Fleury, Blackhawks Top Islanders In Shootout
Sunday night the Chicago Blackhawks visited the beautiful, new UBS Arena to face the New York Islanders in their new barn. The game was a bit of a homecoming for Derek King, who spent more than a couple years wearing the Islanders’ sweater.
Blackhawks fans are painfully aware of the debacle this season has been for our team, but the Islanders have been the biggest disappointment in the NHL this season. They started this year with legit Stanley Cup aspirations and the excitement surrounding the opening of their new arena, but came into Sunday night’s game with a 5-10-4 record and in dead last place in the Metropolitan Division.
The Islanders came in one of the teams on the incredibly short list that are worse than the Blackhawks offensively this year. So this figured to be a strong game to bet the under.
Chicago might want their special teams to help the team at some point this month; it didn’t much in November, especially the “power” play. On Sunday, the Hawks got the first advantage of the night when Scott Mayfield was sent off for hooking Brandon Hagel.
On the power play, Hagel put himself in the right spot to make an impact and allowed an Alex DeBrincat shot to glance off his body and into the net for the game’s first goal.
After that goal, the game became increasingly physical but the offense predictably didn’t do much for either team. The Blackhawks out-shot the Islanders 10-8 in the first period and took a 1-0 lead to the room.
The second period saw more physical play, and a line to the penalty box. Chicago was caught with too many men early in the second and the subsequent penalty kill failed; Jean-Gabriel Pageau tied the game at one 8:03 into the second.
Moments after the Pageau goal, Cal Clutterbuck took a run at Jonathan Toews and tried to take the head off Chicago’s captain. Riley Stillman took exception and went after Clutterbuck, resulting in a scrum and only Stillman serving two minutes for his actions. There were a couple more penalties in the period but very few shots. The Islanders out-shot the Hawks 7-4 in the second period and the game was tied going to the third.
For a couple teams trying to get a second goal on a nightly basis, this game starting the third tied at one felt very much on-brand, but also stressful knowing the next goal could easily win the game.
That next goal game off the stick of Dylan Strome at six minutes into the third.
Erik Gustafsson and DeBrincat picked up the helpers on Strome’s second of the year.
Marc-André Fleury wasn’t being tested as frequently as he has been on some nights this season, but he was all over the ice. He aggressively played the puck well out of his crease early in the first period and had a few flopping saves in the second and third period to keep the game in line.
Semyon Varlamov went to the bench for the Islanders with about 90 seconds left in regulation and his team still chasing one. There were a few wild sequences in the moments before Varlamov left the ice with really good chances on both ends of the ice. The Islanders had the momentum running when their netminder left the ice so King used his timeout with 58 seconds left in regulation, trying to calm his squad down in the final minute with a one-goal lead.
With 2.3 seconds left on the clock and Anders Lee parked in front of Fleury, Noah Dobson unloaded a shot that got past Chicago’s goaltender and the game was tied.
Free hockey was on tap despite the Blackhawks holding a lead into the final three seconds of regulation.
Both sides had 24 shots on net in regulation. The Islanders’ last win came on Nov. 6. The Blackhawks desperately needed a second point to finish the trip to New York at .500.
The Islanders won the opening faceoff of overtime and skated in a circle for a full 75 seconds without even attempting a shot on net. A turnover allowed the Hawks’ the opportunity to change their skaters and try to get some offense working after a wasted minute by the Islanders.
After one rush by the Hawks, the Islanders got the puck back and continued to make absolutely no effort to score whatsoever. They didn’t attempt a shot on net despite having the puck for most of the first four minutes of the overtime period. After the full OT, there was a total of one (1) shot on net, by the Blackhawks. It didn’t go it, so we headed to the shootout.
Oliver Wahlstrom was up first for the Islanders and got nothing. Varlamov stopped Toews.
Mathew Barzal was up second for the Islanders. He was denied by Fleury. Kane sniped home a goal and Fleury needed one more stop for the win.
Anthony Beauvillier shot third for the Isles and he, too, was denied.
