Kings Dump Blackhawks In OT
A late-March matchup between the Blackhawks and Kings would have been must-see TV just a few short years ago. On Saturday, the people who cared most were the top picks in the 2019 NHL Draft.
Hours before the game began, we asked our fans on Facebook if they were going to stay up and watch the game, which started a few minutes after 9:30 PM CST.
So, with one week left in the season, Chicago is 50-50 on whether or not this game was watchable from the jump.
Chicago mixed up the lines to open the game with Drake Cagguila returning to the lineup. Against a physical team in LA, John Hayden remained out of the lineup. Cagguila joined a second line with Dylan Strome at center while Artem Anisimov found himself between Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane to begin the action.
The Kings out-shot the Hawks 14-9 in the first period but most of the opening 20 minutes felt like two bad teams trying to get anything to work.
Late in the first while killing a Brent Seabrook penalty David Kampf took a puck to the face. He skated off but did not return for the second period. The team tweeted that he left the lineup because of facial/dental issues.
Chicago got on the board first as Alex DeBrincat scored his 41st of the season 98 seconds into the second period. DeBrincat has ripped home some lasers this year… this was not one of those. Indeed, he could have been credited with the second assist as the puck may have touched both Kings defenders before going into the LA net.
Kane and Anisimov were credited with the assists on the DeBrincat goal.
Los Angeles got increasingly physical in the second period, and were clearly targeting Cagguila, who had been out since Feb. 27 with a concussion. Kurtis MacDermid, listed at 6-5 and 233 pounds, took liberties whenever he wanted without any pushback from the Blackhawks whatsoever. Meanwhile, John Hayden was a healthy scratch again.
With four minutes left in the second Austin Wagner blew past the Hawks’ “defense” and tied the game at one. Carl Dahlstrom was the victim of Wagner’s speed in this case, but Wagner’s wheels were problematic on a number of occasions during the game.
After 40 minutes of hockey the game was tied at one. The Hawks out-shot the Kings 14-6 in the second and held a 23-20 shot advantage through two.
Three minutes into the third period Erik Gustafsson unloaded from the blue line and connected for the 17th time this season. Chicago took a 2-1 lead.
Duncan Keith and Marcus Kruger were credited with assists on the Gustafsson goal.
With five minutes left in regulation in Los Angeles, the Stars-Canucks game went final. Dallas lost in an eight-round shootout that saw one goal scored. For any Hawks fans delusional enough to still consider the playoffs, this result maybe intriguing.
When the Hawks allowed a game-tying goal with 4:15 left in regulation the Stars losing shouldn’t have meant as much. Michael Amadio’s fifth of the season tied the game at two.
60 minutes wouldn’t be enough, so a game Hawks fans were 50-50 on watching in the first place went to overtime. Because of course. Shots were 33-26 in favor of Chicago after three full periods.
Kane skated 24:27 in regulation. Jonathan Toews had skated 21:57 and Gustafsson was at 22:42 in regulation. Gustafsson led Chicago with four shots on net through three periods. Those three began overtime on the ice for Chicago.
That line did well on its first couple shifts but couldn’t end the game. With 30 seconds left in the overtime Toews got caught up with Anze Kopitar, breaking up what could have become a 2-on-1 for LA. Toews headed to the box and the Kings used their timeout.
jonathan toews with a nice "f*** you" to the officials pic.twitter.com/pfyZh8806Q
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) March 31, 2019
While on the advantage, Kopitar set up Drew Doughty who unloaded and beat Crawford to end the game with 11 seconds left in the overtime period.
We keep talking about how Dylan Sikura is playing well and some metrics indicate he’s playing better. However, in 13 games in March Sikura has two assists. Saturday was the fifth time in the month that Sikura skated more than 14 minutes in a game. He does not have a point in any of those five games.
Crawford made 26 saves in the loss.
Refs werent bad…
You have to call that fore arm to 91s face in 3rd after 91 got that shot off. If the bigger and physical team wants to play that way, fine. Call the contact to 91 face. That gave them momen and they score not long after getting away with that.
Seabs should have nailed that guy. Its ok for Krugs to get his but not ok for them to stick Crows pad. Seabs finally almost haymaker that guy. Blow the fukking whistle.
1st and 3rd were good. Cant get away with fore arm to 91 face.
Good yrs coming soon enough.
