May 3, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Michael Frolik (67) celebrates scoring a goal against the Minnesota Wild during the first period in game two of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

In every game and series there are plenty of numbers.

Here are a few of last night’s numbers

Shots on Goal for the first period Detroit-7 Hawks-6

Shots on Goal for the rest of the game-Hawks-36 Detroit-14

-Sometimes shots on goal is misleading, but in Game 1 the Hawks dominated period 2 without any goals but it set up a huge third period.

Hits Detroit-43 Hawks-24

-This stat can be taken with a grain of salt but here is the difference in Game 1, The Red Wings hits were finishing off checks while the Hawks hits were forechecking winning the puck back hits.

The Hawks are 41 games over .500 with Johnny Oduya in the lineup.

-This stat is mind blowing! Oduya scores the game winner and his nightly terrible turnover came with only a couple minutes left. The Hawks defense may not be the most physical group but their speed and passing have made this group of six one of the best units in the NHL.

The Powerplay was 1-3 in Game 1.

Marian Hossa scored after Patrick Sharp broke up an outlet and Toews got it to Hossa.  The Hawks are now 3-16 and its almost amusing when the Hawks go to the powerplay everyone in the United Center cheers while eveyone on Twitter Groans.  You don’t have to score everytime you have the man advantage but you can’t kill the momentum which the Hawks were successful at on Wednesday night.

6:04- Daniel Carcillo playing time.

-Not sure what the point of benching of Viktor Stalberg was from Coach Q, but playing Carbomb 6 minutes proves that he really isn’t the answer for the rest of the playoffs.

The Penalty Kill is 20-20 in 2013.

This is the best stat of the playoffs so far. While the game was still in doubt the Blackhawks were down a man 3 times on Wednesday night and they killed off all three.  Marcus Kruger and Michael Frolik are fourth liners that are rock stars on the penalty kill. Their speed and tenacity have made these two minutes scoreless and not momentum builders for the Wild last series and the Wings in Game 1.

1.32

- Crawford now leads the NHL playoffs in Goals against average. After a shaky start when he seemed to be looking behind him after every first period shot was able to settle down (with the help of only 14 shots) and stop every shot he saw the rest of the night.

1-Goal!

What is your favorite number from Game 1? What do you think was the turning point of the game?

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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.

Mar 18, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Michael Frolik (67) and center Marcus Kruger (16) and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Jan Hejda (8) chase the puck down the ice during the third period at the Pepsi Center. The Blackhawks won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Blackhawks Penalty Kill stats read like this 21-135 86.1% with 5 short-handed goals.

The power play struggles with all the offensive firepower any team in the NHL has to offer, but the PK has been very good most of the season and really great for the past three weeks only giving up one goal during that period.

The biggest reason for the Hawks success has been teamwork and the ability to play any of the four lines at anytime with great success.  The penalty kill is a microcosm of that with any Hawks player that takes the ice during the 2 minute stretch able to make the team stronger no matter what the name on the back of the jersey reads.

The big stars of the Hawks take the ice on the PK which is of course part of the reason that the unit is strong when you can throw out two of the best two way players in the NHL on the ice during the PK by the name of Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa any unit will be very strong.  Not only can they kill penalties they can put some doubt in the minds of opposing defense-man from taking risks with the thought of a short handed chance always their with these stars on the ice.

The stars are great but the two unheralded Hawks players that solidify the Hawks Pk have been Marcus Kruger and Michael Frolik.  Kruger has been solid all year long with this unit which continues to turn away opponents man advantages.  Frolik is the silent star who stats do not show up in the stat sheet every night but when given the opportunity no matter the task he has turned in a tremendous effort.  No matter what line he plays on he produces and provides energy even when he played on the first line with Toews and Brandon Saad.  This year he was given the task on the PK and he has thrived in this area, just like everything else he has been assigned to do in 2013.

The Hawks have a record of 33-5-4 which is no accident.  This is a team in every sense of the word, but if you are looking for a quick two minute example of why this team has been great from Game #1 just look at any Hawks penalty kill and you will have your answer!

