With Dave Bolland Out, Others Will Need To Step Up For The Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks were hit with another bit of bad news as their second line center Dave Bolland will require back surgery and will be out for an undetermined amount of time.

It has been reported for a considerable amount of time that Bolland has been battling a back injury since last season but it was considered to be something he could play with.

With Bolland likely out for a while, several Blackhawks forwards will need to step up to fill the void.

We expect players like Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Kris Versteeg, and Patrick Sharp to produce offensively but it is players like Troy Brouwer, Andrew Ebbett, and Tomas Kopecky that will really need to step up their game in Bolland's absence.

Brouwer is coming off of a strong game Monday where he had three points including a goal on the power play goal and a power play assist.

Coming off of that game against the Los Angeles Kings, we see why the Blackhawks have been so patient in his development, he hits well and has good hands for a guy of his size.

Moving forward without Bolland, coach Quenneville will be leaning on Brouwer more and more on the power play and hopes he can make more plays like he did on Monday.

In my mind the heir apparent for Dave Bolland on the second line was Andrew Ebbett and last night against the Kings, Ebbett got some opportunities on the second line with Kris Versteeg and Patrick Kane.

Although I like the idea of Ebbett centering a second line flanked by either Kane or Versteeg, I do not like the idea of replicating the Montreal Canadiens "smurf line" with three players under six feet tall making up one line.

Ebbett has struggled to find chemistry with any linemates since being acquired by the Anaheim Ducks but did score his first goal last night on a lucky bounce and really has done nothing to detract from his ice time with the Blackhawks.

Hopefully, the goal off of Ebbett's arm will open the flood gates for him as he will need to play like he did last season with the Ducks to justify him getting top nine minutes with the Blackhawks and staying with the team when Bolland returns.

The final player who must continue his strong play, if not take it to another level, is utility forward Tomas Kopecky.

Kopecky has played everywhere in the Blackhawks from the second line center to the fourth line right wing to power play screen specialist and has played admirably.

Although Kopecky is not a strong scoring threat on the ice but his defensive awareness and ability to be a agitator makes him valuable in the absence of Bolland who is a good two way centerman.

If the likes of Brouwer and Ebbett can step up on the offensive side of the ice and Kopecky can step up on the defensive side of the ice, the Blackhawks can likely hedge the loss of Bolland.

But a player like Bolland is hard to come by and maybe the only way to replace him is to possibly bring in another center.

Who knows, but I hope Bolland has a speedy recovery and can return to the Blackhawks healthy later in the season.

Andrew Ebbett on the Hot Seat with Injured Players Returning

Great news after the Chicago Blackhawks practice on Wednesday as Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa and Ben Eager all practiced.

Coach Joel Quenneville stated after practice that Eager and Toews are close to returning, if not days away from returning to the Blackhawks lineup and that we will know more after the morning skate tomorrow.

Hossa on the other hand is not poised for a return to the lineup soon but many have hinted that he has been targeting November 25th’s game against the San Jose Sharks, still a few weeks away.

But one player who was probably not as enthusiastic about the eminate return of Eager and Toews is recently acquired forward Andrew Ebbett.

Ebbett has played decently in his first seven games with the ‘Hawks and have been good if not great in the faceoff dot with a 56.7 faceoff percentage, second on the team behind the injured Toews.

But the problem for Ebbett is that he has not recorded a point in his time with the Blackhawks and is a player that thrives playing amongst the top nine forwards.

What could really save Ebbett is his versatility and ability to fill in on the top scoring lines which players like Tomas Kopecky and Colin Fraser cannot provide.

Fraser is less effective in the faceoff circle than Ebbett and does not possess the playmaking/passing ability that Ebbett can bring but Fraser does have the ability to play on the penalty kill effectively, something Ebbett does not do as we.

Kopecky on the other hand has struggled since returning Helsinki and has a team low plus/minus at -5 but might have found a new role as the screen player on the power play.

One interesting scenario for Ebbett could be that he might figure into next seasons Blackhawk lineup, even though he is an unrestricted free agent. Even with his unrestricted free agency one would expect Ebbett would not demand a major pay raise and could fit onto the ‘Hawks third line nicely.

But Ebbett will need to prove his worth in the next few games, if he can put up a good showing against the likes of the Phoenix Coyotes and the Colorado Avalanche he might be able to salvage some ice time and not be placed back on waivers.

