Blackhawks Suffer Another Road Loss as Offense Disappears for 40 Minutes
March has been tough on the Blackhawks. After beating up on the bottom half of the division in February, the calendar rolled over and the results went the wrong direction.
Chicago began the final two games of their toughest road trip of the season on Thursday night in Tampa after allowing ten goals in two games on the other side of the state. The Blackhawks were 0-for-8 on the power play in their previous two games. Would the Hawks figure something out?
They got a chance almost immediately. Barclay Goodrow went to the box 47 seconds into the game, and the Hawks broke through against the best netminder in the league. Mattias Janmark’s tenth of the season came with assists to Alex DeBrincat and Dominik Kubalik.
Chicago held onto the lead for more than 11 minutes, and held Tampa to two shots on goal in the first 12 minutes of the opening period. That is until Alex Killorn tied the game at one. Killorn loves playing the Blackhawks; he has now scored in five straight games against the Hawks.
Four minutes later with Lucas Wallmark in the box, Yanni Gourde scored a power play goal to give Tampa a 2-1 lead. It kinda sorta felt like the wheels were about to come tumbling off (again), but at least this time the Hawks didn’t cough up a multi-goal lead.
Not so fast! Pat Maroon went to the box inside the final two minutes of the period and Dylan Strome, who returned to the lineup from concussion protocol, was the right man in the right place. Strome’s power play goal tied the game at two.
The Bolts out-shot the Hawks 10-9 in the first period and spent almost as much time chasing Connor Murphy around the ice as they did trying to score. Tampa was clearly trying to get Murphy to drop the gloves at some point after his hit on Erik Cernak on March 7. Murphy did not take the bait, however.
The second period saw more harassing Murphy and less offense. The teams combined for 14 total shots on net (seven for each side) and zero goals.
Kevin Lankinen was holding his own between the pipes again, but the Hawks weren’t generating anything at even strength.
The next goal would be huge, and unfortunately it came from Tampa’s Ross Colton at 5:32 into the third. Tampa was bringing pressure early and often in the third and the Hawks were turning the puck over far too frequently.
At the tv timeout with eight minutes remaining in regulation, Strome and Janmark had combined to put nine shots on goal. The rest of the Blackhawks lineup had 10… combined. And only one other Blackhawks – Duncan Keith (two) – had more than one.
Chicago continued chasing and pulled Lankinen for the extra attacker with under two minutes left in regulation. But they couldn’t even get a shot on net, much less control the puck for more than five or six seconds at a time. Tampa was willingly blocking shots before they got to the net. A blocked DeBrincat shot was flipped the other direction by Victor Hedman and found the empty cage with 15 seconds left to put the final nail in the coffin.
At the tv timeout we mentioned previously the Blackhawks had 19 shots on net. They were credited with two more shots on net as a team in the final eight minutes of regulation.
The Blackhawks offense was inept. Tampa did not play a good game and they were able to skate away with a two-goal victory. With the exception of two power play goals in the first period Chicago generated absolutely nothing.
The Blackhawks put 21 shots on goal in 60 minutes. Lankinen stopped 19 of 22.
Janmark led the Hawks with five shots on net and added an assist on the Strome goal to his own power play marker. He was terrific.
Strome looked pretty good for his first action in a month as well. He won four of seven faceoffs and put four shots on net.
After the game, Murphy talked about Tampa trying to pick a fight. His answer was tremendous.
Murphy: "Goodrow came up to me and challenged me to a fight and I said no to the fight. He wouldn't let it go."
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) March 19, 2021
"I chose not to. We've been searching for a win and this was a big game for us. I didn't want to sit in the penalty box for that long."
Effort was good for all 60 minutes. Lankinen let in 2 goals that should have been stopped. Passing was not good enough to beat a team as good defensively as TB.
Strome looked pretty good and made some nice plays – nice to have him back.
Janmark played well and hopefully Stan can trade him for a 2nd round pick.
I like Kampf as a 4th line and PK guy – can’t stand him with DCat and Kane because he kills so many plays with his offensive ineptitude.
Speaking of Kane – loved seeing his defensive effort but his passing was not even close to normal Kane standards.
Hagel and Kubalik are becoming a thing. If Dach can play center when he returns I would be really torn between him playing with either 12/88 or 38/8.
hmmm..not sure I agree with your assessment Tab. I honestly thought that the Hawks played a pretty good game, all things considered..no where in your review did you mention Lankinen giving up two relatively soft goals that I’m sure he would love to have back..and which were the majority of Tampa’s offense against us..besides that, Tampa didn’t generate much offense either..it was a pretty well checked game by both teams..I do agree though that Janmark and Strome looked good tonight..their line was generating chances throughout the game and it was nice to see the pp break through a couple of times..also thought Zadorov had a nice game with several nice breakouts out of our zone, although in general I still have issues with him and Murphy constantly taking the puck instead of the body..they’re both physically imposing defensemen..I’d like to see more physicality out of each of them every single game (although, to Zadorov’s credit, he was about to send Joseph into the hemisphere when he turtled to the ice in anticipation of the hit lol).. I think they each have the ability to shift the energy and momentum of a game to the Hawks favor if they would play with more of an edge..I know the Hawks don’t want to take penalties and be shorthanded more than they have to be, but I don’t believe it would be a negative to at least have a few instances on tape of each of them sending a player hard into the glass..even if it’s just so that other teams know it’s something that the Hawks are capable of..it never hurts to put in the back of an opposing forward’s mind that they might be demolished into the wall at any moment..giving some physical punishment to the opposition can be a way to help neutralize a team like Tampa (and like Florida a few nights ago) who are having their way with you in our zone..those are the type of penalties(if it’s even called a penalty) that can be a positive as long as they’re used opportunistically and they’re not overly excessive..over the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen Domi try to bait Mitchell into a scrap, Gudas do the same thing to Suter, and Benn do the same thing to Murphy..and the reason why? Because we’re playing the same teams over and over..and the book on the Hawks is that we’re not a team that fights, and we’re really not a physical team at all..so other teams can take liberties, large and small without much response..swing the pendulum a little bit in the other direction..no one has to head hunt, but if you have your check lined up, finish him into the glass or the boards..I think the Hawks may be surprised at how the ice opens up..and I’m singling out Murphy and Zadorov because the Hawks don’t have a Mayers, Scott, Bollig, Car Bomb(ok, Car Bomb didn’t always do a great job picking his spots lol) etc. as a 12th forward who can keep the other team honest..so that responsibility falls to the blueliners who are 225 pounds apiece. Even Seabrook wasn’t a ”fighter” but he would punish you if he thought you were getting a little to much free ice or taking too many liberties with our forwards..
When you get a chance to shoot then shoot the damn puck.
