I'm not too worried about that Thanksgiving number. As someone else pointed out, that means 24% do make the playoffs. So basically, 6 of 8 positions are locked in. The more important one is Xmas. I think the percent is over 90%, so the Hawks have to be in the mix by then. The other thing not considered is probably games in hand. Anyway, the next couple weeks are going to really dictate whether they are playoff-caliber. 2 against Colorado, St. Louis, and Arizona. Also games at Boston and Vegas.

Couldn't agree more: whoever gets the call needs to make the most of the opportunity. I think your projected water level for each of them is spot on.

Also, I tend to agree that it's starting to appear that Sikura may not be in the Hawks plans anymore and may need to find his chance elsewhere.
- AEL_Fox

If Sikura isn't in Chicago's plans hopefully they deal him quickly to a team that will give him a shot. It would be nice to see him reunited with his college centre, Gaudette, in Vancouver. I don't image the return would be too much for Sikura, likely a mid round pick or B level prospect.

Looks like Arizona are very happy with Smaltz & Hinistrosa
Lots of minutes including first PP for Smaltz

That could very well be it. Merit isn't the only reason for call-ups so fit within a system as well as type of player needed are also factors. With Caggiula on LTIR, the opening may have called for player of his ilk and Highmore does fill it better than Sikura or Wedin.

However, with Strome in concussion protocol, a prospect like Sikura with skill, vision, and hockey sense could have been the fill in. Instead, management went with Wedin who isn't stellar at any one thing and is simply an industrious worker. Nothing wrong with that if that fits what Colliton needs.
- AEL_Fox

Sikura will be a quality 200 foot player somewhere in this league - he can skate, play in all three zones, play responsibly - he will score in The Show because he’s scored everywhere else.

Not sure why he wouldn’t fit into Colliton’s version of Brind’amour”s system, but I wish he’d get more than a 38 game shot here.

But - I don’t see all of the little things he may not be able to do....

Happy Thanksgiving Tyler and fellow hawks fans. Tyler great write up.

Chicago being a points behind a 2nd wildcard spot might seem realistic in making the playoffs, however Chicago hasn't put together or shown they can go on a serious run.

I believe those early games that Chicago missed out on will be their downfall again , just like last year.

I've read Montreal has been scouting Chicago heavily as of late, any insight whom their interest is in and if a trade manifests , do you foresee a deal of Gus , Dylan sikura for one of Montreal's young top prospects?

4 of 4...3 of 4...that would be great point split in the Avs back-to-back.

BUT, at minimum, we need a split and grab 2 points.

The next 8-10 games are key to the hawks joining the Wild card pack. We presently have a couple games in hand and need a few point from these extra games to join the party. Go Hawks. Grab at least one win...hopefully TWO!!!

Looks like Arizona are very happy with Smaltz & Hinistrosa
Lots of minutes including first PP for Smaltz
- Colbyboy

That said. Not missed in our current roster or salary position.

I wish them well. But up front, we are fine. I am happy that they (and Arizona) are happy.

(And although I was not a Schmaltz fan, I liked what Hinostrosa brought. But, it is still just 3-4 line play, and PK...and I think our PK is coming around nicely...)

Looks like Arizona are very happy with Smaltz & Hinistrosa
Lots of minutes including first PP for Smaltz
- Colbyboy

So Schmaltz is playing well for a team which is designed to succeed with an overwhelming amount of speed throughout their lineup.

I have noticed too as far as points scored among dmen goes, that OEL (a favorite of wiz) is roughly the same as many other of their dmen but is definitely trailing Soderberg, their 2019 #1 round selection.

Furthermore, C Dvorek has begun scoring although other promising talent, Fischer and Hayton, are playing well but not yet producing much point - wise

Actually Keller and Garland - two opposite in their career path and glowing original scouting report - are offensive leaders. Kessell has not given much at least on scoreheet.

So here is a team with a lineup which is not scaring anyone although I wonder how their impressive skill/skating set of dmen is activated in their offensive generated attack. Note that and then recall 1) they as a young team had more points than us last season 2) they presently sit eight games over .500 with two games in hand. In terms of whom do we need to beat for even the last playoff spot, Phoenix looms large (!) with a big point lead roughly only one third of the season in the books.

I just wonder how they succeed in playoffs where teams play shutdown I mean rough and tight hockey.. How do you shut down all that speed? Will Schmaltz be like a deer in headlights come playoffs?

Happy Thanksgiving Tyler and fellow hawks fans. Tyler great write up.

Chicago being a points behind a 2nd wildcard spot might seem realistic in making the playoffs, however Chicago hasn't put together or shown they can go on a serious run.