It’s one point closer to a better draft lottery percentage – that’s the positive
The negative – the PK – you knew the game was over when Toews took that penalty because well the Hawks PK is historically bad and Toews is their best PKer and when does the PK ever come up clutch – answer almost never
That’s two games recently (the other ARZ) where Kruger made a weak clearing attempt on the PK – sure he got it out put that puck should have gone down the ice – OT is then over and I like the Hawks chances in the shootout
Here’s a question – other than T and K what other forward grouping could possibly score in OT – if those two weren’t on the ice you just knew the Hawks weren’t going to score – Dcat or Saad might score but who is going to get them the puck – AA doesn’t skate or pass well enough and Strome while he passes well enough doesn’t skate well enough for 3 on 3 – just another reason to upgrade 3C over AA for next year
Very disappointing to lose twice in recent weeks to the Kings – truth is the Hawks didn’t take it to them – they let the Kings hand around until they inevitably broke down defensively and put then put themselves on the PK – classic Hawk loss
Getting a couple of good PKers has to be a high priority right behind top 4 D man (who has to be one of those two good PKers) for this summer
And BTW what’s happened to the PP? – the first unit wasn’t even dangerous – overall a special teams loss – too many of those this year
Hard to argue against anything you said there wrap.
Austin Wagner? WOW! Can he skate! We will take one of those.
I was one of the 50.4%.
I guess I should have expected what I saw. Kind of par for the course.
I like Cagguila out there, that’s for sure. He looked good after the long layoff. I thought, though, that he might end up going back to concussion protocol the way he was giving and taking blows.
Sikura looks really, really tight out there.
Why is Sikura still playing on the first line? He has not scored a single goal this season. He is not NHL calibre yet he has a regular shift. One goal from any other player on that first line might have helped. CRAZY!!!
And why after San Jose does he split DCat and Strome again? Stupid idea. Strome is useless with out Dcat.
His line juggling has been bad the last 3 weeks.
You want to try to make the playoffs?
20 19 88
12 17 91
95 15 24
14 64 16
Simple !
To have Perlini out and Sikura in, sorry but where is the credibility in this coach. Why does Sikura deserve to stay in the lineup and Perlini out? This coach doesn’t get it!!! Sikura shoukld have been in the prerrss box months ago or in the AHL. Perlini should be playing.
91 19 88
12 17 11
20 15 24
14 64 16
Sikura 0 goals
Duclair 18 goals.
Fire Bowman.
And JC needs to explain why Sikura over Perilini???
Sikura is in over Perlini because he is playing the right way in both zones. He is working hard every shift and for the most part making the right plays. Saad needs to create more room for Toews and Sikura to make plays if that line is going to work. Can’t have both Toews and Saad doing the dirty work on the boards but expecting Sikura to somehow muscle his way into prime scoring space without any other help. Perlini is not out of the lineup because of Sikura though. He is out because he decided to stop working hard in both zones and made a boneheaded “rookie” play on the defensive blue line- the kind of play that might have been excusable from a 19 or 20 year old Sikura (but at 23/24 Sikura isn’t making lazy “hope” plays like that soccer back heel Perlini tried in the recent most important game of the year). That’s why Perlini is out in favor of Kunitz. Because Sikura is playing well enough to have a lineup spot (1st line is questionable fair enough but Colliton is trying to find new chemistry and balance the scoring and has to play Sikura with sizeable linemates to give him any chance of succeeding/helping the team. Caggs def deserves a spot and honestly Krugs and Anisimov have been very good most of this stretch run. For all those wanting to get rid of Kruger, look who takes the most important draws of the game when Toews can’t. Maybe Kampf gets to that defensive level soon but he’s not there yet. Kampf deserves a spot. Kahun has been a bit invisible lately so maybe he could sit one and Kunitz hasn’t been that bad and by the way scored the winner in SJ by going to the net and taking the punishment. I don’t like him playing over Hayden though but if the coach doesn’t trust Hayden then I get the decision. So yeah unless Kampf cant play monday or Kunitz sits then the only other person I can see sitting is Kahun if Perlini is going to get back in. Lastly. Wtf happened to Kane the last couple weeks. Looks like shadow of himself and he usually raises his game in the most important games of the year. Very disappointed unless I hear he’s been playing with some significant injuries. Cheering for the Canes and Teuvo in the playoffs to play sleeper. Go hawks go…next year. The ship has sailed this year.
