The Hawks and Ducks battled for the third and final time this past Thursday. The Hawks have had their number this season, winning 1-0 and 7-2 in their previous meetings, so this was a game that many could fairly circle as a good opportunity for a moral victory. That would not be the case, as the Ducks would wake up and pretty much have their way with the Hawks, who seemed like a team that just cared about getting to the end of this season rather than actually putting in a decent effort. With Blackwell hurt, Coach Richardson went with the 11-7 line-up and scratched Entwistle for Tinordi. While I am not Entwistle’s biggest fan and normally would be happy to see him out of the lineup, with the way Tinordi played in this one, I would have gladly taken the lackluster play of Entwistle. The reason Tinordi made the lineup was because the team wanted to add some toughness, and given how the last meeting between these two teams went, that seemed like a smart move if the player you are looking to play tough actually did just that. After a completely unnecessary fight in the first, Tinordi seemed to just get worse and worse as the game went on. He would finish the game -3 and was completely outmuscled by Alex Killorn in front of the net to get the Ducks scoring started. If there was any debate on whether or not to re-sign Tinordi this off-season, I think this game was the exclamation mark on the no-way.
In a previous blog, I talked about how these last few games of the season would be a great chance for younger players and bubble guys to get in on the action, get some NHL minutes, and make a case for where they should be going next season. One of the players that I wanted to keep an eye on was Wyatt Kaiser, who was called up before the Kings game. So far in his two games back from Rockford, I thought he looked pretty good and more like the player he was that made this team out of camp. He isn’t going to be the sexiest player out there, but I really am liking him being part of this D-Core going forward. Vlasic and Korchinski are going to be seen as “the guys,” but Kaiser definitely has the potential to be the fourth guy in the top four.
Next Up
The Hawks will close out their west coast trip with the final round of the Celebrini Bowl as they take on the San Jose Sharks for the final time this season. These teams are currently separated by four points for last place and the best odds to win the draft lottery, and the Sharks do have one game in hand on the Hawks. Just like the Ducks, the Hawks have had San Jose's number this year, winning both of their previous meetings, including the wild three goals in 1:23 last Sunday. Unlike the Ducks, I feel more confident the Hawks will complete the season sweep tonight, as the Sharks are by far the weaker team and built to finish last. They are 1-8-1 in their last 10 games and currently own a six-game losing streak, with their last win coming two weeks ago when they beat the Ottawa Senators 2-1.
Projected Lineup
As of this writing, I do not have the projected lineup for the Hawks, but I think it is safe to assume a few things. First, the team will go back to a 12-6 lineup, with Entwistle making it back to ice. The only question will be: who is the odd man out on defense? After Thursday's performance, you have to imagine it would be Tinordi, but I guess we will just have to wait and see. Secondly, Mrazek will be back in the net. One of the few bright spots this season has been Mrazek staying healthy and showing what he can do. When he was originally acquired at the draft a few years ago, it seemed like a countdown until he was off the books and no longer our problem. However, after his play this year, if he can keep this going, I wouldn’t hate to see him on this team until KD is 100 percent sure one or two of Commesso, Stauber, or Gajan are ready to take over the crease for good.
That’s going to be it from me today, puck drop is set for 9:30pm central time so if you plan on watching the last round of the toilet bowl make sure you get a nap and a few extra cups of coffee in your system. As always, Lets Go Hawks!
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