Blackhawks Lose In OT Again
The Blackhawks played 30 minutes of bad, emotionless hockey in St. Louis on Saturday afternoon. Then they fought back and took a 3-2 lead in the first seven minutes of the third period, and controlled the action for much of the final 20 minutes.
But an enormous, illegal hit on David Backes by Brent Seabrook removed the Hawks’ defenseman from the contest and opened the door for the Blues to come back.
And they did, scoring a game-tying goal with 6.4 seconds remaining in regulation and another overtime game-winner.
Moments before Seabrook hammered Backes, Bryan Bickell was sent to the box for a questionable knee-on-knee hit on Vladimir Sobotka. The Hawks were able to successfully kill 25 seconds of 5-on-3 hockey before Bickell returned to the ice, but the Seabrook major penalty carried through the extent of regulation.
St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock pulled Ryan Miller with 1:46 left in regulation, and Vladimir Tarasenko made the Hawks pay in the closing moments.
All three Hawks goals came from defensemen, with Duncan Keith, Seabrook and Michal Rozsival beating Miller. Brandon Saad had an assist on both third period goals, and Seabrook was credited with an assist on Keith’s goal. But his afternoon – and possibly series/season – ended early because of the hit on Backes.
The Blues converted only one of nine power plays in the game – but their one goal tied the score.
After the game, Seabrook told the media what anyone would expect: he didn’t target Backes’ head, was trying to make a play, feels bad, etc.
Corey Crawford stopped 27 of 31 in the loss, once again deserving a better fate than the final score. But goals with less than two second remaining in the first period and less than six seconds left in the third were hard to stomach.
Brandon Bollig skated seven shifts – 3:33 – in the loss. He was benched for most of the second period, but came out for a faceoff in the closing moments. Bollig and Steve Ott were assessed 10-minute misconduct penalties after the period ended, and the Hawks scored twice while Ott was in the box for the first half of the third period.
Michal Handzus once again started the game between Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp, but coach Joel Quenneville (finally) moved Ben Smith up and that line started firing in the middle of the second period. Handzus skated exactly 17 minutes in the game, 8:28 of which was short-handed.
Hossa played a magnificent game. He was credited with a game-high eight shots on net and a game-high four takeaways.
Jonathan Toews skated 22:36 in the game and won 16 of 27 faceoffs. Patrick Kane was a ghost; he was credited with one shot on net in 18:27.
After skating over 40 minutes in Game One, Niklas Hjalmarsson was on the ice for 25:59 and blocked a game-high six shots. Keith played 28:06 in the loss.
TJ Oshie returned for the Blues and played 25:29 in the win.
Seabrook hasn’t been suspended before, but this could be the second straight postseason that one of the Hawks’ top defensemen is disciplined by the league. Keith was suspended for one game after high-sticking Jeff Carter in the face during the Western Conference Final last year.
The series returns to Chicago for Game 3 on Monday night. Whether or not Backes is able to go will be important for St. Louis, and we’ll likely know Seabrook’s fate in the next 24 hours.
As Steven Tyler said—Same old story…Same old song and dance!!!
Bill Murray- Ground Hog Day
Or the First few times Hawks lost to the Blues….
Kane is much less than 100%. Tab is exactly right, a ghost. And since that is not the way Kane plays. His injury must need more time.
Gonna have plenty of topics now.
How many late in the period/game goals is this for this season? It seems like an inordinate amount does it not? I would love to see the numbers vs recent years. That’s got to weigh on ya after awhile.
That was a great game to watch, much like game 1.
wall, Mon night– Back in the Saddle baby!
I think the Hawks got screwed – obviously, if Seabrook had Brooks Oprick’s reputation the hit not only would have been deemed “clean”, but it would have in fact been Backes’ fault for having his head down. Sobotka should have been assessed an embellishing penalty on the the Bickell “questionable” kneeing call. Also, that phantom interference called on Kane when he made NO contact with Lapierre.
I believe the NHL set an important precedent that in post season “Stars” (- Weber) or players important to their team (- Lucic) do not get suspended – only fined. Let’s hope the league remains consistent on this.
The Hawks *could* have won either or both of these games.
I’m sort of in a meltdown mode…my thinking is all distracted because emotions are all gone haywire….why are we playing tough guy hockey?..not our style…what are we the LA Kings? …just play our game and we are up 2-0…now we lose Seabrook who has really got his playoff mode going…Kane and Toews obviously hurt….even Kane taking penalties…kudos to Crawford but super late goals! …and Saad, Hammer, Zus, Versteeg, all big contributors…3 unanswered goals for us and we lose again …what am I missing, where am I wrong? what the heck! …ok we win the next four straight…we are clearly the superior team…no more shenanigans lets just get it together and win this thing
The word is ‘finish’…as a team they’ve not been able to put teams away all year; same result late in two straight 3rd periods. And individually, our guys that are depended on to finish a chance to score have not put the puck in the back of the net.
Too many dumb penalties today; now they have to re-group and get it together without Seabs….8 penalties…two 5 on 3’s…a major late in the 3rd.
Agreed that we could/should have won both games but I disagree that Sobotka embellished the Bickell knee-knee hit. I thought it clear and no doubt.
Gotta have Monday night…let’s go Hawks!
Sabotka laid on the ice waiting for the gurney ride off and then immediately played the ensuing powerplay…
Yes – Monday is a MUST!
Hawks secured their subliminal wish for an early summer vacation this afternoon. The fact is it is very hard if not impossible to flip a switch come playoff time. Hawks have played poorly for 3 1/2 months. So a summer of rest and some roster moves is in order. Kane is also in need of recovery time from the knee because he is hurt right now.
Seabrook will definitely be suspended. And you can bet the ranch the venom from that hit will carry over to next year’s games with the Blues.
Even if Backes is done, I see the Blues winning the Stanley Cup. They will beat Anaheim or LA. And they will beat Boston too.
I hate SL but give them their props. They are the best team in hockey and adding Ryan Miller was a master stroke.
The Blue are obviously extremely lucky to walk out of their building with a W tonight. And that W comes with a big black eye in the loss of their captain.
The Hawks took a nasty edge that crossed the line with blatant penalties against Versteeg, Keith, Bickell, and Seabrook. Did it cost them Game 2? Maybe—the Blues only were 1/9 on PPs in the game.
