Mar 26, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Dave Bolland (36) is defended by Calgary Flames right wing Lee Stempniak (22) during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Blackhawks practiced today and the news was better than expected when it was announced that Dave Bolland and Ray Emery should be ready to dress and be in the lineup for Game 1 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals.

Dave Bolland has been out since injuring his groin at the end of the season.  The updates have been close for Bolland since the season ending loss to the St Louis Blues.  Bolland has always been a playoff gamer from the 2011 playoffs the Hawks came so close from overcoming a 3-0 hole, to his most annoying self in the Blackhawks run to the Stanley Cup in 2010 when he helped shut down every opponents top lines from Sedin twins to Joe Thornton. Bolland sometimes gets lost during the regular season or hurt which he was this year missing 13 of the 48 games in this shortened season.  Getting  Bolland back will force Joel Quenneville to shuffle lines but even though he was in full shuffle mode today at practice there is no telling where everyone will end up when Game 1 gets started.

Ray Emery tweaked an earlier injury and was not able to suit up for the first round of the playoffs. This made Coach Q’s decision for #1 goalie elementary.  Corey Crawford responded going 4-1 in the first round with a 1.32 Goals Against Average and a .950 save percentage.  Crawford has cemented the top goalie spot, but I’m sure Hawks fans will feel better with Ray Emery in the back-up role as the playoff get deeper than Henrik Karlsson wearing the baseball cap on the end of the bench.

All hands on deck for the Hawks leading toward the Conference Semi-finals! Where do you think Bolland should end up when Game 1 begins?

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May 7, 2013; Saint Paul, MN, USA; The Chicago Blackhawks celebrate against the Minnesota Wild following game four of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight the Chicago Blackhawks have a chance to officially eliminate the Minnesota Wild from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and advance to the next round.  A win tonight, would obviously been in the Blackhawks best interests, but there is a great advantage to winning a playoff series in such a quick fashion.

1.  Injured players get extra time for their wounds to heal.

Dave Bolland and Ray Emery have been unable to suit-up and play for the Hawks thus far in the playoffs.  While it doesn’t seem like Emery would have played anyways, due to the exceptional play from Corey Crawford, coach Quenneville would definitely feel more comfortable having the experienced Emery, who had a fantastic season backing up Crawford, instead of Henrik Karlsson, who only has 26 games of NHL experience.  

As for Bolland, the fact that he has missed all of the first round of the series thus far, is eerily similar to the 2011 playoffs, when he missed the first 3 games of the series against the Vancouver Canucks. All eerie similarities stop there, however.  In that series, the Hawks were down 3 games to none, and Bolland’s return sparked a remarkable, yet ill-fated come-back, where the Hawks lost in overtime of game 7.  This time, the Hawks are very distant from the desperation they felt in that series.  Bolland is one of those players that seemingly comes alive in the post-season, no matter how his regular season was.

The Hawks would very much welcome both players returns, but there is no rush at the moment, and a a few extra days off rather than playing more games against the Wild, would be perfect for the Hawks and both players recoveries.

2. A breather for the players logging huge minutes, every night.

You could almost call this the Duncan Keith factor.  Players like Keith, who are often on the ice for nearly 30 minutes per game, would welcome any extra rest to catch their breath for the next series.  This also includes any player that has a bruise or any light injury(that we are unaware of) that could be a hindrance, or turn into something worse.  These such injurys would have a little extra time to heal, and that could go a long ways for the Blackhawks playoff success.