@ebony..I think Kane will be happy to get home to the United Center..Q shadowed Kane with Barkov and Ekblad for the past two games and then Tampa shadowed him with the Point line and Hedman tonight..last change has been effective for them..once home, Colliton can put the Kane line in more advantageous matchups..
agreed, Janmark is playing himself into hopefully a nice opportunity for himself to play for a cup and a nice tdl return for the Hawks..maybe the Islanders? They’re all in and don’t have Lee for the rest of the season..
this team on its best days can’t win a series with the top half of the league, so let the rookies play and trade non futures at the deadline for picks and youth. pray for another goalie who can make the future tandem with lanks and hope this team can contend in a year or three
love seeing the effort epitomized by Hagel and love seeing the rookies battle and progress. this team is way more fun to watch than I ever imagined but it would be a waste to mortgage anything or anyone to try to win this year. it is not in the cards….very very not in the cards
Tightened up the defensive as was figured after way too much freedom the past few games. And then we make a stupid decision to almost pinch but not really commit to it in a tie game in the third, and……
Noticed after that goal and the commercial timeout, Murphy and Zadorov were on the ice for the defensive zone faceoff. Was nice to see Z getting a chance to play in a crucial defensive situation. He needs to be evaluated and those situations will allow him to create coaching opinions. Time to let him make or break with the Hawks. We need to make decisions on the left side of defense.
Not Lankinen’s best game, but that was pretty obvious. Who gets the net Saturday? I’m guessing Lankinen but would actually prefer Subban. Let Lankinen think about it for a while. Still think Lankinen will be a quality NHL goalie.
Worst passing seen in a while, especially trying to exit the zone, I think I counted 6 in a row at on one attempt
Thought Zadorov played pretty well and Murph didn’t cough up any bad ones knowing a hit was inevitably coming his way
And bad mouthing the future HOFer at my own risk, who was totally left behind watching and eating Colton’s dust as he broke away for the GWG? 2.
49 years
Telling the truth isn’t a sin. Ignoring facts is for each person to decide. No real effort to get back into the play either.
What did Hossa say his father taught him? You screw up – you fix it. Or something very close to that. Hossa always showed that hustle.
As Columbus and Nashville creep back in, Stan has to be a realist. It’s been a fun ride and many of these young players have surprised.
However, if GMs come calling for Janmark, Soderberg, Wallmark or deHaan, we have to consider it. The rebuild has been announced. The path has been publicly stated. If the Hawks do not make it into the the 4th spot, few tears will be shed.
Both Keith and Murphy misplayed the GWG but Keith did twice by over committing in the O zone them not hustling back as hard as he could
If Strome played with that energy every game he’d could yet have a future in CHI
The lines were interesting- it’s like they had 4 3rd lines but they played a pretty tight defensive game – as others noted Lank with two softies which hopefully was an anomaly – start him next game I say
The only problem with the lines is they generated very little 5 on 5 – I would put Strome in between 12 and 88 move Janmark up the line up and have. 4th line of 22 64 71
Slayer I would also like to see the forwards especially finish some checks physically but
I disagre on how realistic that is vs TB
Remember when the Hawks were winning Cups teams had a hard time finishing their checks vs them – part of it is that TB is very that good
Pretty well game though – happy to see that although agree passing could have been better
*well played game
Janmark’s stock continues to rise
When he’s traded Dach should be ready to step in and they still might sneak into the playoffs
I’m really hoping Stan can get a nice asset or two for taking a bad contract like
Louie Eriksson
@craig..agreed..with Columbus on our heels and Nashville not far behind(even Dallas still has five games in hand) I think it would be a mistake by Bowman to deviate from the long term plans for this franchise. In their last 10 games, the Hawks have 7 points out of a possible 20 which has allowed teams behind us to close the gap..I would much rather focus on the positive strides this team took this year, then try to stay afloat just to earn a first round playoff matchup with Florida, Carolina, or Tampa..Bowman should definitely be listening on the players you mentioned as well as possibly one or two more..he may only be able to move one or two at most, but collecting draft picks and/or young, cost controlled players for the future should be the only real objective for Bowman over the next three weeks..
I am good with this/which ever are good to bring back. Trade at tradeline everyone we can and bring back who we want/need/wants to in summer for free.
HAWKS2010
March 18, 2021 at 7:34 pm
Hawks should keep and sign Janmark for 2 years I think …this guy is always in a good position and reliable plus he give 100% on every shift
The young core needs guys like this ….and at 28 years old he is perfect fit for 1-2 more years …a keeper I think
Playoffs….playoffs ?? Not this year, lottery pick is more like it. The real Hawks are showing up, and it’s not necessarily the rookies making bad plays, it’s the veterans. Trade for assets and draft a good player.
@wrap..yes, it’s not the easiest task to square up a team that has Tampa’s quickness and elusiveness throughout their lines(and I do remember the Hawks giving teams fits because they couldn’t square up Kane or our other forwards to deliver an earth shattering hit)..I’m speaking more in terms of a general philosophy for this young team regardless of opponent..even the cup winning Hawks teams really weren’t overly physical..but when they were faced with a team like Anaheim, LA, or Boston, the Hawks could summon stretches where they matched their physical play, even if the Hawks weren’t the more ”physical” team per se..their ability to play different styles of hockey, sometimes within the same game, is what made them so difficult to beat, especially once the playoffs began..I’d like to see this young Hawks team begin to embrace that additional aspect of their team game more as they mature..and until the Hawks add more bite and size to their team, it should start with Murphy and Zadorov, the two blueliners who have the ability, if not always the desire, to play that way..
The gap was 5 games for wks since our rookie success stretch of 11-2-5 and I donot care if 4 of those wins were the AHL quality DET. Half of our roster is AHL since we have 9? of 18 dressed are rookies. Most games were agasint top 10 teams in TB CAR FLR.
Some said donot look now CBL DAL are only 4 and 5 points behind. Well they were for wks at that gap. Now we are +2 not what we were after the 11-2-5 stretch.
Lots of teams with in a couple/few games for 7th pick to 17th pick/playoff 8 seed team. Lots and lots.
Prospect development is key for this 55 game yr. Right were we want to be. I like getting that 7-12 range before ping pong balls pick spot because we already got the ‘playoffs’ experience last yr of winning anf getting smoked 4-0/4-1 same difference. So we donot need that again to continue way back to top.
We need the horses and not just 23 of them there has to be a couple/few gems in there and a deep wave.
Top 5 skill draft player is whats better for us getting back to top 3 team status again when the young wave is in there primes.
ANother thing anout these games since our 11-2-5 of playing really good is most games have been close score wise/run up empty nets donot count.
When the Hawks play teams as good as Florida and Tampa, things have to go right and their strengths need to be strengths. The PP was abominable against Florida, but responded tonight. So the Hawks were in the game. However, the goaltending was not up to standards tonight and it cost them. In the past, the Hawks could overcome a softy by Crow. Today, they couldn’t overcome two by Lankinen. Earlier this season, the PP and the goaltending were winning games for the Hawks. To start winning again, both have to be strong on the same evening.
If the Hawks are going to be viable in 2 or 3 years, there is no reason Janmark can’t be a part of that group. He plays very well. A second round pick will do nothing over that period of time, if ever. I don’t understand the clamor to trade him for picks. I guess if someone makes an irresistible offer, you have to listen, but he has been one of the most reliable players on the Hawks.
You can’t make mistakes against a team like Tampa and get away with it. Especially considering how excellent their goaltending is. Let’s try again Saturday, but a Herculean effort will be required to compete against these guys and the Hawks’ goaltender can only give up goals that aren’t his fault.
