Lots at stake with STL....they were all in again, and another failure probably leads to a massive roster blow up at this season's end. Players woke up, and got going......we saw this before with them the year they hired Hitchcock in November I want to say. they went on a long run.

Central is loaded. top 3 are pretty even, so getting the 1 seed is key. For all STL has done they still probably end up facing WPG or NASH, who are also all in.

If Calgary wins the Pacific I'd take Calgary all day over any central team at 1 seed.
- SteveRain

Difference is Binnington is playing lights out in goal. Lets see if that continues in the playoffs.

Based on your post he did not think you knew the meaning of the word plausible.
- -Doh-

I knew exactly what the meaning is. I wrote it and it speaks for itself.

It sounds like from what I've read that Duchene is someone Chicago might target either through a trade but definitely come free agency . They would have a solid center who avgs 50 plus points and his demand won't be to high. Toews , strome , Duchene, Kampf as your centers that's solid

Also dzingel has 22 goals his next contract would be doable.

That you're an bumhole?
- Elbows15

Well, that's one thing....

I think Kampf is best suited as a 4C because he has little or no offense. Whether that makes him "the" shutdown center or not, he shouldn't be hamstringing the offensive potential of the 3rd line.
- EbonyRaptor

To be a shut down center don't you have to be known for shutting the opposing forwards down?

how is unnamed source? he ever make it out of hockeybuzz jail?
- SteveRain

Hello, Rainman. I'm not sure about the current hb status of Mr. Source. But I heard that he and JJ might be one and the same. 😉

An 8-7 win continually exposes exactly what is right with this team and what is wrong with this team.. The Hawks are an offensive Juggernaut that has the worst defense in the league.... And it's sad because if this team had a decent defense this team could be a contender.

But hey, Congrats to The Cat on his 4th career hat trick.. So much for the alleged "sophomore slump" eh? the kid is a PPG player and on pace for 45 goals.. What does this kid have to do to be recognized as one of the best young players in the game?.. Not to get off-topic but as a hockey card collector DeBrincat's cards are profoundly undervalued.. Especially his Young Guns... He's still valued as a 2nd round pick when his stats suggest he should have been a top 5 pick.

But hey, Bowman and Co hit another home run in the 2nd round with DeBrincat.. Seems the 2nd round has been very friendly to the Blackhawks... It's almost like the Hawks scouting staff spend a lot of time looking at players they know most teams will pass on due to minor flaws that can usually be fixed then steal them in later rounds.

As for the Trade Deadline and what the Hawks should do:

Bowman should do nothing at the TDL unless he has an opportunity to get a player that will be a part of the future. So with that said, I think Bowman is going to tell the media that Kruger, Kunitz etc are their own rentals - that is my prediction. And that isn't a bad move either considering how little value Kruger, Kunitz etc hold.. I could see Bowman trading them if he's blown away by offers.

Honestly this is a very good position and situation for these Baby Hawks to be in. They can technically make the playoffs, but they're going to have to earn it and this will be an invaluable lesson for these kids so doing nothing is the best move Bowman could make given the Hawks situation.

Now, there is one trade possibility that hasn't even been discussed with Crawford allegedly coming back -- would Bowman consider moving Ward? I know Ward has a NMC, but I think Delia's play has shown he is NHL ready, not only that but his play has earned him a roster spot....So if I were Bowman I would try to move Ward, then rotate Delia and Crawford for the rest of the season... Delia has gotten invaluable experience over these last few months and there is no reason whatsoever to send him back to Rockford when he's clearly learning a ton at the NHL level -- Delia belongs in the NHL... And I don't think Bowman would have a problem moving Ward, he's played pretty well despite the defense playing in front of him. I mean do you think Ward would rather backup Crawford on a bubble playoff team (if you want to call the Hawks that) or play backup on a legitimate playoff team?

