Blackhawks Drop Game One In 3OT
The Blackhawks started their second straight playoff series with a game that lasted into a third overtime. Unfortunately, the Blues escaped with a 4-3 victory.
Both goaltenders were phenomenal after allowing five combined goals in the first period. Ryan Miller allowed three goals against seven shots in the opening 20 minutes, but was perfect against 35 shots in the 80-plus minutes of hockey that followed to earn a Game One victory.
Corey Crawford faced 52 shots in the game, making 48 saves. Like Miller, he was exceptional for most of the night, but a couple good passes by David Backes and Steve Ott set up Alex Steen for the game-winner only 26 seconds into the third overtime.
The Hawks got goals from Johnny Oduya, Brent Seabrook and Patrick Kane in the first period, and the offense looked good. Kris Versteeg had a very good opening period, setting up Seabrook’s goal; he was initially credited with Oduya’s goal, but it was later (correctly) credited to the Hawks’ defenseman.
Chicago’s defense was great in the second, allowing only three shots on net and maintaining the 3-2 lead. Miller bounced back from a rough opening period to make a number of key saves to keep St. Louis in the game, and the third period brought a better offensive attack from the home team.
The Blues put 14 shots on net in the third period, and Jaden Schwartz tied the game up with only 1:45 remaining in regulation.
One overtime came and went without a score.
Then a second overtime. Same result.
But the first shift of the third overtime ended the game, as Steen buried the game-winner.
Duncan Keith and Niklas Hjalmarsson both skated over 40 minutes in the game, and Hjalmarsson blocked a team-high six shots in the game. Coach Joel Quenneville sent Hjalmarsson and Oduya out against the Backes line to open the third overtime, a shift that ended with Steen’s goal. It was Hjalmarsson’s 61st shift of the night.
Jonathan Toews returned from injury and played well. He skated 32:37, won 21 of 32 faceoffs and was credited with two assists in the loss. Chicago’s captain led all forwards in ice time on the night in spite of taking a big hit from Ryan Reaves early in the game that resulted in Toews bleeding and laboring to the bench. He didn’t miss a shift.
Kane also returned from injury, wearing a knee brace. He skated 28:31 with a goal and a blocked shot. Kane and Sharp led the team with six shots on net each. After the game, Kane said he felt “alright.”
Michal Handzus skated 25:55 in the game, winning 13 of 24 faceoffs. Bryan Bickell and Brandon Bollig were credited with a team-high six hits each.
In 37:37 Seabrook had a goal and an assist with two blocked shots and four hits.
For St. Louis, Jay Bouwmeester didn’t take a shift in the second overtime but returned to the bench for the start of the third period. Backes returned from an injury to skate 33:33 and was credited with seven hits and three blocked shots in 57 shifts.
The Hawks power play scored once in six opportunities, and successfully killed all four of the Blues’ advantages.
All these years the NHL has been trying to find someone to slow down/nullify Hossa, who would have thought Handzus was the answer. He is not fast enough to get out of his own way. Don’t understand starting lines at all. Has 81,10,26 ever played on same line during a game? Versteeg does not belong on the first line of this team. Please play Morrin over Handzus.
I agree Handsuz slowed down sharp and hoss tonight. They need a different look for them, maybe Ben smith who has been winning face offs. Bickel and Saad need to play harder because I am sure Morin and maybe even Nordstrum would kill for a shot to play. Also if you are going to put a very low skilled Bollig on the ice at all at least let him do what he is good at and hold Ott and Reaves accountable for the runs they were taking.
So that picture of Q … is he grabbing his junk there? It looks like he’s screaming “right here” to a ref.
But back to the game … tough loss but they can play better and I think they will. I still think the Hawks win the series – not deflated at all.
Go Hawks ! ! ! !
I think the only reason the lineup should be changed is if Handzus or possibly Rozsival are too out of gas because of the short turnaround to game#2 after playing almost two games tonight. The Hawks were within 2 minutes of winning the game when Oduya and Hjalmarsson played hot potato and the Blues tied it. Clean that kind of play up and the Hawks win. Putting in untested players sounds like a good idea because we’re all indoctrinated to want Handzus replaced, but untested players sometimes make mistakes at the worst possible time – so it’s not necessarily a good move to make a lineup change after almost winning in regulation and forcing the game to a third OT.
…to me/in my opinion, the Hawks “Signature Play” is just throwing the puck toward the point hoping it will elude the opponent’s d-man man, or by some miracle a Hawk forward will be in that general area to play the puck out of the zone, or maybe even start an offensive rush. For some time I thought this was just Hjarmalsson’s big move, but tonight EVERYONE was doing it. And, it’s SO effective.
Overall, I think they outplayed the Blues, but jerked-around in the last two minutes of regulation, and then weren’t ready to start a third OT period.
Better luck/effort/result next time…
Well we had a great first period and came out on top and were positioned to steal a game …too many giveaways, give ups, in our own end zone, failing to clear the puck past the blue line …is Oduya playing hurt? …that tying goal kinda falls on him…I thought “he is so fired”……Crawford in playoff mode was outstanding .Versteeg played great and was a key player throughout and Handzus did well ( howls everywhere from the detractors on these two)….that pass to give Sharp a breakaway was a dandy. We really looked dominant when on the offence but way too many ineffective shots from way out …our defensive game seemed a bit incoherinent and vulnerable….unable to deal with the St. Louis style of play for any prolonged stretch. Thinking we needed this game to get our playoff mode up and running…we were a lousy 1:40 from avoiding all that extra time…too bad, so close….reading between the lines and taking a step back analysis I think we win this series…(expecting tons of put downs on Zus, Versteeg and Q’s new lines ) but I think all is well.
Yea, it wasn’t the lines, 26, etc., it was the second half of 3rd, 50yard prevent defense. We didn’t play anywhere near our best and still were in position to win in reg. I do not think their 4th line can play that good all series…
Over the past few/4-5 years, I think we won about .500 of games there & about .750 at home against them.
Win game 2 & everythings on sch.
The Blues are very good, very deep , well coached and motivated. The Hawks had way too many turnovers and had difficulty getting the puck to the crease. The work in front of Miller in net wasn’t good enough. Meanwhile Crow was MVP for the Hawks hands down.
Hawks need to grab a win on Saturday and they are okay. Mission was to come out of SL with one win . Can still do that.