The Bolts played a smart game and extended themselves just enough to get the regulation win given that their schedule has been changed all around due to earlier cancellations and they are playing 6 games in 8 nights or so.The young Hawks have been exposed after 1 time around the new Covid Division setup as teams have done their film study.You are not going to be successful for long without 3 solid Centers in your lineup in this league.There is nobody driving the play.It is a bunch of forwards skating around and ending up 1 and done.The Hawks have no defensemen rushing up ice to participate in the offense like most other teams have.Keith is wandering around like a chicken with his head cutoff and was a Minus 3 tonight.Of course the Hawks were again horsed in the circle.Now that the playoff fantasy has come crashing down to earth,why not take the leashes off of Mitchell and Boqvist and encourage them to make rushes and join the play in the offensive zone instead of being scared of not getting back.You have 3 statues back there in your other D Men to cover for them.Because if Boqvist and Mitchell are not going to be offensive they are of little value,especially Boqvist.Please stop the Kamph on the top line experiment.He has stone hands and the puck explodes off his stick in the offensive zone.9 Hits in a game that the Bolts were running at Murphy and others all night????How about the locations of Kubalik,Suter,and Kurashev tonight?If Walmark is going to only play 8 minutes or so what is the point of him being out there?Give Barratt,Johnson,Entwhistle,or anybody else a shot at playing some minutes.I thought we were developing this year.Are Kalynuk,Beaudin,and Carllson that bad that they can not get a shot at playing a few games in a row.And to finish off the picture the 1st 2 Goals that Lankinen gave up were horrible.The 2nd one the entire Bolts Line on the ice was chuckling at him.I guess we will all tune in for the Saturday matinee to see if anything changes.
@robs, the reason no one has any substantial concerns with trading Janmark is because he’s a UFA..so you can trade him at the TDL, take advantage of a team that is trying to load up for the playoffs, take their pick or prospect, and then turn around and sign Janmark back in the offseason..he doesn’t have term on his contract, so it’s not like if you trade him, the team he’s going to has his services for the next few years..now, all that being said, I don’t believe the Hawks bring him back next year..he’s playing himself into a nice contract in the offseason and he’s going to get a decent raise from the $2.25 mil he’s being paid this year..and with Hagel, a healthy Nylander, and possibly Reichel making the roster next year, the Hawks really aren’t hurting for inexpensive options at LW3(I’m assuming Cat and Kubalik are your LW for the top two lines with Suter being a third option at LW)..I do like Janmark tho..if the Hawks weren’t saddled with Seabrook’s dead cap space and Shaw’s dead cap space, they could afford to bring back Janmark..but that just isn’t the case currently..those two players alone tie up over $10 mil in cap space that the Hawks have to be cognizant of when building their roster next year..
I think the Hawks are on Level-1 of the rebuild with two more levels to master before they will be a legitimate Cup contender. Level-1 is building and developing a core group of players. Level-1 is not a playoff caliber team. Level-2 is gaining experience, consistency and young players maturing. Level-2 is a playoff caliber team but not yet elite. Level-3 is star players emerge and free agents are acquired to fill gaps. Level-3 is a legitimate Cup contending caliber team.
I think the Hawks won’t get to Level-2 for another year, maybe 2. Then, it will probably take another year or 2 for the core group to hit their stride and the team acquire the finishing touch free agents.
The reason to trade Janmark for something that could produce a young player capable of being part of the core group in a few years AND have minimal impact on the salary cap is because Janmark is not needed for a couple years and by then the Hawks should have an internal replacement for him. The vision is to become a perennial Cup contender for a 5-year window starting a couple years from now at the earliest.
Why is Kampf (0 goals 31 games) centering Kane, Debrincat? I would much rather see
Suter or Soderburg. Can we please take Carpenter off the PP. He would have trouble scoring into an empty net. A lot better options available. Colliton is in over his head.
Well played game against Stanley Cup champs. An early push in 3rd by Tampa resulted in a goal and put Blackhawks in a hole, obviously playing 5 on 5 they are too shorthanded against top teams to have needed push back. Kampf likely only with 88 and 19 until Dach returns as puck retriever and defensive guy to compliment them for now i guess. Strome getting a look on wing to try make him long term fit there, good idea, maybe with Toews when he returns is what they’re hoping.
Agree Slayer, Janmark could be resigned after season anyways if they wish, trading him for high pick is nothing personal, just business.
Like how Lankinen bounces back and makes big saves after letting in a couple of weak ones, an attribute that says he should have a great future.
For the Blackhawks, the team with the better goaltending wins.
The Hawks have had their toughest part of the schedule meet when this young team is starting to tire. But a good reality check for all.
They could squeak in and play Tampa-with better parts, experience and probably the best goalie in the league. Good experience but little hope. (they know how good the top three teams are in this league and play them a lot). Lankinen has come back to what I thought he might be-a possible solid 1 or 2, but not a future elite goalie and rookie of the year.
It was funny seeing big Maroon having his ego so damaged by possibly the smallest guy in the league-the Cat dropped him to his ass with a legal check so he went back at him when he wasn’t ready to do the same. And that cost them a goal.. And I think he sat for awhile. Cooper was probably pissed.
Also what would this powerplay look like if the Hawks actually won 50% of the draws? (not 25% as it seems) It’s so hard for them to set up and they seem to always send the first 50+ seconds trying to have control in the other teams’ zone.
I saw the logic in trying Kampf with Kane+Debrincat…64 is the only C that doesn’t leave them chasing for puck possession straight off a lost face off most of the time; but Kampf’s numbers are slowly dropping and I’d say Soderberg is worth a try with that logic. Just a couple % difference
But Soderberg was invisible in his 12 minutes of ice time last night, so I’m wondering if he’s not 100% right now
I think JC should give Strome some run with 12 and 88 – I know FOs will be an issue although Strome was doing better at the start of the year in that regard and perhaps his drop off there was also related to concussion issues
Strome did win 3 of 4 draws last night and Strome has been effective centring those two at times in the past – he has considerably more upside to his offense than Kampf and he looked good last night – engaged
I don’t think Suter is the answer there – maybe Soderberg but I like where he currently is in the line up so give Strome a shot
12 and 88 are definitely hampered by 64 so I think some a change needs to be made
Wrap, with Dach expected back soon i think he goes with 12 and 88, where it sounded like was the original plan to start this season. Strome being put on wing after briefly playing there before IR seems to indicate that’s where he is getting his chance to show can be part of this roster going forward. Maybe Kampf doesn’t score but he creates alot of offensive zone possession time when he is on the ice for 12 and 88 to score. Maybe Strome is a little more offense but what good is it if you sacrifice puck possession. If they are chasing the game late in 3rd, sure try them to see if a little magic happens but as a regular unit, teams will be waiting for them too much.
Goalies need development and to adapt to speed of Nhl game too. Just like all rookies running into a wall is part of it, a couple of weak goals and shaking it off, then bouncing back to give team a chance , remember everybody writing Crawford off after a few bad games like that. Lankinen showing alot of positive and should be a fine goalie.
Close game played by two teams that skated tired. Lankinen gave up two soft goals and that can’t happen against the Bolts or many teams for that matter. Combine that with poor Hawks passing, and inaccurate shooting when quality chances are presented and you get a big L.
