Should be a fun atmosphere tonight. Q is back and you know the Hawks will roll out the red carpet for him (which they should), and Kane is coming off point # 1,000. Also, big game to boot for both teams. The Panther and Hawks have both won five in a row. Panthers won a hard-fought game yesterday against the Wild. Bob was in net for them, wonder if the Hawks see their backup goalie. Doubting it, as I think Q will give himself every chance to win this game. Would love to go into the All-Star break on a six game winning streak, however I expect the Cats to be playing this game as hard as they have played all year in order to get Q a win in his return to Chicago.
- ChicagoHope

Q's former players are also gonna be fired up to beat their former coach. Should be a playoff atmosphere.

#thanksQ.

100% agree - going forward this team needs a true #1 so Lehner requires term & $$. He’s earned it.

Move Crawford at the deadline.
CC is one collision away from concussion & retirement.

Thus organization can no longer afford loyalty contracts handed out based on the Cup years.
- Colbyboy

Hopefully Bowman is taking this into consideration. Even though I liked the trades when made, he got burned badly this season by picking up injury prone players like deHaan and Shaw who played less than half a season and are signed for a few more years. When or if they come back, they are one good hit from another stint on the IR.

Of course you never know when any player will be seriously injured, but perhaps Stan should be more acutely aware of a player's injury history when signing him or trading for him. Caggiula falls into the same situation. Good depth player but another with a concussion history. Is it worth the gamble to re-sign him? He could be another Shaw.

Getting back to Crow, I would sign him as a backup on one of those 35 year old (he turned 35 on New Years Eve) veteran contracts with a low base salary and some incentive bonuses. He was quoted last week about how he still thinks he could be a #1 goalie which, to me, is code for wanting a contract in the 3 x 5M range. Don't get roped in Stan.

Today is Dach's birthday. Given his new age and lack of production I think it's time for the Hawks to move on from him and get younger.
- DarthKane

He still can't drink legally for 2 years. I wonder if Seabs let's him have a brew occasionally?

He still can't drink legally for 2 years. I wonder if Seabs let's him have a brew occasionally?
- boilermaker100

I’m sure Seabrook let’s Dach finish the bottom of the occasional beer bottle (which is mostly backwash).

Hopefully Bowman is taking this into consideration. Even though I liked the trades when made, he got burned badly this season by picking up injury prone players like deHaan and Shaw who played less than half a season and are signed for a few more years. When or if they come back, they are one good hit from another stint on the IR.

Of course you never know when any player will be seriously injured, but perhaps Stan should be more acutely aware of a player's injury history when signing him or trading for him. Caggiula falls into the same situation. Good depth player but another with a concussion history. Is it worth the gamble to re-sign him? He could be another Shaw.

Getting back to Crow, I would sign him as a backup on one of those 35 year old (he turned 35 on New Years Eve) veteran contracts with a low base salary and some incentive bonuses. He was quoted last week about how he still thinks he could be a #1 goalie which, to me, is code for wanting a contract in the 3 x 5M range. Don't get roped in Stan.
- boilermaker100

Literally all players are always susceptible to concussions. Yes, there are players that are a bit more susceptible after having one, but in reality, how many players who participate in contact sports haven’t had one?

GM’s take chances on injured players all the time. It’s a calculated risk depending on the quality of the player. Did I want to bring back Shaw? No, but that wasn’t because of his injury history. It was because I didn’t think he would bring what I thought we needed to the team (disciplined hockey).

Saad could net a first round pick for sure, especially with another season left on his contract.

I agree, I hope they don’t trade Saad. But he could be moved for cap reasons, especially if they feel the club cannot re-sign him when he becomes a UFA.
- DarthKane

If the Hawks continue their run, I doubt if Saad would be traded at the TDL. If he does get traded for cap space or to improve another area of the team, IMO it would happen in the off season before his modified NTC kicks in to give Bowman some more options. Unfortunately, the return for him at the TDL would be more since contenders are looking for that missing piece for a playoff run than after the season when he'll be a one year rental by that time.

Q's former players are also gonna be fired up to beat their former coach. Should be a playoff atmosphere.

#thanksQ.
- mohel

Not as big of a milestone, but Toews sitting at 799 career points. I'm sure he would like to get the next one tonight.

Not as big of a milestone, but Toews sitting at 799 career points. I'm sure he would like to get the next one tonight.
- boilermaker100

Perhaps another OT winner?

Literally all players are always susceptible to concussions. Yes, there are players that are a bit more susceptible after having one, but in reality, how many players who participate in contact sports haven’t had one?

GM’s take chances on injured players all the time. It’s a calculated risk depending on the quality of the player. Did I want to bring back Shaw? No, but that wasn’t because of his injury history. It was because I didn’t think he would bring what I thought we needed to the team (disciplined hockey).
- Chunk

Excellent point, Chunk. How many years have passed since Crosby had serious concussion problems? Toews had a couple, too.

Not saying they should sign Crow, but the concussion factor is overblown, imo.