I’m mad about the game tying goal in the last two minutes of the third period. That should not have happened and it gave St Louis life as I knew it would. St Louis saved its season on that goal. On the last goal Crawford should have frozen the puck instead of letting the action continue. I want Morin instead of Handzus. The Hawks can play with Bolig or Handzus, not both. Q must make a change in the lineup or its going to be St Louis vs. Colorado.
Ok… lets not panic yet…
While I dont place blame on Zus for the loss, I do but the first goal solely on him. After his blowout in the corner, he got up and didnt get back into the play. the result, his man went to the net leaving a 2 on 1 right in front for Crow. if you watch the goal, he is just gliding… that should be unexceptable. He can stay in the line up if needed, but if it was me, 65 goes up with 10/81, 28 centers 88/29 and Zus comes to the 4th line.
I do think Morin should be in tomorrow though… but more so because Zus just put 5 periods on he legs, and it would probably do him right to give him the time off.
Tim that is exactly right. But its more than that. Its that he is too slow for his line, plus Morin would have helped. They have their young kid out there (Schwartz) and he saved them. In a game like that the difference between winning and losing is so slight so it has to be on the coaches for not putting the best lineup on the ice. Also, Crawford had a great game, but he should have frozen the puck on the last goal. Miller outdueled him in the game.
If Handzus doesn’t play then Regin does. The either / or will not be Morin, as it should be. Handzus actually had a good game…he was vital in the defensive zone and in the face-off dot.
Again, the problem with this game was way too many turnovers versus a suffocating Hitchcock-designed defense. That, and the inability to get in front of the net and significantly challenge Miller, who once he got through his butterflies was stone cold solid. But Crow was much better, because he was peppered with shots the entire game.
Keith needs to have a better overall game. He was crucial on the ice last night and logged his typical heavy minutes, but he still struggled with the puck more than the Hawks can afford.
Sharp needs to be smarter with his shot. I get it that he shoots first and asks questions later. But against a team like the Blues he’s going to have to work the puck to the front of the net and get himself in front of the net at times too. St. Louis had the answer for Sharp…let him just wrist the puck to the goal from mid-range and not worry about it.
I get it that Versteeg had an assist, but I shall continue to insist I want him gone. I just don’t like his game and the fact of the matter is he no longer has the speed or skating ability he once possesseed.
Tarasenko worries me in this series. Along with of course Pietranangelo and Backes. Tarasenko is actually a beast in the making, and if he is able to shake off the injury rust then he scares me for the rest of this series. The Hawks need to account for him on the ice.
Mission was to get one win in St. Louis. So the imperative on Saturday is very simple.
Agree Zus wasn’t all bad but way too slow. Agree 28 with 88/29 and 65 with 10/81. Shaw doesn’t seem to have any chemistry with Kane. Smith needs to play more with good players. I would put 11 with 19/20 and 16 23 and 26 on the 4th line and doubling penalty kill time for them. Does anyone believe 52 deters the Blues from running anyone?
Nobody is commenting on Crawford’s decision to keep the action going and not freeze the puck on that last goal when he had the chance. Is the criticism hindsight or do some of the people on this blog who really know goalie play have an opinion on that decision?
I am not a Handzus basher but he simply does not belong on a line with 10 and 81. And if Zues does sit, it will be Regin in his place. I have no problem with that.
I would be surprised if Morin plays Saturday……Is he on the roster?
Tarasenko- is Hoss in the making
Schwartz- is Saad w better hands/quickness
Blues did what they did in 1st three games vs. Hawks… WILLED their way to win
Best thing for Hawks- go out in 1st round, eat some Humble-Pie, re-fuel mentally/physically this summer, and add some more speed/Hunger/youth next season. imo
My Eyes tell me the Hawks — Just don’t have the “MOJO” this year!!!
Of course the “Corsi” guys will tell me different!!!
Do the Hawks have a better chance of winning the series with Morin and Regin in the lineup in place of Zus and Bolig. If so, the coaches owe it to the fans to put them out there.
Way too many unforced turnovers, blind passes and weak outlets in this game. very weak and we are lucky BLUES are struggling or this was over faster. Still NO TRAFFIC in front of the net! Still NO bodies going to the net with the puck all wide, drifting outside! Miller gave up a LOT of rebounds on almost every shot, no rebounds. We do need the power play to score more that will be the difference.
We love Hjalmarsson but he has the weakest CLEARING SHOT in the nhl, playing on opposite side (big deal) weak back hand and just weak shot on clearing our own zone, all night, all year!
GOOD NEWS IS . . . Hawks played a picture perfect PHYSICAL game, perfect, just enough to set BLUES back a little. Crawford Played very well, our Defense still is looking UP ICE for the BREAK OUT and this is a catch 22, allows blues to crash in as that extra second or two is “Everything in hockey” BLues did well to clear thei
r zone,
Wow what comments…someone said the other day that in these playoffs the difference between winning and losing will be very little and thus the Hawks need to field their best lineup to win. Coach Q didn’t and we lost, plain and simple. Bollig was average at best and completely replaceable. Handzus caused the 1st goal, had another bad giveaway, but mostly NULLIFIED 2 of the best forwards in hockey. I, and others, have said this time and again…if Q wants to play Zus it can ONLY be as a winger on the 4th line, he is no longer good enough ON ANY COUNTS to play Centre in the NHL. Ben Smith just proved to the world that he is ready, willing and able to Centre the 2nd line…but Smith played the LEAST minutes in game one…nice job Q.
So say what you want about this, that or the other thing, but these are 2 high level teams and difference between them is very little…and whatever advantage we hold, Q gives back by playing Handzus as a 2nd line Centre. You can deny these plainly seen facts all you want, but that won’t change the obvious…if Q continues to skate Zus as the 2nd line centre, we will lose.
And dufus, you are the only person on the planet who doesn’t advocate playing Jeremy Morin, but that’s not your ego right?
Pete, you are right about CC, but what are you going to say? Its a fast game, its a long season, and he played great. I wish he would have buried the puck and trusted in our guys winning a F/O, but he didn’t and that’s that. CC played great.
