Blackhawks Need Win, Get Shutout In Arizona
Tuesday night’s game sums up the 2018-19 Blackhawks season perfectly.
Against a Coyotes team that has struggled to produce any offense all season, Chicago was shutout 1-0 by Darcy Kuemper.
Lawson Crouse skated 17:03 for the Coyotes and got third period penalties called on Brent Seabrook at 4:35 and Duncan Keith – the back-breaker – at 18:13, both tripping calls. In a game that saw the Hawks generate no momentum whatsoever any short-handed time wasn’t helping.
The Blackhawks out-shot the Coyotes 12-11 in the first period but neither team scored.
Arizona out-shot the Hawks 7-5 in the second and the score remained tied at zero.
With Seabrook in the box early in the third, Nick Cousins scored his seventh of the season. That would prove to be all Kuemper needed.
The Hawks were able to out-shoot the Coyotes 14-11 in the third but there was little sustained pressure on Kuemper.
This was a must-win game for the Blackhawks, and:
- Patrick Kane registered two shots on net in 21:02.
- Alex DeBrincat put three shots on net in 22:49.
- Dylan Strome returned to the desert and was credited with zero shots on net in 15:11.
Jonathan Toews finished tied with three other Blackhawks with a team-high four shots on net. He also won 14 of 26 faceoffs in 22:07.
Brendan Perlini, Brandon Saad and Erik Gustafsson also put four shots on net.
Connor Murphy celebrated his birthday back in the desert. He blocked three shots and finished tied for the team lead with four hits in 18:08. Chris Kunitz was also credited with four hits.
Corey Crawford stopped 26 of 27 in the loss.
Chicago’s postseason chances are on life support. The Hawks need a lot of help from other people… and they need to remember how to score if they want any chance at a return to the playoffs.
“We need more”.
Great, astute decision by Kampf to try and get off the ice when the puck was still by the Hawks’ zone on the game deciding PK. By the time Saad (who came on ice for him) got near the front of the net the Arz guy had scored. Of course, if Kruger had sent the puck into the Arz zone instead of barely out of his own zone, the goal wouldn’t have happened.
Whose decision is it to have Kampf & Kruger kill penalities all season? By the way, Kampf on the second line? LOL. For those advocating that Kampf is the next Kruger (when Kruger was useful), stop w the funny smokes and acid please.
Thanks.
Turn out the lights the party is over. As many have said “ fools gold”. This is not a playoff team. Lots of work to do this offseason.
Colliton must see something in Kampf that many of on this site cannot.
The most painful part of the game?
Tyson Nash.
Absolutely brutal as a colour commentator.
The Hawks aren’t good enough to win without Kane and they have virtually been without Kane for the past bunch of games. There is something wrong with him because he doesn’t go from one of the best puck handling guys in the world to a guy who can’t control the puck on his stick. The PP went impotent about the same time Kane’s hands turned to stone – not a coincidence.
We could hope Cat would pick up the slack somewhat but his shot has disappeared too. He’s missing shots he would normally make.
The defense has played much better lately and the effort has been good even when the execution isn’t very good.
Oh well,
Ha agree loags, Nash is atrocious annoying etc…
Kahun is not Panarin, far from it, but on this Hawks team has been a steady top 9 performer all season. He has to have about a dozen goals and thirty plus points. He’s proven he can score and create to some degree at worst.
How many minutes did Kahun play tonight, 6-7? And w Kunitz & Kruger? Meanwhile Sikura is skating top line minutes, probably three times what Kahun played. If Sikura ever scores an NHL goal, will Bowman and he have a joint press conference?
Speaking of Bowman, off in hiding again…. when the chips are down, Bowman is in Danny Solis mode — nowhere to be found.
Colliton seems to have a bromance with Kampf. I don’t get it. Yes, he plays consistently hard and is defensively responsible – but that’s about it which is fine for about 10-12 minutes TOI including PK time. He don’t belong anywhere near a line Colliton hopes can provide scoring fairly regularly. But … for some reason – there he is playing up in the lineup effectively negating any scoring his line mates would otherwise be capable of providing.
