Blackhawks Blank Panthers Behind Lankinen’s Perfect Performance
If the Blackhawks were scoreboard watching like the rest of us, they knew the Columbus Blue Jackets took the Carolina Hurricanes to overtime on Thursday night, drawing them within one point of the Hawks in the division standings. That game went final during the second intermission of the Hawks game, at which point Chicago had a two-goal lead despite being outshot badly.
After a furious comeback attempt came up short for the Panthers on Tuesday night, Florida was hoping to bounce back without the services of Sasha Barkov again. Florida dressed seven defensemen on Thursday night.
For the Hawks, Matthew Highmore returned to the lineup in place of MacKenzie Entwistle. Kevin Lankinen was back in net for Chicago; Joel Quenneville countered with his number one, Sergei Bobrovsky.
The Panthers came in losers of two in a row. Florida had not suffered a three-game losing streak yet this year. Something had to give.
Chicago needed Lankinen to be on point again and he was throughout. Patrick Kane and Nikita Zadorov spent a couple minutes in the penalty box in the first period, giving the Panthers early chances. Florida out-shot the Blackhawks 13-7 in the first period but Chicago would start the second period on their first power play of the night.
The Blackhawks took advantage of their first power play opportunity. Kane gave the Hawks a 1-0 lead 65 seconds into the middle frame, his 13th of the season.
Brandon Hagel and Carl Soderberg were credited with the helpers on Kane’s PPG.
A little more than two minutes later, Pius Suter slammed home a juicy rebound to double the Blackhawks’ lead.
Kane and Alex DeBrincat were credited with the assists on Suter’s tenth of the year.
The Panthers continued out-shooting the Blackhawks but Chicago’s two-goal lead was clearly frustrating Florida. When Ryan Carpenter destroyed Eetu Luostarinen with a big hit, MacKenzie Weegar had enough. He initiated a brawl with Carpenter that ended with him on his ass.
Ryan Carpenter 1, MacKenzie Weegar 0. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/n3aUOjCDf7
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 26, 2021
According to HockeyFights.com, this was only the second fight of Carpenter’s NHL career. He handled his business well. Weegar was hit with an extra two minutes for initiating and a bonus 10 for misconduct.
With three minutes left in the second period, Florida had a 3-on-none. Three skaters attacking only Lankinen from center ice in. One of the worst line changes we’ve ever seen gave the Panthers a glorious opportunity to get on the board.
But Lankinen said no!
Neither side scored again the second period. When 40 minutes had been completed, Florida had a 30-17 shot advantage; the Panthers had as many shots on net in the second period as the Hawks did through two. Thankfully for Chicago, Lankinen was on his game.
Four minutes into the third period, Zadorov unloaded on Patric Hornqvist. He was already on his way to the box for a lazy, dumb slash well behind the play but the big (legal) hit sent Hornqvist to the room with assistance required. Chicago killed the Zadorov penalty, the fifth unsuccessful Panthers power play of the night.
With 13 minutes left in regulation the Panthers had twice as many shots on net (34) as the Blackhawks (still at 17).
Zadorov kept throwing his weight around throughout the third period but the Hawks were able to stay out of the box after the first penalty of the period.
Bobrovsky skated to the bench with his teammates still chasing two with 2:10 left in regulation. Hagel collected a blocked shot and fired the puck the length of the ice with 84 seconds left on the clock and he found the back of the empty net. Chicago now had a three-goal lead.
It’s good that the Blackhawks scored the extra goal because a questionable penalty was called on Suter inside the final minute. Kane, DeBrincat and Suter rushed up the ice and Kane tried to set up DeBrincat, who was denied by Bobrovsky. Suter was pushed from behind and got a piece of Florida’s netminder and was sent to the box.
Lankinen made a couple saves on the power play to end regulation to keep his record for the night perfect. He stopped 41 shots, the Blackhawks killed six penalties and Chicago picked up two huge regulation wins over the Florida Panthers.
Not only did Lankinen stop 41 shots, but the skaters in front of him blocked 22 more. Connor Murphy was credited with eight blocked shots to lead the way. Murphy was also credited with four hits in 23:54. Zadorov had a team-high seven hits and Calvin de Haan was credited with six.
Highmore skated only 5:28 but was credited with one shot on net and three hits. Philipp Kurashev was limited to 8:06 but was credited with one shot, one blocked shot and one takeaway in his limited action.
DeBrincat had five of the Blackhawks’ 21 shots on net. David Kampf was the only other Blackhawks skater with more than two shots on net.
See guys–I told ya: all Zadorov needed to do was get rid of that godforsaken man bun!! Look at how his play has changed since he got rid of it!!
Hahahaha
That was fun.
Q has GOT to be throwing all kinds of stuff in the visitors dressing room ;)
Let’s goooooooooooo!!!
Best game by Zadorov as a Hawk. If he plays physical and mean the ice will open up for the skill players. Really good effort tonight.
Great win for them, Lankinen as you say in title was perfect, unbelieveable effort from him. Zadorov his best game, hope theres more like it. Gotta like the 3rd period, pk stayed perfect for the night led by Lankinen, dominated in fos winning 14 out of 21 fos in 3rd. Tilted the ice against them in first 2 periods by being under 40% on draws through 1st 2. Nice to see Hagel get the icer at the end after holding off early push and pk. Hopefully a big weekend against Preds follows.
That is what it looks like when you actually defend yourselves and initiate the battle. Zadorov was exactly what he thought he should be but the whole team had a sharper physical edge and the defensive zone coverage was excellent. Lankinen was spectacular and earned that shutout. Lots of blocked shots by the whole team.
Amazing back to back performances by Lankinen. It’s now going to be a dogfight for the playoff spots and every game will be critical starting this weekend with Nashville. Just what you want for the young guys, meaningful tough games every night. In the postgame show both Jammer and Boyle predicted Dach will be back at some point this weekend. For those of you in Chicago is there any chance some fans will be allowed in soon?
Great game !
Lank is really sharp lately and he can bring the Hawks to the playoff and help the kids getting experience in playoff for the next few years.
Hagel ..2 pts tonight . Looking at the kid eyes when he is on the ice….soo happy to play in NHL….Hagel is really showing the Hawks his value and everybody is happy.
Now Hawks need 3 pts in next 3 games to get the 7 pts in 5 games .
