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Now, why'd you have to go and do that Blackhawks?

We were just fine over here wallowing in our misery of your current disappointing season and getting excited about trade deadline deals.

Well, guess it's back to gearing up for the playoffs.

An 8-2 win has Hawks fans excited again, but I know most of us smart folk here won't be content until a string of consistently impressive games are put together. Heck, the Hawks could really use an exceptional month if they're looking to change people's minds about them looking like a playoff worthy team.

Now, let's keep in mind that last night's win was to the Ottawa Senators who have been terrible since their Matt Duchene trade. They have just 8 wins in 27 games since the acquisition – ouch! Also, their goaltending and defensive play was exceptionally terrible.

Now, dialing in on the positives from this Hawks team that is 4-1-1 in their last 6.

Here's a quick 5:

1) PP Magic – can you imagine if this Hawks team has ignited this Power Play finally? No one expects 4 goals a night, but this team will start climbing up the West a lot easier if this man advantage thing was truly an advantage. If they can continue to get set up more frequently, create traffic out front and get those shots through like they were tonight, they are a different looking team. Even if they don't score at that rate, a team can really create a scary image of being an offensive force with a deadly PP, building momentum and making opponents think twice about take an infraction.

2) Oesterle – speaking of getting shots through, that guy wearing #82 has been unbelievable. I know this isn't the sole reason Franson was waived, but one of Cody's best attributes to his game was that quick accurate shot. Oesterle seems to be pretty damn good at it as well. Another 2 assists last night puts him at a .5 PPG (8P in 16 games) – scoop him up on your fantasy teams now ladies and gents! He's so hot right now.

3) Scoring Depth – all lines were contributing last night, it was Richard Panik, who currently resides on the 4th line that kicked off the goal party. The lines appear to be all out of whack when you step back and look at them on paper, but they're just so crazy, they work. Q… the mad scientist does it again... for now.

4) Centre Depth – a lot of has been made about the Hawks adding to their centre depth and I'm still thinking they should if they become a legitimate playoff looking team in the next couple months. However, Schmaltz is looking great and hopefully can keep up his strong play. David Kampf is filling in very nicely in Anisimov's absence as well. It was a great compliment that Patrick Sharp gave the young Czech centre saying, "it's like playing with Marcus Kruger, he's just a little bigger". Coach Q was putting Kampf out for big faceoffs (he was their top guy last night with 11 wins for 55%) and key situations. Maybe there's more to this guy than we think.

5) Forsberg – I would think he goes again tonight. Get comfortable with the big Swede because the more this mystery Crawford injury goes on, the worse it's sounding. It reminds me of the Habs being coy with Price last year. Forberg looked solid last night but will be tested even more tonight. As his confidence grows, as will the Hawks.


Next up, the Minnesota Wild tonight at the UC. The Wild played last night and lost to Calgary in OT.

Birthday boy, Bruce Boudreau (holy alliteration) saved Dubnyk for the Hawks, so I don't see another 8 goal performance. However, if the Hawks PP stays hot and they keep driving the net, back-to-back wins is very doable vs. this Wild team who have had their share of up-and-downs this season.

In terms of the lineup, the Seabrook scratch stole the show. I would not be surprised to see the ol' pairing from 2015-16, Erik Gustafsson and Brent Seabrook get a look in favour of the Forsling-Rutta duo. The latter struggled at times, which is hard to do in an 8-2 stomping.

I wouldn't expect any changes up front. Keep ‘em rollin!

See ya out there!

JL

--

Who we got tonight: Minnesota Wild

Season Matchup:

Chicago ✓✓
Minnesota ✓

22-17-4 = 48 points
6th in Central Division (Tied w/ Chicago)
Last game: LOST vs. Calgary (3-2 in OT) last night
GF: 121 / GA: 122
PP% = 19.5% (16th in NHL)
PK% = 82.8% (8th in NHL)
Sniper: Eric Staal – 19 goals
Producer: Eric Staal – 37 points
Tough Guys: – Marcus Folingo - 39 PIMs & 108 hits
Expected Starter: Devan Dubnyk

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