Don’t look now, but our third line center is in the top 30 in NHL scoring. Yes, wish he would have had a better start to the season, but no doubt he’s producing now. Also no coincidence that with our PK improving, so is our winning percentage. Stay out of the box and kill penalties when needed, and we will keep trending up.

What would the league do if you have more players with NMC's than you are allowed to protect?

Winning 4 games in a row is a good thing - certainly better then losing 1 or more of those games - but let's put those wins into perspective. They came against 3 of the worst teams in the league (Anaheim, Ottawa and Montreal) and the other was against one of the worst defensive teams on a night their goalie was leaking like a sieve.

That said, it's not just the opposition that is noteworthy - also noteworthy is the improvements in the Hawks since earlier in the season, specifically team defense and the PK. The attention to playing on the defensive side of the puck as a 5-man unit is noticeable by the reduced number of odd-man breaks screaming in on our goalies game in and game out. That aspect alone has been reduced from an epidemic to an occasional cough. There is more cohesiveness and the results show.

They're still a bubble team but there is improvement. I'll hang my hat on that.

Sikura reassigned to Rockford.

I've pretty much been a Stanbo supporter but I'll be pissed if he trades away anything that looks like a future piece or picks for a short term gain to get a ticket to the dance.
- HawkintheD

Without any inside sources, I would guess that Stan won’t do that - but also, if his team is contending for a tournament spot in a month, he won’t make any “sell-off” deals like Saad, Crawford/Lehner, etc. for future potential. Maybe he’d move Gus, but who slides in for him?

He’ll ride this group as long as it’s contending for the post-season, but won’t try to add any short-term fixes that costs any good prospects.

I've pretty much been a Stanbo supporter but I'll be pissed if he trades away anything that looks like a future piece or picks for a short term gain to get a ticket to the dance.
- HawkintheD

Me as well and agreed. I don't see Stan trading any of the key youth for a short-term fix, even if the Hawks make the playoffs they're not a contender. I wouldn't be surprised to see Stan deal some of the B or C level prospects like Sikura, but I'd expect something more than a short-term rental.

Without any inside sources, I would guess that Stan won’t do that - but also, if his team is contending for a tournament spot in a month, he won’t make any “sell-off” deals like Saad, Crawford/Lehner, etc. for future potential. Maybe he’d move Gus, but who slides in for him?

He’ll ride this group as long as it’s contending for the post-season, but won’t try to add any short-term fixes that costs any good prospects.
- StLBravesFan

I know it can't be done until, but I'd like to see Saad sign an extension with the Hawks. I have a feeling Saad will want to test free agency, which is his right, but Chicago needs more guys like him, not less.

With Kane, Toews, Debrincat, Strome (when healthy), Saad and Kubalik the Hawks have a real solid top 6. Cagguila and Shaw (when healthy) add some depth and flexibilty to the top 9. Kampf-Carpenter-Highmore can be an effective 4th line.

Winning 4 games in a row is a good thing - certainly better then losing 1 or more of those games - but let's put those wins into perspective. They came against 3 of the worst teams in the league (Anaheim, Ottawa and Montreal) and the other was against one of the worst defensive teams on a night their goalie was leaking like a sieve.

That said, it's not just the opposition that is noteworthy - also noteworthy is the improvements in the Hawks since earlier in the season, specifically team defense and the PK. The attention to playing on the defensive side of the puck as a 5-man unit is noticeable by the reduced number of odd-man breaks screaming in on our goalies game in and game out. That aspect alone has been reduced from an epidemic to an occasional cough. There is more cohesiveness and the results show.

They're still a bubble team but there is improvement. I'll hang my hat on that.
- EbonyRaptor

The 5 man unit thing you mention was noticeable last night on more than one occasion. As the Leafs moved the puck on the Chicago side of the red line you could see 5 Hawks in the picture fairly tightly bunched. So the Dmen had support and outlets when they got possession of the puck. And when that happens even guys like Gus and KKKK look proficient.

Still don't like their chances of a playoff spot but its a crazy league this year. Goaltenders are dropping like flies (Florida, Arizona, Columbus, Philly, Boston) and many teams have little or no depth on their blueline due to injuries (Winnipeg, Toronto, Pittsburgh).

Without any inside sources, I would guess that Stan won’t do that - but also, if his team is contending for a tournament spot in a month, he won’t make any “sell-off” deals like Saad, Crawford/Lehner, etc. for future potential. Maybe he’d move Gus, but who slides in for him?

He’ll ride this group as long as it’s contending for the post-season, but won’t try to add any short-term fixes that costs any good prospects.
- StLBravesFan

While it would be great to be able to take advantage of other teams at the TDL, I’d be fine if they keep winning and play at least a round after the regular season.

I know, that’s a loser formula, but anyone who doesn’t think the rebuild is already going on isn’t reading the tea leaves properly.

On Gus, when does Mitchell’s season end again? Idk, getting nothing for Gus wouldn’t be ideal, but like you said, who slides in for him.

They may have to sort some of this out after the season if that happens but I’d be ok with that. They have mostly players on affordable deals that could be dealt and maybe sniffing around a playoff spot makes a few of them a tad more desirable.

The 5 man unit thing you mention was noticeable last night on more than one occasion. As the Leafs moved the puck on the Chicago side of the red line you could see 5 Hawks in the picture fairly tightly bunched. So the Dmen had support and outlets when they got possession of the puck. And when that happens even guys like Gus and KKKK look proficient.

