One Goal: Not Enough. Blackhawks Lose Game 3 At Home
After playing almost two full games in Anaheim on Tuesday night, it took only 60 minutes for the Ducks to dispose of the Blackhawks and reclaim home ice advantage.
Special teams played a huge role in the Hawks Game Two victory, but they came up short at the United Center. Chicago had three power plays in the first period and five total in the game, but failed to generate anything offensively. Anaheim, on the other hand, were stagnant on their power play in Game Two but converted on their only advantage in Game Three.
Patrick Maroon scored on the power play at 12:55 in the first, redirecting a Hampus Lindholm shot past Corey Crawford. Corey Perry was parked in front of Crawford and the deflection from Maroon was true.
Despite failing on three power plays in the first period, Patrick Kane tied the score with 57 seconds remaining in the period.
That would be the only goal of the game for the Blackhawks, however, as Andersen played well and Chicago failed to convert on the few chances they were able to generate in the final 40 minutes.
The Ducks countered the Blackhawks’ final minutes goal from the first period with one of their own at the end of the second. With Maroon and Perry creating traffic in front, Ryan Getzlaf found Simon Despres who didn’t miss. The game-winner came at 19:05 into the second and closed the books on scoring for Thursday night.
Crawford made 25 saves in the loss, but spent the last two minutes on the bench as his teammates desperately tried to generate a quality scoring chance. Kane received a pass from Jonathan Toews and had a good look at the net, but his shot went wide in the final ten seconds of the contest.
Andersen made 27 saves to earn the victory.
Kris Versteeg and Joakim Nordstrom dressed in place of Antoine Vermette and Teuvo Teravainen, and neither did much to help the cause. Versteeg was credited with three hits and generated one shot on net in 13:31, but didn’t look in rhythm the entire night. Nordstrom blocked two shots and was credited with three hits, but only played 7:06 in the loss.
Keith was one of three Blackhawks skaters to block two shots in the game. After coming up only nine seconds short of 50 minutes on the ice on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, Keith skated 28:04 on Thursday. Brent Seabrook, who set up the game-winner in Game Two, led all skaters with 28:56 in the game. Niklas Hjalmarsson (19:01) and Johnny Oduya (19:20) weren’t relied on as heavily.
Three Hawks forwards – Nordstrom, Marcus Kruger (8:43) and Andrew Desjardins (9:20) – were held to under ten minutes on the ice, while both Kimmo Timonen (6:50) and Kyle Cumiskey (8:51) saw limited action after the longest game in Blackhawks history.
Coach Joel Quenneville threw his lines into the blender again, and with limited success at the dot from Andrew Shaw and Brad Richards, Chicago relied heavily on Toews to control the faceoff circle. And he did; the Hawks captain won 21 of 27 faceoffs in the loss, his best night of the series by far.
Bryan Bickell once again led the way with six hits but did nothing to impact the offense.
Game Four is Saturday night at the United Center, with the Blackhawks trailing in the series once again.
Tough game – our turn to hit a few posts. PP was very weak which kills momentum. Thought the Ducks were better tonight so we need to regroup and take game 4. Don’t think the lineup changes made a difference but can’t say that I understand them either.
No TT? Unbelievable!!! I am actually scared Q is going to find a way to put Bollig out there. Its last year all over again with the lineup issues in the WCF,
Hawks lacked jump tonight and showed effects of triple overtime. All these games can go either way. It’s just that close. Next game is a must win.
Terrible lineup. 23& 42 in for 80 and 86. You have got to be kidding. Our 3rd and 4th line have been playing outstanding hockey. The 3rd and 4rth line were useless tonight as a result of the changes. Nice moves Q.
Well I was just going to go to bed… but I cant….
So Crawford loses his post and we lose the game…. not the worst game the hawks have played, but the worst in a long while and now is not the time for it.
So i’ll ask it… WHY Q? Steeg? Nordy? For limited minutes anyway? You’s got some explaining to do… Why mess with what worked?
Oh well. Still taking the hawks in 6…. Anderson is beatable…
Playing Versteeg over Vermette, Nordstrom over TT? Never in 100 years does this make any sense. Versteeg never met a puck he could’nt turn over. Same line-up will give same result.
This loss is on Q and his bizarre lineup decision.
After the trade deadline acquisitions, we finally had four solid lines we could roll, and they were rolling. We blew by the Wild without the need for line-blending or bench-shortening.
So why change them?
Was Versteeg really going to give you more than Vermette? And who could seriously argue that Nordstrom offers more than TT?
The lineup change also screwed up the 4th line, which had been excellent for a while. And the Ducks last goal was partly because Nordstrom went inside and left Despres all alone to the outside.
Can someone explain what Q was possibly thinking tonight?
MADNESS.
1961 — spot on 1000%. Q altered entire complexion of team for ZERO reason. Rolling four lines since game 3 v. Nashville. Every line as previously constituted (before tonight) was defensively responsible, creating offensive chances and playing w/ a purpose. Kruger and Desjardins were worthless tonight b/c they weren’t playing w/ Shaw; Shaw was worthless b/c he wasn’t playing w/ Kruger and Desjardins. Shaw at center, highly effective — not. Nordstrom on ice for both goals. He is a 14th forward — that means relax in press box and watch game and learn. What’s going to happen next game — sit Kane & Toews for Hartman and Danault? There is no excuse for what Q did — he should open press conference and state “I lost the game for the team, I didn’t think playing Versteeg & Nordstrom would hurt us, but it obviously did.” All four lines were greatly affected — ADVERSELY — by Q’s stupidity. This is worse than moronic stubbornness last year dressing Bollig for no reason.
80 & 86 must be dinged a little, Q says no injuries. I’d rather see Hartman than Versteeg, whenever 23 hits somebody, he goes down.
No idea what Kris Versteeg and Joakim Nordstrom did that Antoine Vermette and Teuvo Teravainen couldn’t do. The only way that Kimono Men (44) trade for high picks make sense if he decapitates Perry and gets suspended for the rest of his NHL life (about 3 weeks in best case scenario). Q is an Enigma, to me at least.
“The Walgreen’s Prescription Valium Player of the Game for the Anaheim Ducks — Chicago Coach Joel “Oh sorry, I was out of it when I submitted roster for tonight” Quennville.” Thanks Q.
