Chicago Blackhawks

The future is bright

Well after a valiant effort and an exciting end of the season the Chicago Blackhawks unfortunately will not be in the playoffs. 3 points out of the 8th spot with 88 total for the season is a drastic improvement over last season. I would have to say that injuries to Toews, Williams and other assorted players did contribute, and while I do not want to use them as an excuse, the injury to Toews did actually affect the Hawks performance.
On the other hand other reasons could have been too much youth, not enough leadership from a couple of the vets, and Khabibulin struggling.

All in all though, the future of this hockey club is brighter than it has been for years. Now Dale Tallon needs to take a long hard look at what he has and be very careful with free agency in the offseason. While it would make sense to add one or two, it’s best if he can get someone that is entering their prime, or still under 32 years old. Keeping Robert Lang is a possibility, however keeping Yanic Perrault is not.

The goaltending situation is also something that has to be looked at. Does he trade Khabibulin for a solid forward and something else, or do we stick with him for another year. If he’s traded then the question is does he go with Patrick Lalime, and or get someone via free agency or trade? The Blackhawks need to be solid defensively and while the defense itself is pretty solid it wouldn’t hurt to have a bigger, grittier defenseman back there. Someone who can log the minutes when needed, and not be a liability because of his toughness. Khabibulin could the the trade bait for that type of player.
They are solid with Keith, Seabrook, and Sopel. I am not sure if Cam Barker can play the physical role on a nightly basis.

So these questions are things that I am thinking about at this time. We’ll see how things progress in the offseason, but there is no way that the Hawks can sit tight. With so much positive energy coming from this year, and with the kids playing as well as they did, if the Hawks want to take the next step then my suggestion is to make some additions that will help to get them to the next level, which is the playoffs!

Thanks for reading.

Dream Still Alive!!!

A quick start, 3 goals in the first period and the Hawks were on their way to beating the Wings for the 5th time this season. WOW! They came out on fire and never let up. The goaltending was a bit soft and that helped. I usually enjoy seeing Hasek leaving the game early!
Everyone chipped in from the kids to the vets to Khabibulin. It was a great game.

Now we need some help. If Nashville gets 2 points tonight, the playoff chase is over. So we need the Blues to beat the Predators in regulation. I know the Blues came up a bit lame in their last game, but I think that Andy Murray should be able to get his troops to rebound.

No matter what happens it has been an incredible March, and early April. I am sure many people are surprised at the turn of events that has taken place this season with the Hawks.
If we can get a little help from the Blues, then the fate of the playoffs will be in the hands of the Hawks on Friday night when they play the Predators. That match up if the playoffs are still on the line promises to be a real barn burner!

All in all Savard seems to have the Hawks playing with just the right amount of everything. We saw some nice goals, some big hits, and some solid goaltending. Even the announcers got into it when Chelios was cross checking kane and kane scored I heard, how does that taste Chelios!

So tonight I’ll be watching the Blues, Preds game and keeping my hopes up that the Blues can pull it off and help out the Hawks. It really should come down to a battle of the Hawks vs. Nashville on Friday night to determine what happens.

Go Hawks!!!!

Thanks for reading.

Still Alive!

It’s April and we are still in the playoff hunt! I needed to check the standings and do the math a couple times to make sure that it is still possible to finish in at least the 8th spot, and sure enough it is. Alot has to happen though, but I am keeping the faith.
Tonights game against the Wings at the United Center is going to be a real showdown with playoff atmosphere in the air. Nothing would make me happier than for the Hawks to come out victorious tonight and get closer to that 8th position. Two good things in their favor, they have 3 games left with one against Nashville on Friday, while both Nashville and Vancouver have 2 games left.

The Hawks winning tonight and Friday would put them at 88 points, and having to absolutely win Sunday against the Wings in Detroit to give them 90 points. In addition the Predators would have to lose both their games, and Vancouver who gave away a 2 goal lead to Colorado last night would need to lose both of theirs as well for the Hawks to have sole possession of the 8th spot.

I am keeping my hopes and spirits up and crossing my fingers and toes as well. All in all it has been quite an exciting season and anyone who has been paying attention to them has to admit that the future is very promising here in Chicago.