I know I like many ‘Hawks fans are excited for the return of captain Jonathan Toews, tough guy Ben Eager and Marian Hossa but I think that if I was Andrew Ebbett I would be feeling a little uneasy in the desert.

Lineup For the Chicago Blackhawks Preseason Opener

Here are tonight's lineup for the Chicago Blackhawks in their preseason opener against the Washington Capitals

Forwards

Kris Versteeg-Jonathan Toews-Patrick Kane
Patrick Sharp-Tomas Kopecky-Dustin Byfuglien
Ben Eager-John Madden-Jack Skille
Bryan Bickell-Jacob Dowell-Danny Bois

Defense

Duncan Keith-Brent Seabrook
Cam Barker-Brian Campbell
Brent Sopel-Richard Petiot

Goal-tenders

Cristobal Huet
Corey Crawford

Check back with the West Madison Times for post-game coverage of tonight's Chicago Blackhawks preseason debut.

Chicago Blackhawks Open Training Camp: Let The Battles Begin

The Chicago Blackhawks made huge moves this off-season with the acquisitions of Marian Hossa, Tomas Kopecky, and John Madden but entering camp their are still plenty of questions that need to be answered.

One of the most immediate questions that needs to be answered is who will replace the point production lost while Marian Hossa recovers from shoulder surgery.

There are several players who figure to attempt to replace Hossa's lost production, including Kris Versteeg, Andrew Ladd, and Dustin Byfuglien.

Of the three players being asked to step up the one who must provide the most is Kris Versteeg. Versteeg had a strong rookie season in which he scored 53 points and was nominated for the Calder Trophy.

However this season Versteeg will be leaned on heavily because of the loss of Hossa but if he struggles in the preseason look for Joel Quenneville to give Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien more ice time and look for Versteeg's to fall.

Although you might not consider this a position battle, it is a battle of ice time on the top two lines, something far more significant that a battle on the third or fourth line.

Now let's move on to the most significant battle of the preseason.

The biggest question entering the 2009-2010 season will be the goal tender behind starter Cristobal Huet.

The two competitors for the back up goal tending position are 25 year old Corey Crawford and 26 year old Antti Niemi.

Crawford was drafted by the Blackhawks in 2003, 52nd overall. He has been playing for the Blackhawks AHL affiliates since 2005 starting 203 games and compiling a record of 111-80-12.

Crawford has paid his dues within the Blackhawks organization and many believe that it is time for him to get some semi-regular time at the NHL level.

On the other side of the competition is Antti Niemi, a Finnish net minder who was signed as a free agent last season. In Niemi's only season with the Blackhawks he spent most of his season in the AHL spliting time with Corey Crawford.

Niemi was fairly impressive in his first season in North America with a record of 18-14-3 with a save percentage of 91% and a goals allowed average of 2.43. Niemi's first season with the Blackhawks included a three game stint at the NHL level.

In those three games Niemi had a record of 1-1-1 with a save percentage of 86% and a goals allowed average of 3.40, not overly impressive numbers but they were his first three games at the NHL level.

As of right now it is anyone's game but with Crawford's experience in the AHL and familiarity with North American style hockey you have to believe his has the inside track

These are just a couple of examples of the difficult decisions that coach Quenneville and GM Stan Bowman face entering the 2009-2010 season. In just a few weeks the season will begin and we should have a better understand of where the Blackhawks stand in these very exciting position battles.

Dany Heatley and The Windy City: A Match Not Made In Heaven

As the Dany Heatley saga continues his list of suitors is ever fluctuating from the Edmonton Oilers to the New York Rangers and now the Chicago Blackhawks.

Multiple sources including the Daily Herald's Tim Sassone have reported that the Chicago Blackhawks have interest in the Ottawa Senators disgruntled sniper.

The two teams have found "common ground" but there is little less than that coming out of either camp.

But why would the Blackhawks be interested in bringing Dany Heatley into the fold?

Well Heatley is a world class hockey player that has the ability to put up 100 point seasons and can make the Blackhawks an even more potent offense but could a marriage of Heatley and the 'Hawks work?

It's doubtful.

