Apologies for the delay since my last blog, I have been down and out with what I believe is a fun combination of the flu and strep throat.
I have some energy this morning though, so I wanted to get a new conversation started.
AS most of us have seen, there has been a lot of "best of the decade" lists going around.
The NHL network hilariously left Patrick Kane out of the top 10 of this past decade even though he's 3rd in total scoring, won 3 Stanley Cups, a Hart, Art Ross and Conn Smythe Trophy (plus many more accolades) during this time.
I don't put too much energy into disputing these lists as most of the time these are compiled to generate debate amongst hockey fans on purpose.
As we reflect as Blackhawks fans here, I wanted to hear your opinion on your highlights from this past decade. Which was your favourite team from 2010-2019?
Who were your top 5 Blackhawks?
What was your singular favourite moment?
I'll take the best responses and include them in the next blog.
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Now, back to the current Blackhawks, here are some updates:
* The Team – the Blackhawks have won 5 out of their last 7 games; 4 out of those 5 wins have been in regulation. They are 2-0 in the post-Seabrook era.
* Brent Seabrook – speaking of Seabrook, since the news came out, there has been a lot of reaction from players and media and a lot of them are speaking in the past tense. Even his roommate, Kirby Dach said, "he'll be remembered." Has #7 played his last game as a Blackhawk? * Lehner Time – If the Hawks want to gain some momentum and try to get themselves remotely close to the playoffs (they are 7 points out of the WC2 spot), then I think they have to anoint Lehner the starter and rally behind him. It doesn't have to be an official announcement, just start playing him 2 out of 3 moving forward unless he falters. Nothing against Crawford, but Lehner has just been getting the job done lately.
* Chemistry and Confidence – I loved this quote from Robin Lehner:
Great team win today! Pretty emotional playing against this team. A really great group of people over there. Top to bottom. Highmore and Gilbert both played great. Let's Finish of this year in a good way! #Blackhawks ðŸ¼
— Robin Lehner (@RobinLehner) December 28, 2019
Calling out rookies Dennis Gilbert and Matthew Highmore was such a great move by the veteran goaltender. He's instilling confidence in these guys while bringing the entire team together after an emotional win against his former team. From my vantage point, this group appears to be getting closer than ever; just look at how they all rallied behind Robin Lehner finally getting a shootout win last game vs. Columbus. Will it be enough to take them on a run in the 2nd half? * Alex Nylander – Jeremy Colliton is touted as a great communicator, but just like we saw earlier with the 1st Seabrook scratch this season, Nylander hasn't heard a peep from Colliton or the coaching staff after he was benched last game. I really hope they are handling the young winger properly because the Hawks need him to become an effective top 9 player. He has been given a long leash from the start of the season but hasn't been near as effective as he should have been. Maybe he should sit the next few games and/or be dropped down to the 4th line as we saw earlier in the year.
* Trade Talks – since the Seabrook and de Haan news, there have been more trade whispers. Recently, Brandon Saad's name has come up. I have been wondering about Saad's future with the Hawks as he would be a very appealing piece to a playoff team. However, if the Hawks were to trade him, what does that signal to the rest of this team? I think the Hawks would have to be out of it or the return would have to be strong as Saad has been the Hawks 2nd best forward all season. I just really hope Bowman doesn't do anything stupid in the next couple of weeks.
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The Hawks play their final game of the season tonight in Calgary. Let's see if they can keep it going.
I hope you all have had an amazing holiday and have a great last day of this decade.
See ya out there!
TC
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