REPORT: Blackhawks Superstar Not in Chicago's Lineup For Tonight's Game

This illness kept him out of practice yesterday, and it will officially keep him out of for tonight's game against the Duck, per Ben Pope of the Sun-Times.

I hope Toews is alright, but it is not a bad thing that he is being held out. Sitting out tonight keeps Toews physically healthy, but also puts the Blackhawks down a key man in a game that has important implications on the toilet bowl standings.

The Blackhawks are currently four points behind the Ducks with three less games played. A loss tonight would put the Hawks back six points from the Ducks, while a win will put them back just two points (barring an OT game).

The Blue Jackets still hold onto the worst record in the league, with the same amount of points as the Hawks in three more games.

The deadline is approaching, but we knew that the games after the all-star break were going to be crucial to how the Hawks end the season, and we were right.

Now is the time for the Hawks to sell and tank. Bedard is a generational talent and needs to be in the red and black come next October.