I can only hope Q comes to his senses and puts Tevo and Vermette back in maybe while he’s at it give Pokka a chance on defense. I’m sorry but the Timonen thing is a bust. Next game a must have!
We had to win game 4 to be tied 2-2 before. 2010 NAS, 2010 VAN and 2013 BOS. At some point we were going to have to do it again.
Agree with above comments about sitting Vermette and Teivo. I’d love to know the rationale Q employs to make these changes. Teivo, even at this young point in his career, is creative and can make things happen. And even though Vermette is not lighting things up, his absence makes the Hawks weaker up the middle. I just can’t figure these moves out. I’ve never been a Q basher but tonight’s scratches have me closer bashing crowd…
Was Sharp also a ‘scratch’ tonight? Talk about a guy whose skill has gone AWOL…
Saad has done little, if anything as well…
Father Time surely catching up to the Hoss…
Dux have best 1-2 centerman pair in the league which truly neutralizes JT…
I thought Cumiskey looked solid tonight…
Dux seemed to have more jump tonight…
PP…better said pp…nonexistent again…
I’m in a bad mood.
“I’d love to know the rationale Q employs to make these changes” – he said he wanted “fresh legs” out there.
I’ve got nothing to defend the lineup changes tonight.
Mo – thanks for some perspective. To everyone piling on Q and the lineup changes perhaps being 0 for 5 on the PP may have contributed a little to the result. We have overcome challenges before and I am confident we will do it again in this series.
Thank gawd for 44’s six and a half minutes tonight. Dudes a gamer and well worth the two picks given up for him.
Meanwhile the first rounder + decent D prospect sits the game out.
Polite golf clap for Stan Bowman.
I’m mortified.
The loss isn’t on Q-come on ! (Although I didn’t like the changes)
it was-
Fatigue
Their goalie
A lack of urgency (other than a few minutes)
Awful power play
other than maybe the last that isn’t the coach
This team continues to need to rise to the occasion and it usually works-I hope it does Saturday.
The one thing I do agree on is why in the world 44 continues to play-that is beyond craziness. That is a coaching decision.
Don’t understand sitting 86 & 80. Why interrupt the great chemistry that the 3rd and 4th lines had shown? Why shuffle now? Versteeg sucks and Nordstrom is invisible. It’s not like we were coming off of a loss. Chemistry is a delicate balance, and Q acted on his hunch to get some fresh legs in there and it was a shit call. I watched the post game presser and I think he knows it.
Fresh legs…Teivo is 20 years old and I would bargain has the body to bounce back from the other night better than anyone else on the team. And besides, he didn’t log the heavy minutes anyway…FRESH LEGS MY ASS…he’s a creator and that ability was missed tonight. That’s bullshit Q!
80/86 out and 23/42 in was ridiculous…Steve Konroyd just admitted on post game that 86 was going to be his prediction tonight for the high flyin’ Hawk…but then he backed off and became the company man rather supporting the subs.
I don’t buy it.
I don’t but it either. Can’t believe Q could make such a stupid move at such a critical juncture.
Lots of knee jerk reaction here and many silly comments…Q played those 2 because they were not dinged up and fresher..it was a responsive strategy..Calgary did the same with Johnny Gaudreau because he could not take another bashing from the big Ducks and Johnny bounced back just fine after a game sit out. We cannot have/risk key players out for the duration…they will be back. Kane is getting roughed up pretty good as well..wearing him down. (Thought Kane had it with 5 seconds to go to tie.) It was a calculated but a likely necessary risk that Q took and it will pay back dividends next game when it reverts back, ( barring any real undisclosed injuries). Thanks for that stat Morrison…its something that is inevitable and we have faced many times…its the Blackhawks guys, that is how we roll and that is how we win.
A couple of points on the game. Q has always been a guy the leaves lines alone after a win. I was downright pissed off when i heard Steeger and Nordstrom were playing. Im not sure what he was expecting them to do.
2nd this game was lost in the 1st period. The power play was down right pathetic. The Ducks walked in here kicked the Hawks ass and they took it! I expect more out of this team. Anytime Bickell or Sharp want to show up that would be nice
Hawks roll three lines = Anaheim in Finals. Tx again Q, good job, and good evening.
Without the benefit of hindsight it is hard to argue with the fresh legs strategy. We now know it didn’t work but that was not the biggest issue tonight. Our PP still sucks – as it has for much of the past four years. In addition guys like Sharp and Bickell are not earning their pay and that hurts big time. Floating doesn’t win games in late May. We still have the talent to get the job done – it is now just a little tougher than hoped. Expect AV and TT back for Saturday.
Let’s get off complaining about Timmo and the draft pick SB gave up to get him. No one knew back in March how difficult (read nearly impossible) it would be for him to get back to even being close to what he once was. It was a calculated gamble and we lost it. So what. That happens. Most of us wanted some moves at the deadline believing the roster needed strengthening. Had SB done nothing we’d be complaining even more about that.
— I believe the ineffective powerplay was the major factor…overall, the Ducks just played a near-perfect “road game” = checking/defense/limiting chances.
Quenneville – the lineup changes…he has Cups and wins, but this proves he can still, at times be a dick. (All praise Genius/Guru/etc.!!)
Ducks are pretty good…everytime we got near the puck or had it they were on top of it…they plugged up centre ice, sticks are always in the way and they hit us hard and effectively. We can and will answer with our own countermeasures. Bickell..you have all summer to recoup for cripes sake. Does not appear he is willing to answer the bell. ( he makes a million more than Q a year…huh?) Sharp is flumoxed for sure but he will find a way out of the Ducks tenacity. This is becoming a series of wills. No way that strange looking no neck coach beats our Q. The Ducks will fall. Anderson downright gives me the creeps, like he has 5 heartbeats a minute or something. So thats my ridicule on the Ducks for now anyway. Really don’t want to go seven, six is more our style.
Get ready for more lineup changes since they lost. Should be loud and energetic building on Saturday night. Flying in from Omaha to attend, beyond excited. Hawks will even the series at 2-2 and we will go from there.