Wall, what a pessimist. Say what you want about the Blues, but the Hawks should have won that game and if we have Smith playing 2nd line centre and Zus or Morin or Regin playing 4th line minutes, we will win 4 straight against this “vaunted” Blues lineup. The Hawks are the better hockey team, but we cannot “level the playing field” by having Handzus play 2nd line centre…and you know this better than most! Smith playing the least minutes in the game buried on the 4th line next to Bollig is not just a bizarre decision by Q, it was just plain STUPID!
The Hawks have to roll their best lineup to win a playoff series and with this year’s roster it does NOT include Handzus.
After last night, why wouldn’t Q put Bickell, Regin and Morin back together with Smith as 2nd line Centre? Why not have 3 dominating lines? This is a question that will haunt Q if he doesn’t wake up and dress his best players. What would the 2nd line be like with Smith centring Kane and Hossa?
And why has Q configured 3 new lines for the first time, just as we begin the playoffs?
Blues are a deep team without too many holes. You don’t get 110 points in this league without depth. We all know that. Can their 4th line play at the level they did last night every night. Maybe not, but they are providing rest and energy for the other 3 lines. Hawks use the same approach. Last night the Blues were simply better.
The Blues’ young guys are out there because they are part of their regular season team rotation. The Hawks held this season and I think held back a bit of hunger, energy and the chance to gain experience. Q trusts guys like 26, 32, 52. The bottom line is that the Hawks may end up needing guys like Morin, Nordstrom, Regin, and even Brookbank to match the ferociousness on the puck that we see from the competition.
I think Hitchcock out managed Q last night in the sense that he used guys that matched the intensity of whoever Q sent out. Hitchcock used the last change very well. Q needs to up the ante by doing what he does best and mix it up. I see this series going 7 games
While we’re all ready to bury two-time Cup champion Joel Quenneville after one loss, let’s take a deep breath and back up for a moment…
Ryan Miller and Corey Crawford both played excellent games. There were aspects of the Hawks’ performance last night that are worth complaining about but Crawford isn’t one of them IMO.
Brandon Bollig isn’t the problem, either. This is going to be a physical series and Bollig did a nice job of playing into that role last night. Six hits in 15 minutes without a trip to the sin bin is what you would want out of your 12th forward in this series. If you think putting Morin or Regin into the lineup is going to mean Quennville skates the 12th forward more than that you haven’t watched Quenneville coach in the last 5 years. Whomever the 12th forward is will get 9-12 minutes in a 60 minute game. I have little issue with Bollig in that role; he’s a known commodity.
However…
Marcus Kruger finished the regular season 7th in the NHL in faceoff percentage (56.7). Last night, he won 5 of 7.
Ben Smith won 10 of 16 faceoffs and was credited with three shots on net in under 16 minutes.
Andrew Shaw has clearly carved out a spot as one of the four centers on the roster, and had chemistry w/ Sharp & Hossa down the stretch. He won 9 of 22 draws last night.
Toews is Toews. Thank God for 19.
Those are your 4 centers. Michal Handzus doesn’t need to be in the lineup again. He can’t control the puck in traffic, hasn’t won a board battle since W was in the oval office, and lost a foot race to a glacier a couple weeks ago. After skating almost 26(!!!) minutes, hopefully he needs to sit so Regin/Morin can get into the lineup.
I think Crawford let the action go because he wanted the clock to keep running. The Blues clearly had momentum at that point. Oduya and Hammer already had a pretty long shift at that point, I think. The Oduya pass to Hammer was pretty weak, but Kane’s give away to the middle of the ice was unacceptable.
I wish Crawford would have stopped the 3rd goal, but the ice was tilted in the Blues favor because the Hawks did go into prevent. Really the only time I like prevent is when you are up two under 5 minutes to go and on the PP…then killing time makes sense because the opposing team has to expend more energy to get the puck and you have a 2 goal buffer.
Lost a footrace with a glacier. Bravo, Tab. Bravo. The centerman analysis is spot on. This series is going to come down to a bounce here, an extra step there. While Morin might be more prone to make a mistake he also has a much higher chance of making something happen offensively. Seems like the difference between playing to win and playing to not lose.
Sr. I agree Crawford had a good game and thank you for your response. My question is from a goalie coach technical standpoint was Crawford supposed to ice the puck there when he had the chance to right before the last goal or is it a judgment call gray area kind of thing. Tab, what can be done to get Q off of playing Handzus? Maybe if the press starts asking him questions about it post-game, then maybe, just maybe, he gets out of the bunker and sits him. Does it take another loss to get him there? Q has won two cups for this city and he has 700 plus NHL wins so he has earned the right to go down with the Handzus ship.
In the game I watched last night, Versteeg had a very good game. In addition to the high level play setting up Seabrook, he had quite a few other good plays and was one of the better forwards for the Hawks. Anyone griping about Versteeg must have an axe to grind.
Lineup changes affect the whole complexion – it’s not just replace player-A for player-B. For those saying Kane didn’t look 100% – maybe that’s why Q has him playing on the 3rd line to avoid the top two d-pairings of the Blues.
ER- Agreed that Steeger had a nice game. He has his lapses, but playing with 19 should open room for him, and he is capable of the plays like the Seabrook goal. He isn’t the issue.
And while i do agree there is more to replaceing players… replacing Zus with Shaw, and thus Shaw with Smith and Smith with Morin, wont blow up the chemistry or anything. Shaw has played with 10/81 before. The 29/28/88 line was effective for game it was together a few weeks back, and 11 playing with 16/52 give a little more offensive dynamic. Coming off a 5+ Period game, legs and energy will be lacking tomorrow. Bringing in fresh skates and a scoring mind to the 4th line isn’t a bad idea. In all honestly, replacing Bollig with Regin wouldn’t be “bad” idea either, but that one i could give or take…
20/19/23
10/65/81
29/16/88
11/12/28 or 52/28/11
In a game where playing with speed and coming out quick could prove to be HUGE, i think this lineup would be very effective. Top line is fine… 65 speeds up that line from the Glacier that Zus is… 16 has been a FO% beast, and winning faceoffs for 88 could prove to be huge while 29 still brings size/grit to that line… 4th line should brings TONS of energy for a very effective 10 minutes of ice time in either scenerio I proposed above. Like Tab said, 52 does enough to warrent having the 12th FWD spot. He hit and didn’t do anything stupid. While he isn’t going to “scare” STL, he is there to take/give a punch if needed.
