Dave Bolland Injured, Blackhawks Fall In Shootout
The Blackhawks left Vancouver with a point on Friday night, but many fans were wondering if they ever arrived in the first place.
In one of the more lackluster efforts of the season, very few Blackhawks appeared to be engaged through the first 40 minutes. Indeed, if not for Brandon Saad’s hard work and another strong performance from Corey Crawford, the game wouldn’t have been worth watching until late.
Both goalies were strong in the game. Roberto Luongo allowed only one goal, to Patrick Kane in the middle of the third period, while facing 28 shots. Crawford continued his great start to the season, only allowing a first period goal to Alex Edler in the first against 22 Vancouver shots.
Offensively, the Hawks were flat. Saad skated hard on every shift, but others – Patrick Sharp specifically – looked lost or uninterested throughout. After the game, coach Joel Quenneville described Saad’s effort as “special,” and noted that points are far from telling the story of the rookie’s performance this season.
In the game, Saad skated 14:55 and was credited with four shots on goal. He also won one of two faceoffs. But he was perhaps the most noticeable of all forwards – Hawks or Canucks – in the game.
Bigger than the result of the game, however, is the status of center Dave Bolland. He went down awkwardly, shattered his stick on the bench, and was immediately helped to the dressing room. He did not return to the game.
In his absence, the Hawks actually had a pretty good night at the dot. Jonathan Toews had a Jonathan Toews Night, winning 12 of 17 draws, but Marcus Kruger won seven of nine. As a team, Chicago won 30 of 50 faceoffs in the game.
On Saturday, most fans have two lingering questions after the late night finish. How is Bolland? And why did Nick Leddy get an opportunity in the shootout before Marian Hossa, Saad, or any of the Hawks’ other forwards after Toews, Kane and Sharp took their turns?
The Hawks will be back on the ice on Saturday night in Calgary.
“And why did Nick Leddy get an opportunity in the shootout before Marian Hossa, Saad, or any of the Hawks’ other forwards after Toews, Kane and Sharp took their turns?”
Unbelievable! All I could say once they panned to Leddy lining up to take the shot was “what the f**k is going on?!?” Am I missing something with this one?
Tab, completely agree on Saad and Sharp.
I said to myself while watching “Sharp did not look interested and looked slow”!!!
Saad was a beast! But, he is starting to look like Frolik 2012… does everything right- but his stick appears to be made of paper- and the puck is not going in!
I still think he would be better off playing w/ 3rd or 4th line… his passes and timing w 19-81 just aren’t there. His biggest asset is his forechecking and ability to drive one-on-one… Just like Stals… for this reason- I would like to see him w/ 25- and against the 2nd or 3rd D pair! It is not because he isn’t good enough… it is just about chemistry and fit…
then 10-19-81… perhaps that will wake up Sharp!
Bring up Pirri or Hayes if the Rat is out.
36- knee or ankle from the slash?
And as much as I appreciate Sharpie, and everyone knows that I do…his percentage in this situation is pretty low. I appreciate a decision to go with those that may be lesser known to the goalie but success percentage should still be a prime consideration.
Okay, I can get as frustrated as anyone, but I don’t see the need to in this case. The Hawks played very well on the road, against a very good team and a very hot goaltender. What more can you ask of your team? Yes, Patrick Sharp seemed very complacent for much of the game, but he and Hossa put on a clinic in OT and nearly won the game…
The Hawks are a VERY good hockey team, well coached and in synch with themselves and the systems they play…we do not need to worry about this bunch this season as Q has everyone on the same page…through a very tough 8 game schedule to start the season, the Hawks have yet to lose, and have 6 wins and 2 ties…the defence is getting better every game and so is Crawford. As for the offence, with the style of play we are committed to (which is keeping the puck safely in front of you), we are going to get fewer offensive chances, we just have to get better at finishing…and we will.
A few players MUST be pointed out last night for their incredible hustle and quality of play…the first is Saad…while he didn’t score, he dominated almost every shift he was on the ice, and got more and more time as the game went on…he was even on the PP in OT…the kid is the real deal…his speed and quickness are elite…his hockey sense is tremendous, he is just a little snake bit for scoring right now, but that will change…kudos must be given to Bowman for drafting this kid in the 2nd round, and bringing him along so confidently, because as of last night, the kid has deserved all of the praise he has been getting…plus, he isn’t scared on the ice, he has such a sense of confidence out there, that it is really amazing to watch for someone so young and inexperienced (I see that in Shaw as well).