I like Colliton and think he’s a bright guy with a nice future but the whole Kampf bromance is baffling.
You too Iceman? Another Sikura basher? From my perspective he was one of the 2 or 3 best players on the ice for the Hawks tonight, and has been for the last few games. I like Kahun too and I think Sikura and Kahun are similar players with their skating, vision, passing and compete level – so nothing against Kahun but it seems to me Sikura has been the better player in the last handful of games.
Iceman – “How many minutes did Kahun play tonight, 6-7? And w Kunitz & Kruger?” Kahun played with Anisimov and Saad. Kunitz and Kruger played with Kampf most of the game.
We took 2 HORRIBLE penalties in the third period by veteran Dmen, the 2nd one ending the game essentially. Kampf made a terrible decision and the team got burned. There was plenty of crappy play to go around with finger pointing. My simple conclusion is we just aren’t good enough and lack any depth of talent. I doubt many would disagree with that.
I think Kane is simply worn down to a nub right now. WAY too many minutes in the last 40 games, but we all understand why.
It’s time to let Ward play, sit Seabrook and Keith on alternating nights, and let the kids play defense. We need to sort out who is staying and who is going. By the looks of the roster in the last few weeks, Forsling has won a spot at this point and Dahlstrom has lost his. That won’t make this board happy, but I will be the contrary vote. I still feel he has great upside with his skating (though not the fastest), his ability to move the puck and his shot (bettered by only Gus and Seabrook). He now has enough games under his belt to start getting his act together. But he MUST get stronger on his skates – a big summer for him. Put him on the point for the 2nd PP unit and let that group play more than 15 seconds every PP.
Leave Delia in Rockford. Let him be a stud down there and gain confidence and momentum with Joki. Nothing for him to do up here other than lose confidence with only kids playing and nothing for the team to gain.
A lost year for Toews and Kane other than personal stats. Dcat improved, but needs to be more responsible with the puck in the defensive zone. Can Strome be good next year and will Perlinni become more consistent? Saad could be ready for his best year as a Hawk, but won’t get his points on the 3rd line by himself and not playing on the PP. Move AA for a younger version or another need, but not a draft pick only, unless he is part of a move up In this year’s first round. We need to fill this team out now, not in 4 years. Dmen are still 2 years away from having a strong impact.
We need a top pair of Dmen and a right handed scoring forward. May be able to trade up for the forward, but we are in the need to acquire or sign the Dmen. Must get at least 1 top Dman.
Pack it up guys. We don’t need another point this year.
Work to do Mr. Bowman. Time to get things in order or become part of the damage thrown out.
the ’03-’04 team managed to win just 20 games and amassed 59 points in 82 games. It was the modern day low point in many regards. Until this year. The PK is dead last in the NHL. Its so bad that they trail the ’04 team 84% to 71% It’s the worst PK in at least 40 yrs of Blackhawks hockey, maybe ever, ….” historically bad” and ”the playoffs” don’t really go together.
Kampf is responsible and works every shift, every game-that’s why they like him-but he can’t help a team in the top roles-
he’s defined by that.
Coaches like players who they know and what they will bring every night.
As Kane goes (hurt or fatigued or both) so goes the Hawks-that needs to change to some extend next year.
AA has been one of the few guys to play to his level late in the year.
I hate to say it. They’re done like dinner.
Was holding Hope, but she left me last night. Now looking Faith for next year, where’s she at?
What free agents or rufa should we go after or tender for next year? What realistic trades can we make to get someone and what do you think realistically would the other team accept?
Why all the dump and chase when they have no one that can win a board battle? If this was the game plan going in then the entire coaching staff should be fired because there isn’t any recovery by the Hawks ever. Hate to say this but they look like a totally defeated team that are done. Time for some new faces and new ideas because this shit sucks. Just my rant for the day.
In 2nd period on Blackhawks pp, Grabner clearing attempt almost kept in by Gus, instead of keeping presure on tired pk, they skate back in their own end, make 2 or 3 drop passes so the puck has to skated out of their own zone 3 times, pk has fresh bodies waiting for them. Kruger in 3rd fails to get puck deep, Arizona pp immediately pressures tired pk trying to change and scores.
