Jan 26, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) skates witht the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Blackhawks continued their “perfect so-far” season by outlasting the Columbus Blue Jackets in a tight game with a 3-2 victory in Columbus.  The Blackhawks improved to 5-0-0, good for 10 points on the season.  This is the Hawks best start to a season since the 1971-1972 season.  The Blue Jackets fell to 1-3-1, with 3 points on the season.

The Hawks got off to a slow, awfully flat start to the game.  It was almost the reverse of what happened in Dallas, where the Hawks got off to a fast start and were piling up the shots.  The Blue Jackets were the team piling up the shots and chances  in the first half of the first period.  After a Sheldon Brookbank holding penalty, Columbus kept up the offensive pressure, against the Hawks.  This eventually lead to a goal from Blue Jackets’ center, Mark Letestu, just seconds after the Chicago penalty expired.

Throughout the entire first period, the Blue Jackets were physically out-muscling the Blackhawks, and controlling the game.  A late period boarding call for Columbus defenseman, Jack Johnson would have given the Hawks an opportunity through a power-play if it wasn’t for an ill-timed slash from Dave Bolland coincided with the boarding call on Johnson.  Regardless the mini-scrap seemed to lead to some inspired hockey from the Blackhawks , as Patrick Kane burned by Columbus defenseman, Adrian Aucoin to make his way to a shot that was stopped by Blue Jackets’ goaltender, Steve Mason.  However, Dave Bolland was there to turn a rebound into a goal and a tie-game at the end of the first period.  A tie-game that the Hawks were lucky to have.

In the second period, the Blackhawks got off to another slow, flat start as they couldn’t get anything going offensively against the physical style of play, put on by the Blue Jackets.  Mid-way through the period, the Hawks took the lead as Bryan Bickell deflected a shot from Niklas Hjalmarsson past Steve Mason, giving the Hawks a 2-1 lead.

The Blue Jackets appeared to have tied the game up on a shot on a power-play beat Blackhawks goaltender, Corey Crawford.  However, as it the officials ruled that Crawford was interfered with by a Columbus forward, on what in hind-sight looks to be a blown call.  Although, Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville disagrees.  So, the Hawks were lucky at the end of the second period, as they were at the end of the first period.  The only difference was that this time they were lucky to have a lead over, rather than lucky share a tie with the Blue Jackets.

Another flat start for the Hawks in the third period made it seem like it was only a matter of time before Columbus tied the game and eventually re-took the lead.  A solid penalty-kill in the third, especially from more solid play from Michael Frolik, appeared to spark a more higher-quality game of hockey from the Blackhawks.  Jonathan Toews added a nifty insurance goal that would end up being the game-winner, in the third period.  An Artem Anisimov goal, late in the third, proved to be too little, too late for the Blue Jackets as the Blackhawks survived to claim a 3-2 victory, as their undefeated season lives on.

Notes-

More strong play from the Hawks usual suspects in the 3-2 victory.

Niklas Hjalmarsson continues to play like the he’s the man the Hawks ultimately chose to keep over Antti Niemi, back in 2010.  ”Hammer” provided 4 blocked shots along with an assist(which initially looked like his goal) en route to a +3 night.

Patrick Kane continues his mission to show everyone that he is back to being an elite scorer at the NHL level, as he added 2 assists to his stat sheet.

Corey Crawford made several clutch saves for the Blackhawks, and had another very good night in net.  His Save Percentage on the season thus far is a hefty .923%.

Former Calder Trophy winning goaltender for the Blue Jackets, Steve Mason, who lost his starting job this season after repeated seasons of seemingly constant struggles combined with Columbus’ acquisition of Sergei Bobrovsky, had an overall solid night in net for the Jackets as he stopped 21 shots.

Although Brandon Saad never seems to have the statistics to show for it, he is making a positive impact on the Hawks top-line.  If he keeps up this play, he will start putting up points.  It might be interesting to see what happens when Dan Carcillo returns from his injury.

In a very not newsworthy news, Jonathan Toews is off to a hot start this season as expected.  Toews put up a goal and a 68% face-off winning percentage against Columbus.  Just because he always plays great, doesn’t mean it isn’t worth mentioning.

Duncan Keith lead the Hawks in ice-time with 25:35, as Coach Quenneville used his 3rd d-pairing of Nick Leddy and Sheldon Brookbank very sparingly.   This might be something to keep an eye on soon.