But that gritty carnage also got the Hawks back into the game. The Hawks had zero net front presence, on both ends of the ice, in Game 1 and through the first period of Game 2. After the start of the 2nd period, the Hawks exerted their will on their opponents. Nothing went right for STL and everything went as the Hawks dictated, until the unfortunate and timely 3rd goal.
I think we’ll look back on the third period of Game 2 as the turning point of the series. The question is, is the turning point that shitty goal with :06 left that ultimately cost us the game and served as redemption for Backes? Or that the Hawks bullied the bullies and fatally wounded STL?
This series is far from over. Until we lose in Chicago I am not worried.
kane does seem slow and toews also seems tentative. i thought they all came out tentative while we’re at it. i had a feeling of dread at the start of this game.
but they woke up. and they won this game except for a cinderella bounce. it will turn midnight at the ball eventually.
but if it doesn’t there is nothing to suggest st. louis can beat either anaheim or LA. the blues played them both twice this season, losing both to the ducks and splitting with the kings (the same team that bounced them last year after st. lou went up 2-0).
the reason the blues aren’t moving on yet is because its a 7 game series, not 2.
it took overtime twice in their barn to win.
this isn’t over.
Kane being far from 100%, Seabrook being suspended and St Louis now very angry in addition to motivated to get over the hump suggests, to me, this series is done in 5 games.
I’m a fan of decades length, but for any fan to live in denial about how this team has played since early January is difficult for me to reconcile. We can look on paper and see loads of talent, great coaching and a Stanley Cup banner from last June. But it doesn’t take away from what the eyeballs see game after game for nearly 4 full months. The Hawks need an offseason to hit the reset button and make some changes here and there.
Seabrooks hit was directly to the head of Backes. Orpik hit was to chest/shoulder of Toews. Huge difference. Just is what it is.
Thrilled to see Backes take a hit like he’s delivered 100 times. (Though I hate to think about concussions). Seabrooks deserves a suspension. Orpik didn’t.
Neither “left their feet”, though in slow motion, it always looks like they do. Their skates come off the ice when they finish, which is different than launching.
And anyone saying Backes faked the extent and walked straight down the tunnel…BS. He was out on his skates. Hate the guy, but I give him some credit for standing up and skating off. Told my kids the story of Jim McMahon peeing blood at halftime, and taking the 1st snap of 2nd half before walking off with his lacerated kidney.
I refused to watch the game as a personal protest to Q putting both Handzus and Bollig in the lineup. I can take either one, but not both. So today was my own version of the Millen Man March on that issue. For those that don’t recall the Millen Man March it was when the Detroit Lions fans rose up against their GM Matt Millen. Actually I spent the beautiful day outside with my kids, but you guys get where my head is on this.
The Seabrook and orpik hits are too similar in my opinion. I didn’t think the orpik was ejection-able and was this. Horrible call to kick him out. Backes is a big boy and just got leveled.
DD- i think the bicks penalty was legit. The league hates those plays so embellished or not was a penalty.
Speaking of bicks, he was awesome today. Kudos to 29. More later. ..
DickyDunn- You think they (ref & league) could tell the difference, right. Its like the dirty players get 9 lives & the clean players are ‘Dr. Richard Kimble’.
torres hits seabrook in 11… 2min/0 susp
torres hits hossa in 12… 0min/25 susp
seabrook hits backes in 14… 5min/1? susp
The known ‘dirty’ players have done it how many times, but the guy who does it only when there is a full moon total quad eclipse…
Toews looks tentative because he is still hurt AND the Blues are targeting him. Seabrook was probably trying to give them back some of what they are dishing out. It’s just that he doesn’t have as much practice at it and he was unlucky that Backes had his head down.
Bickel knew what he had done and skated straight for the box. It was a lazy attempt at back-checking, and a dumb penalty.
If you’re going to get suckered into playing their game you need to have guys who know what they can get away with. We don’t have room on the roster for those guys. Better to just concentrate on picking up the slack for Kane and Toews while they are <100%.
It’s also pretty clear we got some refs who don’t know the interference rules. The Blues consistently got away with contact just before the puck arrived on plays that were not position battles.
The Hawks haven’t come close to playing their “A” game yet and both games were there for the taking.
I think the Hawks d-men were playing scared/intimidated/hesitent in the 1st period. They were slow to make the correct play and allowed the Blues forecheckers to get on them. The played much better the rest of the game and the Hawks were ablt to neutralize the Blues forechecking game. Once that happened the Hawks carried the play with the exception of the parade of undisciplined penalties.
We may be learning something about the Hawks, that they can’t summon up the “A” game on demand, but we’re also learning that the Blues aren’t the juggernaut they pretended to be through most of the regular season. The Hawks haven’t played very well and yet they should have won one if not both of the games.
Obvious to say the game on Monday is huge. If Hawks play with composure and the Blues don’t get a bunch of lucky bounces, the Hawks should win – because they ARE the better team.
Extremely disappointing loss. The Hawks played well enough to be coming home up 2-0 instead of down 2-0. This series has one of those feels were the bounces just aren’t going your way. The Hawks had a chance to put the nails in the coffin of the Blues and really put their foot on the back of their neck for another season, but instead has given this team an extreme confidence. So now we will see what this edition of the Hawks is made of. This Hawks team has lacked the ability to close teams out all season. The OT loss after OT loss is going to be this teams undoing, so many missed opportunities.
Do I believe this team can win this series absolutely? Will it be easy? Absolutely not! No room for error now!
Also, Disappointed that Steen drops his gloves after the Seabs hit and no penalty gets called. I am not going to blame the refs but I don’t feel this series has been officiated all that great! Also I was all over that Tarsenko addition to the lineup being a HUGE deal.
Why is Bollig playing?
Watching some Avs/Wild… That #29 kid… Maybe the fastest/bestest forward in Hockey???
Rufus-Avs will beat Blues/Hawks…
SSHM– me too!!! 91 is one of the biggest/best Offensive talents on that squad… without him Hawks dominate that team… w 91- series is a coin toss
How did I know that Rufus would be the first to jump ship…The Blackhawks are far from done. Blues held home advantage, that’s all. Two games that the Hawks were leading with 2 minutes left, 2 overtime losses….that’s no beatdown….that’s the Blue’s barely scraping late game victories at home, games they HAD to win otherwise they would have been done against the Hawks. Chicago in 7 games. Go Hawks.