Also, it was announced yesterday that all 82 games are going to be televised next season on BOTH cable and Free TV!! It is about time! The only other thing that would make that announcement better would be to bring back former announcer and play by play man Pat Foley who was probably one of the top 5 announcers in the game. He is currently doing games for the Chicago Wolves, and it wouldn’t be hard to get him to come back since he’s still in town.
Hopefully Rocky Wirtz approaches him and that happens.

Finally a brief note about a former Blackhawk. The San Jose Sharks and Doug Wilson should be happier than a pig in you know what for signing former Hawk Jeremy Roenick as a free agent. It has to be the best $500k that a team has spent this year. Jeremy has 14 goals 18 assists so far this season. He is second in the league in game winning goals, and he has also scored 4 shootout goals that were game winners as well! He has proved that he still has something in the tank, and has been a pleasure to have on the team. He has won the hearts of the Shark fans and I could not be happier for him. He has transformed himself into a role player who you can put on any line, and get good minutes from. Congrats JR. You deserve it.

In the meantime I will be watching tonights game with the hope that the playoff push will continue! Everyone has to be on top of their game tonight knowing what’s at stake. With the balance of youth and veterans on this roster, anything is possible!

Go Hawks!

Thanks for reading.

Hard Hawk Hockey!

Does anyone out there remember Pat Foley, former Blackhawks announcer saying that?

It’s March 6th and the Chicago Blackhawks find themselves still in playoff contention, 4 points out of the 8th spot. Who would have thought that this was possible at the beginning of the year? 3 wins in a row against some pretty solid teams and a turnaround that started in February, and the Hawks are hanging tough playing an exciting style of hockey that is fun to watch. The kids are great, the vets are doing their job, and the goaltending has been pretty solid. It reminds me of the late 80’s and early 90’s when the Hawks played a brand of hockey that was very similar.

The city is buzzing, the United Center is full, and I actually want to pinch myself and make sure that this isn’t a dream. This run that they are on right now makes me proud to be a Blackhawk fan. Being here in Florida makes it a bit hard to follow closely, but I do my best and I couldn’t be happier for them!

Friday nights game is a complete sellout! Over 22,000 tickets have been sold as the Hawks will be honoring Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita. The buzz is going to deafening! I wish that I could be at that game. While the climb to make the playoffs won’t be easy, it appears that the club is up for it and won’t go down without a fight.

That’s the Chicago Blackhawks that I remember.

Thanks for reading.

Still Alive!

With 16 games to go the Blackhawks find themselves 6 points out of the 8th and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. They have found a way to re-focus and hang tough even without the recent services of Khabibulin, Havlat and Lang. It is still a tough road ahead to make the playoffs, but the fact that they are not yet eliminated is a major accomplishment.

Injuries affect all teams and are part of everyone’s season and we know the Hawks have had their share. Martin Havlat, Jonathan Toews, Robert Lang, Jason Williams, Yanic Perrault,and Khabibulin, all have missed time. Let’s not forget Rene Bourque who has recently returned after missing some considerable time. I think it says alot about the talent pool and the determination of the players that the Hawks have to still find themselves with an outside chance to make the playoffs.

Let’s give credit to the likes of Dustin Byfuglien, Patrick Lalime, and the rookie sensations Patrick Kane, and Jonathan Toews who if he had not missed any time, the Hawks might have found themselves in the top eight already. Denis Savard has done a very admirable job behind the bench with this team that is filled with young unproven talent, and a few veterans that have been around the block. Also, let’s not forget that Savard himself does not have that much experience as a head coach either, as this is his first full season. It helps though that he played for a wide variety of successful coaches throughout his career and can go to his memory bank and pick things that can help him in this process.

There are 16 games left and the next two are at the United Center against Anaheim and San Jose. Obvioulsy these are two very difficult games and winning both would send a real message throughout the dressing room and the city of Chicago. If the Hawks can go 12-4 for the balance of the season that would give them 94 points. That might be enough to get them into the playoffs, and what a great story that would make for this year. None of these games will be easy and three of them are agains the Red Wings, but if the Hawks can stay healthy, get solid goaltending, and play consistently, anything can happen!

