Mar 1, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook (7) is congratulated by his teammates for scoring a goal for scoring the game winning goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during overtime at the United Center. The Blackhawks beat the Blue Jackets 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

“The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.” Anonymous 

Back in the 1960’s there was a TV series called Mission Impossible. Not the Tom Cruise movies, although these were loosely based on the original TV series that took us on a journey every week with the IMF (Impossible Missions Force) team.

The IMF team faced different villains and different obstacles every week while trying to accomplish their mission. The IMF team was comprised of different operatives that possessed different skill sets that were needed to achieve success on their missions.

Although I don’t think it was ever revealed who the IMF really worked for it was implied it was some branch of the US government. The missions were most definitely black ops requiring the most skilled technicians.

Sounds a little familiar to Chicago Blackhawk fans doesn’t it? Every game that the Blackhawks play presents new challenges and obstacles to be overcome by the team. Each game you have no idea what particular set of skills will be needed or employed or what situation will arise to be overcome.  You never know whose shoulders the brunt of the mission will fall on. There is a different hero each time.

No one can dispute that this run that the Blackhawks are on is remarkable and probably they themselves did not think that what they are achieving would be possible. Then again it really isn’t all that surprising due to several factors.

Stan Bowman has assembled a team built around a core that already knows that the impossible is achievable and what it takes to succeed. Credit him with keeping the right members in the core and obtaining the right pieces to complement them.

Joel Quenneville has made adjustments this year and has righted some of the problems of the past two seasons. There is no question this year the team is more focused on the defense and playing as a team and supporting one another on ice. It is under Coach Q’s and his coaching teams’ constant reminder to the team of the mission at hand and keeping the team focused.

Then there is the almost flawless execution by the team on a game in and game out basis. Each team member has their specialty and skill sets that they know when to employ and which skills will work against which opponents.

Whether it is Jonathan Toews power rushes to the goal crease, Patrick Kane stickhandling wizardry that mesmerizes the opponent, Patrick Sharp’s snipping shots, Marian Hossa’s power moves or the teams defense which is operating with special forces like tactical precision the teams skill sets are evident. Every member of this team has specials skills which are too many to list.

The one common element each member has regardless of their skills is their ability to not only achieve the impossible, but to make it look fun and sometimes a little too easy.

Like everything, this will end sometime but until then each game is like a new exciting mission with an opponent looking to stop this team in an unknown script but with the same results – points to the Blackhawks and closer to achieving their goal.

Until the next game “Your mission, Jonny and team, should you decide to accept it, is…  Good luck, Jonny.” – 1

1 Intro used at the beginning of every Mission impossible show. Mission Impossible ran from 1966-1973 and was created by Bruce Gellar.

Feb 22, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Brandon Saad (20) is defended by San Jose Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle (22) during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Saad is now fully inducted into being called a Chicago Blackhawks’ forward. Why? Like all of Chicago’s forwards Saad now baffles the opposition and possess speed and skills others simply cannot comprehend.

Of all the opposing coaches in the NHL Todd McLellan is one of the coaches I like. He is a very good coach but I have to disagree with his comment yesterday post game as his Sharks fell for a third time this year to the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1.

Maybe it was frustration or the Sharks inability to solve the Hawks, but in his own words he was pissed off leaving Chicago with no points and defeated yet again.

His comment on the short handed Saad game winning goal was not entirely accurate. For those that missed it he told the media “I thought we let a player that wasn’t very dangerous – not because he’s not very talented, or anything – but a player in a situation that wasn’t very dangerous, skate into a primary scoring spot without even challenging him,” McLellan said. “Then, I’m not sure if our goalie was on the angle or not, but [I’m] disappointed we didn’t challenge him earlier.”

Why I disagree with Coach McLellan is he just found out what others are beginning to realize that when dealing with Chicago Blackhawks there is NO situation that is not dangerous. Full strength, extra man situations or short handed the Blackhawks are always dangerous and not just their forwards either.

