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There had to be a reason Vegas Oddsmakers have the Blackhawks either winning the Cup or at least the Western Conference.
We might be seeing it now.
Following three solid wins over teams that are either likely or possible playoff contenders—most importantly characterized by a more "Hawk-like" quality of play—it appears things might coming together for Chicago at just the right time.
It's not perfect. In fact, far from it—but there are some extremely encouraging signs in the Hawks play right now.
The two biggest factors are exceptional goaltending and big contributions from more than one forward line and more than one defensive pairing.
I will say this now, and I will likely say it again. When I hear it suggested that the Hawks can just cut Marcus Kruger loose this summer, my Inner-Mugatu surges forth:
Kruger had a goal and an assist (with a terrific feed to Teuvo Teravainen in the high slot) last night, was +2, and 68% in the dot. Kruger also led the team in short-handed TOI last night, and the Hawks killed off both Vancouver power plays.
So while some fans lament the "loss" of 22-goal scorer Brandon Pirri to Florida, I'll submit to you that keeping this kid who is an RFA this summer, drafted three rounds behind Pirri in 2009 by the Hawks, is infinitely more important.
Brad Richards line was good last night and has been over this stretch. Jonathan Toews' line—yeah, you know those guys are going to be good.
Another huge factor is Johnny Oduya and Niklas Hjalmarsson. Each +2 with 6 blocked shots between them in limited minutes last night. if there's a better top 4 in hockey than these guys, Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith, I want to see it.
Finally, I'm not sure Corey Crawford has played a better stretch of hockey than he has since the All-Star break. He was brilliant last night, as his understudy Scott Darling has been. Which leads me to believe that although the Hawks never got much out of Jimmy Waite as a player, they may have a real find in him as a goaltending coach. These guys are dialed in.
On the Meh side, Andrew Desjardins might be the best trade deadline acquisition thus far. But I still think Kimmo Timonen is going to be fine and I thought he was pretty solid last night. Antoine Vermette? It looks like they're still trying to find the right slot for him, and I suspect they will once (if) that #88 guy gets back.
On the Ugh side . . . Michal Rozsival. He actually made a couple of good plays in the third period, but the giveaway that led to Derek Dorsett's goal just . . . can't . . . happen. See: Mugatu (above).
Paging Mr. Bickell . . . Bryan Bickell?
So the Hawks remain a work in progress, but an improving one. With big tests remaining over the last five games of the regular season, two games against the Blues among others.
Tonight, the Hawks faceoff versus the Sabres in Western New York.
It's important (obviously) not to have a letdown against a team "you should beat." Gametime, 7PM Eastern/6 Central. CSN-CH,MSG-B,BELL TV.
Guessing you'll see Darling in net.
I'll recap tomorrow,
JJ