Would love to see Beaudin again for 2-4 games.
Lots to like about today’s win..
1. Lankinen was excellent, both 5v5 on when we were shorthanded..didn’t give a lot of open net for Florida to shot at except for one loose puck that Tippet found but Lankinen got his pad on that too..he deserved the shutout tonight.
2. We never win this game without the pk..Florida goes 0 for 6 and the Hawks did a good job of pressuring pucks, blocking shots, not giving anyone clean looks..but again, Lankinen was our best penalty killer.
3. Scored a couple of not so pretty goals against Bob but that’s what it takes some nights..fire pucks on net and get to the crease..loved the traffic on the first goal and gotta love Suter heading straight for the net on Cat’s shot.
4. As much as I’m a fan of Suter, I thought Hagel deserved one of the three stars..he was all over the ice tonight..causing havoc on the pp, killing penalties, forechecking and backchecking..happy he got rewarded with the empty netter.
5. On multiple occasions over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been imploring the Hawks to ramp up the physicality, if anything just to show their opponent that we can play like that from time to time..well, Zadorov may have over-corrected tonight lol..not only was he all over the ice, but he was looking to square up anything that moved. He almost had another massive hit late in the game, but the Florida player did a ballerina pirouette to avoid the full blow lol..it was certainly entertaining watching him throw their players around..and did anyone happen to notice who didn’t challenge him? Gudas lol..he wanted nothing to do with Zadorov tonight. Overall, I thought our three defensemen(Murphy, DeHaan, and Zadorov) did a really good job tonight of matching Florida’s physical style of play.
@Hawks2010, doubt we see Beaudin at all unless there’s an injury or a game where Collition goes with 7 defensemen..Keith, DeHaan, and Zadorov are cemented on the left side..only way Beaudin gets in a game is if Colliton wants to give Mitchell a game off and then Beaudin would slot in on the right side..but I think right now, with Mitchell, Murphy, and Boqvist healthy, he likes the lefty-righty pairings..so probably no Beaudin for awhile..
@ms..probably not..the chicago baseball stadiums are allowing some fans in but that’s because they’re outdoor..it will be awhile before fans are let into the United Center for Hawks or Bulls games..
@ian..yes, good to see the Hawks begin to control the dot in the 3rd period..it was definitely a benefit not having to face Barkov at the dot for two games in a row.
Really nice performance by Lankinen and enough support from everyone else to make it a win
Tim Peel got canned for saying the quiet part out loud, but half the Hawks penalties tonight seemed like officials trying to make up for something – Lankinen’s DOG call, Zadorov’s sprawled-on-the-ice trip, and Suter’s goalie interference were all questionable in my book, especially when a similar trip wasn’t called the other way – plus Soderberg was tripped with no call in what would have made a 5-on-3 Hawks advantage earlier in the game
Loved Zadorov laying out Hornqvist twice with good clean hits (could hardly happen to a better guy) – especially the first one: no whistle and he’s hacking at your goalie, take him out of the play
Barkov should be getting votes for MVP after FLA scores 2 goals in 2 games
Good for the Hawks for taking advantage but you can see what a beast Barkov has been for them – DuClair and Verhage can’t drive the that line without him and Huberdeau can’t drive the offence by himself
In a weird way despite being outshot badly I thought the Hawks controlled this game – the physical element definitely helped but that also includes clearing the front of the net and of course the PK was tremendous although again FLA without Barkov
Some really weird penalties on the Hawks including Lank and Suter and Zadorov‘s blowout
Really nice to see that they are learning how to play in the third with the lead
Slayer – Hagel was 2nd star unless I was hallucinating
If Dach plays this weekend I’m taking a victory lap for predicting he’d be back before the end of March – here’s hoping
Stefanie called it – that damn man bun. He cuts his hair and turns into Samson. Not the way I remember the story but it’s working so don’t change a thing. Very nice (and clean) hit on Hornqvist. More of that please.
They didn’t play a clean game by any stretch but they played a helluva game of selling out to make plays all over the ice, especially in the d-zone.
Reading the last few pages of the Florida GDT – the ledge is at maximum capacity with a waiting list to fill vacancies. It would be glorious schadenfreude in any case but the disrespect they have for the Hawks and Lankinen makes it even more pleasing. What a difference of perspectives – they expect to be a good playoff team so when they lose the sky is falling and everything under it sucks. We, on the other hand, don’t have any lofty expectations and we’re having a rip roaring good time watching our rebuilding team.
Yeah baby!
Wrap – put down the acid man … 3 stars were #1 Lankinen, #2 Kane and #3 Suter.
And yes, weird penalties – starting with the DOG penalty called on Lankinen for freezing the puck when Hornqvist was right there and trying to knock the puck loose. WHAT!? Did Where they channeling Tim Peel on that call?
ER – alright I’m backing away from the acid now ; )
Well Hagel should have been a star instead of Suter although that was a nice goal of Suter’s – he was great all game – perfect that he gets the ENer
Wrap actually the Hagel Kampf Kubalik line never recorded a shot on goal 5 on 5. Dach back with him or Suter between them should change that. Also mention to you there was only one player who the Blackhawks generated as many shots on Florida net as Florida did on Blackhawks net 5 on 5. Yup you guessed it #27 with more D zone fos than O zone, everybody else was on bad side of the ledger. Considering how much they were outchanced says alot about his handling and how is responding to it, is to the benefit if the team.
Even with as good as Lankinen played, without the pp goal early 2nd and Panthers score on one of their pps, the 3rd becomes a different game altogether at 1-1. Still a nice win. Murphy and Zadorov big statement game for them. Can be a big time shutdown pair if they keep playing that way, combo of Zadorovs hits with Murphys blocks and net front play of both was good to see.
