Ok, can we all just chill on the playoff talk now? I'm looking at you, John McDonough and Stan Bowman.
As it stands today, here are the Wild Card standings in the west:
9 points out of the last playoff seed with 16 games left. Sorry, let me rephrase that: 7 points out of last place in the Western Conference with 16 games left. Now, my hope is that Colliton puts those remaining games to good use with his roster. What am I talking about? See below:
* Personnel – the playoffs may be out of reach but the Hawks have made some big strides this year as I laid out in my last blog. They also can do a lot more good in the last 16 games.
There's a nice element of authentic chemistry on this team right now with Toews and Kane reunited and playing well, Strome and DeBrincat bro-ing out on L2 and Erik Gustafsson skating all over the ice to say hi to all of his teammates.
Some of these players are in full audition mode for Bowman and Colliton.
Is Brendan Perlini the guy we watched score 2 goals the other day vs. the LA Kings or is he destined to be this year's Anthony Duclair?
What's up on defence? Is a guy like Carl Dahlstrom falling out of favour? Does Forsling have a spot on this team next year?
These players are professionals and those fringe players know this is make-or-break time. Also, those who have fully bought into this year's system and Jeremy's long-term vision will obviously be in a good position heading into the offseason.
* Coaching – someone on the board asked me my thoughts on Jeremy Colliton. Well, I'm not going to give them to you yet as that blog will come at the end of the year. What I will say in this section is that I would like to see Colliton and staff continue to tweak their scheme.
No, they will not be making any major changes at this point in the season but what I would like to see are some minor tweaks that can help prepare this team for 2019-20.
First off, the team defence needs to be adjusted. I've been vocal about not liking the man-to-man D and I know that's not fully going to change, but I believe there are areas in the neutral zone and on the fly that can be refined. I won't put it all on the coaches though, I would like to see a better overall commitment to defence by the players.
I guess the only major move that I would advocate for would be that penalty kill. I mean… why not? It's on pace to be the worst PK% in the last 30 years. Change it up. Change the way you approach it… change the personnel… change anything!
* New Guys – lastly, I am expecting some "new guys" to pop up for a bit of a trial in these remaining games.
I think the Hawks are still intrigued by Victor Ejdsell and his NHL-calibre shot. While he hasn't had an amazing season, Colliton is familiar with him and might give him a couple of games to see where his skating is at vs. NHL talent.
Matthew Highmore is a guy that I have been talking about lately. He is skating and should be returning in the next few weeks to the IceHogs. After a couple of games in the AHL, I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a cup of coffee as well.
The Hawks defence is a great unknown/disaster right now. Do the Hawks want to see what they have in a guy like Lucas Carlsson before the NHL season ends? I would say yes. He has had a strong campaign and I have heard they are liking his progression a lot.
Colin Delia was recalled with Ward on the shelf for 7-10 days. Don't be shocked if the Hawks tell Ward to take his time. Delia could be up for longer. This would give the net back to Forsberg and Lankinen in the A as that duo has performed well.
Keep in mind with these "new guys" checking in for a couple of games here and there, it won't disrupt the IceHogs too much as once the Blackhawks season ends, they will be sent back (along with Dylan Sikura and possibly Delia) to push for the Calder Cup playoffs.
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This new audition season begins as Stan Bowman and Jeremy Colliton eye the future of this team. My hope is this team continues to play well offensively and find a new commitment to defence as the season winds down. I'm also excited to see some of these "new guys".
The Hawks play a hungry Buffalo team tomorrow night after a long layoff.
See ya out there!
JL
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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