So being on the optimistic side of things cuz why not with everyone being a Debbie downer most days...

I hadn't had a chance to look at the standings in awhile (haven't really felt a need to do so with the Hawks play as of late), but I find it VERY interesting that the "final four" teams that would get in at this point would be Arizona, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary (all Pacific Division teams) and the the next four teams are Winnipeg, Minnesota, Nashville, and Chicago.

I don't think that all four of the teams in now are going to end up making it in, and none of them really scare of me in terms of IF the Hawks were able to continue to compete that they couldn't either beat them in a game or catch them in the standings. As we all well know, the Central Division is a clusterf**k with everyone beating up on each other, and likely one or two of those teams will find there way into things come the end. I think we can all agree more than likely Nashville would be one of those teams because out of the eight teams mentioned they have the most talent and they will likely find their way at some point. IF the Hawks could find a way to string together some wins its very possible they could see themselves in this going into the last leg of the season.

Big set of games coming up...

Calgary (one of the teams they're chasing)
Nashville (we already know)
Ducks (outta it and a MUST win)
Sens (outta it and a MUST win)
Habs (out of the Playoffs but still fighting)
Leafs (coming on strong)
Jets (we already know)
Panthers (same boat as the Hawks)

If the Hawks can walk away with 10+ points from that stretch of games that could change the season for them. Few tough games in there, but a lot of winnable games coming up that could help them get back into the hunt. Up to them if they wanna make it happen or not

Even thinking about making deals to trade assets to make the playoffs would be foolish given the number and severity of the injuries that have already hit the team.

deHaan was the best defenseman this year when he went down, and Keith is not playing like the Keith of three years ago. No team with that blue line should be trading assets to make the playoffs - it will kill them down the road.

Which also begs the question - given that, why lock up one of these two goaltenders at big bucks long-term when it doesn't appear that relevance is imminent.

So being on the optimistic side of things cuz why not with everyone being a Debbie downer most days...

I hadn't had a chance to look at the standings in awhile (haven't really felt a need to do so with the Hawks play as of late), but I find it VERY interesting that the "final four" teams that would get in at this point would be Arizona, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary (all Pacific Division teams) and the the next four teams are Winnipeg, Minnesota, Nashville, and Chicago.

I don't think that all four of the teams in now are going to end up making it in, and none of them really scare of me in terms of IF the Hawks were able to continue to compete that they couldn't either beat them in a game or catch them in the standings. As we all well know, the Central Division is a clusterf**k with everyone beating up on each other, and likely one or two of those teams will find there way into things come the end. I think we can all agree more than likely Nashville would be one of those teams because out of the eight teams mentioned they have the most talent and they will likely find their way at some point. IF the Hawks could find a way to string together some wins its very possible they could see themselves in this going into the last leg of the season.

Big set of games coming up...

Calgary (one of the teams they're chasing)
Nashville (we already know)
Ducks (outta it and a MUST win)
Sens (outta it and a MUST win)
Habs (out of the Playoffs but still fighting)
Leafs (coming on strong)
Jets (we already know)
Panthers (same boat as the Hawks)

If the Hawks can walk away with 10+ points from that stretch of games that could change the season for them. Few tough games in there, but a lot of winnable games coming up that could help them get back into the hunt. Up to them if they wanna make it happen or not
- Savetheembers33

Its a race to 95 points since thats what it takes to make the playoffs most years.

That means they will have to play at a .653 point collection clip to get there. They are currently running along at a pedestrian .511 pace. I don't like their chances, do you?

Could be Saad for a defenseman on a short deal, plus candy.

I'd rather see Saad for picks/prospects.
- mohel

Saad is a Pittsburgh boy, so he might request to be traded to the Pens. And if the Hawks are looking for a dman, hopefully not Jack Johnson (plus picks & prospects). God that would totally sucks.

Even thinking about making deals to trade assets to make the playoffs would be foolish given the number and severity of the injuries that have already hit the team.

deHaan was the best defenseman this year when he went down, and Keith is not playing like the Keith of three years ago. No team with that blue line should be trading assets to make the playoffs - it will kill them down the road.

Which also begs the question - given that, why lock up one of these two goaltenders at big bucks long-term when it doesn't appear that relevance is imminent.
- jrsamu

Lehner, I can understand as long as he doesn't start his asking at Bobrovsky's numbers. I just don't think the FO will let this team sink to DET levels with Kane, Toews, Keith still on the team. I can't see Crawford getting anything more than a 2-year contract given age, performance, and history.

Its a race to 95 points since thats what it takes to make the playoffs most years.