P.S. I’m betting that Q will finally put Morin in the lineup in Chicago, move Handzus to the 4th line, and sit Bollig.
How did I know that Rufus would be the first to jump ship. The Blackhawks are far from done. Blues held home advantage, that’s all. Two games that the Hawks were leading with 2 minutes left, 2 overtime losses – that’s no beat down – that’s the Blue’s barely scraping late game victories at home, games they HAD to win otherwise they would have been done against the Hawks. Chicago in 7 games. Go Hawks.
I’m betting that Q will finally put Morin in the lineup in Chicago, move Handzus to the 4th line, and sit Bollig. The team will come out breathing fire in Game 3.
Why are my comments keep getting stuck in moderation?
Correct me if I’m wrong. Seabrook’s hit was a penalty. It was, by the rulebook. Suspendable or not is debatable. But I’m pretty sure that NEITHER REF put their arm up. And one is standing right there looking at it. One linesman was at center ice and did not see the hit, and the other was presumably on the other blue line at the other end of the ice. Neither linesman could have called the major either.
Then, after Backes is clearly KO’d, they retroactively assess a 5-minute major, presumably because Backes got KO’d.
That is complete and utter bullshit, if I’m not mistaken on the front ref not calling a penalty right away. You CANNOT assess penalties retroactively, based on how hurt a player is from a play. For example, Torres on Hossa.
I won’t complain about the refereeing overall, but that was a horrible decision. Was it a penalty? Yes. Was it a major? Not in my book, but the NHL is changing and I understand that. Suspendable? Erm…. probably. But either call it or don’t, and you can’t revisit the issue later.
I agree with Pete. If Q continues to play Bollig and Handzus, I am not watching either. The refs will probably “even up the calls” at the UC. Bettman loves 7 game series for all the extra money it generates. Look for the Hawks to get the calls in the next 2 games.
Queenville has the Hawks trying to play a physical game which gives the advantage to the Blues. They need to stick to their skill/possession game and stay out of the box. No more stupid hits in the neutral zone by Bickell. Playing physical for him should mean going to the net and working the corners for loose pucks.
How do we get Morin in the lineup? He was hot at the end of the season.
I think Crawford has had some big saves, but the goal in overtime today was terrible.
This is just like back in da 80’s. controlled violence…
Hawks have to hold home ice and make it best of three. I believe they can and will.
This series is far from over.
Q is a great coach, but I have had to question all year the mostly unsuccessful tactic of putting Kane, Sharp, and Toews out on the ice immediately after we kill a penalty. You don’t get any amount of back check from Kane or selfish Sharp, leaving your end entirely vulnerable. Toews has already been out there as a penalty killer so he’s not got the unbridled energy to cover for the other 2 defensive liabilities. With the opposing team still in attack mode from the just-over power play, you’re asking for trouble, and tonight in overtime it happened once again. Check out where the forwards are on the winning goal. Dismal. Disappointing. Deflating still, hours later.
Travis – “pretty sure that NEITHER REF put their arm up. And one is standing right there looking at it…after Backes is clearly KO’d, they retroactively assess a 5-minute major, presumably because Backes got KO’d. That is complete and utter bullshit…You CANNOT assess penalties retroactively, based on how hurt a player is from a play.” I absolutely, completely agree, but we’ll see – the NHL has had the tendency to just make it as they go along (- Weber, Lucic, et al). The FACT (and Eddie-oh mentioned it twice) that NO penalty was immediately called seems to be lost in all this over reaction.
I maintain this play was very similar to the *clean* hit Oprick delivered to Toews in that it was a hitter taking advantage of a player in a vulnerable position…yet, NO call on the guy with the reputation as a “programmed” hitter, and an AFTER-THE-PLAY decision to penalize Seabrook (perhaps because Backes was injured? Sh*tf#ck, Toews was injured!?!?)
Sometimes this teams plays off of Keith-he was nasty today, almost possessed. The rest of the team seemed to get off their game. Of course if I was getting it from Ott, Lapierre etc. I might eventually lose it.
Rufus this team is very tired but they were within a couple of minutes of being even or up going into Chicago. I was saying earlier that it would be extremely challenging to win this year-but here we are and I’ll cheer and hope.
Playing this much hockey early in the playoffs with nothing to show will be tough, perhaps too much for this team to overcome. But as RD said this has been fun to watch.
Some of the hockey pucks on TV (in Canada) think Seabs will get 2 to 4-I think it should be one. He’s an honest, clean player who thought Backes had the puck and hit him hard. Regardless your already down a man, up by one in a crucial game, you need to make a smart decision and not give the refs any reason to make that call.
You’d have to be silly to think Backes won’t be back for game 3… that dude is an animal.
“Quenneville out. Trotz in” -May 12, 2014 Headline of Chicago Tribune
Noonan96 – “Some of the hockey pucks on TV (in Canada) think Seabs will get 2 to 4-I think it should be one.” — I think it should be NONE. Forgive my harping-on-it, but I read a few opinions here suggesting that the Oprick hit on Toews was “OK”, “clean”, etc. and that it was (actually!?!?) Toews fault because he had his head down. Fine. Oprick was not even penalized. Seabrook got a major for the *same* kind of hit – following that logic, it wasn’t Seabrook’s fault that Backes “had his head down”. Time Served….Next!!
I had to sleep on this game before commenting. Didn’t help as I am still deflated. I was thinking that neutral hockey fans had to feel these were the best 2 games to watch. Hugely entertaining theater with real drama. As a card carrying Hawks fan though these games were gutting. Bottom line is we have not seen Hawks A game yet, and they could easily be up 2-0 in this series. While it can be argued that the physical edge Zhawks brought yesterday was their undoing at the end, it shows me this is a versatile team that can play different styles when it is warranted. Bicks was great yesterday taking the body and he dished out some effetvive hits that were disruptive.
Knee in knee to Tarasenko was unfortunate but it was the right call on the ice. I made a mental note during the game that Keith had that nasty look in his eyes that said he was looking to punish. He gets that way a few times each year when he feels he has been on the receiving end of how do you say an unsportsmanlike play? In the end the Zhawks took too many dumb penalties and it cost them. Still they almost pulled it off! The 1st period Hawks looked out of sorts almost disinterested. Guess they had to find their legs.
