Another Half Dozen Thoughts With 12 Blackhawks Games To Go

The first half of thoughts came with a variety of opinion. The back half today is going to specifically look at players to watch as the season winds down. The first of a half dozen thoughts with 12 Blackhawks games to go looked at Connor Bedard winning the Calder, Wyatt Kaiser’s return, and the need to replenish the roster with scorers.

Now, it’s going to be looking at specific players and a couple other general thoughts as the season winds down.

#1: Landon Slaggert Hasn’t Looked Overmatched–but Hasn’t Completely Stood Out, Either

This is hardly anything to really be concerned about–but with four games under his professional belt, Slaggert has been both very good and very green–which was to be expected. On Thursday, he picked up a pair of penalties but his ice time continues to trend up. That shows trust from the coaching staff, a credit to his tenacity on the ice. The San Jose game tonight should allow him a better chance to get on the scoresheet–so long as the Blackhawks from last Sunday show up and not the version against Anaheim and LA.

These final 12 games serve as an audition similar to that of Wyatt Kaiser’s. While the latter started in Chicago, he went back to Rockford to tighten things up a bit. Slaggert could very well start next season in a similar fashion but it sure seems that things could be trending to be quite the battle for spots by prospects.

#2: It’s Go Time for Lukas Reichel

Borrowing from a headline earlier in CHN’s season profiles, Reichel has a chance to really stand out and make some noise to end the season. He has been more aggressive on the ice but there won’t be a better chance to get a goal than against San Jose tonight. But the question is this: what will the Blackhawks want to see from him? Similar to the situation with Taylor Raddysh, maybe some of it was bad luck. But like Raddysh, now’s the best time to take advantage of things with a schedule that doesn’t feature world beaters on it. The chance to build some positive momentum is now, and could be as soon as tonight playing the Sharks.

#3: Seth Jones deserves his due

Yes, the $9.5M cap hit will always get the “don’t make me point at the sign” commentary repeatedly. But Jones has been very active in the last 20 games but also has had a hand in Alex Vlasic’s developmental successes, too. It goes without saying that a strong and steady presence goes a long way and Vlasic having Jones on his pairing has been a key reason for his success this year. It isn’t to take anything away from Vlasic, either. But aren’t we all better when he have another talented person helping us, too?

#4: Bring Colin Blackwell Back for Another Season

I’ve written often about Blackwell’s impact to the roster, and have also conceded he’s not going to set the world on fire with goals. But it’s his infectious, non-stop motor that will help nudge this rebuild along. It’s not easy to endure the season they’ve had, but along with other veterans in the room, Blackwell hasn’t let down one iota whether on the ice or his words off of them. He might not be on the final roster that finally sees a playoff series, but he’s for damn sure one of the reasons once they get there.

#5: Kudos to Hawks Fans for Their Passion

In spite of what’s been a long season of losing, there have been more loud games at the United Center supporting a team that doesn’t give much to cheer for in the standings. The Anthem is one thing, but hearing the roar during games where the Hawks hopes have long been dashed is certainly something. Hockey in Chicago isn’t always ranked as high as football, baseball, or basketball. Hell, everyone knows it’s a Bears town first and foremost.

But don’t count out the passion of a fanbase that has still brought the noise, and followed what could have been a forgettable team after an 8-1 loss on October 30th.

#6: To Tank or Not To Tank?

I’ll be very honest in saying that I believe the San Jose Sharks will end the season with the top odds. Not only do they have a game in hand but they sold everything off they possibly could not only get more assets, but to tank hard.

Last year showed that the 25% means nothing thought–because at the end of the day–both Columbus and Anaheim had better odds of winning the lottery last year and it was the Blackhawks who earned the right to draft Connor Bedard.

There is a very line when it comes to how to build contenders–and yes–getting a generational talent speeds things up significantly. But there’s still something to be said for playing games to win. It’s why I’m taking a deep dive on how contenders were built, but also looking at how luck also plays a significant factor in building a champion. With a dozen games left, it’s unlikely the Hawks go 0-12 and beyond that, it’s not good for the sports soul to endure that. In no way am I saying how to “fan.”

But from a view of seeing things from inside the locker room once the cameras and recorders click off, losing wears on everyone. Though it seems short term now, it can creep into the psyche of an organization for years to come.

It’s called a lottery for a reason. Let the rest of this season play out organically–hoping that some of the younger players they’re banking on for the future build momentum for that future.

The first half dozen Blackhawks thoughts here

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