I think we should be pleased this team has put out strong efforts most games this season. The trend that has emerged though is pretty clear. This Hawks roster can’t skate for 60 minutes against quality teams, especially those with physically larger players. We have seen this through the first half of the season, and as we look to the close of the regular season what can we look forward to? Some enjoyable games to watch as the team generally plays hard. Against better teams though the competitive dial is going to get turned up making it even harder for this Hawks team to compete with the present roster. I believe SB should be a seller at trade deadline. Janmark could certainly bring something in return. Soderberg, deHaan, Carpenter and Wallmark too. I really like what Janmark brings to this team and Carpy too. deHaan is a decent dman that unfortunately has had some major injuries that could blow up again. It’s time to plug in young guys and let em play. Hawks need some beefier players as forwards. We have some younger guys that like to hit. Johnson, play that guy. No team in the NHL is intimidated by the Chicago Blackhawks as it stands right now. Work towards the future and enjoy what good hockey we get from our team. If Dach is FULLY healed let him play, otherwise that valuable asset should not be risked. The Toews mystery is certainly troubling.
Let’s Go Hawks!
This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, this is what happens when we play a physical team. The question is what StanBo is going to do about it.
For the record:
Janmark leads the team in +/-
… on the negative side at -11
Sometimes a 2nd for a good player brings nothing so those times sure.
‘I don’t understand the clamor to trade him for picks.’
Sometimes a tradeline trade of Hartman/good player brings you a 2nd and you get players lie Beau and Kurachev.
So its very important to make those trades because you do get good players from it which brings the 23man to quality deep because more keep coming in at lower elc caphits and good quality players.
I understand that the NHL establishe player is always better then a pick. I agree. Except for when those picks turn into good platers like Beau and Kurachev. So its worth it and very important to keep bringing in good young players for taht reason and for the fact that some of them could be very good players.
Whos better for the next 10 yrs of when were going to be a top team again Hartman or Beau/Kurachev.
Another reason to do this/trade at tradeline is not every pick turns out so we need to do more so we get some. Instead of one or two and the % has those not turn out.
More = Moar!
Not arguing just my though on getting 23man loaded again.
Plus if we can sign the player in summer for free again. Its a two for one/like the Hartman for Beau/Kurachev.
I think the size and physicality element is being addressed with some recent signings and draft picks – whether they add through a trade or FA remains to be seen but there is no rush to do that this year – with so many young players who are not yet physically mature they are going to be pushed around – we all know that but this season is about development not pulling out all the stops to make the playoffs – if Stan can pick up a big young power forward prospect for taking on a bad contract then great but I wouldn’t hold my breath hoping a team would be willing to part with such a player
Once the young guys grow into their bodies more we’ll see where exactly there are physical needs on the team and if they’re not filled internally then they’ll need to be addressed externally
It’s literally and figuratively a growth period for the Hawks
Didn’t watch the game busy at work. Sounds like played an even game. Two soft goals. If there are goalie win games are there goalie loss games? Start Lank next game let him get back on his horse.
Agree can’t have Kampf between 12 88. Go with 17. Hopefully he reads us and puts a little jump in his step. When Dach at 110% Hagel Dach Kubalik followed by Suter Soderberg Janmark then Kurashev Kampf Johnson.
I would have all the expiring contracts and deHaab Subban Carpenter Delia available for weighted picks. Even Kampf Highmore Strome Keith for the right offers. Also take on money. Wouldn’t be scared to take on players with 2yrs left maybe 3. Get big big returnS to take more years. Thinking a fresher start for Skinner might help. But not at 9mil.
Bring up our own youngsters or youngsters we get to finish off the season when we lose bodies.
The plan is going as scheduled. Always want the Hawks to win but losses not bothering me due to the prize at the end of the 3yr tunnel.
Janmark’s value will never be higher, especially with Toronto and the Islanders GMs both openly stating they are looking for a middle 6 scorer, that’s Janmark to a Tee this year.
I would love to have him back next year on a three year deal. The thing is, if Stan extends Janmark now, then we have to protect him in the expansion draft or risk losing him for nothing.
I think Stan needs to make a deal sooner rather than later. Waiting til the final 5 minutes for the deadline last year cost Stan dearly in the Lehner and Gustafson deals.
Dubas from Toronto says he wants to deal now. Lou Lam says he wants to replace Anders Lee as soon as possible. Stan is pretty much in the drivers seat. I would sell soon on Janmark before he slumps or gets hurt and we get crumbs on April 12
craig
waiting until the last minute, misreading the market for his players, and being hosed was not the first rodeo with bowman. the leddy and sharp underwhelming returns were of the same process. does he finally learn from the error of his ways?
Ian we can nitpick on some semantics. I agree with you that the Hawks have found a possible goalie-that is great news, and I also agree he needs time to adjust. I don’t care about the soft goals-they happen occasionally to the best.
His upper corners have been exposed by really good players. He is usually money on the bottom half. He may develop into a solid NHL starter, if he gets to Crow level great-but I wouldn’t bet too much money on that.
There was a bit of extreme optimism a month ago, that was unrealistic. That’s all I’m saying.
Primetime example of why we need moar top 5 skill draft players.
GOFORFOUR
March 18, 2021 at 10:12 pm
this team on its best days can’t win a series with the top half of the league, so let the rookies play and trade non futures at the deadline for picks and youth. pray for another goalie who can make the future tandem with lanks and hope this team can contend in a year or three
love seeing the effort epitomized by Hagel and love seeing the rookies battle and progress. this team is way more fun to watch than I ever imagined but it would be a waste to mortgage anything or anyone to try to win this year. it is not in the cards….very very not in the cards
Ian, yea that 4 for 4 against TB that we played even/or good-close during these harder 14 game thing that people said well see now. WHich i what people say over and over again we already saw three times/well see how they do when they played harder teams and we then go 11-2-5.
Like Noon said its the harder 14 game thing and when we started to tire from played/so hard in this style and lots of rookies at once here.
Seems like how Bicks played/all PW did cant play hard lie that for 82 games only for 40 of them so go for awhile then not coast/rest up then go again. In playoffs go whole time or like Q did wait and play a little not a full/best lineup for first two games. Then have players fill in. Then we get everybody in there/best lineup wse from game 3 and on and other team cant match because they have noone else better then they started with.
War tactics. Like Red October. Q good at that. People donot agree with it but it wins Cups.
When we have a full roster these coaches/or others will be able to have the syste were playing work good/better. Its hard to play without a full roster. Especially when its a style thats like this/thats how BOS and ISL? play relentless. So we just need more good young wave players to have a full roster of them so we can keep going at that rate.
Not much to add from the couch. But Strome will have to play a lot harder, faster and stronger if he’s on a line next to the like’s of Carpenter, Hagel, Soderberg or Janmark. I can remember Hossa shaking his head when a line mates the effort wasn’t there, I can see Janmark shaking his head. Maybe Storme being on a more gritty line ( exiled from Kane and Cat) might up his game but I doubt it. Not a fan of his. Boqvist had a lot of weak and soft turnovers, he seems to have little or no instinct on the offensive transition. The word nervous comes to mind. Passes a little behind, ahead or tipped? When Boqvist is just in “ME MODE” going up ice he’s not too bad but once he has to settle, look up, read and distribute it’s a train wreck. I still do NOT see any part of his game that makes me think he’s a top four. This game is all about consistency, most players in the NHL can have a great night, or two days even but three to four games in a row is what he and we need. Hawks not good enough on offense for sporadic defense.