It would take Crawford playing like Hasek circa 1998 for the Hawks to stand a chance at making the playoffs or perhaps making a run in the playoffs.. It's not going to happen.

If I were Bowman, I would stand pat - make no moves at all unless a GM calls and offers a 2nd for Kunitz or Kruger....Also, there is a good reason not to move our UFA's - they have experience and that experience tends to rub-off on the youngsters, and that is more valuable than a 4th round pick... Not only that but excluding the Hawks terrible defense this team is starting to form some chemistry...

I mean the reality is that if this team had a better defense - even an average defense this team would be atop of the Western Conference... Yes, I know that seems like a crazy thought but the stats speak otherwise, look into how many games the Hawks have scored 3 goals or more and didn't get a point out of the match - 20 times is the answer and that is totally inexcusable.. If you score 3 goals in a game you SHOULD AT LEAST walk away from the game with a point at the very minimum 80% of the time... When these Hawks score 3 or more goals they only get a point 50% of the time.. This team has actually scored 5,6 and 7 goals in a game a few times and walked away pointless... My point is (no pun intended) that this team is pretty good outside of defense so I see no reason at all to make any trades unless the trade improves the defense now and in the long-term.... Let the kids play, they're finally winning games together, they're getting invaluable NHL experience and are forming (offensive) chemistry..

So yea, if I'm Bowman I'm standing pat unless I get an offer I cant refuse alas Hartman. I would also be trying to move Ward because Delia is the Hawks future in net and he needs to continue playing in the NHL, he needs to continue to be challenged because it will only make him better.. Delia has nothing to learn at the AHL level at this point, as a matter of fact sending him back down to the AHL could really hurt the progress he's made over these last few months... I've seen flashes of brilliance in Delia, so he has the talent to be a very good NHL goalie and I think Delia working with Jimmy Waite has helped him tremendously...

So if I'm Bowman I'm not even thinking about making the playoffs or the remainder of this season - I'm focusing on next season and beyond.. My opinion would be if the Hawks make the playoffs or come close it means they're learning, it means they're making progress.... But I think Bowman knows the actual issue with this team is primarily defense (I think he knew that before the season even started) and he knows he has a plethora of talented eventual top 4 defenseman on the way with massive potential, and all he really needs to do is let the season play-out, then focus on finding short-term solutions on D this summer, that and sign a couple of 3rd/4th line two-way shutdown line forwards and this team will be back to the playoffs next season.... I mean this team has proven overwhelmingly that it can put the puck in the net, but they've also proved they cant keep the put out of the net - and keeping the puck out of the net has to be Stan's top focus moving forward, and if he can get a player that helps in that department until our defensive studs are ready for the NHL then he should make the move..... I mean I would love to see Cam Ward moved for a #4/5 defenseman with 1-2 years left on his contract...

I think Ward has played well enough to attract some contenders or playoff bound teams attention looking for security in goal for a playoff run, or at least a goalie that can allow their #1 to get some rest here and there without having to worry about falling in the standings.

And as far as Darren Raddysh - who cares - if I were Bowman I'd be trying to acquire his brother Taylor from Tampa Bay, another former Erie Otter that played with DeBrincat and Strome (Darren did too) who can both score and setup sweet plays.... I would love to see "The Otter Line": Raddysh-Strome-Debrincat ...Rarely does Junior chemistry translate into the NHL but I think it would be worth a shot making a trade for Taylor considering how Strome has worked out so far.... I mean it's not like Taylor Raddysh has a future in Tampa Bay given how stacked that team is.. I think Bowman could get him for a pick and he could immediately make an impact here in Chicago. So if I were Bowman Taylor Raddysh would absolutely be on my radar, and I've wanted Bowman to acquire Raddysh for a long time now... I have followed the Otters for a while now, and IMO on face value trading for Raddysh would be considered a minor move but a trade like this in the long-run could have the potential to be as important as the Sharp trade was 13-14 years ago. Sharp was another player I wanted the Hawks to acquire way back when during the lockout the Wolves met the Phantoms in the AHL finals, so when the Hawks acquired him Hawks fans though I was nuts for jumping in joy, telling them how Sharp was a steal and that Sharp will be one of the better players on the team.... As a matter of fact I was so excited I even remember the headline after 15 years from the Chicago Tribune" "Hawks Make Sharp Move"..... Well I believe Taylor Raddysh could have the type of impact Sharp had on this team.
- Savard2Secord

Time is precious - are there cliff notes available?

