These next 2 games can't make the season, but they could break the season. Nashville is playing Detroit and will probably get 4 points in the next 2 games. If the Hawks get swept by Dallas, they would be behind Dallas and be minus games in hand and probably 6 points behind Nashville.

If the Hawks can get 3 or 4 points against Dallas, they would hold their ground and play some easier games while Nashville plays Tampa and Carolina a couple times each. Then, the 3 games against Nashville in a couple weeks will go a long way towards who gets the 4th playoff spot.

As far as Beaudin goes, I say keep him. I like his defensive game, and if he can improve his puck handling play under pressure in the defensive zone, he will be a pretty decent top 4 and PK. The Hawks need more than just Murphy who is more defense-first.
- biskit67

I'll call it now that that the Hawks will not have an entire blue line made up of their own draftees. A lot of their D-man draft picks are the same type of player. They don't have much in the way of Murphy or Zadorov (despite what opinions are of them).

As noted, the Hawks don't have a ton of "blue chips" in the forward ranks. That's not to say they can't develop into that or Stan won't be able to find one elsewhere, but it's not currently evident. If the Hawks could land a player like Kotkaniemi (young, with some experience, and producing) for one of the plethora of D prospects, I think you have to seriously consider it.

Question for Paulie when he gets back from Tim Hortons for his jelly donut and coffee; who are you going to root for, Montreal versus Toronto in the first round of the playoffs?
- mohel

It’s not a jelly dooonut eh! We eat maple glaze or French crullers. I used to eat Boston cream dooonuts until I saw Van Wilder!

I’d hold my nose and go with Montreal.

Thought on Beaudin to Montreal for a center. Yes Bergevin seems to covet him, but who says Marc will be around this off season, especially if Les Canadiens get routed by Toronto in the 1st round of the playoffs.

Piggy backing on the last blog regarding centers in the Hawks future, any chance the Hawks sign Danault as a free agent this summer? He's having an off year offensive wise so maybe his market value will drop. He turned down something like 5M for 6 years from Montreal last off season. Will Stan offer him something similar and would he be willing to accept it? If Toews desn't return he could be 1C for a year or two while Dach matriculates.

Assuming Toews does not return, the Hawks have to do something at the center position. Dach still needs development and I think the Hawks could trade Strome if they obtain Danault or another established center somehow.
- boilermaker100

Isn't one of the many criticism's of Stan is he keeps bringing back former Blackhawks?

Thought on Beaudin to Montreal for a center. Yes Bergevin seems to covet him, but who says Marc will be around this off season, especially if Les Canadiens get routed by Toronto in the 1st round of the playoffs.

Piggy backing on the last blog regarding centers in the Hawks future, any chance the Hawks sign Danault as a free agent this summer? He's having an off year offensive wise so maybe his market value will drop. He turned down something like 5M for 6 years from Montreal last off season. Will Stan offer him something similar and would he be willing to accept it? If Toews desn't return he could be 1C for a year or two while Dach matriculates.

Assuming Toews does not return, the Hawks have to do something at the center position. Dach still needs development and I think the Hawks could trade Strome if they obtain Danault or another established center somehow.
- boilermaker100

I hope not just on principle alone (I'm tired of the "bring back your old players" routine). Danault's best season is about equal to the years where everyone wanted to ship Toews off to Siberia. Not to mention, if his offense has fallen off from that, why would Stan offer him a deal similar to the one he turned down? Danault as a replacement for Strome sure/maybe (he's be more defensively responsible at least and can skate), but he is 28 now and in my view would be just shuffling guys around to get the same result as this year.

Thought on Beaudin to Montreal for a center. Yes Bergevin seems to covet him, but who says Marc will be around this off season, especially if Les Canadiens get routed by Toronto in the 1st round of the playoffs.

Piggy backing on the last blog regarding centers in the Hawks future, any chance the Hawks sign Danault as a free agent this summer? He's having an off year offensive wise so maybe his market value will drop. He turned down something like 5M for 6 years from Montreal last off season. Will Stan offer him something similar and would he be willing to accept it? If Toews desn't return he could be 1C for a year or two while Dach matriculates.

Assuming Toews does not return, the Hawks have to do something at the center position. Dach still needs development and I think the Hawks could trade Strome if they obtain Danault or another established center somehow.
- boilermaker100

Where did you see Beaudin to Montreal rumors? Please tell me NOT from Eklund....

If we as fans are going to be patient with Boqvist, shouldn't the same be said for Beaudin yet so many here are quickly sending the kid packing....

Thought on Beaudin to Montreal for a center. Yes Bergevin seems to covet him, but who says Marc will be around this off season, especially if Les Canadiens get routed by Toronto in the 1st round of the playoffs.