I don’t think I have seen any team miss the net more from 15 20 feet away! I stopped counting at 20 tonight
I support Colliton on the Perlini scratch – that ‘soccer back heel’ kick of the puck was a completely unnecessary hot dog move, in what for the Hawk players was an important game – he needed to be sent a message and if he didn’t sit him a different message would have been sent to both Perlini and the rest of the team – that it’s ok to play like it’s shinny in a playoff race
Instead the correct message was delivered – it’s not ok, it’s unacceptable, it’s a selfish move and how about playing for the team instead of yourself?
Hopefully it was an impact on Perlini for any games left this year and for next year because he could be a valuable player if he gets his head right
Agree Perlini being sent a message, hopefully he gets it and starts playing the right way again.
Hope Sikura gets the monkey off his back and scores, if is able to produce offensively he has shown he could be a viable top 9 guy.
See Seabrook with 3 blocks and 6 hits last night, wish some of the guys fighting for a spot next season 42, 63 & 68 would step up in one or both of these areas.
Forgot to say, what a return for Cagguila, definitely need more of him out there.
Watching 63 last night didn’t make me feel any different about how he should be viewed as a depth D man only for next year and not a top 6 (unless there’s an injury) and even then I think Forsling for all his own faults slots in ahead of him and he (ie. Forsling) shouldn’t be in next year’s top 6 either
If Perlini played with Caggiula’s heart then they’d have something
Wrap, good post/at night.
Bob, yea wtf is that. I mean when your so close you should at least hit the goalie in the chest. Maybe aiming for posts and miss outside. What did that guy tell Rocky, when he was seeing three of them out there. Hit the one in the middle. How about they aim for between goalie chest and post. Even if goalie gets a piece it goes through the goalie sometimes.
I am a Perlini fan, I think his physical tools can be an asset to this team. That said, he is starting to remind me of Panik and not in a good way. His lack of consistency in how he plays is disconcerting. SIkura may have physical limitations to overcome, but the next time I see him half assing it on the ice will be the first. I lost count of how many shifts Perlini has taken off. I am not sure Sikura will ever be an effective NHL player, but if he is not it won’t be for lack of effort. Perlini on the other hand has the exact opposite problem, he can’t stay on the ice because his effort is always in doubt.
With the physical tools that Perlini has, if he put in the kind of effort that DeBrincat and Sikura bring to every shift, he would be an easy top six forward getting at least 15 minutes a night. My fear is that his being demoted won’t get through to him. Not sure what more the Hawks can do to get through to him. Some guys get it, some don’t. It concerns me that this is still a thing with him. If I were the Hawks, I would be reluctant to sign him to more than a one year, “prove it” kind of deal.
I have no problem with sitting Perlini, however who gets called out for leaving 2 guys wide open in the slot with four minutes left in a game that you are leading by one goal? It is mind boggling that in the 77th game of the year we continue to see these kind of mistakes. I don’t see a role for Sikura on this team. He is playing hard but we have to get some more size to compete more effectively on the boards and in the corners. Unfortunately Hayden is not the answer either. Agree with the comments on Cagguila – wish we could inject some of his competitive fire into a few other guys.
Any word on Evan Barrett? It looks like he won’t be signing this year since Penn State finished their season a week ago.
Miroslav heard a comment that says alot, if you’re 5’10” prospect you have to prove you belong, if you’re 6’4″ prospect you have to prove you don’t belong.
Kaner must have more then ran out of gas going on. Every yr we had a stacked team, we usually sleeped walked/coasted though the middle games of winter. Stocking energy to go from there. So when we are deep we have always done that for the 2nd period of the 82 games. It must make a difference in being fresh, having played that hard for the middle 40 games.
82 games is the long change on the bench.
Cant say for sure, but NAS and WIN (I think these are two of top 3 teams, roster wise, for at least This yr still) have been .500 teams for 40 games now. They got off to good starts 10-15 over and have basically .500 teams since. They now what it is about, now (WIN does after last yr, using too much energy to beat NAS-which they had to to beat them).
Watch those teams be in the finals and win this time.
Would like to see these two teams wear themseleves out, these two yrs now and past 5 for NAS and 2 for WIN. So by the time were deep again, these two good teams are on their way down.
Not sure on Barrett. I like this player.
He could be part of the future 36/16/67 line.
or the 65/16/11 line.
You guys are right on all of those D and FW assessments. Nothing against these guys but when were deep they are not on the 23man, as of where their at now/play wise.
MS – I will do my best to describe what happened on the cluster$^%& of a play that tied the score. I pull this info directly from the replay of the game.