Q generally has proven himself smarter than we all tend to think at times. The only defensible reason – and the situation I think is most likely – is that 80 and 86 are actually hurt and needed the time. They don’t want Kesler or Perry to know about injuries and exploit them and so had to be coy with the media. Would anyone really be shocked to learn TT got hurt in his first playoff run after the longest game in the history of the Hawks against a team that finishes its checks like the Ducks? The other possibility is that Q was sending a message to Vermette again to finish those chances from Game 2. Less likely, I think.
The only explanation I can see for not having 80 and 86 in over 23 and 42 is because of injury not fresh legs. 42 is a waste of space and as someone pointed out he was on for both goals against in less than 10 minutes . I would prefer Danault over him. TT is not only better but should be used on the pathetic PP. Theses moves caused all 4 lines to be out of sync. I hope for a better lineup and result Saturday.
Like almost all of you, I was perplexed to not see Vermette and Teuvo in the lineup. First words out of my mouth during pre-game shoot around , were oh no. This had to be injury related. I don’t buy the we needed fresh legs BS. As the game got rolling it seemed apparent that the lines that were being shuffled were having some trouble with chemistry. The 4 lines Q had been using were doing pretty well IMO to start the series despite the juggling act Q once again employed in game 1. Shaw Kruger Desi need to get back together.
Both teams skated like they were tired last night and for good reason.
Ducks get full marks. They absolutely deserved to win that game last night. Their commitment to team defense was outstanding, especially after they got the lead to close out the 2nd with one of those late period goals. They blocked something like 29 shots last night?? Hawks blocked 9. Ducks shut down neutral zone especially in the 3rd, and most of the game had guys lined up on their own blue line to deny zone entry. They packed those big bodies in around Andersen and dared the Hawks to beat them. It was a clinic.
Ducks also have propensity for taking really stupid and unnecessary penalties. If the Hawks power play could have had some more sense of purpose this game last night would have been a different story. Hawks got 1 shot on net with all that PP time. They let Ducks off the hook in the 1st. That was pretty much the game. No puck luck again for Hawks like in game 1, but that means send more guys to screen Andersen. Hawks have to generate more shots to net on PP with quick passes and one timers. Just too much peripheral passing.
Advantage Ducks. At least this next game is at the UC, but road games often seem to bring out more discipline in the traveling team. Anyway, the Hawks know they must have game 4 or it’s big trouble. There will be lots of emotional swings in this series. You can feel it developing that way.
Teuvo’s creativity was misssed last night against a Ducks team that made the Hawks struggle to get pucks to open players via tape to tape passing. Lots of passes not caught well last night by the Hawks. TT gets the puck moved quickly to the tape or puts pucks in open areas for guys to skate to. Vermette wins face offs. Apart from the Cpt., Hawks draws were bad last night. What’s up with Kruger? Why did he not take face offs? Must be injury related. He was missed at the dot.
This Hawks team does nothing easy. It’s going to be a nervous 48 hours, but I think they will find a way through Saturday night.
Lets GO Hawks!
The one true characteristic of this team over the last several years is that they don’t do things the easy way-(the Minnesota series was an anomaly)
They need to be challenged. I predicted Hawks in 6 or 7 and it looks like seven for the Hawks to win. The Ducks are good, just like last year and the Kings-
Smitty I agree we need to move on from the whole draft pick thing-but that doesn’t mean we can’t question playing a 40 year old who is too small, too slow and not ready for fast paced, key playoff games.
Hawks in seven with a big win Saturday.
oh yeah… btw.. we just lost a game where Toews was like 70% from the dot…
that just feels great!
The problem that I had with the line up changes was that Shaw was at center for awhile and he is very INEFFECTIVE at center!! The guy is much more effective as a winger.
Also, why was Kreuger benched? Was he injured. He was our best player in the 3 overtime win.
Ducks were better team last night. The team that Q put on the ice was not going to win this game while the Ducks obviously felt their season was on the line after losing the 3OT game Tues. 29 blocks to 9? That’s the opponent owning the edge in desire and will and the old Hawks standby advantage- “resolve.”
Agree with many posters that shuffling lineup makes no sense unless 80 and 86 are really injured. The PP is a mess, which is a recipe for a series loss if it can’t be corrected as Anaheim will continue to hack, hold, X-check and bully if Hawks can’t make em pay when refs call it.
Thursday nite is must win, hope Phil and Craig can help the home team bring it home. Can we respond to another situation of significant adversity? That’s what has made this team special over the past 5-6 years. Bring back 80 and 86 and let’s get it done.
The good the bad and the ugly.
The bad? Breaking up that 4th line that has carried the weight, tone and puck possession more than the any other line in the playoffs. Real NHL fans can now easily see why “vita-mixing” lines and chemistry even on the 4th line is so critical. dotn touch it! Shaw turned into ho-hum average off that 4th line as did Marcus. I also have said for years SAAD needs his own line and his productivity, aggressiveness drops when paired with Toews and Hossa. Not sure what he is worth if I go by playoffs? Even more ugly was to take TVR out (unless hiding injury) for Nordstrom. TVR played very well, his size to me is becoming less an issue he just see the ice better than anyone, even Kane. Vermette was playing very well in the OT’s finally. Versteeg replacing him is really just another “average player” with average skills not a game changer. Hawks have a lot of “average” they can plug in but in playoffs you need SIZE (Kevin Hayes) and some people with a HEAVY SHOT and some PHYSICAL PLAY not another 5′ 11′ under sized player who is not a game changer, a solid player steady but not a game changer.
The Good? Crow played very well and that second goal was his only mistake but again only because he has to “clear the crease” all by himself so he will get out of position at times. Kane played “possessed” and if Toews can inject some of that “intensity” into his game, Hawks will be okay. Still too much holding the puck by Hossa, yes brilliant defender but holding the puck too much and Ducks play the game I personally love, just play the body and lay him out. rub them into the boards! Bill White styles , showing my age! Hawks are not big enough to do anything about that and that is why we CAN NOT GET THE PUCK SET UP or ENTERED on power play! If we don’t get an odd man rush we can not generate anything. Plus we put a lot of pressure on our D-men.
The ugly? That unorganized power play, not that they need to score goals but it actually becomes an advantage and momentum builder for the DUCKS. Hawks penalty kill is okay i think over rated. BLOCKED SHOTS Ducks are just bigger and block more again to me, Michael Frolik was also my type of prototype penalty kill player and why that year our penalty killers where different, his size, his length and his speed and close out at the point WOW. Little details make the difference.