The Sharks may have concentrated too much on Kane, Toews, Hossa and Sharp and forgot that this Blackhawks team is loaded full with different weapons on all four lines.

Coach McLelland blamed Sharks’ defenseman Brent Burns for not closing the gap on Saad earlier and just let him walk in. Burns told the media he was trying to keep Saad from cutting back to the middle of the ice and keep him to the outside. Which he did but Saad still got it past Niemi off the far post.

Burns may have misjudged Saad’s speed and that caught him retreating rather than challenging. He probably did not want to get beat and be caught flat footed seeing Saad go around him. Burns should have tightened the gap for sure, you never give a Hawk forward any room if possible. Unfortunately for him he found that fact out and incurred his coach’s ire.

If Burns miscalculated Saad so did Antti Niemi. Niemi moved to much to his right post leaving a tiny window on the left side open just enough for a skilled sniper to get one in.

I’m not sure if both Burns and Niemi underestimated the rookie or they were simply unfamiliar with his speed and moves. In any event Brandon Saad now has the distinction of getting the Blackhawks into the NHL history books with his shorty game winning goal.

Consider also Coach Joel Quenneville had Saad out there on a penalty kill. That places a lot of responsibility and trust in a rookie forward which speaks volumes with the teams valuing of his defensive game. Give credit to Coach Quenneville for having the right personnel on the ice to allow that short handed goal to happen.

Young Saad now indeed joins the ranks of Blackhawks forwards in frustrating and agitating opposing teams and coaches. The scary thing is he is just a rookie and will only get better with more game experience. Just what the Hawks needed another skilled sniper in their repertoire.

Coach McLellan take heart, your not the only team to be out gunned by the Chicago Blackhawks arsenal of skilled forwards. The entire Western Conference teams to this point have not fared much better.  The Sharks now know the measure of where you need to be if you want to compete with the best.

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Mar 11, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Patrick Sharp (10) battles for position with Los Angeles Kings defenseman Willie Mitchell (33) in front of goalie Jonathan Quick (32) during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

 Game #15 -  Chicago Blackhawks (11-0-3)  vs LA Kings (5-5-2) 

Game Time- 2:30 pm Central

TV- NBC  or TSN2,  -  WGN 720 Chicago  or KLTK AM1150 LA

In a nationally broadcast matchup celebrating US hockey it is Hockey Day in America. The Blackhawks will go back to the very beginning as they face off for the second time this season against the LA Kings. They opened their season in LA but more importantly they started on their journey of perfection as well and an incredible run.

Beyond anyone’s wildest dreams the Blackhawks have rolled on a ride with an upward only trajectory. The Kings have been on a roller coaster ride filed with ups and downs after achieving the ultimate climax last year in winning the Stanley Cup.

The Blackhawks may have caught the LA Kings coming off an emotional hangover with their banner raising ceremony the first time that they faced off. That will not be the case this time as they meet again in the United Center.

They also may have caught a break in that goalie Jonathan Quick looked rusty coming back from injury. Star forward Anze Kopitar was also out then on injury and is now back in the lineup.

The Blackhawks are looking to continue to remain undefeated in regulation time. If they do they will continue to head towards breaking an NHL record. The Kings would love nothing better than to stop the Hawks.

In their first meeting the play was fairly tame and cordial. Don’t look for this to continue in this game. The Kings are probably sick of hearing how well the Blackhawks are doing and want to end their fun. Look for physical play from the Kings and tight checking to throw the Blackhawks off of their run and gun style.  The Hawks rolled to a 5-2 victory look for a much lower scoring and defensive game this time around.

The Kings are coming off of a tight 2-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday. The Blackhawks continued their party at the United Center on Friday as they dominated the Sharks in a 4-1 trouncing.

Corey Crawford is out with an upper body injury so look for Ray Emery once again to man the nets for the Blackhawks. The Kings have not said yet if it will be Quick or Bernier in the LA nets.