Sr. Brad- Yes, I am a “glass is half empty” guy… no problem with you calling me that…
BUT- You are only REPEATING exactly what I was trying to state…
“Hawks should have won the game…” Just like a couple of the first three regular season meetings vs. Blues… BUT the Hawks lost those… In those games- the Blues “willed/stole/MOJO’d” their way to wins… Throw out the numbers/corsi/”we out played them for 45 minutes” crap… My eyes saw the Blues “WILL” their way to win!!!
The same way the Hawks “Stole” games last year– ALL YEAR!!!
Just not feeling (or seeing) the Hawks “MOJO” this year
Tab….. agree with you on Bollig even if I would like to see Morin in the lineup. That is not to say he is irreplaceable but Bollig is your prototype 12th forward. Just hope he is good enough to help us get by the Blues. I like the Idea of 28 moving to center than using 42.
So just for grins
20 19 88
10 65 81
29 28 23
52 16 11
Another thing will have to change to, getting only 42 shots in 5 periods of hockey does not put enough pressure on their goalie.
Wall- agree with you.
If the Hawks get bounced in round 1, do you think Stan will have to consider Barry Trotz?
Wall, take Handzus off the 2nd line centre roll and watch the Hawks find their Mojo.
ER, others, the Hawks won 4 in a row late in year with Shaw and Smith as their two top centers…it took a couple of periods for everyone to acclimate. Getting rid of Handzus and inserting a “new” player will mean NOTHING to team chemistry, but will mean the world to the bottom line, which is winning.
Wow, the optimism on this board after this loss is amazing to me. Not me- I am NOT HAPPY we pissed this game away. StL was injured, rusty and coming off a bad stretch to end the season and we had our foot on their neck. Win on the road in regulation in game-1 and we’re on the way. But NOOOO, we play prevent D, turn the puck over time and again, give up a relatively soft goal with less than 2 minutes to go and then go 3 OT’s to lose the game. Someone showed Miller the video of his 5 hole after period-1 and he was stellar thereafter, stopping more grade-A chances than CC.
I am not able to see the silver lining as we gave the Blues hope and confidence that they’re back, pulling games out in the end against us as they did during the regular season. This was the one we needed, and we blew it. VERY disappointed and will not be surprised if we go home down 2-0 wondering what hit us.
“If the Hawks get bounced in round 1, do you think Stan will have to consider Barry Trotz?”
Brad- do you see that Baby that Tab just posted… that is how I feel about your comment of “Q not playing 26 and playing 11″…
And yes- adding some Youth/drive/MOJO to the lineup is needed… just don’t see “IT” being added right now… It needs to be added over summer… seasoned for a year…
and Hawks will have legit shot in 2016!!!
Then again- SB dumps $5.5M w 27 and 32… buys a legit Veteran 2nd C/Power Fwd…
and 2-3 “Utes” fill the roster… and maybe Hawks can challenge/get MOJO back next year!
Ok, so I see Wall and few others are bit more “underwhelmed and concerned” than the “don’t worry, we’ll be ok” silver linings group, but seriously, this is the win or go home playoffs and you can’t let a tone-setter like last night’s opportunity slip thru your fingers.
Anyway, so Q keeps playing Zues. Really?! What appeals to Q about this guy at this stage? Is it his size? (he doesn’t use it.) Is it his calm under pressure? (he’s sooooo slow it’s more like comatose than “calm.”) is it his big play ability? (he’ll block a shot here and there I guess.) Is it his FO ability? (He won 54% last night, so ok- we’ll accept that as a strength.) Does he make those around him better? (That would be an emphatic NO.) I mean- what is it!!??? Jeeezzz.
Regardless, hats off the Toews for his play and heart last night. Overall the team was physical enough and stood their ground (although the d-corps turns it over whenever forechecked hard), and we created plenty of scoring chances. Kane is not 100% but ce la vie, hope he get better as the series progresses.
Just had a chance to look over the box score. Negzz, I think the silver lining is that we did not get blown out. CC kept us in the game. Had we won you could say he stole one for us. As most have said here, the Hawks did not play a bad game, StL just played better, and statistically, a lot better. And by the way, I am not sure but I think the Blues PR dept did a great job at hoodwinking everyone into thinking they were a limping bunch.
In almost all statistics we pretty much got whacked. We were out shot, out hit, out chanced (even with 2 clean break aways), blocked fewer shots, out manned on the boards etc. Special teams play was NOT good even though we were 1-6 and StL was 0-4. We had 5 total SOG on 6 power plays. StL got 9 SOG in 4 power plays. StL also got 3 SOG while short handed, Hawks none. That kind of special teams play will catch up to us if not improved.
So how the Hawks respond in game 2 will dictate the rest of the series. If they match the Blues intensity and “will to win”, then even a loss in game 2 can be overcome. But if they can not match their intensity, it could be too late for the 13/14 season
Negzz- I can only speak for myself, but what did the blues really do last night…??? Held serve at home… thats it. until we go down 2-0, I’m not overreacting. That’s not to say im not concerned, but I’m not going to panic. I think the boys can re-group and rally. If we go get game 2, its 1-1 and we have 3 of 4 at home. Yes, the “prevent defense” is frustrating, but if they go out and dont do it again, then no big.
It would have been HUGE to steal game one… but to insinuate that its over is just an over-reaction.
Wall- Technically… The best thing would be to go out and win the next 16 games they play… (just busting your chops)…
While its easy to say it would be better to go out now, rather than 3 weeks from now vs ANA/SJ/LA, thats not how guys like 19/81/65 are built. These guys wont lay down… its not in their nature. I fully expect another great game tomorrow and we can look at where we are then.
The majority of experts pick the Blues to win this Series. As I’ve said for a long time, the Blues have enormous pressure on their shoulders to “get over the hump” this post-season. Now is there chance. They are a wicked good club and supremely coached. Plus Tarasenko might have his official coming out party at our expense…he’s an elite player in the making folks.
The Hawks MUST win Saturday. They know this. Lets see what happens. I’m not hopeful for our playoff chances to be honest. An offseason of rest and recalibration is in order for this core group. Can they rise to the ocassion? Sure, on paper the talent and coaching is clearly there. But I don’t see it happening in all honesty.