Seabs is likely to get a game or two. I was screaming when there was no penalty called by refs yet Seabs gets the gate and a delayed injury call made after the fact. The low ref saw the play! I have never seen a non call reversed to a call. Calls changed yes but not something like that. What did these guys do call Toronto? Yea it was a penalty but they never actually made a call? For the sake of asking what was actually called ? So Backes got back some of his own medicine. I don’t like to see people hurt as a rule, but Backes has cheap shoted so many players over the years. Plays that had serious intent to injure. So he finally got one back. I am sure he is concussed and will miss some games. I almost forgot to mention Toews was asking for it by having
his head down and bell rung while Backes was targeted. Bottom line is player in vulnerable position.
Hawks road up the mountain just became more challenging. Losing 2 games like that are hugely deflating. Must win next two and it can be done. With injured Toews and Kane it won’t be easy. My feeling of optimism before this series started was that those 2 would be healthy . They aren’t and it makes a huge difference .
Let’s Go Hawks!
DD-I hope your right-I heard it might be an in person and that usually means something-
the most important part of my post was the next part-and Brent knows this-it wasn’t the time to paste someone-many times in that game (especially Keith) played the ‘we already have a penalty-we can get away with anything’-it finally did happen and it didn’t need to-
Tie Game!
So smith moves to the second line and that one livens up. Kane plays with two lil guys against a rather large grinding team and were surprised he has no space?
the officiating yesterday was bad.
the line up decisions are baffling at this point. They need to beat this team with speed and keeping the puck in the other end. Not going to happen as players are currently deployed.
that’s how backes plays the game and unlike Keith seabs has a clean past so I’m pretty indifferent about that
Again, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but to those who think the Hawks are done, or have no energy, etc, what have you been watching? Reruns of Lost in Space? The Hawks should have walked out of STL up 2-0. Twice they have given up late leads and then lost in OT. Saturday the Hawks experienced “homer” refing and were still 8 seconds from winning. The question is simply this…WHAT HAVE THE HAWKS LEARNED from these 2 defeats. Turn every negative into a positive. What can we do to turn these heartbreaking losses into W’s? From my seat, its VERY simple…stop trying to be overly physical to STL and change the lineup.
I don’t see ANYTHING wrong with Seabrook’s hit on dickweed. And for any of you suggesting otherwise, go back and look at Brooks Orpick’s hit on Toews. The ONLY difference was that Toews was sideways along the boards and lunging forward. Dickweed, in the corner, had his butt to the boards and was standing straight up, with the puck? How is that Seabrook’s fault? Sebs didn’t leave his feet, he didn’t use his elbow…he’s a tall player barrelling into another tall player, in the corner, where are they going to make contact? No penalty was called in the moment, and there shouldn’t have been one added after the fact. The Hawks were robbed by that call, BUT what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.
In 2 games Handzus has logged almost 44 minutes of ice time. Unf$cking believable. He was the worst Hawk all season long. We had a losing record during the regular season with Handzus in the lineup (and we finished with 107 points) and he was benched for the last part of the season. When he was out of the lineup we won, and when he came back in we lost. This isn’t opinion, or unjustly targeting a player, these are facts. For the 1st 2 games our worst nightmare has come true…our 2nd line has gone back to ZERO production with two All Star wingers. Why? Our 2nd line was producing nicely when Ben Smith was centring it…is Q having pressure put on him by MGT to play Zus? Nope. This is ALL on Q. Riding Michael Handzus and squeezing your nut sack to the refs isn’t exactly HOF coaching.
Check this out. With Jeremy Morin in the lineup this season, the Hawks record (before those last 2 “mail in” games that ended the season) was 15-3-2. That’s an .833 Winning %, with Zus in the lineup the Hawks won 49% of their games. Right before the playoffs our best line was Regin, Bickell and Morin. The last 2 games of the season they were dismantled so that Q could preview the playoffs…and he did just that. We lost those games as we have lost the 1st 2 playoff games. Don’t fix what isn’t broken. But Q has run back to Zus all season long when there are NO FACTS to support his decision.
Right now, having Bollig and Zus in the lineup is hurting this team, and its such a shame because Morin and Regin are being wasted in street clothes. All of my friends are asking the exact same thing…why is Q playing Zus as your 2nd line Centre? And like most of you, I have no answer. There is NOTHING to justify this bizarre decision. Sunday, when Q finally removed Zus from that line with Ben Smith, they started to roll…this MUST continue. Whether Zus bumps Bollig from the lineup makes no never mind. The 12th forward isn’t going to be the cause of us winning or losing games. The 2nd line centre can be…
At this point, it is entirely on Q. This team, tired and injured, have played their collective hearts out. They deserve to be up 2-0 after playing in the opponent’s building. But we must field our 19 best players every game if we expect to win in the playoffs…and until we do, we won’t. Whether we are on home ice or not won’t make a difference…the Blues are part of that top echelon of NHL teams and you are not going to “get lucky” and beat them. So until Q makes this change, especially if Seabrook is unjustly suspended, the Hawks will continue to lose…and BTW, while Crawford isn’t the reason we are down 2 zip, Miller has been the better goalie…that has to change as well.
Yep, Bollig deserves his playoff roster spot.
ANYONE complaining about that hit just needs to stop. Backes was no where near the puck and Seabrook tried to murder him. Shortly before that, Bickell tried to go knee on knee with someone. A “dive” or not, you can’t do that shit (it wasn’t a dive). You were going to win that hockey game until you pissed it away by trying to play the Blues game.
Oh, by the way, when Seabrook tried to murder the Blues captain with an illegal hit did they retaliate or win the f’ing game?
The Hawks can still win this series, but they have to play their game and absolutely get rid of Bollig and Handzus.
And saying the Hawks are “tired” is just stupid. They’ve blown late 3rd leads in both away games by not playing their game. When they play their game (and bench Handzus/Bollig) they seem to be doing quite well.