Now if the Blackhawks had not signed Marian Hossa to a 12 year deal I could see them having an interest in Heatley but that is not the case.

The biggest reason the Blackhawks likely have no interest in Heatley is because of the money. Heatley has a cap hit of 7.5 million and the Blackhawks currently have 2.9 million in cap room (according to NHL Numbers).

With the money the Blackhawks have remaining they would much rather add a good depth defenseman than another star sniper.

For a Heatley to be traded to the Blackhawks from the Senators the 'Hawks would need to move a couple salaries along with high level prospects or picks.

Another possible sticking point of a Heatley to the 'Hawks deal would be the possible clash in the locker room. The 'Hawks currently have the likes of Hossa, Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Jonathan Toews and Kris Versteeg.

Now add Heatley to that line up and you add another player who needs the puck to be effective. So can Heatley, who has had a problem with his diminished role in Ottawa deal with not being the number one scoring option in Chicago?

I'm not sure but from his action is Ottawa I would image he still might not be happy.

Only time will tell if Dany Heatley will get his way and leave Ottawa but in my opinion a trade to Chicago might not be his or the Chicago Blackhawks best option.

Chicago Blackhawks Training Camp to Start on September 13th

Today the Chicago Blackhawks announced that their training camp will begin Sunday, September 13th, leading up to their preseason debut against the Washington Capitals on Saturday, September 19th.

For a list of the training camp roster check out the Chicago Blackhawks website

The Blackhawks also announced a list of their non-roster invitees:

Defenseman Daryl Boyle (Norfolk-AHL)
Forward Bryan Ewing (Wheeling-ECHL)
Center Justin Hodgman (Erie-OHL)
Center Bracken Kearns (Norfolk-AHL)
Right Wing Matt Keith (Ingolstadt-ERC)*
Right Wing Derek Nesbitt (San Antonio/Manitoba-AHL)
Defenseman David Phillips (Belfast-EIHL)
Center Maxime Tanguay (Victoriaville-QMJHL)*

* Former Chicago Blackhawks property

Check back with The West Madison Times for more training camp coverage.

Chicago Blackhawks Interested In Defenseman Francis Bouillon

Just over a week ago it was reported that Francis Bouillon was in talks with several NHL teams and one of those teams might be the Chicago Blackhawks.

Last season Bouillon played 54 games with the Montreal Canadiens recording 9 points, minus-7 rating and 53 penalty minutes.

Bouillon is a small defenseman, by NHL standards, standing at a meager 5 foot 9 inches but despite his small stature he is known for his physical and gritty play.

For the Chicago Blackhawks, Bouillon would be a good option for the Blackhawks as a 6th or 7th defenseman and would give them grit at the back end that they desperately need.

Stay tuned to The West Madison Times for more Chicago Blackhawks rumors and season previews!

Breaking News: Chicago Blackhawks' Marian Hossa To Undergo Shoulder Surgery

It was made official today by the Chicago Blackhawks that forward Marian Hossa will undergo surgery tomorrow, June 24th, to repair a small tear in his rotator cuff.

The timetable for Hossa's recovery will be about four months which would should put Hossa back in the Chicago lineup around the end of November or the begining of December.

Both Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman and team doctor Michael Terry believed this was the best route to take for Hossa's longevity.

Although this is devastating news for Chicago Blackhawks fans they must realize this is the best thing for Marian Hossa's career and for the Blackhawks in general.

Hossa made a statement on deciding to have the surgery now rather than waiting to see how the shoulder responded.

“After consulting with my family and the Blackhawks, I have no doubt that this is the correct decision," Hossa said. "I plan on being a member of the Blackhawks for a very long time, which is why I want to get this done and begin my career in Chicago at 100 percent.”

Yes it is tough news to swallow since he just signed a long term deal with the 'Hawks but for the sake of getting the best value out of Hossa and his contract this was something that needed to be done.

Are the Chicago Blackhawks Looking At The Toronto Maple Leafs Blueline?

Are the Chicago Blackhawks Looking At The Toronto Maple Leafs Blueline?

Chicagp Blackhawks Sign Marian Hossa and Tomas Kopecky

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed wing Marian Hossa to a 12-year deal worth around $62.4 million, a cap hit around $5.2 million.

Hossa signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings last offseason in an attempt to win a Stanley Cup, but this offseason Hossa was looking for long-term security and the Blackhawks offered it to him.

