Theo Fox: Game 40 vs Stars
A preview to the Blackhawks series versus the Stars as they jockey for positioning to key in on the Predators in the 4th seed.

Plus, an early look at center depth for next season.

First!

Theo, great job as usual.

Interesting TDL has been so quiet, Hawks should do something to bulk up. More small players doesn’t help. 2010 team had a bunch of big, heavy talented players. This team desperately needs that.

Thanks Theo - great work.

Even though the team has played overall above what we as fans expected of them so far, I really don't mind if they go on an extended losing streak. I do hope they continue to play well, but reality is this young team has hit a wall, and there is nothing wrong with that. They still need high draft picks. Elite Center depth is lacking on this team.

Theo Fox: Game 40 vs Stars
A preview to the Blackhawks series versus the Stars as they jockey for positioning to key in on the Predators in the 4th seed.

Plus, an early look at center depth for next season.
- Theo Fox

I really hope the pain Dach is feeling in his wrist is the healing kind.

Thanks Theo - great work.

Even though the team has played overall above what we as fans expected of them so far, I really don't mind if they go on an extended losing streak. I do hope they continue to play well, but reality is this young team has hit a wall, and there is nothing wrong with that. They still need high draft picks. Elite Center depth is lacking on this team.
- powerenforcer

I agree. The process should be the same. Do not tank. Play your best team. Do not sit Kane, ADB, Kubalik, Keith, Murphy. Do not reward guys with NHL time that do not deserve it. Let them earn it. In other words do not bring guys up from Rockford that should be in Rockford. The one exception I would make is play Subban more. We have 17 games left. Give Subban 6 starts. If he plays well you have your goalie tandem for next year or maybe even the Kraken take him in the expansion draft.

Side note. Could the Devils cut a deal with the Kraken to take P.K. Subban in the expansion draft? If they did would the Kraken be inclined to take Malcom Subban from the Hawks as well. New teams are looking for storylines and a big name or two to sell to their fan base. P.K. and Malcom both have contracts that expire after next season.

I really hope the pain Dach is feeling in his wrist is the healing kind.
- BetweenTheDots

Whether it is or it is not you know people on this website will use their "medical expertise" to tell us what the situation "really" is.

Whether it is or it is not you know people on this website will use their "medical expertise" to tell us what the situation "really" is.
- -Doh-

He simply needs an adjustment to his new prosthesis.

I really hope the pain Dach is feeling in his wrist is the healing kind.
- BetweenTheDots

It could very well be the bad kind of pain, where the Hawks are forcing him into the lineup against medical advice in a last ditch effort to make the playoffs and make a run to a Cup title.

He simply needs an adjustment to his new prosthesis.
-Mohel

I know a guy.

He simply needs an adjustment to his new prosthesis.
-Mohel

I know a guy.
- Angotti

I am not surprised.

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?

Side note. Could the Devils cut a deal with the Kraken to take P.K. Subban in the expansion draft? If they did would the Kraken be inclined to take Malcom Subban from the Hawks as well. New teams are looking for storylines and a big name or two to sell to their fan base. P.K. and Malcom both have contracts that expire after next season.

I don't think the Kracken will have any interest in Subban. IMO, Jake Allen will definitely be one goaltender that they take. They might even end up with Mar-Andre Fleury (interesting to see if they can convince him to waive his NMC, because both he and Lehner have one). That is just one example, Cam Talbot with Minnesota, Holtby (probably) with Vancouver, etc. etc. Seattle needs to reach the cap floor, so the salaries are really of no consequence.

My guess the Kracken pick one of Da Haan (hopefully) or Carlsson.

He simply needs an adjustment to his new prosthesis.
- mohel

Side note. Could the Devils cut a deal with the Kraken to take P.K. Subban in the expansion draft? If they did would the Kraken be inclined to take Malcom Subban from the Hawks as well. New teams are looking for storylines and a big name or two to sell to their fan base. P.K. and Malcom both have contracts that expire after next season.

I don't think the Kracken will have any interest in Subban. IMO, Jake Allen will definitely be one goaltender that they take. They might even end up with Mar-Andre Fleury (interesting to see if they can convince him to waive his NMC, because both he and Lehner have one). That is just one example, Cam Talbot with Minnesota, Holtby (probably) with Vancouver, etc. etc. Seattle needs to reach the cap floor, so the salaries are really of no consequence.

My guess the Kracken pick one of Da Haan (hopefully) or Carlsson.
- LAHawk

I don't think Vegas is subject to the draft.

Remember when i was saying banks are dumb, check out Credit Suisse

Timing is everything

Remember when i was saying banks are dumb, check out Credit Suisse

Timing is everything
- BetweenTheDots

Is that a team Pius Suter was on?

From The Athletic:

Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman specifically mentioned Kalynuk’s mobility after signing him.

“Very talented defenseman, one we watched closely since his draft year,” Bowman said in July. “Obviously Philadelphia drafted him but we kept in touch. His progression at Wisconsin was noticeable.

Wouldn't this be tampering?

I don't think Vegas is subject to the draft.
- mohel

True, but that doesn't mean they won't be involved.

Remember when i was saying banks are dumb, check out Credit Suisse

Timing is everything
- BetweenTheDots

Malevolence =/= lack of intelligence.

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.

I don't think Vegas is subject to the draft.
- mohel

OOPS correct, I knew that, I had a brain freeze.

It could very well be the bad kind of pain, where the Hawks are forcing him into the lineup against medical advice in a last ditch effort to make the playoffs and make a run to a Cup title.
- mohel

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

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.

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

I'm hoping to see more of Kalynuk, he shows promise and like to see if his ability to play without the puck is consistent