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Jeremy Colliton is a very modest guy. He said he felt "awkward" when Toews handed him the game puck. "I'm just here to help the guys" he insisted.

Regardless of how you feel Jeremy, the fact is that your team has played 6+ periods without giving up a 5-on-5 goal and you have yourself your first NHL win.

Someone mentioned that this Chicago Blackhawks season has been "confusing" to date and I couldn't agree more.

I knew based on the roster and the spot this Hawks team was in, it would be a roller coaster of a season but damn, this has been more than advertised. There have been so many feelings and the latest appears to be those of hatred (towards Stan Bowman and John McDonough) due to the concern by most that these two can lead the Hawks back to a competitive state.

Now, after a 1-0 win vs. St. Louis, there has also been a tiny bit optimism shining towards this Hawks team.

"Our best hockey is coming and it's coming soon" were the resounding words that came out of the Captain's mouth after the win that broke the Hawks 8-game losing streak.

I don't think any of us are going to suddenly confuse this 2018-19 team as a Stanley Cup contender. Heck, I think we all agree this is a bubble team at best and just making it into the playoffs will be an accomplishment. Still, it's nice to hear a sense of confidence coming out of the Blackhawks dressing room again.

The problem is if this confidence builds and the Hawks get close or do sneak into the playoffs, their draft selection drops which would be unfortunate for a team desperate for as many building blocks as possible.
However, how far is this team off? Would they be able to "re-model" this year and into the off-season and come back strong again?

That's a big question that I'm not prepared to answer yet.

I do think that the Hawks have some very nice defensive prospects on their way and maybe a couple solid pieces up front eventually making their way to the NHL this year or next, but is it enough?

I would be wary that the Hawks would be able to do so without further additions from the outside world. They would be a combination of too young, too old and not having enough depth without Stan doing something external through the trade market or free agency.

I would like at this point, to pose a few questions to you guys and girls:

1) What have you liked so far about Jeremy Colliton?

2) What are you concerned about with this team overall?

3) What would you do if you were Stan Bowman to improve this team for the future?


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The Hawks face the Kings tonight and the Wild on Sunday.

The Kings recently made a 1-for-1 move sending Tanner Pearson to PIT for Carl Hagelin. They also should be motivated under new interim coach Willie Desjardins to start to turn their season around.

The Hawks hit the ice at practice today with similar lines from their win vs. St. Louis the other night.

Some other notes on the Hawks (..and IceHogs roster) include:

* Marcus Kruger back off the IR and looks like he will centre the 4th line with Kunitz and Martinsen.

* This move is a corresponding one that puts Brandon Davidson on the IR. When he comes off, does he head to Rockford? My guess is yes.

* Loved Gustav Forsling's return last game and I don't think he will be going anywhere anytime soon. Colliton really likes his game. Apparently so does Corey Crawford who called out "it was great to see Forsling back" in his post-game interview.

* Connor Murphy has been skating a lot before the Hawks take to the ice for practice indicating he's getting closer to returning. This would mean another subsequent move would be needed in his return. I'm hearing Rutta is looking to be the odd man out in this situation.

* Terrible news for Matthew Highmore who is out 4-6 months after shoulder surgery. I really believe he has NHL skills and should challenge again next year for a spot. This really hurts Derek King and Rockford moving forward to lose one of their best producers. They've really had some bad injury luck so far this season.

* The IceHogs play San Antonio tomorrow, who are a horrendous 4-12-0 to start the year. Meanwhile, the ‘Hogs are 3rd in the division with 19 points.


See ya out there,

JL

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