Theo Fox: Game 45 @ Red Wings
A preview to the Blackhawks final match versus the Red Wing before a pivotal 3-game set against the Predators.

Plus, a look at different lenses to view the last month of the season.

The Hawks definitely have raised their compete level. That has made this team watchable and easier to cheer for. But has that masked their lack of talent. Are they the same miserable mess of bottom 6 offensive prospects, bottom pairing defensive prospects, and a weak coach that they had been the prior two years? Do they lack top 6 prospects, top pairing prospects, an elite goalie, and a major league caliber coach?

Thank you, Theo.
Good food for thought.
It's been a good season to see the 'Hawks developing. They most certainly have ratcheted up the compete/grit level while throwing a LOT of rookies into the mix. Some are more ready than others, but they all look like eventual NHLers to me.

And I dare say DeBrincat has made himself into a 200 foot top line NHLer with star level scoring along with it. And Kubalik has made strides toward the 200 foot game as well. When you have this happening, it becomes much more doable to complete a playoff contending roster.

Here in Ontario it’s become very strict. The Provincial government has ordered a strict lockdown of all non essential services. But this time they have also are restricting travel in and out of the Province. I’m curious if the NHL north division will be impacted? Will the Ontario teams, Toronto and Ottawa be prevented from travel outside of the province?

Here in Ontario it’s become very strict. The Provincial government has ordered a strict lockdown of all non essential services. But this time they have also are restricting travel in and out of the Province. I’m curious if the NHL north division will be impacted? Will the Ontario teams, Toronto and Ottawa be prevented from travel outside of the province?
- paulr

If the Leafs have to forfeit all their remaining games, will they have enough points to make the playoffs?

If the Leafs have to forfeit all their remaining games, will they have enough points to make the playoffs?
- boilermaker100

I have no idea what will happen. It’s a mess up here. We were doing very well but Covid fatigue set in then more and more people started buying into bogus social media information. Now we have hysterical people talking about a police state and martial law. And of course manufactured fear creates more fear. So now the government has to deal with “experts” who know more than the real experts.

Vancouver may have to forfeit their season as most of the team has Covid. Toronto and Ottawa may or may not be able to compete outside of the province and teams from other provinces may not be allowed into Ontario. Until that is all clarified we won’t know what will happen?

Here in Ontario it’s become very strict. The Provincial government has ordered a strict lockdown of all non essential services. But this time they have also are restricting travel in and out of the Province. I’m curious if the NHL north division will be impacted? Will the Ontario teams, Toronto and Ottawa be prevented from travel outside of the province?
- paulr

That's truly unfortunate this thing is getting a second wind, stay safe.

So in yesterday's edition of Boilermaker fantasy hockey, I speculated on the Hawks signing Alexsander Barkov, Florida Panther's young point a game #1 center, when he becomes a free agent after the 21-22 season. Barkov is head and shoulders above any Hawk prospect and could be the just the thing they need to upgrade this up and coming team from just a playoff team to Cup contender.

Hawks have to improve their defense you say before they become a Cup contender? OK. Today, I will cover the need to obtain a stud #1 defenseman, as I think the ceilings of the upcoming young "Four Horsemen", Boqvist, Mitchell, Kalynuk and Beaudin are as #2's. Not that there is anything wrong with having a stable of these type defensemen, but let's shoot for the moon. So without further ado, I nominate Seth Jones as a Hawk free agent target, who, coincidentally, will also be available after the 21-22 season.

All the Hawks have to do is find about 22M per year to sign these guys to 7 year contracts. Make it work Stan.

I have no idea what will happen. It’s a mess up here. We were doing very well but Covid fatigue set in then more and more people started buying into bogus social media information. Now we have hysterical people talking about a police state and martial law. And of course manufactured fear creates more fear. So now the government has to deal with “experts” who know more than the real experts.