Special note: The Blackhawks will be honoring Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita at the United Center Friday night. In addition to that one of the best P.A. announcers ever to take the mike will be back. Harvey Wittenberg returns and he will make this a very special night. If you have never heard him, you don’t know what you have missed. Maybe just maybe the Hawks can bring him back for good. And while they’re at it, Wayne Messmer can sing the National Anthem!

Thanks for reading.

Young Hawks Hanging On!

While they have not officially been eliminated the Chicago Blackhawks are doing their best to stay in the playoff hunt. They have not admitted that they are out of it, and based on their play the last 2 games, you want to believe that they still have a chance and not give up on them. The return of Jonathan Toews has certainly added a spark. Who would have thought that the loss of this tremendous young talent would have had such an impact, but it has. Fortunately he has returned, and the Hawks could be back to their dangerous selves as they were earlier in the year.

The 13 goal outburst in the last two games shows that they can score, and they showed alot of grit and determination and maybe have dug deep enough and found enough charachter and heart to believe that the playoffs are still possible. Looking at where they are in the standings however makes you wonder if it can be done. The Hawks are in the 14th spot in the conference with 58 points. Colorado is in the 8th spot with 65 points and they play each other at the United Center on Sunday the 17th in an extremely important game. This game is a must win!

The Hawks have played 57 games to this point leaving 25 left in the season. If they can win at least 18 and end up with 94 points that could be enough to get in. That is a tall order to ask, but if everyone is healthy like Toews, Kane, Havlat and the defense can maintain a playoff like level of play, it’s possible. The question that we will have is goaltending. With Khabibulin nursing a minor injury, Patrick Lalime will be in the nets for the next few games. I don’t have a problem with that. He has shown that he can handle the load, so it’s basically up to his mates to find the net often enough, while not giving up too many scoring chances to the opposition.

The other factor is some of the veterans really need to show up at this point. Solid performances the rest of the way are necessary from Marty LaPointe, Yanic Perrault, Brent Sopel, and defintely the goalies must stand up to the challenge. Those of you who read my blog(s) know that I also write for the Florida Panthers who are in a similar position in their conference. I am able to go to their games since I live in Florida so I can see more closely what’s going on. While the Panthers are technically closer to a playoff spot that the Hawks, I
have significantly more faith that the Hawks might make it than the Panthers. The Hawks talent and scoring ability makes me feel that way.

Finally, will Dale Tallon make an addition to the club? With the playoff races so tight it may not happen with so many teams feeling that they are still in it, and you have to consider that by adding a player or two, will that player really make a difference? Past history shows that most of the time it doesn’t really change things. The other consideration is what does this new player bring to the dressing room? Will the chemistry be upset, or will he fit right in? Also, is this person going to be a virtual rental and be gone after the season? Alot of questions that you have no definit answer to initially.

My hope is that the Hawks are able to put it together and make the playoffs. They are a young exciting team with a couple of real potential superstars. They also have a leading candidate for rookie of the year, so what greater way to get some exposure for their team and also continue the rebirth of hockey in Chicago.

Stay Tuned. The next week or so will determine alot.

Thanks for reading.

JR Should Have Been a Hawk

Jeremy Roenick scores the winning goal in the shootout to continue the Hawks recent slide, putting them at 0-2 on this long 7 game road trip that will more than likely determine their fate for the season. As he was announced as the 5th shooter for the Sharks something told me that he was going to score, and then of course he did ending the game. My 13 year old daughter said, “He can’t do that”. Well, he just did. Proving that he still can be a clutch player when needed. It makes me wonder how different things would have been for the Hawks this year had Roenick been able to sign with them instead of San Jose.

I have been a big supporter of Roenick throughout his entire career and still remember him as a rookie in the playoffs in ‘88 after taking a puck to the face against the Blues, he stayed on the ice and scored what proved to be the winning goal in overtime. I knew at that point he was something special. I was a season ticket holder at that point and from then on every time he came on the ice I inched a bit closer to the edge of my seat. All of us Hawk fans know how quickly he became a fan favorite, and it was partly due to his quick success over the next year or so that the Hawks were to make the trade of Denis Savard for Chris Chelios.

As Roenick became better, he also became more outspoken and colorful, sometimes not for the better, but at least you knew what you were getting with him especially on the ice. All of his talk never really bothered me because I knew that he played the game with 110% effort and intensity. To a fault I am loyal to him and also to Mike Keenan because during their time together and while JR was on the Hawks, the Hawks played the game the way it should be played, and you knew that every night there was a pretty good chance you would see a game that was entertaining and that the Hawks had a pretty good chance of winning. Not only had the Hawks become respectable again, but even more they were a force to be dealt with.