The Blackhawks (5-0-0, 10pts) come home to face the hated Detroit Red Wings (2-2-0, 4pts)  tomorrow at 6:00 PM at the United Center.

Mar 21, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) passes the puck against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at the United Center. The Blackhawks won 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Niklas Hjalmarsson didn’t score very high in this past summer’s report card. Hjalmarsson is a solid 2nd defense man and belongs on the 2nd defense man pair.  He played very uneven hockey until the draft deadline trade for Johnny Oduya. He seemed to play better after the acquisition and better than most people suspect since his name was the biggest name rumored to be traded at the trade deadline and then at the draft and then at the start of free agency .

Low and behold Hjalmarsson is still with us. Part of me thinks that Stan Bowman’s house could be the next house featured on the show Hoarders because he has a hard time giving anything away, not that I think Hjalmarsson should be given away.  The main reason for people assuming he will be traded is his contract doesn’t match his level of play ($3.5 million this season).  He finished last season at +9 even though it seemed like he just continually did blind backhanded clearing attempts that were turned into opposing goals.

During the Stanley Cup run Hjalmarsson blocked every shot possible and still does a good job at this skill, but we need more from him especially in the powerplay kills.   I’m sure his name will come up at the deadline this season especially if the new defenseman Sheldon Brookbank and Michal Roszival are able to come in and play good hockey.

Hjalmarsson over/under is set a 1 goal and 9 assists multiple trade rumors without getting traded.

What is your over/under for Hjalmarsson?

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Mar 29, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) skates with the puck against the St. Louis Blues during the third period at the United Center. The Chicago Blackhawks beat the St. Louis Blues 4-3 in the shootout. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

Another one heads to Europe!

Niklas Hjalmarsson has signed with Bolanzo-Bozen a Series A squad in Italy.  Hjarlmarsson is suppose to join the team Friday.  He joins a handful of European born Hawks and Patrick Kane in playing for teams in Europe during the lockout.

Hjalmarsson who has been the centerpiece of Blackhawks trade rumors will get to preview what it’s like to wear another uniform while in Italy.

None of this would matter if there wasn’t a lockout.  But there is!!

END THE LOCKOUT!!

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Kevin Hoffman-US PRESSWIRE

Philadelphia Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren released a statement early Tuesday morning regarding an injury sustained by Flyers defenseman Andrej Meszaros:

“Andrej had successful surgery this morning to repair a torn right achilles tendon. The surgery was performed by Dr. Steve Raikin at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. Andrej was injured last week during summer training in Slovakia. Andrej will be out indefinitely.”

Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman better be on the phone with Holmgren today.  The injury to Meszaros puts a team that was already desperate for defense in some serious dire straits.  The Flyers were willing sign Shea Weber  to a ridiculous contract which means they will be willing to pay through the nose for a defenseman now!  Enter Bowman with defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson.  It’s no secret that the Hawks want to move Hjalmarsson and now you have your trading partner.  A team that is desperate and has no leverage.  It is time for StanBo to rake Philly over the coals and get a major return for Hjammer.

So who could we get in return in a possible Hjalmarsson deal?  Obviously we are not going to get a Claude Giroux  or Scott Hartnell.  Hjalmarsson alone is not enough to talk about a Sean Couturier or a Brayden Schenn.   I would love to see what it would take to get Wayne Simmonds off their hands.   Simmonds was an absolute beast on the power play last year scoring 11 of his career high 28 goals with the man advantage.  Again, I don’t think the Flyers would give up Simmonds for just Hjalmarsson.   The Flyers could be desperate enough to give up a Matt Read or Eric Wellwood.  This is where Stan Bowman needs to step up, show some stones for once and pull off a good deal for his team.  He has a team that is reeling and is paper thin on defense.  This would be a slam dunk for a good general manager, but I have yet to figure out if the Blackhawks have one of those.