Hawks are dangerously close to being even more competitive. They’re maybe two players away on the offensive side of the puck and I’m sadly certain Toews is not one of the answer. This team is playing an entirely different style. I love Toews but I’m ashamed to say I sort of kind of ( playing role of GM) can’t really see his addition winning more games in the future ( next year) Even at the DOT he’s win ratio is high but 75% of his wins are scrums and 50- 50 draws. I do think Dach fits this new style of play. He can really change the game and is the heir apparent.
Young Hawks team in big transition at least during a rebuild there very competitive but is that a bow to Stan Bowman or it the state of an average NHL? I think it’s the mediocre quality in the NHL.
Go hawks
Opppsy not that it’s important but Kevin Lankinen has a long way to go. Is he good? YES. Is he the answer? Not yet. Nothing gained from regular season games, that’s why it’s important for Hawks to get into the playoffs, just to get a solid, informed READ on Kevin Lankinen. That’s the only time a GM or fan can judge or access a players abilities, same goes for our defense and power play etc. Playoffs is the only filter that counts, money time – otherwise it’s a guessing game.
JR,I know they are buddies and like each other but I would not slow down and saddle Kane and Debrincat with the Glacier Skating and soft Strome. Kane and Debrincat have been combating their size disadvantage at times by beating these checking lines up the ice.They need a swift skating puck controlling Center.77 comes to mind.For gods sake find those young physical forwards to back these teams off our top line.And get those young D Men skating and making rushes up the ice!
Is it me or are the Hawks playing the 3rd period not to lose instead of trying to win? Seems they are badly outshot in every game.
JR yes Strome be easier on fans eyes between 88 and 12 for a few games, i guess. Thing is he needs to show he can fit this year, next and beyond, as top C isn’t it. Seeing if he can be a viable winger not only gives him more options, also makes him more tradeable and increases the return, the way i see it.
Noonan yes Lankinen still a work in progress, not unexpected at all. I think of Crawford and his exposed glove hand with all the never win a playoff series with him hype. Too early to judge Lankinen yet, needs time yet, so far his bounce back during games and between from the bad is a big positive some goalies never find and noticeable to me.
I’m still on the Lank train despite 2 softies last night – he battles and always gives his team a chance to win – every goalie in the league can be exposed high because they all go down early – that’s the modern style – he’ll continue to improve IMO – I would run him out there again on Saturday
TB deserved the win based on their 3rd period – love to see the Hawks do better in the third but the fact that experienced teams expose the inexperienced Hawks in the third is hardly earth shattering news
Not happy though that too often these 3rd period miscues are attributable to Duncan Keith who I love for his career but who is taking way too many high risk chances especially considering he’s not in his prime anymore – last night’s GWG being a good example
Ian – Strome for one game on wing was encouraging- you’re right that that is where he might find a long term home in CHI but for now with 19 and 77 out I would at least try him with Cat and Kane – if it doesn’t work then move off of it
I didn’t mind seeing Strome on the wing last night..every fan of Strome wants to try and figure out a way to get his playmaking into the lineup..every detractor of Strome wants to limit his ineffectiveness with regards to his limited speed and struggles at the dot..playing him on the wing potentially helps with both..and yes, it’s time for another potential lineup for next year because it’s been about 3 minutes since I posted one lol and I actually like how these lines look, especially since this is before any college or European free agents are potentially added..
Cat-Dach-Strome (I like the idea of getting to a point where we can separate Cat and Kane so teams can’t load up against one line..the same way Q would keep Toews and Kane separate..well now, Dach can drive the top line while still leaving Strome to make plays for Cat..and we can mitigate the fact that Strome isn’t great defensively because this line will be taking a ton of ozone draws )
Kubalik-Toews-Kane (allows Kubalik and Toews to play together and gives Kane two forwards who play a 200 ft. game..and now, each of the top two lines is balanced offensively)
Reichel/Nylander-Suter-Kurashev (gives Suter less brutal assignments going up against 3rd line centers and third pairings..and whether it’s Reichel or Nylander on the LW, this line will have the ability to chip in some offense since Suter and Kurashev have some scoring ability as well..Ideally I would like Hagel on this line but I can’t envision Reichel on the fourth line)
Hagel-Kampf-Carpenter/Entwhistle/Johnson/etc (checking line..but I could also see Hagel getting some pp 2 time, so he’ll still get offensive opportunities)
If Strome can be effective as a winger, it allows Kubalik to play on the second line, which then allows Suter, Kurashev, and Hagel to be in the bottom six, which strengthens our depth..
And here’s one more option that could work in order to get Hagel into a top nine role:
Cat-Dach-Strome
Suter-Toews-Kane
Kubalik-Kurashev-Hagel
Reichel-Kampf-Carpenter/Johnson/Entwhistle
Nylander as your 13th forward
I actually might like these lines even better..anyhoo, point being, if Strome can actually play well on the wing, it gives the Hawks some real options to strengthen the bottom six..
Slayer that looks pretty good, like idea if Cat and Kane on different lines at some point. Maybe try Toews with Cat and Strome. Kane with Dach was something they wanted to do this season and Reichel was mentioned there eventually, Nylander until he’s ready if needed. Kurashev Suter and Kubalik the 3 Swiss together. Hagel and Altybarmakyan a Hagel clone with Kampf could be an ideal matchup line to drive top lines nuts with Johnson and Entwistle as depth would look ok too.
Wrap certainly Strome could play with 88 and 12 for a bit. Both 19 and 77 were out all year and they didn’t put him between them, so obviously not where he fits, just don’t get the point of doing it now.
Hawks 29. You are spot on. Add to that Stan attached Teuvo to taking Bickell.
However, much like the Hawks surprising first 30 games, I have a good feeling that Stan will use the bountiful cap space wisely and make a few beneficial trades.
The absence of McDonough and the public pronouncement of a rebuild seems to have emboldened Stan.
Fingers crossed.
ian/slayer
if panarin was still a blackhawk would you suggest splitting he and kane to get more offense? kane and de brincat are on a pace for 202 points between them with their current stats extrapolated to an 82 game season. and that is playing without a top nine center. panarin and kane only put up 183 and 163 in their two seasons together. adding 19 & 77 and maybe reichel and/or nylander while pushing suter, kurashev, and hagel down the lineup likely results in plenty of offense without splitting kane and de brincat.
Slayer,I appreciate your combos.I will never be a Strome backer.That leopard is not changing his spotd.I don’t see the upside that many others see.He makes a play maybe and then disappears. Also I think your lineup is missing a physical forward or 3 and a strong 3rd line defensive center. I will be waiting for your Defensemen projections.
@hawks29..I hear you, but splitting Panarin and Kane wasn’t necessary in the past because Toews could still drive a line’s production..I’m not sure that’s the case anymore which is why I suggested placing Kane on his line..but a lot of this is predicated on Strome being an effective top six forward..if that isn’t the case, then I would probably just go with Cat-Dach-Kane and Reichel/Suter-Toews-Kubalik as our top six..also keep in mind that a lot of Cat and Kane’s production this year has come, and will continue to come, on the pp..and pp1 would still have Cat, Dach, and Kane..so they would still have plenty of opportunities to produce together even if they weren’t on the same lines..just offering an alternative that I think could be successful to stop teams from keying in on Cat and Kane..