I think our best chances for beating St. Louis in this series is for Hossa or Toews to take their game to a transedent level if they can. Kane? He’s not 100% and St. Louis is too damned smashed mouth and suffocating on defense to allow Kane to beat them. Sharp? He’s going to keep throwing pucks to the net and, honestly, not going to be much of a factor in this series…Hitchcock seems willing and able to let Sharp just shoot from mid-range so long as the Blues get in front of Miller…which they absolutely did last night.
And finally, never in the course of history, have so many morons expended SO MUCH FUCKING TIME lamenting a veteran role player in the form of Handzus. My only hope is that Sr. Brad’s fucking parrot contracts the bird flu and drops dead of a fucking stroke in his cage. If Handzus doesn’t play on Saturday, then Regin will be the guy. And everything I have seen from Regin so far makes me fine with that. We are not going to fucking throw Jeremy Morin to the St. Louis Blues and expect that to have a positive outcome. Sr. Brad’s parrot can scratch himself silly over the possible future on Morin, but right now no fucking way on Morin. But alas, this series isn’t defined by Handzus.
And to the fuck twat who suggested Q will be oustered in favor of Barry Trotz should the Hawks lose, well then by God I hope Sr. Brad’s parrot bites you in the neck you mental midget.
To panic or not to panic, that is the question.
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of fellow posters
To offer hope, perchance to dream
Of battles to still be won and victory parades
Or to douse the flame, lower the banner
Admit defeat and sue for peace. Aye, there’s the rub.
Optimists tire of pessimism. Pessimists tire of optimism. Aren’t we all Hawks fans with our own viewpoints and aren’t they all equally valid.
There should be no question about it that, in this league, and especially against a team like the St. Louis Blues, you cannot sit back on a one goal lead for 20 minutes and not give up at least the tying goal, if not more.
In my opinion, that game was lost on our two power plays in the first half of the third period last night. Rather than putting the pedal to the metal and trying to put this thing to bed, we found ourselves with Rozsival on the right point, in Sharp’s spot, with Sharp down along the left wing boards. For what he is supposed to be, I really like Rozsival, but I honestly believe that that move by Q completely sends the wrong message. Yes, he is a right handed shot, but we know that the only reason Rozsival is out there in that situation is to have a second defenseman, while allowing Hjalmarsson and Oduya to rest during the power play.
The power plays should have been used to score and put it away, rather than to not give up a goal. If you think that the players on the bench don’t take notice of that subtlety by Q, then you haven’t played in enough hockey games yourself.
Just my two cents.
Really Wall? That’s pretty childish. In my comments about Zus I didn’t even mention Morin??? Zus is NOT an NHL Centre anymore, not on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th or even 20th lines…he can play wing on the 4th line and take FOs when needed. To play and coach hockey means you understand the importance of the Centre position on the ice (sorry ER but I don’t know how else to put that). Zus can’t possibly fill the demanding and unique challenges of the roll because he hasn’t the skill set anymore…sorry if that bothers you, but deal with it…Zus is no longer an NHL centre…with 700 NHL wins and 2 SCs later Q is still trying to prove that he is. Why?
We are all Hawk fans and we all want the Hawks to win…simply put, get rid of Zus as a Centre and the Hawks will win playoff games…they have won 2 cups in 4 years…they not only know how to win, the EXPECT to win…the Blues don’t. That’s why Negzz’s comments are so bang on. The Hawks gave the Blues a taste of winning, when we didn’t need to.
Raise your hand if you believe Michal Handzus should be playing 50% more ice time than Ben Smith and taking twice as many faceoffs as Marcus Kruger…
Wall- Hawks were out Corsi’d last night.
Anyway, Hawks played a BAD game (line changes, terrible passing, Hossa/Saad/Kane all underwhelmed) and it took the Blues 5+ periods to beat them… at home… in a game they had to win. I’m not overly concerned. I would have loved for them to win, sadly the series will probably take 6 games now.
Q bitched out in the third period. GO FOR THE KILL ON THE POWER PLAY. I also don’t understand why the guy just doesn’t force other teams to stop an unstoppable line. Put 19/88 together and if the Blues want to put Ott or Reaves out there to attempt to hit them, keep laughing while you are potting goals. 10/19/81 was an unbelievable line in the regular season, but the only way you can hide Handzus (I’ll get to him later) in the lineup is by flanking him with all world players.
20/19/23 was one of the better lines, but 23/20 don’t work well together. Saad is GREAT at zone entries, Versteeg kept dumping the puck. You are negating the things that Saad does well by pairing them together.
Kane didn’t look comfortable all night. Hope he’s feeling more confident tomorrow afternoon.
Handzus- did some really good PK work, drew a penalty, won faceoffs. He also fell and couldn’t recover on the first goal, passed a puck into Hossa’s skates on a breakout which caused a turn over and gave the Blues a bunch of chances, and was completely negligible in the offensive zone. I don’t think the Blues even had to put a guy on him. If you want him in the lineup, bury him. The Hawks are capable of making two unstoppable lines… MAKE THE OTHER TEAMS STOP THEM. Don’t neuter yourself by trying to “spread the wealth”.
If they clean it up their sloppiness, no reason they don’t win this series and a few after.
BRAUCKKK !! Q’s a bum, Q’s a bum. Handzus sucks, Handzus sucks.
The moron brigade has, yet again, hijacked this board to debate ad nauseum Handzus. It’s ridiculous. This board lives in a sea of retardity and bad poetry.
The Hawks lost last night to a team that is wicked good and has a legitimate shot to hoist the Stanley Cup in June. The Hawks, in order to beat the Blues, need to play at the peak of their ability. Mistake-free hockey, execution, motherhood and apple pie.
Last night, the Hawks were guilty of way too many turnovers. And the intensity and discipline to do the dirty work was not consistent for all periods. Hate to break the news to anybody but Saad has been in a meaningful slump for over a month, and last night was another night of horseshit from him. Bickell couldn’t be bothered with getting in front of the net. Sharp was marginalized as I said several times previous…St. Louis is content to let him randomly fire on net all the fuck he wants from 25 feet out. Keith wasn’t his best. Oduya wasn’t his best. Leddy was once again kinda sorta playoff invisible (hint, he’s overrated). Versteeg is more parts liability on the ice than he is asset to offensive generation.