Let us not forget last season. The Blues were up 2-0 on LA too.
nooner, i’m with ya, 0-1g for a guy like 7 is enough, if it’s 2-4 we are really taking one up the rear from the league. And you’re right 7 has to be more in tune with the situation, but I cant really find him guilty of all that ended up happening because he clearly thinks 42 has the puck and he wasn’t going in there to hit the head, as it ended up. Now, its interference, and worse but I am lost as to wth the refs were doing and only they can say for sure. It’s a moot point as always with that issue but it makes ya scratch your head…. or if a certain coach, grab your Q stick! But, in the end it did cost us big.
I will admit this, I felt not one ounce of sympathy for Backes. I’m glad he was able to get up. I hate to see anyone down and motionless, that’s a very different feeling watching that play out. But when he got to his feet and had that look of wtf, where, who, huh?, I relished every second of it by god, forgive me . I would love to know what he and 19 were saying! I almost felt bad, because, I didn’t feel bad, ya know? Backes got his, that in a sense, was good karma . 29s kneeing was pretty careless I felt, but it seemed quickly forgotten.
Realistically, 9pp against isnt going to win many games, we wont do that again. The fact that we had to kill 6min at the end of regulation just proved to be too much. That is just too tall of a hurdle to put in front of yourself . I’m sure I wasnt alone thinking the goal was just bound to come to tie it..we just cant be so mindless on penalties. They are probably still laughing at us for it
McKay is right. That hit/play could turn the whole thing around or push us off a cliff(doubt it) but no matter what, that hit, on it’s own accord, will resonate thru this rivalry for a long time. The fact 42 was on the receiving end made it ez to replay over and over…!!
How bout Zus goin 1 on 3 there in the third after we took the lead?. Chuckled at that.
I dont believe afternoon starts are good for us, i just don’t. Started bitchin soon as the times came down from Bettman. Eastern Conf fine, not us. We just dont do it often enough to be thrown 2g out of 6 during Playoffs. WE had maybe 2-3 all year, blues 10ish, flyers 18!
Pete and Milton, I admire, and respect your stands and agree with the premise. This has just been too good not to watch going forward. But you feel free to express! This isn’t aimed at u 2 but, on a similar note , lets not get so /-Jaded- /that we cant enjoy the games win or lose. Cups aren’t a god given right so dont get too attached.
wall, another s.tyler ref for ya above!
Rufus, Rufus, I know you are not dumb and you can offer things here but, Miller has been a master stroke, like you are a master wordsmith. The irony of the parrot surely can not be lost, even to you. You’ve been implored to hire new writers yet you bring the same tired commentary my friend… Also, ALL this /enormous/ pressure you seem to think the Blues are under to win it now. Really? From where? All those rabid baseball fans gonna riot if the Cup fails to show? The big bad StL media gonna come crashing down with tales of coach’s misconduct and have Hitch run outta Mizzou for life? Oh, I know, the Giordano Family is back in power right? Threats for everyone from vendors to players wives with harm and torment if the Blues cant produce silver in June 2014!! I might grant you the Miller trade and how it went down, his option to go ,has simmered the in house pot, but thats hardly a care for most of the city. Let alone a continent of hockey fans. A Blues bow out, will be same as always there, during the baseball season and all will be well. Are you still going Monday night? You should, it might be the core’s Alamo. happy easter fly if u celebrate, god bless
Wow, what a bag of holiday wind, sorry fellas.
Lets Play Monday!
JS- with respect… these 2 losses are similar to the reg. season losses to Blues…
The Blues “Wanted” it more and willed their way… And I do Agree- 26 is slow/ Bollig is useful as 13th forward during season… Next year will be better- especially w any 2 of 42/Hartman(3g’s/4a’s-9 AHL games)/Morin/Danault/TT- replacing these stiffs…
In addition – any 2 of Cden/Johns/V-Dyke/Dbeck- replacing 27/32, will give Hawks around $5M to pursue Power Fwd/or 2C
Bad news JS– The Avs will have a shit load of $$$$ and if they want to spend up to the Cap… will be even Better next year,,, their star Fwds are young/faster… goalie is better… Mckinnon is a STUD with a big body!!!
watched parts of game (very quickly- via DVR)…
Why didn’t Jackman get Penalty/major for boarding Keith???
Orpik/19 hit very similar to 7/42 hit ( more head on Seabs hit) … but really–
Backes head is down… they are both around 6’3″– and head was hit – but 42’s head is below the shoulder of 7… it will be an interesting call by NHL….
29/knee to Sobotka… I didn’t think was dirty… slow-mo shows 29 skating wide- actually stopping and bring his knee in — just my opinion ( probably biased)…but Sobotka’s knee was actually “more out” than Bix
If 19 flips late minute clear toward center ice… Hoss (anticipated- pots EN goal maybe) – 19 cleared boards away from 81
JS- that is true 2-0 vs LA and then ended 2-4 hmm
Wall- didn’t the Hawks only lose to the Blues once during actual hockey and the other two being the shootout?
And the difference between the Orpik and Seabrook hit is that Toews actually had the puck.
RD- completely had same feelings watching Backes- out on his feet… if ever a guy deserved it,,, and I didn’t really feel bad- cuz at end of the day -Seabs IS NOT a dirty player (weather league suspends or not)- I don’t think the intent was Head shot…
Now Huge JackAss’s hit on Keith — to me – there is more intent to Intentionally push from behind – 2’s head into boards– just sayin… and that is after he literally broke a stick over 65’s back!!!
I don’t wish ill will on anyone but Karma is a bitch because Backes is a POS!
— to the two dedicated friends here who actually suggested the Oprick hit was Toews’ fault because “he had his head down”, this “hockey play” is the SAME thing. The only difference is the officials in Pittsburgh let the “programmed hitter” “play his game” by not calling a penalty.
…on the technicality that Backes did not have the puck – a judgment call = 2 minutes for interference.
Dickie- Toews had the puck, Backes didn’t. Huge difference. I would also say principal point of contact is Backes head whereas it was Toews shoulder.
Backes did not have the puck = judgment call minor penalty for interference.
Anyone know when we’ll hear the verdict/sentencing on Seabrook?
JS – so if Hawks have a 1-2 goal lead in late 3rd… and Blues score late goals to tie… and then Blues when in SO… it’s not a loss (or deflating)… OK-You GOT ME!!!