Kings player fighting with AA for the puck along the boards just inside Hawks blue line. Play slowly drifts down the boards towards the corner, staying on the boards with no clear possession. Gus in front of net by self. Dcat and Kane enter zone on wings in defensive posture with Kings players. Keith in proper position with his player between him and the play as play continues to corner. Keith decides to help AA and gets outside his player, giving up defensive position. Dcat stands and watches as his player moves to the slot. In fact – Dcat looks at him now in a primary scoring position and doesn’t move. Kane drifts with his guy toward the net. The puck battle drifts to the goal line and Keith now engages, leaving his player open behind him. Gus starts toward the play as it moves closer to behind the net, Kane circles away from his player in front of the net toward the other corner. Dcat still watching and protecting the boards where the play started. Kings player gains control enough in the corner to pass through Keith to Keith’s man as Gus moves to stop that player’s progress, But that King passes through Gus and Crow deflects the pass away from the player Kane had been watching, who is now on the doorstep. The pass goes through that King out to Dcat’s guy, who has drifter to the other side of the mid slot and he buries it. Kane and Dcat have both started toward Amadio as he is receiving the deflected pass with enough time and space to hold a family dinner before scoring.
Who is to blame? Well you have 2 guys who score 41 goals each not giving two craps about playing defense – which should shock nobody. Your veteran Dman leaves his guy in great position to be a problem and join a mess he shouldn’t be doing at that point. Gus then leaves the front of the net open to anyone not a Hawk to come setup shop because neither winger has any interest in helping out defensively, but would rather wait for the puck to be shot up the boards.
So I will blame Crawford. He should know better than to be in the net with this kind of defense in front of him.
Too many guys willing to not do their job. Defense is a team sport. 4 guys screwed up on the play. And Anisimov got beat. But the dominoes had all fallen before that became an issue.
We need players who want to be responsible for not only scoring goals but stopping the other team from scoring. Not all of the defensive problems exist in one location or on one player with this team. There is not enough accountability defensively, and that has to start within the locker room. If the players can’t get each other to play defense, then sit the 40 goal scorers for a game and maybe they too will join the defensive effort. Blame the new coach, sure, because NOBODY has ever told Kane and Dcat to not let their guys go setup in the slot for easy opportunities. Everyone likes to score goals, but few players are willing to do the work to stop the other team.
Watch the replay of the goal being scored. It should turn your stomach too. What’s a Colliton to do?
OTT- 16
NJ- 11
LA- 11
DET SUCKS- 8
BUF- 6
gap
NY- 4
ANA- 4
gap
EDM- 1
VAN- 1
CHI- 1
10th pick or top 3 pick. Could get 8th/maybe 6th.
With 10th pick I would like to see us trade up and get a guy we rather want to get first selection after the top 5 skill level picks.
SS, Agree 100% that was a pathetic effort but don’t think sitting your 40 goal scorers for a game to send a message is the answer, but maybe when protecting a lead late in the game. Kane gets the guts played out of him night after night, Debrincat usually always in top 3 or 4 fwds in minutes too. Putting somebody more defensively responsible out there late in games could help in both regards. Defensively in Keiths case it seems he either challenges and he risks getting caught out of position or is passively looking disinterested, can’t do it alone.
Silent – how many times have we seen a Hawks player (often a D man but not always) leave their position to supposedly help out when it’a not necessary – most of playing good D is being positionally aware and often times that means staying where you are in good position and not trying to fight someone else’s battle because if they lose it you’ve probably screwed your team by leaving your post
That has happened over and over again with the Hawks although I will say that they have improved considerably from earlier in the year – where they still falter is when the heat gets turned up and the pressure both mental and physical comes and then it seems they revert to old habits
Also remember how Q was reluctant to put DCat and Kane together – this type of defensive lackadaisicalness is why – I would have preferred T and K with Cagguila and Dcat with Strome – not sure why Colliton didn’t go back to that
Silent – Couldn’t agree more that it takes all six players to successfully defend. It’s one thing to get beat but another to completely fail at basic defensive concepts. I get that we aren’t making the playoffs and that some players are probably counting the days until the end of the season but these kinds of plays have unfortunately been a hallmark of this team. It was also sad to see the two 41 goal scorers waiting high in the zone for a possible opportunity going the other way at that time of the game.
I did watch the game.
-LA started like Chi usually does so Chi obliged and joined them
-Cagguila did look confident. Yes we need more of his moxy.
-Sikura is playing well but when hes not getting points he needs to be put on a lower line. Of course at this point it probably doesnt matter.
