I don’t know where to begin after last night. The Chicago Blackhawks lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning 7-4 in a game that was never really “in reach.” The Lightning finish the season with a 7-0-1 record against Chicago and last night was a showcase that the Blackhawks, while a much better team now than they were at the beginning of the year, are still a long ways away from being a true contender. They are also still at least another year away from being a solid playoff contending team. Although still mathematically alive in this year’s Stanley Cup playoff chase, it’s been over.
Chicago Steel
Each week we take an in-depth look at young members of the organization while providing an overview of prospects playing at the Junior (OHL, WHL), and collegiate (NCAA) level.
Sean Farrell has been at the forefront of these prospect reports with his record-breaking season. In the month of April, he captured the title of best producer in the Chicago Steel’s history with his 83rd point, then followed it up by joining the very select USHL 100-point club. Unfortunately for Farell, he might find it hard to fit in at the next group meeting as the immense majority of its members played in the 1980s.
After ten NHL seasons and winning two Stanley Cups, Andrew Shaw called it a career on Monday morning, ending his tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks in his seventh season with the club.
Shaw, a veteran of 544 NHL games, another 66 in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs, and 72 playoff games, has his career end at the age of 29 due to multiple concussions and head injuries sustained over the course of his career. After announcing his retirement in a video posted on the Blackhawks social media channels, he spoke to the media about his career, his decision to retire, and what is next for him after his playing career is over.
Andrew Shaw speaking now after his retirement this morning. Listening to doctors for once in my life, we finally made the decision it would be best to step away. Because there s no way I can change the way I play, and it s going to keep putting me in vulnerable positions.
• Like a lot of people have said this season, Brandon Hagel reminds them a lot of Andrew Shaw, only a faster and more skilled version. Shaw sees the same thing in the rookie Hagel.
Shaw says he hopes Brandon Hagel can carry on his role with the team. You can see a little bit of me in Hags… [But] he s a lot more skilled than me, and faster. I d like to see him be a little more consistent.
The Chicago Blackhawks took Saturday off. They are taking Sunday off as well. They play the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night at the United Center. Between now and then, a lot of self-evaluation needs to take place as they head into the final eight games of the season with their playoff hopes in the Central Division all but dashed away. Part of the evaluation process is figuring out who will and will not be with the Blackhawks in the short and long-term futures and the final eight games of the season gives Chicago an opportunity to get one last look, or a first look, at which players fit the bill.