I hope everyone isn't all turkey'd out and still have some energy to watch some Hawks hockey tonight.
The good guys take on the Florida Panthers at 6 pm (CT) / 7 pm (EST) tonight.
Coach Q will be rolling out the same lineup as the last few games in front of Corey Crawford for this contest.
I've been vocal as of late that I think Patrick Sharp is close to checking a game out from the press box very soon. I've always been a huge fan (even have his jersey), but he just hasn't been very effective in his 2nd tour of duty.
He started the season off well, but now he has struggled to get anything going. He's not vital to either special team so if his play doesn't turn around soon, he'll be having a seat. He's a smart guy and knows this, so expect him to look for another gear tonight.
The 3 to watch tonight for me on the Panthers side are: 1) Vinnie Trochek – this guy is like a little swiss army knife. He plays in all situations and plays a lot bigger than he reads on his profile page. Hawks D will have to be aware every time he's out there.
2) Roberto Luongo – looks like he's your starter tonight for the Cats. Assuming most of you have grown to hate this guy during the CHI/VAN rivalry, however, he's not what he was in those days. Don't underestimate his passions fueled by nightmares from those days; he'll be looking to bring his best vs. guys like Kane, Toews, Sharp, Keith, etc.
3) Sasha Barkov – this guy is getting a little more attention in the spotlight, but still not near enough as he should. He's an unreal talent! He plays 24+ minutes a game, so be prepared to see a lot.
My bonus player to watch is Nick Bjugstad, who but didn't crack my top 3 because it's for other reasons. It looks like he'll be playing RW on the 2nd line tonight, but he's a natural centre.
He's 6'6 / 220 lbs and is a beast on the puck, offensively and defensively. A former 1st round pick (19th overall) in 2010, has had mixed reviews since he's entered the league.
I've also been more vocal about getting a real 3rd line centre that can play up and down the lineup. Then, Ryan Hartman can move to the wing and maybe Q can finally get some consistency out of the Hawks 3rd line.
Is Bjugstad available? Not sure. However, someone was asking about centres to target in a trade; the first thing to look at would be a struggling team leaking to the bottom of the standings. The Florida Panthers have had their fair share of struggles and Uncle Dale will be getting trigger happy on a trade soon.
Keep an eye on this guy and if you're digging what he has to offer, let me know who you would send Dale's way to help out his Panthers.
See ya out there!
JL
-- Who we got tonight: Florida Panthers Season Matchup: 1st meeting of the year
8-11-2 = 18 points 7th in Atlantic Last game: WON vs. Leafs (2-1 in a shootout) on Nov 22nd GF: 63 / GA: 73 PP% = 16% (25th in NHL) PK% = 73.2% (LAST in NHL) Sniper: Vincent Trocheck - 9 goals Producer: Trocheck - 22 points Tough Guys: Michael Haley – 61 PIMs & 38 hits
-- ICYMI: * Rockford fell 2-1 (OT) in the rematch with the Iowa Wild. Luc Snuggerud scored the lone goal for the Hogs.
* Alex Fortin is starting to hit his stride and has worked his way up the lineup. He's found himself on the "2nd line" with Highmore and Luke Johnson as of late. Fortin didn't register a point, but looked great and had 5 SOGs.