For the Hawks to come away with another victory over the Kings they will need to use their speed and breakout of their zone quickly. They will need to not turnover the puck and be patient their opportunities will eventually come.

The Hawks need to watch their giveaways and guard that puck carefully.  Conversely if the Kings have a weakness it is their defensive play does not force takeaways.

Strap yourselves in and enjoy what should be another good test for both teams and celebrate Hockey Day in America. Since it is Hockey Day in America I think it is only fitting we have have some goals by Patrick Kane, Brandon Saad and Nick Leddy.

GO HAWKS and GO USA!

For instant updates during the game follow us on Twitter @Blackhawk_Up, we are also on Facebook at Blackhawk UP.

Photo by Maggie Avila

It is surprising that a rookie in the NHL would fit in perfectly on the number one line of a Stanley Cup contending team like the Chicago Blackhawks. Then again we are not talking any rookie, we are talking Brandon Saad.

The scouting report on Brandon coming out of the Saginaw Spirits of the OHL was that he was a responsible two way player with the potential to be a top six power forward. Good size and good hockey IQ are mentioned often in association with Saad and Blackhawks fans are now seeing why.

Brandon Saad is getting the opportunity that most rookies would only dare to dream of. He is playing on the top line with Captain Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa and has not looked out of step at all. Up until now his stats on the Blackhawks do not indicate the level of his play.

He has been working extremely hard to create chances for his line and himself. Saad is very good with winning puck battles in corners and along the boards and in opening up ice with his deceptive speed. These things are not captured by the stat sheets but impact games none the less.

He was finally rewarded the other day with his first NHL goal against the San Jose Sharks. He was stationed in front of the goals which is where he needs to get to if he can with his 6’2” frame he will get a lot of chances there.

The media and some fans are pleasantly surprised with how well Saad has made the transition to the NHL and his keeping pace with Toews and Hossa and not being awestruck by just playing with those caliber players.

For anyone that saw Saad in the Blackhawks prospect camp it is not surprising at all. He carries himself with a poise and quiet confidence that is way beyond his years. In that regard he reminds you of his linemate Jonathan Toews. There is a maturity and calmness that Saad has both off and on the ice with the puck.

He also is similar to fellow linemate Marian Hossa in that he is a dependable two way player and physically solid. Saad is very defensively responsible and rarely puts himself or his team in bad positions. His hockey intelligence and puck anticipation is way beyond his age.

In prospect camp, all eyes were curious as to what new prospect Teuvo Teravainen was like and were in awe of his offensive skills, rightfully so. Equally impressive though was Saad. One could tell Saad was the most NHL ready as he could not be moved off the puck. He is solid in his skates and has great speed and balance. He is a physical specimen of hockey player.

During the lockout Saad played in Rockford on the Icehogs. He tallied 8 goals and 12 helpers in 31 games.

The only knock on Saad has been consistency but that is the case with most young hockey players and on the Blackhawks that has not been the case. He has played very consistently so much so Coach Quenneville has given him a turn on the power play.

It certainly doesn’t hurt Saad’s development being paired with probably the two best two way forwards in the NHL but credit Saad with taking advantage of his opportunity. The Blackhawks are impressed with what they have seen and will be keeping the rookie up with the big club and he will not be returning to Rockford.

It will be interesting to see what the Blackhawks do when Daniel Carcillo returns from injury. It is one of those good problems to have. No matter what line Saad plays on I for one am very happy he will remain on the Blackhawks roster. I also have to believe the Blackhawks are even happier at how Brandon Saad is developing and helping this team along the way. Congradulations Brandon keep playing your game.