Last season Hossa played very well for the Detroit Red Wings scoring 40 goals and 31 assists for 71 points, but many criticized Hossa for his poor playoff performance, recording only 15 points in 23 playoff games.

This signing likely signals the end of the Martin Havlat era in Chicago and he will likely get big bucks from an Eastern Conference team like the Montreal Canadiens or New York Islanders.

The Blackhawks followed up the signing of Marian Hossa with the signing of gritty Detroit forward Tomas Kopecky. Kopecky, 27 years old, was a solid fourth line player for the Red Wings and still has plenty of potential. He was also able to record 6 goals and 19 points in limited ice time but lead the team in hits.

Further analysis of day one of free agency to come later...

Blackhawks Close to Signing Marian Hossa?

According to TSN insider Darren Dreger the Chicago Blackhawks are in negotiations with former Detroit Red Wing sniper Marian Hossa. This is a developement that not many expected from Dale Tallon on July 1st. The only way that this deal could make sense is if Hossa takes another 1 year deal or is willing to take a pay cut (which I doubt).

Stay Tuned with The West Madison Times for any more Chicago Blackhawks free agency updates

Trade Senario: Brian Campbell to the Atlanta Thrashers

Let me preface this piece saying that this is not a rumor that I have heard or that will likely go down. Rather this is a senario that I have imagined in my head as a trade that could make sense for the Atlanta Thrashers and the Chicago Blackhawks. Here is the trade:

The Atlanta Thrashers recieve:
D Brian Campbell
F Jack Skille
D Jordan Hendry
Third Round Pick 2010

The Chicago Blackhawks recieve:
D Ron Hainsey
Rights to F Colby Armstrong

Why does this make sense for the Chicago Blackhawks? Because it gets Brian Campbell's enormous cap hit off the books. Don't get me wrong Campbell had a great season with the Blackhawks but his contract has their future cap flexiblity handcuffed. Hainsey and Armstrong's cap hits would not have as big of an impact on the cap and you are getiing two players for the price of one.

Why does this make sense for the Atlanta Thrashers? Because the Thrashers were in hot pursuit of Campbell last offseason and they are also in desperate need of a puck moving defenseman. An added bonus to the trade are prospects Jack Skille and Jordan Hendry who would add depth to an Atlanta team that needs new talent.

But hey I suppose there is a reason that I am not a gm for an NHL team. Just my tale, what do you think?

Dave Bolland resigns with the Blackhawks

Word from Dave Bolland's agent on Twitter the blackhawks second line center has agreed to a five year $18 million deal. This signing does seem to signal that the Chicago Blackhawks will not be able to hold onto all of their assets, Martin Havlat, Sammi Pahlsson, Cameron Barker and Kris Versteeg. More to come.

Are The Chicago Blackhawks Targeting Disgruntled Sniper Dany Heatley?

Now that the Stanley Cup playoffs have come to their dramatic conclusion, we now turn our attention to the NHL offseason and more importantly, rumor. Although I am not one to devise rumors or come up with fantasy trades, I do enjoy analyzing rumors that other media outlets have come up with and determine their feasibility.

One of the biggest names being mentioned in recent trade rumors is disgruntled sniper Dany Heatly. Just about a week ago the Ottawa Sentors super star wing asked general manager Bryan Murray for his trade. As a Chicago Blackhawks writer I really didn't take notice of the trade demand but when I read this article from the Ottawa Citizen my interest was definitely peaked.

In the article Ottawa Citizen sports writer Allen Panzeri discusses possible destinations for the former 50 goal scorer and one of those possible destinations was the Chicago Blackhawks. The player that the articles discusses being shopped by the Blackhawks is 2008 free agent signee Brian Campbell.

When I first read the article I was curious how this trade would be beneficial for the Blackhawks and how the author could think Dany Heatley was a suitable replacement for the dynamic Martin Havlat. But if you break down the numbers this trade could make sense, at least for the Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks have nearly $50 million invested in Brian Campbell over the next seven seasons and could commit over $5 million per season to free agent Martin Havlat. The reason, in my mind, that the Campbell (and more) for Heatley trade makes sense is that the Blackhawks free up about $4.64 in cap space, let me explain.

