BREAKING: Blackhawks captain’s Nick Foligno made bold statement that got fans stunned
Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno is known for his straightforwardness, and in a struggling team, it’s often necessary. Once again, the Blackhawks are having a tough season, sitting with just 51 points and a 21-41-9 record.
Despite expectations for growth, the Hawks have, at best, stayed stagnant. While they may surpass their disappointing 52-point total from last season, the team’s performance still raises concerns. Teams with 51 points after 71 games clearly face significant problems, and Foligno once again highlighted one key issue that may have been resolved.
In an article by Ben Pope from the Chicago Sun-Times, Foligno made a remark that could be interpreted as a jab at a former, outspoken player.
When discussing ways to keep the team motivated, Foligno stated, “That’s where you separate yourself as a guy who really cares or a guy that’s just [motivated] when it’s convenient. We’re weeding out some of those things in here. We need guys who want to be a part of this. It’s not easy. It’s not for the faint of heart. It’s hard. It’s an emotional roller coaster a lot of days. But we’re hoping we can start to solidify ourselves.”
Nick Foligno is once again correct on many fronts about this
I’m not sure how many of you have experienced or followed high school sports, but I can definitely relate to this situation. Not in hockey, but in football, where my school’s team posted a dismal 4-26 record between 2004 and 2006.
Clearly, it took a unique group of athletes to stick with that kind of situation. I remember watching them play and thinking, “Why is anyone even out there?” But when I look at what the Hawks are going through, I can’t help but ask the same thing about some of their veterans: Why would anyone want to play for this team?
In both cases, Foligno was right when he said, “It’s not for the faint of heart.” It truly takes a special group of people to endure what has become one of the least-attractive franchises for any player in their prime to join in recent years.
For some, it’s just too much. And once again, it makes me wonder if Seth Jones was the target of Foligno’s comments. Earlier this month, Foligno said something that could easily have been a reference to Jones, and if he’s making similar remarks now, it raises the question of how far Jones was willing to go with this team.
Removing Jones from the situation hasn’t made the Blackhawks any better on the ice
With Jones no longer on the team and likely headed for a deep playoff run with the Florida Panthers, one has to wonder if the Hawks have improved without him. The short answer is no, as they are currently riding a seven-game losing streak.
However, just because the Hawks haven’t been better on the ice doesn’t mean there hasn’t been progress elsewhere. Players like Nick Foligno are actively involved in the team, participating in practices, being present in the locker room, and even spending time outside the arena. As the captain, he likely has a much deeper understanding of the team’s dynamics than those of us looking from the outside.
That said, if Foligno’s recent comments were once again aimed at Jones and highlighted the Hawks becoming a more focused group despite the losing streak, it suggests Jones may have needed to leave even earlier in the season. While chemistry can develop on the ice over time, if the team is more clear-headed without Jones, then once again, credit goes to Nick Foligno for being honest and speaking his mind.