Patrick Sharp Coming Back
On Monday, Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville indicated that forward Patrick Sharp will likely return from injury on Tuesday evening. Also, goaltender Scott Darling will get the call between the pipes against the Devils.
If Sharp returns to the lineup, the Blackhawks will need to make a roster move. The most likely short-term answer is Joakim Nordstrom going back to Rockford, but reports that Jeremy Morin wants ice time or a trade may lead to his departure soon.
At practice on Monday, Morin and Nordstrom were absent from line rushes. The lines were:
Saad-Toews-Hossa
Versteeg-Richards-Kane
Sharp-Shaw-Bickell
Carcillo-Kruger-Smith
Interesting. Would have thought Saad goes to the 3rd line. A sniper with Shaw and Bickell might just work out. Of course nothing to say that’s the way it will be come game time. Love the new look to the website. Tab is doing a great job and a great service for all of us Blackhawk afficionados ….I am most grateful for this forum and please know your work and dedication is outstanding Tab.
Glad you liked the look, Mining Man. Still working on a few technical pieces, but looking for one that doesn’t have issues on mobile (that one did). Will continue working to make this site adequate and readable. thanks for the kind words. go Hawks!
Also read that 10 was actually skating on right wing on that 3rd line… been a while since I have seen him on right… wonder if that is to protect his Right knee + 29 doesn’t usually play right side…
Glad to get Sharpie back. Yeah the team went gonzo without him but he is an elite player and they are a better team with him in the lineup even if they can’t keep up this torrid pace, which they wouldn’t be able to do with or without Sharp.
I still think Saad-Kruger-Smith would be a dynamite 3rd line (or call it 4th – whatever). Saad would give the “checking line” more offense than Nordstrom without taking away defense. Let Sharp get his timing back for a few games and then I’d like to see this:
10-19-81
23-91-88
20-16-28
29-65-13
I watched the New Jersey against Carolina tonight – not the whole game as it was tough to watch hockey played that poorly. Sheesh what an ugly game. NJ won it on a nice feed from Gomez to Jagr who one-timed it from the slot. Don’t get me wrong when I say the Hawks should have a cake walk against the Devils who are missing two of their better old guys Elias and Cammalliri – but they should unless the Hawks come out flat or disinterested os our goalie spits the bit. Hopefully the players didn’t watch the game tonight because it would be difficult to get up to play the Devils.
Slick new look to the website Tab, I like it. Blackhawks seem to be firing on all cylinders , and really like the look of the team right now.
I’m very happy Dahlbeck is finally up as I was hoping he would make the team out of camp. Dahlbeck is a big strong kid, with solid speed and he can add some physicality to the Hawks defense. He’s also very solid in his own end with good instincts and hockey sense, but people shouldn’t be surprised when he contributes on offense as he has that ability, and when he gets comfortable some of that play-making should come through. As I’ve said before, he reminds me a lot of a Hammer type shutdown defender with more physicality but not as good of a shot blocker (who is?) and a bit more offense/play-making, i.e. He doesn’t wow you with anyone one skill or aspect of his game but he is good to very good in all aspects. He along with Johns and TVR are the future of the Blackhawks blue line along with Keith, Hammer, and Seabs, and depending on the salary cap, possibly as early as next year. I personally welcome it, I think those 3 have a ton of talent, and will give the Blackhawks a youth infusion they need.
The fact that they are sitting Nordstrom (along with Morin) with Sharp’s return is a clear indication that the best players are not necessarily playing as they continuing to play Bickell hoping to either move him at the deadline or shorten his minutes (but keep him involved) until the playoffs in the hope that “Super-Bicks” shows up again for another run at Lord Stanley’s Cup. If they must give Morin away, why not package him with Bickell? He is a solid, NHL ready prospect, and Bickell is a Stanley Cup veteran from the Blackhawks which a young team might want….maybe a team like Edmonton? Could be a player like Morin to crash the boards along with Edmonton’s skill players, and Bickells experience could be just the shakeup that team needs. Not sure what the return would be maybe drat picks?, but I would be happy just to lose Bicks contract….addition by subtraction in Nordstrom playing instead of Bickell would be worth it, and if we need a power forward at some point Mark McNeil is an option for Bickell’s role (if needed).
Hawks were rolling with 4lines. I dont like carcillo on with krug, that line was incredable checking the top lines. Most teams have 2scoring lines so its great we had 2 lines that can check and match that. I dont believe that we do now with carbomb on that line. Nothing against him hes played well but checking is not his roll. I agree would have liked to see saader on that line. Time will tell. Great job boys, love you all
Deb elliott