Photo by Maggie Avila

Game #8-  Chicago Blackhawks (6-0-1)  at Vancouver Canucks (3-2-2) 

Game Time- 9:00 pm Central

TV-CSN Chicago or TSN, RDS2 Vancouver  Radio -  WGN 720 Chicago  or AM1040 Vancouver

In a week that could easily have been called rivalry week the Blackhawks prepare to take on the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. The Blackhawks started the week on Sunday facing long time divisional rival Detroit Red Wings. Then mid week they faced what could be a new rival in Minnesota especially if the league realigns and finds the Wild in the same division as the Hawks. The Hawks find if not the best, certainly the most heated rivalry has been saved for last.

While the Red Wings are a respected rival and the Wild are a new foe the Canucks are definitely the most vilified rival and with just reasons for every Blackhawks fan. There are so many villains on this team to choose from.

There’s hair pulling, groin kicking, finger biting forward Alex Burrows. Who can forget his hair pulling escapades with Duncan Keith and then he went for round two last year in a regular season game and decided to kick Duncs in his privates while he was down no less. Oh Alex you nasty, nasty boy.

You also don’t have to look to far either to find Zach Kassian who also has done his fair share of thuggish behavior. All the Hawks that played in the AHL on the Rockford IceHogs should be sick of Kassian since he played on the Chicago Wolves and we could see carry over scores that need to be settled. The Hawks also need to be aware of Kassian. He is the second leading point getter of Canucks forwards only trailing Daniel Sedin.

Truth is Vancouver has not hit their stride yet and has pedestrian numbers so far while the Blackhawks have been blazing hot out of the starting gates. The Canucks’ Achilles heel is one the Blackhawks are all too familiar with, namely special teams. Their penalty kill is currently ranked 22^nd in the league. If the Hawks are smart they will try to goad the Canucks into taking penalties and then cash in.

Vancouver is virtually the same team that the Blackhawks and their faithful have come to loath. Their lone pick up in the off season was D man Jason Garrison from the Florida Panthers. While they did not make many changes the addition of Garrison really strengthens the Canucks back end and also provides one killer slap shot from the point on power plays.

While the Canucks top four D men are solid what is surprising is that D men Alex Edler and Dan Hamhuis are also leading the team in assists along with Daniel Sedin. Watch for their defensemen to join the rush and beware the stretch pass as the Canucks have always had great team speed.

Ryan Kessler is out on IR so the forward position is definitely missing an all star but the Sedins are still there and are always a threat every time they are on the ice. It will also be interesting to see who coach Q puts out against the Sedins since Dave Bolland is now centering the second line. Can Andrew Shaw be as much of an irritator as Bolland while maintaining his own control? This could be very interesting to watch.

The big talk all off season and even currently is the Canucks trying to trade Roberto Luongo. The Canucks unable to trade Luongo now find themselves in a precarious position as he is currently in fourth place in the NHL in both GAA and SV%. Interestingly Corey Crawford is not too far behind him in eighth place in both as well. Where is Corey Schneider ranked 32^nd GAA and 29^th SV% which demonstrates why coach Alain Vigneault has been going with Luongo as of late.

Vancouver has already stated Loungo will be starting against the Blackhawks. You would have to think that Crawford will get the call but coach Q may through everyone a curve ball so we will see.

The Blackhawks need to keep firing a Luongo especially high blocker side and try to rattle him early. While the Canucks top four defenders are top drawer they’re third and fourth D pairings are a little suspect. If Shaw, Stalberg and Bickell  can pelt him with shots enough it might wear him down and Viktor Stalberg has the speed to beat their defensemen.

The Blackhawks are coming off their first defeat of the year in a shoot out loss to the Minnesota Wild while the Vancouver Canucks are coming off of 3-0 thrashing of the Colorado Avalanche. Both teams having played on Wednesday.

Last year the Hawks split their series with the Canucks 2-2. This year we will only face them three times, twice in Vancouver and once in Chicago unless they meet again in the playoffs down the road. This will be the first meeting this year between the clubs but I do not anticipate this rivalry and dislike between teams to be any different. That said buckle yourselves in for what should be a great game with a lot of speed,physicality and plain old dislike.

Prediction – In a close physical game the Blackhawks go to OT again but take this one 2-1.