Not as big of a milestone, but Toews sitting at 799 career points. I'm sure he would like to get the next one tonight.
- boilermaker100

Yep, the sibling rivalry.....I bet Johnny wants to horn in on the love going to Q and Kane tonight.

A little internal competition is good. Especially the last game before vacation.

If the Hawks continue their run, I doubt if Saad would be traded at the TDL. If he does get traded for cap space or to improve another area of the team, IMO it would happen in the off season before his modified NTC kicks in to give Bowman some more options. Unfortunately, the return for him at the TDL would be more since contenders are looking for that missing piece for a playoff run than after the season when he'll be a one year rental by that time.
- boilermaker100

If Saad gets traded at the TDL, who is on Kane’s left - Carpenter and Nylander? A left wing from Rockford? How does that sit with Kane?

Two goals for Saad and two assists for Kane in two games together - and a productive top line with Kubalik, Toews and Caggiula. They finally have two lines that may be working - add hopefully a resurgent AdB when Strome comes back with Dach, and Kampf, Smith, Nylander, Highmore, Hagel, Sikura, whoever on the bottom - could be worse (could be raining).

Leave Saad here if they’re still in contention.

Yep, the sibling rivalry.....I bet Johnny wants to horn in on the love going to Q and Kane tonight.

A little internal competition is good. Especially the last game before vacation.
- mohel

You know it...they were in lockstep for so long in their careers on the points race and then, when Toews was having his down years, Kane surged ahead. Now, Toews has a line on which he's thriving, while Kane can't seem to find partners who can work with him other than Toews. He'll now never catch Kane, but Toews has an opportunity for another career year, it seems.

Edit after seeing StL comment above - I would LOVE it if Saad/Kane could find some consistent magic. It wasn't working well since Saad's return to Chicago, but if it has clicked, I'll be thrilled for them both. DBC and Kane is not an option.

If Saad gets traded at the TDL, who is on Kane’s left - Carpenter and Nylander? A left wing from Rockford? How does that sit with Kane?

Two goals for Saad and two assists for Kane in two games together - and a productive top line with Kubalik, Toews and Caggiula. They finally have two lines that may be working - add hopefully a resurgent AdB when Strome comes back with Dach, and Kampf, Smith, Nylander, Highmore, Hagel, Sikura, whoever on the bottom - could be worse (could be raining).

Leave Saad here if they’re still in contention.
- StLBravesFan

3 possible scenarios for the Hawks leading up to the TDL.

1. The chemistry described above continues along with the better defensive play and stellar goaltending and the Hawks continue to win and get into a playoff spot. Saad won't be traded but will Stan pick up a piece to better the team?

2. Hawks return to their norm over the 1st half the year and play .500 hockey and remain a bubble team. No sell off or additions.

3. For whatever reason Hawks go on a 8-10 game losing streak and fall out of playoff contention. Then you may see Stan move some pieces that don't fit into the team's long range plans. Maybe Gus, Saad, 4K, Smith, or one of the goalies will be moved.

"It’s a chance to honor Joel. It’s a big night for the organization,” Colliton said after the victory over the Jets. “He was great to me, so I want to honor him too. It’s a big part of the reason why I came here to begin with, because he was here.”

"It’s a chance to honor Joel. It’s a big night for the organization,” Colliton said after the victory over the Jets. “He was great to me, so I want to honor him too. It’s a big part of the reason why I came here to begin with, because he was here.”
- mohel

Loved that when I read it. I really hope the fans show a bit more class tonight by not booing the hell out of Colliton. The team is on a win streak and whatever he is doing with the ragtag bunch he's had for several weeks seems to be working. Yes, he made some big mistakes early in the year and I still question his line decisions night-in and night-out, but right now, the team is doing well.

Loved that when I read it. I really hope the fans show a bit more class tonight by not booing the hell out of Colliton. The team is on a win streak and whatever he is doing with the ragtag bunch he's had for several weeks seems to be working. Yes, he made some big mistakes early in the year and I still question his line decisions night-in and night-out, but right now, the team is doing well.
- pdx2ord

Have they been booing Colliton? Not sure I recall it.

Speaking of Dylan Strome,This is just a thought, I read somewhere recently that his brother may be a trade ship, with that be something that Stan Bowman could be interested in?
If Bowman is going to do anything, hopefully he sticks with getting people that will be here past this year. I am with a lot of the rest, I don’t want no old guys and having to give up young assets just for a two month run.
There was an article somewhere about possibly trading Corey Crawford to Florida just for this year the straighten out Bob, One of the kids mentioned possibly coming back this way would be Owen Tippit, I think how legit that would be? Or is that just a reporter playing let’s make a trade with hockey cards sitting on the front porch, but if there is any validity to that I think I would have to talk to Cory if I was Stan Bowman depending on what happens with Lehner, Because I can’t see them giving Greg Luzinski lite A five or six year deal at 7+ million dollars a year without some clause in there about staying in shape.
As much as I appreciate with what Lehner is doing this year, I am leery about that kind of money in term for him. And if his agent turns it down then re-sign Crawford on the cheap for a couple of years and either draft and develop a goalie or trade for a young goalie. That’s where I’m at with it. If I can get a kid like Owen Tippett damn right I look at doing that.
- wonthecup10

I have no knowledge just spitballing. Rangers have a goaltending problem in that they have 2 grade A goaltending prospects and Lundquist.

