March 3, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Blackhawks celebrate their 2-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings at the Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

This past week has sparked major change in the league. The Chicago Blackhawks lost for the first time this season, and sticking to Chicago, the Hawks were the cover of Sports Illustrated. This week was huge for hockey, they can finally say they are something, people are actually watching. We should be prepared for the wave hockey is going to make down the stretch this season, this is going to be a fun finish. However let’s get to the Western Conference Rankings.

15. Calgary Flames (9-11-4)

Lets welcome the Flames as the official worst team in the conference. All season long the Flames have gotten themselves to the point where they can’t get that big goal, or when they get close the defense closes and they find themselves stuck. Calgary forward, and pride and joy Jarome Iginla has been way too average this season. He has 7 goals and 12 assist, but is getting killed with a -3 rating this season. We will have to see how the Flames come back this season, they need a quick turn if they hope to make a statement.

14. Colorado Avalanche (10-11-4)

Colorado may be number 14 On my power rankings, but they feel like number 1 in the hockey world. Colorado took down the Chicago Blackhawks Friday night with a huge 6-2 victory. Though they took down the Hawks they seem to not be able to overcome themselves. The team chemistry just isn’t there for the Avs, they tend to look lost, and often dont have any real veterans to turn to. Look for the Avalanche to sink down as the season moves along.

13. Columbus Blue Jackets (10-12-5)

The Jackets had a solid week winning 5 straight games. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky looked strong this week, but the team as a whole showed the promise they started the season with. Columbus needs to continue to be a physical team this season, and they will continue to see success and rise in the standings.

12. Edmonton Oilers (10-11-5)

Edmonton has shown many different faces this year, they handed the Chicago Blackhawks their second loss of the season in a 6-5 offensive battle. Edmonton started the season as a legitimate contender for a top playoff spot. However they have shown many signs of inexperience, and many goaltending questions. We should keep our eye on the Oilers to see hare they might pull themselves out of this hole their in.

11. Nashville Predators (11-9-6)

Nashville has really come around the start of the season. Goaltender Pekka Rinne has 10 wins now, with a 2.00 GAA this season. Though the offensive firepower isn’t there the defensive side of the game has been quite impressive stairs far. For the Preds to move up they need the production from the offense as well, look for the Kostitsyn brothers this season.

10. San Jose Sharks (11-8-6)

San Jose has had a very questionable season this far, they tend to show spurts of success, but can’t close games so far. The play of Goaltender Anti Niemi has been on and off, but that may be due to the defensive side. Keep an eye on how the Sharks rebound in the second half.

9. Dallas Stars (12-11-2)

Dallas has had a solid start to the season, but in their last 10 games they have gone 4-5-1. The interesting part of the play in Dallas has been the effort from the veterans. Jaromir Jagr leads the team in goals, and still he continues to impress the Hockey world.

8. Minnesota Wild (13-10-2)

Minnesota has been so interesting to watch this year, they tend to find a way to get wins, but on top of that they find good goaltending to keep them in games. After the offseason, the Wild started slow then came out with fire here at the midway point Of the season. Keep an eye on this team they can be potentially dangerous down the road this season.

7. Detroit Red Wings (12-9-5)

Detroit has a lot to prove yet this season, they need to show the hockey world they can play with the young players. As of right now we see the Wings as a playoff team, but with this mad rush of games to close the season, can the Red Wings keep up.

6. St. Louis Blues (14-10-2)

St. Louis had all the hockey world scared at the start of this season, but at the halfway point they are nearly invisible. Despite all the success they been expect to have, they seem to look flat, or even confused during games. Look for the Blues to find their way this season, and get back in the race.

5. Phoenix Coyotes (13-10-3)

Phoenix has now entered the building. After the flat start this season, the Coyotes have now shown they can still be a legitimate playoff contender. Look for the Coyotes to keep up the fire and move forward at the end of the season.

4. Los Angeles Kings (14-9-2)

Los Angeles has now started to play like their old self. We need to keep an eye out for this team, they have a good chance that they may cool off soon, but when you least expect they will come back and make another run at the cup.

3. Vancouver Canucks (12-7-6)

Vancouver as expected is near the top of the standings. The biggest question was how the goaltending was going to work this season. We all got proven wrong with Luongo, but now they are getting plenty of production out of the Sedin Twins. Keep an eye on Vancouver they have a good team, and could cause some big damage.

2. Anaheim Ducks (19-3-3)

Well everyone Anaheim is officially not going away. With only being 4 points out of first place the Ducks have a lot to look forward to. The team has gotten production from all phases of the game, but I believe the big part of the team is Coach Bruce Boudreau bringing his playoff expierience to Anaheim. Look for the Ducks to keep their sights forward close out the season.

