Hawks are 2nd in the league (behind legit contender BOS) in combined special teams (PP% + PK%); and smack dab in the middle, 16th, goal differential. (Very unfancy stats via NHL dot com, but a keep-it-simple-silly quick rule of thumb overview of clubs' performance.)
This tells me tho, another important stat, 5 on 5 goals, the Hawks below average and unless improved, eventually that deficiency will show up in the W-L numbers.
So, how to do so?
Well, of course, #19 and/or Dach coming back but I'm not counting on either, tho only want to be wrong there.
Don't want to rush the young man back and Jonny - assuming & hopeful it isn't medical - might be he's just lost interest. There is precedence, couple years back was a STL (or was it BUF) player just up and stopped playing. Walked away from hockey.
What's really left for Toews to accomplish?
His trophy room literally has every award any jock could ever desire, including an Olympic gold medal. And assuming he's not running buddies w/ EKane, have to believe, $$$s-wise set for life. And then some prolly ten lifetimes over.
Could say, if their "generational" 2C decides he's going to actually battle for a puck or dedicate himself to winning FOs, that would result in improved even strength play but - no offense to Musto - I've given up waiting for Strome to live up to his potential. Is what it is and will gladly admit being wrong should #17 prove me so.
Where then, does that leave this club? A fun ride for a bit longer here and then - most likely - the rooks hit a wall (hey it happens) and DAL, CBJ, & maybe even NSH overtake them the final playoff spot. (TBL, CAR, FLA assumed 1,2,3 in the Central.)
But who knows? I'm up for finding out; this club is a blast to watch. Hagel alone makes it fun. The other rookies too. Kurashev's score last night was highlight reel stuff league-wise. And Beaudin & Mitchell, both's maturity is remarkable to watch.
Lankinen? Let's ride that pony boys ... I'm old enough remember Tony-O. He won the Vezina his rookie year. A hot goalie's run CAN last an entire season long.
And we have another lock Hall of Famer actually playing right now to boot. And a Cat looking like a legit all-star now, as well.
So, WhoTF knows anyways? I've half senile now & I can easily "forget" any stinker outings to come. I'm up for the fun this bunch of beauties have in 'em!
GoHawks.