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Here we go again. They’ll turn it around, they really will, right?

The Blackhawks return from their decompression bye week and get back to work today. Some of them were golfing in Cabo, and others, they were relaxing with their families. Wherever these Hawks were, I sure hope there was a mirror closeby to take a good hard look heading into the remaining 37 games of the season.

The Crawford news is out there and while it’s not for certain, the Hawks must get in the mindset that their MVP is not returning this season.

I was waiting for the Hawks skate today to post instant analysis, player/coach reactions, etc. which didn’t happen until 330pm CT this afternoon.

Quick thoughts from practice:

* Duclair to RW1 – it’s no secret that Duclair fell out of favour in ARI and during multiple interviews since the trade, he’s very excited about coming to Chicago. He spoke as if he was treated unfairly by not getting the ice time he "deserved" with top players in key situations. Well Coach Q is giving him a heck of a spot with Saad and Toews. He’s looked good in his 2 games with the Hawks, but let’s hope if he’s forced to play 4th line minutes his attitude doesn’t sour.

* Anisimov’s return imminent – AA practice hard today but has been ruled out for tomorrow’s game. He’ll get a couple practices in before he’s game shape ready. My guess is Jurco goes down when he’s activated off the IR.

* Forsberg starts – I posted the other day that I’m in camp-Forsberg for the foreseeable future with #50 out of the lineup. I think the Hawks have a better chance if they ride this kid as they look to rally back into a playoff spot (or at least out of the Central Cellar).

* Gustafsson debuts – it appears Erik Gustafsson will make his debut tomorrow skating alongside Brent Seabrook.

* Defence debacle – … which leaves me palms up on what is happening with the Hawks decisions on the backend. It looks like Q will roll out Keith-Oesterle, Forsling-Rutta, Gustafsson-Seabrook tomorrow night. This leaves Kempny-Murphy the odd men out. This makes no sense to me as Murphy has been playing well and was just getting into a groove. Hell, Kempny hasn’t been too bad in spot duty either. I would rather have Forsling-Rutta sitting for the next while.

I posted how tough the Hawks schedule is for the remainder of the season. It starts off with a bang out of the break with NYI, TB and TOR. Luckily all of these games are at home and the Hawks will be rested.

After the stinker they laid vs. DET heading into the break, I will be shocked if they came out flat tomorrow night at home.

The Hawks players must have been getting anxious to get back on the ice after watching their friends in the Central Division play so well, further pushing them to the basement. In the last 10 games:

COL – 9-1-0
MIN – 6-2-2
NAS – 6-2-2
DAL – 6-3-1
WIN – 6-3-1
STL – 5-4-1
CHI – 5-4-1

No one is going to hand the Hawks a playoff spot and if those teams continue to keep that up, unfortunately, it won’t matter what kind of run they can get on. However, that’s out the Hawks control and all they can do is come out and play 1 shift at a time.


RUMOUR: I'm hearing Chicago is looking for a D and willing to move a forward for one.

One source said: "Stan apparently has a plan for this year, and more importantly, for beyond. This means he doesn't want to move a draft pick or key prospect unless the returning player fits into future plans."

I’m digging into more whispers as well as it looks like Stan might pull off an under the radar/sneaky move leading up to the deadline, so stay tuned.

My source and I chatter for a while and it makes sense to me. I don't think Stan will find a much solution (without giving too much up) than the Forsberg/Glass duo. Therefore, if you can move a forward (and let's say Kempny/Gustafsson/Rutta) for a defenceman that has the ability to slide up to the top 4, then that could really help solidify the team defence.

I'll have more thoughts on Stan's moves and the effects it will have on next years and onward.

Hockey’s BACK! See ya out there.

JL


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Who we got tomorrow: New York Islanders

Season Matchup: 1st matchup of the year
23-20-4 = 50 points
7th in Atlantic Division
Last game: LOST vs. Boston (5-2) on Thursday
GF: 158 (2nd in NHL) / GA: 172 (LAST)
PP% = 19.7% (12th in NHL)
PK% = 73.3% (30th in NHL)
Sniper: Anders Lee – 26 goals
Producer: John Tavares – 55 points
Tough Guys: – Scott Mayfield - 37 PIMs & Cal Clutterbuck - 136 hits
Expected Starter: Jaro Halak
Injuries: Ladd, Boychuk, de Haan, Kulemin, Cizikas,


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