Brian Campbell was a great addition to the Blackhawks power play and provided the blue line with a great offensive defenseman but even though he showed flashes of great offensive ability he also had quite a few defensive lapses. Campbell is also expendable because of the emergence of Cam Barker as an elite power play defenseman who is a more physical defenseman than Campbell.

Campbell's departure would also open up a spot for a young defenseman like Niklas Hjalmarsson, who was a playoff stud for the 'Hawks or 2008 draft pick Shawn Lalonde. Although neither Lalonde or Hjalmarsson possess the offensive ability that Campbell does either of them can be a good stay at home defenseman that the 'Hawks desperately need.

Now for the Martin Havlat part of this trade.

As we inch closer and closer to the July 1st free agent deadline the likelihood that the Chicago Blackhawks will be able to sign unrestricted free agent Martin Havlat. Although I do not think it is out of the question that Havlat could sign at a discount with the Blackhawks, once he hits the open market many Eastern Conference team will be throwing quite a bit of money at him.

If the 'Hawks do loose Havlat they will need to replace his team leading 77 points and could rookies like Jack Skille, Kyle Beach or Akim Aliu fill the void left by Havlat? Unlikely. So the possibility of adding a former 50 goal scorer and 100 point producer like Healty should be attractive to general manager Dale Tallon.

Another important issue that must be mentioned in any trade or signing of player is the future contract statuses of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith. These three players are the faces of the young Blackhawks franchise and will all be due for raises in 2010 when they are restricted free agents.

If the 'Hawks can save themselves money by dealing Campbell for Heatley and not resigning Havlat to make sure that they secure Toews, Kane and Keith for the future. If this trade has some validity to it and the Blackhawks do add Heatley to their offensively charged lineup they could be cup contenders for years and years to come.

Chicago Blackhawks Youth Shows in Game Four

For the first time in the Stanley Cup playoffs the Chicago Blackhawks looked like the young inexperienced team that everyone thought they were entering the playoffs. The Red Wings unrelenting attack and experience wore on they inexperience.

The two players that showed their youth the most in game four were Ben Eager and Kris Versteeg, Eager's frustration was to be expected as his role on the team is to be an agitator but Versteeg had no reason to put his team in a bad situation.

Versteeg took two back to back penalties in the 2nd period which resulted in a Detroit Red Wings goal and placed the game out of reach.

Although the series is not over between these two Original 6 franchises, the Blackhawks will need to show more mental fortitude and resilience if they want to make a come back against the defending champion Red Wings

Magical Stanley Cup Run Continues for the Blackhawks

On October 10 no one could have envisioned that the Chicago Blackhawks would be fighting the Western division crown against the Detroit Red Wings but here we stand on May 14 and the Chicago Blackhawks are in the Western Conference finals.

Entering the playoffs many had believed the Blackhawks were too young, too inexperienced and too soft but they have proven that inexperience might be the best weapon entering the playoffs.

This young Blackhawks team does not realize that they shouldn't be beating the experienced teams like the Calgary Flames or the best goal tender in the world Roberto Luongo.

Now entering the Western Conference finals the Blackhawks will face their greatest challenge yet, defeating the defending Champion Detroit Red Wings.

Early in the season the Red Wings had the Blackhawks number winning the first four meetings, including the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field but at the end of the season the tides seemed to have change.

In the final two meetings between these two Original Six franchises the Blackhawks had the upper hand winning the two meetings by a combined score of 7-2 but that was the regular season this is the playoffs.

The Blackhawks enter their series as one of the hottest teams remaining in the playoffs having won three straight games and the only team remaining in the playoffs that has not seen a game seven.

The Red Wings on the other hand had all they could handle with the Anaheim Ducks as their series was taken to seven games. The Blackhawks are a far different team than the Ducks in the regard that the 'Hawks are a team that uses speed to their advantage and play a similar style to the Detroit Red Wings.

For the Blackhawks to compete and hopefully beat the Red Wings they will need to do what they did to Roberto Luongo, get traffic in front of him and put plenty of shots on net. The 'Hawks will also need to rely on Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook once again to shut down the Red Wings top line and provide some offense as well.