You ain’t going to win that way boys, girls, poets and parrots. To beat the Blues the Hawks are going to have to shake off the funk and the Cup hangover malaise that has plagued this team since the start of January. The Hawks are a team that is going to get its subliminal wish of an early summer vacation unless they find that elusive switch to flip.
Winning Saturday is the absolute imperative. If they can do that, then you reassess. But do not underestimate how fucking bad St. Louis wants to get over the hump, ala Vancouver a few years ago when they were everybody’s darling in hockey. The Blues don’t win a Cup this season and they get ripped a new asshole. The Hawks don’t win and everybody says, meh, they had Cup hangover.”
Hey Rufus, pot meet kettle much?
Can you legitimately say that Q has not made poor lineup decisions these past two seasons?
Keep standing up for Handzus while he is turning over the puck in the neutral zone and blowing his defensive zone responsibilities.
Keep standing up for Bollig when he floats to the off wing in the defensive zone and his guy is left wide open and it leads to a goal.
Keep standing up for Q when he puts out two defenders on the power play with a 1 goal lead, but in overtime goes back to 4 forwards. Because apparently giving up the tying goal is worse than giving up the winning goal.
Such a smart hockey guy you are.
RTF- What can I say, YOU my friend are arguably the biggest buffoon and redundant poster on this board. Who are you to point fingers at others perspective? “SC Hangover”, “Malaise”, “Blues are hungry”, “Q has won 2 cups”… Yea, that’s your ongoing deep insight? Well- no shit. “Morin sucks”, “Handzus is not the problem”, “We have to shake off the funk”, etc etc etc.. It’s all we’ve been hearing from you the past few months. Get over yourself, everyone here has as much right to articulate their views as you and not be attacked by a self-righteous and self-appointed know it all. Many of us have played/coached as much or more hockey than you will ever know, so show some respect and humility (look it up if need be.)
What is also obvious is that Q has a well documented history of playing vets, and he has 2 rings to show he has had success with his philosophy. That said- it’s ALSO crystal clear that 26 slows down his linemates and their production suffers when paired with him. We’re trying to beat a top tier team and we need all the skill, speed, and energy we can get to do so. Morin has played well, brought hustle and energy and put points on the board. Will he be the key to winning another SC? Certainly not (no moreso than your boy Nordstrom or the not ready too young TT.)
Zus is not the problem… i will repeat this… Zus is NOT the problem…
Its how he is used… Did anyone else realize he skated more minutes than Tarensenko? A full 2 minutes actually. Its not that Zus doesn’t have ANYTHING to offer… he does bring great experience, but he is what he is… an anging vet, trying to hold on to what he has left. If he gives us 10-13 minutes im ok with that… He played DOUBLE that amount last night (granted in 2 extra periods).
IMO, for what Zus did at EVEN Strength, Shaw can do the same thing at the 2C spot… And Shaw is better suited to play heavier minutes at this stage of both of their careers. Also, Shaw does have decent chemistry with Sharp. By moving Smith to the 3C role, he can play mop up duty for one of the worlds best shooters (88). While Kane is clearly hindered, being on the 3rd line limits the punishment he will take, and it also shields him for top d-pairing more often. Zus in a 4th line role, allows him to take faceoffs if needed, be on the PK, while keeping him fresh throughout the series cuz he will only take 10 minutes at even, and then a few more on specialty lines. Also it does not slow 10/81. If you say he didnt slow them down, i dont know what you were watching… maybe i missed it…
In game 2, I feel zus will not be effective in the 2C role. After logging heavy minutes, I think he will be even a step slower. Moving him down the lineup is fine, but I think it would be most effective to have a fresh body. Regin, Morin… I dont care. I feel Smith has played well enough to take a Center role with Morin coming in on the wing. If they want to keep Smith on the wing, they can move in Regin. That is a separate debate, and the lesser one to me… the fact is, the hawks will look better with Zus out of the 2C role
As for posts from the previous comedians like “Fansince2010” and/or suggesting replacing Q with Trotz, etc- my take is they’re posting for humor/impact- so laugh a little as they obviously can’t be taken seriously…
+10 points for Negzz.
Just one big happy family. I can’t imagine what this place would have been like before before the Hawks rebirth 6 or 7 years ago. Everyone pick a side … this is war!
I am trying to be an optimistic pessimist to balance my karma.
ebony nailed it… the pendulum swing from world beaters to bon fires is amazing in Chicago
Hope our Blackhawks don’t melt down as bad as you guys currently are! Sandusky? Really?…thats beyond beyond………
Q being looked at by NHL brass for antics and reaction to refs confusion, could face fine or suspension! Calls do seem to go against us about 5-1 ratio. That’s our burden to bear being the reigning champs. Keep the faith guys, we will get there. Love the poem Ebonyrapter…perfect. Baby laughing from Tab at Trotz suggestion is hilarious.
Hysterical… I’ve been reading this blog for at least 3 years. Only posted a few times way back when and this is the most out of control I’ve ever seen it. Defiantly most memorable, everyone’s pulling out all the knifes today. RTF WTF!! Of your rocker dude relax this is a Chicago blog site. Tab, classy. Sr. Brad glad to see you’re back in full spirit after your hiatus. Keep up this is great entertainment. Joel Sandusky, Hire Trotz, Laughing baby. What’s next trade Kane?
I want to point out one thing regarding the Blackhawks before everyone jumps off cliffs… Remember last year against Detroit? Down 3 games to 1 and how did the Blackhawks respond? Zeus or not, Morin or not, this team will find a way to win. It has nothing to do with the long season is or short the off season was. It has nothing to do with what lines we roll or how we roll them. It HAS to do with character. This team has more than any other. I think most of us would agree.
Hawks are still going all the way.
Rufus, sorry you could make it
been one game played fellas, inhale
Game 2 is a must win, if it’s 3 game series, exhale
Lots of hockey left, some of it bad, like the 3rd pd.
settle in and enjoy, this is what we waited for
Sorry Rufus, i mean, about you makin it and all
This site is the best BECAUSE not everyone agrees. We all have opinions, some just spew on a little more and a lot more often, then the rest of us. Tab does a great job presenting stories and game recaps that allow us to take sides on the issues. Hockey is a passionate love affair between its fans and the game. Keep the passion flowing Hawks fans! We have a long way to go.