Strome had a magical year, reuniting with his best friend on a line, playing his childhood dream on pp with 19 and 88. Riding a shooting% and puck luck that wasn’t going to be maintained at the rate we saw. Now because of his lack of a solid defensive game, and basically abandoning his net front presence, Kampf has to play the middle on his line. A big question mark for next year, hopefully he learns to use his size more to benefit his game and regains his confidence.
Unless someone brought in the top 4 in minutes on blueline should be 2,5,28 & 56. With 7 be one of other spots for sure, the other regular spot may be one of other 3 on roster now. Agree Forsling has looked the most promising of them, lately. Also could use that last spot to give guys like Mitchell, Beaudin, Krys and Carlsson or somebody else deserving looks at Nhl level. With no. 7 spot filled by one of other 3.
Hopefully Entwistle can make team out of camp and bring his strong pk and 2 way with a bit of physicality to roster.
Keep in mind this wasn’t Tampa or Boston this was the Arizona Coyotes for the love of god. Is this what the Hawks have fallen to? Don’t kid yourselves this team is in trouble.
Sit 19, 88, 20, 15, 2, 7, 12, against SJS, LA, WPG, and Nash. Already clinched or eliminated. I know we are not eliminated but I’m just disgusted. Ranting
Sikura has definitely begun to adjust. Very noticeable and all in a good way. There was one moment where he did a bob and weave similar to Kane. Its just extremely tight out there on the ice. He carries this confidence and adds some strength and he’ll be another offensive threat. You can really see his game improving tho’.
As for Kane. He’s fine. Teams are focusing on him and constantly breathing down his neck so he looks like he doesnt have the time.
Altho he probably has plenty bruises. Same with Debrincat.
I winced when i saw Dahlstrom sign an extension today. Glad he wasnt overpaid. (850k)
RyanDale, thats interesting because the middle games 30-60? the PP was prob the best we have had in how many yrs?
That says transition all over it.
Silent, couldnt agree more. We just do not have the depth. We have a good players and now we need to add add add add to those players to get a deep roster. Then were back to a top team, I still think we ll be close in 2 yrs.
7 and 8 seed.
DAL- 8
COL- 5
ARI- 4 (they went from 6 to 3 when we talked about them needing to lose games for us to get 8 seed)(problem is COL won 4 and we only split the 4 games against COL and ARI recently)(Just too far behind at game 30)(no worries)
MIN- 0
CHI- 0
EDM- 0
Would take COL and ARI losing two games, MIN losing one game, and CHI winning 2 games, to get every team tied. Then whoever wins the most in last 4 games gets in.
Not saying we thinking we get 8 seed. It is still that close and would need other teams to lose, just like ARI did a few games. Of course we didnt win our games so whala.
Very proud of guys, since game 30, to play good and go 23-11-6 for the bulk of the 2nd 40 games. We just ran out of gas and do not have anywhere near the depth and certain style players we need in those spots to be a top team right now. Thats ok were in transition.
Now, let get to work on roster, when we can. Made excellent in season trades. Now lets keep moving in right direction and I want to see Bowman and crew get those positions you guys talked about that we need this summer/draft ufa and trade, both ways work.
4 Stanley Cups Believe.
Roman, I am for that because I do not want any of those guys getting hurt in meaningless games that would take away from a full summer of training. Those guys need it after playing the most playoff games in the history of hockey, in order to recharge full batterys for the coming yrs.
Ian, we better get a top 4 ufa/trade. We cant wait for that many very good to be draft blue chip/and just good players to be ready. And I do not mean for this next 1.5 yrs while reloading.
Then we have a more stable stable and balanced group. The better D? can help the FW and vice versa. I just do not want to see the core/and others play as good as they did this yr with between a 1/2 to 3/4 roster and get within a couple games of 7 and 8 seed and people feel bad.
This was a good thing we did that without a deep roster. Now lets get some more good players to join the club and we ll see another jump in team quality like we did after we got good complimentary players like 91. Strome is going to be very good for a long time with De bob lee swagger cat. Sort of how Hands and Richy did with 81 and 88 in 13 and 15.