@timw..you’re not alone in your views regarding Strome..just a suggestion for how he could incorporate himself into this lineup in the future..I do agree regarding needing a little more grit throughout the lineup but for now, I just based the lines on who is on the team..in an ideal world, the Hawks could find a more imposing 3rd line center and then have Suter and Kurashev on that line’s wings..maybe a center like Lowry is in the Hawks future..I’d be pleased with that..Suter-Lowry-Kurashev would be very difficult to play against and would allow the top six to focus on ozone draws..
My defenseman projections will probably look similar to most of the other commenters..I do feel like this is DeHaan’s last season with the Hawks, so beginning next year I would assume the pairings will look like this:
Keith-Mitchell
Zadorov-Boqvist
Beaudin-Murphy
So basically pairing a vet with a younger puck mover..it’s probably still not ideal, but with young defensemen, what’s mainly needed is just time..as Mitchell, Boqvist, and Beaudin mature, the blueline will improve..but for now, I’d expect to see more growing pains on the blueline next year..I’ve mentioned this before, but I think the biggest issue with the blueline is that the Hawks have six number 3 defensemen..all serviceable for a second pairing..but they’re missing a true, number one defenseman..for example, take a look at the pairings if the Hawks had Hedman:
Hedman-Boqvist
Zadorov-Murphy
Keith-Mitchell
Beaudin
The pairings match better when you have that number one as an anchor..obviously this is only illustrative, Hedman’s are almost impossible to find..but the point is, once you have a number one defenseman, it allows everyone else to slot into a more natural pairing..our pairings right now don’t ”match” very well..but again, the only solution is time and solid drafting..time for the youngsters to develop and solid drafting so you can find that number one dman..
Look at the last 5 drafts; in 2016
Debrincat, Krys, Carlsson under contract.
Kayumov possibly coming over. Noel, Hillman, Ryzcek all had a shot in Rfd. and Peeters and From they decided not offer contracts to, none traded away
2017. Mitchell, Altybarmakyan, Soderlund and Barrett under Nhl contracts.
Jokiharju signed and traded for Nylander. The others Galvas, Laavainen, Ess and Foo still unsigned and need to be offered elcs this year or lose their rights. None traded premature
2018 Boqvist, Beaudin, Kurashev, Hakkarainen and Slavin under contract, Nordgren and Wise need to be offered Elcs in 2022 to keep their rights. Gravel given an Ahl deal and didn’t work out, none traded away.
2019 Dach, Teply under contract, Moberg in Rfd. needs elc by June to keep his rights.
Vlassic and Baissie in Ncaa, Saarela in Europe have until 2023 to sign elcs. None traded
2020. Reichel a trong year in Germany, epc candidate. Next 3 picks Commesso, Slaggert and Kaiser all had good years with Ncaa clubs. Krutil, Philips and Yetman all playing in Rfd., because junior teams not playing, could sign elcs but have until 2022 to do so, Krutil has to 2024 as well as top 4 picks do also, could play elsewhere next year as well. Kreiver looked good in limited action with his Quebec league team that got in. Has until 2022 to s8gn elc. Again none traded to date
Add the european free agents Kubalik, Suter, Lankinen, Kampf, plus Kalynuk, Johnson as a Ncaa fa. With Nylander as already mentioned, Strome, Murphy, Zadorov, Hagel, Regula, Entwistle, Subban alot of good young talent has been brought in by trades aand signings, plus alot of others throughout the system as well. Again this year bringing some depth players who they can try to flip at tdl for more picks like last few years and saying he is willing use ltir space as well to get prospects or picks should keep the cupboard full. Another year of development for these younger players who are getting their feet wet this year should make ton of difference by this time next year in how this roster with maybe a few new faces matches up against the opposition. Gotta like what we are seeing despite the rollercoaster ride in their game to game play.
Strome back gives more facoff options which strome eluded to un quick detail in post game interview. Two centers on same line gives option to take strong side advantage when each is opposite.
Not that anyone cares what i think but this is my suggestion for the draft. Do yhe first or two round of the draft this spring. This gives opportunities for teams to begin development plans for thier top prospects. Then do the remaining rounds next year. Would be interesting as the second/thirs round of the draft would almost be like a first with time to reassess who the team wants. I will not be the least surprised if they do this….but some teams who have mover thier second/third round picks already could make a stink about it….the teams who know who they want in thr first round may be eager to begin development.
So you can just run into yhe goalie now? Was he pushed in? If he wasnt thats fine go ahead and count yhe goal since it was before contact but if he wasnt pushed inti goalie they should call goalie interference as well. Penalties happen after the whistle nothing new.
To answer why kempf is centering kanedecat its because winnong faceoffa get you possession. Rmemeber when toews would take the faceoff and run back to the bench…man that was ….well i felt bad for the situation.
Public Service Announcement: Hawks play at 3pm today.
Beware the Ides of March, or in this case the whole dang month. After the heady days of February where the Hawks garnered 19 of a possible 26 points in the standings, the March schedule has roared in like a lion and odds are it will go roaring out like a lion too with no lamb in sight. Of the 16 possible points available from the 8 games played so far the Hawks have gained only 5 standings points allowing the hounds chasing them to gain ground. With 6 games remaining to be played in March and nary a Detroit team on that schedule, it’s probable the Hawks finish the March schedule out of a playoff position. If so … well, it was nice while it lasted.
And, nice from the perspective of removing thoughts of possibly reprioritizing the season’s primary objective from youth development to making the playoffs. The Hawks should be in “sell mode” this TDL, even if it results in acquiring a player or two to facilitate acquiring picks/prospects. Hopefully the TDL market isn’t so depressed it precludes Stan from making deals.
If I could have fashioned this season to go as I wanted – this is pretty much it. The young players have shown they can play and the team is playing the right way. They are close but not quite there yet which puts them in the sweet spot of playing an improved and exciting brand of hockey but also being in position to draft in the top half of the draft. Perfect.
Not saying 12 88 are not having as good of yr I wouls say/think Bread Man and Kaner didnt have as many goals/assists/points on those two yrs was because the team was deeper and scoring came from more places. With a yr like this/and other off yrs that when 19 88 have had higher goal/points totals then on the yrs we were one of the two top teams 5 of 7 yrs.
Not sure on every player this decade last 100 yrs makes sense taht 19 88 highest goals/point total yrs were half of them or more on yrs we wernt a top team like that.
Maybe half of them. Just thinking in terms of stats. When were deeper players like 19 81 didnt score as much kind of though the tea,m team did overall more though.
I think Lukas Reichel – is going to be a VERY good NHL player for the Hawks!
Skills – better than Suter
Forecheck/Backcheck like – Hagel
Good Hockey IQ -too
ER – I would hope Stan would not be in buy mode at TDL even if the Hawks are still in a playoff spot in early April – I think he’s committed to the rebuild and will approach the TDL as such – if the Hawks make the playoffs despite selling a few assets then great but I really don’t think Stan is going to be moved off his longer term plan by the unexpected success so far
I’m predicting a Hawks win today – just saying
I’m not sold that Strome is a top six center/forward but he has produced like one since he has been with the Hawks. 98 points in 136 games the last three years. That’s a lot of production to replace on a team that is not exactly swimming in scoring. I am not sold he is a long term solution, but until they have someone better (and currently the Hawks do not,) he needs to be in the lineup.
I am glad the Hawks are listening for offers about him, but then, I think the Hawks should listen to offers for everyone not named Dach or DeBrincat as well… The Hawksneed to find ways to add top six talent to the roster not remove it, and despite Stromes flaws, his 0.72 ppg as a Hawks is most decidedly top six production.
