Blackhawks Buried By Avalanche
In the first period, Sven Andrighetto scored a power play goal for Colorado. After 20 minutes, the Avs led 1-0.
In the second period, Tyson Barrie scored a power play goal for Colorado. After 40 minutes, the Avs led 2-0.
In the third period, Mikko Rantanen scored a power play goal for Colorado.
But then Tyson Jost went and screwed up the story with an even strength goal a couple minutes later, putting the Blackhawks down four without much fight after playing in Chicago on Thursday.
With 6:25 left in regulation, Colorado starter Semyon Varlamov left because of an injury. Jonathan Bernier – not an accountant – came into the game in relief for the Avs. Unfortunately for Chicago, the four-goal lead Colorado had was safer than the four-goal lead the Hawks had at home 22 hours prior.
But just to make sure, Andrighetto added his second of the night to push the lead to five with 2:09 left in regulation.
Mercifully, that’s where the scored would end. And another one is in the books.
Barrie had three points (one goal, two assists) while both Andrighetto and Rantanen had two points each for Colorado.
Defenseman Blake Hillman made his NHL debut in Denver, where he finished his collegiate career for the Denver Pioneers last week. He skated over 19 minutes and dished out three hits with three blocked shots in a relatively solid first professional game.
In his second NHL game, Collin Delia didn’t get much help – but did finish what he started. He suffered the loss and was on the hook for all five Avs goals against 36 shots.
In his second NHL game, Dylan Sikura skated 14:16 and was credited with two shots on net, two blocked shots and one takeaway.
Artem Anisimov and Brent Seabrook led the Hawks with four shots on net.
Jan Rutta was scratched for Hillman.
We needed to not win too much, 2-0-1. This keeps us ahead of 4 teams that are close. Also helps COL/STL close.
We want to knock STL out of the playoffs.
Watched us dominate them in the 1st and then they get a pixie dust goal in last min of period. This yr, bounces/1 out of a 35 yr kind of yr.
Be fun to win a couple of the ones coming up.
Before I comment on the game action, I need to get a rant off my chest. With only 3 games to go I’m going to miss watching my favorite team until next September, but I’ll tell you what I won’t miss – the non-stop Eddie O appreciation parade. Don’t take this the wrong way – I’m happy Eddie is healthy and I know how difficult it is to go through what he went through – my wife just went through it about 5 years ago. Getting through that is something to feel good about and cause for celebration. I get it. I do. But, enough is enough. Eddie has been thanking people for their support multiple times a game, every game after game after game after game, Is there anyone left in the Western Hemisphere he hasn’t thanked like 6 of 7 times by now? Stop. Really – just stop. Enough! Call the frickin game. That’s it.
/rant
Thanks, I feel better.
As for the game, I can sum it up in one word – YUCK!
I would not be surprised if Bowman deals Rutta at the draft. He was hurt when the trading deadline rolled around. Stan gave him a strange one year extension in terms of amount. Maybe he was just trying to protect the asset instead of seeing him walk for nothing.
I think Rutta could be traded as well but I’m not sure why he was scratched rather than Oesterle unless it’s just to give 82 one last look. I thought 44 was playing fine. So as a result Hillman had to debut in the NHL with 82 as his partner – that’s tough. He did OK not great but OK.
I agree with Ebony, and would add that Foley is a little irritating also. John and Troy are better, but the radio broadcast is a little behind the TV. This has been a rough year all the way around.
On a positive note, I love the way Hillman gravitates to the front of the net in his own zone to protect and defend it. If you watch closely it’s an instinct. He gets ready to battle. When I watched him at Denver he played with a lot of snarl. We need that back there.
The last two games, at least in terms of results, pretty well mirrors the season. They’ve played games where they deserved better, played only period of games and looked bad against the weakest teams in the league.
They we’re +37 in 7 games this year-and not against slack teams (Pitt, Columbus, Ana, Winnipeg-twice, Wash.)
But you take away those 7 games and the rest of the year they are -59 in goal differential. Some is no Crow , but it is also other pretty obvious factors. You need to be good from the goal out-this team is developing backwards.
Golden, get that dvr linked up with lip sinc on stereo so radio sound is right where the video is. Do it on a commercial/before game starts.