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Dec 30, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Marian Hossa (81) makes a pass during the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Game #6- Detroit Red Wings (2-2-0)  at Chicago Blackhawks (5-0-0)

Game Time- 6:00 pm Central

TV-CSN Chicago or Fox Sports Detroit  Radio –  WGN 720 Chicago  or AM1270 Detroit

The Blackhawks face for the first of four meetings this year their long standing Central Division adversary the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center.  Hockey does not get much better than this.

If that was not enough the Blackhawks are attempting to make history with going for their six win in a row.

Last year the Blackhawks took down the six game series four games to two over Detroit, but each game against the Red Wings always feels epic. These games usually have significant meaning in the standings and this one will be no exception.

Detroit is a different team for sure with the retirements of All Star defenseman and captain Nicklas Lidstrom and also retiring was their star forward Tomas Holmstrom. Obviously those two players are not replaceable but if there is ever a team that can withstand those departures it is Detroit. They arguably have the best center ice core with Zetterburg, Datsyuk, Helm and Abdelkader.

Where Detroit has struggled and maybe a little suspect is on the blue line. Their depth there is not what it has been in the past with the departure of Brad Stuart to San Jose. If there is a weakness on this team this is it especially with injuries mounting as well.

Detroit is coming off an impressive 5-3 win over the very talented Minnesota Wild which could signal Detroit is back to being well Detroit.

The Blackhawks are coming off of a grueling road win over Columbus but somehow they must find their legs to keep with the Red Wings. Much has been made that the Red Wings are getting older, which they are but let us not forget most of them played in Europe during the lockout and are in game shape. There is no solution for experience and craftiness which the Red Wings have always possessed.

If the Hawks are to be successful they must play a solid team defensive game. Playing the Red Wings is like looking in the mirror with all the skill and finesse they have at forward. Chicago has a puck magician in Patrick Kane but Detroit has Pavel Datsyuk. Every time he is on the ice like Kane, you are left with jaws agape wondering how what he did is physically possible.

Look out for the youngster Damien Brunner this kid is going to be a superstar and already has Datsyukian moves as Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky found out in a recent shoot out.

Watching Blackhawks /Red Wings contests is always a treat and this one should be no different. This is a long standing rivalry amoung original six teams that is one of the best in the NHL maybe even in all of sports because of the longevity of the rivalry.

Detroit is rested as they got into Chicago yesterday. You can bet they were watching and taking notes of the Blackhawks’ weaknesses in the Columbus game and they will be ready. They would love nothing more than to hand the Hawks their first defeat of the year and remind the Blackhawks Detroit is still a force to be dealt with.

The Blackhawks now have a huge target on them being undefeated and every team in the NHL will be looking to knock them off. The Hawks must be prepared physically to withstand the crunching.

Jimmy Howard will be in goal for Detroit since their backup Gustavsson is injured. Speaking of injury Detroit is hurting in this area with D men Ian White out with leg injury and Carlo Colaiacovo & Jonathan Ericsson out with shoulder injuries.

If there was ever an opportunity for the Hawks forwards to take advantage this is it. They need to get on Detroit early and maintain pressure in the offensive zone. Get people in front of Howard for some screens or deflections.  If they can accomplish that the Blackhawks will make history.

Prediction – Blackhawks stay perfect and take this one  in OT 4-3 as Marian Hossa does it again.

For instant updates during the game follow us on Twitter @Blackhawk_Up, we are also on Facebook at Blackhawk UP.

November 10, 2011; Columbus, OH, USA; Chicago Blackhawks fans celebrate after the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. Chicago defeated Columbus 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

Game #5- Chicago Blackhawks (4-0-0) at Columbus Blue Jackets (1-2-1)

Game Time- 6:00 pm Central

TV-CSN Chicago or Fox Sports Ohio for Columbus

The Blackhawks face for the first time this year divisional foe Columbus Blue Jackets. While it is easy to chalk up another two points for the Hawks let us not forget these are not the same Columbus Blue Jackets.

