I'll make this short.
The Hawks suffered a loss to a lesser Canucks team last night. This was as much of a must-win game that they've had all year and they blew it.
The upcoming schedule is as follows:
Tomorrow - @ Calgary Feb 6 – Calgary Feb 8 – Dallas Feb 10 - @Minnesota Feb 12 - @ Arizona Feb 13 – @Vegas Feb 15 – Anaheim Feb 17 – Washington Feb 19 – LA Feb 21 – Ottawa Feb 23 – San Jose Feb 24th - @Columbus Feb 26th – NHL TRADE DEADLINE
That's 12 games leading up to make up 5 points on their closest playoff spot because as of today:
WC#1: Dallas – 62 points WC#2: Colorado – 60
Minnesota – 59 LA – 59 Calgary – 58 Chicago – 55
As you look at that, you now see how important this home-and-home with the Flames becomes. Not that those were not must-wins anyway… heck, they are all "must-wins". But, if the Hawks can take 2 regulation wins, that will allow them to leapfrog Calgary.
My feeling of what's happening at this moment is Stan is furthering his discussions internally and externally to execute his contingency plan of making the Hawks "sellers."
If the selling plan is approved by John McDonough and Co., then expect the Hawks to do what they can to move pieces from now until deadline day.
My personal belief is if the Hawks don't win at least 5 or their next 6 games, they will move whatever players have interest immediately following their 3-game road trip that concludes in Vegas on Feb 13th.
On the rumour front, I have heard that the Hawks are (obviously) playing to win, however, they do like that guys like Gustafsson, Kempny, Jurco are getting ice time to A) see what they have in the and/or B) showcase them as NHL regulars for the purpose of moving them.
Also, I've heard from that "Anisimov might be the only player that the Hawks could drag their feet on until February 26th to see if a contender wants to ante up a roster player, pick/prospect."
Of course, Anisimov would have to waive to the inquiring team, but his "demotion" to the 3rd line and lack of direction of this team might be enough for him to really start to think about waiving his NTC.
I'll post more on the boards as I hear it.
See ya out there!
JL