3.  A little extra rest gives the Blackhawks a possible jump on their next opponent.

Along with a chance for the Hawks to catch their breath, a little extra time dealing with putting the Wild away, means a little extra time to practice and prepare.  We won’t know who the Hawks next opponent will be until the rest of the Western Conference playoff series wrap-up and the tournament has re-seeded.  The only team that has already advanced to the next round is the San Jose Sharks, who swept the Vancouver Canucks.  The Sharks are doing what the Hawks would like to start doing very soon, which is rest and work out internal kinks.  Until the Hawks know for sure who their next opponent will be, game planning will have to wait, but that doesn’t mean they can’t work on some internal game planning, like the Sharks are doing.  While the Sharks are no doubt catching a breather, they are also practicing, staying game-ready, and working on improving themselves as much as they can in this time of luxury.  We can all agree that the Hawks Powerplay unit is full of kinks.  If the Hawks can defeat the Wild tonight, they will be able to catch that breather, as well as practice and work on their lackluster Powerplay.  Say, the Hawks do in fact defeat the Wild tonight, and use the extra time off to work on fixing their hibernating Powerplay, and let’s say they actually do fix it.  Then, they would have productively used their earned time off to gain an edge over their next opponent.

This is no way, shape or form meant as a way to jinx the Blackhawks and their still on-going series against the Wild.  Nor is this disrespecting the Wild’s slim, but real chances of coming back in this series.  This article is meant to point out the possible huge, hidden opportunity gained with a Hawks win/series victory, tonight.

November 4, 2011; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Brett Connolly (14) gets the puck past Chicago Blackhawks goalie Ray Emery (30) and center Dave Bolland (36) for a goal at St. Pete Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Griffith-USA TODAY Sports

Another day between playoff games and another injury update that Ray Emery and Dave Bolland are both doubtful for Thursday night’s Game #5 Stanley Cup playoff game between the Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild.

As stated a couple of days ago,  Bolland and Emery are either hurt way more than the coaching staff are leading on to or since the Hawks lead the series 3-1 with a possible series clincher in their own arena, the Hawks are giving them both another day off in the chance that they can get 100% before the next series.  It just seems strange though that every time you hear an update it’s that they are close to returning then on the day before the next game they are already ruled out for the contest.

Bolland has been injury prone for 2 out of the last three seasons and somehow he managed to play 35 games this season even though it feels like he missed almost the entire shortened season. Bolland may not have been needed so far in the Wild series, but with each passing series Bolland’s defensive annoying nature will be needed more and more.  In 2010 he shut down the Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski line which is now a possible 2nd round matchup.

Emery has overcome a possible career ending injury but has been injury free for the most part during his tenure wearing a Hawks sweater.  Luckily for the Hawks Corey Crawford has been solid for the entire series with the exception of one overtime shot.

I have the feeling the series lead is giving the Hawks the ability to continue to heal/rest these guys, How do you feel?  Is this just extra rest when it is possible or do you feel these two are injured worse than the Hawks staff and reporters are telling us?

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Apr 20, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Dave Bolland (36) and right wing Patrick Kane (88) during the third period against the Phoenix Coyotes at the United Center. The Phoenix Coyotes beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 in the shoot out. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Dave Bolland is out again for Game #4 and this makes me wonder how bad is his groin injury? Bolland played in 35 games scoring 7 goals 7 assists with a -7 rating. After missing 13 regular season games for different injuries, he hasn’t played in the playoffs. Since the end of the regular season it has been reported that he could be playing soon.  First it was Bolland could be playing in Minnesota, then it was reported he was traveling with the teams so he should play in Minnesota but now he’s been ruled out of Game #4 which has to make you wonder how bad is he hurt.

Bolland was quoted by Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Time today on Twitter

Bolland: “You want to be cautious … When we went on the Stanley Cup run, it’s a long time. I’d rather be ready for the whole playoffs.”

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) May 6, 2013

The cautious remark makes me feel like even if this series goes seven games we won’t see Bolland wearing a Blackhawks sweater against the Minnesota Wild.  I know the critics of Bolland’s play are out there saying how he doesn’t belong with Patrick Kane or that he loses too many faceoffs. I still think Bolland is made for playoff hockey. Look at his stats in the 2010 Stanley Cup playoff run or how the Vancouver Canucks series in 2011 changed in Game 4 with his appearance after another injury to almost help lead the Hawks to four straight against the Canucks.

I’m not saying he’s the most important piece, but when healthy and playing at a high level Bolland is a great annoying piece to have around so the question for me is how hurt is Bolland?