Piggy backing on the last blog regarding centers in the Hawks future, any chance the Hawks sign Danault as a free agent this summer? He's having an off year offensive wise so maybe his market value will drop. He turned down something like 5M for 6 years from Montreal last off season. Will Stan offer him something similar and would he be willing to accept it? If Toews desn't return he could be 1C for a year or two while Dach matriculates.

Assuming Toews does not return, the Hawks have to do something at the center position. Dach still needs development and I think the Hawks could trade Strome if they obtain Danault or another established center somehow.
- boilermaker100

Why are people so intent on a rebuilding team trading away young prospects with potential?

I hope not just on principle alone (I'm tired of the "bring back your old players" routine). Danault's best season is about equal to the years where everyone wanted to ship Toews off to Siberia. Not to mention, if his offense has fallen off from that, why would Stan offer him a deal similar to the one he turned down? Danault as a replacement for Strome sure/maybe (he's be more defensively responsible at least and can skate), but he is 28 now and in my view would be just shuffling guys around to get the same result as this year.
- Chunk

Saw your post on the old blog.....not a fan of Lazerus. I also stopped reading the athletic as it was way too advanced stats driven.

There is a world where both are useful but those who want to believe it's all corsi or bust are fooling themselves.

Hawks biggest regression the last month or so is that the PP is going cold. Hawks can't score 5 on 5, can't generate shots, and give up a ton....so if they aren't getting a scorching hot PP they tend to have scoring issues. That's before we address the PK.....

Why are people so intent on a rebuilding team trading away young prospects with potential?
- paulr

EXACTLY

Isn't one of the many criticism's of Stan is he keeps bringing back former Blackhawks?
- LAHawk

That and where Danault ever sniffs being a #1.....a #2 maybe, but not a #1 C.

Isn't one of the many criticism's of Stan is he keeps bringing back former Blackhawks?
- LAHawk

Speaking of bringing back former Blackhawks, does anybody know if Vinnie is in tonight?

More skill than Highmore. But maybe Soderberg is back in? anybody but Highmore.

Saw your post on the old blog.....not a fan of Lazerus. I also stopped reading the athletic as it was way too advanced stats driven.

There is a world where both are useful but those who want to believe it's all corsi or bust are fooling themselves.

Hawks biggest regression the last month or so is that the PP is going cold. Hawks can't score 5 on 5, can't generate shots, and give up a ton....so if they aren't getting a scorching hot PP they tend to have scoring issues. That's before we address the PK.....
- SteveRain

So let's see what the stats say - Hawks position, 5x5:

SAT For = 24th in the league
SOG For = 15th
GF = 16th
S% = 23rd
Sv% = 12th

So my analysis is: the stats reflect your vision.

The Hawks get more SATs on net than average in the league.
The higher GF positioning reflects the early-season PP success.
They can't shoot worth poop: a low SAT / mid-league SOG / low S% leads to "can't score".
Goaltending (with an improving defensive goalie protection) is a the big factor in the surprising success of the team.

Stats will usually confirm the vision test (and vice versa), providing a more detailed understanding of what is going on.

So let's see what the stats say - Hawks position, 5x5:

SAT For = 24th in the league
SOG For = 15th
GF = 16th
S% = 23rd
Sv% = 12th

So my analysis is: the stats reflect your vision.

The Hawks get more SATs on net than average in the league.
The higher GF positioning reflects the early-season PP success.
They can't shoot worth poop: a low SAT / mid-league SOG / low S% leads to "can't score".
Goaltending (with an improving defensive goalie protection) is a the big factor in the surprising success of the team.

Stats will usually confirm the vision test (and vice versa), providing a more detailed understanding of what is going on.
- StLBravesFan

quick look on espn

Goals for 2.74 (16th)
goals against 3.08 (22nd)

shots for 29.2 (23rd)
shots against 33.6 (30th)
PP 4th
PK 28th

Again to some other posters is what ails this team the breakout pass and quick transition? Is that D and/or F issue?

No idea....but they seem to make a LOT of dumb mistakes blindly turning the puck over in their own end which leads to chances, pps against, and goals against.

Saw your post on the old blog.....not a fan of Lazerus. I also stopped reading the athletic as it was way too advanced stats driven.

There is a world where both are useful but those who want to believe it's all corsi or bust are fooling themselves.

Hawks biggest regression the last month or so is that the PP is going cold. Hawks can't score 5 on 5, can't generate shots, and give up a ton....so if they aren't getting a scorching hot PP they tend to have scoring issues. That's before we address the PK.....
- SteveRain

Interesting take Steve. The problem is that like most professional sports these days, the trend has been towards advanced analytics as opposed to eye test. Unfortunately, sports journalism is going the same way. Both are pandering to a growing majority who grew up on video and computer games and stats as opposed to being out in the park, or the yard actually playing, and perusing the agate and "scoreboard" page for box scores and stats.