Yea for as bad as things were (lots of things) we did/played good against top 10 teams (better then they did against us). Cant wait until we have a full roster again.
Seeing the young guys with speed and skill just makes the team look way faster. Adds some size like 40 and 14 and now need on D, its just a matter of time.
Crawford healthy is a must with a capable backup who can play 30+ games if needed of nhl calibur hockey and improved defence are big issues.
The forwards look to be mostly set for next year. The possesion numbers this season were good now this group has to take that to next level and find a way to make that translate into more scoring chances. Less posts probably has to happen and hopefully a better pp. Need to be harder to defend against on 5 on 5 to though. Also having a strong pk like earlier this season is big too.
Just to note in 1st 3 games Ejdsell has won 13 of 31 faceoffs for 42%. Hopefully once he gets used to it over hear he can bring that up.
So no mention of Towes for the last few games. Seems noboby misses him or cares if he is injured. His presence does make a difference in intensity and faceoffs at the minimum. Also along the boards. (Tyler Willis of the old KWings would have put on a better show)
Last night first two periods looked like a after school pick up game.
Had to turn it off after that.
Would be nice to have some announcers that called the game in a professional manner. (e,g Pittsburg has a good pair).
Unfortunetly can not sync TY with radio conmmentary.
Re-opening the rant …
I watch Hawks games because I love hockey and they are my lifelong favorite team. I watch them whether they’re good or bad, whether the game is a playoff game or a meaningless game. In all cases I want the announcers to focus on the game with as little distraction as possible. It’s become part of the Pat and Eddie broadcasts to do their “shout outs” and for the most part they do those during breaks in the action so I don’t mind that non-hockey commentary. Likewise with announcements of a Hawk fans death or battle with sickness, again usually done during breaks in the action, Where their commentary becomes annoying is (1) when it’s done while the play is going on, or (2) when it’s the Pat and Eddie “yuck it up” routine. It’s great that the broadcast team has “chemistry” and if it were limited and more spontaneous I probably wouldn’t mind. But, it has turned into a “shtick” where they seem to think they’re part of the entertainment and people actually want to be entertained by them. I don’t. I tune in to be entertained by the hockey game and the only thing I need the announcers to do is call the damn game. The fact that we have now been subjected to the Eddie “thank you tour” has made their broadcast even worse. And again, I’m happy Eddie is healthy again – that is very good news and worth reporting – just not multiple times a game in every game.
/rant
Ejdsell’s 3rd game – not as good as his 2nd game which was not as good as his 1st game.
Sikura’s 2nd game – not as good as his 1st game, by a little.
Delia’s 2nd game – not as good as his first game, by more than a little.
Hillman’s 1st game – I don’t know, maybe meh? Nothing glaringly bad and a couple OK plays.
The whole game seemed “scrambly”, which is how Hawk games are when their passing isn’t crisp, which it wasn’t last night. None of the Hawks played well, and the officiating didn’t have a good game either. The call on Delia was bad as was the missed cross check on Kampf. I would argue the call on Martinsen was bad too because two player wrestling while trying to beat the other to the puck happens all the time and is one of the most subjective calls/non-calls in the NHL. Also the non call when Saad was slashed across the hands as he drove to the net – the NHL’s favorite penalty this season was somehow missed on that one. But, even if the officials called a better game – the Hawks still would have stunk up the joint and lost the game.
Only 3 more games. Bummer. At least we won’t have to listen to the Pat and Eddie show … so we got that going for us … which is nice.
“We want to knock STL out of the playoffs.” (Morrison) – I strongly disagree. The Blues will not get anywhere near the Cup. We don’t want them to have even a 1% chance in the draft lottery. A first round exit would be much better.
“…and would add that Foley is a little irritating also.” (Goldenrug) – Perhaps the understatement of the CENTURY!!
I am all-in on the rebuild so I would like to see AA moved sooner although he has value so let’s get something for him. I don’t see him as insurance — insurance against what?
I am hoping it might be possible to upgrade the Nashville pick if, for example, there is a solid defense prospect around 20. We need two (2) top pair prospects. Who knows, maybe Jokiharju turns out better than he is currently projected to, but he’s not really a shutdown guy which is something you look for in the top pair.
