

But why?

Denis, you were my favorite Blackhawks coach ever.
It was a pleasure to watch you enjoy the game in a suit as much as you did in a jersey.
You are a true Blackhawk legend.
Take a vacation and write 'em some hate mail.

We'll miss you.