The Blackhawks won the game. Good. Did they deserve it? Lankinen saved this teams behind…again. Crawford did the same thing. Kane and Suter scored good goals. Hagel with the empty net goal. Good. FO% Suter and Kampf stood out. Strome was 50%. I’ll address Strome later. Overall statistics were somewhat favorable for the Blackhawks…oddly enough. SOG is the standout difference. It’s HORRIBLE!!! It puts the exclamation point on how well Lankinen has played in his last 2 starts. To be fair, the Blackhawks, as a team, blocked 22 shots. So…the Florida offense output was ridiculously good. I know, the score is all that matter. I get it. But, this cannot be the way this team plays. There were disturbing things. Strome. INVISIBLE!!! Soderberg also was not really there. Janmark too had a nothing game. That Kampf had more SOG than Kane? WTH? Boqvist was below avg. Mitchell still isn’t shooting the puck. Focused on D? I hope that’s it. That’s the bad. The good was more oddities. Highmore was hitting folks, apparently whenever he was on the ice. His TOI was lowest on the team at 5:28. Defense was also hitting. Zadorov lead the team with 7 Hits. De Haan and Murphy were also hitting. Love it!!!
Lastly, I thought Entwistle played his way to a 2nd consecutive game. He should have been out there. Kalynuck is warming a bench as is Carlsson and Bowey. Give these guys some TOI or send them to Rockford so they can stay sharp. I like the size of all of those guys.
I’m glad the team won, but I think they got by ONLY because of Lankinen. His save on the shot from a 3 on 0 was AWESOME. The Blackhawks left their goalie to fend for himself. This win left me shaking my head. It wasn’t a good one. Learn from that boys. You had better. It won’t happen twice. NEXT GAME!!!
Interesting article in the Athletic this afternoon..they did an interview with Bowman and specifically asked about Reichel and whether Bowman would like to see him in the US next season..Bowman sounded like he definitely thinks Reichel is ready for North American hockey and said they would like to have him begin his professional career next season..very exciting to hear..whether he starts in Rockford or makes the team out of training camp, it sounds like there’s a real possibility we see Reichel at some point next year..
They also asked about Shalunov since his KHL contract is up and they were wondering if the ship has sailed on signing him or if there’s still a chance the Hawks sign him for next season..again, Bowman didn’t close the door on the idea and was pretty complimentary towards Shalunov, saying that the Hawks like his size and the fact that he’s been playing center..what a bonus that would be if the Hawks could bring him over for next year..I’ve been hoping that the Hawks could maybe add someone like Lowry next year on maybe a two year deal just to add some size down the middle and some grit to the bottom six, but what if Shalunov can perform similarly for a third of the cost? Win-win for the Hawks..I’ll take a third line of Suter-Shalunov-Kurashev all day(I also love the idea of three centers on one line)..or you could have Shalunov play lw and have a pretty nasty fourth line..
Cat-Dach-Kane
Kubalik-Toews-Hagel
Reichel/Nylander-Suter-Kurashev
Shalunov-Kampf-Carpenter
Entwhistle
The Hawks could have some real depth at wing next year..I also like the idea of adding Shalunov because even though he would be a ”rookie”, he would be our fourth oldest forward..nice to sprinkle in some experience with all of the youth even if that experience has been at the khl level.
@edman68, I do agree regarding Entwhistle..I thought he earned another look..given that Colliton only plays the 12th forward for about 8 min a night anyway, might as well take a look at a prospect with some upside. Hope to see Entwhistle this weekend. At this point, I think Highmore’s ceiling is as a 13th forward..no reason not to use his 7-8 min a night to audition some other forwards and at least see what they’ve got..
Shalunov is the boy who cried wolf. I’ll believe he signs with the Hawks when I see the official announcement. He’s made using the Hawks as leverage for better KHL contracts into an art form.
The team with the better goaltending won. Period.
Slayer7
Regarding- Reichel- His WJ and German league numbers are as good or better than the Stud/Stutzle at same stage of career. Stutzle has made a solid impact in 1st NHL year -thus far. I see Reichel -being equally as good. Plus- the scouting report- is relentless forecheck/back check- with skill and IQ- Sounds like the perfect combo of Suter/Hagel. JC- loves the checkers
WIJG agree the team with the better goaltending won. Also the team with better/more hitting won and who stood up for themselves won. Also the team with better fo’s won. Also the team that blocked shots or deflected shots won. The team that kept the opposing team 0-6 on the power play won. The team that put pressure on the puck more won. From what I see is that only the team that put more shots on net lost.
The “better goaltending” is a good statement/adjective with an equally played game.
With MLB around the corner does better pitching beat better hitting or does better hitting beat better pitching? *
* my undivided attention on the NHL does not waiver until a 35lb trophy is skated around the rink by some crying yelling bearded man.
It was refreshing to see the Hawks lay some wood to the Panthers after they intimidated us in FLA. Zadarov is quite intimidating without the man-bun! Great hits, and I hope they keep on coming. What impressed me the most was the PK and the GK. Outstanding effort by the defense as a whole. Murphy is our leader back there!
Lankinen (10)
PK (10)
Defense (9)
Hagel (9)
Suter (8)
Soderberg (8)
I think the getting the young guys in will be lessened now that JC wants to get this team in the playoffs-it will be a big feather in his cap. This means 88 (and ‘Lank’) will be played to the point of exhaustion. Not good or bad, just is.
I thoroughly enjoyed the more aggressive approach last night.
Tough question of the day (**that isn’t real**) If you could only have Lankinen or Hagel next year who would it be? Ouch?
Finally having 19 in any projected line-up next year is extremely optimistic-with no words for 4 months the optimism has to be less.
I think a stronger Boqvist at 22-24 will be a really good player. Just my opinion.
Lankinen once again seems to have gained even more confidence. He’s very solid down low, on the ice, strong lower half, reminds me a young Jonathan Quick! Who also loses his stick, like me on the couch looking for the remote. Low and strong and post to post coverage. Lankinen rebound control is so much better, plus I think he trust his defense to clean up rebounds, since he is really floating above the blue to take away shots, cut angles and has some great body position. I’ve noticed the shooting lanes have been CLEAR, defense letting him see everything. Not many tipped shots last night and that is 90% of the game. Goalie sees it, he stops it. He van face 50 shots if he’s see it . . .it’s shut out.
Hawks played an over all much more physical game. Not over the top but they finally had our d-men step up meet the Panthers at the blue line. Some big hits and slowed them down, not letting them use their speed . . .speed kills.
Boqvist Alert – In the first on a power play Boqvist let a puck skip by him at the point which happens. What we watched from the couch was his recovery time. Duclair made the steal and Boqvist wa smaybe 3 feet behind, by time Duclair got to the net Boqvist was 15 feet behind. My dad said, “did you see that he just quite skating.” It’s those types of heart plays and lackof speed that make Brandon Hagel stand out and leaves Boqvist open for doubt.