Hossa was a little slow to start the game, and then became elite…his performance killing the 5 on 3 as the only forward with 3 minutes to play was incredible…he single handedly broke apart the Canucks rush twice killing off the first penalty to Kruger, and then allowed the rest of the PK to settle in…in OT he was unstoppable.
Marcus Kruger is the real deal, right now…I love this kid…he is so smart and so tough for his size, plus he has far more offensive skills than we think…he is a great player on this hockey team and shouldn’t be centring the 4th line…he’s a player!
Andrew Shaw…the same comments can be made about Shaw as with Saad and Kruger…and while Shaw does not possess Saad’s raw talents, he is a very smart hockey player with incredible will and toughness…I loved when Shaw stepped up to the 2nd line centre role, he created puck possession consistently and then constantly set up Kane and Sharp until Kaner finally scored…Shaw has far more offensive skill than we think, but much of it is being lost on the 3rd line with Bickell, who has hands of stone.
Hammer…wow, he just gets better and better every game, and while he will never be the 2nd coming of Lidstrom, he is a TOP NHL defenceman right now…his play is so smart, and so consistent…which is really helping Oduya’s game a ton! Even Hammer’s passes up the ice are hitting their mark and helping to start rushes…this is great to see, because I was one of those who wouldn’t have cried if he was traded in the off season…again, Bowman made the right call.
Nick Leddy continues to get better each start, and is really composed out there, and it is nice to see Brookbank start to settle in and play some good hockey…Leddy in another couple of years, is going to become a very good defenceman…
As for Bolly, I couldn’t tell what happened, but I am not worried about this at all…if this season has proved anything, its that the Hawks are deeper at Center than we had imagined…I say leave Shaw with Kaner and Sharp, they were dangerous in the 3rd period last night…move Kruger to the 3rd line (where he should be, and bring Frolik with him), and have Myers centre a 4th line of he, Bollig and Bickell.
I was so impressed by the Hawks last night, playing in a difficult building, and really taking it to the Canucks for much of the game…and let’s be honest, if not for some ridiculous saves by Luongo, the Hawks would have won before the end of regulation.
This is a very good hockey team!
A couple other comments about the shootout…you are right Tab, that lineup that Q sent out there, or okayed was pretty awful…Sharp is now 8 for 44, that is the worst % in the NHL for 30+ attempts…Luongo knew he was going to shoot and swatted it away…then sending Leddy out there isn’t fair to the team or Leddy…with the way the Hawks play, we are going to be in a LOT of shoot outs and we need to getter better, and it starts with selection…Hossa? Saad? Stahlberg? Shaw? Perhaps even Bollig with that nasty wrist shot he has…
Also I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Kane…he was outstanding last night…he is not only back checking, but his positioning defensively in the neutral and defensive zone is completely night and day, he finally gets it, and is actually helping in the defensive zone…also, on the forecheck, he is even letting the DMen know that he is there will a little tap…it shows maturity and confidence in his game, and it is wonderful to see…this is what we expect from the #1 overall draft pick! The instant chemistry that I saw last night with he and Shaw may be a sign of things to come…I am going to watch closely tonight hoping that Shaw is centring that 2nd line.
And one more time, more people should be talking about Hossa’s game last night, in particular his OT and his PK on the canucks 5 on 3…that was a man amongst boys!
Saad was awsome, shaw is a keeper, now if the Rat is out that gives Q a great opportunity to give Pirri a good shot in Bollies absence. He certainly deserves it. Sharpy was not there . Never seen him look as bad. Another performence like that and he would become an Icepig. But he will be fine. Your thoughts?
Shootout/Leddy – I thought maybe it was the desire to see someone “shoot” and not over-stickhandle his way in too close – Toews, Kane, and Sharp.
Kaner had top shelf stick side in the shootout. The way he can take a wrist shot reminds of Super Mario who loved the roof on breakaways.
Don’t get me wrong , Kaner can stick handle like a demon (see you tube of him in Switzerland, 19 dekes and an open net), but NHL goalies know tendencies.
Brad, while I agree this is a very good hockey team- Much better than the last two years.
