Follow me @jaeckel


RUMORS FIRST

(And I apologize in advance if this is sketchy—have to leave some of it vague to protect sources)

First, I can confirm, as rumored by the appearance of Scotty Bowman in Montreal last night, the Hawks are talking to the Canadiens. And it potentially could be a big deal. The Hawks, I'm told, were looking at two Hab forwards and one defenseman in particular. Although the likelihood of said deal happening now is maybe not that high, due to how well both teams are doing.

The most likely acquisition for the Hawks is going to be a depth forward. Three teams to watch are in the Eastern Conference, two of them out of the playoff picture currently. All three of the specific names have been mentioned here previously (this year or last).

The Hawks are working on extensions for Viktor Stalberg and Bryan Bickell—neither is likely to be traded.

I was also told this with regard to yesterday's board topic of a potential Marian Hossa compliance buyout: "not happening."



Chicago Blackhawks @ Anaheim Ducks
9PM Central/7 Pacific
Honda Center
NHLN-US, CSN-CH, FS-W/WGN Radio


THE BUZZ

Does it need any more buzz?

Western Conference Showdown. The Hawks will be without Hossa and Patrick Sharp, so look for some line juggling. I will attempt to predict in the Projected Lineups. Do not be surprised to see some in-game juggling if Joel Quenneville feels either of the top liones are sputtering.

If there's any consolation for the Hawks on their missing forwards, it's the Ducks will be missing their best player, Corey Perry, serving the last game of his suspension for a hit on Jason Zucker.



PROJECTED LINEUPS

CHICAGO

DAN CARCILLO JONATHAN TOEWS BRANDON SAAD
JIMMY HAYES DAVE BOLLAND PATRICK KANE
BRYAN BICKELL ANDREW SHAW VIKTOR STALBERG
BRANDON BOLLIG MARCUS KRUGER MICHAL FROLIK

BRENT SEABROOK DUNCAN KEITH
NIKLAS HJALMARSSON JOHNNY ODUYA
MICHAL ROZSIVAL NICK LEDDY

COREY CRAWFORD


ANAHEIM

TEEMU SELANNE RYAN GETZLAF KYLE PALMIERI
BOBBY RYAN ANDREW COGLIANO SAKU KOIVU
MATT BELESKEY DAVID STECKEL BRAD STAUBITZ
EMERSON ETEM DANIEL WINNIK PETER HOLLAND

FRANCOIS BEAUCHEMIN SHELDON SOURAY
LUCA SBISA TONI LYDMAN
CAM FOWLER BRYAN ALLEN

JONAS HILLER


STATS

5 ON 5 GOAL DIFFERENTIAL
Chicago, 1st
Anaheim, 2nd


POWER PLAY
Chicago, 13th
Anaheim, 1st


PENALTY KILL
Chicago, 10th
Anaheim, 24th


FACEOFF %
Chicago, 17th
Anaheim, 25th


BLOCKED SHOTS
Chicago, 18th
Anaheim, 2nd


TAKEAWAYS
Chicago, 1st
Anaheim, 23rd


All for now,



JJ

Join the Discussion: » 966 Comments » Post New Comment

» Thanks and Farewell

» Where do we go from here?

» Preds at Hawks Breakdown

» "All Teams Have Flaws"

» The Games You Should Win