JS- I didn’t put a stop watch on the time between having puck/not…
JS- I invite you to watch the Orpik hit again… in slow- mo… the puck is literally 5-8 feet in front of Toews when Hit occurs (19 didn’t have puck!!!) – I have no beef with the timing of the HIT… and when it happened… I think I said it was “grey” on a few levels… did he jump (only after contact)… did he target head?(head was hit (but after shoulder)… did he have puck ( no– “time/distance”)… was 19’s head down-yup.
was 42 head down, yep.
JS- guys can hit players without puck (and DO)– based on “time and distance parameters”– Happens all the time… it is a legal part of hockey
Bigger dif between two hits is that “More Head was hit” cuz 42’s head might have been lower trying to circle back for the puck he left behind… but still- 7 actually hit 42 w/ lower -upper arm ( only possible if elbow is raised high (which it wasn’t)– or 42 has head and shoulders down–which he did)… Orpik actually jumps up and thru 19!!!
There was no difference between what Seabrook did and what Orpick did. The opposing players were in different positions…but for Backes to put his a$$ to the glass in the opposing corner, have his head down fumbling for a pass, and NOT expect to be hit, is beyond belief. He got what was coming to him in LEGAL fashion. And I personally couldn’t care less what happened to Backes after that hit. He plays the game one way, and that way thus must apply to him.
Giving Brent a match penalty, after no penalty was called, has already cost us 1 playoff game…if the league attaches a suspension to that hit, then the NHL has simply proven once again what a joke it is when it comes to policing the game.
Seabrook has NO HISTORY of any illegal hits. His hit on Backes was NO DIFFERENT than what Orpick did to Toews. Orpick has a massive history of aggressive hits, border line hits, and dirty hits, and won’t defend himself in a fight. What the f$ck is going on here?
This is why fighting is necessary in hockey. This is why the instigator penalty was incredibly stupid. This is what happens when you take the player’s ability away from policing the game. Shanahan, Campbell, et al have done NOTHING to police the game. Just look at Raffi Torres. A BUM who’s only reason for being in the game is to physically attack the opposition’s best players with little or no regard from the league. And when he is finally suspended (no penalty called during the game), Garry Bettman personally steps in and shortens the suspension.
The NHL does NOT police its game. Put that back into the hands of the players, and something will be done about it.
The NHL decided this morning that no additional measures are to be taken against Bickell’s alleged Knee on Knee hit yesterday…as per CBC.
I suspect the league will suspend him (1 or 2 games). I’ve heard arguments pertaining to other plays that the point of contact was influenced by the receiving player’s (last second) movement. A case could be made that Seabrook did not target Backes’ head.
It’s definitely still a loss, not sure if I’d go about deflating. Probably better to barely lose a game than get completely thumped. A lucky bounce or two has been the difference between wins and losses.
Just watched the Toews hit again, not even comparable. Toews had just played the puck, Backes is trying to turn around to get to the puck.
He’s going to get suspended and he should.
It was a stupid play by Seabrook on multiple levels. On the PK while protecting a 1 goal lead is not the time to put yourself out of position to make a huge hit.
Ya’ll are drunk trying to defend a knee on knee and a dirty hit by Seabrook. I love this team as much as anyone, but I’m willing to call dirty when I see it.
Also, anyone see Kevin Hayes tweet of “#freemorin”? Good stuff.
JS- Backes -Tried to play the puck… missed – should have had it on the stick…
You don’t need to have the actual puck on the stick… As far as I know– you need to be in close proximity of playing the puck- Seabs had no time to react to the guy mis-playing the puck…
JS- when is “all this luck” going to end for the Blues vs. Hawks???
When is the Luck going to end for the Horrible Corsi Avs??? You would think over an 82 game large sample sized season… that the Avs Luck would “regress to the mean” and they wouldn’t lead the incredible Hawks and Blues in points…
That Mackinnon kid is lucking his way to 1 goal and 6 assists… and that is with The Avs best player (Duchene) not playing…
The same Kevin Hayes that apparently doesn’t want to sign with the Hawks?
For everyone who think that Orpik did targeted shoulder -http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=30iyftj&s=8#.U1P5PPl_vdc Both Toews and Backes were injured by the boards, not the hit.
JS – “defend a dirty hit by Seabrook” — yet for some reason you have no trouble “defending a dirty hit by Oprick” – the plays are THE SAME…a player taking advantage of another player in a vulnerable position. “Targeting the head” – gray area. “Intent” – absolute GRAY area. “Reputation” and “Bias” will factor into the NHL’s decision. As we’re all well aware, Oprick escaped without even a minor penalty.
Not being one that has ever been on the negative Corey Crawford bandwagon as he’s our guy between the pipes and he does have a ring on his finger, he’s got to make the big saves to bail this team out late in a period or game especially considering both Tarasenko’s & the game winner were longer distance. The late goal at the end of the 1st was as well. On the OT goal, he had a decent look at the latter and it was 5-hole. C’mon Crow, you gotta stop that. Justify the $ that you’re getting paid which is high-end, elite level.
That said, he’s our guy and we need him to step up Monday and Wednesday night.
LET’S GO HAWKS!
JS – did you examine the evidence shaacul introduced at: -http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=30iyftj&s=8#.U1P5PPl_vdc ? Pretty amazing, huh? The SAME THING!!
All I know on the hit to 42 is, it looks great in HD, and could draw numerous signatures for sanctification!!
JS- ye of level head but also admitted dislike for 42. Better you witnessed his slight undoing from Train of Seabrook or would you prefer a private mauling at home from his dogs? the outcome of the game notwithstanding…and the mauling being aforementioned here by self(i thnk?) …. what ya say buddy? ha
A big LOL at those of you saying the Orpik-Seabrook hits are the same. You are delusional!
ZG, agreed 99.5%. Ive never been down on CC for his game, was really happy to see him get his ring. The stops, at times, seem to be there to make. Lord knows we could have used 1-2 more, but the guy makes some awful good plays during games. I know what u mean though, especially late, little time left. I mentioned it after the game that this yr seems really bad for letting in late ones. the only differing view I have is I always lay the contract at Bowman’s feet, not 50s. SB thought he was worth it, end of story. I cant look at 50 like he has to live up to Stan’s opinion on his value, and Stan didnt ask me what i thought on the amount. its just my way of keeping perspective on CC. I have my own expectations for 50 w/o $, SB has his w/$$ Lets hope he gets a shutout this week!!