The Blackhawks escaped with a shootout victory in their first game ever at UBS Arena.
Ian Mitchell was back in the lineup after skating 16:09 on Saturday night and played a nice game once again. He skated 18:38 on Sunday night and did a nice job again. He was a secondary penalty killer on this night but moved the puck well.
Seth Jones (four) and Gustafsson (three) were the only Blackhawks skaters with more than two shots on net in the game.
Fleury was outstanding positioning himself perfectly most of the night. I thought the Hawks initially had a little trouble when the Islanders picked up the physical game but after some shaky 2nd period shifts I think most adjusted. I wish that we were a bit stronger in finishing plays and stopped hanging on to the edge of a cliff at times but I imagine a new coach will implement a conditioning regime and they will become a bit harder on the puck and win more puck battles decisively a little bit at a time. Debrincat was great again,Dach was much better albeit still falling way too much but baby steps. Nowhe needs to finish some of these gifts that he runs into. Great for Strome to rip 1 home,thought he picked it up a bit too. Great to see Mitchell have another good night along with the entire defense. I know it was the offensive crippled Islanders but they did well at keeping them to the outside and shutting down Barzal. Hagel,Carpenter,Slavin had some nice jump to their games throughout the game. Its going to be some fun when Hagel and Slavin end up on a line together with maybe a Reichel or Barratt centering them. Back home for the red hot Rangers!
Happy for Strome and that was a nice shot – he also set Dach up in front who should have scored but he’s getting chances
He reminds of a puppy maybe a bit over enthusiastic- hopefully he’ll calm down and start burying some of his chances
Slavin Carp and Khaira seem to be a thing – they had some nice shifts
Mitchell is looking way more poised and I’d rather he have the puck than DeHaan
When McCabe is back maybe Caleb takes a seat and Mitchell stays in
I don’t know what’s happened to Gus but he looks like an NHL D man – how is that possible? Congrats to whoever flipped that switch
Great game again by Jones and also by Fleury
Toews has a few chances but does less than Dach with them – I’ll try to patient – he has to score this year doesn’t he?
Good road win despite giving up the last second goal
Borgstrom is slowing improving I think – King double shifted both Cat and Kane on that line in place if RJ which seems to be an ok strategy at the moment
This was not a very exciting game. Kind of what you would expect.
Dach looked like he was going to cry as he went back to the bench after one of his frustrating near misses. He is playing pretty well, but it’s painful trying to watch him score.
Not only did Hagel draw the penalty, but he kept the puck in the zone when it should have been cleared and then scored the goal. My goodness.
The overtime was a disgrace. If there is much more of this, the league needs to address it. They should actually be on the phone with Trotz tomorrow to see WTF he was doing. This is supposed to be entertainment. You have to believe the players were unhappy about it too. It was surprising that the NY fans weren’t booing.
Glad the Hawks got a split in NYC.
Glad Strome got rewarded with a goal tonight, I felt like he was earning his time and was due to be rewarded for his efforts.
I like how Gus has been playing, but with him I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. He reminds me of Kevin Costner in Tin Cup, no matter how good he looks, eventually he just can’t help himself…
Disappointed the Hawks couldn’t win in regulation. Glad they won it in the skills competition.
Hawks need more skill. The team seems to play a structurally sound game, but they can’t seem to make good on the chances that they do generate often enough. I still have faith that guys like Toews and Kubalik will regress closer to their mean. scoring wise, but can some of the younger guys take a step forward offensively this season? Not sure a trade is in the cards anytime soon, so unless Reichel gets called up at some point, the Hawks are going to have to find that offense from within the roster.
Two out of three on this trip isn’t bad and if the Hawks can maintain this for a while they may find themselves creeping up to the .500 mark come the new year. But it feels like the Hawks are finding ways to stay in these games which is a good sign.