Players to Watch

Dustin Byfuglien - Forward

Byfuglien was a force for the Blackhawks on the score sheet and on the boards during the Canucks series. He made life miserable for Roberto Luongo and seemed to be in his head towards the end of the series. This trend must carry over into the Detroit series as Byfuglien will be facing the playoff experienced Chris Osgood.

The points are not the most important thing for Byfuglien in the series rather he must be a physical precense and place himself in front of Osgood at all times. If he does this he will help his linemates Kris Versteeg and Samuel Pahlsson get some good scoring chances.

Cam Barker - Defense

Barker was a big point producer for the Blackhawks in the Calgary series but his point production was pretty much absent in the Vancouver series as he only recorded one point in the six game series.

Although the Blackhawks were able to beat the Canucks without Barker's point production they will need his powerful shot from the point to awaken the Blackhawks power play and take advantage of Red Wing penalties

Just Three Hours Away From Round Two

The count down has begun for the Chicago Blackhawks second round matchup with the Vancouver Canucks in Vancouver. Here are The West Madison Times we will give you the players to watch for the 'Hawks and who will be starting for the 'Hawks tonight.

Players to Watch:

Jonathan Toews
It might seem like a given but you must keep your eyes peeled on the Blackhawks young capitan. In Toews' first round matchup he was second on the team in points and lead the 'Hawks in plus-minus. The 'Hawks will need his scoring and his leadership to be successful against the Canucks.

Dustin Byfuglien
He has finally figured it out under the watchful eye of the Samuel Pahlsson as Byfuglien has been a physical and offensive force in the playoffs. Byfuglien had four points in the first round matchup and provided the 'Hawks with a shutdown forward.

Tonight Chicago Blackhawks Lineup

Forwards

Sharp-Toews-Kane
Versteeg-Pahlsson-Byfuglien
Ladd-Bolland-Havlat
Eager-Burish-Brouwer

Defense

Keith-Seabrook
Hjalmarsson-Campbell
Barker-Walker

Goaltender

Khabibulin

Chicago Blackhawks Have Sights Set On Upseting Canucks

The Chicago Blackhawks have done something that they haven't done in over a decade—win a playoff series, as they disposed of the injury-decimated Calgary Flames. Now, the 'Hawks shift their focus to the No. 3 seed Vancouver Canucks.

The Blackhawks and the Canucks split the season series 2-2, both teams having home and road victories. There is also quite a bit of bad blood steaming back to the series finale on March 29 at the United Center. The Canucks won that game 4-0 but there were several brawls, including a major fight between Canuck defenseman Kevin Bieksa and Blackhawk forward Ben Eager.

Check it out here: Blackhawks/Canucks Brawl

With this bad blood already existing between the 'Hawks and the Canucks, you can already imagine that this should be quite a battle between two very skilled teams.

The player the 'Hawks are going to need to prepare for the most is the Canucks captain and netminder Roberto Luongo. Luongo has been the Canucks' best player all season and in the playoffs with a 96.2 save percentage and a goals allowed average of 1.15.

For the 'Hawks, goaltending will also be key, as Nikolai Khabibulin has willed the young 'Hawks into the second round with two straight spectacular performances against Calgary. Although Khabibulin's stats, 91.4 save percentage and 2.52 goals allowed average, have not been as impressive as Luongo, his veteran presence and Stanley Cup experience will be key in their second round matchup.

On the offensive end, the Canucks have not been very impressive, only averaging 2.75 goals per game; the Blackhawks must take advantage of these low numbers. Players like Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith will be key on the 'Hawks blue line to make sure that the Canucks' offensive numbers stay low.

The Blackhawks offense will need production from all parties, much like in the series with the Flames. Names such as Brian Campbell, Dustin Byfuglien, and Cameron Barker will need to keep finding the scoresheet if the 'Hawks look to contend in this second round series.

The X-factor for the Blackhawks in this series and for the entirety of the playoffs will be center Samuel Pahlsson. Pahlsson has been a positive influence on this young 'Hawks team, especially Dustin Byfuglien, who finally seems to be living up to his potential here in the playoffs.

If the regular season drama between these two teams is any indication, then this second round playoff series should be no different.

Kris Versteeg Named Calder Finalist

The NHL has named it's list of Calder finalists today and once again the Chicago Blackhawks will have a representative in Las Vegas. His name? Kris Versteeg, like you needed to ask. Versteeg has been a surprise for the Chicago Blackhawks as he recorded 53 points in 78 games with the Blackhawks and lead all rookies in assists with 31.