1. Chicago Blackhawks (21-2-3)

The Blackhawks are now back down to earth after losing their first games of the season, but have yet to win after the losses. The play of Crawford has been less than good, but they need to tighten the defense as well. Lets keep an eye on how they adjust to their first loss. Look for the Hawks to keep the top spot.

like us on Facebook at Blackhawk Up or follow us on twitter @Blackhawk_Up

Mar 6, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; The Chicago Blackhawks celebrate their 24th straight game to start this season without a regulation time loss at the United Center against the Colorado Avalanche. Chicago won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

This week around the league teams are beginning to find their place. The Kings are streaking, the Phoenix Coyotes are showing they can still play, and the Blackhawks? Well let’s just use our imagination. We are hitting the midway point of the season, and the Chicago Blackhawks have a 10 point lead over the league. Keep in mind in the coming weeks that there could be some teams beginning to burn out due to this hectic schedule. Some teams are just not built for this rushed season, and injuries could become a huge factor.

15. Columbus Blue Jackets (7-12-4)

I dont know about anyone else, but when the Jackets were doing well early this season I wanted to see success, but they couldn’t hold on to their winning ways. Columbus once again has become the bottom team in the conference. Steve Mason is looking like old Mason, and Babrovsky looks like he’s confused in net behind these defensman. The Jackets are not getting the scoring the need to keep up with teams, bathe addition of Brandon Dubinsky is now starting to bring up questions after only having 8 points this season. The thoughts of completely rebuilding the front office has now become something they may do again. The Jackets look to be done this season, they need a big comeback to find a spot in the playoffs.

14. Colorado Avalanche (8-10-4)

The Avalanche are close to being something this season, but they can’t close in late game situations. The Avs had e had a good chance at taking down some teams, but they haven’t found a way to compete in all phases. The are 22nd on the penalty kill,  but with Varlomov has a 2.80 GAA, and a .910 Save Percentage. The Avalanche need to get their act together and start to get back into the conference race. They have the talent, but they need the goaltending.

13. Calgary Flames (9-8-4)

I have seen some Calgary Flames this this year in which I feel like they have potential. I also see those games where they look like they need to rebuild. This year I think the Flames have work to do, but they are a good Hockey team. They are getting good goaltending, they are showing quickness with Iginla and Cammalleri. Yet they did one thing this offseason that could get them the expierience they need. The Flames picked up former Red Wing Jiri Hudler, who has brought 4 goals, 12 assist, with a shaky 2 +/-.  The flames have the opportunity to do something this season lets see if they can put it together and get something done.

12. Edmonton Oilers (8-9-5)

Edmonton has been such an odd story this season, they are close to being an elite team they just don’t know where to go. This is a result of lack of veteran presence, and lack of goaltending this season. They have the offense, they have the youth, but they just don’t have the expierience to get over that hill. We need to see where they go from this position as the season moves on. Look maybe the front office to bring in a veteran to lead the locker room.

11. Nashville Predators (9-9-5)

The Preds are showing they are a streaky team this season. Rinne has been solid, but the defense has been shaky this far. They are getting offense from the Kostitsyn brothers, but they are getting more production from their bottom lines rather than their top line which could be more of a disaster than a blessing. Look for the Predators to begin a large run that will put them in the playoff picture this season.

10. St. Louis Blues (11-9-2)

St. Louis has been more than just a dissapointment, they have been a frustration, a failure, and a drop off. These things would all explain a last place team but after all of the hype this season around them, these are a reality of a team anything less than 2nd in the conference. They are just all around bad. The offense is average, the goaltending is letting up soft goals, and the defense has seemed to have lost their physical presence. The Blues have a lot of work to do to be an elite team. They will make the playoffs, but if they don’t change their game they will have an early exit.

9. Minnesota Wild (11-9-2)

The Minnesota Wild are close to the team they need to be. I have seen better hockey from them, but they are finally getting chemistry with all the new names in the locker room. Parise is showing he deserves to be in the top lines with 8 goals and 7 helpers, but Koivu is showing his captainship with only 4 goals, but 14 assist. Backstrom has been a little off this season but he is starting to come around. Look for the Wild to be like Los Angeles last season, they will get in late, and make a run.

8. Phoenix Coyotes (11-9-3)

The Coyotes are showing their old ways now this season. Smith is the old Smith, and the team is playing with that edge that gives them the physical edge each game. There isn’t much to say about the Coyotes except that they have a good chance to keep up this run, and they can be a very tough team In the playoffs.