Kampf now 53% in dot. That is damn good. Schmaltz is 40, so if he improves by 10% he is up to 44%. He has some work to do. I still wonder what it was that Kruger learned from Yanic Perreault that allowed him to improve so much. He
Someone keeps repeating a complaint about the announcers being repetitive. :-)
You know when your the announcers and your covering crap you start to fill with B.S. just to bring some light to the broadcast. When your recovering from cancer you acknowledge the support of people. Eddie will get past this but it’s just too soon it’s such an emotional time. Hopefully next year the team will be better and Pat and Eddie will have some real hockey to cover.
I also repeatedly complain about the Hawks poor passing and other things. There are times I can be really annoying … probably more than I realize. Good thing all you guys love me anyway. ;-)
@ Dave Manson – you raise a good point. And possibly I wouldn’t find the constant thanking everyone stuff so annoying if the Hawks were playing well and winning. There’s probably some truth to my annoyance with the broadcasting being heightened because the team is playing so poorly so my mood is more negative than if the team were playing well.
This too shall pass.
If the Hawks could add Carlson not only does that improve the D but also the PP and PK (I think he kills penalties as well) – that would be huge.
I think Q is trying a lot of different people on the PK currently so that’s part of why it’s not great as well as no CC, Toews or Wingels (who was also good on PK) or even Hayden who also PK’d.
Watch an EPL broadcast sometime for 5 minutes if you never have. The commentators only comment if they have something of value to add. Otherwise, they just let the game speak for itself.
“One hundred seconds left in the game” ….what is that? Is time going metric? Is it some demonstration of arithmetic brilliance? Or is it, and a lot of what comes from Pat, just noise? Vacuous, repetitive, noise. I have been turning the sound way down for years.
Thanks to others bringing up the annoying announcers. Foley’s schtick is awful. I am also tired of hearing shout outs to our good friend Ed from Berwyn. I watch a lot of games on the Center Ice package and no one else does this. The Vancouver announcer who also does Hockey Night in Canada should be required listening for all other announcers. Thanks ER, I feel better too.
Regarding last night nothing very positive to say. I would like to see Hillman get a few more games but not with Oesterle who has really regressed. Pair him with Rutta or Murphy.
@ebonyraptor believe me I understand your feelings but I’m fighting cancer myself so I can understand Eddie’s feelings towards all the support he’s received it’s what gets you through the day. Hopefully the Hawks will make good moves at the draft and in the off season so next year we’ll have good things to talk about. It’s good to have the give and take about the Hawks on this site. Go Hawks!
@Dave Manson – I hope things are going well for you. I was not unaware of the positive influence Eddie’s story would have on others and I know how much support from family and friends means when you’re in a life and death struggle. I do.
Wraparound adding Carlson would be a coup if Bowman is able to make it happen.
You guys are going to miss my retarded ramblings over the offseason. So I’ll stop by and drop a few when the home let’s us use the computer or go on field trips. Frog Soup Babayyyyyy!!!
Sorry to hear of your illness Dave Manson. I wish you a long term recovery. I wholeheartedly agree with ER’s comments regarding the Pat and Eddie schtick getting old as well as the redundancy of the Eddie cancer story. It has been repeated now sooo many times. I don’t want to sound insensitive. Like many of you we have lost friends and family to this hated disease. I’m glad Eddie is cleaned of cancer, but I just want to watch a damn hockey game. The ad nauseum shout outs to numerous fans is also not necessary. Call the game and leave it at that. There are portions of games where those guys just ramble on while the puck is in play. I don’t find this entertaining unless it relates to what we are watching on the ice. I prefer the radio call by John and Troy, and I also love it when Canadian broadcasts of Hawks games are available.
Once the playoffs start I am sure we will be getting more cancer stuff on the NBS broadcasts. Eddie, I have always been a fan, I’m happy you are feeling better, but can you just leave the cancer on the back burner please and stick to hockey??
Lets Go Hawks!
Is Lucas Carlsson the latest shiny object? Why the fascination? He’s a prospect with potential who hasn’t yet lit it up in a lesser league. I hope he turns out to be a stud d-man but I don’t think Stan signing him classifies as a “coup”.