Quicker, defensively more responsible, back check much better than last 2 years, 4 capable lines…
We still will not go far in playoffs… are offensive net presence is still missing (especially on PP)… and when other teams have forced us to play dump and chase game… are offense has pretty much disappeared!!!
That being said- I wonder if Bolland has serious knee issue here- Does Bowman go after Arnott or other sooner than later??? How SLOW is Arnott now? If he is twice as fast as Bruno- I don’t want him- but if he can still skate- I think the Hawks Brass has to consider- unless someone else is on the radar down the road.
Mayers is only a band-aid!!!!
As Dr Dre says in the song Natural Born Killaz – “…Cause when I get my sawed off, bodies* get hauled off!”… (*Dre uses a diff word then bodies but I won’t go there). Well the Blackhawks have their oen Saad-off and when he is in effect bodies get hauled. Only way Vancouver could stop him was drag him down.
Tab I disagree that the guys didn’t show up. Saying that is disrespectful to Saad. Our big guns may not have been super sharp, but Toews, Kane and Hossa skated well and that is what makes Saad’s performance even better. Saad raised his level about 4-5 notches. But make no mistake Toews and Hossa created some toher chances they just didn’t come off and a shot by Keith road the rail and out totherwise we win in regulation.
Sharp was disappointing and should not have any more shootout opportunities when u have Hossa, Kruger, Frolik, Saad, Stalberg and Shaw.
has anyone noticed that a lot of clutch pucks find their way through craw’s 5-hole. he needs to buff that up (see phx series). stick on ice. under chin. strong grip. plzz.
Hawks look deeper than past 2 years and anyone would/should be happy with 6-0-2 start mif asked prior to season. No doubt we are among the fastest and most skilled teams in the league. Saad is progressing nicely (had a great game last night), but as he get more experience will add more of the same style/type. Hjalm continues to look really good. Must give credit to Crawford to date, he’s holding up and making some big saves. I hope he continues to improve despite my skepticism. Biggest concerns? As teams are getting in better hockey shape they’re be able to stay with Hawks and use the physical pounding and trap/dump/chase approach that evens the field (saw that in Columbus, Minny and Vanc.) Hawks thrive on wide open hockey and must push the pace to maintain their edge. This will harder to do in compressed season with so many b2b games. Going to see vets like Sharp get tired, that’s to be expected in this scenario. How far can we go? IMO, it’s still on the goalie proving last year was an anomoly and not his ceiling/limit.
Wall, things like PP issues will get fixed by this staff because they have everyone on the same page…really how far the Hawks go will depend upon, as Negzz says, goaltending…no matter how you want to look at it, Vancouver earned the extra point (or any points for that matter) because their goalie was better than ours…and that’s not to say that CC wasn’t good…Luongo was better, and that is how playoff hockey goes…just ask Phoenix, they had a very, very hot goalie, but he wasn’t as good as Quick and they were done in 4 games…you say last night in Vancouver, and I suspect in SJ that the difference between the top teams in the league is very, very minute…goaltending will make up that difference in a heart beat…the good news is that our defence, including the 3rd pairing, is getting better and better, and so are the kids…Shaw, Kruger, Saad, Leddy, Stahlberg…they are all essential parts of this team.
I recall game’s like Sharpie had last night in the past as well; he seems to have one or two annually that he’s really out of psynch looking, like last night. I will predict he’ll come out flying tonight.
On the PP, they’re to stationary and predictable again; what worked several years ago isn’t these days. They need a new dynamic applied and absolutely need someone who truly can be effective in front of the net. (agree with Wall) And too much time in the corners and cycling…they need to be able to break out and approach the net and vulnerable areas. Even Eddie O noted last night that a blanket can be thrown over 3 Hawks in the corners.
Bickell, Stalberg, Seabs, Hammer need to get more body into their play…I know I’m not the first to say this but we need at least some additional degree of physicality.
Crawford had a superb game…and I’m with everyone with the shoot-out line-up…that needs to be looked at sorely.
They’ll win tonight although I’m a bit concerned with Emery in net as just announced on the NHL Net.
Even with their tremendous start so far, they need a W tonight.
Brad, what game were you watching? They didn’t show up last night, except for Crawford and Saad. And Sharp is 8/41 now.
Good news is the new Goalie – Henrik K. only allowed 1 goal in net for Rockford…
So If Emery gets lit up… Henrik is one or two more good games from being a Hawk.
Anybody have info on the “speed/ or lack of” for Arnott???