Hard Hawk Hockey

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.