EB John Carlson free agent with Capitals. Dave Manson hope all goes well for you.
Speaking of prospects:
Henri Jokiharju finished the season with 71 points and team leading +47, while being named teams top defensive player. So far in 4 playoff games he has 1g 2a +2 with 17 shots. Despite what Wall thinks most scouts say he is a strong skating elite level potential defensemen. There are lots of videos available in which he can be seen looking pretty impressive skating, puck handling, defending.
Regarding Eddie O: I’d rather him talk about his cancer experience than that God awful catastrophe on ice last night. Just my opinion.
Call me crazy but I think the Hawks are going to be in on Karlsson. An elite talent like Erik Karlsson can cover a lot of roster flaws. I feel like a desperate SB will be looking to make a big splash. I’m curious to see what front office moves are coming this offseason. I will miss the Hawks playing in April but that being said they truly don’t deserve to be playing and a change is in order.
Ian, ah, got it. Thanks for the clarification, and yes, landing John Carlson would be a good thing. I’d be surprised if they get either Carlson/Karlsson because they’re probably going to want more than the Hawks can pay. Either would be nice though because they are top shelf plug and play d-men just what the Hawks need.
will be interesting to see how the Hawks deal with the uncertainty of Crawford. Anyone have a sense on how likely we are to see Nalimov in net next year?
I think same about Foley, when hes annoying. Prob what most of us sound like at times when the team plays like it did this yr./At some point everybody here let it out in their own different way.
When the team is good like normal, hes not as bad as much of the time. When were in a yr like this, its terrible. Eddie O is fine for the rest of this season once he came back, even if a little too much. Like you guys said starting next were going to be good again and are tv announcers should be back to form like the team.
I do think we need to add a top Dman or FW, just like we did with Soupy and then Hoss. Not having 81 and 4 is night and day. We need to replace those two guys with two very good players that are top 6 and top 2. We will have plenty of cap space, because we will move people if needed to do so.
Its more important to make roster better and not 82 game record. It goes hand in hand.
To the panzy who keeps posting with my user name.
You ever hear of the greatest. Your it.
Well that’s it for the rest of tonight guys. The bus is taking us back and then it’s time for my bedtime meds. Me think that we are good too go for next year but man I hope we get the breaks. We had a fun field trip today and next week is Brookfield Zoo. I hope I get to see the Kiwi bird. He hides from me like bounces and breaks hide from the Hawks all season! Your guys is my buddys. Johnny Wayne babay!!!
Nalimov according to his agent will coming ovet season after next. Wants to spend one more year then go straight to nhl.
Erik Karlsson is not a free agent until 2019. Says he wants to stay in Ottawa.
Just looked it up Nalimov’s KHL team shows him under contract until April 2019. So he is likely not in the picture for next season.
EB,
Pretty sure it’s John Carlson the stud 2 way dman from the Caps that would be the coup, not Lucas the prospect.
Agree with everyone on foley and edzo and the too much cancer and other non hockey related stuff during the play.
Like the first views of Sikura and Edjsell. Like the way Edjsell seems way above most players at receiving passes and thinks the game pretty fast too. Sikura looks really good. Smart. Picks his spots. Takes his time to make good solid passes and knows how to chip pucks out of his zone on boards and make good defensive positioning reads. Will keep him on q’s good side. Offensive instincts were never in doubt. Exciting to see Schmaltz, Debrincat and Sikura in 2 or 3 years.
I’d have to look more closely at the numbers but I think with an $80 – 82 mil cap the Hawks could afford say $8 x 7 for Carlson. Whether that’s good cap $ allocation Idk but 19, 88, 2 and 7 don’t have much time left to contend.
Getting Carlson along with bounce back years from them and 20 could push open the championship window again for a couple of years.
With the Oilers and Islanders both losing tonight, the Hawks have moved from the 7th draft position to the 9th because although all three teas have the same point total (74), the Hawks have the highest ROW which if the first tie-breaker. Hopefully the Oilers and Islanders pick up at least 1 more point than the Hawks do over the last 3 games. Here are the schedules:
Hawks: STL (A), STL (H), WIN (A)
Islanders: PHI (H), NYR (H), DET (A)
Oilers: MIN (A), VGS (H), VAN (H)
I’m torn on the concept of 7 years with a big cap hit for a guy that will turn 29 next year-he’s good. But remember this is the thinking that got the Hawks into this position they are in.
