Hawk Shots: Does Blackhawks Lineup Need Change?

Does the Blackhawks lineup need to change?

The Chicago Blackhawks acquired center Samuel Pahlsson from the Anaheim Ducks for defensemen James Wisniewski on Mar. 4. 

Although Pahlsson will not be making his appearance in the Blackhawks lineup for a week or so, you must realize that the 'Hawks lineup might need to change in order to accommodate his skill set.

I know many of you were unhappy with the Pahlsson acquistion but Pahlsson brings a veteran presence and a very gritty defensive-minded forward to this team. The Blackhawks must surround him with players that will play very physical and can play against team's top forwards in order to use Pahlsson to his full ability.

One possibility might be to move Andrew Ladd off of the Bolland/Havlat line and put him with Pahlsson. To make room for Ladd on the third line you will need to move the skilled Kris Versteeg to an already high powered line of Bolland and Havlat. 

Another possiblitly would be to put Troy Brouwer and Ladd on the line with Pahlsson and move Dustin Byfuglien down to the fourth line. 

Although I do think that Troy Brouwer might be the odd man out in the 'Hawks line up he has really proven that he is a good player and a deserves a spot on this team in the future. 

Tim Brent is Back, Havlat Hurt.

The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled center Tim Brent from their AHL affiliate Rockford Ice Hogs. Brent was recalled a week ago before the trade deadline to fill in as the third-line center and will get a second chance on Wednesday.

It looks as though Brent might have been called up in case Martin Havlat is not ready to go on Wednesday. Coach Joel Quenneville said that Havlat, who did not skate today, could be ready to go by Wednesday but Brent was called up in case Havlat's lower body injury keeps him out.

Havlat has been one of the 'Hawks most consistent offensive players since the half way point of the season, he has recorded 21 goals and 36 assists in 64 games.

MPH Heritage Night

The Blackhawks will be honoring the famous MPH line from the 1970's when they welcome the Carolina Hurricanes to the United Center. The three letters stood for the different players who made up that line.

The M stood for Pit Martin, the P for Jim Pappin and the H stood for Denis Hull, these three were a force during the 70's. Unfortunately Pit Martin was unable to live to see this Heritage night as he was lost during a snowmobile accident this winter.