-When Toews took the penalty I thought “Well thats game. LA only needs 30 seconds” Boom. Goal.
-Im amazed at how bad the penalty kill is. I like Brookbank but this is job right?
-Just think what a difference a good penalty kill would be.
-I like Kruger because of his past with us, the effort he gives and ive read hes probably the nicest guy off the ice. But…sadly he must go. We need an upgrade. Im guessing they wont re-sign him.
-Holy hell. Is Wagner that fast or is Dahlstrom THAT slow? He beat #63 by two strides!
-Even Rockford playoffs are in jeopardy. Guh.
Wrap AA wasn’t even in position to help Keith after getting beat on that goal let alone win his own battle.
I certainly agree that putting 2 of your weaker defensive forwards together when theoretically trying to protect a lead late in a game was not a good decision. Great point Ian. Likewise, and I have said this a thousand times, I don’t like offensive Dmen paired together, and we saw why. Keith will always be an aggressive defender first, always has been and isn’t going to change. He likely will be a HOF player because of it. Gus is the wrong guy to be paired with him in that situation, and frankly in my opinion, most situations. Seabrook was, and still is, Keith’s fixer. We need stay-at-home Dmen paired with our aggressive Dmen. Unfortunately, we don’t have that depth. Keith hustled to get back in front of the net. The forwards watched the tragedy to the end.
I’m not blaming Keith for the play. 4 guys screwed up their coverage and the 5th lost a man-to-man battle. Crawford did his best to fix the mess, but some things can’t get fixed.
I agree wrap – our players give up position far too often to “help” when all they end up doing is creating a bigger mess. The obvious choice of which player is more dangerous when choosing between the guy in the corner and the guy in front of the net is………… ask the goalie.
JC can make better decisions with his line combinations as the game changes, a really good point. Q was definitely good at that. But we as fans should also expect the same effort and accountability from our veterans as we do from our kids, if not even more – in my opinion.
Despite the 2nd LA goal I think we have seen defensive improvement from the Hawks collectively and I’m hopeful with some summer roster additions/subtractions and with Colliton getting a training camp that things will be better still by as early as next October
Obviously a lot is riding on Stan this off season to bring in some real help not the least of which should be his job – another year of missed playoffs next year and patience may wear out for McD and Rocky
Dalstrom is so slow he’d have to start walking right now to make it to lunch tomorrow, he makes Rosi look fast. Sikura may never score a NHL goal. As far as winning board battles I think the last Hawk to win one was 2010 Byfuglien. Just my rant for today.
Brookbank PP or PK. I thought people said here, since we got Brookbank the PP been on a roll or continues to roll or the team is playing really good now. Something in there was what was said here.
Were good at OFF, PP sucked then became really good with new scheme and 17.
Were not good at D/yet, PK go hand in hand no matter who is calling the plays. Maybe until we get good role players for those positions.
Just needs complete overall, like PP did, to get PK back to top 5 again.
We suck at regular D and PK D.
Need overhaul and players that play like 65, 36, 16, 67.
64 is a guy whod be out there in last so many min defending.
I hope they get mathematically eliminated on Monday – get this playoff hope over with already – why drag it out? Then play the last 3 games without the pressure and maybe they can play a little looser and have some fun.
The items on my wish list for the remaining 4 games:
1. Stay healthy (of course)
2. Kane gets at least 2 points to beat his career high point total of 106
3. Toews gets at least 1 point to beat his career high point total of 76
4. DeBrincat ends up with at least one more goal than Kane to lead the team again
5. Sikura FINALLY gets his first NHL goal
That’s it.
Whens the draft.
Kentucky didnt win Basketball. Michigan State out played Duke by a lot, was closer then it should have been. Penn State wrestling is longest dynasty in college sports in decades. Benice for Izzo to win.
Cubs should bring it this yr.
Its a long way to OCT. July 1 could be very good for blackhawks.
Cubs should be entertaining this yr.
We had a good yr and did what we needed to, to take next step, to getting back to deepness team/roster. Now its Bowman and crews turn to do what the team needs.
Lets go Blackhawks organization.
