Theo Fox: Smashing Pumpkins A look at a few storylines to keep tabs on over the final 8 games as the Blackhawks try clawing their way to a playoff berth.

Plus, a recap of the IceHogs win over the Wild in a physical affair.

Notes

Kane has fallen a tad behind in the battle for third place in points. Kane is tied at 58 with Mathews. Marner and MacKinnon have 59.

Teply with Kane in a practice scrimmage or exhibition game next season is an idea worth trying Y/N.

Chychrun has 14 goals this season. He plays defense. Roughly 25 goals over a full season. Whereas it seems Trotz has taken the offense out of Pollock game.. Talk about a howitzer of a shot. I think he has a hat trick vs us a couple years ago. This season however just had his first goal recently

I expect both Kalynuk and Beaudun would garner 10 goals or more if they played regularly.

Boqvist is key due to his untapped offensive potential. As has been mentioned he has not learned or been able to avoid a lot of hard checks. Therefore his concussion history appears to have more entries forthcoming.

With that thought in mind, Bowman could be staring at an offensive capable dman as best player available when we pick. However just to muddy the thought process here, recall last draft reportedly Bowman planned to select tough dman K Guhle which never happened since Montreal tabbed him in the slot immediately in front of us.

Notes


Boqvist is key due to his untapped offensive potential. As has been mentioned he has not learned or been able to avoid a lot of hard checks. Therefore his concussion history appears to have more entries forthcoming.

- jhawk59

IMHO, Boqvist is improving in the area of slipping the hard forecheck.

Theo, I am not sure if this has been discussed already, but what is your take on McLaughlin and his future here? He is looking good while not having much help offensively and although he is only in his second pro season, he will be 26 soon. Is he playing himself into being seriously considered by the Hawks and/or earning an NHL contract? I mean, is he still behind Johnson, Entwistle, Barratt and Slavin at least when it comes to expectations. Thank you.

Your blog title just made me think of Brad Marchand in the penalty box.

IMHO, Boqvist is improving in the area of slipping the hard forecheck.
- 35Tony0

Sure hope so. The season after next just when the team may emerge as a real playoff contender, Boqvist skill and smarts should be on display. Sort of like to reap the harvest after the growing pains he will have gone through. Although hockey is a rough sport no matter you have a Semenko, Tom Wilson, even AL Secord on your side, still you have to be able to take a hit. It is just that without someone pounding them, too, teams or certain players will skate amok and pick on anyone they feel to get the upper hand or advantage. So I am in favor of Zadorov for his checks and intimidation for one more season. As long as he will.sign for a middle amount between what his agent wants and what he is worth. Pay it for one season. To be followed hopefully by the readiness of Stillman andbir Phillips.

Just draft and develop well.

How could have we all forgotten? Yesterday, April 24, was the 11 year anniversary of the Hawks defeating NSH in OT in the 2010 playoffs. Kane ties it with 13 seconds left in regulation and Hossa nets the OT winner. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kt2Lg25SQFk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLBTJO6iJmI

How could have we all forgotten? Yesterday, April 24, was the 11 year anniversary of the Hawks defeating NSH in OT in the 2010 playoffs. Kane ties it with 13 seconds left in regulation and Hossa nets the OT winner. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kt2Lg25SQFk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLBTJO6iJmI
- boilermaker100

I was so lucky to have been at the game. Unbelievable game from start to finish. Someone should post this in the shreds blog.

I was so lucky to have been at the game. Unbelievable game from start to finish. Someone should post this in the shreds blog.
- BGKarras

I took one for the team and just did.

I took one for the team and just did.
- boilermaker100

My man!!!!🤣

Riley Stillman signed for 3 years @ $1,350,000AAV.

Riley Stillman signed for 3 years @ $1,350,000AAV.
- BGKarras

Don´t let the door hit you mr. Zadorov..

Riley Stillman signed for 3 years @ $1,350,000AAV.
- BGKarras

Very nice, he's got a lot to work on but at least he's been looking better each game

Riley Stillman signed for 3 years @ $1,350,000AAV.
- BGKarras

And Zadorov was asking for $4M per year. Stillman signed for $4M for 3 years. So the expansion draft protected list will be Keith, Murphy and Stillman?