I hope like our BULLS they do make a trade or two to become even more competitive.
Hawks in the hardest division and that’s good for growth, experience and measuring where they are at.
Still having troubles scoring goals with 5 on 5. Need a big dude, who can score.
Nick Foligno? Jack Eichel? Hell I’d even take Dustin Brown! Just for the run in the playoffs.
Go Hawks
Ian – yes I saw that Boquist was the only Hawk player at evens 5 on 5 for Corsi
He made a play late in the third that illustrates that – FLA was making a push and had the puck in the Hawks end for quite a while over a couple of shifts – Boquist gets the puck deep in the D zone – everyone expected him to make the safe play up the boards (I did) but it was crowded there and I was expecting a turnover – instead he sent a beautiful pass straight up the middle to a forward in stride and with one pass flipped the ice – now the Hawks had FLA pinned in their zone for a minute or so as the Hawks generated some looks – from that point on FLA never really generated a whole lot
That was a high skill play
I think Boquist is the only Hawk D man who not only could make that pass but think to make that pass (and I love that at 20 he wasn’t hesitant about making it) – maybe Keith would also think to make that pass but at this stage of his career he probably is a step too slow to pull it off – it is exactly the sort of unexpected pass that Keith would have made in his prime to relieve pressure in the Hawks’s zone
With each passing game (no pun intended) Boquist seems to improve – I like what I’m seeing
Slayer – just read that Bowman interview – very interesting and encouraging about both Reichel and Shalunov and maybe another Euro FA
However from what he said I’m not expecting the Hawks to do a lot at TDL – he made it clear that if someone like Janmark doesn’t net a good return he’s not going to trade him just to get something – that could be a line he’s putting out to other GMs but I think he’ll also stick to it
Also from what I’ve read about possible TDL activity I’d be surprised if anyone other than possibly Janmark is moved although I think the possibilty of CHI taking on a bad contract is a very real one
The Hawks can be dangerous when they bring grit and goaltending. Z and other D can get more disciplined still, and if Z and Murphy keep bringing the hits, it slows down opponents O considerably as they start thinking more for self preservation. Lanks good angles and solid, and Carpie-nice right cross. With Dach and possibly Toews Hawks are as good as FLA., and much closer to Tampa.
Nitpicking a top performer, an observation on Kane’s play – the last few games he’s made some uncharacteristically dangerous passes in the D zone – including one last night that could have been particularly costly when it was picked off in the high slot
On the other hand, Debrincat has gotten slightly better in his O zone passing back to and around the blue line; still a few groaners and I reflexively cringe whenever he cuts back or puck handles anywhere above the circles, but fewer mistakes of late
And definitely appreciating the Cat’s fearless “chase” on dumped pucks to get possession from guys who look twice his size
DIdnt see these until posts half day later. I ll go over these players in offseason to see who we want when were readying to add two elite players and some others ufa wise when were really ready prob 23 season.
IAN
March 24, 2021 at 9:40 pm
Mo one guy to watch to see what happens is Morgan Reilly, with cap staying flat Leafs gonna have tough time resigning him after next season.
EBONYRAPTOR
March 25, 2021 at 10:07 am
Guess what day iiiit is? No, not hump day … it’s another day closer to “Dach returns day”. And, it’s another day to be excited about our young Hawks and how this season has gone.
When the season started and I knew the Hawks would be without Toews and Dach and their goalies were a trio of unproven AHL’ers and the word rebuild was more than just a hope in a dream. I resigned myself to the necessity to be bad before they could be good and I rallied behind that and got excited about watching the kids play.
Well, it’s been a whole lot of fun and now it looks like Dach will be back soon which will just add to this better than hoped for fun season.
Yeah baby!
J R ROMAN
March 25, 2021 at 11:16 am
Mo, had some time on my hands so I decided to give you some names, ages they are now and time they will be UFAs. Also what I think would be fair to sign them for.
This coming year
Iafallo 27 4mil x 3
Wennberg 26 4mil x 3
Laughton 26 4mil x 3
Hamilton 27 7mil x 3
Montour 26 4mil x 3
Hopefully we would know what is up with the Captain then these signings might work cuz we are gonna need to hit the window hard.
After next season
Barkov 25 9+mil x 5-7
Hertl 27 7mil x 3
Jones 26 7mil x 4
Nurse 26 7mil x4
After 2 seasons
Pasternok 24 9+mil x 5-7
Compher 25 5mil x 3
Graves 25 4mil x 3
Evan, you made an interesting comment regarding the Hawks with Dach and Toews are as good as Florida. Maybe, but maybe better than Florida.
Florida has the 3 main pieces an elite team usually has – a stud #1 center, a stud #1 d-man and a very good goalie. Or do they? They have the stud #1 center with Barkov – no question. However, I’m not sold on Ekblad being an elite #1 d-man. He’s pretty good but there are a bunch of other top d-men in the league I would rather have than Ekblad. And then there’s Bob. Bob is somewhat erratic – can be great and (probably) worthy of that huge contract, but other times not so much. I would take Crawford from 5 years ago over Bob.
But what about the rest of the Florida team – not really that impressed. Good players who play very well in their system but no one that really jumps off the page. I would take the Dallas lineup over Florida in a heartbeat.
Comparing the Hawks with Toews and Dach to Florida – I take the Hawks. Florida is more mature, has better size and is better playing their game than the Hawks are right now but strictly from a personnel standpoint I’d rather be in the Hawks skates than Florida.
49, good observa5ion on DCat passing. He has improved from being a turnover machine a couple years ago but still has to improve more. He can still be an adventure when he’s looking to pass out of the d-zone. His o-zone passing is very good except when he’s going cross ice above the circles – then it’s hold your breath time.
Gritty performance by a Hawks team that played with a high level of collective desire. Lankinen bags another goalie win, and was simply outstanding. Special teams won the day against a solid Florida team. Of course they missed Barkov again, but hey the Hawks have played the entire season sans Toews and Dach. Dems the breaks.
