Crawford, Bouwmeester Get Hawks Back In Win Column
What if I told you the only thing the Blackhawks’ power play has been missing for the past five years was… Jay Bouwmeester?
The goaltenders on both ends of the rink were outstanding on Wednesday night. Corey Crawford was more heavily tested of the two, but Jake Allen was a worthy opponent.
The first goal of the game came with the Blackhawks on a power play. Brent Seabrook got the credit, but Bouwmeester did the heavy lifting.
Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane were credited with the only assists in the game.
That was it. Seabrook’s third goal of the year held up as the game-winner because Crawford stopped all 28 shots he faced for his first shutout in almost exactly 12 full months.
The win is the first for Jeremy Colliton as an NHL head coach.
Gustav Forsling returned to the lineup and skated 15:49. He looked good, blocking two shots and picking up two hits in the game.
Chicago had an improved night at the dot. Toews won 13 of 21 faceoffs and Luke Johnson won three of four draws. Johnson was also credited with four hits in a solid outing. David Kampf won seven of 13 faceoffs as well.
Nick Schmaltz failed to put a single shot on net in 19:19, while Chris Kunitz managed one shot in the lowest ice time on the Blackhawks’ roster (10:11).
But this game was all about Crawford. He stole the show in his first nationally televised game since returning from his concussion issues and reminded the league that he’s one of the elite goaltenders in the game.
Better game to watch, Crawford outstanding but overall looked a lot better in own end. Forsling an improvement on 3rd pair, moving the puck out, speed getting back, played solid defence. If Schmaltz won’t shoot maybe Colliton has the right idea, who better for him to defer to than Kane and Toews.
That’s two games with limited turnovers – that’s an improvement
(I don’t think I screamed at Gus more than once – an improvement on my end)
Shots on goal are down as well – that’s an improvement
Forsling is better than Rutta or Davidson (at least for one game) – seemingly an improvement
Let’s see if they can build off this – moving on
However they need to get to the net more – same as last two years – but hopefully a win will fill their sails a bit and give them some confidence and swagger in that area
Put a line out there with a couple of defensemen and do their normal thing and pp goal. Hope it continues, Kane on both units looked better.
Since we are skating Kane and Toews together why not Martinsen on that line. He is the hardest guy we have on the puck, he goes right to the front of the net and Kane/ Toews pair works best with a massive force as the other forward.
And before I get killed Martinsen created a 2 on 1 for his line mates that went begging. If he can create that for Kane Toews then we have something. Schmaltz looks like he doesn’t know where to go and Martinsen would know exactly where to go and that is the front of the net.
The folks in stl get on Bouwmeesters case like chi fans did on Seabs last season.
Bouwmeester is having the same kind of season as Manning except way more expensive.
I liked what i saw. They were showing energy, hustle and like they truly wanted the win
They might be starting to adapt to Collitons plans.
We’ll see.
Best game of the year.
1. We finally have a top line. I think schmaltz is a better option than DeBrincat at this point defensively.
2. Second line looked pretty good. Talk about a power line, Hayden had his best game of the year.
3. We finally have a top defensive paring with Seabrook and Keith. They looked old but effective.
4. Forsling looked great, might be even better with Rutta than Manning. I don’t like Manning’s play he is slow, bad stick and relies to much on positioning than having a good stick. It’s like watching a bad version of Rosival with a broken leg that isn’t physical….
5. Crow looked like the rock he is.
6. We still need a shooter on the powerplay(Panarin). Seabrook is the only option it seems right now…
7. I feel bad for little Debbie he needs more talent around him, but the coaching staff put together a better second line without him.
8. I’m still confused by Martinsen and Kunitz. Kunitz probably had has best game of the year also, but still is a waste of minutes.
9. Gustafson is a real disconnected defenseman. I get his upside offensively. The coaching staff needs to do a better job of never letting him be a defensive liability if he is going to be out there.
Bowman still needs to go but the coaching, the effort by the team was top notch and Crawford played his ass off.
Martinsens is playing well – in fact that 4th line has had two good games and do others notice that the Hawks are hitting more – at least it seemed that way tonight
Perhaps another JC change
First game I watched/saw since that CAL game.
As soon as I turned it on, bang PP goal.
3-1 against Blues (their win we should have tied it up 4-4, but whatever) 3-1.
Okay, let’s be honest. Lucky goal. That’s the game. A lucky goal. Blackhawk Centers had a great night at the dot against one of the best FO teams in the NHL. The PK was solid…REALLY SOLID!!!