The battle of bad teams. It kinda finished how one would expect. Offensively, there were some good moments. Hagel’s body got a goal. Strome lit the lamp. Kane brought the win home. Here’s where it gets weird. Kane had zero shots in regulation. ZERO!!! When does that happen? His linemates, Dach and DeBrincat had 2 SOG apiece. Borgstrom and Slavin were the two other forwards with 0 SOG.
I agree with Wraparound. The line of Khaira-Carpenter-Slavin do what they’re supposed to do and do it well.
Clearly, Dach is frustrated. He’s gotta be squeezing that hockey stick something fierce. I would say the same for Toews. Kubalik just unloads on that puck. That’s his “thing”.
Borgstrom and R. Johnson had the least amount of TOI. Their lack of productivity may be the reason.
Defensively, S. Jones had 28:45 TOI. That’s just too much. The rest of the defense is not doing badly. Yes, Murphy and McCabe were absent, but de Haan and Gustafsson are veterans. Even though de Haan, two games in a row, made poor decisions at critical times. Stillman, Mitchell, and C. Jones are playing very well. I’d like to see King give them more ice time and cut S. Jones a break. I know he’s the “star” defenseman, but he’s still a human being. He cannot keep this pace for the whole season.
Aside from that, as a few people have said, Mitchell is playing with confidence. WTH was Colliton saying/doing that messed with his mind? Gustafsson is playing good defense. Read that again. It’s true!!! I love Stillman’s game. Simple and physical.
MAF was excellent. Nothing but praise. If he wins against the NY Rangers, he’ll have 500 career wins. He’ll get it…I just hope it’s against the Rangers.
Lastly, Faceoffs SUUUUUCKED!!!! Carpenter was the shining star with a FO% of 100. Toews had a bad night. Everyone else was their usual. I know some folks don’t want to give faceoffs much thought, but if it’s bad during the regular season, it is exponentially worse in the playoffs…if the Blackhawks should make it. I think they will be sellers. MAF, Gustafsson, de Haan, and a host of forwards.
I’m glad the team won. It’s great to see the team compete as solidly as they have. Next Game!!! Go Hawks!!!
Realistically speaking,the Hawks are not making the playoffs. Even with this last month of improved play and some wins,they have gained no ground at all. Their division foes know how important points are and won’t sleep on them. They are doing what is necessary to keep games close and gain back some respectability from the disaster and embarrassment that they were the 1st 2 months of the season. The Hawks have to strike gold and methodically acquire some highly skilled Centers and Wingers. For now just get Kane away from Toews so we can get his offense back. Try Hagel and Slavin with Toews. 6 of 18 at the dot tonight with 0 goals 0 Assists and 0 Hits. Lots of lost battles and soft play though. I laid off him last night so I caught back up. Hopefully he can end this whatever streak he is on.
Tim W- I agree w giving 36/38 chance to get 19 a point… they are 2 of the best “disruptors” the Hawks are skating. it does not seem like 19 can keep up w skill or pace… so perhaps let these 2 kids disrupt/forecheck/ and steal some points- ( 19 will just be the “innocent bystander”- and luck into a point)
Mitchell- Looked like a completely different D man- under King. Without a doubt the BEST game I have seen him play for Hawks. Very little – thinking- and watching. Very decisive in his skating/positioning. If he continues this- He is 100% a starting D man for Hawks. I was shocked that this is the same Kid we saw in JC days. Yes- Only 1 game – yes- he will Not always be this efficient. BUT very positive!!
Only the Islanders can make 3 on 3 hockey boring. Nice win by the Hawks.
If Toews had 10 goals / 10 assists / 20 points this year, where would the Blackhawks be?
If Toews was not a Blackhawk for the last 13 years, how well would the Blackhawks have done?
I don’t know if Toews will ever return to his old form. What I do know is that his contribution to the team in many other intangible ways – past, present and future – is indisputable and incalculable.
How about we cut the guy some slack and reserve comment until the season is over?