Last year the Blackhawks swept all six of their contests with Columbus but this is a new year with many changes on the Columbus Blue Jackets. They have significant roster changes due to trades.

They now have Jack Johnson from the Jeff Carter trade to LA, on the blue line with James Wisniewski.  This makes a solid first line pairing.  They also shored up their D with the acquisition of Adrian Aucoin which will give veteran stability to  the youth on the backend.  Columbus will not be as easy to score on this year.

The Blue Jackets also obtained Sergei Bobrovsky from the Philadelphia Flyers in the offseason.  This move now relegates Steve Mason to back-up goaltending duties.

The biggest change on Columbus is obviously the departure of offensive star Rick Nash to the New York Rangers. The Blue Jackets did however get in return from New York forwards Nick Foligno, Artem Anisimov and Brandon Dubinsky. While they are not Nash, they do provide Columbus a more balanced attack.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are a work in progress but the Blackhawks need to guard against looking past them to Detroit. Look for Emery to get the nod in net for the Blackhawks with them playing Detroit tomorrow. Columbus is coming off of back to back losses to the Colorado Avalanche 0-4 and the Phoenix Coyotes 1-5 so they will be looking to rebound in front of their home fans.

It will be interesting as well to see if Viktor Stalberg continues where he left off last year with pummeling the Blue Jackets. Eight of his 22 goals were courtesy of Columbus. Lets see if Stalberg can continue this trend.

Prediction – Blackhawks take this one to a tune of 4-2 in regulation on goals from Sharp, Bolland, Saad and Stalberg.

For instant updates during the game follow us on Twitter @Blackhawk_Up, we are also on Facebook at Blackhawk UP.

Feb. 25 , 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) and Chicago Blackhawks left wing Bryan Bickell (29) and left wing Viktor Stalberg (25) battle as they skate down ice after the puck during the first period of the game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

It doesn’t come as a surprise that coach Q recently when meeting the media revealed that the ailing power play will be changed in  several ways.

New assistant coach Jaime Kompon will be in charge of getting this headache back on track. Welcome to the Blackhawks. This is truly baptism under fire. For those that will recall last year everyone took a turn with this enigma and no one did quit figure it out.

The Blackhawks ranked 26^th in the NHL last year on the power play which they would agree is not acceptable if you want to become a championship team.  This makes it imperative that this year they get this right off the bat in a compressed season.

There is no secret to power plays. They can be summed up with one word. What was it that Master Yoda tried to drill into Luke Skywalker when training him to master the force? CONTROL! CONTROL! YOU MUST LEARN CONTROL! The same is true of power plays. You must maintain control in the opposition’s zone.  The Blackhawks last year had problems with sustained pressure in the offensive zone.

Patience is also a requirement for successful power plays. Crisp passing in the zone which the Hawks also struggled with due to trying to hurry plays is where they could exercise some patience and it would improve their precision.

Traffic in front of the goalies also was absent for the most part.  The other area they really struggled with was zone entry which can be remedied with great puck handling or speed into the zone.  Whew was it any surprise that they were as low as they were as the Blackhawks didn’t do much right.

Coach Joel Quenneville when addressing the media also said he would be giving Viktor Stalberg a look on the power play. Why not? Stalberg definitely has the speed and he has a deceptive shot. Also by using Stalberg it will give the Hawks a different look which keeps the opposition guessing.

He could be used in front of the goalie for greasy goals. Stalberg is a big body with his 6’3” frame he could make a nice screen with shots coming from the point or the half walls and provide deflections. Stalberg has offensive skills that we saw last year with his 22 goals  yes a lot came against the lowely Columbus Blue Jackets but he still should be given the opportunity it could not hurt the power play.

Stalberg has a pretty accurate shot which is necessary with everyone jammed in the offensive zone.  Stalberg actually had a higher shot percentage than Patrick Kane.

