Some interesting things are taking place regarding the Blackhawks as well as the playoff chase in the Western Conference, and here is a quick update to keep you informed on what is going on.
First up, the rumor mill is churning out some talk about the Blackhawks trading right winger Martin Havlat to Pittsburgh for 20-year old center Jordan Staal. Havlat has 19 goals, 26 assists, and 45 points on the year in 54 games played. Staal (the Penguins first round draft choice and second overall pick in the 2006 NHL draft) has 15 goals, 16 assists, and 31 points in 57 games played.
The Blackhawks need another center. Nik Antropov from the Toronto Maple Leafs has also been mentioned as a possibility. The March 4th trade deadline is getting closer, so the rumors will only get worse and come at a faster pace. Eventually roster moves will be made, and it'll be exciting to see what Chicago chooses to do (if anything, which is also a very real possibility).
In the wild wild West Conference, the race for the final playoff spots hasn't become any clearer than it was on February 3, when five teams were tied for the final five spots. Take a look.
Seeds 5-7 are tied at 61 points (Dallas, Columbus, Anaheim) and Edmonton, in the 8th spot, has 60 points. Vancuver and Minnesota (9 and 10 seeds) have 59 and 60 points respectively, and are very much alive in the hunt.
It is also becoming more apparent each day that the Pittsburgh Penguins, who just a year ago were in the Stanley Cup Finals, will miss the playoffs. They are five points out of the last playoff spot and playing very poorly. If things continue as they are, it will be dissapointing not seeing Sidney Crosby in the playoffs.
*a quick edit: a couple hours after this post, news broke that Pittsburgh Penguins Head Coach Michel Therrien has been fired. Minor league coach Dan Bylsma has been named the replacement for now.
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