Typical Blackhawks win, typical Islanders loss, this year anyways. Get the one back Tuesday against Rangers that got away Saturday now. Really happy to see how Mitchell played last couple of games. Looks like the confident guy we saw at Denver who kept it simple and thought the game making the smarter moves. Not the unsecure player who was getting overwhelmed 2nd guessing himself under Colliton.
JG agree 100% with your last post on Toews. Amazing how much better the man and half looks with proper execution and communication. To me serms when unsure now the players default to protecting the slot area, which makes sense. Also a forecheck to compliment it in opponents half of the ice seems to be helping as well. Pretty tough games between now and Christmas break, save for maybe a game in Montreal and Preds at home. They have Leafs, Stars on the road and NYR, Caps, Flames, Stars and Panthers at home
Tim W.
I agree with you. Toews, at this point anyway, is a 3C. Slavin and Hagel would be a solid shut down line. That means Dach at 1C? Reichel? I would be more willing to see Reichel at 1C and keep Dach at 2C. I’m not down on Dach. He’s only 20. But, he’s in his own head. Squeezing the stick and second guessing himself. The team also needs a 1st or 2nd line LW. Hagel and Kubalik are not it. DeBrincat is an excellent LW…but what comes after him? I try not to think about Saad. That damn Bowman. Perhaps, in the 2022 Draft…that LW will be there for the team. Reichel is also a LW…then Center would be the need. Good times. Good times indeed.
When the team deals Gustafsson, Kalynuk would be slotted right in. I’m not too upset. I like Kalynuk over Gustafsson, but we have to be patient. Gus will be dealt. Especially if his play, at defense stays so solid.
Tab .
Where is my comment? Maybe it was too short ?
Anyway the Hawks got another important 2 points
I think Dach is putting to much pressure on himself and he should just play to have fun and thing will get better soon ,no need to try to do everything perfectly kid just play your game and pieces off the puzzle will fall in place by itself .just play ,it’s a game.
Wish we could have a few moreHagel style off players who are true warriors.
John Halt, I know you’re right and I should cut Toews some slack so I have started out slowly by just identifying his play every other game. Baby steps for me I guess. So Tuesday night he gets a pass from me and I will potentially avert my eyes during his shifts and then block out his Stat line. The good thing is they post the Stats on the Score web site in alphabetical order so Toews is the very last name. My therapist is working with me John.
Sorry, I of course meant John Galt, Sorry John. Fat fingers.
@Tim W. – I cringe when I see Toews and Dach going out in OT. I wish the Blackhawks would better manage the situations for those 2 with more limited roles until they get their games back and return to form (if possible).
Nevertheless, we should bite the bullet for the rest of this year, for Toews at least (he’s earned it).
Well, it wasn’t pretty, but they are 8-4 under King. Mitchell looks like a totally different player under King than he was under Kid Coach. The OT period was ridiculous. Toews can’t even buy a goal in a shootout, I’m hoping once he gets one, they’ll be more after that. Fleury great again. Not one peep about how the GM search is coming along. I bet they haven’t even sent out a flyer yet for the position.
Hammer, Interesting point on the alleged G.M. /Head Coach search. The Canucks now have an opening and the Flyers fired Vinauelt last night. I could see the Avalanche coach on the hot seat and maybe Ottawa too. I believe they are standing pat with Interim Davidson and the Kings court.
Defense! It’s not just Gus and Mitchell, but Seth Jones is a beast! Caleb Jones is playing really well too, and so is Stillman. I think McCabe plays well with Seth, and DeHaan is a UFA at the end of this year and could be the defenseman moved at the TDL. I hope we keep Gus! Well, there goes Hell, I guess we can start playing hockey there now!
Dach just needs to get fitter. Look at DeBrincat, he was a chubber during his 2nd year and then realized that you have to be at your peak physical condition and optimal weight to be able to make those shots and be in the right place. When you’re so fit, your concentration is better, you are a twitch faster, and your think better.
Good for Strome! Now, we just need Borgstrom to start finding the scoresheet, because his defense is outstanding, his positioning in front of the net, and just his overall hockey IQ. Reminds me of a young Carl Sodeberg! He just needs to play heavy minutes. Let Toews play 10 mins a night and let the young guys learn to fight for a spot!