7.  Detroit Red Wings (11-8-4)

Detroit is starting to become a good team this year despite the loss of players in the offseason. They are getting production from the usual players like Franzen, Datsyuk, and Zetterburg. They have a lot still yet to show, but look for the, to become a more physical team throughout the remainder of the season. The Red Wings should get in the playoffs this season, but look for them to make an early exit.

6. Dallas Stars (11-9-2)

At the beginning of the season I didn’t expect to see the Stars this high in the standings, but look for them to move up even more. The play from Lehtonen has been great, but loom for him to get even better. The play from Jagr, and Benn have been great this season, but look for Jagr to slow down remember his age may make a big difference late in the season.

5. Los Angeles Kings (12-7-2)

The Kings as I mentioned in the beginning of the article have been playing very well lately. Quick is coming around, and the offense is playing spectacular. There really isn’t much else to say about the Kings. Look for them to show they are capable to repeat this season.

4. San Jose Sharks (11-7-4)

San Jose has defiantly cooled off since the beginning of the season, but they keep themselves glued to the top of the standings. Niemi has been solid all season long, but the real story has been the hot and cold streaks of the offense. It seems like one day the offense is scoring 6 goals a game, but then the next game they get shut out. Its almost confusing to watch. Look for the Sharks to stick in the top 5 of the standings this season.

3. Vancouver Canucks (11-6-5)

Vancouver is an odd team to write about, there really isn’t much to say about them the give up a lot of goals, but they score a lot as well. They dont have specific players that will score, its basically any player that is out on the ice can score. Look for the Canucks to be an elite team down the road.

2. Anaheim Ducks (16-3-3)

Hey everyone look! The Ducks are still here! I can’t believe this team is still at the top. The play from Selanne, and Perry has kept this team at the the top all season long. Unfortunately I am going to be the guy that says look for this to stop soon. This team may have a good record, but they are just playing way above their head right now. This team will slow way down, and may start losing some games.

1. Chicago Blackhawks (21-0-3)

There isn’t much to say here, we all know the Hawks haven’t lost a 60 minute game in 30 games. This team is a legit team, no matter what line is out there, someone could score. Upon all the offensive success they have gotten insane goaltending from both Crawford, and Emery this season. Look for the Hawks to continue to dominate this season. The big factor will be the third defensive pairing of Leddy, and Rosival, they need to keep up the pressure they have showed all season.

Like us on Facebook at Blackhawk Up or Follow us on Twitter at Blackhawk_Up.

Feb 19, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; The Chicago Blackhawks celebrate a victory against the Vancouver Canucks at the United Center. The Chicago Blackhawks beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 in the shootout. The Blackhawks tied an NHL record for scoring at least one point in 16 consecutive games to open a season. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

This weeks power rankings have a lot of twist and turns, that have ultimately effected the rankings this week. The fall of St. Louis is The biggest surprise, but the rise of Detroit, and Vancouver have been the talk. Chicago still remains undefeated in regulation this season, and Anaheim continues to stay close behind. At this point in the season you cannot fall into a long slump and expect to get out, let’s see what will happen, as teams try to climb out of their hole.

15. Calgary Flames(5-6-3)

The Flames Continue to be near the bottom of the power rankings this season. They are not getting the production or help in front of Kiprosoff. Jerome Iginla has had a bad start after only scoring once to start the season. The Flames need to start seeing more production throughout the team in order to pick up their game this season.

14. Colorado Avalanche(6-7-1)

Colorado has had a crazy season, though expectations are always high the Avalanche continue to show this season they are weak. The duo of Duchene and Stastny has been shut down this season, only scoring seven goals together. Goaltender Semyon Varlomov has had a tough season with only 3 wins, and a brutal .909 save percentage. The Avs need to see more out of their stars this season.

13. Columbus Blue Jackets(4-10-2)

Columbus started the season with such high expectations, but the pressure proved way too much. They have become old Columbus with Steve Mason giving up soft goals, and signs of quit come by the end of the game. The firing of their GM should give some spark for now, but look for the team to flop by the end of the season.

12. Phoenix Coyotes(8-6-2)

Phoenix is showing sudden signs of life, but I’m still not impressed. Mike Smith is not the Smith we knew last season, and Doan is showing the same self-centered player he was in the past. The loss of Ray Whitney still continues to hurt the Coyotes, but Vrbata, and Hanzal are stepping up. Look to see the Coyotes move up in the rankings if their play continues to show potential.

