Since, the last posting, the Blackhawks have played 4 games. Three at home and one in St. Louis. We have won 3 of the last 4, but the Blackhawks have to keep things interesting in every game.
In my last post, I requested the Blackhawks take 5 of 6 possible points during their home stretch. They took 4, but had to fight tooth and nail for all 4 points and they lost a tough game to Columbus. They went on the road today (2-21) and beat the Blues for a very important 2 points. The thing about this years Blackhawks is that they do not make any game easy.
What has me most concerned at this point is the lack of depth this team has. Yes, they were gutted because of salary cap issues after winning the Cup, but it's guys like Stalberg, Kopecky, and Scott that really baffle me. Stalberg doesn't score nor does he hit so he does not have much going for him. Kopecky is a big body energy type, but he isn't great with the puck nor is he great without it. Watching him closely makes me realize why he was a healthy scratch often last year. The expectations I had for him this year was to do Buff's job from last year and Kopecky has failed miserably at that. John Scott is a horrible skater, he doesn't score goals, he doesn't bring a physical checking presence, but yes, he is a good fighter, but not many are challenging him anymore. Watching him out there makes me miss Burish and Eager so much. As dumb as they were at times, they were able to make things happen in all areas of the game. With these three being glaring issues, it forces the coaching staff to roll two lines in the 3rd period. Brouwer and Ryan Johnson (who should be playing all the time now) have worked their way into special teams and late game minutes do come in relief, but I believe that running two lines in the third is hindering this team late in games. What made the Hawks so great last year was being able to put a 4th line on the ice in a tight game in the third. We were always able to send our best out relatively fresh late in the game. Now, we haven't had that ability to do that and it shows. If the Blackhawks want a chance to defend the Cup, they're going to have to figure out how to get the 3rd and 4th lines trustworthy.
What has been a great thing for the Blackhawks so far is the play of Corey Crawford. I'm even crazy enough to admit he is better than what Antti was for us. Crawford faces many shots every night and keeps us in every game. Don't get me wrong, Antti was the "Finnish Fortress" last year, but he also had a stout D. Unfortunately, our D this season has been suspect, but Crawford has held his ground. I would like to believe the Bowman's will resign him at the end of the season.
With that being said, the Hawks are in the thick of it for the playoffs and still haven't had a hot stretch yet this season. They round out this month with a major tilt in Nashville on 2-24, and two conference battles with Phoenix (2-27 in Chi) and 2-28 in Minnesota. Lets aim for 5 points again with wins against Nashville and Phoenix. Hell, lets just win them all!
Trade deadline is approaching. It would be interesting to know what the Bowman's and the rest of the Hawks brass are thinking. Keep an eye out for transactions. If any were to happen, they will be broken down here.
Standings through 2-21
1. Vancouver 85 (4 pt week)
2. Detroit 80 (6 pt week)
3. Phoenix 73 (6 pt week)
4. San Jose 72 (6 pt week)
5. Nashville 70 (3 pt week)
6. Calgary 70 (6 pt week)
7. Minnesota 68 (3 pt week)
8. Dallas 68 (0 pt week)
9. Los Angeles 68 (3 pt week)
10. Anaheim 68 (0 pt week)
11. BLACKHAWKS 68 (6 pt week)
12. Columbus 64 (3 pt week)
13. St. Louis 63 (6 pt week)
14. Colorado 57 (1 pt week)
15. Edmonton 46 (6 pt week)
Trending up: Phoenix, Detroit, BLACKHAWKS, Calgary, Edmonton, St. Louis and San Jose all had 6 points this past week
Leaking Oil: Dallas and Anaheim had 0 point weeks and Colorado had 1 point. Colorado has only had 1 point in the last two blog postings.
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