vs. 
GAME TIME: 6pm Central
TV/RADIO: CSN, WGN Radio 720
HOLDING ON, SLOOPY: The Cannon
It’s rare that three days off in a hockey season seems like we were all thrown into the hole, but that’s what this season has brought. After losing their first two games of the season, partly due to exhaustion, the Hawks embark on a pretty lax two-week trip that contains only four games. But if they’re not careful, the games themselves will be anything but lax.
vs.
GAME TIME: 6pm Central
TV/RADIO: CSN, WGN Radio 720
HOLDING ON, SLOOPY: The Cannon
It’s rare that three days off in a hockey season seems like we were all thrown into the hole, but that’s what this season has brought. After losing their first two games of the season, partly due to exhaustion, the Hawks embark on a pretty lax two-week trip that contains only four games. But if they’re not careful, the games themselves will be anything but lax.
CBJ Preview: NHL
Hayes is on the second line: Chicago Tribune
The third line is back together: Comcast
10 Lessons from the last month and a half: Blackhawk Up
More incentive for Beer Pong: Vancouver Province
Well Cory Perry is a Duck for at least four more games: TSN
Optimism for Sochi: Sportsnet.Ca
Thinking twice about long-term contracts: Backhand Shelf
This is just sad: CBC
It’s a whole theme today, as we look throughout the organization to see how the kids are doing.
Let’s not waste anytime. Over to crown jewel (I think) Phillip Danault, who’s been on fire since being traded to the much superior Moncton from his hometown Victoriavile Tigres. In 25 games with Moncton, Danault is 9-26-35. The assists are encouraging. If Danault is going to make the big jump next season (and it’s 50-50 whether he can or not from what I can tell), he’s going to have to be something of a playmaker on the 2nd line with Bolland returning to his checking role. Or maybe on the 4th. I don’t know. Whatever, it’s all a rich tapestry. Let’s say the Hawks would be stronger if he can.
Just a quick note. As you’ve probably seen via the Tweets, Jimmy Hayes has been recalled to the Hawks with Steve Montador free and clear to see if he can skate for seven minutes before getting dizzy with the Piggies.
So finally, the Hawks have showed that they do in fact have an internet connection and seen there’s a body that can contribute with the minor league team.
Where does Hayes fit? Hmmm, not sure. He’s been playing center at Rockford, and I suppose I wouldn’t fall on the floor from shock if they stuck him between Kane and Bickell/Stalberg on the 2nd line. But that seems unlikely.
More likely, he goes with Kane and Bolland and keeps the highly functioning 1st line and 3rd line together. Does Hayes solve the Hawks faceoff problems? Nope. Smith would have. But he’s net presence and some size, and hopefully he won’t get knocked around as much as he did in his first go-around.
Holy shit, we can actually legitimately put someone in The Terrifying Lows category and not have it be a stretch! We can bitch again! I feel whole once more!
Right, to it.
Jonny Revelator – The Captain had five points in four games this week, including two beauty goals. As things started to actually crack and chip, Toews’s line was still dominant in every game. It seems like Toews, Hossa, and Saad create a turnover in the offensive zone whenever they want. And they want to all the time.
General Saad – Only topping Toews this week was Brandon Saad’s six-point week. That included his three-point period against Minnesota, where he was so far and away the best player on the ice it was basically laughable. Saad has become such a weapon that we talk about him improving other lines now, not where he can be protected. Should he be clearing space for Bolland and Kane? Can he skate on the 3rd? Were we asking this a couple weeks ago?
Most players ask that you stand. Saad only asks that you kneel….
Once again, our boy at HockeyProspectus.com Robert Vollman has dropped some knowledge on us:
Some quick notes on this. The ones in red(ish) are those in the negative for shot differentials when they’re on the ice. Blue is those in the positive. The size is obviously how big the difference is.
So what do we learn?
Looks like Monty is headed to Rock Vegas: Chicago Tribune Third Man In
Tired?? Comcast
Trading Iggy is delicate: Puck Daddy
Hockey is apparently dangerous: The Globe and Mail
Gretzky wants visors: Sportsnet.Ca
30 Thoughts: CBC
Beer Pong to end real hockey games!PuckDaddy
Best Gifs of the first half: Backhand Shelf
First half awards: TSN
Well it’s over now. But I can breathe somehow.
I think those are important words to remember. I don’t get the impression anyone is really anyone is losing their shit right now, but just in case. Nothing of any real importance was lost tonight. 45 out of 50 points would be telescopically ahead of “acceptable.” What happens in June will still define what’s gone on so far as special or trivia.
Moreover, if this is what makes the Avs season, let them have it. We have bigger fish to fry. There was a time when they used to. It’s obvious they don’t know. The laugh at the end will be more satisfying. And though I’m no mathematician, I’m pretty sure if the Hawks win 21 of every 25 games in regulation from here on out, we’ll have smiles on our face.
Also, we didn’t learn anything tonight we didn’t already know. Or see anything we hadn’t seen. Or get something we didn’t suspect might be coming.