We have now seen 2 consecutive games where the Hawks have clearly stepped up physical play. It was as though Florida players didn’t know how to react. I’ll take a Zadorov that takes a bad penalty(the slash in particular) while being a noticeable physical presence on the ice. Murphy and deHaan also delivering some nice pops out there as well. Carpenter gets stick taps for a great check along the boards, and then answers the bell when Weegar jumps him to drop the gloves. Weegar should have got another 2 minute minor for “receiving”. Gudas jawboning with Zadorov who just chuckled when confronted. This is the way this Hawks team needs to play. The commitment to taking the body, skating hard after dump ins. Blocking shots and clearing rebounds. Obviously, it helps when your goaltender is playing lights out as well.
The ref crew last night lets lots go and basically let em play, and then called some strange penalties to make it even more confounding to the players and also us fans watching.
As I said earlier in the year, my desire with this team is to just hope they play hard and compete to the best of their ability. If they make playoffs that’s great because the trainers and equipment guys get paid extra. If they don’t make playoffs thats okay with me too. All these young guys getting experience is important.
Regarding Dach I’m curious what you guys think about bringing back too soon given the nature of his injury, and the long term value he has to this organization. Is it better to just give him the extra time to more fully heal given this strange Covid affected season? Sure, I’d love to see him play, but if he were to re-injure that wrist it would have to be a terrible setback. News, any news about Toews would be welcome. The silence is deeply troubling.
Let’s Go Hawks!
Goaltender win for us, no doubt. Lankinen is the real deal, as I’ve said before, and last night he proved just how good he can be. The Panthers kind of screwed up that 3 on 0 breakaway, but still could have scored, and Lankinen tracked it all the way. He had another 3 save sequence that was phenomenal. Love watching him play. And if you’ve watched any of his post game pressers, you see this fresh-faced, smiling, well-spoken, enthusiastic kid, who seems to be right at home in a Hawks sweater. Now we need to find a better back-up for him.
Carpenter had a hell of game, too, as did deHaan and Zadorov and Murphy. I echo what has been said already. So encouraging to see some physical play from those three, and Carpy, too. Keep it up! We need it with the kind of playoff atmosphere that many of the games ahead will have. And Hagel, that kid is like the Tasmanian Devil on the ice, spinning and rolling and kicking up dust. His effort to stay on-sides during that one rush was really impressive. His game overall gets a major stick tap from me.
Too many shots against us, no doubt, but it seems that the boys are learning how to win tough games. Hope this continues. I’ll sure be watching.
Stefanie, Johnny five is alive.
Thats all you have to do sometimes is say it and then it happens.
One thing i noticed last night was Collitpn taking a page from Q’s book in a way and throwing Strome out with Cat and Kane for a shift right after a penalty was killed off, good way to get them some shifts together with none of them regular pkers.
If Bowman not expecting to move anybody at tdl, saw a good idea where a team like Leafs looking to acquire Hall would need a 3rd team to take some of his caphit for a pick or prospect, like to see that happen. Be other opportunities as well likely too. Still expect he might take a contract off a cap strapped team for next year before fa opens at draft maybe.
What a difference a day make sometime …the day that Barkov got hurt the team began to Struggle and with the Hawks missing their no 1 and no 2 center since the beginning of the year we know how important the group can suffer from loosing top players. Barkov had 6 pts in is last 2 games against the Hawks.
Now. « « « Dach ))) 2 more weeks maximum and he is back .
Hopefully they will not throw him there without consulting the Doctor staff and probably need to control him for a while. Because kids are kids
JC is good whit the kids so not a problem
The spot where Highmore, Johnson, Entwistle with Soderberg and Kurashev, could very well be where Kampf ends up when Dach returns, if as Bowman reoortedly said could be nobody moving. Dach and Suter seems likely one is between Cat-Kane, the other between Hagel-Kub.
At (optional) practice today:
Colliton on Dach: “We’re trying to ramp him up, and we’ll ramp him up until you see him in the lineup… We want to get him to the point when he’s feeling ready to run someone over, and then we’ll know.”
YEAH BABY!
ER, better way to get greyhorns feet wet this yr and greenhorns established and playing comfortably there ‘own’ games in 2nd and 3rd full yrs next yr.
Load young wave! and add elite ufa players for 23 season when were ready.
ER
We, on the other hand, don’t have any lofty expectations and we’re having a rip roaring good time watching our rebuilding team.
Yeah baby!
Phil, I understand wanting to be extra cautious with Dach but his injury was a bone injury which is much more cut and dry to determine when the bone is completely healed. I seriously doubt the Hawks and their medical staff would approve of even the activity he is now doing if there was even a hint of it not being 100% healed. As far as I know he didn’t have any rods or pins put in so it is a simple bone to bone reconnection which can be confirmed with MRI. The video of him practicing faceoffs earlier this week looked like he was having no problem with the movement and torque put on his wrist.
On the negative side,I agree with EDMAN68 I believe. Strome floated again and lost the opportunity to put together back to back good games. I did though like the Hawks team play in the 3rd. They continued forechecking and playing aggressive instead of going into that turtle mode type of play.
Stick to Schrooms they are healthier for you.
WRAPAROUND
March 26, 2021 at 12:08 am
ER – alright I’m backing away from the acid now ; )
Slay7, I like that we have more good young players coming. Lets add another top 10 skill draft quality player so we get two very good players in Reichel and top 10 player. Also Barratt is a Hagel Enwhislte kind of player. Where we have more players like Zad playing like that at all times clean checks no goon stuff. Playing that way and hitting clean everytime theres a hit available.
We get hit back sure we also do as much or more of the hitting and that opens ice and importantly stops teams from going afetr top players just because were playing like ragdolls. Keeps teams honest and just play head to head in a clean way.