I really believe decisions have to be made with more regard to the new developing core (25 and under). Other than Kane, age and injury have impacted 7 and let’s be honest 2, soon to be 35, quite a bit. 50 is a big question mark and what will 19 be next year? Could be a good piece or a very good piece-we don’t know. That leaves 88 as (hopefully) a for sure old core piece.
All that being said Carlson would add immediate upgrade to one of the two main weak spots for next year.
We need to add a top Dman or FW by ufa or trade. UFA are free. We needed Soupy and Hoss to have the team we did in 09 and 10 and 13 and 14 and 15. Same thing here we need to replace two top players again. Any top Dman available, if we like them/and they want to play in CHI, we need to get in summer/ufa.
We have all the young guys coming as well.
Ian- Re: Joker… yes- I read a lot of scouting reports… that all say Joker is a smooth skating D man prospect….
I didn’t see it at Prospect Camp… many other guys were better… Could he have been over thinking the “new drills/techniques” — sure… could he have had some nagging little injury… sure
I am just telling you what I saw at camp- I hope I am 100% wrong!!!
I did Not catch any of his WJC-U20 games- were he was reported to be play great… But- I am sticking to what I saw at Camp– cause that is what I have seen of him!
honestly- hope I am wrong
Noonan- I agree on adding older UFA’s… might be immediate help… but -long term??? Might be worse…. Unless they are HOF type Hossa… and continue to play like top guy for several years ( NO GUARANTEES there- unlikely)… probably the wrong move- imo
It is so hard to predict — when a player’s age/game are gonna fall off a cliff (See current Hawks)
Behind Keith on leftside as is options. On roster now Gustafsson, Oesterle and Hillman; plus Murphy and Rutta played on left regularly this year. Under contract for next year Forsling, Dahlstrom, Snuggerud and Tuulola in AHL. Prospects Gilbert likely to sign when his season ends and Carlsson and Krys were mentioned as possibilies. Thats anywhere from 9 to 12 bodies that could be under contract for left defense 1 or 2 regular spots in NHL and 3 regular spots in AHL. Would have to believe a few will be moved before October.
All this talk about the moves the hawks are going to make to improve the on ice product are crazy. The only way the Hawks will improve will be in the post bowman era, his management of the team has put it in this mess. when will Rocky wake up to the fact that Bowman is not a good gm . would anyone be surprised if he was fired after another season like this one. Maybe he should go now, after all it is tax season he could get work at H&R Block where his real talent could be realized. if he does tax returns like hes managed the Hawks his clients will have the irs knocking at their door
Re: Bowman
From what I’ve heard from independent commentators SB is held in high regard throughout the NHL. You may not like the job he’s done but most objective analysts think he’s done a great job managing the cap under very restrictive conditions and the Hawks to 3 cups.
He may deserve to be fired at some point but based on his body of work I don’t believe that should be this year. Next year if it’s as bad as this year would be an appropriate time I think.
I’m not saying he’s not made any mistakes he certainly has – Seabrook’s contract, trading TT to get rid of Bickell’s contract, trading Danault, perhaps not trading Sharp sooner – but those mistakes were made with the idea of continually going for the cup each year.
As a fan that’s what I want. I don’t want to be the team that takes solace in trading assets at the perfect time – I want to go for the cup as long as we can with 19, 88, 2, 7, 20 and 50.
I think that’s what SB has been doing and the evidence (3 cups) says doing it well. With the first cup he inherited most of that team granted but IMO he gets big props for the other 2 cups.
If you call what has happened to the Blackhaeks the last decade a mess, you obviously haven’t opened your for a few years. Want a mess look around at how many teams have enjoyed their success, look at the Oilers, big contracts and extensions without anything to show for it and still in turmoil. Everybody talks about Tampa Bay and Nashville but nothing yet to show for it and not even in conversation about the kind of success in Chicago. The Leafs may that remains to be seen but nothing yet. Citing Pittsburgh as a example, fine but it took them 8 years to rebound, which is still 6 years away so its silly to say they did it better.
