The Chicago Blackhawks ended a three-game skid last night, and got back in the winning column in Nashville.
There were some subtle differences, one that is pretty encouraging, but generally the game followed the same script as a lot of Chicago wins (and a few losses) this year. The team was widely outshot, Corey Crawford was absolutely stellar, and the Hawks mounted a late comeback (and win).
Again, as I've said in the past, I'm not sure it's a sustainable or therefore desirable formula to rely on for winning in the NHL. But while the Hawks try to figure something else out, they're also racking up some points in the process. Well, at least they did last night.
Tonight's game in Carolina is important as far as continued improvement and momentum.
Chicago Blackhawks (23-10-5) at Carolina Hurricanes (15-12-7) 7:30PM Eastern/6:30PM Central WGN/Fox Carolina
Look for Scott Darling and Cam Ward in net tonight.
A big positive I saw last night is that Jonathan Toews looks to have shook off the injury that was hampering him for a few weeks and is back to Toews-like form. And in that regard, the return of Marian Hossa (possibly for the outdoor game in St. Louis) could get the Hawks that much closer to the somewhat elusive two-line scoring balance they've been trying to achieve for much of the last season and a half.
Finally, the wheel of speculation is now turning in the wake of the recently announced extension of Artemi Panarin. Even the normally poker-faced Stan Bowman is conceding in public statements that some things will need to change to make the roster work next season.
Bowman is deliberately avoiding specifics, basically saying "we'll figure that out as we always do."
But by avoiding a "back to the wall" scenario he has found himself in a few of the past 7 summers, Bowman is allowing a little more room to maneuver. And as such, my personal opinion is it is too early to predict for sure which way the team will go to pare salary after this season.
In the end, it may simply be a matter of dollars and sense—and other factors will be subordinated.
Or, it will be a much more complex calculation. While this subject will be revisited here in more detail, for now, I would consider the following before making any pronouncements as to which players will be playing elsewhere next season.
First, how much is the player paid? How old is he?
What position does he play—and is there a ready substitute within the organization? Or does the team have to look outside the organization and what would that player cost?
What is the trade market for said player? Are there more "outside the box" solutions out there (like a 3-way deal, or players acquired on ELCs out of European pro leagues).
The point being, there could be a lot of ways—and some of them unexpected—as to how the salary/roster issue will play out after the season.
In the meantime, enjoy the game tonight, as the front office now needs to shorten its perspective and look at how to optimize this year's team before the trade deadline.
All for now,
JJ