3 game suspension. totally predictable, totally emblematic of the hawks not playing their game and letting the blues get under their skin. was really sad to see. i miss my hawks. at this point put morin and a few ice hogs in there to get some valuable playoff experience, this thing is over – unless brookbank is this season’s big buff or bickell.
The hawks win with unrelenting pressure and possession. 2 Cups 1 Q is not putting his best players in a position to have success. This is reminiscent of the Wings series last year where Q got cute and they almost paid against a team that was not in their league.
these two losses are 100% on the coaching staff.
every single team stacks their top two lines. All of them. This nonsense needs to stop and stop tomorrow.
Jeff Shantz – that’s an opinion.
THREE games (unrelated, but valid for comparison, Oprick got nothing – not even a minor penalty). As usual, Shanahan (eats shit) and the NHL just make it up as they go along. Seabrook’s reputation preceds him – earlier this season he delivered a vicious headshot to Loui Eriksson…no, wait – that was…
The Seabrook hit was similar to the Torres hit on hossa but not in the open ice. Lets not kid ourselves. Steen should have gotten a roughing but other than that it is tough to complain there.
and Backes out vs Seabrook out the Hawks are way ahead. Good thing they carry a billion defenders.
Three games!.. No Seabs. ..The Captain hurting bad…Kane either hurt or no interest…The Blues are going to be out for big revenge tomorrow, something huge will happen….still cannot get over they way we played in the last five minutes. That was beyond anything resonable for us….we had the lead for cripes sake…as mentioned previously we lost a lot of games late in the going since the New Year. Kane was hot on Crosbys heels for the scoring title, Sharp was a scoring machine, and so on …then it all fell apart. Kane not to happy since then. Thought we could pull it off, still think we can but we have to finish these games. Finish! Smaller goalie pads have impacted Crawford more than any other goalie, we should not have let Waite go as goalie coach under any circumstances. 100% know we are the better team. See what happens tomorrow… dont miss it for anything!
I’ve been staying out of the emotional aftermath of Game 2 as it was such a tough loss to watch and I was trying not to continuously re-live the pain. However, I just read a link to a Tribune article by Steve Rosenbloom where he called the Hawks “Heartless, Dirty and Stupid”. It makes my blood boil to read a local scumbag write this kind of crap. Everyone will agree with the stupid part but one reason the Hawks have been such a great team is that they have won “the right way” IMO. They typically are at the bottom of the league in penalties, they don’t employ goons and they focus on skating and puck possession which makes the game so enjoyable to watch. I left Chicago a long time ago but I hope you local guys find a way to respond to this loser. Perhaps he can find a job in St. Louis writing about their heart and clean brilliant play. It makes me puke that we are less than 90 seconds from a 2-0 lead. Unfortunately as so many have pointed out the ability to close has been our achilles heel all year. We are not very good at prevent defense. Lastly whatever you think about the Seabrook hit, it is amazing how little discussion there is regarding the Jackman hit. He clearly lined up Keith from behind and sent him into the boards head-first. This could have caused a serious injury but I guess the league is ok with certain hits, including spearing, but not with others. All I can say is that if we find a way to pull the series off it will be one of the most incredible comebacks in history. Hoping we find a way!
The Seabrook hit has horrendous. If fans are going to scream for the head of Raffi Torres for what he did to Hossa, then there is no defending Seabrook. Awful play that as a fan of this organization I am very ashamed of. And now Seabrook has made himself the mortal enemy of the Blues for the rest of his NHL career.
This series is over. Seabrook is done, Kane is not well and Toews not looking great either. St Louis should be smelling blood and come in for the kill. The Hawks don’t have what it this season. The message has been the same since January. The will of this team has been dead for awhile. Ever since the return from Sochi in fact. So lets spend the offseason identifying another Center while rolling in a couple youngsters to th defensive mix. Nordstrom, Teuvo, Clendening and Johns have big opportunity to show what they can do, and hopefully we get back to solid Cup competitiveness next season.
Blues will win the Stanley Cup. People are way underestimating the current shortage of defenseman the Avs have. All those fast as sexy forwards can be neutered by rhe Blues in a playoff series.
Rufus- Are u goin to Game 3? We need the support, no time to quit now!!
-nice opine btw
3 is too many for 7, but not unexpected. He will be missed no doubt. He played well games 1-2 . He and Raffi have nothing in common in my mind.
Job at hand gettin tougher every day but the beat goes on. Hawks
know the situation. Self destructing in G3? Can’t see it. We will find a way with
whomever is suited up. It’s 0-2 for crissake, hardly insurmountable.
but 3 games? horeshit!
R.T.F.-if you were taken more seriously the middle paragraph would be excellent fodder for the Hawks dressing room-
there is a lot of heart in that room-hopefully the will as well. I think they can push back, and it will be interesting if the Blues want to win Monday or just exact revenge. Coach H will be hoping the former.
I don’t believe that the Blues will win this year, especially if this turns into a longer series. There are so many twists and turns in the long playoff run it could one of many teams.
I have a lot of respect for Coach Q but he needs to get Morin in the line up for a few reasons-but mostly because he loves the physical intense games. Perfect Fit.
RTF – You are acting like the Blues will play the Avs for the Cup. There are a few pretty good teams out west here and then the Bruins and Habs aren’t bad. I don’t see the Blues going all the way – Miller has not impressed me.
AJ is 100% correct…this is on the coaches by fielding a lineup that’s less than 100%, especially when Toews and Kane are hurting.
As for Seabrook’s suspension, it just shows what a joke the NHL is at policing their game. But, its not bad for the Hawks, its good. This is EXACTLY what the 2014 Hawks need at this point. The league and the hockey gods are “against them”, so now they have no other choice than to rally around each other.
Right now, this series hangs in the balance and its up to Q to field a lineup that puts pressure on the Blues. We have the man power to do this, but the coach needs to take Zus out of the lineup and insert Morin. Better yet, put Regin and Morin in and punish STL with 4 lines that can hit, skate and score.
This thing is far from over, and if Q makes the necessary changes, we’ll win.
3 games seems excessive, considering the fact he was given a match.penalty. I was thinking two games tops! Totally horseshit call. One game at a time boys!
Go Hawks!!
