I haven’t done much research into this, but just looking at scores this season - and doing one piece of research - it seems to me that with the increase in scoring - goals per game are up almost 10% over two seasons ago - there have been fewer close games played - more three + winning margins than in the past.

There have been 235 games go beyond regulation this season in 1092 games through yesterday - that’s about 21.5% of all games - in past years that number was consistently approaching 25%.

So more goals (which the league wants) but fewer close games coming down to the last minute.

I prefer the lower scoring closer games.
- StLBravesFan

leafs do it again: give up a 6 and rally from down 5-2 to win 7-6 vs the flyers..

Hmmm - there was another #3 pick at one time in this town - fell to a mediocre GM but was the obvious pick after two other teams passed on him....

I’ll think of it.
- StLBravesFan

STOP, please!! You're breaking my black, red, and white Trailblazers heart

Might go down as worst draft decision in history.

STOP, please!! You're breaking my black, red, and white Trailblazers heart

Might go down as worst draft decision in history.
- pdx2ord

Three GM's traded for this dman, #12 overall by St Louis. He played for your Blackhawks. Known for his slapshot and that was all he had. Now back in Sweden

Who am I

Clue (for Darth Kane) he sure did not have great edgework like Boqvist.

Three GM's traded for this dman, #12 overall by St Louis. He played for your Blackhawks. Known for his slapshot and that was all he had. Now back in Sweden

Who am I

Clue (for Darth Kane) he sure did not have great edgework like Boqvist.
- jhawk59

Rundblad. That guy had zero compete level.

Rundblad. That guy had zero compete level.
- AEL_Fox

Runs bad. Shoots great.

Hawks are gunna make the playoffs

Hawks are gunna make the playoffs
- EnzoD

well the duck helped the cause with a late goal to beat the aves...but i still don't see it..

the 3 key games they must get at least 5 or 6 pts is the BTB vs aves followed by the yotes: 3 games in 4 days and all travel games

with no gimmes vs habs, nucks and flyers before then; faceplant in 2 or 3 of those games and the 3 games i just mentioned lose their lustre..

STOP, please!! You're breaking my black, red, and white Trailblazers heart

Might go down as worst draft decision in history.
- pdx2ord

But your guys had Drexler - didn’t need another wing, right?

That high in the draft - take the best player available.

Entwhistle a coachable kid, right. Would he be willing to park in front of net like Big Buf. Vs Luongo?
- jhawk59

He is very coachable.

I think the discussion is going to be if he's a C or a W. If they want him to be C I think he heads to Rockford for a couple years a la Luke Johnson.

If he's wing you may see him sooner.

He is very coachable.

I think the discussion is going to be if he's a C or a W. If they want him to be C I think he heads to Rockford for a couple years a la Luke Johnson.

If he's wing you may see him sooner.
- Justin Lowe

Is Johnson part of the future in Chicago - or only Rockford?

This is his third year there after three years at ND (no, the other one).

But your guys had Drexler - didn’t need another wing, right?

That high in the draft - take the best player available.
- StLBravesFan

There's a bit of revisionism with his post and I'll leave it at that.

There's a bit of revisionism with his post and I'll leave it at that.
- Beaver-Warrior

Mine or his?

So much praise for "Stan the man". The man who created this whole mess. The man who fired Q to cover up for his bad moves. Fire "The Man".
- Garn.

I have personally been just as hard on Stan as I have offered praise towards him. He is not without his faults but he has been on the better side of these last few deals.

I will be judging him harshly this summer. This offseason could shape this team for 5+ years IMO.

TC, thoughts on who might be a top four target this summer?
- mohel

Hey Mohel - I don't have specific info on who they might be targeting but as I've mentioned, getting a top 4 in a trade would be the way to go.

Put Jacob Trouba at the top of the list for me. He's a pending RFA but word is he may not want to stay in Winnipeg.

The only issue there would be if Chevy wants to trade in conference + do the Hawks have what he would want in return?

Hawks are gunna make the playoffs
- EnzoD

Yeah ... I'm not so sure. I originally said hawks and nucks would take the two wc spots ... wrong.

If the hawks had won the stars and aves btb weekend games, this might be a different conversation.

A five game win streak is on the line tonight, followed by a couple of "winnable" games. The schedule will not end easily as far as opponents go. I'm rooting for victories, always, but as of right now, I just don't see them getting in. 5 pts behind the yotes, and 7 pts behind the stars. Crazier things though, right?

