They failed two consecutive gut checks. Let’s hope they give Tampa 60 minutes of competition tonight.
- 35Tony0

No better time to face Tampa who is without (arguably) the most complete Defense-man in the NHL in Victor Hedman, and a really solid top 6 winger in Ondrej Palat.

Nice write up Justin,

The thing I do like about Bowman is he's not afraid to make trades. Wasn't it the Bowmans who went after Hossa? It's interesting to me that Hossa retires, I mean is on IR, and before the season even begins we are a much younger team, things that make me go hmmmmm.

Didn't care for the Murphy trade but I do understand it takes a few years before a defenseman really gets it.

The thing I do value is we won't be like the Red Wings, at least I don't think we'll be, gradually get really bad. Bowman is definitely being aggressive and as a fan I like it.

No better time to face Tampa who is without (arguably) the most complete Defense-man in the NHL in Victor Hedman, and a really solid top 6 winger in Ondrej Palat.
- EnzoD

Tampa didn't even make the playoffs last year, correct?

I know we all get frustrated but a decline was going to happen sooner or later. These guys have some hard miles on them and that's taken a toll on the team. As much as I would like their contracts to have a lower AAV I still don't have much to complain about with Toews' and Kane's contracts. The team was in a tough spot with them becoming UFAs, had they waited until the summer of 2015 (after their 3rd Cup) the cost would have certainly been more.

Seabrook on the other hand....

I think the real test will be how this team bounces back and develops this year and next. I don't necessarily want to trade the likes of Toews and Keith, I'd just like them to play less of a role with some of the young guys stepping up into true top line/pairing performers.

38 points at essentially the midway mark of the season is pretty dang good. Take out the Pittsburgh game and what is the Hawks' goals/game average? Barely over 2 I'm guessing.
- EnzoD

It's not bad that he has 38 points but it isn't earth shattering. Looking at everyone that played any significant amount of games (let's say 20+) this year, he sits 56th in point per game. He sits tied for 101th in goals. It is still a drop from his 31 goals and finishing in top 10 for all forwards in points.

Panarin is gonna get his PPP especially in CBJ where he is more of a main fixture in making plays on the PowerPlay, but the Hawks are better able to replace Panarin (i.e. see Schmaltz) than find more players like Saad. I like Panarin and I was against trading him when I thought the Hawks were going to package him for two lesser assets, but I can understand why they moved him. Saad and most of the other Hawks had slumped this seasons for about 8-10 games but still I don't think they regret the trade.

Say Panarin at $8M, can you market a Russian who barely speaks
English in McD's world?
- gazza53

The key for the Blackhawks isn't signing Panarin, its signing the next Marian Hossa.

One of the best written pieces on this website right here, well written!

Tampa didn't even make the playoffs last year, correct?
- BetweenTheDots

No, Stamkos played only 17 games due to injury.

So why wasn't it done, there is a decent sized Russian community
in the northern burbs, to market to them and to Russians back home
is worth alot....see Stevie Y and tonight's opponent.
- gazza53

It goes a lot deeper than that.

Russian players are generally not known to "show up" for NHL playoff hockey. The good ones always seem to hit a wall - and it usually coincides with the start of the World Championships.

It is not publicized much, but Putin and his cronies are notorious for pressuring their best players to be available for this tournament - it's been quietly talked about in locker rooms around the NHL. And GMs are not happy about it.

No, Stamkos played only 17 games due to injury.
- DarthKane

So, for all that talent, that's pretty poor.

he was signed for this year and next and based on current Salary Cap increase projections, Hawks could have probably afforded Panarin at $8mil on his next deal. Oh well, what's done is done, as they say.
- EnzoD

Panarin is on pace for 20 goals and 68 po8nts for the season - since his 5 assists outburst game against Columbus 19 games ago he has 5 goals and 13 points.

For a skater who isn’t a 200 footer, those stats aren’t enough better then Saad’s To cause any buyers remorse.

Panarin is on pace for 20 goals and 68 po8nts for the season - since his 5 assists outburst game against Columbus 19 games ago he has 5 goals and 13 points.

For a skater who isn’t a 200 footer, those stats aren’t enough better then Saad’s To cause any buyers remorse.
- StLBravesFan

I don't miss him, he sure could light it up with Kane but come playoff time he disappeared

Edit I really wish Saad was a better 200 foot player

Kampf slots in over Kero I'd have to think. Only guy in the organization that can win a draw besides Toews.
- JRoenick97

Yes. And do not overlook that team's who keep an unheralded newcomer, a surprise player often can be an overachiever. This plsyrt and his team are hungry, thst is a key. It would take an infusion of a couple new players, one being a power forward absolutely. The surprise guy just may be somepne who can slot on a third or fourth line. The other Sikura maybe.