I think the draft lottery is April 9 maybe – someday in between the end of the season and the start of the playoffs
Draft is shortly after end of playoffs – mid-June ish
@ER – also would love to see Sikura score and would love to see Perlini back in the line up and showing he learnt something positive from his benching
Agree on T and K setting personal bests being a nice accomplishment
Silent,
Great job on the breakdown of all the mistakes on the Kings tying goal. But the most unforgiveable one was yet again on Gus. Defense 101- you cannot under any circumstances (especially protecting a one goal lead in the most important game of the year) go behind the goal line if your d-partner is already behind the goalline and even worse is crossing onto his side and going behind the goalline. Keith engaged the kings player in what I would argue is not a dangerous scoring position so his 1st priority should not be getting that puck, it should be holding goalside position (keeping the kings player on the outside). If his wild pokecheck works, great. If not you still have decent position assuming your d-partner hasn’t vacated his side of the front of the net/low slot area to venture behind the goalline to clean up your mess. Yes Kane and DCat not the greatest defensive zone cover guys. It is what it is. That’s why when someone calls Kane one of the greatest players ever in hockey, I correct them – one of the greatest ever offensive and clutch players in hockey yes. All around 200 ft players, not so much. That’s why the Toews/Kane constant comparisons are a mismatch imo.
Benching Perlini over Sikura when you are trying to make make the playoffs? Playing the right way? Wow, I guess Sikura is the new pet player of this team (Bowman and JC) What other NHLer would keep playing on a first line having yet to score in the entire season? Sorry, we all want him to succeed, but I have never seen something like this. He certainly could have used sitting out or AHL because, playing the right way also means scoring a goal or two or three. Come on! If he plays the right way then play him on the 4th or press box. Perlini brings more to the table period! The Hawks went on a run with 91 19 88, 12 17, 11, 20, 15, 24! Simple. Idf he can’t score one single goal, then why is he playing? Makes no sense.
Thanks. Wake me up for draft and if we hit bingo.
@Hull, This is from Scott Powers from the Athletic RE: Sikura and Perlini
“…I also know not everyone want to believe it, but he’s (Sikura) actually doing everything right outside of the scoring. Through 31 games this season, he has a team-best 54.84 Corsi percentage. He’s been on the ice for 16 goals for and 11 against in 5-on-5 play. He also leads the Blackhawks with a rate of 1.04 primary assists per 60 minutes. He’s creating, just not finishing.”
The numbers bear out that Sikura is playing the right way, just not finishing. Ultimately is lack of finishing may drop him from a top six role on this team, but he clearly is doing enough right for the moment to stay there.
As far as Perlini is concerned, this is what JC said about him after the Sharks game where he had 5:43 of ice time: “I just want him to be more active,” Colliton said. “He’s got to skate. He’s got to get to full speed away from the puck, use his body to win battles and move the puck ahead. And when you do that, you have positive shifts and your line’s in the offensive zone and creating offense.”
When Perlini was playing right, he was on the ice. When he stopped doing that, he got benched. I think it’s that simple. Sikura is generating chances adn gets to play top line minutes, Perlini is playing lazy and gets to sit on the bench.
Pretty Simple.
Miroslav said:
“When Perlini was playing right, he was on the ice. When he stopped doing that, he got benched. I think it’s that simple. Sikura is generating chances adn gets to play top line minutes, Perlini is playing lazy and gets to sit on the bench.
Pretty Simple.”
Exactly. Well said.
Corsi stats??? Get serious!!! He does not have a goal in the NHL and there are 3 games left. When your vets do everything possible to get back into a fun playoff race, down the stretch you need goals from other linemates. And Sikura has not scored one goal and how many assists does he actually have?
CAGG is not a 1st line player either but you see the impact he has on each shift he takes. You saw it tonight against the Jets. And if you are going to agree with JC, Bowman, and Mr. Corsi stats, well, you have blinders on. How many goals does Duclair (18)have this season? How many Hinnostroza (16)? Do you think they would be playing a shift at the age of 24 if they had no goals? Get serious, a few goals by Bowman’s pets would have put them over the hump.
How many goals have 24, 95, 14, 16, 64, 40 scored the last 3 months??? There is your difference. Thx Bowman.
It doesnt happen overnight.
When your not deep and waiting/because you have to, it better to have two yrs of tank ufas to get top 5/10 quality blue chip players. When you can.
Its the only way to reload while having a dynasty, not just win Cup once. BOS is the only top 5 team in last 10 yrs, so far/were doing it now, to reload after being a top 3/5 team for a few yrs and then going to bottom 1/3 of league. Look at DET, VAN, BOS, LA, ANA, STL these 10 yrs they were there and only BOS has reloaded and STL stayed out of bottom 10 because of a bunch of summer adds.
Now Bowman and crew need to add what we need this summer or else there is a problem.