Thank you for reading, be sure to follow me on Twitter @SAMotherPucker

Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE

There has been some speculation that the New York Rangers might be trying to add Joe Thornton before the start of the season.  There have been whispers in the past few months the the San Jose Sharks might be interested in moving their captain.  If the Sharks are willing to move “Jumbo” Joe, Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman better be making a phone or two on this one.  Thornton is exactly what the Hawks need right now, a big and physical second line center.  Thornton is a play making assist machine that would excel in between Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp. He has had two seasons of over 90 assists including 96 in 2005-06 on his way to the Hart Trophy.  He has 324 goals and 754 assists and 1077 career regular season games and is a +17 for his career.  I know what a lot of you are saying right now, “he doesn’t show up in the playoffs!”  Well that is a reputation that isn’t exactly true.  Thornton does have 87 points (20 G, 67 A) in 114 career playoff games.  In fact since being in San Jose his playoff numbers have been pretty good.  He 69 points in 79 career playoff games with the Sharks, that is an average of 0.87 points per game.  Marian Hossa has a career playoff points per game average of 0.75 and Patrick Sharp’s is 0.63 but you never hear about those guys being post season “no shows.”  Thornton is signed for this year and the 2013-14 season with a $7 million cap hit.  The Hawks can afford that hit, especially if the use Niklas Hjalmarsson in the package to land Thornton.  Doug Wilson was very interested in Hjalmarsson two years ago, its time to see if he still wants him.  This trade would be a great fit for both the Hawks and Thornton and the Bowman has a lot to offer for his services.  The only factors would be if the Sharks are actually interested in moving their captain and if they would want to send him to a conference rival.  Time to work you magic Stan, if you have any…..

Thank you for reading, be sure to follow me on Twitter @SAMotherPucker

Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

It is obvious that the Blackhawks are not going to add much in the free agent market.  Signing Shane Doan to a multi year contract just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.  If general manager Stan Bowman wants to improve this team he will have to do it via a trade or two.  The Hawks have some nice trade bait with defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson, whose contract looks rather appealing these days.  Hjalmarsson can get a decent return but you can make a real blockbuster if you package him with Viktor Stalberg.

Stalberg is coming off the best season of his career and his trade value is at an all time high.  His $875K cap hit makes him a bargain as well.  His contract will expire after this upcoming season.  If he scores at least 20 goals again he will be in line for a huge raise.  Look at the contract the Tampa Bay Lightning just gave to Teddy Purcell.  Purcell just got a 3 year extension worth $4.5 million per season.  Purcell had a career high 65 points and scored 24 goals, the first time he scored over 20 in his career.  If Stalberg puts up another 20 plus goals, you have to think it would take a similar contract to keep him here in Chicago.  Don’t forget, the contracts for both Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are both up in 2015 and Dave Bolland will be a free agent in 2014.  The Hawks will still be paying Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook at this time too.  Stalberg had a great season and can be a really good player but he is expendable.  Trading him now will insure getting something in return for him as opposed to Stalberg leaving via free agency.  Signing him to a big money contract will mean having to lose at least one of the players mentioned above.  I would not take Stalberg over any of those players, no matter what he does this season.

There are a lot of names flying around the trade rumor mill these days.  Guys like Bobby Ryan, Evander Kane, Thomas Plekanec and Brandon Dubinsky might all be available.  A package that includes Stalberg and Hjalmarsson is a really good start in landing any one of those players.  A good stock broker will tell you that you have to sell high and Stalberg’s value may never be higher than it is right now.

Thank you for reading and be sure to follow me on Twitter @SAMotherPucker.

February 15, 2012; Pittsburgh,PA, USA: Anaheim Ducks defender Sheldon Brookbank (21) on the ice before playing against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE

For most of the morning and early afternoon, it appeared that GM Stan Bowman was relaxing on Canada Day and not accomplishing much.  The big rumor of the early part of free agent signing day has been  that the Chicago Blackhawks have put out feelers for Martin Brodeur.

Finally, the huge big blockbuster signing that all Blackhawk fans  have been waiting for…….. Welcome Sheldon Brookbank to the Blackhawks!!  Ok, not a blockbuster, but could signal the expected departure of Niklas Hjalmarsson.  Brookbank, who played for the Anahiem Ducks the past 4 seasons, is 31 shoots right and his stats this past season were 3 goals 11 assists +11 with 120 hits.  This is a fine signing for a #3 pairing defenseman, and if the Hawks are not able to move Hjalmarsson it could mean that Dylan Olsen begins the season in Rockford.

Brookbanks contract is reported to be 2 years for $2.5 million.

Most Hawks fans are wanting and expecting more from Bowman.  The day is still early, and maybe Bowman can finally man up and make a big-time move before the day is over. If any more signings happen Blackhawk Up will have you covered!

Mar 9, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) is defended by New York Rangers center Brian Boyle (22) during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

Free agency starts this Sunday, and the biggest name that has been rumored to get traded to free up cap-space room before this season’s  free agency has been Niklas Hjalmarsson.  What are the odds that he actually gets moved?  If you look at all the trades that GM Stan Bowman has completed in the past calendar year, the odds are not very strong that Hjalmarsson gets moved.  Here is the list of all the trades that have affected the roster since July 1, 2011.