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Feb 01, 2013; Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA; Chicago Blackhawks forward Michael Frolik (67) during the warmup against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

On this date in Chicago Blackhawks history,

On February 10, 2011 The Chicago Blackhawks made a trade with the Florida Panthers and former GM Dale Tallon. 

The Florida Panthers aquired from the Blackhawks Hugh Jessiman, David Pacan, and Jack Skille.

The Blackhawks aquired Alexander Salak and Michael Frolik. 

Frolik has become a mainstay this season on the power play kill and has not been the healthy scratch like  he was during the 2011-2012 season.  Frolik seemed to turn the corner in his Blackhawks stay last spring in the Coyotes series after entering the series after the Andrew Shaw suspension.  Frolik was one of the top forwards on the ice during the Coyotes series and after playing in Europe this fall, even though the stat sheets don’t say it his play has been superb.

Alexander Salak didn’t last his two year contract after getting beat out for the #2 goalie position by Ray Emery before the 2011-2012 season, Salak was released before the draft this past summer.

Skille was a #7 pick overall by the Blackhawks and he was a major disappointment especially when you look at the 2005 draft and see all the players the Hawks could have picked at that spot.  Skille hasn’t blossomed by taking his talents to South Florida having only tallied 6 goals and 7 assists since the trade from Chicago.

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Jan 24, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Michael Frolik (67) chases the puck in the Dallas Stars zone during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Stars 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

One of the fatal flaws for the 2011-2012 Chicago Blackhawks was there inability to score on the power play and giving up too many goals on the penalty kill.  While the big stars Marian Hossa, Patrick Kane, and Jonathan Toews have been off to a hot start offensively the real secret of the Blackhawks 6-0-1 start has been special teams.

Last season the power play was a dreadful 15.2% on the power play going 42-277 which ranked 26th in the NHL.  For a team that is loaded with talent offensively the power play was unsuccessful at best.  When asked on the Minnesota vs Hawks telecast what the difference in the power play was so far this season Eddie Olczyk stated puck retrieval as the biggest difference in the production.  The biggest difference to me is that there at least appears to be a plan of attack and that all five skaters are on the same page without  one player trying to crack all four players this year. The Hawks power play currently sits 10th in the NHL posting goose eggs on the power play against Detroit and Minnesota with 7 goals in 29 attempts for a 24.1%.  Yes having the stars play like stars make every aspect of offense easier, but having a master plan makes it special. My one question would be why Andrew Shaw has been on the first power play unit the last few games.

The real crown jewel of special teams has been the penalty kill.  Entering the Vancouver grudge match tonight the Blackhawks have given up only one power play goal in 27 attempts which is #1 in the NHL.  With 10 of their first 12 games on the road, being able to negate every single power play by the opponents in their arena has been key to the fast start.  One of the stars of the penalty kill has been Michael Frolik.  Using his speed and skill has been a big lift to go along the usual suspects of Hawks players on the penalty kill.  The Hawks next five games are on the road and their continued success on the penalty kill along with Corey Crawford solidifying the goalie position will be a key to how successful the road trip will be for the Hawks.

What a change from 26th and 27th last season to 10th and 1st this year.  The special teams have been more special this season so let’s keep it up for the next 41 games!

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April 21, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Michael Frolik (67) carries the puck in game five of the 2012 Western Conference quarterfinals at Jobing.com Arena. The Blackhawks beat the Coyotes 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Frolik can span the entire spectrum from very talented good player to horrible healthy scratch which is why he receive these summer grades last season.  Frolik didn’t waste his lockout sitting around Chicago practicing at open ice, he went to his native Czech land during his extended vacation so hopefully he will be in post season form like he was in the Coyote series.  Frolik after entering the series in game 3 played his best hockey of the season.

Now comes the question of the upcoming season.  Can Frolik bring his talent to the ice rink every night or will he just be the poor man’s Viktor Stalberg that ends up watching games from the healthy scratch sky box?  Frolik still has two years on his contract worth more than 5 goals and 10 assists a game.  When coversation of  first player traded when the season starts its either Patrick Kane or Frolik’s names that are mentioned.  The problem is how much is Frolik worth to another franchise and what could Stan Bowman possibly get in return.

