Hawks vs. Ducks

Tonight - my first post-work Hawks game in almost three months. Can't wait.

Some Hawks Thoughts to start, with a keen eye on the March 4th Trade Deadline:

-Take Havelin (D-ATL) off the list of possible guys the Hawks will add. As I previously posted, he'd be a nice veteran blue-liner, but the Devils acquired him today.

However, I'm REALLY hoping the Hawks do not add a defenseman. I've been riding Barker's shortcomings in his own end for a while, but I think he can still develop into a highly valuable asset. His offensive skills are undeniable (he's got more power play points than Campbell) and he still has a chance to improve his defensive presence. But even if not, I think he's got far more trade value in the off-season, when every team is looking to upgrade their blueline and has money to spend.

Similarly, I'd hate to see Wisnieswki traded or lose ice time - either possible with a deal for a veteran defender. I think he's got some solid offensive skills, both as a quick puck carrier and a decent shooter. He's definitely tough, if under-sized, and has a solid head for defense. He's raw and needs work, but he's young, athletic and has a good 2-way mindset. I want to see him get experience down the stretch and into the playoffs. Same with Barker. That doesn't even touch on Aaron Johnson, who somehow is glued to the press box despite not finishing a single game this season a minus.

To me, the best thing the Hawks can do this year is continue to develop their players, especially in terms of getting them stretch-run and playoff experience. Let these defenders earn their stripes and reassess next year.


-The biggest move the Hawks make in the next few days might be internal. Supposedly there are serious talks of extending Havlat's deal.

What a tough call that is. Who is Martin Havlat? Is he the ultra-talented two-way player he's been this year, a guy who just has an incredible hockey sense, unreal skills, and the ability to excel on both ends of the ice?

Or is he the injury-prone pansy who always leaves you wanting more - the guy we saw the previous two seasons? Is this year's performance a classic contract year rebound? Will it all disappear once the ink's dry on the contract?

Honestly, I think you've got to take the chance on Havlat. He's just that good. More than Kane, more than Toews, more than Keith, the guy has incredible hockey sense. He's a lot more physical than he gets credit for, and clearly is both a nasty goal-scorer and invaluable playmaker.

I mean look at Bolland and Ladd - they've thrived playing with Havlat all year. To me he just makes everyone better, and for that reason you've got to keep him onboard, even at the risk of buying a lemon the next 3-5 seasons.


To tonight's match-up:

The Ducks have been contenders in all three seasons following the lock-out. Their 98- point outing in 05-06 ended in the Conference Finals, they put up 110 points and won the Cup in 06-07, and then posted another 102 points last year before the Stars knocked them out in the first round.

This year, not so much. Technically their 8th in the West, but don't let that fool you - they've played more games than any of their competitors for those 5-8 seeds. Their current 86-point pace is good for 11th in the conference, which means they've got work left to do. But given that 89 points is the pace for 6th, the Ducks are very much alive. With all their experience, a good amount of talent, and a solid 16-15-2 road record, the Ducks are a worthy opponent tonight.

Despite the league's 5th best Power Play, the offense still is a bit below average at 2.8 goals per game. The trade of Kunitz (16 G, 19 A) certainly won't help, even if it does upgrade their defense in both ends.

Their star is Getzlaf (20 G, 50 A), one of the league's premier play-makers. Perry (22 G, 32 A), American rookie sensation Ryan (21 G, 20 A in 46 games), and veteran Selanne (20 G, 19 A in 47 games) can all fill up the scoresheet. Other than that, the forwards aren't very offensively gifted. Pahlsson, mentioned as a possible Hawks' target, is a good defensive center. Guys like Niedermayer, Moen, and Morrison are all solid grindy veterans who don't put up much for numbers.

Given the names on the Ducks blueline and the wealth of veteran role-playing forwards, you'd think they'd be a better defensive team. Instead they sit below the league average with 2.94 GAA. Their PKs are below average as well.

All the same, you've got respect a group that includes Niedermayer (9 G, 34 A, 27:05 ATOI), Pronger (10 G, 27 A, 27:03 ATOI), and Beauchemin (4 G, 1 A, 25:35 ATOI in 18 games). However, Beauchemin got hurt in November and hasn't returned, leaving a pretty big hole in the defense. That hole was recently filled in the Kunitz deal, as the Ducks landed talented young defenseman Whitney (2 G, 11 A, 24:26 ATOI in 30 games). He was needed, as besides Montador (4 G, 16 A) the Ducks blueline has been a hodge podge of iffy pieces.

That inconsistent blue line is probably a big reason that Giguere (3.13 GAA, .902 Sv %) is having his worst year in nine seasons as a pro. When you're allowed an entire goal more per game than the previous season, things aren't going your way. That's lead to Hiller (2.33 GAA, .920 Sv %) taking about 40% of the starts. However, he's only played once in the last nine games, so the starting spot is still clearly Giguere's.

In the odds and ends department, Niedermayer wears the C, with Pronger and Getzlaf sporting the A's. Montador leads the team in PIM, but at 6-1, 210 and a solid defenseman, is more of a feisty scrapper than a true goon. That title belongs to the 6-5, 235 Parros, who spends one minute in the box for every 4 he's on the ice.

Should be a good one, as the Hawks have won at home and in Anaheim, while also losing a 1-0 heartbreaker on the Pond back on the Circus Trip.