-traded Brian Connelly to the Calgary Flames for Brendan Morrison

-traded 2013 2nd and 3rd round draft picks to Winnipeg Jets for Johnny Oduya

-traded John Scott to the NY Rangers for a 2012 5th round draft pick

That’s it, since last years free agent signing period.  Three trades is all Bowman has done in 365 calendar days, so that the growing expectations that fans have that the Hawks are going to do some big moves are really unfounded.  Since bailing out the Hawks from salary cap jail, Bowman has not been a man of action, but a man that plans to continually build the roster from within while trying to add veteran guys to fill in the holes.  Here is the list of last season’s free agent signings at the July 1 date

-Steve Montador

-Jamal Mayers

-Sean O’Donnell

-Andrew Brunette

-Daniel Carcillo

Last season’s big splash were four old guys and a borderline lunatic on skates. Only Mayers came in and played to the expectations that were set for him which granted him another season in Chicago. The last part of the Bowman plan fails! The old veteran guys do not work out with the young core.

There are  stories circulating  that the Hawks ownership wants to shake out of the first round busts mode, and get back to the promised land of the 2010 Stanley Cup Champs.  Bowman seems to have a course set and it doesn’t look like he’s about to change that course no matter the speculation or expectations.  The problem with the course set by Bowman is that even though they are very young , the Hawks core continue to put NHL seasons and games in their rear view mirror.  Bowman must get these guys the right pieces to truly compete for the Stanley Cup in the 2012-2013 season.. If Bowman doesn’t find a trade to his liking for Hjalmarsson or Michael Frolik there will not be a lot of money to go after any free agents of significance.

Will Hjalmarsson get moved by July 4? or will there be any other trades announced in the coming week?  Time will tell but if recent history has anything to say about it #4 will remain wearing the Indian Sweater come October. What do you think will be the outcome of Hjalmarsson? Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

LET’S GO HAWKS!!!

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.

 Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

Most Chicago Blackhawks fans probably thought that the best news all day was that Roberto Luongo would not waive his no trade-clause to enable a trade from the Vancouver Canucks to the Blackhawks.  The debates were hotly contested last night, but after Luongo‘s statement, all we were left with was Bobby Lu wants to take his talents to South Beach bits all day.

The Luongo story or non-story was not the best news of the day.  The best news came before the NHL Players union meeting, when the Captain Jonathan Toews pronounced that he was 100% healthy with no lingering effects from last season’s concussion that cost him the last 22 games of the regular season.   Like rotator cuff’s and ACL’s were in the 80′s and 90′s, the dreaded injury in 2012 is concussion.  The worst part of this injury is that there is no defined time table for return.  Sidney Crosby missed the end of 2010-2011 season and the injury ended up affecting most of the 2011-2012 season.   Toews stating he’s back to regular strength is outstanding news. The meeting Toews was about to attend could damper all the excitement leading to opening night 2012.

The players union is about to start negotiations on a new CBA which expires in September.  The biggest fear of any hockey fan should not only be a possible strike, but the fact that the NHL players union is headed by Donald Fehr.  Yes, the same Donald Fehr that shut down  Major League Baseball for the end of the 1994 season which also cancelled the World Series.  Fehr is not someone to play chicken with because you will LOSE.  Fehr did state that a new CBA didn’t have to be signed for the season to begin as long as both sides were still at the negotiating table. Fehr has only one job, and that is to make the players as much money as possible which means even though a strike is a “last resort” with Fehr at the helm it will always be a viable option!

OTHER NEWS AND NOTES

-Hawks defense man Steve Montador  stated Monday that he was healthy and feeling much better from his concussion symptoms and plans to be ready for  Blackhawks training camp.

- Niklas Hjalmarsson rumors are warming up with the possible suitors being the Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators

-Blackhawks NHL prospect camp will be held July 9-13 at Johnny’s Ice House.

-The Winnapeg Jets announced the extension signing of Ondrej Pavelec for 5 years worth $3.9 million per year. Pavelec went 29-28-9 last season with a 2.91 GAA and a .906 Save%

-Hockey Hall of Fame inductees will be announced tomorrow with Joe Sakic, Brendan Shanahan, and Jeremy Roenick up for election for the first time. It would be a great day if Roenick gets elected into the Hall of Fame!!

LET’S GO HAWKS!!!!!!