Frolik has potential along with his line mates during the playoffs Bickell and Bolland to be a highly effective bottom 6 line with a lot to prove. Whether they realize their full potential in this shortened season will be the question that could make or break the Hawks this season. A difficult over/under but the Frolik prediction is 4 goals 11 assists. What is your prediction?

Let’s Go Hawks!!

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April 21, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Michael Frolik (67) carries the puck in game five of the 2012 Western Conference quarterfinals at Jobing.com Arena. The Blackhawks beat the Coyotes 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE

No this isn’t a review of the Clark Grizwald family Vacation trip to Europe because for starters that was a comedy! This title is being mentioned because the first Chicago Blackhawk has announced his intentions to play in Europe during the lockout.

James Guillory-US PRESSWIRE

It’s time for Stan Bowman to make his mark on this franchise in a positive way.  The Blackhawks have gone from Stanley Cup champions, to a team that has lost in the first round of the playoffs in each of last two seasons.  I know this isn’t sitting well with Hawks season ticket holders and fans, so it sure as hell better be eating away at the Hawks upper management.  It is time to show the fans and the rest of the NHL that the Chicago Blackhawks mean business are not satisfied with the last two playoff runs.  The best way to send that message is to make a run at free agent Zach Parise.

There are many reasons why the Hawks should sign Parise that go beyond what he can do on the ice.  The first and foremost reason is to prevent the Detroit Red Wings from signing him.  The Wings are team that is getting older but have a ton of cap space to sign both Parise and defenseman Ryan Suter.  Bowman can not allow the Wings to grab these two young studs in the same offseason.  The Pittsburgh Penguins cleared a lot of cap space with the trades of Jordan Staal and Zbynek Michalek last Friday.  I think it is clear that the Pens plan on taking a major run at Suter, because after their playoff debacle versus the Flyers, they need a lot of help on the blue line.  If Suter goes to Pittsburgh, than the Wings will be going full force after Parise.

Speaking of cap space the Blackhawks should have plenty to play around with.  The cap has gone up to $70.3 million dollar per team.  This leaves the Hawks $8.2 million under the salary cap.  Parise made $6 million last year, so I would expect to get a raise with this contract.  The Hawks have been creative in spreading their money out over many years to ease up on the cap hit.  Take a look at the contracts of Marian Hossa and Duncan Keith.  I would imagine Parise will get a similar contract in order to give his new team some cap relieve.  It is no secret that the Hawks would love to move the contracts of Niklas Hjalmarsson, Steve Montador and Michael Frolik.  The Hawks have over $8.5 million invested in these three players.  If they can somehow find a taker for all three that will give the Blackhawks nearly $17 million in cap space.  That is more than enough to be a serious player this summer.  Stan Bowman needs to step up and show the hockey world that he has the stones to be a major force in the NHL.

June 22, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Teuvo Teravainen is presented with a jersey after being selected as the number eighteen overall draft pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2012 NHL Draft at CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

The Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman threw a big major league curve ball when making the Blackhawks first round selection Friday night.  Everyone was hoping it wasn’t Malcolm Subban, but was really looking to hear defense man Olin Maata’s name announced from the podium in Pittsburgh.

Surprise!!! the Blackhawks decided on selecting Teuvo Teravainen with the #18 pick.  He’s a smallish left wing/center with the offensive skills compared to Patrick Kane!  Most experts were stating it was a steal for the Hawks to get this kind of talent at #18 when most thought that Teravainen had top 5 talent.  The selection was announced by Brandon Saad. Is it safe to say that we should be seeing Saad playing on United Center ice on October 13?!?

Teravainien will play with Jokerit in Finland next season. Last season in 40 games, Teravainen had 11 goals and 7 assists for Jokerit.  For the second straight season the Hawks have drafted a talent that has “slid” down the draft and picked up a steal. Last season’s draft it was Saad that was the steal.  It is way better having experts say that you have stolen talent then reached for it especially in the early rounds!!