The Real Ugly is DUCKS played average (borderline bad ) last might and gave the Hawks the chance to win and we lost. No net front, players still skating wide of the net, no hard nosed board battles, no one taking it to the net. DUCKS very steady on all 4 lines. Everyone funnel to the net like the LA kings! Simple simple. Hawks love to dance but that is suicide vs ducks. This is not the Ice Capades.
Personal Side note > , Kevin Hayes was the “type” of player profile the Hawks should have more of, he is /was the prototype to me. When the Hawks let Kevin Hayes go that told me as a Hawks Fan we’re in trouble. When a player of that size falls in your lap as did Michael Frolik and we let them go, we’ll that confirms the type of team they think will win it all. The DUCKS are the one team that makes that small ball, under sized quick to the puck style, poke check, slick sticks really a mistake. This series is just a bad matchup in size, Preds had a few big lines but are SLOW, Wild has no size and thats why Hawks just grind it out. Ducks are really tuff got to hand it to them and like the LA Kings a very simple strategy.
Hawks are in trouble but are indeed over due for a break out game a 4 or 5 goal performance! Go hawks
Coach Q has a bad habit of “vita-mixing” lines and sending messages to the WRONG players! The line chemistry was finally balanced. Sending messages to mid-tier players is Amateur Hour. Toews is the most under rated, yes under rated, and over skilled player in the entire NHL and it’s sort all on Toews as the captain. Toews has mad skills and should be much more aggressive to the net and in front of the net and lead by example. IN FACT if we are all watching the same Toews when he plays that way he is soo much better when he’s getting banged up and in front of the net and getting dirty, other wise he is a very expensive passer and an above average defender but HOSSA as i say over and over makes him look better on defense, Hossa covers a lot of ice. Watch how far behind Toews is when YOU see Hossa make a great defensive play.
My simple Point is Q needs to send the right message to the right players! The lines where building some chemistry, that take time on ice. TVR was playing very very well and really impressed me and I don’t impress. Vermette is a veteran and needs more “mindful motivation” than yelling, sitting and benched really makes it hard for him, confidence goes both ways. Simple!
Luck for us . . . Ryan Getzlaf the other captain is playing average at best also, yeah yeah good Hawks defense but he is just floating out there, he’s another high skill guy who get’s lost in the woods and could dominate a game, but doesn’t!
Hi Tab,
I see where my post is not up, and is awaiting moderation. In the light of day I now realize that my comments about the crowd, while heartfelt, are probably not beneficial to the board. A little too off-topic and could potentially lead others to comment and get things off track. Just a frustrated Blackhawks fan who wanted to see more energy. No problem with me whatsoever if it doesn’t go up (like you need my approval :) ). My other comments are just parroting what the others have said about the lineup changes. Love your board, man. Keep up the good work.
GO BLACKHAWKS!
I am not sure you can hide an injury during the conference finals. Everyone is banged up a little bit. Q says fresh legs but then skates 2 and 7 almost 30 minutes each after their 50 minute marathon Tuesday. I am not a Q basher, but I too am puzzled. Q after a win usually keeps his line up in tact. Fresh Legs?? 80 and 86 skated 21 and 22 minutes Tuesday night. How is that a big deal??
I noticed at the UC last night that the air temp was significantly colder than normal, yet the ice didn’t seem that hard. Lots of guys falling down on blowouts and pucks rolling and bouncing more than one would have thought given how cold it was in there. Anyone else notice this last night at the game?
Lets Go Hawks!
Kane double shifted some for TT in Game 2. I was surprised as I thought TT was controlling the play when he was on the ice. Perhaps, perhaps he is dinged a little. However i don’t know if I really buy it. The lineup changes are maddening if no injuries.
Watched the game on TV, I couldn’t hear the crowd in full force during the anthem. What was the atmosphere like at the game? For those that go, was it as loud throughout the whole game as other playoff games?
I get into this trap too, but as a fan, I am sometimes more scared this year than expecting the Hawks to win. Everyone knows the Hawks are a Dman or 2 short and 1 goal leads feel like 2 or 3 for the opposition. I (and we for those that sometimes feel like me) have to cut that crap out. The team is 7 wins away from a CUP. Cheer hard Boys and Girls. Let’s go Hawks.
NOONAN96 makes a solid point, the backs to the wall mentality! When Hawks pulled crow and had the man advantage with 2 minutes left Hawks put on a power play clinic!
When they are down a game they respond. While this is a sign of a champion like the Yankees on ice (boo) I’m not sure Hawks have the talent and depth to rely on that, back to wall motivation? I say the Hawks are very good but everyone all 4 lines must play GREAT to win, they have NO ROOM FOR ERROR or LAZY!
I know Philly could have beaten them Boston Should have beaten them but then the Hawks dig in.
My minor insight is . . . if your talented or high skilled you have a tendency to “moderate and throttle” your game, turn it on and off. When your a player drafted in the last round and playing for you r life well you PLAY HARD EVERY MINUTE because it’s your life. So think maybe SHAW vs. TOEWS or MARCUS vs. VERMETTE
excuse my many post . . .
Observations from the 200 level…
1. Q went with the fresh legs strategy. I get it. Don’t think it compromised our ability to win game at all.
2. Sharp has been nowhere to be found. He had a poor season, and he’s largely been a non-factor in the playoffs at age 34. We won’t get into his off the ice daliances, but I have to wonder now if Bowman will be able to move that salary in the offseason.
3. Anaheim’s strategy for playing Hossa has been brilliant. Absolutely so.
4. The supposed weakness of Anaheim – the blueline – has been anything but.
5. Kesler and Perry are stifling two-way players and have defined this series for Anaheim, along with Andersen,
5. Anaheim is damn good. They controlled much of game 3, and lets be honest they did the same in game 2. The Hawks are in some trouble unless Andersen stops standing on his head.
6. Saad has struggled in this series. Credit Anaheim.
7. Oduya has been so vital and so good in these playoffs that I now think Bowman has to find a way to bring him back next season. Nobody knows if van Riemsdyk can come back from a major injury or, frankly speaking, if he can be any good (18 NHL games played to date doesn’t define a thing). Johns has been ravaged by a procession of major injuries, but I love that kid. Pokka? Point is Oduya is needed back IF the money can work.