I believe those early games that Chicago missed out on will be their downfall again , just like last year.

I've read Montreal has been scouting Chicago heavily as of late, any insight whom their interest is in and if a trade manifests , do you foresee a deal of Gus , Dylan sikura for one of Montreal's young top prospects?
- Taylorst1

With so many teams looking for two playoff spots, teams will be up and down - and so will the records of whichever city is in the wild card spots at any point in time.

I think the Hawks less need a serious run than they need to avoid long losing streaks.

As of this morning, Nashville has the best PPG of the contending teams - on pace for 89 points over the season.

Happy Thanksgiving Tyler and fellow hawks fans. Tyler great write up.

Chicago being a points behind a 2nd wildcard spot might seem realistic in making the playoffs, however Chicago hasn't put together or shown they can go on a serious run.

I believe those early games that Chicago missed out on will be their downfall again , just like last year.

I've read Montreal has been scouting Chicago heavily as of late, any insight whom their interest is in and if a trade manifests , do you foresee a deal of Gus , Dylan sikura for one of Montreal's young top prospects?
- Taylorst1

Some on twitter are dismissing Bergeron’s presence as simply still having roots (a home?) in Chicago and say he’s at the UC and the Rock a lot. I have no idea whether that’s true or not.

Also have heard that the Habs really wanted Beaudin. So that could be a thing too. They need to do something, Habs are on a pretty rough patch of late - Price hasn’t been Price lately either. Last night’s game was chock full of odd man rushes for the NJD. And NJD aren’t that great a team.

Some on twitter are dismissing Bergeron’s presence as simply still having roots (a home?) in Chicago and say he’s at the UC and the Rock a lot. I have no idea whether that’s true or not.

Also have heard that the Habs really wanted Beaudin. So that could be a thing too. They need to do something, Habs are on a pretty rough patch of late - Price hasn’t been Price lately either. Last night’s game was chock full of odd man rushes for the NJD. And NJD aren’t that great a team.
- Marlowe

Montreal has two highly touted. Centers and both are first round sekectiions. Suzuki is playing well and getting goals)points as a rookie.

The other guy suffered a concussion but has returned. Yet there is Drouin, playing well then knocked out with a long term injury

Keep in mind that Montreal has been criticized as being weak at the center position the past few years.

So does Montreal try to trade a center for Beaudin?

You have read AEL_FOX scouting report on Beaudin at Rockford this season.He had the smarts and skill to be a second pair. He is noted for his reads and understanding how to play defense yet he has to inject his body more in contact even in simple plays and not be over reliant upon stick checks and spacing.

So a former NHL dman covets him. But if Bowman wants another center to eventually replace the fading Toews, it is not a Bowman preference to add a rough and tumble forward but rather a fast smaller type. Until he drafted Dach whom is sort of a hybrid.

Personally I like Beaudin and would rather try to draft a center with our 2020 #1

Some on twitter are dismissing Bergeron’s presence as simply still having roots (a home?) in Chicago and say he’s at the UC and the Rock a lot. I have no idea whether that’s true or not.

Also have heard that the Habs really wanted Beaudin. So that could be a thing too. They need to do something, Habs are on a pretty rough patch of late - Price hasn’t been Price lately either. Last night’s game was chock full of odd man rushes for the NJD. And NJD aren’t that great a team.
- Marlowe

I heard that the Habs game was heavily scouted including the Hawks' Gord Donnelly. Of course the majority could have been there simply for the buffet at the Bell Centre.
https://mobile.twitter.co...tatus/1200196816538603521

At the trade deadline Bowman could face a conundrundom:

too many NHL dmen with one to likely loose to expansion draft.. Yet if he trades one at deadline, the team may not play well enough to challenge for a playoff spot.

Respectfully,

Parity not parody.

Unless that was a double entendre???

At the trade deadline Bowman could face a conundrundom:

too many NHL dmen with one to likely loose to expansion draft.. Yet if he trades one at deadline, the team may not play well enough to challenge for a playoff spot.
- jhawk59

If we are in a serious run for a playoff spot at the Trade Deadline, then....that's a problem I HOPE Stan has!!!

Some on twitter are dismissing Bergeron’s presence as simply still having roots (a home?) in Chicago and say he’s at the UC and the Rock a lot. I have no idea whether that’s true or not.

Also have heard that the Habs really wanted Beaudin. So that could be a thing too. They need to do something, Habs are on a pretty rough patch of late - Price hasn’t been Price lately either. Last night’s game was chock full of odd man rushes for the NJD. And NJD aren’t that great a team.
- Marlowe

Bergy does have a home in the west suburbs plus family and friends. Good excuse to go on a scouting trip.

