As far as last night, the Hawks played their guts out, as I think they have all series. Luongo won that game last night. PP wasn't even that bad - Luongo robbed them during that several times.
Three things will be the reason why VAN advances. Luongo, the Hawks not scoring on the PP, and VAN's experience is showing. The Hawks the last few years have taken them to school on what they need to do to advance, and they've become good students. They're more disciplined - Kessler most notably, and their players are battle tested.
I realize the Hawks are beat to hell and its a factor, but its hockey - not soccer. And 80% of the league doesn't give a shit about your problems/injuries, and the other 20% are probably happy you have them. The vets in the lineup are playing hard and the guys getting their first taste of playoffs - this will go a long way. I've ben impressed with Leddy and think he's a guy this is going to help most. His puck carrying has gotten better in the playoffs it seems But the fact is, right now they're beat up.
On to next year and who to move/what they need. Do not downplay this year of experience these guys got playing together. Frolik, Stalberg, Kruger, Leddy, and Smith will contribute more next year. Campoli for 82 games if they keep him as well. Hawks have had over 350gms played by rookies this year. Rookies. Smith and Kruger pretty much zero regular season games/minutes are playing big minutes in this series.
They need a second line center. Someone capable of putting up 60pts. Someone to play with Hossa and render him effective. Chances of trading Campbell and getting that player are pretty slim. (Scooter will be a genius if he can). Soupy has his NTC so him listing his 8 teams...and one of them willing to give up a 2nd line center for a salary dump is pretty slim. Redden was buried because he sucked more than overpaid. Campbell doesn't suck and has value to this Hawk team.
I don't think they will be able to trade Bolland in the offseason, due to his concussion. But he is the salary I would like to see moved. I know this will get ripped, but I think Sharp is the guy that can/may be moved to get that second line center. His value is as high as its ever been after putting up the numbers he has. Even with his 70pts, this team finished where the did. He's going to be able to get 5-6mil on the market and they will struggle to be able to afford him. Getting a true center to play behind Toews may make this team overall better. Toews will have less pressure, you may be able to get consistant scoring out of Hossa. Down the road/into next year if Bolland shows to be healthy, then they can move him for more wing depth and plug Kruger into the 3rd line center role.
Centers are hard to come by in the league and Sharp may be the chip they have to give up to acquire one.
