Young Hawks Hanging On!
February 15th, 2008 by FrankWhile 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.
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