He didn't just rip into him, Torts humiliated him talking to the press in Duclair's hometown. Excellent management skills Torts. Apparently Torts forgot his own job title is "coach".
- Rota's Rooter

Duclair hasn't responded to 4 coaches and by all reports doesn't listen to anything the coaches say. Is he supposed to kiss his ass? Maybe an eye opener is what he needs.

I agree but if you believe the Q haters it was Scotty Bowman who made that change...…

Q was a HOF coach who sadly ran his course here. Developed favorites, didn't hold them accountable, and the wheels came off.

IMO, I had no problem with Q leaving, but I 100% believe(d) he and Bowman should have been a package deal. Lots of NMCs, NTCs clauses on this team which gives very little leverage to deal guys.

Case in point....read in athletic today....14,15,7,2,30 all are very reluctant to leave here. 14 should be gone tomorrow IMO. If you can get soda for the machines do it, but instead they'll probably trade hayden and Hayden seems to have adjusted to his role in the NHL and plays it very well.
- SteveRain

Q's time did run out. No question about that. It happens. 10 years is a long time for a coach to stay in one place.

I think Bowman has earned the right to try to rebuild this team. I like the moves he has made for the most part the last two seasons. His drafts have been heavily slanted to D-men in the early rounds. Booms or bust after that. Which is how the rounds after the 2nd round should be targeted. IMO.

i don't like his FA signings for sure but he has made some pretty solid trades. Kunitz and Ward are at least up after this season. I guess we could debate why they were signed in the first place but they are here for whatever reason.He signed Manning but at least ws able to rectify that mistake

AA still is useful and I think he will moved in the summer. Keith is still their best D-man. Seabrook was a reward for past services. A mistake on the term for sure. However, I firmly believe the past with Old Man Wirtz played a part in that decision. Now we can agree it shouldn't have but I think it did.

What's with the 2000 word posts? They aren't really my concern, but I ain't gonna read them....

What's with the 2000 word posts? They aren't really my concern, but I ain't gonna read them....
- mohel

To be a shut down center don't you have to be known for shutting the opposing forwards down?
- riozzo

I suppose he should be able to do it alone.

I knew exactly what the meaning is. I wrote it and it speaks for itself.

It sounds like from what I've read that Duchene is someone Chicago might target either through a trade but definitely come free agency . They would have a solid center who avgs 50 plus points and his demand won't be to high. Toews , strome , Duchene, Kampf as your centers that's solid

Also dzingel has 22 goals his next contract would be doable.
- Taylorst1

You have Toews/Strome as your 1-2 center, the Hawks need a top 6 winger (left or right), I don't think Duchene is a fit here. Yes Duchene has occasionally played left wing, but why would he sign here if you tell him he is not going to play his natural position/ or third line center (which he would get way too much money. Strome has to play in the top 6, he is not strong enough defensively to be a 3C.

To be a shut down center don't you have to be known for shutting the opposing forwards down?
- riozzo

Good point. We're kind of jumping the gun a bit on anointing Kampf a shutdown center before he's proven he can be one. He skates well enough and seems to have the defensive first mindset but he still has to prove it. That said, he's not a 3C if the 3rd line is supposed to supply offense.

- Taylorst1

Hi, Mex.

