Chicago Blackhawks Roundtable: Guest Analysts And Point Totals

Jeff Franklin

Question 1: Kris Versteeg. He always had great sound bytes in interviews, he was a poor man’s Johnny Gaudreau on the ice as he made some pretty exciting plays from time to time with nice moves through defenders.

One of the things I miss about the early Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews era teams were the videos of the guys goofing off in team hotels and the like, and I feel like Versteeg was always a big character in those.

I believe Versteeg has a special place in his heart for Chicago, and for many ‘Hawks fans the feeling is mutual. It’d be great to see him with an off-ice role with the entertainment side of the organization.

Question 2: With 99 points after the Blackhawks’ 72^nd game on Sunday, its entirely feasible that they end the season with 110 plus points as there are 20 still left on the table. Even with the recent string of poor possession games, the Blackhawks have been able to find wins anyways.

Being able to win close games is crucial for playoff success, and it’s something that while you’d like to see them play better, their ability to push through some bad play for wins makes me optimistic for the playoffs. Because at the end of the year who cares how many points they have?

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Da Windy City

Gail Kauchak

Question 1: It was fun to see Adam Burish, and I think he did an excellent job.  But why don’t they just stick with Jamal Mayers?  I think Jammer is great as an analyst.

Just a few years ago, he was the elder statesman on a Cup-winning team.  He was teammates with a lot of current Chicago Blackhawks.  This gives him a great perspective as to what may be happening behind the scenes and in the locker room.

To put it in “Q speak,” he’s got a great presence, and he keeps it simple.  And I love that smile!

Question 2: OK, let’s break this down.  The ’Hawks have three more weeks, and 10 games left to play in the regular season.  This week, the ’Hawks take on Vancouver, Dallas and the Florida Panthers.  Three pretty easy teams to beat.  I predict they’ll win two out of three here.

The following week brings Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh and Columbus.  Well, they’re definitely going to beat the Bolts, as I will be there as part of my spring break shenanigans!   I see them splitting the next two games, probably losing to Pittsburgh and beating Columbus.

The final week of the season features four tilts, against Boston, Colorado, Anaheim and Los Angeles.  Now, the Hawks are notorious for not exactly finishing with a bang, as to them this is merely the wind down before the REAL season starts.  But could they be fighting with Minnesota for the division title?  Or will they be resting top players and going with backups?  It’s so hard to say.  Aw heck, let’s go with two wins and two losses here.

So that gives us six more wins, for 12 points.  The ’Hawks are currently at 99 points, so I have them finishing off with 111 points.  Oh, and that will also be good for first place in the Central, mind you.