Kubalik-Toews-Suter
Cat-Dach-Kane
Hagel-Reichel-Kurashev
Barratt-Shalunov-Carpenter
Entwhistle
Slay7
Cat-Dach-Kane
Kubalik-Toews-Hagel
Reichel/Nylander-Suter-Kurashev
Shalunov-Kampf-Carpenter
Entwhistle
Agree Tim on the Hawks third – as discussed here by many of us they don’t have the size or strength to slow the game down with a lead in the third the way say Tampa can and just lock it down that way
They have to continue to skate be fast forecheck but just don’t make high risk plays – for the most part they finally did that with a lead in the third
The fact that they held FLA off the scoreboard in the third has to give them some confidence
Agree Ian with Kampf to 4th line when Dach returns
DCat Suter Kane
Kub Dach Hagel
Janmark Carp Strome
Kurashev Kampf Soderberg
If Janmark gets traded then Kurashev moves up and one of Highmore/Entwhisle/Johnson draws into 4th line
If Soderberg gets traded expect Toews to be back although I don’t think either happens
Carpenter has been such a nice surprise at C – really stepped up his play and defensively much better at C than Strome who only had 11 minutes TOI last night PPs included
tim w
the reason the strome detractors do not care for him is that he is inconsistent in putting good games back to back. one’s skill might fail a player on any given night, but all we have to do is look down the bench and find #38 to know what it means to bring it every shift every night. strome does not do that. unfortunate. i would love to see him find his way in that regard to add that to his skills, but at his age that is likely who he always will be. wonder if toews has ever gotten in his face to suggest he play like a man every night? if not, why not?
Hawks29
We also have Nylander who like Strome doesn’t give the 100% effort on a 12-16 minutes in a game …is it too much to ask to give the maximum for just a few minutes/ game…
I really hope that Hagel Style will motivate them to give that small effort specially if you really love hockey. Maybe they need a bit more time
Or a heart transplant.
Altybarmakyan and Soderlund supposed to be not stop energy types too like Hagel. Lack of offense can be too much of a good thing too.
Blackhawks 13 home and 9 away rest of the way. Nect 14 are Preds and Canes each 2 at home, 1 in Nashville then Stars 2 at home. Then 2 in Columbus and 2 in Detroit, 1 in Nashville and Preds 2 at home. Final 8 games kind of brutal stretch, Bolts 1 at home, Panthers 2 at home, 3 in Carolina and fonish with 2 at home against Stars. Could be an interesting finish to the year.
Wrap that’s was only thing i was thinking, Kampf and Soderberg really only 2 showing any type of consistency on fos. May want to switch Carpenter back to wing and have them as a C on seperate lines to help out there.
JR R, the team with the better goaltending winning is merely an observation.
Whether it is cause or coincidence requires analysis. In some cases, it is the cause and can be considered a goalie win. Other times, it may be a coincidence. Last night may have been both: Lankinen played extremely well and kept the Blackhawks in the game. Yet, as we have seen other times, that isn’t always enough – especially when the other team has a hot goalie.
The good news is that to everyone’s (or, at least, my) surprise;
1. The Blackhawks are not at a severe disadvantage at goaltending after shedding Lehner and Crawford.
2. The Blackhawks can skate with anyone. Their puck movement is very good and they have beaten some teams we (or, at least I) thought we would have no chance against.
3. The Blackhawks will probably finish above 500 without Towes, Shaw and Dach.
Other good news is that Hagel is setting an example for hard work, grit and determination. He will make it very difficult for Nylander and others, that may be lacking those qualities, to keep a roster spot. We (or, at least, I) can only hope that Bowman and Colliton learn to recognize that talent and draft position do not guarantee performance.
Buffalo just received a 3rd and 5th rounder from Montreal for Eric Staal.
This deal certainly could make Soderberg a consolation prize for teams like Carolina that are looking for a Center.
In addition, Stan Bowman told the Athletic, that the plan has NOT changed due to the team’s success and if he can add picks, prospects or a young player for an expiring contract, he will definitely consider it.
I trust Bowman will find a failed 1st Round pick to acquire before the trade deadline.
Yeah, saw Buffalo got a 3rd & 5th for Staal. Be happy to get the same for Soderberg.
@49, excellent comment on the Zadarov hit on Hornquist outside the crease. While the hit on the blue line put ole Horquist out of the game, it was that hit while the opponent was hacking and whacking our goalie that I really enjoyed. I honestly can’t remember the last time a hawk dman cleared the paint like that. More please.
hawks2010
i don’t get how one manages to devote the time necessary over the years to develop elite skills as a hockey player, but does not have the heart to play the game properly.
strome and nylander very aggravating in the moment, but i think not a problem over time. they will either learn to bring it every night or play themselves off the team. looking ahead to next year it appears 12, 88, 38, & 8 have pretty much claimed the top six forward spots. nylander and strome will either find the will to compete or be gone. both will likely get the “every chance to succeed” opportunity because bowman traded first round picks for them, but in the end they will have to put up or shut up.
Stephanie/other, see they do read here keep saying the ‘right’ things.
Re: Dach injury– I can confirm from a very reliable source that 77 has no hardware in his wrist or hand–the orthopedic nurse underground is alive & well (of which I am a member)–however, if brought to court on HIPAA I will deny deny deny and plead the 5th hahaha
being young & able to heal quickly is a blessing
Re: Strome– I don’t like Dylan Strome the same way/reason I don’t like Brady Tkachuk; ie. Dylan is not my favorite Strome–Ryan is; Brady is not my favorite Tkachuk, Matthew is. Fair? Probably not. But whatever.
Whomever said Dylan is inconsistent–that’s it exactly. Just so unreliable, IMO.
Here’s to knocking Trashville on their asses. Cheers.
There starts the teams in the Scotia North begin to trade to have the players they receive ready to play after April 12th.
Thanks Stefanie for the inside info (pun intended) on The Dach-ters wrist
JC in post game last night said they want him over ready before he plays so I don’t think there is any danger that they are rushing him back
Looking forward to his return maybe this weekend – if not it should be soon after
Players traded to North division from the US only have to quarantine for 1 week now
Considering what Staal brought in a trade maybe. 2nd for Janmark is possible
Hawks 29, how much of Nylander’s ice time has been on Toews’ or Kane’s line?
It seems to me that he has had plenty of time over 84 games to prove himself. And, he has, just not in a good way.
As Pat Foley said in play-by-play when the puck went into Nylander’s corner: “Nylander wasn’t interested…”
I’ve worked with Bryan Bickells foundation rescuing pitbulls last month. I heard a rumor about Toews having of all things undiagnosed Lyme disease. Suffering from an infection that cause chronic fatigue ( he seemed tired last year and other odd neurological side effects. Hope this is not the case, anyone hear anything, no news in these cases is mostly bad news. Bick as we all know has MS a similar disease.
Go Hawks
Buffalo retained half of Staals salary too, don’t think Soderberg gets that much, maybe a 3rd at most. Buffalo asking for a first for Hall as a starting point, be tough to get a 2nd for Janmark likely without retained salary.