Dicky Dunn- Yea, the league is a disgrace. This is another thing that proves the league is trying their best to screw us over. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the league instruct the refs give them the calls & let them get away with stuff the next 5 games.
Seabs is not a dirty player & has never hit anyone once with a dirty or chap hit. Even when the refs miss stuff at live action speed, the league gets to watch with instant replay. Yet they still get the call wrong or not for the appropriate amount of games, etc. Whatever, like Crow said I guess their allowed to get away with stuff but were not.
It should have been 1 game at most. This will just make us stronger for game 6 & 7.
Dickie- Shanahan no longer works for the NHL, but we can keep blaming him if it makes you feel better.
RD- as much as I loved seeing Backes laid out, I immediately called Seabrook an idiot for time/place.
Still feeling alright about the Hawks getting past the Blues, just worried the length of this series will ruin their chance for a Cup.
Wall- did you watch the Avs first game? Goal to tie bounced right on to a guys stick after a rebound. On the winning goal, the Avs defender falls and bowls over two guys. I do think you create your own luck. Don’t think the Blues have been particularly lucky against the Hawks, but to say they’ve dominated them by barely squeaking out wins seems off.
JS – I’m aware that Shanahan was named President of the Leafs about a week ago – my reference to his name is a homage (admit it, he became synonymous with player discipline…I’m quite certain that he’s earned it.) to the splendid job – flawless, really – that he did since replacing Colin Campbell as “Official” disciplinarian/jerk-off. But, thank you for pointing that out (- I hope it makes you feel better).
JS- you as level as the Swede vodka! Just curious how ya felt since i knew we both had some honest disdain there. Wasn’t tryin to call ya down to carpet for the dog thing(if i in fact remembered correctly) and where is Phil? He is the guy we need to address 42s misfortune I think, ha.
Rufus: You’re a moron. Stop.
To win: Play Morin and Nordstrom, sit Bollig and Handzus. Outskate them, out-possess them. Roll four lines, per Brad’s parrot.
The parrot is the wisest one on this board.
I was out of town since Thursday, and posting on a smartphone is not one of my favorite tasks given a small screen. Back in Chicagoland and looking forward to be UC bound this evening. These past 4 days have been kind of rough for us fans. Hawks losing those games in such heartbreaking fashion have left me emotionally drained. It has been mentioned, but worth repeating that this is exactly how we lost a few games to these guys earlier in the season. All games had the Hawks blow late game leads. Games the Hawks won they brought the quality product combining good passing, skating to open areas, d men outleting crisp passes to clear the zone. Quality scoring chances especially with screens set up near Blues net. Some physical was there too. I think what we should take from what we have already seen as simple. Hawks can play physical hockey, but it needs to be contained, and properly directed. I believe it will be so tonight. Blues should not be so stupid as to target Hawks stars, but I kind of think they are because it is in their DNA, and they have to many many scum bucket players that play mean for a living. The douche bag list for the blue notes is a long one, and maybe the longest in the league. Could be something in the water down there, you know like in Vancouver. I still say the Blues don’t win the Cup because of the Canucklehead factor, in the person of Lapierre.
So the Seabs gets 3 for putting Backes into next wherever. Such a pity it came late in the game. I have felt Backes karma would come back to him someday, and maybe this will wake that guy up. He has a great game, a big heart, and is only restricted by the long nasty streak that runs through him that has resulted in numerous injuries to NHL players via his creative cheap shots. Backes is a really good player, and could be great one if he would just lose the cheap stuff. The guy has played that way for years, and it finally came back to bite him. He got lined up just like all players before and players to come that forget to look around when the puck is near. Seabs made him pay. Massive shoulder shot that got head and upper body. This play will be discussed for years. Helps allows Blues to tie it up, refs don’t even call a penalty when Steen drops gloves and punches out Seabs, NO CALL!! WTF was that???Clueless refs looked like they knew they had lost control of the game. The Jackman boarding of Keith could have been a match penalty, not called at all. A very dangerous play, not even thinly cloaked. It was a clear attempt to injure. And yes boys and girls, Jackman is on the above mentioned Blues douche bag list, and has been for years. This is another guy that the karma collector will someday pay a visit to. Lest we forget that this all supposed to be fun, I refer you all to what should be considered required viewing as it relates to the character of some no need to mention Blues players.
http://www.veoh.com/watch/v17990992nmqFyzgY
Need some consistent big games now from Crow. He has been his enigmatic self making heroic saves that boost his team, only to let in some crushing team spirit deflating softies. The guy can simply drive us nuts. Corey is a capable keeper on a very good team. That’s all you need. It can be argued whther he was over paid. I see both sides of that argument. Corey was a massive reason the hawks won the Cup last year. He raised his game to a very high level, never mid the Boston “glove side” game in the garden. Corey needs to raise his game if we are to advance. To be honest I think both keepers have been just mediocre in this series. Corey has actually made the “bigger” saves, yet has not come up big down the stretch.
Hawks have lost, given away 2 games by the agonizingly thinnest of margins. That’s the difference between winning and losing in this league. Season on the line tonight and Wednesday. WTF is going on with an 8:30 start??Thanks Bettman. I think we can still beat these guys, but as I said yesterday with Tazer and Kane hurting the task falls to Hoss, Sharp, Saad and the rest to raise their game, play Hawks hockey and get back in this thing. BB for sure to take Seabs spot? I just hope the Hawks can stay out of the box, play smart, and use their skill to carve out a win tonight. Gotta get the first win and then let something build. Blues held serve, that’s it. RTF could be right, but I’m not hanging out with Eyore yet. No offense BTW Ruf, I respect your vision. I will not question the heart of this team when it comes to winning. It starts with #19. He hates losing. I just hope Johnny has enough in the tank to get it done.
Nice call out MS on Rosenbloom Trib column. Hiding behind the keyboard. One can question timing of Seabs hit, but I felt Rosenbloom was out of line with those comments. Call it provocative journalism or simply dick-wad at work. If Hawks fans really want to get blood boiled this afternoon tune to WSCR Am 670 after 1:300 and listen to the B and B bums trash hockey, and the Hawks, in their pompous, arrogant blather.
Time for work. More later
Lets Go Hawks!!
By the way, in the video link above forward to the 2:30 mark for the real fun.