Although Versteeg has enjoyed a strong regular season his postseason thus far has been weak. He has been held scoreless with a minus-4 rating in the first three games against the Calgary Flames. Even with his poor postseason thus far he deserved to get the call to Las Vegas

GAME FOUR PREVIEW WILL BE OUT AT 6:30pm CT

Chicago Blackhawks Forward Patrick Kane Out for Game 3

Coach Joel Quenneville has ruled Patrick Kane out for Game 3 against the Calgary Flames with the Flu. Colin Fraser will take Kane's place in the lineup and Troy Brouwer will likely be bumped up to the first line with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp.

Here is a revised lineup for tonight's game:

Forwards
Sharp-Toews-Brouwer
Ladd-Bolland-Havlat
Versteeg-Bolland-Byfuglien
Burish-Fraser-Eager

Defense
Keith-Seabrook
Hjalmarsson-Campbell
Walker-Barker

Goaltender
Khabibulin

Chicago Blackhawks Keys to the Game and Lineup

Tonight the Chicago Blackhawks enter the Pengrowth Saddledome marked men. The Blackhawks took both games at home in the United Center and both wins came when trailing. For the Blackhawks the biggest key to the game is to come out of the gate fast and set the tone of the game early.

Calgary is physical and fast team that looks to get a lift from their fans tonight, if the Blackhawks can take the fans out of it early then they better their chance of winning in the Saddledome. Another big key for the Blackhawks will be an individual player and that being Dustin Byfuglien. Byfuglien has been a better player over the last 10 or so games and his big physical precense will be key to a Blackhawks victory.

Being paired with Samuel Pahlsson hs helped simplified Byfuglien's game and he now realizes what his rol is on ths team. Now that Byfuglien realizes that he needs to be the physical presence in this lineup he has created more scoring chances for his linemates and protected his fellow teammates.

The Chicago Blackhawks Patrick Kane is a game time decision tonight and Coach Quenneville has not said what Kane's injury is but has said if he cannot go then he will be replaced by center Colin Fraser.

Chicago Blackhawks Projected Lineup:

Forwards
Sharp-Toews-Kane
Ladd-Bolland-Havlat
Versteeg-Pahlsson-Byfuglien
Eager-Burish-Brouwer

Defense
Keith-Seabrook
Hjalmarsson-Campbell
Barker-Walker

Goaltender
Khabibulin

Nine Hours and Counting...

Game three between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Calgary Flames is tonight and it looks as though the Calgary Flames may be without their solid defenseman Cory Sarich. Sarich missed game one of the series in with a lower body injury.

Attempting to play in game two Sarich reaggrivated that lower body injury and is questionable to start tonights game, there will be updates all day on his condition so keep it tuned to The West Madison Times.

Check back at 4:30 pm for Game Three's keys to the game and the expected Blackhawks lineup.

Chicago's quest for the Stanley Cup heads to Calgary

After a successful homestand against the Calgary Flames the Chicago Blackhawks will now travel the Flames place of business, the Pengrowth Saddle Dome. The Blackhawks can expect for atmosphere to be very similar to that at the United Center excpet for the 20,000 fans chanting "Let's Go Flames" rather than "Let's Go 'Hawks".

Even though it will be a hostle enviroment in Calgary the 'Hawks must realize that they need to just simplify their game and that the pressure is firmly on the shoulders of the Flames. The Flames have been very strong to begin games but when the 'Hawks intensity rises they have been unable to match them.

If the 'Hawks want to win in the Saddledome they will need to be physical to start the game and match or surpass the intensity of the Flames. The 'Hawks will also need to continue to get traffic in front of the net and hinder Miikka Kiprusoff from getting clean looks at incoming pucks.

The final key to a 'Hawks win on Monday night will be to get pucks on net early and often. In the first two playoff games the 'Hawks were guilty of make two or three extra passes and not getting pucks on the net. If the Blackhawks can get pucks through to Kiprusoff the scoring chances will come.

Although most of the pressure lies on the Flames shoulders the 'Hawks cannot sit back and take a relaxed mentality into the game in Calgary because if they do the Flames could be returning to Chicago with the series tied.