Thanks Stefanie for info on Dach.
wijg
not defending nylander in any way, shape, or form. i totally agree with you. i firmly believe he at 23 and strome at 24 will never play the game properly if they haven’t by now. two things about that. i don’t get to make the call on their opportunities going forward and since it appears they will continue to get opportunities i hope they both defy logic, the light switch goes on for them, and the hawks have two more talented players going forward. but not betting on that happening. more likely they will be ex hawks no later than the beginning of the 22-23 season. still hoping to be surprised though.
Nylander had 26 points in 65 games last year while playing 12 min a night..in a limited offensive role, he was on a 33 point projection over 82 games..that’s actually pretty solid production for a 22 year old(although he just had a birthday so he’s 23 now). I don’t have any problem qualifying Nylander, especially since his one year deal with the Hawks next year will be very reasonable, cap wise. He’ll also be joining a more talented team than the 2019-20 roster, which had Smith, Sikura, Perlini, and Caggiula. The additions of Suter, Kurashev and Hagel along with the maturation of Cat and Kubalik have really sped up the forward development of this team. I don’t see any reason why Nylander shouldn’t get a long look for next year to see if he can bring some complimentary scoring to any of our lines. And again, if he really struggles, you simply don’t qualify him for 22-23 and move on.
As for Strome, the issue I see with him is that he’s only engaged when the puck is on his stick and he’s making plays..otherwise, he doesn’t seem that interested in doing everything that a 200 ft. forward concentrates on when they don’t have the puck. So essentially, if his line isn’t cycling the puck freely, he disappears from the game. But, glass half full, he’s not hurting our cap this year or next year, and much like Nylander, he’ll have another year to show that he can do more with the ice time he’s given. And he’ll need to show that he can contribute no matter what line he’s on because the top six is looking pretty solid and it’s no guarantee that he has Cat, Kane or Kubalik on his line next year. But the clock is officially ticking with Strome, because other forwards have joined this team who look much more interested in playing a complete, 200 ft game..and the Hawks have more on the way with Reichel, Entwhistle, etc..
If Reichel is the real deal then it may end up being a contest between Nylander and Strome next week as to who has a place on the roster
If that’s the case my money is on Nylander to survive – it seems they will have other centre options (already do) and if Strome is a winger I have a feeling Nylander will prove to be the better winger
Love to seen them both pan out but I’d settle for one
* next year* oops ; )
Chad Yetman one of the Blackhawks last picks this fall out of Ohl, and Brad Morrison acquired in Maata trade were sent down to Indy by Rfd. Cameron Morrison the big power forward signed from Notre Dame is out injured is a different player.
John Galt. Quoting Pat Foley = yikes. He has lost it. He literally sees a numeral on a jersey and yells a name. He has called Hagel, Kane various times because he saw an 8. Last night Mitchell had the puck a few times and he kept saying “now Strome”. Wrong hand. Wrong player. Painful.
It goes on the entire game. Tomorrow will be brutal. Earlier in the year he thought Calle Jarnkrok of Nashville was Mattias Janmark of the Hawks.
Very good points here on the possible competition for roster spots. The drastic complete game improvement by DeBrincat,the consistently solid all around game displayed by Hagel on a nightly basis,and the high end play of Suter has set a new bar here. Gone are the days where this team has to coddle,cajole,or send messages to players in order to get them to play hard and well. I would like to see some physical forwards like Johnson,Entwhistle,and when he recovers,Cam Morrison get legitimate opportunities to grab forward spots to the point where they can be mixed with Kane,DeBrincat,Dach,and other highly skilled players. It is nice going into a game knowing that all of your forwards are going to be jumping,engaged,and part of the play all night. No more floaters or ghosts.
Wrap, want to turn 3rd and 5th for Soderberg and 2nd for Jannmark into 1st half of 2nd round picks. Trade up we want three 30-45 picks so we need to add two.
Wrap
Considering what Staal brought in a trade maybe. 2nd for Janmark is possible
Wrap, I am expecting both 17 92 to go and Reichel and this draft 1st round FW to be very good player like Reichel. Thats two top 9 FW and also fully expect to add an elite FW like we did with 81 and on D to with 51. Using 7 caphit to do the top pair D guy.
Quick trade deadline proposal..Blackhawks send Janmark and Soderberg to Toronto for either 1. Nic Robertson plus a 4th or 2. Hallander plus a 2nd. Wayne Simmonds is playing on their top line right now..Janmark would allow them to go Janmark-Matthews-Marner and Soderberg could replace Kerfoot on the third line allowing him to move back to wing which is his natural position..best of all, neither Janmark or Soderberg would require retained salary or a third team..seems like a fit to me..make the call Stan..Dubas already said he’s open to moving a top prospect since the Leafs are going all in this year..this is the type of trade I’d be happy with..Robertson or Hallander each have top nine upside(top six upside for Robertson) and while the playoffs would be nice, I’d trade a playoff series for upside assets that can help the Hawks win games over the next several years..
CRAIG NIGRELLI – Pat Foley sounds more and more like an inebriated Harry Caray.
Think of how much fun it will be to hear Foley try to pronounce Andrei Altybarmakyan’s name. Then, try to do it spelled backwards.
Opinions regarding Dach injury and rehab were much appreciated. Thanks everyone. Yes, if ligaments were torn and badly strained it is a worse problem than a straight clean bone on bone wrist break that should heal better and faster.
Preds have been better as of late. If the Hawks bring the effort we have seen the past 2 games then it should be a good weekend at the UC. The team should be feeling a little better about themselves. Hawks-Preds games tend to be spirited affairs played at a brisk pace.
Let’s Go Hawks!
The first 2 times we played Nashville they dominated the Hawks on the stat sheet – SOG, hits, faceoffs, possession time all heavily favored the Preds, but Subban and Lankinen stopped 36 and 41 shots (respectively) and got the Hawks into OT where they picked up 2 “loser points”.
After the Hawks were trounced by the two Florida teams to start the season, they came home and won a couple fairly easy games against doormat Detroit, so Nashville winning both games against the Hawks bolstered the feeling the Hawks were truly in a race for the top draft pick – “Blowin for Owen” was going strong.