The rest of the 7 draft picks that the Hawks have will be made today, with Bowman saying even though he didn’t make any moves Friday, that there was a probability of moves being made today or in the coming week, with  Niklas Hjalmarrson, Steve Montador, and Michael Frolik the ones being dangled as bait allegedly.

Quick Blackhawk notes:

-Marian Hossa health is improving nicely and without any set backs should be ready to play come training camp.

- Coach Quenneville should have his other assistant named pretty soon.

-@BlackhawkUp has  you covered on Twitter for instant analysis and commentary throughout the rest of the draft!

Bruce Fedyck-US PRESSWIRE

As we get closer to Friday night’s first round of the draft the trade rumors are swirling around the interwebs at a rapid pace.  Friday night should be very interesting and exciting.  Not only will the night be filled with the stars of the future, but we could see some stars of today getting a change of scenery.  There are a lot of big names flying around this time of year, so with that being said, all of this article is pure speculation.

The most intriguing name that has come up in the last couple of days is Evander Kane  of the Winnipeg Jets.   It sounds like Kane and the Jets are not close to agreeing on a long term deal and they might be looking to move the 20 year old forward.  Of all the names that have come up the last week or so, this is the one that makes the most sense for the Blackhawks.  Kane is a physical forward who has a big offensive upside.  Kane set career highs this past season with 30 goals and 27 assists.  He is the right combination of offensive skill and toughness.  I think a line with E. Kane, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews would be a fantastic combination.  Kane will turn 21 and has 3 full seasons in the NHL so if he is truly available Stan Bowman better be making some phone calls.

Another interesting name that is reportedly on the block is Brandon Dubinsky of the New York Rangers. Dubinsky is coming off the worst offensive season of his career, which could be the reason the Blue Shirts want to move the 26 year old center.  Brandon only scored 10 goals this past season and added a mere 24 assists in 77 games.  I wouldn’t think the Blackhawks will have any interest in Dubinsky, despite the need for another solid center.  First off, the Hawks already have a Dubinsky on the team, his name is Dave Bolland.  And secondly, there is no way they would want to take his $4.2 million cap hit for the next three seasons.

Talked is heating up again that the Anaheim Ducks  are looking to trade Bobby Ryan.  Why in the world they would want to move their best young player is beyond me.  Reports say that the Ducks had a trade all but done with the Buffalo Sabres to send Ryan and goaltender Jonas Hiller to Buffalo for Ryan Miller.   The Ducks pulled their offer back after Miller suffered a concussion due to a hit from Boston’s Milan Lucic. It will be interesting to see if Buffalo tries to revisit this deal.  If Ryan is truly available he will be the prize offseason acquisition but will come with a very steep price.  Whoever can complete a trade for Ryan will be getting a 24 forward, who has scored at least 31 goals in each of the last 4 seasons, who is under contract through 2015.  He does come with a $5.1 million dollar cap hit as well.

The Blackhawks should look into acquiring either Kane or Ryan.  The have one of the highest rated farm systems that is loaded with prospects.  I have no problem parting ways with a Jeremy Morrin or Mark McNeill if that means getting a 30 goal scorer, in his early 20s, who has already proven themselves at the NHL level.  Some people question  Stan Bowman, whether or not he has the guts to pull off a big trade or not.  You would think the front office would want to make a big splash this summer after back to back 1st round exits.  The Hawks have plenty of young talent to be able to trade with anyone.  They will also need to get creative and try and move guys like Niklas Hjalmarsson and Michael Frolik. 

Friday night will be a very exciting night for hockey fans.  We might get a peek at the direction the Blackhawks and other teams are heading.  Will Rick Nash finally punch his ticket out of Columbus?  Will the disgruntled Roberto Luongo be sent packing?  It should make for a very fun night in the social media universe.  Be sure to check back all weekend as Blackhawk Up will have all your draft news covered.