Panarin is on pace for 20 goals and 68 po8nts for the season - since his 5 assists outburst game against Columbus 19 games ago he has 5 goals and 13 points.

For a skater who isn’t a 200 footer, those stats aren’t enough better then Saad’s To cause any buyers remorse.
- StLBravesFan

Agree to disagree. 41 point pace for Saad would be his worst output of his career. For a team that is in the bottom half of the league in scoring, 30 more points would go a long way. I still maintain that with better cap/asset management, the Hawks should have both Saad and Panarin today....but I digress.

Reading that Seabs came into this year in what was described as a little out of shape. Wondering if he sustained some type of serious back injury against the Blues in the playoffs two years and we are seeing some type of deterioration because of it? These guys have played a ton of hockey and I can only imagine the type of beatings their bodies have endured. Seabs did have a good season last year though.

That being said and the obvious limitations of the entire D core, I would like Q to go to a trap style scheme so that we can tighten up coverage in our end. We still have enough legit scoring threats that we can counter punch after forcing a turn over. Would not hurt to tell the D to clear out the damn blue paint.

The key for the Blackhawks isn't signing Panarin, its signing the next Marian Hossa.
- BetweenTheDots

The way things are going a top 5 draft choice might be in the cards, and while
that's not exactly a Marian replacement it would most certainly ease the blow.

It goes a lot deeper than that.

Russian players are generally not known to "show up" for NHL playoff hockey. The good ones always seem to hit a wall - and it usually coincides with the start of the World Championships.

It is not publicized much, but Putin and his cronies are notorious for pressuring their best players to be available for this tournament - it's been quietly talked about in locker rooms around the NHL. And GMs are not happy about it.
- dahawks8819

Interesting, that's something I've never heard, but then again it does seem to
add up.

Been real busy and away a lot.

I've missed a bunch of blogs and some games.

I have one thing that I know............



Mr. Hossa is missed, and no matter how much credit he does get, it will never match what his true value to this team, organization, and dynasty was. They should hang his Jersey from rafters right now.

I miss Big Hoss' tenacity, no one went like him

PS. be pretty cool to have his banner hanging from the rafters before his contract is up.
- vabeachbear

a pro's pro...high class all the way....yes they miss him alot...no matter his offensive struggles and decline he played a 200 foot...his back checking is legendary for a player of his caliber...

never female doged...never whined...walked away from all the asshatery on the ice...

i am sure he misses the game and the game sure misses him

Agreed 100%, but much easier said than done. How do you accomplish that tall task with such under-performing players?
- EnzoD

Probs going to have to wait until the CBA blows up again or when Seattle gets approved that allows teams a compliance buyout or two as part of the yay were flush now thing.

Reading that Seabs came into this year in what was described as a little out of shape. Wondering if he sustained some type of serious back injury against the Blues in the playoffs two years and we are seeing some type of deterioration because of it? These guys have played a ton of hockey and I can only imagine the type of beatings their bodies have endured. Seabs did have a good season last year though.

That being said and the obvious limitations of the entire D core, I would like Q to go to a trap style scheme so that we can tighten up coverage in our end. We still have enough legit scoring threats that we can counter punch after forcing a turn over. Would not hurt to tell the D to clear out the damn blue paint.
- z1990z

Sure, lets all pay $300/ticket to watch 5 guys skating backwards from the centerline. Those NJ Devils were such an exciting team to watch.

Would any team bite to trade for seabrook if the hawks would be willing to retain 2 million per year for 5 years and what would be those teams plus seabrook would have to approve said trade, thank you bowman for handing out NMC like candy, thoughts anyone?

Would any team bite to trade for seabrook if the hawks would be willing to retain 2 million per year for 5 years and what would be those teams plus seabrook would have to approve said trade, thank you bowman for handing out NMC like candy, thoughts anyone?
- Scott1977

He is playing like a 6D, and most 6D make $1-2mil sooooo in theory, yes.

It goes a lot deeper than that.

Russian players are generally not known to "show up" for NHL playoff hockey. The good ones always seem to hit a wall - and it usually coincides with the start of the World Championships.

It is not publicized much, but Putin and his cronies are notorious for pressuring their best players to be available for this tournament - it's been quietly talked about in locker rooms around the NHL. And GMs are not happy about it.
- dahawks8819

I heard Trump promised Putin he would make sure Ovechkin and others were out of playoffs early if he helped him win the election.

I heard Trump promised Putin he would make sure Ovechkin and others were out of playoffs early if he helped him win the election.
- HamiltonHawk

Pretty sure Ovi doesn't need any outside pressure to bow out of the playoffs early.....

The key for the Blackhawks isn't signing Panarin, its signing the next Marian Hossa.
- BetweenTheDots

Man, the Hawks were so lucky to have him. I remember when he came in and was pretty much the best Hawk on the ice game after game.