Looks like Arizona are very happy with Smaltz & Hinistrosa
Lots of minutes including first PP for Smaltz
- Colbyboy[/quote]


Perfect spot for him as well as the shootout. I think he might be a threat on the PK as well with his reach so long as he put in the effort. But he's still a prince out there.

[quote=Colbyboy]Looks like Arizona are very happy with Smaltz & Hinistrosa
Lots of minutes including first PP for Smaltz
- 6628[/quote]


Perfect spot for him as well as the shootout. I think he might be a threat on the PK as well with his reach so long as he put in the effort. But he's still a prince out there.

I'm happy he's apparently recovered from getting his knee wrecked last year

I don’t have a preference between Wedin, Sikura and Highmore. I think it all comes down to which guys can make the most of the opportunity they’re given. I think Wedin and Highmore could find their niche in the bottom 6. I think Sikura could fill a role in the top 9, but I’m starting to lose confidence that he’ll get that chance in Chicago.
- DarthKane

I always look at things through the glasses of being a winning team. I don't think Sikura is a top 9 player on a winning NHL team. Sikura himself said last year the talent is better in the NHL v. AHL duh, and he may have to become a bottom 6 guy to make it in the NHL. Therefore I don't get too excited either way bottom 3 guys especially are a dime a dozen...

Looks like Arizona are very happy with Smaltz & Hinistrosa
Lots of minutes including first PP for Smaltz
- Colbyboy

Didn't he pitch for the Atlanta Braves before hockey?

So Schmaltz is playing well for a team which is designed to succeed with an overwhelming amount of speed throughout their lineup.

I have noticed too as far as points scored among dmen goes, that OEL (a favorite of wiz) is roughly the same as many other of their dmen but is definitely trailing Soderberg, their 2019 #1 round selection.

Furthermore, C Dvorek has begun scoring although other promising talent, Fischer and Hayton, are playing well but not yet producing much point - wise

Actually Keller and Garland - two opposite in their career path and glowing original scouting report - are offensive leaders. Kessell has not given much at least on scoreheet.

So here is a team with a lineup which is not scaring anyone although I wonder how their impressive skill/skating set of dmen is activated in their offensive generated attack. Note that and then recall 1) they as a young team had more points than us last season 2) they presently sit eight games over .500 with two games in hand. In terms of whom do we need to beat for even the last playoff spot, Phoenix looms large (!) with a big point lead roughly only one third of the season in the books.

I just wonder how they succeed in playoffs where teams play shutdown I mean rough and tight hockey.. How do you shut down all that speed? Will Schmaltz be like a deer in headlights come playoffs?
- jhawk59

Great question Hawk. I vote yes.

[quote=Colbyboy]Looks like Arizona are very happy with Smaltz & Hinistrosa
Lots of minutes including first PP for Smaltz
- 6628[/quote]


Perfect spot for him as well as the shootout. I think he might be a threat on the PK as well with his reach so long as he put in the effort. But he's still a prince out there.

Still happy with the trade as well. Strome’s been ok this year and depending on what they can sign him for is likely our 2C for a while.

He looks stronger on his skates this year and better along the boards.

Great question Hawk. I vote yes.
- 6628

I second that yes.

Didnt Stan really like/try to get Drouin several times when he was with TB? (Specifically they think/thought he would be a fit with Toews)

Drouin...while hurt now....has had issues in MTL

If Bergevin has been scouting the Hawks, maybe Drouin is the guy Hawks are looking to get? Another first round reclamation that Stan loves

Zach Smith (salary reasons)
Gus
Prospect (Sikura or Baudin)

Some on twitter are dismissing Bergeron’s presence as simply still having roots (a home?) in Chicago and say he’s at the UC and the Rock a lot. I have no idea whether that’s true or not.

Also have heard that the Habs really wanted Beaudin. So that could be a thing too. They need to do something, Habs are on a pretty rough patch of late - Price hasn’t been Price lately either. Last night’s game was chock full of odd man rushes for the NJD. And NJD aren’t that great a team.
- Marlowe

When a team has Brett Kulak and Mike Rielly playing regular minutes on their backend, you know their General Manager will be out looking for actual NHL Dmen to replace those 2 stiffs. Lose 6 in a row and all of Montreal goes on suicide watch. So Bergevin likely was looking at any number of Hawks or Rockford Dmen, especially left hand shots.

Lets just hope he can't seduce Bowman by offering Dale Weise as a trade chip.