Vancouver may have to forfeit their season as most of rage team has Covid. Toronto and Ottawa may or may not be able to compete outside of the province and teams from other provinces may not be allowed into Ontario. Until that is all clarified we won’t know what will happen?
- paulr

It seems things really took a turn for the worse up there over the last several days. Hang in there and best of luck to all of you. I hope things calm down and common sense prevails.

That's truly unfortunate this thing is getting a second wind, stay safe.
- BetweenTheDots

Thanks Dots. Because of an autoimmune disease I have been very careful. I take a monthly drug to suppress my immune system so if I get a cold or the flu I may need medical attention to get better. So there’s no way I’m flirting with Covid.

Thanks Dots. Because of an autoimmune disease I have been very careful. I take a monthly drug to suppress my immune system so if I get a cold or the flu I may need medical attention to get better. So there’s no way I’m flirting with Covid.
- paulr

Yes, stay safe. Hard situation for all of us, much more so for you.

For the rest of us - get jabbed as soon as you can, be careful if only for the sake of others.

With diligence, this will end at some point.

If you care to gaze into the crystal ball, three good players from the Entry Draft this year and next is an exciting thought. Best player available but I hope for two forwards and a nasty dman. I say three prospects with the expectation the second round '22 draft is fruitful as it is a very deep quality draft

We may not see the players from those two drafts until the year after next or later. The exception would be forwards and if we land a very early pick.

The really encouraging news, however, is that next season and thereafter we should see one or two kids on defense blooming into exciting, reliable dmen. And perhaps even six forwards (physisal compete pedigree) forwards emerge from Rockford.

This team could become to really good with a more physical comoete edge than you have seen from.
past teams. If Bowman can draft 1-2 top six forwards- wow

Not concerned about goaltending. Eventumy if warranted Bowman could upgrade. We have the BC kid to play goal in a few years too.

You can already see the possibilities of a talented mobile defense and physical bottom six as early as next season.

Bu the time Kaiser, Vlasic, and Commesaro are knocking on the door we should be a dangerous team no one looks forward to playing.

Totally plausible. Believe it!

Thanks Theo for all these articles! Hardest writer at the hockey buzz! I hope going forward he plays the kids, I know we are fighting for a playoff spot and that experience would be helpful for the kids but sitting some of these young D can't help them. Hawks are very weak at center so I'm hoping we draft a big center men . We had a chance last draft to address that problem but went Europe route. I am of the camp to play kids ,take our lumps and get better draft position. Again, we are lucky to have you cover the Hawks! Thanks again!!! A Connecticut Hawk fan for over 50 years!!

Thanks Dots. Because of an autoimmune disease I have been very careful. I take a monthly drug to suppress my immune system so if I get a cold or the flu I may need medical attention to get better. So there’s no way I’m flirting with Covid.
- paulr

Stay safe and take care
Definitely weird times we are all living in

To our brothers and sisters in Ontario, stay safe and keep healthy. Check up on those who are less than able to care for themselves or may be isolated.

One can really sense the fear and anger just by following the news and social media from up north.

The Hawks definitely have raised their compete level. That has made this team watchable and easier to cheer for. But has that masked their lack of talent. Are they the same miserable mess of bottom 6 offensive prospects, bottom pairing defensive prospects, and a weak coach that they had been the prior two years? Do they lack top 6 prospects, top pairing prospects, an elite goalie, and a major league caliber coach?
- Ztra

There could be some masking of lack of talent due to the higher work ethic and compete level. This is another both/and situation rather than either/or.

The Hawks do have some pretty good talent in the system so it may come down to whether they can execute consistently and bring their A game everyday.

We are seeing that commitment and dividends with Boqvist. Even Kalynuk albeit his sample size is smaller. Mitchell and Beaudin to a lesser degree yet promise exists.

At forward, Reichel has a high compete level and resilience to battle through the NHL grind and physicality. Borgstrom may have more raw skill but his consistency is lower.

On D, Vlasic and Kaiser are ones to watch. Kaiser could be Kalynuk 2.0 while Vlasic is similar to Borgstrom, i.e. raw skill that he needs to put together to make an impact.