And Zadorov was asking for $4M per year. Stillman signed for $4M for 3 years. So the expansion draft protected list will be Keith, Murphy and Stillman?
- boilermaker100

If Stillman plays three more games this season..

Riley Stillman signed for 3 years @ $1,350,000AAV.
- BGKarras

$1.35 million for a guy with less than 50 games of NHL experience. Why? Why sign that deal now? Stan should have waited until Stillman was an RFA and force him to sign for the league minimum. Another blown deal by Bowman.

And Zadorov was asking for $4M per year. Stillman signed for $4M for 3 years. So the expansion draft protected list will be Keith, Murphy and Stillman?
- boilermaker100

Hopefully if he isn't taken by the Kraken we're able to trade Z next seasons trade deadline

Riley Stillman signed for 3 years @ $1,350,000AAV.
- BGKarras

With full NMC I hope

With full NMC I hope
- paulr

M-NMC. Stillman provides a list of 31 teams he is not willing to be traded to.

With the three year commitment to Stillman, the blue line is getting more overcrowded. Looks like the defense will be reshaped this off season.

Can't play all of Keith, Murphy, deHaan, Zadorov, Stillman, Boqvist and have enough developmental slots for Kalynuk, Mithcell, Beaudin.

Probably at least one of deHaan or Zadorov moved. If both are moved, maybe a cheap veteran brought in to provide some experience while the prospects mature.

Maybe one of the prospects like Beaudin will be traded in a Joki part 2 scenario to obtain a young forward. I hope Mitchell isn't the one to be traded. It seems like he has fallen out of favor. Hope he can rebound and earn a position on the team next year.

With the three year commitment to Stillman, the blue line is getting more overcrowded. Looks the defense will be reshaped this off season.

Can't play all of Keith, Murphy, deHaan, Zadorov, Stillman, Boqvist and have enough developmental slots for Kalynuk, Mithcell, Beaudin.

Probably at least one of deHaan or Zadorov moved. If both are moved, maybe a cheap veteran brought in to provide some experience while the prospects mature.

Maybe one of the prospects like Beaudin will be traded in a Joki part 2 scenario to obtain a young forward. I hope Mitchell isn't the one to be traded. It seems like he has fallen out of favor. Hope he can rebound and earn a position on the team next year.
- boilermaker100

I'm sure both will be gone somehow prior to next season.

And you're probably right on a Joki-type trade. Someone needs to compile a list of underachieving, former 1st rounders that could use a change of scenery.

I'm sure both will be gone somehow prior to next season.

And you're probably right on a Joki-type trade. Someone needs to compile a list of underachieving, former 1st rounders that could use a change of scenery.
- Rota's Rooter

Nolan Patrick (C), Casey Middlestadt (C), Jesse Puljujarvi (RW), Ryan Poehling (C) to name a few.

About 40% of NHL players were drafted in first round, so Stan shouldn’t have a problem finding one. https://dobberprospects-c...NHL-players-per-round.png

With the three year commitment to Stillman, the blue line is getting more overcrowded. Looks like the defense will be reshaped this off season.

Can't play all of Keith, Murphy, deHaan, Zadorov, Stillman, Boqvist and have enough developmental slots for Kalynuk, Mithcell, Beaudin.

Probably at least one of deHaan or Zadorov moved. If both are moved, maybe a cheap veteran brought in to provide some experience while the prospects mature.

Maybe one of the prospects like Beaudin will be traded in a Joki part 2 scenario to obtain a young forward. I hope Mitchell isn't the one to be traded. It seems like he has fallen out of favor. Hope he can rebound and earn a position on the team next year.
- boilermaker100

Sending a young Dman down to play in Rockford isn't falling out of favour IMO. Getting Mitchell coaching, playing time and reps is what the development curve calls for. Hope he reacts well to it.

Its a big jump from the 30 game a year full faceshield league to the nasty NHL.

Nolan Patrick (C), Casey Middlestadt (C), Jesse Puljujarvi (RW), Ryan Poehling (C) to name a few.
- boilermaker100

You can write Puljujarvi off from that list. He is playing really good in Edmonton and people love him there.