[Kris Gray, writing from Rockford about the Blackhawks prospects:]

The IceHogs best rookie is Dan Bertram. Along with Jack Skille, he's the hardest working player out on the ice right now. He goes all out, all shift, every shift. He's the "Best Baby in the Nursery!"

Corey Crawford was ready to be the Blackhawks number two goalie this season, but that move got sidelined, due to the Blackhawks having too many goaltenders at the beginning of the season. No one in goal is moving up unless there's an injury or until Nikolai Khabibulin is gone. Earlier in the season I would have said it was really a tossup between Antti Niemi and Crawford, but lately Niemi has been faltering. Maybe he just needs more consistent ice time. I hope they can keep him within the system for next season, as his contract is for one year.

Skille is working hard every shift, every game. He could make the move, but will have to wait until there's room on the Hawks roster for him.

Jake Dowell,has been having some solid games; he's hard working and has a good work ethic. Pascal Pelletier has already had one call up to Chicago this season. We could see him go again if the need arises. Evan Brophy has really been improving lately. He makes his presence known when on the ice.

Rob Klinkhammer is the player to keep an eye on . There's more to come from him. Is he ready for the show right now? Maybe not, but he's on the move within the team.

Rumors have been flying around Petri Kontiola: maybe he's unhappy, maybe he wants a trade. He seems to be inconsistent in his effort sometimes. Nothing confirmed, just rumors. There were a few articles in Finnish newspapers, but the bad translations could be what is feeding the rumor mill.