Thank you, Theo.
Good food for thought.
It's been a good season to see the 'Hawks developing. They most certainly have ratcheted up the compete/grit level while throwing a LOT of rookies into the mix. Some are more ready than others, but they all look like eventual NHLers to me.

And I dare say DeBrincat has made himself into a 200 foot top line NHLer with star level scoring along with it. And Kubalik has made strides toward the 200 foot game as well. When you have this happening, it becomes much more doable to complete a playoff contending roster.
- 35Tony0

You're welcome, Tony.

What we are seeing with DeBrincat putting it all together this season (year 4) is what I hope Kubalik does next season (year 3).

Kubalik isn't behind as far as offensive production (around 0.66 PPG for the second year in a row) but has much better all-around play.

We may not see the players from those two drafts until the year after next or later. The exception would be forwards and if we land a very early pick.
- jhawk59

It's been reported that one reason why Bowman got Borgstrom rather than a 1st round pick is because he's a former 1st rounder (2016) who is much closer to the NHL than a 2021 or 2022 1st rounder.

Plus, Borgstrom is a known quantity at the pro level to some degree. At least enough to not anoint him a bust already but a prospect with high potential if he can work out a few things.

Thanks Theo for all these articles! Hardest writer at the hockey buzz! I hope going forward he plays the kids, I know we are fighting for a playoff spot and that experience would be helpful for the kids but sitting some of these young D can't help them. Hawks are very weak at center so I'm hoping we draft a big center men . We had a chance last draft to address that problem but went Europe route. I am of the camp to play kids ,take our lumps and get better draft position. Again, we are lucky to have you cover the Hawks! Thanks again!!! A Connecticut Hawk fan for over 50 years!!
- CTblackhawkfan

You bet, CT.

Now that we're in the stretch run of the season, I'm starting to read scouting reports more and more on 2021 draftees. I'll start chiming in on draft prospects once the regular season is over.

The Hawks definitely have raised their compete level. That has made this team watchable and easier to cheer for. But has that masked their lack of talent. Are they the same miserable mess of bottom 6 offensive prospects, bottom pairing defensive prospects, and a weak coach that they had been the prior two years? Do they lack top 6 prospects, top pairing prospects, an elite goalie, and a major league caliber coach?
- Ztra

The Hawks were able to get 11 of their first 25 games into extra time, winning 6 of those, and having an overall record above “real .500” (13-7-5).

How? Kane, Janmark, Suter, Kurashev, Kubalik, AdB were scoring goals, Lankinen and the defense were keeping the puck out of their net. The new-found compete level was keeping them in games, surprising the opposition and getting points.

Since - 19 additional games - perhaps the opposition has figured out how to better handle the Hawks - except for AdB and (to an extent) Kubalik, the goal scorers have been less effective, Lankinen has been a bit leakier (altho not a disaster by any means - in 10 of his first 18, he let in less than 3; he’s done that in only 4 o his last 14). All of that leading to a 7-12 record in the last 19, only one to OT, only 2 of the losses by a single goal.

I’m not sure we know what they really have in terms of talent of the young players who played here this season - the productive talent of the first 25 games, or the “solved” talent of the last 19.

Theo, not sure if Kubalik can put up the goals that Dcat can put up, but Kubalik has been playing with less talent than Dcat. Kubalik is already playing a good 200’ game, with more support he can be a consistent 30 goal scorer. I’d like to see Kurashev, Dach, and Kubalik on the second line for now. Maybe Strome, Hagel, and Connolly on the third line, Vinnie is an AHL player, he’s just a body that was brought in because they new that Janmark and Soderberg were on the way out. I hope they don’t bring Vinnie back.