But that was a long time ago, not in calendar days, but in player and team growth. After the 2 losses to Nashville, the Hawks with a 2-3-3 record took only 7 points out of a possible 16. Since then, even with the recently complete disastrous road trip the Hawks have gone 14-10-2, which ain’t “plan the parade” territory but we’re no longer “Blowin for Owen”.
In a way, this is a similar litmus test as it was when we played Nashville back in January – after getting trounced on the road followed by a couple good wins we now face Nashville again. It sees like as much as any team over the past 4-5 years the Preds have been the Hawks nemesis. How many times has Josi stuck it to the Hawks or Rinne stood on his head?
It will be telling to see how the Hawks play against them – it will be as much a mental hurdle to beat them as much as a physical battle. It can be hard to beat a team that seems to have your number and after that playoff debacle against them a few years back it sure seems that way.
Man, this season is fun!
Yeah BABY!
Mo, no way Soderberg gets a 3rd and 5th, one of those picks was for retainng salary, not needed for Soderberg to make it happen. So say Staal got a 3rd he brings more offense than Soderberg, likely looking at 4th for him as reasonable return. Oilers looking for a C who can help with fos, prefer a right shot but without a 2nd or 3rd pick, could offer a 4th maybe as a darkhorse. Janmark may get a late 2nd from right team. Still think good chance to be a 3rd team to eat some cap for another team fairly likely to happen as Bowman alluded to.
Agree there will be some real competition in next training camp for forward positions with the number of Nhl ready forwards coming from Rfd. now to add to other possibilities.
Hawks really need a win tonight and 3 pts in the 2 games vs Pred.
Hawks is growing slowly but steady and a few kids need to get more involved defensively because 40 shots on goal is really unacceptable.
Hagel
Hagel
Hagel ….. thank you Stan for getting him under contract when the kid was kick out from Buffalo with no offer.
Hopefully Nylander can be a good trade if he focus and play with all the talent he has.
Dach working on 1pp for when he returns pet Colliton. Lankinen starting tomight, wonder if Subban tomorrow or Delia gets a shot. Rest if tonights roster announced at game time after he talks to players about what changes there are in lineup. Interesting might see Dach this weekend.
Blackhawks only have room to retain 1 more salary this season, Sabres got a 5th for Staals salary and Leafs got a 5th for retaining part of Lehners last year as 3rd team. So likely if Bowman becomes a 3rd team to eat some cap or retains part of Janmarks, one or other is all he can do, a 5th seems likely, unless it’s a substantial amount of cap for it. So if moving Janmark and Soderberg, plus eating some salary one way or other, a 2nd for Janmark, 4th for Soderberg and 5th for salary look like reasonable return. As i’ve said along don’t see Strome or Dehaan as likely candidates for tdl. Maybe a 6th or 7th for a Wallmark or Highmore if they are lucky.
Yes yes. We already got a playoff series x 2 last yr. Donot need that this yr/even though players deserve it this yr not last yr.
To get a better quality draft player in 1st and 2nd rounds. With our draft history we should always be adding/trade up for 30-45th picks.
This is what gets our young wave loaded and deep. Not making playoffs this yr. Every yr starting next yr sure lets do that when were ready/not ready yet.
I am going with were going to get beat in enough games and DAL or maybe NAS will win a bunch and get the 4seed. Which is a blessing and best thing for us.
SLAYERSE7EN
March 27, 2021 at 1:01 am
and while the playoffs would be nice, I’d trade a playoff series for upside assets that can help the Hawks win games over the next several years..
Mitchell to the Rock – a bit surprising for sure but I think it’ll be good for him
Not sure who plays in his place – maybe Bowey from I’ve read?
ER, I go with that very good stretch of 11-2-5 after first few games half the roster ever played in NHL.
Since then its been split and get blown out for 4 games now we win 2. So behind on the split thing and if we do split after the 11-2-5 were the 4 seed. If we do worse then split and were -2 under .500 so far and other team play .500 or win more then .500 were the 5/6 seed.
What matters is what you said the development. We will have more good young players if we get 8-12th pick hen if we get 19th. We can grab another Reichel quality player at 19th though I would much rather have a player somewhere quality wise between 77 and Reichel.
That also comes with the bonus of a 30-40 pick which could be another good player compared to crapshooting at 50th pick.
My boarderline is 40/45th pick in terms of that.
Load young wave! With another top 12 pick quality.
@wrap..yes, hopefully Bowey..Mitchell has only been playing about 13-14 min a night..Bowey should be able to fill those minutes while allowing the pairings to stay lefty-righty..they could also get Beaudin back into the lineup although I’m not a fan of playing him or another defenseman on their offhand..
hope to see beaudin. not a fan of him playing the right side either, but prefer that or him back at rockford playing as opposed to practicing and not playing. it wouldn’t be the end of the world to let keith or de haan play the right side, which is how i would set it up. neither are the future of the hawks backline.
agree totally with mo. would rather pick 8-12 than have a round of playoff experience and pick 19th. if a lefty playing on the right leads to mistakes causing a couple of goals and losing the game there is no downside.
I was surprised Mitchell was moved to Rockford but he seems to have plateaued or maybe hit the rookie wall a little bit so moving him down will probably be a good thing in the big picture.
The suspense of whether or not Dach is playing is … well … very suspenseful. :-)
Hawks 29 – I’m of the opposite opinion – shooting for the playoffs and succeeding would be a big step in development for the young Hawks even if in the worst case scenario they get swept in the first round
I’m always in favour of trying to win as much as possible – tanking for draft position hasn’t panned out too well in BUF for example – I’ll take my chances with a winning culture any day
Especially this year when scouting is extremely limited on draft eligible players – the players the Hawks may have wanted at 8-12 could easily still be there at 19
If it is Bowey tonight I’ll be interested in how he does – I thought he showed some promise in his earlier showings
He’s already compliant for the Seattle draft so that wouldn’t be a reason to put him in
Finally…Mitchell is sent Rockford…
I am really surprised to see him leave now the Hawks should’ve sent him 2 – 3 weeks ago . Really good if he can play at least 3-5 games minimum to get some pressure off is shoulder from NHL .
Hopefully put Beaudin on the Hawks squad.
Something gotta be up with Brendan Lemieux. Just for a 4th round pick? I would have done that.
Brendan Lemieux sucks. Ask any Rangers fan – they’re thrilled to get a 4 back.