Q gets $ 25,000 fine. He apologized and said it was “bush league” on his part. Oh well….if we beat St. Louis we win the cup …this is the critical series right here right now.
Reading all these negative posts reminds me of my grandpa, “Opinions are like assholes, every one’s got one, and everyone but the owner think’s they stink. That being said, I have to agree with E.R. that everyone has the same value. The problem I can’t swallow here is the notion that this team is better off, or worse yet, laying down and “retooling, resting, rebooting or whatever was said and looking forward to 2015 or 2016.I I am a hawks fan for one main reason, BALLS. For many years they sucked, but they never quit or mailed it in. They may have lost many games since I started being a fan , but you felt playing the hawks the next day. One thing that Bill and Rocky have always done is draft, obtain character.There is not any quit in this team. Did you see last year’s Detroit series? It’s one game. Light’n up Francis. Although I am sure the hawks will adapt and win this series, one thing is written in stone, STL. will not win the cup.Godspeed and good heath to 19. I am sure the only way he finishes the game last night is stones and the needle between periods. Don’t want to be all rah-rah so as posted before, Handzus skates like olde people fuck, slow and sloppy. Thank you Tab for baby video, proves two things, nothing is so valuable as children’s laughter and all babies look like Winston Churchill.
Brad- I must apologize… My post about the Laughing kid… What I was trying to state-
Your comment “take Handus off of the 2nd line– and Hawks will get the MOJO”…
Is Laughable – cuz Q loves 26 and loves to rely on him… and WILL NOT make that move… I was being Sarcastic and making a joke regarding– Q’s love for Zus (and his distrust in the likes of Morin and the guy they shipped to Florida)… Morin does add Piss and Vinegar ( as well as 42 skating and trying to get to the net)… But it is laughable to think Q will pull that trigger… and add the MOJO/speed/Piss-n-vinegar to the line up…
the comment wasn’t intended to be a stab at you… It was a subtle stab at Q…
BUT- Like JS has said… what do we know??? Just because JS/Wall begged last year to skate 26 away from 88 (and when Q finally did… Hawks were world beaters)
Q is never wrong (Sarcasm)
Rufus- your getting out of control dude!
Anything is possible, but here’s my prediction if Hawks get bumped in this series…
Stan to Joel (especially after that pp touch last night)…
Jax= ol Psycho ”I’ll kill ya” , classic. tnx
Wall !-whats up pal? , think Rufus lapped outta control and is gaining on crash n burn
“Quenneville Out. Trotz In” is something you could see on the front page of the Tribune.
It was a tough, hard-fought game that could have gone either way so I don’t see how some have already crowned the Blues as the series winner. Going forward I have to believe we will see 28 at center soon – he is a solid contributor every night and there is no way Zus recovers from a 3 OT game to play again on Sat afternoon. I am concerned about the punishment that 19 took and I am also concerned about the level of 27 and 32’s play. Those guys were amazing during the Cup run last year and it doesn’t appear to me that they are going to be able to play at the same level. I hope I’m wrong.
As much respect as I have for Barry Trotz and the job he did in N’ville over his years there, the talk of him replacing Q floors me. No way that happens even if we found a way to lose 4 straight.
Agree with the thoughts on Zus…his time has passed. I’d love to see Smith get the nod. Yes, 4 center men need to be 19, 65, 28, 16. 3 of 4 always figure to be 55%+ fo, can skate, are hungry, and responsible. Needs to be lineup’ed this way tomorrow.
Let’s get the W tomorrow…let’s go Hawks!
All this divisiveness should stop…we are all Hawk fans…we are all human beings that share the same planet…we are meant to get along not fight, regardless of what any talking head says.
I called out Wall today, even though I think the world of his knowledge, because he ostensibly gave up on the Hawks and their mojo…dufus, I apologize, everyone is entitled to their opinion and you certainly have yours.
ER, there is no right or wrong…there just is. Every point has validity no matter how different from mine or yours it is (which I think you understand). What all of us AND the Hawks need right now is belief. Belief in their abilities to win another Cup…anything else simply takes away from their chances. The Hawks are tired, LIKE EVERY OTHER NHL TEAM. But no other team in the league possesses our 2 way talent…no other team has won 2 Cups in 4 years. No other team has the depth that we possess. There are TONS of reason why the Hawks can and will win it all again, and there are some reasons why they might not. What do you want to focus on? The reasons why we are champions this year, or the reasons we aren’t?
Hockey is a great sport. The NHL is a competitive league. IMO, and that’s my opinion only, we need to field our best lineup. That does not include Handzus in my opinion. If others see it differently. good for you. I would like to see the Hawks repeat, I guess most of you here want the same thing. So good luck to all of us as the post season begins…and here’s to all of us coming together as the Hawks attempt to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions! Not tearing at each other’s throats.
I think everyone here wants the same thing and that is what Sr Brad just said. Just like how I think everyone here agrees and wants 19, 28, 65, 16 as the centers & have 26 on 4th line. Its what we have all been saying since Oct.
No matters what happens, we can win again. We can this year. The beauty is we will be one of the top teams for years. Our window is extra large.
I like our people.
As one of my favorite musical groups sing “More heart and less attack” (for us fans).
For our favorite hockey team we want “More heart and MORE attack” :)
Great stuff as always. Hawks played not to lose in third and couldn’t fini in OT.
All we need is a split and the world is good again, but on another note da dead wings played a great game against da beaners.
We are all hawks fans, and do not give up on this team. Just remember da dead wing series last year.
Go Hawks!
While I was deflated like everyone else following a ridiculously entertaining game Thursday night, the margin between winning and losing a game like that is razor thin. It wa very similar to first three games against Blues early in the season where we gave up late game leads. Those empty pp chances that would have buried The Blues didn’t convert. A 2 goal lead would have broken the Blue notes and Hawks didnt get it done.
I thought CC was magnificent in defeat and was actually better than Miller. Miller looked very nervous in the first but got better as game progressed. I think if Corey continues with form shown the other night Hawks should win series.
Obviously the game this afternoon is massive. Blues have some confidence but are still beat up physically. There is more pressure on them to beat Hawks
than on Hawks.