OT
The NHL might consider adopting the Blue line as a “10 second line-in NBA” — once u cross- can’t go back
or better yet– just adopt OT 24 second shot clock- Need shot attempt in under 24 seconds- or u give up the puck… would make the OT even faster/more fun
that was one weird OT – and w Barzal- one of the best skaters in NHL
I did notice Hagel- shadowed Barzal one shift- giving Barzal NOTHING
Tim W: It would appear that they’ll sit on their thumbs and keeping taking the fan’s $$$.
Galvas and Soderblom in concussion protocol, that’s why they were out this wknd.
@Tommy Ivan – perhaps the Blackhawks defense is the result of Young Sheldon Brookbank’s coaching and wisdom.
LMFAO!
The Toews bashing is ridiculous. Positionally he has been sound. I could be wrong but it wouldn’t be the first year Toews had a slow start, and how many players return after a year off. At least he is trying.
Mitchell going to the Rock seems to have worked, we should try that w/Dach. It wouldn’t be the end of hockey should Dach go play and regain his confidence at the Rock. He wouldn’t take any more bad hit than he takes now and just maybe he’ll find his game again.
Boquist has more goals already than the entire Hawk Dmen presently on the team.
According to JG and all the TV pundits Toews is playing great except for his lack of scoring. I just don’t see it. He doesn’t win board battles like he was dominant at. He always gassed after each shift regardless of how long or short that shift was. Switching him w/the Borg wouldn’t be the end of hockey as we know it either, actually it could benefit everyone involved.
As I read somewhere on the net, the Hawks were 8 points out of a PO spot when King took over and today after going 8-4 we are 7 points out of a PO spot. We should sellers and don’t even consider being buyers as we move forward
Who will fill the current and soon-to-be coaching vacancies? Torts, Babcock, Julien, Whacko Patty Roy? Sure they know their stuff and would likely give any team a short-term lift, but IMO they are all well past their shelf date and unlikely to take a team on deep runs. Maybe, just maybe, we got real lucky with Derek King.
I can’t believe the Canucks hired Boudreau before they replaced Benning but then again they gave Torts a 5 year deal and fired him after one so it’s not the first time they have made a mess of things.
As for Gus and CDH, we should deal them whenever we get a good offer. I’m as shocked as anybody with Gus’s newfound commitment to defending but neither of these guys is part of the future. We don’t want to get stuck holding the bag like Randolph and Mortimer – sell high.
Left Overs Eater, To be fair,he has difficulty keeping up with the play and finishing the shift with his line. Yes,once he makes it into the zone he goes to where the center is supposed to be. As far as his slow starts go,I think we would be hard pressed to find him as a Minus player with Zero Goals and 8 or so Assists after 24 games. I digress though. I promised John Galt I would give some slack. Just an innocent question though. What if it does not move towards him getting any better? At what point does something happen?
@DollarBill – Please show me where I said Toews is playing great except for his lack of scoring.
Dollar Bill i was and still am a Boqvist supporter and being used properly he seems to be doing quite well. If still with Blackhawks unlikely his offensive nimbers be as good right now where Jones be still as good or better if still in Columbus.
Most teams since coaching change to King, played games on hand they had on Blackhawks and still gained a point, a little better than it looks straight up. Agree though be buyers at tdl should not be in the cards this season and getting assets for expiring ufas, none appear long term pieces, should be the priority.
Obviously acquiring a top 6 C unlikely to happen this season. What is the big deal if Toews handles what load he can and takes some of the load off Dach or Borgstrom while they continue to develop, might even win a few more games 2-1 or 3-2 that will be the way this team needs to be able to win no matter how you move the deck chairs around, just saying.