How about Saad, Sikura, and their pick of Delia or Lankanin for Gorgiev and R. Strome?

Then sign Crow and peddle Lehner to the highest bidder.

I get that argument, but goaltending is the most important position. If the Hawks aren't willing to pay $7-$7.5 million for the best UFA goalie on the market what should be there plan? Lehner's stats have been stellar this year. 15-7-4 with a .924 save %, with this defense?

This list of remaining UFA goalies doesn't inspire hope:

- Holtby: is Lehner isn't worth $7 million then Holtby certainly isn't
- Crawford: I'd love to have him back, as a back-up
- Anderson: No thanks
- Howard: Nope
- Markstrom: he could be a good choice, but will likely command $6 million
- Greiss: decent, but not a #1
- Talbot: not a #1

You could make the argument to trade for a goalie, but that could be an even bigger question mark. Schneider? Jones? Reimer?
- DarthKane

Agree. Also great goaltending is important even in a total rebuild. It give the team a chance to hang in most games. That makes the 3rd period important. If your team sucks and your goaltending sucks the last half of most games is garbage time and you get in some bad habits. I really think that was detrimental to rebuilds in Buffalo, Edmonton, and Toronto. I also think it is why the Av's turned it around quickly.

You know it...they were in lockstep for so long in their careers on the points race and then, when Toews was having his down years, Kane surged ahead. Now, Toews has a line on which he's thriving, while Kane can't seem to find partners who can work with him other than Toews. He'll now never catch Kane, but Toews has an opportunity for another career year, it seems.

Edit after seeing StL comment above - I would LOVE it if Saad/Kane could find some consistent magic. It wasn't working well since Saad's return to Chicago, but if it has clicked, I'll be thrilled for them both. DBC and Kane is not an option.
- pdx2ord

While this may be true, Toews could join the 1000 point club by the end of his current contract. 65-70 pts./yr. over the next 3 seasons would do it.

Agree. Also great goaltending is important even in a total rebuild. It give the team a chance to hang in most games. That makes the 3rd period important. If your team sucks and your goaltending sucks the last half of most games is garbage time and you get in some bad habits. I really think that was detrimental to rebuilds in Buffalo, Edmonton, and Toronto. I also think it is why the Av's turned it around quickly.
- -Doh-

Yup, that game tying goal by the Panthers last night with less than 5 to go (before the luckY tip with .05 left in the game) given up by Stalock reminded me why I think Delia will never be more than a $1 mil. back-up (which is what Stalock is). Every goalie gives up bad goals, it is when you give them up that matters. They showed Boudreau after the goal and he was droppingF bombs left and right.

The Hawks have looked like their former selves the lately, going 12-5-0 since December 15th. The combination of young guns the likes of Kubalik, Nylander, Gilbert, etc. and veterans like Toews (3rd Star of the Week) finding their games have really brought a boost to Chicago.

One of the things the Cats will need to do is figure out Chicago’s bluepaint. Both Crawford and Lehner have played really well for the Hawks this season – especially the latter. Bowman will need to find a way to move Crawford in order to make an offer to keep Lehner around. I think it would be a big loss if they fail to sign him. He really is an incredible goalie.

I never liked how Q left Chicago. I didn’t agree with the timing of the firing. I also think it put current Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton, who is young an inexperienced, in a no-win situation because Q was such a staple and fan favorite.

Not as big of a milestone, but Toews sitting at 799 career points. I'm sure he would like to get the next one tonight.
- boilermaker100

Keith is also sitting at 99 goals. Would be nice to get that two-fer AND a victory.

I believe I read in Kane's accolades that he has one career shorthanded goal in his 13 year career. That would be in 2010 against Nashville in the waning moments of critical game (Game 5 in Nashville) with Hossa serving a 5 minute major boarding penalty the in the playoffs to send the game to overtime. (That Hossa won coming out of the box).

Kane - A big game big moment type of player. I salute you.

Does anyone ever think that if Nashville won that game they would have won that series and maybe changed their trajectory. Could they have been the team of the decades with 3 cups? Nah.

Have they been booing Colliton? Not sure I recall it.
- StLBravesFan

I've not been to the games recently (though going tonight) and the damn sure will not let it hit the broadcast, but the beats had been regularly commenting on his being booed loudly during introductions. Seemed to have been happening from mid-Nov to at least year end. Not sure how much recently.

Just wondering.what Kane's point per game rating in regular season.

And what it might be if he had a more free wheeling slick center instead of Toews. Not much difference. Probably. Maybe Kane's points per game average has dropped in the years following the last Cup.
- jhawk59

Wrong. Kane's PPG has been his highest in 3 of the 4 years since the last cup