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Source: Hawks In On Nash

February 14, 2012, 2:28 PM ET [540 Comments]
John Jaeckel
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
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Got a late tip just after posting this from a top source: the Hawks are in on the Nash bidding; they are putting together a substantial offer for Blue Jacket management that I am told does not include Patrick Kane. Clearly, due to Nash's salary, it would have to include other core or near core player(s). More as I hear it.

A quick blog on the state of the Hawks as they go back into action tonight.

We've heard a lot since Saturday from the leadership of the Blackhawks about what's necessary to pull them out of their deflating losing skid—while also hearing that we should not expect any coaching changes or trades anytime soon.

What that means is stopping the skid depends entirely on the players who've played during the skid—and what we have been told is a new, improved attitude, rallying around coach Joel Quenneville, etc.

As many of you who visit here often know, I tend to be more of the glass half empty school when it comes to the Hawks and their public proclamations.

I'm not sure a new attitude is going to automatically raise Dylan Olsen's awareness level or give him the extra step of foot speed he currently lacks. I'm not sure it's going to turn a number of 180 pound rushers into the missing 220 pound crushers. Or that it's going to help a couple of shell-shocked goalies hold their crease.

In fact, I have my doubts.

I'll just say this: The Hawks next three games are on the road against a tough, top Western team (tonight in Nashville), the team with the best record in hockey (the Rangers), and a team that's won 3 out of its last 4 (Columbus).

So tonight's game, and each of the following two, will hold fairly clear tests of the Hawks' claim that the key to turning things around lies with the players and coaches they have.

At some point, you can't prevaricate around miserable results anymore.

Perhaps tonight's will be different. Buckle down your chinstraps, This could be a rough one.
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