11. Los Angeles Kings(6-6-2)

When the Kings started the season the expectations were large, very large, but the Kings have been all but impressive. The Kings have had to overcome adversity this season, after losing Matt Greene, and the slow start for their prized goaltender, Johnathan Quick. Look for the season to come around Kings fans, remember you were the 8 seed last year.

10. Minnesota Wild(7-6-2)

Minnesota is a crazy place these days, the amount of frustration is through the roof. The amount of money they had placed on the team this season seems almost a waste with the teams position right now. The good news is the star player Zach Parise leads the team in goals. The goaltender battle between Backstrom and Harding was a great idea at first, but now this may be a problem down the stretch, not a blessing.

9. Edmonton Oilers(6-6-3)

Edmonton continues to show life of their own, but still they are not yet ready to compete for the top playoff spots. Lets also keep in mind age could be a factor, remember the World Junior Championships this year? Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was playing in that event. They say youth brings wonders but is 19 too young?

8. Dallas Stars(8-7-1)

The Dallas Stars have been a surprise this season. The play of Jamie Benn, Jaomir Jagr, and Ray Whitney have been a good combo this season for the Stars. Benn who was a star of the week this past week, has grown to be a large fan favorite has been very good for Dallas this season. Benn has a team tying 4 goals, and 6 assist.

7. Detroit Red Wings(7-6-3)

Detroit has come back this season, after all the doubt about being too old. Yet the good look this far should we still be concerned about the age? Age is not only a concern for the old, but players being brought up to control the back-end are young. It was hard to get a grip on losing Lindstrom, but why not pursue some defenseman in the offseason before the lockout.

6.  St. Louis Blues(9-6-1)

The tag on the Blues should not be the “Blues Look To Get On Track”, yet it should be “The Fall of St. Louis”. The Blues started the season stride for stride with Chicago this season, but lately their has been a turn for the Blues. If the Blues want to get back to the top, they need to show they want to help in front of Halak, Elliot, and now Allen. Halak is riding a team leading 3 wins, and a 2.10 GAA.

5. San Jose Sharks(8-4-3)

San Jose just like St. Louis started this season off to the races, but stopped getting production, and therefore fell to teams they shouldnt. The Sharks need to look at the Hawks as the start back to the top this Friday. They also need to see production from Marleau, and Thorton again this season.

4. Nashville Predators(8-4-5)

After the start of the season for the Predators subsided, they stopped losing in overtime, and started winning. They have seen players come and go in the offseason, and like they should came back strong, and showed us all why the Preds are a legit contender. They show physicality, finesse, and great goaltending. Look for the roll to continue along this season, the players and coaching is there, all they need is execution.

3. Vancouver Canucks(8-3-4)

Vancouver has had a good season this far despite starting .500 through their first 6 games. The idea to start Schneider over Luongo this season was questionable, yet the two goaltenders are really getting a feel for how to win in such a harsh hockey environment.

2. Anaheim Ducks(12-2-1)

The Ducks continue to show they are legit, they beat the Blackhawks in a shootout this season, and handed the Sharks their first loss this season. They are now starting to get production out of Corey Perry this season, but even undercover production out of the whole team. This team doesnt have a lot of talent, but the chemistry is there. From veterans to rookies, everyone is on the same page in Anaheim.

1. Chicago Blackhawks(13-0-3)

Sorry folks i dont mean to seem bias, but this is a no-brainer that the Chicago Blackhawks are not only the best team in the Conference, but the best team in the League. This team is a model of what every team wishes they had, all 4 lines are producing, all 3 defensive pairs are in tact, and they are all there as a team. Keep in mind that captain Jonathan Toews got in a fight this year, and Duncan Keith took 19 minutes in penalties while standing up for Jamal Mayers. This should be really exciting to see how this team moves along this season.

Follow us on Twitter @Blackhawk_Up or find us on Facebook at Blackhawk Up

Jan 24, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; The Chicago Blackhawks celebrate the win over the Dallas Stars during the overtime period at the American Airlines Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Stars 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The dash to the end of the season continues this week where, still the offensive side of the puck was dominate, but goaltenders are starting to adjust. The regulation loss category still remains a 0 for the Blackhawks, and an elite team in San Jose has lost 2 straight. Age is still a factor for the Red Wings showing fatigue, and wear after their loss to the Calgary Flames. The surprising Anaheim Ducks are sticking around after they handed the Sharks their first lost. This week we should watch how teams react to the amount of games they are playing, and in how little of time they will be played. Keep a close eye on the veterans to see how their energy is effected, and see how the young players adjust to such a fast paced schedule.