Let's please remind people how many World series that Billy Beane won with his moneyball...I'll help you out, ZERO. How many cups have the strictly advanced stats GM's won so far? What came first the chicken or the egg? Is TB good because of advanced stats, or do they have a bunch of good players and depth so their advanced stats look good.

Journalism and radio/tv now is too much about advanced stats and more-so betting. I am tired of both WSCR and ESPN radio, because the shows have become way to mauch about whatever the betting line is.

I thought the 2 recent games he played he was very disengaged and awful in the defensive zone. He reminded me of Gustafson.
- LAHawk

With Beaudin I thought maybe he was losing confidence (much like Boqvist had done at times last year plus.) I still like Beaudin. I would keep throwing him out there, with some games in the press box or at the Rock until he puts it all together. I would like to see him play his natural left side more often.

That and where Danault ever sniffs being a #1.....a #2 maybe, but not a #1 C.
- SteveRain

Wasn't Danault a 1C on Montreal for a time only for a lack of better options?

I like him and I know he thinks he's a 1C who should get paid like a 1C but I agree, I really don't think he is one and I think his asking price may be more then Stan and this board can stomach.

quick look on espn

Goals for 2.74 (16th)
goals against 3.08 (22nd)

shots for 29.2 (23rd)
shots against 33.6 (30th)
PP 4th
PK 28th

Again to some other posters is what ails this team the breakout pass and quick transition? Is that D and/or F issue?

No idea....but they seem to make a LOT of dumb mistakes blindly turning the puck over in their own end which leads to chances, pps against, and goals against.
- SteveRain

It's both, but I would put it at about 65/35 being a D problem. I do however think a lot of it is caused by having 1) 3 rookie defensman in the lineup all still adjusting to the speed and pressure at the NHL level. 2) Two veterans in deHaan and Zadorov who are consistently horrible passers, and turnover artists. So 2/3rds of your defense on any given night will just not be great at breaking the puck out or will make mistakes.

I think that all the youngsters are improving, and this will become a strength and those numbers will get better.

Interesting take Steve. The problem is that like most professional sports these days, the trend has been towards advanced analytics as opposed to eye test. Unfortunately, sports journalism is going the same way. Both are pandering to a growing majority who grew up on video and computer games and stats as opposed to being out in the park, or the yard actually playing, and perusing the agate and "scoreboard" page for box scores and stats.

Let's please remind people how many World series that Billy Beane won with his moneyball...I'll help you out, ZERO. How many cups have the strictly advanced stats GM's won so far? What came first the chicken or the egg? Is TB good because of advanced stats, or do they have a bunch of good players and depth so their advanced stats look good.

Journalism and radio/tv now is too much about advanced stats and more-so betting. I am tired of both WSCR and ESPN radio, because the shows have become way to mauch about whatever the betting line is.
- TheTrob

100% agree with this post. In hockey, this rule is still #1 - score 1 more goal than your opponent.

Wasn't Danault a 1C on Montreal for a time only for a lack of better options?

I like him and I know he thinks he's a 1C who should get paid like a 1C but I agree, I really don't think he is one and I think his asking price may be more then Stan and this board can stomach.
- Rota's Rooter

Good morning

I personally just ask myself would the guy be a 1C on a true cup contender....

I just hope Montreal beats Toronto in the playoffs. Or if they pass Winnipeg or Edmonton, 1 of those 2 beats Toronto.

I'll call it now that that the Hawks will not have an entire blue line made up of their own draftees. A lot of their D-man draft picks are the same type of player. They don't have much in the way of Murphy or Zadorov (despite what opinions are of them).

As noted, the Hawks don't have a ton of "blue chips" in the forward ranks. That's not to say they can't develop into that or Stan won't be able to find one elsewhere, but it's not currently evident. If the Hawks could land a player like Kotkaniemi (young, with some experience, and producing) for one of the plethora of D prospects, I think you have to seriously consider it.
- Chunk

I really like Beaudin, understanding that more development is needed. I also understand that one or two of these young dmen will need to be moved to strengthen the team at forward, or for a different type of defenseman. If Beaudin is one that we move, then I want a young forward with size coming back, even if we have to add. Once this team is ready to compete in the playoffs consistently, we will need more size than we currently have. Please note that I’m not implying that we get rid of Dcat or Kane, that type of talent is also needed, but we need to surround them with speed, size, defensive skills, as well as talent, easier said than done.

Interesting take Steve. The problem is that like most professional sports these days, the trend has been towards advanced analytics as opposed to eye test. Unfortunately, sports journalism is going the same way. Both are pandering to a growing majority who grew up on video and computer games and stats as opposed to being out in the park, or the yard actually playing, and perusing the agate and "scoreboard" page for box scores and stats.