He also stated Andrew Shaw would be given an opportunity as well on the power play given his tenacity and good hand eye skills this is not surprising at all. Shaw we know doesn’t mind getting in the greasy areas and getting a little filthy which the Hawks power play could use.

I would also venture to bet that Dave Bolland, Jimmy Hayes, Brandon Saad and even Bryan Bickell might see turns on the power play. I’d give them a whirl for different reasons.

Dave Bolland has one of the most accurate shots. His shot percentage is very high and he does have very good instincts in the dirty areas.

Bickell, Hayes and Saad are big bodies, which like Stalberg could be used effectively on screens. We also have seen that Bickell has a deceptive snapshot and wristers. Saad has good hockey IQ and some soft hands as well.

The Hawks will be practicing tomorrow on their power play and will have a scrimmage with the Rockford Icehogs. Not sure if this is open to the public or not.

Jaime Kompon has his plate full getting this power play right but he does have tools at his disposal. It will also be interesting to see if besides personnel changes a new strategy and schemes are employed. Creativity and ingenuity could be key.

What or who would you like to see the Blackhawks do to improve the power play?

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Photo by Maggie Avila

Going into this season the Blackhawks have many questions that still need to be answered that have carried over from last year. Some of these questions will be crucial to how the team does in this upcoming condensed season.

Since it seems like eons ago, here is a refresher of some of the hold over issues and questions and potential things to watch going forward:

• The dreaded special teams and specifically the power-play what has been done to improve this?  How will this be tweeked? Will new players get an opportunity if the power-play stalls?
• Goal tending and the overall team’s defensive play – Will Corey Crawford be on a short leash? What adjustments are being made to improve the overall defensive play in front of him including the forwards?
• Who will be the Hawks’ second line center? If Patrick Kane is used is this really the best use of his talents? What will the lines look like?
• How hot is Joel Quenneville’s seat? Remember his coaching staff is solely his people with the departure of Mike Haviland. If the Hawks stumble there will be many questions to be answered.
• Will the new Blackhawks Defensemen Michal Rozsival and Sheldon Brookbank help the blueline significantly?
• Are Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa fully recovered from injury? With the extended time off are they actually in better shape mentally and physically? Could they have their best seasons ever?
• Was it coincidence that after Dan Carcillo went out of the lineup last year the team stumbled terribly? Or is he a catalyst for this teams success with his ability to open ice? Will he tone down his edgy game?
• If the team gets off to a slow start will Stan Bowman pull the trigger on any trades? He was relatively quiet in the off season with the impending CBA issues. Now that more things are known will he adjust their roster if need be?
• Along those lines remember the Niklas Hjalmarsson trade rumors at the draft, will Stan now pull the trigger with a seeming abundance of defensemen or hold for now? What about Steve Montador?
• Will the time in Europe improve Kane, Stalberg, Frolik and Bickell’s game? Will they be in better shape and have a more well rounded game having played in actual games?

Also something of note that maybe a little surprising, was that Ben Smith, Brandon Pirri, Jeremy Morin, Adam Clendening and Brandon Saad did not get a call up to the Blackhawks. Smith was lighting it up in Rockford and Clendening impressed there as well. One would have to think they are being held in reserve in Rockford in case of injury going forward and will be recalled at some point during the year. Look for some of these guys to make it to the Blackhawks throughout the year.

Additionally, none of the Blackhawks prospects who participated in the world juniors appears to be being called up or sent to Rockford at this point. Phillip Danault in fact was traded from his Victoriaville Tigres to Moncton Wildcats who will be in the QMJHL’s playoff run and he should help that team significantly.  He was very in demand and Moncton gave up a lot to get him so it is doubtful we will be seeing him either in Rockford or Chicago this season.

