There are a lot of mixed reviews out there right now on the Hawks performance in a 3-2 loss to Nashville on Tuesday night.
From my point of view (aka my couch), it looked like a Hawks team that battled hard and was only a few inches away from changing the outcome.
I'm on team glass half-full after 24 games. People tend to have short memories, and it was just a few weeks ago that the Hawks couldn't string together 2 passes in a row, couldn't score on the PP for the life of them and had next to zero net-front presence.
When you think about that (or go back and re-watch some of those rough games in October like I have), it becomes very apparent that this team has made massive strides.
Do I think this Hawks team has worked out all of the kinks and are on their way to Stanley Cup contention? No, I said glass HALF full, not overflowing! However, I do feel that these positive trends that are taking human form named Gustav, Alex and John continue then it puts Stan in a better spot to make a trade to improve this team.
Like the Hawks, the Stars have had their fair share of ups-and-downs this season. They are starting to play better of late with wins in 4 of their last 5 games.
A trio of deadly offensive weapons in Seguin, Benn and Radulov leads the Stars.
Ben Bishop hasn't exactly been the saviour in net, but Hawks fans know that he's capable of stealing a game.
They will be relatively healthy as they head into the United Center tonight with Marc Methot being the only skater on the IR.
Expect Joel Quenneville to ice a similar lineup to last game. There may be a tweak or two but overall, this team is finally clicking, so don't expect anything major.
These back-to-back games vs. the Stars are huge as the teams are tied at 27 points. A sweep of this home-and-home will really distance themselves from their Central Division foes.
It's always a battle against Dallas; looking forward to it!
See ya out there.
JL
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Who we got tonight: Dallas Stars
Season Matchup: 1st matchup of the year
13-10-1 = 27 points
4th in Central
Last game: LOST vs. Hurricanes (4-3 in a shootout) on Nov 26th
GF: 70 / GA: 68
PP% = 23.0% (6th in NHL)
PK% = 83.5% (8th in NHL)
Sniper: Tyler Seguin - 12 goals
Producer: Seguin - 23 points
Tough Guys: – Antoine Roussel - 47 PIMs & - Jamie Benn - 54 hits
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ICYMI:
* TRADE ALERT: it's 2017, so I'm sure you've all seen via push alert or social that the Ducks just traded top-4 D Sami Vatanen and a conditional draft pick to the Devils for Adam Henrique, Joseph Blandisi and a 3rd round pick
* There are a few teams out there that will be upset that the Devils just landed themselves a top 4 Dman. I've heard this could be the start of the trade dominoes as a lot of teams are in deep conversations with specific players.
* It appears the Jordan Tootoo era in Chicago has come to an end. He was placed on waivers yesterday and will find himself in Rockford. I believe this was the plan all along (before #22 was hurt) to send him down to mentor and protect some of the Hawks prospects. Right now, Jeremy Colliton's IceHogs are lacking that veteran presence upfront and Tootoo could be a valuable piece to that team in their bottom 6.
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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