Still don't like their chances of a playoff spot but its a crazy league this year. Goaltenders are dropping like flies (Florida, Arizona, Columbus, Philly, Boston) and many teams have little or no depth on their blueline due to injuries (Winnipeg, Toronto, Pittsburgh).
- RickJ

Gotta wondered what FLA would pony up for Crow. Re-sign LA and bring up Lankinen for some stars to see what he can do on the big stage.

What would the league do if you have more players with NMC's than you are allowed to protect?
- rpeters01

Would be better if each club could only hand out a certain # of NMC

While it would be great to be able to take advantage of other teams at the TDL, I’d be fine if they keep winning and play at least a round after the regular season.

I know, that’s a loser formula, but anyone who doesn’t think the rebuild is already going on isn’t reading the tea leaves properly.

On Gus, when does Mitchell’s season end again? Idk, getting nothing for Gus wouldn’t be ideal, but like you said, who slides in for him.

They may have to sort some of this out after the season if that happens but I’d be ok with that. They have mostly players on affordable deals that could be dealt and maybe sniffing around a playoff spot makes a few of them a tad more desirable.
- HawkintheD

That's the tough part about the position the Hawks are in now. They have to risk losing UFAs for nothing with no guarantee of making the playoffs. Do you sacrifice the team's chances for the post season for mid-round picks? No. A decent first round pick would be something to consider.

How long are we sticking with Carpenter at 2C? Can’t be forever. I’d like to try this when everyone is healthy:

Kubalik-Toews-Caggiula
Saad-Shaw/Dach-Kane
DeBrincat-Strome-Shaw/Dach
Smith-Carpenter-Kampf
Nylander

Keith-Boqvist
Gustafsson-Murphy
Maatta-(TDL acquisition/Mitchell??)
Koekkoek/Gilbert

Lehner
Crawford

If we do stay on this run and do decide to upgrade at the TDL what options are out there to help further strengthen the defense??
- SimpleJack

Love those lines. Shaw Saad Kane has worked in the past ( that is if Shaw comes back) Dach Strome and Cat was good before Cat got hurt. And it finally puts Kampf where he belongs, the 4th line

Both those guys suck. Ahl quality
- vandymeer23

Sikura reassigned to Rockford.
- DarthKane

Shocking.

Gotta wondered what FLA would pony up for Crow. Re-sign LA and bring up Lankinen for some stars to see what he can do on the big stage.
- Assman22

Tallon and Q can't be liking that $10M/yr. long term deal they handed out to Bobo. They are down to their ECHL goalies I think.

Luckily they can score a lot of goals but even so they are no cinch for a playoff spot.

I don't see the Hawks trading either of their goaltenders unless they completely fade from contention before the TDL.

Shocking.
- Elbows15

Where he belongs

Sikura reassigned to Rockford.
- DarthKane

Tyler just tweeted it correctly: “Just trade the guy and put him out of his misery.”

While it would be great to be able to take advantage of other teams at the TDL, I’d be fine if they keep winning and play at least a round after the regular season.

I know, that’s a loser formula, but anyone who doesn’t think the rebuild is already going on isn’t reading the tea leaves properly.

On Gus, when does Mitchell’s season end again? Idk, getting nothing for Gus wouldn’t be ideal, but like you said, who slides in for him.

They may have to sort some of this out after the season if that happens but I’d be ok with that. They have mostly players on affordable deals that could be dealt and maybe sniffing around a playoff spot makes a few of them a tad more desirable.
- HawkintheD

Mitchell season ends when Denver is eliminated from the NCAA hockey tournament. Could be anywhere from the middle of March until after the Hawks season has ended. Be nice if Denver goes to the Frozen Four and the Hawks don't have to burn a year of his ELC for a couple of games.

On HNIC last night one of the guys on there was talking about the Hawks goalie situation, Namely Lehner. He said Lehner told him outright that he wants to be "Paid what's fair" So any deal involving him won't be cheap or short considering his numbers the past two seasons.

Tallon and Q can't be liking that $10M/yr. long term deal they handed out to Bobo. They are down to their ECHL goalies I think.

Luckily they can score a lot of goals but even so they are no cinch for a playoff spot.

I don't see the Hawks trading either of their goaltenders unless they completely fade from contention before the TDL.
- RickJ

Tallon signing goalies is always a bad mix.

On HNIC last night one of the guys on there was talking about the Hawks goalie situation, Namely Lehner. He said Lehner told him outright that he wants to be "Paid what's fair" So any deal involving him won't be cheap or short considering his numbers the past two seasons.
- GPHawksfan

They left out regrettable. Fair and regrettable.

Does Hagel get a shot tonight or does he enjoy the fare at the UC?

Tyler just tweeted it correctly: “Just trade the guy and put him out of his misery.”
- StLBravesFan

Not a very big market for 150 lb wingers who have trouble scoring.

Mitchell season ends when Denver is eliminated from the NCAA hockey tournament. Could be anywhere from the middle of March until after the Hawks season has ended. Be nice if Denver goes to the Frozen Four and the Hawks don't have to burn a year of his ELC for a couple of games.
- Elbows15

Except that it gets him signed and lets us all see some of what he’s got. Cale Makur had a nice playoff run last season after leaving UMass, leading to a probable Calder this season (all due respect to Kubalik).

Even tho it’s 75% or more that he signs after this season anyways, better to have the incentive of burning the year (a two-year advantage on his next contract, I think) rather than giving him time to think.