What do you think? Is he hurt worse than the Blackhawks are leading on? In the end do you feel like he’s an important piece to the puzzle for a Cup run?

For more Blackhawks conversation follow us on Twitter @Blackhawk_Up or friend us on Facebook at Blackhawk Up.

Apr 12, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw (65) moves the puck in against Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk (13) and goalie Jimmy Howard (35) during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

It’s easy to forget about the key “role” players on an NHL team, especially the when that team is the  Chicago Blackhawks, a team stocked full of superstar caliber talent as well as any team in the league.  However, the NHL is a league that requires more than just superstar talent to make a team a championship team.  The NHL is a league that requires a supporting cast for it’s stars, and Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa, Duncan Keith, Patrick Sharp and Brent Seabrook will rely on their supporting cast that includes Andrew Shaw, Michael Frolik, and Dave Bolland, to end up with Lord Stanley’s Cup come June.

The most important of the supposrting cast would have to be Dave Bolland.  Hawks fans will remember how Bolland has seemingly come to life in the playoffs the past several seasons, regardless of how he played during the regular season.  Bolland has played an integral role as the center on the checking line that has shut down lines featuring the likes of(most famously) Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin, as well as Joe Thornton.  “The Rat” will need to regain his health before he is able play with the nerves of Zach Parise‘s top line for the Minnesota Wild.  The Blackhawks will face a steep challenge in defeating the Wild if they are to do so without Bolland’s presence.

Andrew Shaw was very much missed during the chunk of last year’s playoff series against the Phoenix Coyotes while he was serving a suspension.  Shaw has a knack for scoring the “dirty” goals, as opposed to the highlight reel goals that Hawks fans are accustomed to seeing from Patrick Kane, and the rest of the stars.  Dirty goals from guys like Shaw can have a demoralizing, back-breaking effect on an opposing team.  Opposing teams expect the stars to light the lamp, but it’s a heartbreaking disappointment to a team when they allow a goal to a player like Andrew Shaw, a player who can also play physical and adds an edge of toughness to his game.

Enough can’t be said about the stellar play from Michael Frolik, this season.  One of the Blackhawks greatest strengths this season has been their stingy Penalty Kill, and Michael Frolik has arguably been the Hawks most effective Penalty Killer this season.  If the Hawks PK unit can continue it’s stinginess into the Post Season, they will be at a tremendous advantage against most teams.  It’s hard to imagine the PK unit being anywhere near the success level that it reached this season, without the help of Michael Frolik.  

Unlike the NBA, a league that is hopelessly dependant on superstar talent to lead a team to glory, the NHL is a two-way sport that requires superstar talent as well as the more workman like players, to bring home trophys, and the Blackhawks are very much a two-team in those regards.

Apr 9, 2013; St. Paul, MN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Ray Emery (30) makes a save on Minnesota Wild forward Jason Pominville (29) and forward Kyle Brodziak (21) during the third period at the Xcel Energy Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

In most exciting game of the season so far, two pieces to the Chicago Blackhawks puzzle will be out of place against the Minnesota Wild. Dave Bolland and Ray Emery will both be out with lower body injuries as the first game of the Wild/Blackhawks series gets underway. Bolland has missed the last several games with a lower body injury and has played in 35 of 48 games this season. He’s listed as “day to day” but will hopefully rest and drink plenty of rat juice (that’s what I’m calling it) to amp himself up as the great agitator in playoffs.

Emery left midway through the first period of Wednesday’s game in Edmonton and has not been back since. He’s listed as “day to day”, and Blackhawks fans could use him warming the bench for his team soon just for added peace of mind. Henrik Karlsson will backup Corey Crawford in net for the time being, so all of that “goalie controversy” talk was fun while it lasted, but, c’mon, Crawford’s the man. Joel Quenneville didn’t really have to make a choice after all.

Do you think these injuries will make much of an impact in the first game? What about in the series?

For more updates and conversation, follow us on Twitter @Blackhawk_Up and friend us on Facebook at Blackhawk Up.