Overall – not feeling good about a happy ending in this series. Anaheim is good. They could be 3-0 in this series right now. The Hawks will have to play a game 4 that I haven’t seen out of them in game 1, 2, 3. Notwithstanding the incredible work of Keith, Hjalmarsson, Oduya, Seabrook and Crawford.
if we shoot at the goal during any power play and score this game ends with a W now it ends with a Q? Game 4 all Chicago.
Peter, re your questions about crowd noise last night. I thought anthem din was less than normal last night. Crowd enthusiasm was also restrained because of stifling defense played by Ducks. Not much to cheer about as quality chances and sustained pressure not so much there. It was a crowd left in waiting due to what was going on down on the ice. Would have helped if the Hawks had cashed in some of those extra PP minutes for sure. Ducks are tough to play against when THEY get the lead.
RTF what section do you sit in? I’m last row 231 by the 231-232 aisle. Also I concur with your comments regarding Oduya. Guy has been rock solid since coming back from injury and was best d man for Hawks IMO last night. Hawks can keep rolling top 4 d guys.
Lets Go Hawks!
Q’s responses in the press conference are even more incredulous. In relevant part, he (Q) “wanted to get them (Versteeg & Nordstrom) some ice”? Really? As if we are dealing w/ little kids soccer or whatever sport and every kid gets a chance to play? The entire chemistry of the four lines was thrown off by these moves. These types of lineup decisions — two years in a row — are professional blunders that cost people jobs.
Rufus – good, insightful post. I agree with everything you said. And, yeah, the Ducks are good.
As far as the crowd atmosphere last night, it was pretty restrained. There were points where it got loud and the crowd was really trying to urge on the Hawks but the boys had nothing left in their legs. You could see them trying to break out on rushes, make it to the red line and then just have to coast in from there. Given that, every rush was one chance and then go the other way. I can only think of 1-2 sustained offensive zone possessions on either end. The triple overtime game really showed last night.
It was also really cold in the building. Seemed like they were trying to make sure the ice was better than it was in Anaheim.
The futile powerplay which we saw all season is coming back to haunt us. I’m of the mind that as soon as the ducks get a penalty the Hawks should take one and skate 4 on 4. They look more dangerous 4 on 4 than they do up a man. That this talent can’t figure out how to set up the powerplay is mind-boggling.
Not a major point but did they show Hossa grabbing Perry’s stick and dropping it to the ice on TV? It was right at the start of the second. Got a good chuckle out of the crowd that noticed it. Hope everyone is recovered for game 4.
Tough loss, but expect the Hawks will shake it off like they did in the Nashville series (overtime win followed by a loss, overtime win followed by a loss). Cumiskey looked ok for the second game in a row, clearly a positive. Bickell had a few too many turnovers which hurt the tempo of the second line. So in game four if Q is going to play Versteeg then the second line should be 23-88-91. Expecting Vermette & TT to rejoin the third line (10-80-86), and the fourth line should be 65-16 -11. Does Q sit Bickell? Can the Hawks afford to sit Bickell?
Silicon Valley Hawks Fan… Re: Crow in 3 OT winner comment… seems to me that SD had a similar game in Game 1 vs. Preds… and SD’s #’s were even better than Crow’s… doesn’t take away from excellent performance from Crow…
But- wts- I would still rather have Kesler (or similar player) w/ SD in net versus
Crow $$$ and what the Hawks are skating now… just sayin
Further proof… is Andersen that good… or is the Ducks D- more responsible???
I am still going w/ Team D…
Rufus- (if that is the real Rufus- great post)… to add- the ducks D- is actually pretty young… and Saad/Hossa have really been played well… I don’t think I have seen Saad as quiet on the attack in open ice… cuz there isn’t a lot of open ice.
Perhaps TT/Vermette are dinged??? I am thinking Vermette- dinged…
TT – just young,skinny, tired a little… so Q wanted to “rest” and see what 23 would look like.
So the 4th line has arguably been the best for the hawks through the first two games. The 4th line gets changed. Because that makes sense.
TT has been largely the most dangerous player on the ice the and Vermette has been strong at the dot and defensively. Both rotated out, Hmmmmmmm.
Chemistry absolutely killed. Why change what got the better play game one and then won the game game 2? Perplexing. Here we go on the Q out coaching himself roller coaster and I’m about ready to vomit after that debacle yesterday. Someone bring me some Dramamine.
The Power Play is an inexcusable putrid mess of excrement.
Credit to the ducks for slowing the game down and making it a ghastly hockey game to watch but this loss sits on the guys behind the bench f-ing with a winning formula.
Kruger took zero draws FWIW. I eluded to him being injured. If he sat the other guys because “legs” yet rolled a center that cant take a draw then I am dumbfounded at the logic these guys use to pick a line up. Especially when the guy that sat is historically one of the best face off guys in the league.
Somehow that game was still only a one goal difference. At the end of the night the lads pissed another one away and that is disappointing.
I know the sky is not falling, but before the game when I saw flashing on the screen about the line-up changes I was in a very angry mood changing my being excited to watch the game. Like everybody else thought the chemistry was all out of wack for 3 and 4 lines, Sharpe looked lost without his guys. Don’t know who was at fault for coverage on the 2nd goal, one of the forwards messed up, not on Crawford, with the screen plus leaving somebody wide open. I agree with whoever said TT would help the PP. And Ducks had fresh legs without making any changes. Watching a limited camera angle on NHL network of warmups, I noticed seeing Svedberg out there but not Runblad or Pokka, don’t know if that means anything or not, if anybody there noticed that, would be good to know. Also the puck seems to roll every time Bickell gets his stick on it, and sometimes actually bounces. I don’t think that is bad luck or bad ice.
The substitutions had a deep affect on the game. Not only do we lose the creativity of 86 and the face off skills of 80, but 16 had nowhere to play and 65 was forced to play a position he is not good at.
It’s crazy to break up 11 16 65. That has been our best possession line and possession has been a major problem.
I hate to say it but outside of faceoffs, we need to get more production from 19. All this talk about the stars neutralizing each other is nonsense. If Kessler and Perry are “nuetralized”, why are they always parked in front of 50 half the game? Wake up, the Ducks are playing very well and we are not going to win with our stars playing outside the face off circles while theirs are parked in front of Crow.