Schmaltz is just a fast waste of time. I’ve said it once before, but let’s see if Pittsburgh, who is not thrilled with their RW-Sprong. They can unload Manning with Schmaltz to Pittsburgh, I’m all for it. A RW with a great shot who just needs to get some damn accuracy as opposed to Schmaltz who isn’t a center and as a wing just skates around and doesn’t shoot. F that!!!
I was pleased with the defense. So…do we go with Seabrook-Keith, Jokiharju-Murphy(when he’s healthy), and Rutta-Forsling? Then what? Gustafson and/or Davidson in the pressbox?
Fortin was a scratch. He’s better than Schmaltz…unless they’re trying to showcase him. Yes, Nylander would be nice…but really expensive. Although, he would be a fantastic addition. The Blackhawks would be infinitely more dangerous with Nylander in the Indian Head Sweater.
Major props to Crawford. He was great.
Next game!!!
It took the opponent to score the GWG for us to get a win, but we’ll take it.
Much fewer Chinese fire drills in our end tonight so that’s a step in the right direction. There was more battle from the Hawks where they actually won their fair share of contested pucks. Not many pizzas served up tonight either.
I thought Forsling looked steady and didn’t have any deer in the headlights moments, so a pretty good fist game back.
And, last but not least – congratulations to Jeremy Colliton on his first NHL win.
I get the frustration over Schmaltz not shooting-hopefully that changes but it’s in ‘pass first’ players’ DNA to get the payoff helping a teammate score-that will be hard to change and sometimes, e.g. Thornton, it never changes.
Fortin better than Schmaltz? He has a bit more north-south speed, and is more willing to use his body, but IMO #8 better all around player and more upside. Fortin could be third line gold, but don’t see him in top 6 situations.
That said 8 is more of a trade chip.
Schmaltz just looks lost on offense, that might be leftover from Q. Always afraid of making a mistake and dealing with the stache. I will give him more time with this new coach before giving up on him. Please someone tell Hayden he’s not a stickhandler and move the puck sooner rather than later.
Why is everyone so hot to move Schmaltz? Let him play his way into a cheap bridge contract, it lines up perfectly for us. Or would you rather move him and see him figure it out like Teuvo and Hino, once his body matures a bit more and he gains some functional strength? I saw him at prospect camp after a scrimmage in his t shirt signing autographs and the kid is SKINNY! It will take him a few years yet to have functional strength. If skating wasn’t so important in today’s NHL he would still be in the minors while his body matures.
I’m not saying he will be great or even good enough for the top two lines. But he could become that. Can we stop proposing dealing him with every crappy game he plays and wait a little while? Look at our forward depth and tell me you don’t wish we still had Teuvo and Hino on the roster.
The Hawks and the Rangers are going through similar rebuilds right now, only the Rangers have many more young guys contributing and being productive.
Not the most intense game we have seen between the Hawks and the Blues, but it was pretty even and could easily have gone to yet another OT. Crow was really dialed in, gave up few second chances, and got some help from the pipes. Team D was better last night which was encouraging. I really liked that Hayden took a penalty in front of Crow to deny a high quality Blues chance. Smart play IMO. The Hawks needed that game badly, and the players for the most part dialed up the intensity and actually put together a solid 60 minute effort. Has to be tough on any team to get a coaching change well into the season, with a new philosophy and different structures and player responsibilities. Hawks though were better in their own end last night which hopefully becomes a habit. Special teams can only get better, and maybe, just maybe new ideas from these coaches will resonate. Weird to see Hawks so good at the dot last night too.
I must say the play from Martinsen stood out. God only knows this team needs some physical presence. Both Martinsen and Hayden can provide that dynamic. If Martinsen can avoid dumb ass penalties and get to the net early and often he can be an asset. Bigger bodies help! Hawks can use a few more imo, but SB seems to like smaller not so physical fast guys.
Nick Schmaltz looks depressed out there on the ice. He does not appear to be having fun. Hawks need him to be better, and soon.
Not much emotion in the UC last night. Then again not much to cheer about either. Again, lots of empty seats compared with recent years.
I am happy for J Colliton getting that first win. He certainly is poised at post game pressers and is a thoughtful and articulate presence. It’s going to take some time for the team and new coaches to find their stride. Easier I think for young guys that know this coach via Hogs than the vets that played for Q so many years.