I was one of a handful of Boquist supporters on this blog before the trade – most were vehemently anti – Boquist and argued stridently with me and others about how he was a bust – now people are acting like it’s a travesty that he was traded lol
Even though I was a Boquist supporter I loved the trade – Seth is a true #1 and the way he is playing will get Norris consideration
I still like Boquist but he’s averaging 14-15 minutes as a third pairing D man and playing on the PP – just because he has some goals doesn’t make him a #1 – maybe he’ll be a #1 some day – who knows but I’m still very happy with the trade
Boqvist as a powerplay specialist with a defensive partner is a wise move. Also run him out for offensive zone faceoff situations. His physical well being is delicate with the concussion history so I would limit the amount of true defending and retrieving the puck in corners situations for him. 12 minutes a night sounds right.
Boqvist is qbing the pp, 5 of his 6 goals have come at even strength, the main reason i don’t think he would have that many if still with Blackhawks. Playing 3rd pair for now not a bad thing for him it looks like.
Someone mentioned before that Tampa looking for cap room. Thinking it was Tim W. I do believe that Shaw’s $$ for Ross Colton would be a good move. Also since Tampa doesn’t have a 2nd 3rd or 4th pick. Would they take a 3rd and a 4th for their #1. Would even give them 2 #3s for their #1. We do have their #2 in ’23 maybe mix that in for their # one in ’22.
JG as for saying Toews was playing great, you only said cut him some slack. He deserves some slack but also the criticism that comes with his position and lack of production.
@IAN Wrap++Boquist was rushed and he himself wanted a few years in the minors until being ready for coming up to the NHL. We can thank Stan for this. Would he develop into a number one only time will tell. Having Jones is a win now move for in 3-4 years during the rebuild his usage will diminish his returns in all likelihood. Having Boquist growing with the team would’ve been more prudent IMHO.
Again as for Toews, I love the guy, I always thought he was the best player in Hockey from 10-15. He’d win every battle along the boards, won FO’s and back checked, he was a do it all player. Babcock had to ask him to let Crosby be captain during the 14 olympics, (I think) and Toews deferred and played 4th line to start before moving up to 1st by the end. Today he doesn’t have “it” and it’s sad to watch, I can’t even imagine what it feels like for him. Maybe he’ll hang em up, maybe not and he returns to his oldself, but unfortunately I don’t see the latter happening, but hoping I’m wrong.
Playing Borg for a few games w/Kane/Hagel wouldn’t be harmful at all. Maybe that line even clicks. While Toews w/Kub’s and whomever could click also. This season should be about developing.
Dollar – there is literally no way to show that bringing up Boquist when they did was detrimental to his development – maybe it was or maybe it helped him
Taking a side is pure conjecture – the bottom line is he seems to be doing ok
It’ll be interesting to compare Boquist and Jones in 5 years – my money is still on Jones
Wrap, what about Jokiharju, Forsling, Dach……some guys just aren’t mature/strong enough to play against the big boys when they are 18-19-20 years old. Look at Dach’s draft and see how many later picks are playing better than him.
As for Boquist /Jones in 5 years I’ll take Boquist. He wanted to play D as well as being an offense first guy, only time will tell.
Dollar Bill it is all about development and the season is just a little over a quarter of the way. Maybe before seasons end you will be seeing Borgstrom with Hagel and Kane regularly, if King thinks he is ready to succeed there. He has only had 73 nhl games total, only 4 last 2 years, plus Dach has only played 106, patience is needed for not only Toews to find some offense but their development this year too, putting them in situations to destroy their confidence. As you point out about Boqvist and others over the years in your opinion not getting enough. Meantime their winning some games and playing hockey that ‘s enjoyable again.
Anybody thinking about Borgstrom in Rfd., he isn’t waiver exempt, would never clear to get sent down. So if he needs some time to be ready for a top 6 role it needs to be on 3rd line until he is. Patience, same with a 20 year old Dach, remember Panarin didn’t get drafted or offered a chance by an Nhl team until he was 24.
