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Thursday Throwaways

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Just some notes to cover.

-We never did get around to analyzing the Smith-for-Desjardins trade, mostly because most of us here think it doesn’t matter in the long run. At least hopefully it doesn’t. If Ben Smith becomes the difference between winning a Cup and not, then there were probably bigger issues at play.

By now, everyone’s realized this is a cap move. Smith was signed for one more year, and there are alternatives for his 4th line/PK role next year. While Nordstrom’s past few strong games are hardly sample size enough to have convinced the front office to do away with Smith, it does at least offer hope that any gap will be made up pretty quickly. Looking ahead to next year, Nordstrom, Hartman, and/or Danault could all find themselves on the 4th line. If Garret Ross gains 30 pounds, he might even get a look too. (I also have this sneaking suspicion that if Tyler Motte were to leave Michigan after this season he’s going to be the kid who surprises everyone at training camp. But I doubt he leaves Michigan this year).

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This Time With Feeling: Devils at Hawks Preview/Pregame Thread/Ribbon Cutting

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jon_lovitz-devil-snl-46_2 vs. Hawk Wrestler

FACEOFF: 7:30pm Central

TV/RADIO: CSN, WGN Radio 720

MR. MEPHISTOPHELES, PLEASE: In Lou We Trust

Once again, the Hawks try and get on track on this homestand, although considering their coach conceded the division yesterday in the press and their six points behind St. Louis, one wonders if this is no longer a final stab at making a chase of it and merely a time where you don’t have to pack anything. Gee, no wondered the Hawks have kind of mailed in most of the past two games. They’ve basically concluded they’re not playing for much, other than home ice against St. Louis which is hardly something you’d want a medal for. Either way, tonight is yet another banker, or at least it should be against the faded and broken couch New Jersey Devils.

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Let's Get To The Bottom

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No, that’s not a plea to suddenly tank for Eichel or McDavid (I’m totally putting together a Seabrook & Sharp trade for that in June. HA!). But it’s probably time to try and dig a little deeper to see what is plaguing the Hawks of late.

Before we go any farther, it’s important to note this isn’t anything we haven’t seen before. You only have to go back one year. On Jan. 1, 2014 the Hawks were 28-7-7. They went 6-3-7 to the corresponding date of today one year ago, and actually didn’t get too much better from there. They went 12-11-1 the rest of the way. That wasn’t the first time the Hawks roared through December and then kind of just floated through the rest of the season. They’re just not going to put an 82-game sprint together, even though that’s what they’re coach seems hellbent on wanting.

But we’re here, and we’ve got nothing better to do.

Everything Else

Let’s Get To The Bottom

By 1081 0

No, that’s not a plea to suddenly tank for Eichel or McDavid (I’m totally putting together a Seabrook & Sharp trade for that in June. HA!). But it’s probably time to try and dig a little deeper to see what is plaguing the Hawks of late.

Before we go any farther, it’s important to note this isn’t anything we haven’t seen before. You only have to go back one year. On Jan. 1, 2014 the Hawks were 28-7-7. They went 6-3-7 to the corresponding date of today one year ago, and actually didn’t get too much better from there. They went 12-11-1 the rest of the way. That wasn’t the first time the Hawks roared through December and then kind of just floated through the rest of the season. They’re just not going to put an 82-game sprint together, even though that’s what they’re coach seems hellbent on wanting.

But we’re here, and we’ve got nothing better to do.