All Torts said was what everybody knows about Duclair - great natural talent who doesn't know how to play the NHL game and isn't learning despite the amount of teaching they are giving him. Torts doesn't like dummies is all.
- RickJ

Duclair is repped by Lecavalier's brothers agency too. Lecavalier himself recommended Duclair sign with Columbus because Torts opened his eyes about learning to play defense and not all offensive too.

Exactly. If the plan is to spread the offense over three lines where you keep Toews/Kane on one line, DCat/Strome on another and maybe move Kahun down with Saad on the 3rd line - then you don't want Kampf centering that 3rd line because he isn't offensively gifted enough to get consistent scoring from the 3rd line.

It will be interesting to see how Kubalic does. If he can come in and be a bigger version of Kahun or a more offensive player than Kampf - then we probably have another top-9 player to deploy.
- EbonyRaptor

Heck. If Kubalik is as effective as Kahun, its a win.

Duclair is repped by Lecavalier's brothers agency too. Lecavalier himself recommended Duclair sign with Columbus because Torts opened his eyes about learning to play defense and not all offensive too.
- GPHawksfan

Didn't work.

You have Toews/Strome as your 1-2 center, the Hawks need a top 6 winger (left or right), I don't think Duchene is a fit here. Yes Duchene has occasionally played left wing, but why would he sign here if you tell him he is not going to play his natural position/ or third line center (which he would get way too much money. Strome has to play in the top 6, he is not strong enough defensively to be a 3C.
- LAHawk

Duchene isn't a fit because the Hawks need more players that are on the ice for more SAT than against.

Didn't work.
- Elbows15

What was the line I read on here about someone else (not you, Elbows)? $10 dollar body, 5 cent head?

Duchene isn't a fit because the Hawks need more players that are on the ice for less SAT for than against.
- Elbows15

That too, I am not a fancy stat guy so I was afraid to say that and get some fancy stat thrown at me that I can only defend with my eye test.

Well, he was a 6th round pick. Just making the NHL already has exceeded his ceiling.
He is still a guy playing his 1st season of professional hockey. And adding strength is possible. Can he adjust or now is the question. I think he can to become an useful player.
- Elbows15

I think management has high projections for him. At least they did when they signed his brother as part of an effort to get him to sign here instead of letting the rights lapse. I would imagine they renew him this summer.

Elbows, what did you do with LBR?

I agree but if you believe the Q haters it was Scotty Bowman who made that change...…

Q was a HOF coach who sadly ran his course here. Developed favorites, didn't hold them accountable, and the wheels came off.

IMO, I had no problem with Q leaving, but I 100% believe(d) he and Bowman should have been a package deal. Lots of NMCs, NTCs clauses on this team which gives very little leverage to deal guys.

Case in point....read in athletic today....14,15,7,2,30 all are very reluctant to leave here. 14 should be gone tomorrow IMO. If you can get soda for the machines do it, but instead they'll probably trade hayden and Hayden seems to have adjusted to his role in the NHL and plays it very well.
- SteveRain

Look, 14 and 30 agreed to sign here, and they both know this is their one year with the Blackhawks. It's not a big deal. 15 has been here long enough to have some roots, but 2 and 7? They've been in the same town for nearly 15 years. Nobody wants their boss to come up to them after that long and say, yeah, you need to pick up your life and move to (X).

Plus, if a player says, sure, I wanna go, then they look bad. So of course the player is going to say he doesn't want to go anywhere and the team is going to say we are listening, but nothing's imminent.

The team is fun to watch, I hope they don't add. If they subtract or make a hockey trade, then I hope it's closer to what they've done this year with Strome and Caggiula. And if they make the playoffs, I'll cheer for them to win, but fully expect them to go out in the first round.

They are better than they were and improvement is always a good thing.

Based on your post he did not think you knew the meaning of the word plausible.
- -Doh-

He doesn't know how to use "there", "their" and "they're" also.

Elbows, what did you do with LBR?
- mohel

She was taking a break due to all the negativity last I saw.