I’m disgusted. Q playing 23 & 42? Q continuing to play 44? Come on. Is Q just that damn stubborn. We better find out there were injuries for the line-up changes last night. 86, 80, 10 had great chemistry. Same with the 4th line. If no injuries, I will definitely be bashing Q.
You want to get someone some ice, play anyone that could skate other than Kimmo!!! You are going to insulate them with minimal minutes and playing them with a top 4 dman anyway!!! Kimmo wasn’t the reason for the loss last night, but the more games he is in the more he hurts the team.
The Hawks played like they did the last portion of the season without Kane. It was almost as though they were resting last night. Throw it into the Ducks zone, put one forechecker up, and everyone else gets back playing d. They just looked lethargic to me. Ducks had more energy in their step and deserved to win.
I am a little concerned. Go Hawks!!! We have to make this go 7 because I don’t see the Hawks taking the next three.
That’s what Bickell is supposed to do but he’s too busy trying (and often, failing) to hit people. Forget that and take your beating in front of the net! We can’t get any shots through (27 blocks from the ducks) and Anderson is playing way more under control thank Crow. It’s going to take deflections. Put the 4th line back together…and where are Sharp and Saad??
At the end of the 3 OT game 86 had more hop in his legs than anybody on the ice. Fresh legs? What an excuse. 80 and 86 looked fine to me when they jumped off the bench to celebrate the game winning 3 OT goal. Q screwed up and as Tony pointed out he knows it.
OK heres my take on whats going on, zebragreg says that TT is creative and can make things happen . Can anyone on this board or its creator Tab tell me why TT is not on the power play ,he would be a spark plug to a missfiring engine ala the road runner Yvan cournoyer of the 70s Canadiens , Giving Bickel the money and letting Hayes go , Keeping Sharp and and trading Leddy , Ok i get it its all bitter monday morning quarterbacking , but arent these decesions supposed to be made to the teams advantage by a good G M Not Bowman , if TT and Vermette are not hurt and were just decisions by Q my opion of him as a coach has been diminished I love the Hawks and will always support them, but We had a good GM hes now in California Bob Murray
B
Re: Kruger I am concerned that he hurt his shoulder when Stoner cross checked him into the boards in game 2 – can’t be any other reason for not taking any draws. All the more reason that Vermette needs to be in the lineup. Interesting that those of you at the game said it was much colder as the ice seemed to be horrible watching on TV.
RTF – completely agree re: Oduya.
MTM – not following your posts re:TVR as he is not available to play given his injury.
The Hawks have largely been outplayed in all 3 games across most every period of those 3 games. The PP has struggled…guess what, that HAPPENS when you get to the Western Conference Finals, because guess what, you find yourself playing a damned good hockey team with a damned good PK.
Credit Anaheim’s forwards for relentless ( and suprisingly impressive) two-way play. Their forwards on all 4 lines have worked hard on the defensive side of things. Andersen has not been test by the Hawks in 3 games…he just hasn’t. He’s a big dude who consumes the net, but I’m not convinced he can’t be beat because we haven’t pressured him much at all.
I can’t explain Bickell anymore. I’m to the point where I’d like to see him in a suit and tie in the club suite on Saturday.
Sharp has been a total and complete non-factor. Richards and Kane have done their thing fairly well, but Sharp hasn’t been a part of that chemistry in the least bit in this series. Lets face it…Sharp’s effectiveness dropped off the face of a cliff in 2014-15.
To win game 4 the Hawks need to find a to break through a stifling Anaheim defensive focus. Kesler and Perry have been outstanding in this regard, but like I said its really been all 4 of their lines in this regard. So how do we start breaking them down?!? Maybe the defense needs to pinch more and we roll the dice that Crawford can stand on his head in the event Anaheim gets behind a pinched up defense and goes to the net unopposed. Offense has to come from somewhere. Andersen MUST start feeling some heat. Shaw can’t be the only guy focused on net presence. Desjardins needs to step up in this regard. Frankly speaking, so does Saad.
….furthermore, as reported by others, Kruger took zero (0) faceoffs the entire game; it’s highly likely that Q knew before the game Kruger was hurt and was unable to take faceoffs (unless Kruger was injured during his first shift of the game). Despite this intimate knowledge, Q decides to not play Vermette. The ripple effect of Q’s decisions could be series altering. Nordstrom’s (who also doesn’t play center) offensive skillset is non-existent; we saw how responsible he is defensively as well last night. Maybe Q can clear his head today at Arlington, beautiful day for him to go smoke cigarettes and wager on Mr. Ed’s friends.
Anaheim and Montreal are the only two NHL franchises who are over .500 all time playing on Chicago ice.
There are some high profile Blackhawk players who need to show up in this series, they haven’t so far.
Curious line up moves to be sure, but that didn’t lose the game. You get 5 power plays and do nothing, well, that’s a big reason. And unfortunately the opponent gets credit too, it was a perfect road game for them.
Sharp nowhere to be seen in this playoffs? He scored goals in both the Nashville and Minnesota series. Sharp nowhere to be found in this series? Yes. Sharp played way better this playoffs than last year. I agree though he needs to step up though. In my opinion the kill in this game were the powerplays. Have to shoot on Andersen more than 1 time in 5 powerplay chances with one being a double minor. I mean if they would of had 2 powerplay goals in the first with the four powerplays they had(fifth on in the third) and added Kane’s goal they would have been up 3-1 going into the Second. That would make Anaheim be more aggressive with their defensemen getting into offensive plays which could mean the % of 2 on 1s could have been reduced. Never know but that 3-1 could have also put positive momentum in their swing. That’s just my opinion of things. Yes I don’t get and never will Q’s lineup change but this game to me was lost due to powerplays.
I give Q the benefit of doubt in most instances. He is a HOF coach with two stanley cup rings vs. the zero that I have. However, in this case, I can’t see any logic to his lineup changes, specifically with Vermette sitting and Kruger relegated to wing.
The only viable explanation is Vermette is also hurt and hurt worse than Kruger but Q doesn’t want to tip his hand and hopes a day off will allow Vermette enough time to heal and be effective in game 4. With Kruger hurt, they then needed some extra grit on the 4th line, which fell to 42 coming in.