That means they will have to play at a .653 point collection clip to get there. They are currently running along at a pedestrian .511 pace. I don't like their chances, do you?
- RickJ

My understanding the Hawks had the toughest strength of schedule in the NHL, starting with Detroit this starts to even out a bit. Lets see how they handle the remaining 3 games on the home schedule, it's befuddling the team seems to play much better on the road then at home.

Its a race to 95 points since thats what it takes to make the playoffs most years.

That means they will have to play at a .653 point collection clip to get there. They are currently running along at a pedestrian .511 pace. I don't like their chances, do you?
- RickJ

I'm not saying I would put my money on them making the Playoffs, but I can see a way in which they could do it if they can find some level of consistency as a team specifically on Defense.

My understanding the Hawks had the toughest strength of schedule in the NHL, starting with Detroit this starts to even out a bit. Lets see how they handle the remaining 3 games on the home schedule, it's befuddling the team seems to play much better on the road then at home.
- LAHawk

That's the pressure of expectation to live up to the standards the team has put out the past decade

Saad is a Pittsburgh boy, so he might request to be traded to the Pens. And if the Hawks are looking for a dman, hopefully not Jack Johnson (plus picks & prospects). God that would totally sucks.
- squishy24

Not saying that the Pens prospects suck, but their cupboard is pretty bare. Nothing there really excites me to wanna work something out with them. They're kinda in the same boat as us. Trying to stay afloat with a rash of injuries and an aging core. If he requested to be traded there I would keep him, but that's not something they would need to worry about now. This summer is when his NTC kicks in and he could make requests like that.

Not saying that the Pens prospects suck, but their cupboard is pretty bare. Nothing there really excites me to wanna work something out with them. They're kinda in the same boat as us. Trying to stay afloat with a rash of injuries and an aging core. If HIS FATHER requested to be traded there I would keep him, but that's not something they would need to worry about now. This summer is when his NTC kicks in and he could make requests like that.
- Savetheembers33

Fixed. His father made it clear the last time the hawks negotiated with him, he will go where he can get the best offer.

Well, we (some) believe that a rebuild is necessary to fix the team long term because of the team struggling the past few years and their farm system being pretty bare the past few years. However, there is a lot of talent on this team. Am I saying that this can be a sure fire Playoff team with a trade or two? I mean it's possible but unlikely. (especially if it cost them top prospect and draft pick capital). Would it make them a Cup contender? HIGHLY unlikely, but could they get back to being a competitive team next year with a strong offseason? It's possible, but at some point this team is gonna crash down once the high end talent is gone. IF they did fire Stan than more than likely a new GM would wanna rebuild things for a longer window to compete.

Bears biggest problem was finding success too soon last year when they weren't ready for it. Expectations have always been a downfall of teams in this city unfortunately.
- Savetheembers33

One thing never talked about: last year they played all last place teams from the year before outside the division. This year they played all first place teams due to coming in first last season. Next year they will play all third place teams.

I get what you are saying, it's better to get some type of asset in return for guys on expiring contracts, especially if the playoffs are not a possibility. You don't really want to be in a situation like Columbus last year, all in on guys with expiring deals and nothing to show for it when all is said and done.

All that being said, please explain which teams "sped up their rebuilds" at the trade deadline. This myth of tanking or stockpiling picks and prospects to speed a rebuild in the NHL is just not reality. EDM, BUF, TOR, ARZ, and on an on. The successful teams in the cap era have taken years to build championship rosters by a variety of different methods. Chi, LA, BOS, Pit, ANA, WAS, STL. None of them were quick rebuilds.
- TheTrob

I guess it depends on semantics, but Boston in 2015 (2016? no time to look it up) sold off some vets and had 3 first round picks. Now, the talent they had to sell was probably better, but that doesn't mean the Hawks can't maximize their assets.

No reason to sell for anything less than #2's. Otherwise you are giving up guys who can play for guys who likely will never play. Exceptions are Smith and tanking...
- rpeters01

and Gus... he's not part of the future, take the best offer at the deadline and ship him out.

Well, we (some) believe that a rebuild is necessary to fix the team long term because of the team struggling the past few years and their farm system being pretty bare the past few years. However, there is a lot of talent on this team. Am I saying that this can be a sure fire Playoff team with a trade or two? I mean it's possible but unlikely. (especially if it cost them top prospect and draft pick capital). Would it make them a Cup contender? HIGHLY unlikely, but could they get back to being a competitive team next year with a strong offseason? It's possible, but at some point this team is gonna crash down once the high end talent is gone. IF they did fire Stan than more than likely a new GM would wanna rebuild things for a longer window to compete.

