It sucks that CC might be out long term. I think that goaltending can be a huge equalizer when it comes to gaining points in the standings. I like to think the team will come out stronger if they feel less comfortable with who is in net, because they have to dig a little deeper to get the W.
Short term, the Hawks have an uphill battle. They seem to have been 5-4-1 in their last 10 games forever as they yo-yo up and down treading water but not gaining ground. They are in the pack where the margin separating them from 90% of the other teams is thin. The Hawks had a lot of change and a lot of new faces, but they've played more than 50% of the season now.
Line 1 needs to get a bit more consistent in terms of production.
Line 2 needs to find a way to prevent goals against. People have their head in the sand if they ignore how easily teams score against the Hawks 2nd line at even strength. The line is good at generating goals, but what good is it when you give up just as many (if not more) against when they are on the ice?
Line 3 has been pretty solid lately after being a big problem early in the season. A little more consistency and they could be the difference makers on a lot of nights.
line 4 meh. This is not the best 4th line the Hawks have had. Not the worst, but they are pretty average in my books. They don't play the minutes that make or break you and not much happens when they are on the ice in general. Would love to see the 4th line find a way to cycle and protect the puck 200 feet away from their net more.
Here is a look at goals for and goals against per 60 minutes of ice time for the team this season. While it doesn't mean everything it is far from meaningless over the course of 30-40 games.
Here is a look at the same over the last 30 days.
