Arizona Coyotes Hunting For Points Against Blackhawks
Apr 5, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) against the Arizona Coyotes center Brad Richardson (12) during the game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Coyotes have had a rough season but the team seems to finally be coming together as the team heads into a matchup with the playoff contending Chicago Blackhawks Thursday night.
For the first and only time this season, the Chicago Blackhawks will visit the desert to play the Arizona Coyotes.
The Blackhawks, having had a bumpy ride through the season thus far, are looking to put the pieces back together against an Arizona squad just looking to develop their youth towards the future.
But this game will likely be more than just a game worth two meaningful points to Chicago and two meaningless points to the Coyotes.
This game will be a big test for the young players looking to stay with the squad. It will also be a test for some of the pending UFA’s or trade bait players laden cross the Arizona Coyotes roster.
This game could determine the difference between a Grade A and Grade B prospect in a trade.
It might be the difference between a 1st and 2nd round pick or, in the case of the rookies, more or less playing time down the stretch as positions above them open due to trade departures.
Should the Arizona Coyotes win this game, the value of their assets will rise as teams building for Stanley Cup runs, including Chicago, will really see what these players are capable of against top competition.
Take note Martin Hanzal, Shane Doan, Radim Vrbata and Michael Stone because any of you could be wearing a Chief Blackhawk sweater sooner or later).
So in preparation for this edition of the Arizona Coyotes-Chicago Blackhawks matchup, Howlin’ Hockey sat down with Greg Bradshaw from over at FanSided’s Blackhawk Up, to ask 5 questions leading up to the Thursday night affair in the desert.
Jun 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Antoine Vermette (80) holds the Stanley Cup during the 2015 Stanley Cup championship rally at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Temes spoke with Greg Bradshaw of Blackhawk Up about the Chicago Blackhawks.
Alex Temes (AT): In recent years, the Blackhawks have been big buyers at the trade deadline. Given how the team has a diminished prospect pool and very limited cap space, what kind of moves do you anticipate Stan Bowman making as the deadline nears?Greg Bradshaw (GB): As usual, I anticipate the Blackhawks will be buyers at the trade deadline. It comes as no surprise as the core is aging and window for winning is still as open as ever. However, there are still quite a few relevant prospects that i would hate to see go in some sort of package deal for a trade deadline pick up. Alex DeBrincat is the biggest one that comes to mind. DeBrincat leads the entire OHL in points (81) and goals scored (38), and practically fell into the ‘Hawks’ lap in the second round of last year’s draft.The Blackhawks are as thin as ever this year and are in drastic need of depth. Depth has been key to previous Stanley Cup runs, and this year the ‘Hawks’ bottom six is rather scarce. Along with a bottom six forward, the Blackhawks have searched desperately for a top LW to pair with Jonathan Toews. This could be the year GM Stan Bowman makes a huge splash and goes after a player such as James van Riemsdyk or maybe even Matt Duchene if Colorado would be willing to retain some salary.”There are quite a few options, but sadly rookies like Nick Schmaltz, Tyler Motte, and Ryan Hartman could be departing in order to make this happen. Personally I’m not ok with sacrificing the future of the team, but its a business and the time to win could be vanishing sooner than later.Next: Why Have The Blackhawks Been Such A Bi-Polar Team Recently?
Apr 5, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) against Arizona Coyotes center Max Domi (16) during the game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Central Division forward Jonathan Toews (19) of the Chicago Blackhawks scores against Pacific Division goaltender Mike Smith (41) of the Arizona Coyotes during the 2017 NHL All Star Game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) takes the opening face off against Arizona Coyotes right wing Shane Doan (19) to start the game at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) lands on Chicago Blackhawks left wing Teuvo Teravainen (86) in the third period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
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