If moving Strome makes the Hawks a better team, I have no problem with that. But moving him to simply get him off the roster is not a good solution.
Wrap, I agree that Stan won’t be moved off his longer term plan but being out of playoff contention makes not going for it an easier sell to the players and fanbase.
But, hopefully Dach comes back healthy and buoys the team and with the more favorable schedule of more NSH/CLB/DET than TB/FLA/CAR – who knows, maybe they can make a run at the playoffs after all. Either way – seems like a win/win to me.
Miro, well said and I couldn’t agree more.
He looked pretty good his first game back – energized even and that is not a word one would normally associate with Strome. I like the possibility he could be productive on the wing and play center on more of an as needed basis. That might be his best hope of finding a long term place on the team because his lack of speed really puts him at a disadvantage playing defense as a center. I still think if he could improve his stamina where the second 20-30 seconds of a shift doesn’t dramatically drop off from the first 20-30 seconds – he could adequately play defense, but at 24 years old I’m not sure that’s a realistic possibility.
I like what Colliton has to say here.
For me, the hit he had in Chicago, he got a penalty for it. I think that was enough, considering he went through the guy’s chest. He hit him hard but I don’t believe it was a dirty hit. I don’t agree with the thought you should have to answer for playing hard and finishing your check. That kind of thing is always going to be part of the game, I hope. I’m well acquainted with headshots and obviously against them in any way. But at best it was glancing, incidental contact there. Obviously the player missed the game, but it wasn’t a head issue, otherwise he wouldn’t have played 20 minutes the next game against Detroit.
Murph has no problem answering the bell. He probably would love to. But we’ve asked him not to because he’s too important to our team. We need him on the ice. We’ve asked him to suck it up and make a team decision and just play, and he’s done that. He’s a hard player, he’s a physical player, and that’s part of what he brings and I don’t think he should have to be warding off challengers for the whole game because he’s finishing his checks.
(when asked if he’s frustrated with the Lightnings behavior about this?) It just doesn’t make sense to me. They’ve got some guys who play a hard game, a physical game. If Hedman finishes a hard check on Murph, I don’t think they’re going to love if we got guys chasing him around the ice or expecting that he should take a five-minute major or risk breaking his hand on someone’s head.
ER – the stamina angle with Strome is an interesting one – there may be something to that
However Strome is not slower than Soderberg he may in fact be a little faster yet Soderberg finds a way to contribute where his lack of foot speed isn’t a huge disadvantage but Strome always looks slow
I get that Strome is more a point producer than Soderberg who’s more of a conventional 3C type but my point is that Strome’s lack of foot speed really shouldn’t be such a glaring disadvantage – there are lots of players (Tavares for example) who aren’t any faster than Strome yet are very capable 200′ players
Strome at wing I’m also hoping is a long term solution because he has top 6 hands and vision and is not really suited to role of 3C
ER – good for JC – I like that as well
29, not going agasint what you were saying just that it seems like most yrs when players get more goals/points its on less deep rosters.
Tim, I am with you on Strome and I was ok with Schmatlz trade. Both of those players are not ideal for us having the best 23man roster we can.
Even though we still need to get back players like 4 and 81. We still need to finetune some of these other spots.
WOW. Our boys here are just blasting and beating the little ladies from shitcago. They should stop the remaining games between these two under a slaughter rule. Hawks turtling like they always do when faced with REAL men and players. Their coach may be a bigger weakling than they are. Seeing Killorn smoke that little nobody Boqvist in the open ice was awesome. Cross checks and face washes. The little ladies from shitcago just take it all!!! HAHAHAHAHA Hakws look to the refs for help while they get beat by what could be the best tea assembled in the modern era. HAHAHAHA
Tab, hope all is well.
Never mind the loss. These Hawks aren’t ready to contend yet anyway. I rather want to talk about the apparently effeminate coach the Hawks have. I know this isn’t 1980. However, to actually order your players to back down each and every time a Lightning player bullies a Blackhawk is embarrassing, especially since we now have a decent PK to cover for any time a Hawk sticks up for himself or a teammate. Please, let’s get rid of Mrs. Colliton NOW!
“,,, since we now have a decent PK …” Hilarious. You can tell this guy’s opinions are worth listening to. Not really, for those of you from Rio Linda, as an old friend used to say.
The Hawks again were pushed around with little push back or any physical response whatsoever.The Bolts accomplished their task and backed off 1 of the Hawks only physical players.Anybody notice much of anything from Murphy the last 2 games as far as open ice hits or physicality?This roster has very little electricity to it or fast twitch players with explosiveness.When Bolt forwards see a missed check ,turnover,or offensive rush opportunity they explode to the puck and knife to the net with a dangerous shot.Hawk forwards for the most part do not finish their plays or move with that certain electricity.DeBrincat,Hagel,and Kane are the closest to being consistently dangerous.This team just lacks gamechangers that accomplish that through physicality or offensive prowess.Its just not playing the Champion Bolts.I watched the Canes and Jackets play after the Hawks game and you can really see the difference in all around play with explosive bursts of skating.There is a lot of roster construction work to be done here.Too many of the same smallish non contact type of forwards.
Weird, just had 71 post now back to 67. Thinking Tab is ok just electronics all messed up.
Thinking the best we are going to finish the season off is 10-14. Does 53 points get us in the playoffs? Not really worried if we do or don’t. What really worries me is getting pushed around. Need to address it for now and also for the future. Lucic was young once. Reeves was young once. Gabriel is young now. Could Entwistle Barrett Alby or one of our young guys be our future muscle? Don’t know but we must find out and go get one if they’re not.
We must get at least 2 young ones like Bennett and Sanford to grow with the team. Or we can get a pair to keep for 2-3 years like Lowry and Ritchie. Then get two more to replace them but always have at least 2 on the roster at all times.
Also a dman that keeps the opponent’s head up and worried when entering our zone. A Subban(at 4.5mil) or Gudas type that will line up and flatten you out as you enter to change momentum or keep rushes in check.
Wouldn’t mind going back to 1980 hockey on April 27th. Let’s load up with Oglethorpes and cash in a payback is a bitch game. Can’t argue with Tampa Joe at this time and embarrasses me. A good hockey team is that, a Team. Can’t be loaded with scorers and no beef. Need both. That 2010 team had it the best.
How did Strome look in this 4-1 loss ? Oh yeah invisible!
Agreed the Hawks could use a couple of big physical forwards who can skate and finish checks – a Josh Anderson type or Killorn type – but this is a rebuilding year as we all know – this is still a work in progress so I’m not going to get too beny out of shape over it yet
However they will need eventually to be able to play a grindier game when it’s called for – to be able to win games more than one way – to play different styles in order to beat the other team
That said a lot of these players simply haven’t grown into their bodies – I don’t think they’re intimidated by the likes of TB they’re just currently not strong enough to play that game plus we don’t have very many of those grindy players
If this were year 3 of the rebuild and our lack of physical play was still a problem I’d be concerned but for now it’s an area that has now been identified as needing improvement so we’ll see if that’s properly addressed going forward
With that in mind would like to see as others have mentioned if Entwhistle, Barrat, Alty might be players who could provide some of that
Running a Tad late today, are we?