Good for Boqvist! I always want a guy to do well, even if he didn’t play well for the Hawks. Th thing with Boqvist is that he’s a specialist! He’s like a Wide Receiver who can only run one route, or a baseball player who can only hit – DH. The thing is, we needed a well-rounded defensemen with size, and we got him. It’s already cost us Boqvist and Sillinger, and more to come. I would do that trade again! Plus, like someone above me stated, he would not have gotten those same opportunities here! Honestly, I prefer Ian Mitchell, Isaac Phillips, Alec Regula, Wyatt Kalynuk and Caleb Jones over Boqvist – they all play defense!
To be true to myself I did like the pick of Boqvist. Just that when you have Joker Boq Beau and Mitchell, 6′, 5’11”, 5’11”, 5’11’ that will not do in playoff hockey. Only few Krug and McAvoy out there. I believe Beau has better skating than Boq and Mitchell more aggressiveness than Joker.
Liked the trade for $Jones. In three or four years I will still like the trade. Now years 7 & 8 might be different. I know one thing that I don’t believe Boq will be and that is 6’4″ 210lbs.
Also let’s mix it up tonight with:
Kub Borg Kane
DCat Dach Hagel
Slavin Toews Strome
Hard Carp Khaira
$Jones Still
Gus Mitchell
CdH CJones
MAF
JR, I like those lines up front but I think Coach King is stuck on Kane getting Toews going and also may not want to disrupt the Carp/ Slavin chemistry. On the defense I would imagine that Murphy and McCabe will be back in tonight. I hope Mitchell doesn’t get yanked. I ultimately think that Toews in his condition should have 2 very active forechecking Wingers like Hagel and Slavin on his line. The key to dropping Toews down is that Borgstrom has to lose his timid play and become much more offensively aggressive.
No Mitchell tonight. Murphy/McCabe. …….Jones/DeHaan……Stillman/Gus.
Problem is with this group of D Men is that Murphy,DeHaan,McCabe,and Stillman are the same guy. I like Mitchell,s quick puck moving game mixed in. Oh well,his time will come.
Entwistle back practicing too, good sign, another hard worker shift in shift out, like to see him get a shot with Borg and Kub. No changes on fwd. lines, Hardman scratched and Entwistle not activated to main roster yet. MAF the starter, was hoping Mitchell would stay in lineup but coach must feel this is better defensively i guess, if practice pairings holdup.
@TimW – I like Mitchell in the lineup too. He is playing so well. Let’s give him more confidence while his momentum is on the uptick. That’s the thing about these “coaches”, they do not understand the Big Mo – Momentum. You stick with it until it dissipates. DeHaan could have sat tonight. Way to develop these guys King! Clown King!!
Murphy out tonite, Mitchell will be in.
I am not sure why the Bogvist debate is going on. The guy who made that and other calls is no longer a part of the team, everyone should be happy, right?
Hawks were looking to find a replacement for Keith. They got one in Jones, how long he remains a top #1 Dman will ultimately determine the value prop of this trade for the Hawks.
Columbus got very good return for a player who was unlikely to re-sign with the team. So they already got good value for Jones.
Classic win-win.
Personally I don’t think the tipping point in this deal is how well Boqvist performs. Even if he becomes as great as Jones is, it is a wash. The Hawks traded future production for an immediate return, Columbus the reverse. What becomes of the pick they still owe Columbus will be the tipping point.
Personally I am not sad to see Boqvist go. I think he has a lot of potential, but I think that the realization of that potential was not imminent and his concussion history makes his longevity a question mark as well. In Jones the Hawks got a more physical, faster and mature player who is providing value right now.
Bottom line is that the Hawks ended up with a better player than they had and Columbus ended up not having one of their starts leave for nothing. Both sides got what they wanted, why can’t we leave it at that?
See where Federov as coach pulled his goalie in khl and won 2 games that way. Interesting idea, definitely see doing it on a pp in OT, and create a 5 on 3 where possession is usually all onesided and play in ozone, some risk but think benefit is greater.
mrant pulled his goalie in ot and won 2 games that way.