Let's please remind people how many World series that Billy Beane won with his moneyball...I'll help you out, ZERO. How many cups have the strictly advanced stats GM's won so far? What came first the chicken or the egg? Is TB good because of advanced stats, or do they have a bunch of good players and depth so their advanced stats look good.

Journalism and radio/tv now is too much about advanced stats and more-so betting. I am tired of both WSCR and ESPN radio, because the shows have become way to mauch about whatever the betting line is.
- TheTrob

I dabble in online betting during college football and nfl season.....I get that as it was the world's worst kept secret that a LARGE majority of people watching games had monetary investments tied to it.....illegal or not.

I was thinking of Billy Beane as well......over a large sample size you can rely on some math as the chance vs succession rate I am sure is accurate but when you get into short series you need coaches who can pivot to win based on what they are SEEING on the field vs on the ice.

Clear example of this.....Chicago Cubs. That organization continues to operate in the definition of insanity keeping a group of 5 together offensively and hoping that it will show different results and since 2016.....it hasn't. They are good enough to get them to the playoffs but like the 90s Braves all you have at the end is 1 championship.

I give bowman/q credit for making those changes during the cup runs as after 2010 they easily could have been the Cubs and just won "1"....

Radio here is awful. I will listen to Silverman and Waddle from time to time as I enjoy Silverman raging RIGHTFULLY on the Bears but I can't tell you the last time I listened to the score....I like(d) Lawrence Holmes but the rest of the shows are garbage. How Dan Bernstein is still on the air is comical.

It's both, but I would put it at about 65/35 being a D problem. I do however think a lot of it is caused by having 1) 3 rookie defensman in the lineup all still adjusting to the speed and pressure at the NHL level. 2) Two veterans in deHaan and Zadorov who are consistently horrible passers, and turnover artists. So 2/3rds of your defense on any given night will just not be great at breaking the puck out or will make mistakes.

I think that all the youngsters are improving, and this will become a strength and those numbers will get better.
- TheTrob

I am really beginning to wonder if Zadorov is the guy who just waltzed to the NHL without ever having to put in a TON of work because of his size, and decent skill.....only to over time have his warts exposed.......Colorado selling high on him and the more I do watch him the more I agree......it's alarming. I truly hope after this season, he rebounds but I do catch him from time to time making off handed comments about getting "paid" so he may be likely in it for himself and if so.....Bowman needs to weed that out fast.

I'd rather see them play a kid, get him more experience then roll out a veteran who is regressing, refuses to adjust, and his value just continues to plummet.

I havent' checked up on the expansion rules but I would really hope they flip Dehaan by next Monday unless they HAVE to keep him to expose him....and then even then...I am concerned Seattle could pass on him.

I hope not just on principle alone (I'm tired of the "bring back your old players" routine). Danault's best season is about equal to the years where everyone wanted to ship Toews off to Siberia. Not to mention, if his offense has fallen off from that, why would Stan offer him a deal similar to the one he turned down? Danault as a replacement for Strome sure/maybe (he's be more defensively responsible at least and can skate), but he is 28 now and in my view would be just shuffling guys around to get the same result as this year.
- Chunk

I am with you Chunk. Why sign Danault? He is going to want 2c money and term. You do not know if Toews will ever play again? We have not seen Reichel? Is Danault that much better than Suter? Even though I am on the fence with Strome, I would not cut bait on him just yet. The only way I bring Danault back is if I can sign him to a deal that is ridiculously favorable to the Hawks.

Why are people so intent on a rebuilding team trading away young prospects with potential?
- paulr

#2022CupChamps

I really like Beaudin, understanding that more development is needed. I also understand that one or two of these young dmen will need to be moved to strengthen the team at forward, or for a different type of defenseman. If Beaudin is one that we move, then I want a young forward with size coming back, even if we have to add. Once this team is ready to compete in the playoffs consistently, we will need more size than we currently have. Please note that I’m not implying that we get rid of Dcat or Kane, that type of talent is also needed, but we need to surround them with speed, size, defensive skills, as well as talent, easier said than done.
- Angotti

110% and if we think back to 2007-08.....following season they dealt Wisniewski for Sammy Pahlsson and either that season or early 2010 they jettisoned Barker to Minnesota for Johnsson and Leddy.

You are going to have to replace Keith's spot, not the player as those are mighty big skates to fill....

Biggest thing to this puzzle is when does Bowman and hockey ops pull the plug on one of these young kids where they realize what the original ceiling they thought he had isn't happening, he won't haunt them long term, but they still can get a lot for more........

100% agree with this post. In hockey, this rule is still #1 - score 1 more goal than your opponent.
- powerenforcer

Absolutely, not only score 1 more goal, more times than not the team that scores the 1st goal in the game usually wins the game.