56 can play OFF and got better at D, so who knows what prospects that do not look good for awhile then all of sudden after enough games/time can just play out of no where. Dals could be the next 57 on 3rd pair. Like Rozy was, We need every position filled thats not filled, with Cup deepness.
Not this water downed/PIT-Bettman co. transition yrs of league. The league needs some real top 5 teams again, like TAM/NAS/WIN. Hockey was better when there was 5-7 top 5 teams, not 3 like the last few yrs.
Ian, even though BoQ will be green his first yr Hammer was to and he was that good.
Silent, really good post and thats what I want right off the bat, a top 2/4 Defensemen.
When 2 & 7 came up they had some tough years early on figuring it out. They’re great players – Keith certainly a future Hall of Famer – and developed into outstanding leaders and champions, but it wasn’t always good.
It cracks me up how much people in Chicago LOVE Niklas Hjalmarsson as though there weren’t any people out there who talked sh** in 2010-11 and 11-12 after he signed the offer sheet w/ the Sharks that cost the Hawks one of Niemi/Ladd and then had some rough patches the following two years. Hjalmarsson’s path to success was aided IMMENSELY by coming along with Keith, Seabrook & Brian Campbell all being all-star caliber players at the time.
The Blackhawks could use a younger veteran somewhere between the mid-30s Keith-Seabrook and the young kids to help these youngsters. And, to me clear, someone who plays defense well – I don’t want the player I’m longing to have on the roster to be confused with Gustafsson.
Hammer did do good right away, but I forgot/wasnt thinking about him having some like that after 2010 yr. Anyways thats what I mean a defensive defensmen, no matter how good the player is at OFF.
Somebody acquired who is a defensively responsible top 4 guy in his prime, along with Keith to play with Gus and Joki would be preferred.
Seabrook leads the team in hits and blocked shots, could play with Murphy, if 5 plays on his off side. Still Joki should emerge like Gus did this season and Gus needs to work on improving his all around game. Keith will still be Keith, somebody to bridge the gray to green gap is needed though and should be top priority.
Think thats what everyone wants and what team needs.
This should be mandatory by Bowman and crew.
The reason why the Coyotes have been in a possible playoff spot for a month with not a great line-up-and injuries
they work hard, can skate, have some grit and play a system under Tocchet that seems to frustrate other teams-yes they aren’t Tampa or Winnipeg but they seem to be effective against quite a few teams-they are no slouch.
It was very telling and disappointing the way the Hawks responded to must win games against teams they should be able to beat. As good as Kane and Toews have been this year, they simply could not do it by themselves. I don’t think AZ is a particularly good defense, but they made the Hawks uncomfortable. And the Hawks don’t do uncomfortable.
Since the Hawks are clearly no longer faster than the rest of the NHL and suck at dump and chase, something has to give. Either they get better playing against speed or get better grinding it out and winning board battles. Currently, they are kind of bad at both and it shows.
After everything that has happened since opening night, we find ourselves basically where we started. A team with holes to fill that could use an influx of talent that doesn’t play defense particularly well. I am curious to see how the team responds in the games remaining. I hope they can find a way to play in a style that forces the opponents into uncomfortable play rather than always reacting to how the opposition plays against them.
ARZ also has the #1 PK in the NHL and has one of the lowest GAA in the league – that’s how they win but for the Hawks not to score at all in a must win game is a big fail no doubt about it
I didn’t love Colliton’s lines like some others have said – I was hoping he’d go back to 20-19-88 and 12-17-11 and 24-15-95 plus Kampf etc. on 4th line (where he belongs)
I get what he was trying to do tightening up defensively having Kampf with 17 and 11 and in one sense it worked (Coyotes only got 1 goal and that on the PP) but it neutered Strome particularly plus he had to play wing when his strength is as a centre
The Hawks league worst PK has lost them many points this year and even an average PK would have them right there in the playoff mix so that has to be remedied next year – no excuses
And for sure for sure a top 4 D man has to brought in and a forward or two with some grit and a willingness to go to the net
However last night’s game was just a footnote to when the Hawks really dropped out of the playoff race and that was when they lost at home to VAN and PHI in very winnable games
Here’s to winning the draft lottery!
