HAWKS ALL DONE !

The Chicago Black Hawks are a team on the wrong side of a trend.  They stand 31^st in a 32 team league and aren’t going anywhere until the “Connor Bedard Sweepstakes” begin.  With only 16 days until the trade deadline, all the publicity surrounding the HAWKS is who will be the next to go.  Will it be Jonathan Toews (Winnipeg ?), d-man Jake McCabe or the last jewel in the crown, Patrick Kane ? 

It would appear that the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the conversation with Kane.  He’s a first ballot Hall of Famer, with 3 rings, but he is 34, holds a no trade, has a wonky hip, carries a $10.5 AVV and you have to wonder how he would fit in a room with so many younger superstars ?  Suggested trade assets:  half his salary hit + Engvall, Holl and Mathew Knies.  This reporter would prefer Timo Meir (younger, stronger, more long-term upside) for the same assets.  New Jersey, Carolina and Dallas also covet Timo.

Tonight’s game will test the opportunity for the Leafs to improve their horrid (5 wins in 13 games vs bottom 8) record against the also-rans.  They are coming off a humiliating loss to Columbus, have AM34 back in the line-up and the Hawks are 0-7 on back to backs.  No Brainer right ?

William Nylander got the Leafs off to hot start scoring at the 9 second mark.  That was the fourth fastest goal in TML history and moved Willy Nye to his 3^rd 30 goal season.  The patrons had barely taken the lids off their $40 beers when Chicago marched right back with a goal by Lafferty off a brutal Jarnkrok giveaway to tie things up at 1:02.  Rasmus Sandin then bounced in a softie off a Black Hawk d-man to make it 2-1.  Alex Kerfoot scored off a beaty pass from Marner only to be ruled offside.  Newly re-instated AM34 pumped his 26^th high stick side off a nifty Nylander set up.  Chicago looked tired toward the end of the first.

The Hawks would not go away, as witnessed by Kurcherev’s goal from Max Domi in the first minute of the second.  Some were asking, “whatever happened to that second period TML dominance?”  No need to ask, Captain Johnny popped one in from “new” linemate Kerfoot and an as yet scoreless Mitchell.  That was Johhny’s 950 NHL point.  Newly minted replacement (for Holl) Connor Timmins earned his promotion by scoring to make it 5-2 from AM34 and WN88.  That was Connor’s 13^th point in 19 games as a Leaf.

Not a whole heck of a lot to report about the third period.  Toronto maintained control throughout against a tired and defeated team.  Final 5-2 Tranna.

HOPPER NOTES:  The Leafs find themselves in a pitched battle with Tampa Bay for home ice advantage in the first round… tonight’s win will help but TB is in Arizona tonight…the Leafs “bottom six” is at least 2 short…best case scenario would have Kerfoot, Jarnkrok, Kampf and Holmberg – where are the other two ? …not that impressed with d-man Jake McCabe (on the trade bait board) – loved his Dad, Bryan – the “can-opener”… Look, I love doing these reports, but it is now time to investigate “monetizing” my work…so, I reach out to my many followers for advice on potential sponsors –  eg equipment (CCM, Bauer etc), Beveridge, Automotive, supplements etc…I have a full catalogue of my reports and I can accommodate any of your contacts’ requirements….NO, I am not a sellout – just wanna get paid ! …love the Subban/ Thornton TV spot…best Super Bowl ad ? – Zack Braff and his Buddy Turk doing the “Summer Nights” reprieve with John Travolta…Samsonov is now 16-2-1 @ SBA…CHEERS !