Shaw Makes Most of 1st Line Opportunity

Who would have thought that Saad - Toews - Shaw would amount for 5 points (4 goals) ?

That is exactly what happened tonight. Shaw had 2 goals and  Toews had 2 goals and Saad had a sweet assist on Toews first goal. The 2nd line of Sharp - Regin - Kane still didn't do much. Kane and Sharpies points came on the PP tonight, but as a second line, they didn't make a dent in the scoreboard.


THE 4th LINE:
The 4th line continues to make impressions on everyone. Bollig nets his 7th goal.
Look at that line. Bollig 7 goals, Smith 8 goals, and Kruger 6 goals. That is pretty darn impressive when it comes to the 4th line stats. In addition, they are a nice shut-down line. Bollig is showing that he deserves that 3 year extension. Is Smith next? He should be. If that is the case (and it probably will be), then that will mean 19 guys will be under contract for next season. Handzus, Brookbank, Khabibulin, Raanta, Regin and Smith's contracts all terminate at the end of this season. Smith, Raanta, possibly Regin will end up with contracts. (Will Regin sign a 2 way contract?).

WHO STAYS:
I believe 100% that Khabibulin is DONE. I mean DONE for good. Brooksy I'm not convinced he will return and the same goes with Handzy. So, this gives opportunity for players like Teravainen to get a chance. Others that could get that opportunity to finalize the roster are: Hayes, Hartman, Danault, McNeill, Clendening, Nordstrom, Dahlbeck and LeBlanc and whatever surprise the Hawks throw at us. Remember, Bowman loves to sign veterans, so don't be surprised if he accumulates a low priced veteran that he won't think will change the chemistry any.

OFF SEASON TRADES (possible):
Could there possibly be any offseason trades? YES. But, that list is small. I only see Oduya in that list or possibly sending Rozsival with another player in a trade. Other than that, I don't see much else.


RUNDLBAD & REGIN
So,……let's wait for the remaining games to see how Rundblad and Regin hang with the team, and see the Hawks transform into their playoff selves  within a few weeks. This is the fun time for hockey.