Bears biggest problem was finding success too soon last year when they weren't ready for it. Expectations have always been a downfall of teams in this city unfortunately.
- Savetheembers33

No the Bears biggest problem is that Pace is an idiot when it comes to QBs. Extends Cutler, signs Glennon and then takes trubisky over Mahomes and Watson - what a clown. His first round picks have been a disaster except for Roquan. Trubisky has played 30 plus games and still can't read a defense a total bust. Not to mention he can't throw downfield worth a crap. I love how they fired the position coaches considering the players Pace gave them to work with on Oline and Tight end especially. The oline is a trainwreck and Pace extended both tackles rediculous.

As far as the Hawks at least some of the kids are getting some experience. Can't see them making the playoffs but if they somehow pulled it off still an early exit.

No the Bears biggest problem is that Pace is an idiot when it comes to QBs. Extends Cutler, signs Glennon and then takes trubisky over Mahomes and Watson - what a clown. His first round picks have been a disaster except for Roquan. Trubisky has played 30 plus games and still can't read a defense a total bust. Not to mention he can't throw downfield worth a crap. I love how they fired the position coaches considering the players Pace gave them to work with on Oline and Tight end especially. The oline is a trainwreck and Pace extended both tackles rediculous.

As far as the Hawks at least some of the kids are getting some experience. Can't see them making the playoffs but if they somehow pulled it off still an early exit.
- DK002

Mahomes college numbers were mind boggling. I don't buy it was difficult to tell who would be the better pro between he and Mitch. And then to trade up! Teddy Bridgewater is better than Trumissky will ever be. We should be able to sign him for the crazy amount we paid Daniels unless somebody else sees him as a #1. Indy, Washington, Chargers, Raiders, Jets, there are a few teams with unknown QB's.

Its a race to 95 points since thats what it takes to make the playoffs most years.

That means they will have to play at a .653 point collection clip to get there. They are currently running along at a pedestrian .511 pace. I don't like their chances, do you?
- RickJ

The Athletic has them at 17% probability of the playoffs as of this morning, with a point projection of 85 points at 37-34-11.

They have CLG getting WC #2 with 92 points

The Athletic has them at 17% probability of the playoffs as of this morning, with a point projection of 85 points at 37-34-11.

They have CLG getting WC #2 with 92 points
- scottak

What, even without Frolik?

so whats the feel for Gilbert's play this year? is he a long term keeper or just holding down a space until the next waive of D comes in next year?

so whats the feel for Gilbert's play this year? is he a long term keeper or just holding down a space until the next waive of D comes in next year?
- glennjpawlak22

Speaking of the next wave, anyone get any scoop on Mitchell's play at the Spengler Cup?

Fixed. His father made it clear the last time the hawks negotiated with him, he will go where he can get the best offer.
- LAHawk

Very true, but I don't think it will go that way this time around. He was young and didn't know how to handle the situation the best way at the time and it ended up with him being traded because his dad priced him out of their range. This time he will play where he wants to. Whether that is staying in Chicago (if they still want him), playing closer to his home with the Pens, taking the most money elsewhere, or picking a team he feels has the best chance to win.

Fixed. His father made it clear the last time the hawks negotiated with him, he will go where he can get the best offer.
- LAHawk

He's an RFA in two years and doesn't have and clauses that allow him to choose where he goes in a trade. The Hawks don't have to do poop that he or his father want.

Going back to before the season started - did anyone truly believe the Hawks were going to be a legitimate Cup contender? No, unless you're delusional. The best case scenario would be to contend for a playoff spot, and more importantly to get some young players experience so that the Hawks might get back to being a legitimate Cup contending team in a couple years.

That's where the team is at - isn't it? Dach and Boqvist are now regulars getting experience and showing great promise. Kubalik looks to be a keeper and one of the pieces for the next Cup run. A couple other young guys have shown some flashes and could be valuable pieces too.

So yeah the season is up and down but it pretty much like what we realistically hoped for.

Speaking of the next wave, anyone get any scoop on Mitchell's play at the Spengler Cup?
- nickmo2699

He looked alright. Didn't look overwhelmed but that talent in that tournament isn't top notch. He'll likely have a good career when he signs in Edmonton after he's done in college

One thing never talked about: last year they played all last place teams from the year before outside the division. This year they played all first place teams due to coming in first last season. Next year they will play all third place teams.
- rpeters01

Yeah people miss that. They had a much tougher schedule this year for sure, but they had a good 3 or 4 games in which they could have have won if they had made a few plays (GB WK1, Oakland, LA Chargers). As frustrating has Nagy and Mitch have been they aren't the complete mess people make them out to be. Gotta do some work to fix the O-line and get a healthy competent TE and then we'll see what they can do next year. Especially if Nagy stops trying to force Mitch into being something he's not (a pocket QB) and plays to his strengths or weaknesses depending on who you talk to lol

He looked alright. Didn't look overwhelmed but that talent in that tournament isn't top notch. He'll likely have a good career when he signs in Edmonton after he's done in college
- GPHawksfan