I think our long National nightmare is now over.
It’s twistedly ironic that the Blackhawks are going to miss out on the playoffs, in the standings behind Arizona, who could be dubbed “The Junior Hawks”. Doesn’t seem realistic that they would be behind Arizona that has the likes of Hammer, Hinostroza, Schmaltz (who’s not even playing), Panik etc who the Blackhawks dealt in order to get better.
But, as earlier posters have said, Arizona has probably played harder all year long. They are in the hell hole of hockey location wise. But they play pretty hard. And I thought that the Blackhawks’ compete level was pretty good last night. However, all in all, we can’t really say that Chicago is a better team than AZ right now. They’ve done nothing to prove it.
@Miro – regarding how the Hawks respond to the remaining games
I agree that it would be nice to see them dictate the play for a change – last night IMO they played to ARZ’s strength by playing a tight to the vest defensive style waiting for opportunities rather than coming at them full on with their skill
That’s why I thought the lines should have been different – it would have been a perfect game to force the opposition to play with the Hawks but they didn’t do that nor did they do it in other winnable games that you and I have both referenced such VAN and PHI
I get that JC is not playing with a full hand – he doesn’t really have 9 FWs for a decent top 9 or 4 D for a top 4 so he’s always patching over holes but in my mind I’d rather go out playing to your strength (in the Hawks case the ability to score) than trying to beat the other team at their style of play
Also can’t ignore the fact that the PP sucked the last 10 games or so and the PK was always atrocious
Were not deep this yr, but were also not full staffed on PP or PK. Thats growing pains of transition. When was the last time, I cant remember ever, we had last in PP or PK and that bad in other. The weird thing is we had the most dominate stretch in PP in last 10 yrs.
Anyways we need to have enough of a full roster to have a chance at thing like PK. Bowman is reloading with a certain style pf players for the future style of league has gone to. I am not blaming anything on anything until he gets enough good players for us to compete at the areas were weak in. Then if were bad, change it.
Right now its a matter of having 8 FW and 3 D. We need a half dozen players to get to where were going to get to. We ll get those players.
I think we have to be patient and let Bowman get the type and positions we need. It cant be done in 1.5 yrs. Hes done well to this point, he needs to acquire the next installment of roster this summer/draft.
For this yr, who gives. Were not beating top teams with 55-65% of a full roster.
Pretty much saying the same thing over again. No need anymore until draft and july 1. We know what we need to add. We have the cap space This summer to do it. We didnt last summer.
@Wrap, I completely agree that a team with a PK as bad as the Hawks have been this year have no biz being anywhere near the playoffs. The Hawks got back into the race by having a PP that overcame a horrible PK. Once the PP came back down to earth, the PK weighed this team like an anchor and brought this whole playoff train to a complete stop.
As far as what to do the rest of the year? Get Kane above 106 points and get Toews to 82 or more points. I get that teaching the young guys is important, but get Kane and Toews theirs. They earned it, without their herculean effort this year the playoff dash would have never happened… If that means loading up the top six with the a combination of the six best players, I am down with that. I am intrigued by Saad and Perlini on the same line for some reason. Not sure why I like the size and speed of those two guys on the same line, but I think it could be disruptive. That said I am open to any combo of the Hawks best players playing together on the top two lines… Load em up and see what happens…
I’m calling it done for this season. The possible routes to a playoff spot are very, very few and, even if we get there, they’re going to get bounced fast.
Onward to 2019/2020
Miro, I like that 20 and 11 and someone. Its not to see for future, its to let these two guys play their style
and
‘show us what you got guys’ (Dunlop).
Just want to salute the guys this yr who where tall it how it is and nothing against the negative Nancys, but put some downy in those jerseys boys. Were coming back whether you like it or not. Its just a matter of time.
What I like is the nancys who say its over and the season is a wash. 17 18 19 always was basically, when were not deep.
2 yrs. Then you can talk. I told Wall/and others in 2013 were there and they said….
Never say never.