Death, taxes, and the Hawks not being able to put together back-to-back solid games. The three guarantees in life. After a fun and entertaining game on Tuesday against the Flames, the Hawks had an opportunity to win their third straight game for the first time this season, and things seemed to be going in their direction as they were able to pick up a power play just nine seconds into the game. But for how fast the momentum meter slid in their direction, it seemed to switch even faster as the Senators would pick up a short-handed goal just 26 seconds later. Just 5 minutes later, after a turnover from Bedard in the Hawks zone, Parker Kelly was able to put away the puck, giving the Senators a 2-0 lead. That was all they were going to need as former Hawk Anton Forsberg picked up his second shutout of the season, winning 2-0. This game marks the 12th time the Hawks have been shutout this season, which is the league lead, with the Ducks close behind with 10. Now if you were curious, the record for most shutouts in a season is 20 by the 1928–29 Chicago Black Hawks, so in order for this version of the team to beat that, they would have to go the rest of the season without a goal, and despite how bad this team's offense has been this season, I think it's safe to say we won’t break that record.

Next Up: Philadelphia Flyers
The Hawks continue their three-game road trip with a stop in Philadelphia as they take on the very surprising Flyers. The last time these two teams met back in February, it was all Flyers, and they took a pretty easy 3-1 win. Things have not been easy for the Flyers since they have really struggled as of late, going 3-5-1 over their last ten games and currently on a 3-game losing streak, with their last loss coming Thursday night against the Montreal Canadiens. They really are picking a bad time to skid as the Capitals are heating up right now and find themselves just 1 point behind Philly for the 3rd Metro playoff spot, and with the Wings (79 points) and Islanders (77 points) within striking distance of the final wild card spot and having games in hand, the Flyers could miss the playoffs all together. The best part of being eliminated from playoff contention at this point in the season is being able to play the role of spoiler. This game means a lot for the Flyers, and a loss here could be the game they look back on and say if we just won that game, this season would have gone differently. It will be interesting to see how the Flyers come out for this trap game.

Potential Lineup
As of writing, I do not have an update on the projected lines for tonight's matchup. What we do know is that Arvid Soderblom will get the call in net and is looking to bounce back after a poor start against the Ducks on the 21st. Another change we do know will happen is that Zaitsev will be out of the lineup as he left the game on Thursday with what Coach Richardson called “sickness and a nagging upper body injury." He will be replaced by Tinordi, and we hope he shows a better effort than he did against the Ducks. Jason Dickenson, who has been having a career year, did not practice with the team on Friday as he was attending a family matter back in Toronto, but Coach Richardson believed that he would be good to go for this one.

NCAA Update
The Frozen Four Tournament kicked off this past week, and it has been off to a very entertaining start. For those of you interested, here is an update on how the Hawks prospects are doing so far.

Frank Nazar, Michigan University
Nazar picked up the opening goal in this one as the Wolverines defeated North Dakota by a score of 4-3. They will take on Michigan State this Sunday for a Big Ten Championship rematch, with the winner punching their ticket to the Frozen Four. There has not been any indication if Nazar is Chicago bound once his season wraps up, but if Michigan takes the loss on Sunday, the Hawks have 8 games left on the year, and that could be a good time to give him his first NHL taste and give the fans a preview of what to expect next season.

Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel, University of Minnesota
The Golden Gophers were able to pick up a 3-2 victory over Omaha, and they take on second-ranked Boston University. Both Moore and Rinzel had a quiet game in this one, with Moore finishing -1 and having one shot on goal and Rinzel going +2 and having three shots on goal. Both of these players have had good freshman seasons, with Rinzel being named to the All-Big Ten Second Team, the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, and the Big Ten Freshman of the Year finalist. Moore was also named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. Unlike Nazar, I do not expect there to be a discussion about whether either of these players will make the jump to the NHL next season. I think another year at Minnesota will be the best move for them, but then again, the same was said about Coyotes Logan Cooley, who decided at the at the last minute to make the jump. Time will tell, but tonight's matchup against BU will be worth watching to see not just them in action but projected first overall pick Celebrini as well. That game is set for a 4:30 p.m. central puck drop on ESPN U.

That’s going to be it from me, puck drop is set for 6pm central time. Incase I don’t get back on here for another blog I hope everyone who celebrates has a very good Easter and as always, Lets Go Hawks!

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