If I can have a wish list it contains more Hawk shots from middle of the ice with LOTS more traffic in front of Miller. Bodies to net is key. If they do that Hawks will win . Lineup will be interesting to say the least. I think Zus cost us more than he helped Thursday. He will likely sit one of these games but that’s up to Q . Hawjs need to use speed against Blues. Zus simply is too slow to be played with burners that can make the difference between 2 good teams.
I am worried that Tazer has a bum shoulder that will
restrict him. He appeared to be in serious pain after getting crunched Thursday . Kane is skating with a brace which is supposed to very hard to get used to. Ask Bicks. Blues have injury issues too, so we will see which team wants it more. This series will one of attrition. In the end I think the Hawks are deeper than the Blues which will be the difference. We have some good hockey to watch so let’s enjoy the ride. Remember everyone this is supposed to be fun. Gulp, I’m already nervous about this afternoons tilt. …
Sorry for typos guys. I somehow got this done from my phone.
Let’s Go Hawks!
Wings beat Bruins in game 1…Coach Babcock at it again…the best coach in the NHL since Scotty Bowman IMO. Go Wings…
Sr. Brad- Barry Trotz ain’t so bad either and is available… Hint Hint
Jeff, Trotz is a very “sound” coach, but his success comes from “shrinking” the ice and outworking/chancing the opponent, which makes for uninspiring hockey…for me Hockey was and always should be a game of speed, open ice, and long breakout passes. Its fun to play and should be fun to watch…Pred hockey has been akin to watching paint dry.
Somehow I don’t think Bruins fans expected to be down 0-1. That series could go longer than the pundits have called. Yes, the the first time in memory I am actually rooting for the Wings. Weird feeling.
Let’s Go Hawks!
I hate the Wings…..That said, they are a perfect example of the benefits of 100 games in the AHL and why winning in the AHL leads to winning in the NHL. A bunch of 21-23 year olds who were not supposed to play have their team in the playoffs. Are they gonna be great players? Maybe, maybe not but they come from a culture of winning, they want to win and they are taught to win.
Went to the Norfolk Admirals, Hershey Bears game last night. Both teams needed to win to make the playoffs. The house was packed (9000 fans) and the game ultra intense. I disagree with anyone who says the AHL does not exist to win games.
IMO, the best thing to happen to the Wings were this year were injuries to Bertuzzi, Alferdson, Weiss and Franzen. Their system stepped in and did an outstanding job. Babcock admitted that the call ups out worked their regulars and often times the opposition. Now, the Wings have most of their players back. If the Wings have a triple OT they have plenty of depth with experience to call on for the next game. Will the Hawks call on Morin or Regin to rest a Handzus?? We will see. By the way the Griffins still managed to have near best record in the AHL and could well win another Calder Cup. Our team is unfortunately, eliminated. Winning is everything in professional sports of any kind, period.
Mike, I agree. AHL hockey is a great place for kids to learn the NHL game. And all of the drama that Pirri and Morin went through this year, will only make them better NHL players. The Hawks, like the Wings, have a bunch of kids that will be good NHL players after another couple of AHL seasons. I was hoping B and B would give us a report on the Ice Hogs…they are down to their last 2 games this weekend. Apparently Johns has done very well since joining the Hogs.
Further, I just gotta give Babcock credit. The Wings skated last night without Wiess, Cleary, Bertuzzi, Erricson or Zetterburg. Yet only 3 forwards skated over 16 minutes and none over 20 minutes, and no one skated less than 12. Brad, the perfect example of rolling 4 lines That is trust in your system and your players. Phil, I too hate the Wings so rooting for them is weird.
Hogs are eliminated I think
Wouldn’t be surprised if Q waits until home games to dress Morin so he can better control his matchup.
Mike, as I have always said, the benefit of rolling 4 lines is that your top players are fresh and capable of dominating whenever they are on the ice…and if late in the game you need to expand their playing time, you can, because they have the legs. Its something that I always did as a coach and it works wonders, IF you have the players. The Hawks have the players. That’s why is tough to see players like Morin and Regin in street clothes when they could be giving us very solid 12-14 minutes taking pressure off the ailing Kane and Toews.
I am not hell bent on Morin getting a lot of icetime this post season. Just something needs to be done about 2C. Zues is just not the answer. He also skated 2 games Thursday night. The most viable opinion I have read here is the suggestion that Zues (if he is gonna dress) play 4th line wing. Let 19, 65, 28 and 16 take on the center duties. With this lineup 3 important things happen. 2cd line gets faster and younger legs, Zues is on the ice fewer minutes as a 4th liner and Zues is fresher for PK duties since Q trusts him in that role.
As I said yesterday, I would love to see Ben Smith Centre that 2nd line.
I know NHL Awards can be a joke but… How is it that Babcock has never won the Adams?
19 -I hope when this series is won and over he is still upright, in one piece and alert. I worry bout that guy.
I’m afraid Morin might be this years playoff edition B. Smith . We were all hungry for him to break the lineup last post season but Q didn’t blink much. Hope 11 gets shot
I heard Q say yesterday that line-up would stay the same. I can only hope he watched the Detroit game and has a change of heart. R.D. I am with you, I am shocked that there was not hardly any post’s about 19. Like I posted before,”The only thing that kept him in that game was stones and the needle between periods.” I think it’s a separated shoulder, and I pray that I am wrong because that pain is ungodly. Please give my Marion 28 or somebody who can skate fast enough to help 10+81.
get some backes
How is that hit any different than PIT. hit on 19?
Principle point of contact on Toews was shoulder. It was head on Backes.
six lousy seconds…you could see/feel the whole thing coming apart…why dont we just play our game? Now second OT loss…ok..we are clearly the superior team so lets just get back to what we do best…defense cant score every goal! Next four straight.
Luv the way Seabrook was playing…shows up huge for the playoffs and now this …methinks he’s gone for 2 to 3 games …this sucks big time…next four in a row
Karma is a bitch-
We blew it -plain and simple-
Jax- you mean other than the one today being thoroughly enjoyable?
nooner- yeah it is. yeah we did
Losing my mind …meltdown ….we should be up 2-0 heading home…Seabrook what???
Even Q losing it…Kane and Toews obviously not 100% …and for all the Zus detractors well he played superb today! superb…so did Versteeg….and Crawford…and Saad…why are we playing tough guy hockey? not us …over the top with it today..really hurt us cause its not our main game…am I missing something…I’m melting down