Wrap,I think those young physical types should be part of the rebuild and grow with the team.Ultimately that is how other teams have done it.I know some have completed their roster with a big enforcer I.E. Reaves,Clutterbuck,Lucic,etc.,but I think the problem here is that any physicality the Hawks have in their organization is not being given an opportunity to fit in.I don’t think playing Reese Johnson 6 minutes a game every 5th game is developing him.As a matter of fact I didn’t like the way he looked yesterday.I don’t know if he was told to back off or not get into any scraps but his physical checks were not there.I could see him getting frustrated about playing so little.I would roll him out there on 1 of the top 3 lines and give him a normal amount of ice time.He has skills to play center.The way the centers have looked,what is wrong with giving him a long look playing with Hagel and DeBrincat?I just don’t think getting pushed around and your teeth kicked in is a beneficial way to develop a team.
Not much to add . . . 3 periods of no offense sort of sums it up. Looked tentative overall. Kane looked tired is not frustrated, his TOI with this compact schedule will take a toll . . . soon.
The power play still to me feels weak and inconsistent considering how high it’s rated. 5 on 3 for almost 2 minutes. Yes your going to have stretches where it stalls but they must generate shots on goal. They are offensively challenged on the power play, all they really need is 3 or 4 max good shots on goal. With a net front presence. No goals but getting 4 good shots on net is a good power play, momentum, now they cant even get the puck in the zone. Like I’ve said before Boqvist in “me mode” solos, can get up ice easy and can get am easy entry, he’s a little like Nick Leddy. Boqvist gets in trouble when he has to look up, read the play and make a skilled pass.
I’m certain the draft is not going to supply the answers, some yes but not the answers. Boqvist was top 10 pick, highly hyped and four years later? They have the talent to compete and at times dominate but the speed + size is not there to play at a high level 4 nights a week, specially in this Covid season.
Hawks need to identify the four key new players they hold onto and pay, Who they draft this year or next is a crap shoot, guessing game, and a waiting game. Chicago hates to wait.
While I agree in principal the Hawks need more push back when things get chippy, as has been the case for at least several years, I don’t think it was wrong the way the Hawks handled it against TB in those specific incidents. In both cases (Murphy and DCat) the Hawks would have lost a more important player for 5 minutes or longer – the exchange was too much in TB’s favor to be goaded into dropping the gloves. Would Hedman have dropped the gloves if Johnson challenged him? Of course not.
Speaking of Johnson, he was less noticeable yesterday than previous games. Don’t know if JC put the handcuffs on him too but it would have been nice to see him goad one of the TB players into spending 5 minutes in the box with him.
JC and the Hawks find themselves in a dilemma. They can either try to win the game or fight fire with fire – but they can’t do both because they’re not good enough on special teams. The PK is abysmal and the PP has started coming back down to Earth. Against a team like TB, it is near impossible to even get set up in the o-zone let alone try to beat the best goalie in the world.
Being in a playoff position has its advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is for the young players to be in a more pressurized situation, while one disadvantage is playing more not to lose than just playing their game which should include not only responding to physical play but actually initiating it to put the other team on notice.
Knuckle Head, You want to be critical of Boqvist – fine – but at least be accurate and fair. It hasn’t been 4 years. He was drafted a couple months before his 18th birthday and was one of the youngest guys in the 2018 draft. He played a year in OHL/Jrs before playing in the NHL. He played in 41 games last season and has played in 21 games this season – that’s 62 NHL games which is 20 games less than a full season, and about 200 games less than the 250 games it takes a d-man to hit their stride.
The impatience with Boqvist by so many Hawks fans in mind boggling.
1. The team with the better goalie won, again.
2. Teams with a negative goal differential won’t make the playoffs. Blackhawks are currently -11
3. Colliton’s kindler, gentler, brand of hockey is not well suited for the playoffs
4. As Patrick Kane goes, so do the Blackhawks. Not sure if it is cause or effect.
5. Stan needs to fish or cut bait.
One day the most experienced fisherman in the world got skunked – why? Because there weren’t any fish in the pond. Stan can try to catch a deal or two but there has to be some deals available to catch. In my opinion, on the whole, making trades in not Stan’s forte but this one-off TDL may make it much more difficult t be a seller and even though the Hawks have a couple assets that would normally be moveable – this season is a different situation.
No blame on the players in my opinion. 3 things yesterday 1) Tanpa had a very hot goalie, not much they can do about that. 2) playing stanley cup champs with still developing, depleted roster is what it is. 3) Questionable coaches strategy, agree Murphy anchor on blueline and letting him sit box for 5 or 15 mins whatever it would be is akin to throwing in towel. Johnson playing 6 mins on other hand or even Zadorov could serve a purpose to respond. If they bounce back and come through this a more determined, better team for it then fine. Hopefully their morale and compete they have had all year remains and they bounce back at home.
Beaudin, Carlsson, Kalynuk, Bowey and Johnson to Rfd. Quenneville, Pirri, Hakkarainen and Regula to taxi squad.
The Hawks probably deserved better in the 2 game set vs TB – they were outgoaltended in both games although with Vasilevsky that’s not surprising
Switch goalies in those games and the Hawks probably win both
Overall they played hard and held TB to a respectable number of scoring chances against
Keith continues to get defensively beat too often IMO
Rockford has games today and tomorrow so just getting game action for the guys sent down. I actually thought we played pretty well the last 3 games with nothing to show for it. We played more experienced teams in their building where they get last change and they capitalized on the inevitable mistakes that a young team will make, although it is frustrating to watch Duncs out of position so often. There are big names that will have to move before the trade market heats up. Teams that are interested in guys like Hall or Rakell are likely not going to offer as much for Janmark until the other guys are off the board. I really don’t see anyone else bringing much value – maybe a 4th or 5th for Soderberg. I have to laugh at the continued bashing of Boquist by many who have such fond memories of Jokiharu. I thought Boquist was very good yesterday, played 23 minutes and had multiple high quality chances.
Sorry but Colliton should have let Murphy do what needed to be done and then it would have been over. Instead his passive approach allowed Kilorn and others to take runs at other players. Overall, it’s dangerous and irresponsible. And, if Murphy sits for 5, oh Lordy like the sky is falling. Like he’s Ray Borque or something. Like he’s that valuable.
And sorry, push back would have appropriate. Like the Hawks had a chance in that game.
And again, no Beaudin or Carlsson but keeping the mediocrity with other D men. de Haan and Keith played poorly. Have a sinking feeling Colliton plays favorites which negatively affects the confidence of players.
Hopefully it’s just a taxi squad numbers thing because I really don’t want to see Quenneville or Pirri – been there / done that. Don’t know much about Hacky-Sak other than he’s not done anything in Rockford to warrant a look. I wouldn’t mind getting a look at Regula because he has good size, if nothing else.
I’m not buying the JC playing favorites thing, at least not in the context that implies. I think it’s more likely he has landed on the veteran/rookie combination he thinks is best for the overall big picture and that means 4-vets / 2-rooks and he favoring Boqvist and Mitchell because those two have to highest ceilings and should get the most ice time to grow their potential.
Did someone actually just put Cal F’n Clutterbuck in the same group as Looch and Reaves???? Calling him an “enforcer”…my sides…LULZ
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
Keith rots… Hawks be better when he sits out… Sit him… what you afraid of?