Theo, not sure if Kubalik can put up the goals that Dcat can put up, but Kubalik has been playing with less talent than Dcat. Kubalik is already playing a good 200’ game, with more support he can be a consistent 30 goal scorer. I’d like to see Kurashev, Dach, and Kubalik on the second line for now. Maybe Strome, Hagel, and Connolly on the third line, Vinnie is an AHL player, he’s just a body that was brought in because they new that Janmark and Soderberg were on the way out. I hope they don’t bring Vinnie back.
- Angotti

Those lines you drew up sound like a good option. Something like that:

DeBrincat - Suter - Kane
Kurashev - Dach - Kubalik
Hagel - Strome - Connolly
Hinostrora - Kampf - Carpenter

At some point Gaudette gets his turn, likely for Hinostroza. Possibly Hardman, too. To be honest, I'm not particularly high on any of these 3 forwards.

Agree, Hinostroza may not be the best option and hope the team upgrades over him. He's not the worst candidate in that spot but he's not the long-term solution either.

I question Gaudette's attitude. He supposedly voiced his opinion that he should be slotted higher than he was in Vancouver so maybe that's why he was expendable. If he can earn whatever role he can in Chicago and contribute, then I have no qualms.

Hardman is a lottery ticket until he proves otherwise.

In reponse to Paul and his health concern:

Did you know that the vitamins a couple dollars or so more not in stores, are so much more pure and effective, a much stronger potency. My sister researched brands found in some doctor's office. Came up with five brands,, and liked Osuna brand best. The reason why they are so much better is the binder. You get 100% purity.

Cheaper binder means less expensive vitamins sold over the counter which are about one third purity despite their misleading claims. My sister gets the vitamins for family and friends, not for a living. You take the multi vitamin, you never need a morning coffee. You should eat your biggest meal in morning, and it is best to have many gradually smaller meals throughout the day. Change up the fruits and vegetables; no bread, pasta, milk, cheese, processed foods. No salad dressing on salad.

I suggest you allow yourself to cheat once every few days. Your body can be very powerful and the body fights off disease when it gets boost from antibiotics or pills when sick. So think of vitamins and minerals & supplements as able to protect and boost immunity like the pills doctors prescribe. Sometimes hospitals/doctors treat patients with megadoses of vitamins..

Treat your body like you do an expensive car. Your body like a car breaks down as you get older. Your body can become like a symphony but when there is one squeaky saxophone. ..no Buena my friend. You are what you eat. I do not know about your health condition too well but you sure can improve your health. Besides a multi and mineral pill,, take a garlic pill, omega 3&6 oil pills, enzyme pill for digestion, a pill to be regular. Probably need a plan for probiotic, too, now as we get in our 50's, 60's and beyond. A pill for prostrate and you have most everything covered. The best nutrients, though, are found in the food you eat.

My go to expert is an 80 yr old couple. They have a store on North Ave in River Forest, IL. He used to tour Europe preaching vitamins. Has done this his entire life. He eats tons of hard boiled eggs, or the egg you have in an egg McMuffin. Eats lots of chicken. Claims he has never been sick and his body can protect him because he eats so healthy so many decades. He has a huge following; there are always a few people in his store.

I know Wiz is quite knowledgeable and a healthy eater too.

What right do you have to tell others to take the vaccinations? I think that should be left to the individual to make. Keep your medical opinions to yourself.

Those lines you drew up sound like a good option. Something like that:

DeBrincat - Suter - Kane
Kurashev - Dach - Kubalik
Hagel - Strome - Connolly
Hinostrora - Kampf - Carpenter

At some point Gaudette gets his turn, likely for Hinostroza. Possibly Hardman, too. To be honest, I'm not particularly high on any of these 3 forwards.

Agree, Hinostroza may not be the best option and hope the team upgrades over him. He's not the worst candidate in that spot but he's not the long-term solution either.

I question Gaudette's attitude. He supposedly voiced his opinion that he should be slotted higher than he was in Vancouver so maybe that's why he was expendable. If he can earn whatever role he can in Chicago and contribute, then I have no qualms.

Hardman is a lottery ticket until he proves otherwise.
- Theo Fox

Always great to hear about an entitled kid whining when he hasn't earned anything. There was a touch of that, iirc, around Nylander. I'm not a Strome fan, but to my knowledge his attitude is good in that regard.

Enjoy the game, Theo.