Keep this rolling against the Kings tomorrow!
Let’s Go Hawks!
Maybe the enigmatic Schmaltz should center Martinsen and Hayden where he’s the only offensive player on the line and therefore takes it upon himself to find ways to shoot. I’m being serious. Martinsen and Hayden both do a good job of puck retrieval so Schmaltz should be the beneficiary of some offensive opportunities. (hidden agenda: DCat with 19/88).
DCat-Toews-Kane
Saad-Anisimov-Sikura
Fortin-Kampf-Kahun
Martinsen-Schmaltz-Hayden
Hereismike-agree with you. Making another TT move makes no sense when the Hawks needs players with offensive upside.
Wouldn’t mind them loading up on the first line. In the last 9 games they have 12 goals-so go with one really good line and some balance below.
After a 8 game losing streak, coming off 2 strong outings picking up 3 points, it’s doubtful any shakeup of lines will be coming, possibly a tweak hear or there.
You go with your players strengths, Schmaltz is arguably after Kane the best playmaker on the roster, holding onto tge puck and skating in the offensive is special skill. Unfortately he isn’t going to become a gial scorer or physical presence you play him where his skills can be best utilized. Colliton is trying to do that. Same with keeping Kahun, another pkaymaker who needs a scorer with him and Debrincat together, the analytics show they create alot of scoring chances together. Kampf looks comfortable with them, maybe can be his niche. If he can create a net front presence and win some battles in offensive zone to go with his defensive game, might be decent 2nd or 3rd line.
Bowman has a great opportunity here to trade Cam Ward to Tampa who have lost their goalie for a long period of time. Maybe package AA and get a prospect like Raddysh and another player or high draft.
The young players look better. Maybe they are no longer living in fear of the doghouse if they make a mistake. Martinsen and Hayden both seem poised. Martinsen won a lot of board battles and was pushing people off the puck to win them. I agree with the Schmaltz critics. All that talent and seemingly no hockey sense. About the time you get exasperated with him, he makes a great steal as he is really good at that. Yes, it was a lucky goal but you get those when you go to the net. I hate to admit it, but Tarasenko is a stud.
Hull 65-money in and money out especially for Cap teams like Tampa-they take om 7.5, they give us 7.5 back (or at least a big chunk)
So no go for a pick and a prospect, unless we get their troublesome player with contract they don’t want.
Right Noonan, Ward 3m caphit nmc, AA 4.56 caphit and Bolts less than 2m. Too many days left in season to make it happen, caphit didn’t reduce enough yet.
Hereismike, yes yes. That is good idea about 8.
besides TB will not trade for a goalie without seeing first how Domingue does
My guess is they’ll be fine – it’s only a month, roughly 12 games – maybe not having Vasilevsky will cost them a couple of points here and there – no biggie, no need to panic or take on Ward’s $3M contract even if he would waive his NMC
Bruins have 3 Dmen on ir and Chara heading there for awhile. Might be an opportunity to move a Gus or maybe take Manning back. Lol. Get some picks and get a look at some the guys like Carlson or showcase them whatever the plans are. Maybe thats what going on with Forsling now, showcasing him.
Great earlier post Ian. I totally on Schmaltz. He is what he is. Really skilled puck possession guy, strips pucks from behind as well. Keep playing him with Kane.
On Boston, Davidson for a conditional 6th round pick. With Murphy coming back in December and Dahlstrom a favorite of Colliton, get anything you can for Davidson.
Under Torts, Duclair scored his 8th goal of the season last night. 8goals 4 assists total so far. Not bad for a left winger! A 2nd round pick overall not a free agent from Germany or the Czech league!
Still believe in Nick Schmaltz as our second line centre. I guess everyone has forgotten last year’s performances. Too bad but he is a definite upgrade from AA, Kampf or Luke Johnson??? Treating him like he has nothing to give as a former 1st rounder, feels like TEUVO’s treatment. What did we get for him? If everyone on this board wants to trade #8, then JC needs to play him at centre if you want real equal value or more. Thus let him shine at centre like he did last year. We still got outshot at home by St.Louis.
Watching TAMPA last night and their entire lineup, just like the HAWKS in their glory tenure (3 cups), mostly 1st, 2nd or 3rd round picks on the ice!
So, let’s stop hoping for playoffs or any real success with undrafted free agents or 5th, 6th and 7th round picks in our lineup.
Let #8 play not 64??? as our second line centre. Look around the league and tell me who are the 1st and 2nd line centers on the big teams?