"Hey Pavel, your head is shaped like a triangle. I am wrong, Geno?" (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)

Now that Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane are done with the All Star festivities in Ottawa it is time to get back into the thick of the Central Division race.  We are going to find out what this Chicago Blackhawks team is really made over the next month.  The NHL took the month of February and beat the Blackhawks over the head with it!  The Hawks only have 4 home games in February and start the off with a ridiculous 9 game road trip.

The Blackhawks start the 2nd “half” off with consecutive road games in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Colorado, San Jose, Phoenix, Nashville, New York and Columbus before returning home on 2/19 for a huge game against the St. Louis Blues.  Given the current standings in the Central, this tough stretch of games can make or break the Blackhawks chances of getting a top 3 seed for the playoffs.  This will be a very trying road trip, but a team that is supposed to contend for the Stanley Cup, should and will find a way to make this a successful trip.

(more…)

Just what the Dr. ordered(Rob Grobawski-USPRESSWIRE)

Thank You All-STAR Break!

Normally all-star games and weekends and contests are really boring to me and a real time waster.  I guess it was pretty cool back in 1933 to go to Comisky Park and see Babe Ruth, Lou Gerhig, and all the great all stars of yesterday all come together for a celebration of the greats, but today’s games are a bunch of usually spoiled guys getting monster bonus checks for appearing in a all-star game for a few minutes then goofing around.  Baseball’s game had been so bad that they had to put home field advantage in it so that the likes of AROD would stick around for the whole game.  Football awards seemingly 1,000 all pro spots just to get 50 guys to actually play.

Anyways the NHL all star game has come at the perfect time for the Blackhawks season.  After getting dominated by Nashville twice in consecutive home and home games, The Hawks are a tired and injured team that needs a week of relaxation and rest.  Our Captain, along with our best sniper have been injured and the Hawks cannot be successful for the rest of the season without them!  Is it just me but since Jay Cutler’s thumb was broke it seems like our star players have gotten a serious case of the injury bug! (Cutler, Forte, Rose, Deng, Sharp, Towes) it is starting to become an epidemic!!

The Road Trip

After the all-star break the Blackhawks start on a serious “team building” exercise called a 9 game road trip.  Unfortunately all 9 games are not played in Columbus Ohio, but one of them does get the NHL version of the Chicago Wolves!  This will be a difficult stretch of games starting with the hated Canucks!  After Vancouver they get to avenge their worst defeat of the season in Edmonton, followed by games in Calgary,Colorado,San Jose, Pheonix, Nashville, NY Rangers, and Columbus!  The Hawks will not see United Center Ice until February 19 against the Blues.

In previous seasons the Blackhawks have done very well in these extended trips.  They will need to do great this year to stay in the top 4 of a very top heavy Western Conference!  Detroit, St Louis, San Jose, Vancouver, and Nashville.In a matter of 2 games they have all passed the Blackhawks in the conference standings!  Its crazy to think with 32 games left in the season every 2 points is crucial to playoff  seedings and this road trip will have a major impact on where the Hawks Stanley Cup trip will begin and end.

Trades

As soon as the all star break is over their will only be one thing on the mind of fans—>trades!!! There  have been tons of trade rumors but no movement, and the rumors are that the Hawks and Stan Bowman will be tough to get a deal done within the paramaters of the Hawks GM goals.  It is painfully obvious that the Hawks need defensive help especially against grind it out, boring to watch teams like the Predators!!   The other position the Hawks could use as more of a luxury than necessity is a 2nd line center.  Kruger is ok but will he be able to carry the load throughout the stretch and possible playoff run?  Everyday until the trade deadline passes it will be rumor central on the Hawks!!

First half

The Hawks are now at 29-15-6. They have scored the most goals in the western conference with 162, and they are tied for 2nd overall in the NHL trailing only Boston’s 171.  Sadly they have given up 144 goals which is 2nd behind only Columbus in the Western Conference.  Sharp, Hossa, and Towes carried the Hawks throughout most of the first half before getting a shot full of youth with Jimmy Hayes and Andrew Shaw the last 3 weeks.  Our offense can carry the Hawks only so far, and just like almost every other sport offense is fun to watch, but defense wins championships!!  Our goalies look average at best with our poor defense in front of them most of the time!

After a mostly successful first half the Blackhawks will have to buckle up and get it done on the road, so rest up and get healthy on your long All-star break.  Hopefully Hossa and Kane can get on the scoresheet and maybe the game can get Kane out of his mini-slump!!

Go Hawks!!!