Unfortunately that left both the 3rd and 4th lines offensively impotent. 65 couldn’t win a draw a 3 or 4C and we all know 42’s limitations. Something else has to be going on, it makes no sense otherwise.
Versteeg doing his headless chicken routine added nothing which makes me think 86 must be dinged up too.
Well said Hof-I agree
My hunch–
We go down 3 to 1 it will be too much
Agree with all on TT – TT (besides Kane) is the Hawks best PP guy… Hoss too…
TT – is the only guy- on PP that will move the puck-QUICKLY- to the right area when being pressured/doubled… really pretty simple stuff… I will add… he is probably better passer than Kane on PP… Kane is still better – cuz shot + skating+ stick handling on PP… TT can do too- seen him skate circles around AHL guys… But TT is still a little green/nervous there… but will greatly improve- once he learns the pace/league.
Bill- Re: the puck always bouncing away from Bickell’s (I mean “Handcuffs”) stick…
I coined the phrase mid season…
he “Bickelled it”—“when a player is skating with the puck on his stick, and no one around, and puck suddenly jumps,bounces, or rolls away”= Bickelled it
While I think Q’s lineup changes were a bad decision and the ripple effect of players in different positions made the Hawks a weaker team, I can’t go so far as to blame the lineup change for the loss.
The fact is that the Ducks were held to 2 goals. That should be good enough to win the game. And while Versteeg and Nordstrom did nothing to create a scoring chance, TT and Vermette haven’t dented the scoresheet either.
No, the Hawks lost because they could muster more than 1 shot on their 5 power plays, let alone even come close to scoring. The power play has let the team down and the fact is that unless the power play is miraculously transformed into something resembling an NHL power play where players actually shoot the puck and hit the net, I’m afraid the odds are that the Ducks will win this series because they will have no compunction to avoid taking 5 penalties when they don’t have to worry about paying the price.
The power play has been less than it should be for a long time and here we find ourselves again lamenting that fact. Q’s lineup change was perplexing, to say the least. Q’s inability to fix the power play is inexcusable and unforgivable.
Still only 1-2. Not giving up hope by any means. Our Hawks are an amazing team with the heart of a lion. I still believe.
Go Hawks ! ! ! !
Smitty – “Without the benefit of hindsight it is hard to argue with the fresh legs strategy.” Really? I think it’s pretty easy to argue with the fresh legs strategy. Tevo is 20! They aren’t getting much fresher than that! And now here I am arguing for Vermette, but he is at 59% F.O. And I thought he was brought in here to help the playoff push. Unless they are injured, (not just hurt), I don’t get the move.
Smitty again- “Let’s get off complaining about Timmo and the draft pick SB gave up to get him. No one knew back in March how difficult (read nearly impossible) it would be for him to get back to even being close to what he once was”.
Are you kidding? No one knew how hard it MIGHT be for a 40 year old to come back after not playing a year because of blood clots? My arm is getting sore from raising it up this high. Wow, your deductive reasoning is broken.
Regarding “fresh legs strategy”. BWAHAHAHAHAHA! That would be really funny if it weren’t so sad.
Yeah the playoff Bickell of old has not showed up. Sorry to say but we do need his size and need him to be physical……no 2 ways about it.
As for Qs unpopular roster changes…….maybe he read about Babcock’s contract and has lost his mind.
TT on the powerplay is a no brainer hes not because of Q whats the downside of tt on the pp, that they dont score on the pp lord give me strength
B
Gravy Train- excellent post… there had to be some serviceable 5th/6th D man out there around TDL??? or- if the Hawks could have given Pokka/Johns 3-4 game looks- might have helped… Yes Hof- I realize Johns was dinged up -on and off,,, and not suggesting he would have been the answer…. suggesting he “could ” have been a Plan B or C… nothing more… but with no time in the “show” it is hard to throw anyone into fire with ZERO experience…
But a 40 year old- who didn’t even play the entire year???
We won 7 games in a row in 2010 then took a couple of hits before playing big in game 5. This is very similar to that, where we won game 6 then won 4 against MIN for 5 in a row (might have been 7 if we started at home) took a couple of hits (in 3 games). We need to win game 4, then we have a chance to play big in game 5.
Lion in the Savanna.
I guess I’ll be the bad guy and ask what is with all the TT love? I agree that he is a good skater and creative, but he has only 3 points in the playoffs! He only had 9 during the season! I think he will be good in the future and I think he should be playing now, but can we please take his number down from the rafters until he actually produces some points?
Our team is not ever more dangerous when we have something to prove. This is the point where we turn the corner and do not look back (game 4 BOS). Its time to play Blackhawks hockey style.
I must admit, sometimes the Q blender seems to do more damage than what it helps.
The second goal on Crawford was another classic Crawford Playoff Soft Goal. He was not in the net, as usual, when someone scores on him. I don’t know what it will take to keep that guy in the net. He is far too jumpy and willing to leave the pipes. I agree the Hawks may have been tired but so were the Ducks, so that is no excuse.
Props to the Ducks and Andersen, they looked far better than the Hawks all night long.
This game actually lead me to believe that the Ducks want this more and they deserve it more than the Hawks do. They are working twice as hard as the Hawks are and it shows in every game.
I am just about to give up, I can only imagine the Hawks are feeling the same way after these beatings and barely winning game 2. Oh well, maybe next season. It was a great run but I think this is over for the Hawks in this round. Prove me wrong… PLEASE!!!
Andersen has been the surprise of the series but we need to get a couple past him to dent his confidence. I have seen him plenty in LA and he has had more than his share of struggles. A few greasy goals and things will change.
While I remain very positive on the Hawks I must ask why other teams on the PP move the puck right into the zone and set-up immediately yet we struggle to get into the zone and then when we get in the zone we send the puck around the boards from one side to another before losing it. Also seem to be looking for the perfect shot – thought we over-passed a lot last night.
The Powerplay has struggled against a Western Conference playoff for with great PK ability and Kessler and Perry on the ice! Get over it people. We aren’t playing the Edmonton Oilers right now. The problem has been simple thru 3 games…the Hawks have had very little answer to Anaheim’s stifling two way forward play and a blue line group that has been stout. Our offensive chances in each of these games has been shockingly poor. If that doesn’t change and change beginning tomorrow night then the Ducks easily put the Blackhawks away in 6 games max.