Boston is doing well this year but a 41 year old Chara is still anchoring the blueline. The Kings are back in playoffs but not alot younger and out of the woods. There is 25 or so more teams still looking for road to glory.
Wraparound, way to capture the spirit of the whole thing.
Every team, except the Islanders/Oilers/Redwings wish they had and have the team we have. TB and others havnt won anything yet.
Guys I just love this site we can agree and disagree but the bottom line is we all love the Hawks and want them to do well. Hopefully some of the young guys pan out and next season we can be talking from the positives. Keep the info coming guys. Go Hawks!!
88 and (a healthy) 50 are still top level players. 19 and 20 maybe, but they need to bounce back. 2 and 7 have both worn down, but would be a good second pairing on a contending team. We don’t just need role players, we need new core players likely at at least 3 positions.
Rebuild, not reload.
@Jordyhawk – not sure exactly what you mean by a rebuild but usually that would involve a tear down of the existing team and then rebuilding.
I don’t think that’s the Hawks best option – at some point they’ll have to do that in all likelihood but not yet. IMO you reload around existing core – I think all of them can be more productive next year. You add someone like Carlson/Karlsson or upgrade the D with other players get a back up goalie, let your young players improve, don’t overreact and take your best shot. That’s what I think SB will do and I think that’s the correct course.
@Wraparound: I understand where you’re coming from and I agree we’re not in position to do a full rebuild. At same time I don’t think we are in position to take another shot next year and I wouldn’t be spending big dough chasing free agents for now.
I guess what I am advocating is a 2-3 year plan whereby through draft, development, and a timely UFA or two down the road that that might get us back into position to have a real shot. 19 and 88 will only be 32/31 in 3 years and potentially still very good. IMO, we just have too many slots to fill to really do much next year. I would move AA, skate the kids (no more Sharp like signings), and if we could compete for a playoff spot and maybe even get in and give somebody a rough ride that would be a great year.
I think we will have a good idea soon on their aporoach. Q has 2 more years left on his contract, if he stays around as i think he will there will be a push to try and win in that time. Crawford also has 2 years too. If a decision is made to move on from Q then a different more long term approach could be made. That may include moving some core players by acquiring and developing replacements
I essentially agree with both the above comments although I still like the idea of John Carlson as a UFA signing.
I think get back to the playoffs next year is step one – show well there in 2018 – 19) and then in the last year (ie. 2019 – 20) of 50 and Q’s current contracts they could have a realistic chance at the cup
If they don’t bring back Q next year then all bets are off re: that plan but as Ian said I think Q will be back to start next year anyway.
Re: Lucas Carlsson— read- he is leaving his SHL team… SB- signing him???
anyone got more info???
As mentioned here… seems like a TON of NEW D-man blood gonna be auditioning next year…
SB- probably pitching to these guys… Hawks D sucks right now… Rockford D- Nothing really interesting… The Door is wide open for 2-4 guys to step up and earn legitimate shots to play NHL very soon!!! and or Trades to happen — your Prospects for our prospects- type of deals
re: Wall – Scott Powers wrote last week that Carlsson might be the next to sign. I wouldn’t be surprised; he’s a fast rising prospect.
Again, the good news is the Blackhawks will have a lot of young options next year. Many of them, because of 1 and 2-year deals, will be fighting for ice time in Chicago and Rockford and also their next contract. Competition is good. It also opens the doors for potential trades; if I’m Gustav Forsling I’m not signing a long-term lease anywhere right now.
Ian, PIT your right it is silly to they have any shot at something in any resemblance to a dynasty. They have bookend Cups and the recent was on a yr parity/salary cap dragged down the every top 5 team in league. There was a reason they couldnt compete with the LAs BOSs and CHIs of the 10-15 yrs. BOS smeared them.
They did have some good teams, like 2009, though. There more like NJD back when Redwings had their dynasty and COL went head to head and won some Cups during the same yrs. Sort of like how LA is the COL of then.
It deosn matter how many teams have in cap era total wise. Its dynasty or just winning the Cup on any yr to have that feeling/kind of yr.