Mar 16, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Dave Bolland (36) waits for the face off against the Dallas Stars during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Stars 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

There were picture circulating of Dave Bolland on the ice at practice on Thursday and the assumption would be Bolland is in the lineup Friday night.  Not so fast my friend after practice it was reported Bolland wouldn’t play.

Dave Bolland will not play tomorrow. Said he aggravated the leg injury suffered from the Weber slapper by playing the next game. #Blackhawks

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) April 11, 2013

Bolland also told Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mark Lazerus that he’s rushing to get back.

Bolland said he’s trying to get the strength back in his leg. Called the injury a “pain in the ass” and says he’s “rushing” to get back.

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) April 11, 2013

This tweet worries me more than Bolland not playing, because with the Hawks tremendous start  the thought one would think was  nobody would have to rush back and risk further injury.  Yes, it probably would  be good for Bolland to hit the ice before the playoffs started,but let’s not risk playoff games in the process.

Another thing that Bolland not returning saved us is #2 center talk with Marcus Kruger filling the role nicely and fans calling for Bolland to return to his more comfortable #3 center spot.  One controversy(goalie) a week please, so not having this one to deal with is a plus right?

Bolland practicing has to be a good sign that he will return to the lineup within the next week, a defense minded tough Bolland is needed come playoff time and a healthy one too!

For more Blackhawks conversation follow us on Twitter @Blackhawk_Up or friend us on Facebook at Blackhawk Up.

Mar 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Dave Bolland (36) with the puck during the third period against the Edmonton Oilers at the United Center. Edmonton won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Dave Bolland may not be on the trading block, but he didn’t help the outcry for a center to man the second line with his play last night. Specifically, with the Hawks having some momentum in the third period in a 1-1 game Dave Bolland breaks in and is on the doorstep when somehow he doesn’t shoot the puck but he tries a behind the back pass that gets deflected. Minutes later the Ducks score and close out the Hawks 2-1 at the United Center.

A true scoring threat at worst shoots the puck at that point and at best gives the Hawks a 2-1 lead.  Bolland has been underwhelming as the #2 center with injuries not helping to himself and Patrick Sharp.  That is not to excuse him for his inability to get pucks in the net especially when he has the chance to give the Hawks the lead. When you are on the same line with a player like Kane with 42 points your stat line should be better than 5 goals and 7 assists.  This kind of play had Twitter on edge last night from get rid of Bolland to not going to be surprised when he’s moved by Wednesday at the trade deadline.

The problem with moving Bolland is that he’s ideal as a #3 center and a great shutdown defensive player in the playoffs, but his faceoff percentage continues to drop and if his confidence offensively is shaken he cannot be out there with Patrick Kane anymore.  The Hawk weakness is at the center position but after watching guys for over 30 games people start feeling attached to them even it if really isn’t in the teams best interest long term. The question really is whether Stan will make a move and how much do teams like the Dallas Stars want for the likes of Derek Roy or the Capitals and Mike Ribeiro. This weakness will come back to bite them in the playoffs like it has the past two years if a move doesn’t happen by Wednesday.

Bolland might not be changing teams but if the Hawks are serious come playoff time he needs to be changing lines and move back to the role that helped lead to a Stanley Cup in 2010, and that is defensive center and not trying to be a fancy passer when goals are what is needed at that time.

What do you think? Did last night highlight the already glaring need for a center at the trade deadline? Or without Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa in the lineup are fans expecting too much from the Hawks lineup?

For more Blackhawks talk follow us on Twitter @Blackhawk_up or Friend us on Facebook at Blackhawk Up.

Bolland’s presnce will be a huge factor since he routinely seems to be able to get under the San Jose Sharks skin and mainly one of their stars in  Joe Thornton. Here is a link to Bolland’s interview today after the morning skate when he talks about his return to the ice.

The Blackhawks will have their hands full shutting down the offense that includes Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski but the task got a little easier with their biggest nuisance in the lineup tonight.

For Blackahwks updates during the much anticipated Western Conference showdown follow us on Twitter at Blackhawk_Up.

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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