Mine or his?
- StLBravesFan

His....

I read on a different site that Eakin and Miller are possible VGK cap casualties this summer. I've posted before that the Hawks swing a trade for these two or possibly McNabb. Either Miller or McNabb can fit into the 2nd pair opening. Eakin can fill the 3C and be a trade chip at next year's TDL if Hawks a seller at that time.
- boilermaker100

If anyone recalls I mentioned Cody Eakin a while back (Goalie-33 did not agree with that) because I had heard that this was the "type" of guy the Hawks would like to add down the middle. I'm 9n board with saying he is a perfect 3C for this team if Stan can unload AA.

Eakin has gone on to score 17 goals so far this year. He's played up and down the lineup and while he's not huge (6' / 190) he plays a smart 200-foot game and has a bit of nastiness to his game.

Colin Miller would be a top 4 D I would target. He's a great skater and has an edge. He's had an up and down season but in the roght situation he's a top 4.

Vegas has created their own cap hell and they are definitely a team I would look to take advantage of if I'm Stan.

Is Johnson part of the future in Chicago - or only Rockford?

This is his third year there after three years at ND (no, the other one).
- StLBravesFan

I think he is. Colliton is a big fan.

He could be a darkhorse for 4C next year or could end up as the 13th forward. I'm sure he's itching to play with his former teammate Drake Caggiula.

What I'm ok with in the new age hockey world of young guys making the NHL at 18-19 years old is having some players grow in the AHL. Johnson might really benefit and turn into a nice role player for the Hawks one day.

I think he is. Colliton is a big fan.

He could be a darkhorse for 4C next year or could end up as the 13th forward. I'm sure he's itching to play with his former teammate Drake Caggiula.

What I'm ok with in the new age hockey world of young guys making the NHL at 18-19 years old is having some players grow in the AHL. Johnson might really benefit and turn into a nice role player for the Hawks one day.
- Justin Lowe

So is DK.

Nice 3-2 win by Rockford last night. Forsberg had 46 saves!

They play tonight and tomorrow. A nice Piggie weekend and one that can really help them climb the standings in a crowded Central.

So is DK.
- I Am The Breadman

If the 'Hogs go on another playoff run, Johnson will be a huge part of that. It will be another great experience for him.

What I love the most about Johnson is when you listen to him he talks about playing well defensively, being good on draws, a smart PKer, etc.

Isn't that the exact type of mentality the Hawks would welcome in the bottom 6?

The only question is does he have enough skill to hang.

I think he is. Colliton is a big fan.

He could be a darkhorse for 4C next year or could end up as the 13th forward. I'm sure he's itching to play with his former teammate Drake Caggiula.

What I'm ok with in the new age hockey world of young guys making the NHL at 18-19 years old is having some players grow in the AHL. Johnson might really benefit and turn into a nice role player for the Hawks one day.
- Justin Lowe

I’m also very good with your last paragraph - I think too many players have had their careers limited- hurt - by coming up to the Show too soon and too young.

If Johnson is 4C next year (yes, you said “dark horse”) - does Kampf (who also seems to be a favorite) move up to 3C (assuming Anisimov is gone).?

If the 'Hogs go on another playoff run, Johnson will be a huge part of that. It will be another great experience for him.

What I love the most about Johnson is when you listen to him he talks about playing well defensively, being good on draws, a smart PKer, etc.

Isn't that the exact type of mentality the Hawks would welcome in the bottom 6?

The only question is does he have enough skill to hang.
- Justin Lowe

What line is he playing on in Rockford? Linemates?

I would be happy for a lot of hogs to make the hawks next year, just as long as they aren't being forced in ahead of schedule.

It would be nice to have Kampf and Johnson playing together on the 4th line. A lot of his problem was dumb penalties, hopefully that changed. He was a board battler, never a bad thing.

Really wasn't aimed at you, Phil. I get what you are saying but I think, just think, their focus was to try to churn in young forwards on ELCs that could step in quicker and help with the Cup chases during those ten years.

Regarding Sikura. I know some get caught up on his age but last year at this time he was the big deal playing in the NCAA. He is still a first year pro who is learning how to be a professional. He does need to gain strength but I think having access to professional trainers will help.

The rest I agree with. I can see the improvements just from the last time he was called up.
- Elbows15

Maybe some deja vu if Kabulik signs and reunites with Kahun. They played a couple of years together in the OHL also.
- boilermaker100

Interesting.