@Miroslav
Stan out bid himself as all the other teams backed off on trading for Jones. Columbus had no leverage whatsover on this trade.
Boquist doesn’t need to be better than Jones for the trade to be a wash. Columbus got Bean with our 2nd and Sillinger with our first. Next years 1st is also gone unless Gary bequeaths the Hawks a 1-2 lottery pick. Stan should’ve protected the draft pick for at least 5 if not the first 10 draft picks like most good GM’s would’ve done. So in the end Columbus got a lot of quality for a guy who didn’t want to play for them
But hey Scotties child is finally gone.
If you ask me I thought Mitchell was our best D man the past couple of games, to think they were going to sit him over DeHaan makes me believe they are in win now at all cost mode. Even with the 9 wins we have we only lead Arizona in RW, that’s not very good.
Kalynuk now called up. Something is going on. Maybe Murphy had a setback or someone of the D Men are on the move. Ian,what’s your take?
Even more curious, Galvas is now in Concussion Protocol at the Rock. I assume someone is going back before they head out to Canada tomorrow.
TimW could be insurance for road trip if Murphy and C. Jones ard not definite to be ready. They some D under contract to Rfd. on an ahl deal that can play if needed. Still have Beaudin, Philips, Regula, Krys and Stanton who have been playing. Even Osipov could move back to the blueline for a game or 2. Hardman sent down, seems like Entwistle is almost ready to be activated unless another forward being recalled for road trip after tonight.
Dollar Bill you want your players thinking playoffs to keep them playing hard, quit on them they quit too. Want to avoid that at all costs.
@Dollar Bill, it is possible that the Hawks over paid for Jones (I don’t agree with that,) but to say they out bid themselves or that Columbus had no leverage is disingenuous.
Columbus didn’t have to trade Jones during that off-season, they could have pulled him off the market and offered him at any time through the trade deadline this year. If the Hawks offered less, Columbus would likely have decided the price was not right, pulled Jones from the Market and waited. Someone, eventually, would have come up with the cash.
If Columbus waited until the deadline, they risk dealing with a finicky and volatile trade market, but my guess is that an elite #1 Norris trophy caliber defenseman would likely fetch a premium at the deadline. Easily what the Hawks paid if not more.
If you suggest that Jones was willing to nullify a deal if the team wasn’t on his 10 team trade list, I would bet his agent would convince him that helping a team win or get close to winning a Cup would help his free agent value and refusing a trade would hurt it. Jones would not have blocked a deadline deal.
If the Hawks waited for Free Agency to try and sign him, there is no guarantee that they could have afforded him, or that he would have wanted to come at that time. A lot can change in a year…
Bottom line is that if the Hawks did not make the move when they did, they likely would not have gotten Jones at all. They paid a premium for him, for sure, but that is the price for excellence.
Was it the right move? Maybe, maybe not. But I don’t think the price was too high or if it was, it wasn’t that far off.
Kalynuk coming back up is odd. Someone must’ve had a setback. There is no other reason to have him back unless he is playing Gin Rummy with Ian Mitchell in the pressbox. I like Hardman, but we have several guys like him – Reese Johnson, Khaira, Carpenter, Slavin, Entwhistle.
@Miroslav…..Seth Jones whittled his list down to 2 or 3 teams before settling on the Hawks, I guess Stan guaranteed him $9.5 to score him. I certainly hope it works out, but I prefer they the Hawks would’ve stayed with the rebuild.
One could say that Stan’s biggest mistake was hiring JC, that would be hard to argue against.
@Ian of course you want them playing hard, maybe playing the right way would be better?
Winning gimmick games isn’t conducive to growing as a team, because eventually you get used to playing not to lose in regulation
Hardman looked real good playing with Entwhistle at the end of last year. Maybe the great JC just told him to go hit everyone every shift and he’s had a setback in his play. I truly believe he could actually become better than Bickell. Maybe going back to the Rock helps him.
In college he played w/Newhook and Boldy to form one of the best lines in the NCAA, so he does have some talent.