Washington
Pens
Preds, Jets
Sharks, Bolts,
Leafs etc….
Do you see a Kampf or Luke Johnson or AA anywhere? Answer is NO WAY! Most of them are high drafted players. Something is very dysfunctional.
2nd round picks are always better hockey players than free agents from eastern Europe? 5th, 6th, 7th round draft picks are useless? Come on Hull.
What if Dcat-Kampf-Kahun is a solid second line? They’ve had two really good games, albeit against weaker teams. If they pan out, then we can slide Saad and AA on the third line. Now we’ve got 3 lines that can score and at least one of them will be bumslaying on a given night. I’m not saying it’s going to work, but I am saying it’s worth trying for a couple weeks.
Also I like Schmaltz with 19 and 88. Help him get going.
It will be interesting how the Hawks play tonight-against a proud but struggling team who might not be too happy that one of their own got traded for a rental.
And they have the fewest goals scored this year by quite a bit. Also the oldest team in the league just got older. (Although Hagelin can skate)
5 Cups between the two but both have decisions to make.
Havnt looked at them lastely/last couple yrs, they were always near the bottom10 in GF and usually Top5 in GA. Their just that kind of team/makeup and style wise.
We didn’t ever have a really good 2nd line center until 15. From 2008-2016, other then Sharpy, we had guys that did well/but not really good one, 26/91/
Someone posted wk ago about going back to that formula and I think its a good idea. Having 5 really good top 6 players and not an elite 2nd line center.
No matter what way/perspective your looing from we need 5 good top 6 players. Were not deep, yet. So I donot think it matters, yet.
Caint wait until we get deep again, in 2yrs. We can get better now and next yr were taking it to another few steps up/roster deepness wise.
Mo forward situation next year with the rfa resigning cost may come in lower than thought the possibility to ad fa wise should be better. Get everybody comfortable with Collitons system this year add a fa and Sikura be up sooner or later this season, could have 3 pretty good offensive lines.
I am in interested to see how the defense looks from now until end of year and who could be there holdover and prospect wise. Could see them adding a fa forward and maybe move AA add defensive help if needed. Bolts will 3 ufa defense 33+ yrs old, all won’t be resigning, maybe get a short term deal there if needed that can be moved later if it gets too crowded.
Craig agree on Dahlstrom, easy to say now but probably been better off had they went with him from start of season over Davidson.
Yea, that’s why you always do bridge contract. Saader earned it, Schmaltz did/then didn’t in the same time/elc. Saader is proven and can redeem himself. No matter who, always do bridge. So this, around, 6m for Schmaltz because of another like player Larkin. Take off eh. Schmaltz can get 6m after bridge if hes still getting better and that good and I want him to be good like that. Do bridge baby.
Highmore done for the year. Bummer.
Has Raddysh become a legitimate option?
LOL
Raddysh, Saw him at a game this season; I yelled out his name pretty loud from not to far off; His head whipped right around in my direction “you suck!” I miss the good ole days where heckling was more common.
Skating be Raddysh’s biggest question mark, most likely.
Scott Powers mentions how well Kurashev is doing in the QMJHL and Beaudin as well and in the same league
Those two plus Edjsell was our return for Hartman – it seems that trade will work out nicely for CHI longer term even if Hartman wins a cup with NSH
Ian his skating was good in the OHL, but my guess is it would rate below slightly below average in the next step up. He did win back to back league trophies in the O for best defensive and then best offensive d-man. Smart, good position hockey.
He did play with really good players-Connor Brown, McDavid, D-Cat and Dylan Strome (and his brother). Just like in the OHL he may need extra time to develop and get use to the pace. Worth the patience.
Yeah Noonan might be an option this season but not likely in long term picture. Not real big and not real fast, have to be pretty special when neither is your strong point.
Wrap that trade can pay dividends for years to come.
The trades for Shawzer and Hartman were big.
Didn’t want to but had to/cap.
Doeasnt mean to do it with everyone just because were not deep/or core is already dynasty quality not just Cup worthy.
When we have to/because were loaded/cap or when theres a good trade.
Do it.
Should have let A.A walk and kept Shaw or Hartman
I know were transition/reLoading,
with 5 hurt for 2mths weve been playing shorthanded without 81 and 4. That’s a huge f ing difference. Even when we are stacked roster, when one of those guys let alone two arnt/wernt playing.
Noticeable.