But all good things come to an end, and the moves began. Roenick, Belfour, Chelios the heart and soul of the Blackhawks began leaving town, and the dynamics of the team changed dramatically. I am not going to go into their struggles as we know what they turned out to be. Things just haven’t been the same since, until this year with the addition of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and a few others. My real question though is how much closer in the race would they be with Roenick providing what he has given San Jose?

Couldn’t they have used his leadership, his versatility, his renewed intensity? What also would he have done to help sell the game again in Chicago and help add to the rising attendance? While many people thought that he was washed up, he apparently still has something left as seen by his play with the Sharks. Don’t you think that both Kane and Toews could have benefited from having him as a teammate? The entire Shark organization is very pleased with this version of Jeremy Roenick, as he has scored a few game winning goals, can play on any of the 4 lines, power play, penalty kill, and as the Hawks witnessed be a force in the shootout. I don’t know if the difference would have been dramatic or not, or if it even would have mattered, but I can’t help asking.

From what I understand Roenick’s agent made 2 phone calls last off season. One to the Hawks and one to the Sharks. I wish that Dale Tallon would have returned that call instead of calling Sergie Samsonov, or Yanic Perreault.

Finally, while he may have a better chance to play for the Cup with the Sharks, there is no doubt in my mind that goal number 500 should have been scored with Jeremy Roenick in a Blackhawk sweater!

Thanks for reading.

Hawks at the break.

The youthful Chicago Blackhawks have definetly had a turnaround season and are getting the fans to come back, and even some of the home games are on TV! The youth movement consisting of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Cam Barker, Brent Seabrook, and Duncan Keith to name a few has sparked the Hawks into contention. A place where they haven’t been for quite sometime, and a place they hopefully can stay for years to come.

Patrick Sharp and Martin Havlat (when healthy) have also done their part in the Hawks revival this season. Sharp has been a pleasant, surprise performer this season with his consistent play and leading the league in short handed goals. The Hawks probably had no idea how good he was going to be when they made the trade with the Flyers last year, but obviously he’s made them take notice and I hope that he continues his strong play for years to come.

After 50 games the Hawks have 50 points and are 6 points out of the 8th playoff spot in the heavily competitive Western Conference. It is going to be an uphill battle, one the Hawks have to wonder after last nights performance against Columbus if they are capable of sustaining.
Coach Denis Savard who has done a very good job with this club, was furious after last night’s one goal shutout loss to the Bluejackets on home ice. He accused his team of not fighting for pucks, didn’t want it bad enough, and had a lousy power power play. They picked a pretty bad time for this type of game because now instead of potentially enjoying the all-star break, they will have this loss to ponder for the next few days. And we all know that the best thing after a game like that is to get back at it as soon as possible, but instead they’ll have some time to think it over.

It actually could work out to their advantage though. Some players I am sure can use the rest. Patrick Kane has cooled off, and could use a bit of a refresher, and should come back rejuvinated and ready for the playoff run. Khabibulin played very well last night, and if he’s back on track, and Lalime is able to stay sharp, then goaltending won’t be an issue.

Getting Toews back in a few weeks will certainly be a big help. I don’t think the Hawks realized how big a loss that was going to be, but it has hurt. Marty LaPointe and Brent Sopel will play important roles as well, so getting them healthy again is a priority.

Injuries effect every team, but injuries on a youthful club can sometimes be overwhelming and hopefully the veteran influence that the Hawks have can help them overcome that aspect of the game.

The Hawks start a 7 game road trip after the break which will make or break the season at this point. I’m thinking that out of a possible 14 points the Hawks need at least 10 to stay in the race keeping pace with their competition. After that the majority of their games are at home which is certainly going to help, but they must first have a successful road trip.

Enjoy the break, heal the injuries, get some rest, and let’s come back and fight for a playoff spot. Nothing would make me happier than seeing the Hawks playing in April.

Thanks for reading.

Hawks playoff push is on!