So it appears for now the roster is set. We will be getting some answers soon enough now that the team will be back on the ice where they belong. It is now only one more week til we get a glimpse at what this team is and will be as they open up in the Staples Center against the Stanley Cup Champion Kings on 1/19/13. It also seems that the Blackhawks will be playing most of their beginning games on the road due to Disney on Ice and Lady GaGa so Blackhawk fans will have to wait to see their team live for a bit longer.

There are many questions but the Blackhawks will be in the hunt make no mistake this team is too talented not to,  despite what the experts may say.

Last questions -

• Isn’t it good to finally be able to talk hockey Blackhawks’ fans?
• What questions do you have that you want see answered by the Blackhawks this season?

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Team USA today provided America with great moments as they were given the opportunity to play for the chance to advance to the gold medal round. And capture that opportunity to go for gold team USA did.  In what most people would have to view as an upset early this morning Team USA beat in resounding fashion a very talented Canadian team 5-1 in the IIHF U20 WJC in Ufa, Russia.

How did team USA defeat Canada? With an outstanding goaltender named John Gibson  and he’s not a bad setup man either having an assist in this game.  Folks remember this name because he will be a star in the NHL. His point blank save on Ryan Strome was unreal. The Anaheim Ducks have to be thrilled to be getting such a talent. Gibson is leading all goalies in the tournament in both Save % and GAA.

But this is TEAM USA and while John Gibson is definitely spearheading the Americans efforts he is not alone. The defensive play in front of him has been stellar if not spectacular. The one thing in watching the Americans is they are hard workers that never say die. Their positioning and active stick work in their own zone was almost flawless in this game. This is a testament to good coaching and disciplined execution by the players.

What is surprising is that Team Canada was resoundingly beat which is very surprising given all their firepower up front. Team Canada never really got on track due to the USA defensive efforts and their speed made the difference. 2013 Number 1 projected prospect Seth Jones stablizes the D core and fellow defenseman Jacob Trouba who has scored I believe in every game has been very consistent and provided the US with some fire power where they have lacked a little.

Team USA was the first to the pucks and transitioned through the neutral zone with surprising ease and blazing speed. Team USA came out flying just like the iconic American eagle. Not sure if the day off hurt Team Canada because it sure seemed like they never got their legs and we all know “the legs feed the wolf”1. Team Canada had too many turnovers which ended up costing them in the end. Team Canada came out flat and Team USA kept them flat.

Goals were scored by Boston College’s Johnny “Hockey” Gaudreau with a  two goal effort. His dangle on Team USA’s third goal  made me think for a moment Patrick Kane was playing in the game.  University of Wisconsin & Team USA Captain Jacob McCabe also got a pair of goals. McCabe’s goals both came from Canadian defensive breakdowns and he was able to cash in on both from the high slot area.

The sole goal came from Harvard’s Jim Vesey who is a Nashville Predators prospect. All of the USA goals were even strength goals. The lone Canadian tally was a shortie by Ty Rattie which had Blackhawks’ prospect Phillip Danault with the assist on.

With these turn of events shockingly Canada will play Team Russia for the bronze. Team Russia was beaten in a SO be the defending champions team Sweden. The surprising thing is that either Canada or Russia will leave this tourney without a medal. No one would have believed that as Canada and Russia were probably the favorites for gold going in.

The one thing all of this proves is that USA hockey is alive and well and could signal a new era not only for junior hockey but for the NHL as well. It may not be that long when the face of the NHL will be half comprised of Americans and a diversity that it has lacked. This could push hockey forward in popularity in the United States.  These kids are the future of the NHL so tune in for that reason alone.

Team USA will go for the gold against team Sweden Saturday morning at 7AM Chicago time on either NHLNetwork or TSN Canadian Radio. Coach Phil Housley will have the troops ready so tune in and catch Team USA go for the gold. Sweden is the defending champions and will not be an easy opponent. This should be a very good game as each team is pretty evenly matched.

America you should be proud of the boys they are a complete hockey team that plays with a lot of heart and determination. GO TEAM USA!

1 Herb Brooks quote

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