With Saturday night’s 2-1 win in Phoenix, their 4th in a row, the Blackhawks find themselves back in the race in the tight Western Conference. The 38 save performance by Patrick Lalime who has been just what the doctor ordered, was they key to keeping the hawks streak alive.
Lalime has had the hot hand and Denis Savard has said he is going to stick with the hot hand and rightfully so. Khabibulin hit a rut, and the move to Lalime should have happened sooner, but with the way he’s playing now it’s going to be tough to get him out of the lineup except for maybe back to back games.

It also seems as though Patrick Kane has found the scoring touch again, which is a relief. As it happens with many youngsters, the rigours of playing in the NHL in your first year can take their toll, not just from the amount of games, but there is also the travel, the speed of the game and the pressure of being in a playoff race. Not to mention being a number one draft pick and all the hype that comes with that. So it is good to see “Kandy Kane” back on track.

With 34 games left in the season the Hawks are going to have to win about 23 of them to give them 96 points. They also need to jump over some teams and hope that a couple teams have their own struggle. I believe that they are better than Nashville, and that Phoenix can’t keep up their inspired play, but they are going to have to count on someone else falling off the pace, and I’m not sure who that’s going to be. Colorado is faced with some injuries, Columbus, you just can’t predict what they will do, and as far as Minnesota or Vancouver, they aren’t going down easily, so the Hawks must keep the pressure on, and do thier best to win not only their division games but the conference games as well.

The excitement on Madison avenue is long overdue and a welcome site for sure. A trade or two could be in the future, but the better they play, the better the bargainning chips for the Hawks will be. If I was Tallon, I would be very careful not to make a move just to make a move. If some experienced player with playoff experience is out there and is available for the right price, then yes go get him. But don’t give up the future for just a few games.

Thanks for reading.

Hawks staying Sharp

Pardon the title, but the signing of Patrick Sharp to a 4 year deal shows the commitment of the Hawks organization that they are going to reward their players, and apparently are serious about changing the image of the past. The post Wirtz era has been significantly different in a very short time and quite frankly I like what I see. Dale Tallon is making his mark and seems to have some freedom to make the necessary moves to improve the hockey club, especially with the recent signings of Brent Sopel and now Patrick Sharp.

Is a bigger move on the way? Rumours are out there about getting another defenseman, and that Khabibulin could be had for the right price. Cam Barker’s name is out there as possible trade material. Names of who they Hawks are looking at are Tomas Kaberle, Brian Campbell, and John Michael Liles. All 3 are offensive minded defenseman that could man the power play, and would provide instant improvement. We’ll have to watch what happens as the next few weeks go, and I think before anyone is moved the Hawks better be sure of what they are getting in return and that that player or players will be around for a few years.

The playoffs are going to be tough to make this year, not because the Hawks aren’t good enough, but their conference, except for the Wings is pretty tight. The losing streak that they had caused them to fall behind and it is going to be a real battle to get those points back. Right now they are 14th in the conference 7 points out of 8th. Putting a few wins together will be crucial as they attempt to climb back into the race. While no team except probably the Kings is out of it, the competition is going to be fierce. I think that most of the games in the Western Conference are all going to have a playoff type edge to them as points are going to be important for all. Which is why Tallon needs to make sure that giving up Barker a former 1st round pick is the right move now. Remember he is still only 21 years old.

As for Khabibulin, I feel that moving him would be a good idea if the return is a top forward and or a top defenseman. Patrick Lalime can certainly handle the load for the remainder of the season, as he has previously in his career. The goaltending position can be re-evaluated at the end of the season if such as deal is made.

Nothing would make this Hawks fan happier than seeing them in the playoffs playing in front of a packed United Center. Those days are not too far away. I like how they are progressing, how they are building the roster and all the changes that are being made are long overdue.
The youngsters that they have drafted over the last few years seem to be fitting in quite well and with the vets that have been added via free agency and trades, the roster has been rounded out very nicely. Denis Savard has done a nice job as well in his first head coaching job. He has played for a few interesting coaches, Orval Tessier (remember him), Jacques Demers, and of course we cannot forget Mike Keenan, so he probably has a good idea of how to push the buttons of his players.

3 game road trip starts tonight in Colorado. Lalime scheduled to start again. That and a 2 game winning streak should have the Hawks feeling pretty good.

Thanks for reading.