Very frustrating game to watch as it was winnable. The only shot that gets through was one where the shooter wasn’t looking at the goal- maybe Hawks shooters should close their eyes more, maybe less drives straight into Andersen’s shirt then. 19 played his brains out and had nothing to show for it, not that he needs a fire lit under him, but he needs to get on the score sheet and the Hawks need to get past 2 goals in game 4 or this series is over. For all the bellyaching about Q’s substitutions, they still lost by 1 stinking goal and a fairly soft one at that. Another goalie win for Andersen, propped up by excellent defense. Ours good, theirs better, it’s that simple. The sky is falling.
Mr. Rufus — give me a break please. Anaheim D stout? Ha! They are decent D men. That’s about it. I don’t see Brian Leetch, Ray Bourque or even Gary Suter reincarnated back there. When the Hawks’ forwards are on their game, that group of D men aren’t gonna thwart consistent offensive zone pressure. Clayton Stoner? Ha ha ha…
Wall – How quickly they move the puck is a moot point if everyone is standing around and not moving. I do agree that TT like Kane can take the puck off the boards, draw two guys in and dish to the open player with a better lane but other than those two things it is a sorry state of affairs. It really can’t be that difficult.
I really like how Nick summed it up, a goalie win for them propped up by strong defense, ours good and theirs better.
Fact is in these 3 games the Ducks have played great forward and defensemen defense. Absolutely great. That is the only damned sample size that is relevant right now. I could care less to hear a history lesson of the regular season defensive problems. They sure the hell haven’t been seen in THIS series.
Yep……let’s keep blaming Crow. We can’t get more than 1 shot on any of our powerplays and it’s the goalies fault………yep……..blame the goalie.
Big Fred has been giving up some rebound opportunities at 45 degree angles. If we could just get some guys charging to the net when Bickell et al decide to actually fling it toward the net…….
BRONCO TNT should be on the second Power Play line, he is that good, what i have noticed is his lack of size ignites the defense to step up into him and he is really really good at avoiding the contact, keeping the puck or making the perfect pass, His size to me now is a benefit, he has skills to draw you in , unlike poor Marcus who is small and draws people in and sadly gets pounded. TNT has earned his spot and if he was not hurt should have been playing and on the second line power play.
Still how can this group not get entry on power plays 75% of the time? Just entry! Richards seems to be okay but Hossa and Toews etc really are not making it happen and this is now going on for 9 months! so it’s no fluke it’s f-ed up!
In defense of Bickel, the guy is called on to chase the dump ins. he called on to hit, and then he’s called on to be a net front presence? That is a lot for those who know the game . . . as someone said Toews needs to do the same.
Also Sharp wants the puck and goes gets the puck and is playing well. That late line change and benching hurt Sharp, if and when SHARP LEAVES i got news for all of us, HAWKS are done! You heard it here first . . . Saad had better step up, get to the net, if ay wanna bash, bash that top line. Each series is different, this one has some match ups that shows how good mega-bucks players are or aren’t!
Crow did fine . . . Hawks so WEAK to the net and even WEAKER in front of the net! They get a few “high light reel” goals a month then fall back into the over pass and shot wide strategy.
Kane i would say is worth the MONEY . . . he scores goals and he dominates. Shaw and Richards had some impact too . . .the rest has been up to our Defense!
So if Toews is sooo good and he is . . why continue to put so much pressure on a over worked defense like Keith? if the rest of the guys know this why not step up but NOOO they default to putting even more pressure on them to score and carry the game.
One goal a game is sad . . . for this group at this price!
We had not played at home in a good while and were coming in weary. It should not be a big surprise we fell flat and short. Its what we do.
What coach changes out 2 skaters after a win? We may employ the only one. who would do so. Outsmarted by thine own. True, it did not lay a loss in our lap but neither did it propel us to a win. It therefore failed in my view. Hopefully Mrs Q ripped him at home about it and it’s done for now
We will return to winning at home for G4 and 6. We have a choice of roadies we cvan grab, 5 or 7. Perfectly capable and doable. I have been impressed with Anaheim’s commitment to overall D. I reinsert 80/86(duh) and move Sharp to top line with simple instructions to everyone… let’s fly above the din Sat night and make their heads spin a little. Give them something to think about on the flight home. We ain’t done yet
Really good point, that was our first home game in 3wks (18days or something)(first game back after long road trip).
If one of us ( that is Committed Indians bloggers) had seriously suggested and was quite adamant about putting in Nordstrom and Versteeg and sitting out TT and Vermette before that game I guarantee the rest of us including Tab would be all over that and in a not so pretty way. Q has the experience, information and knowledge that we simply do not. TT and Vermette were dinged up and it was too risky to put them out there, another game of heavy bashing and they could be out for the duration. Thats my take. Nordy and Versteeg are on the team and part of the process. Surely we cannot suggest Q has lost his mind and gone batty or did this just for kicks. We know he does not mess with winning line combos so he had to have had zero choice. We can win the next three.
Vermette is NOT dinged up. Is on the record as “unhappy about 3rd game scratch.” This is ALL on Q and another example of his counter-productive lineup afflictions to prove he’s smartest guy in the room (Handzus and 23 in 2013-14 vs LA as another case in point.) Still dressing 44.. really? Yea, yea I know, 2 cups… GMAFB.
Q has two cups and 700 wins so he shouldn’t be questioned. Success breeds arrogance which leads to foolishness. I think he personally does not like 80. He is on record as saying he wants to field the team that best gives him a chance to win. Sitting 80 & 86 while stubbornly continuing to dress and severely limit the minutes of 44 tells me Q arrogance is yielding fool decisions And contradicts his own statement. In my mind Q cost us the LA series last year and thus the cup by the players he put on the ice. Right now it is my opinion he cost us game 3 by totally screwing up the 3rd and 4th lines.
With the TVR call-up, I feel another fool move coming. Q likes TVR so he’ll replace Cumiskey with TVR while continueing to play 44. I hope I am wrong and we see 44 scratched for Pokka.
Go Hawks!!!!
Timonen won’t get scratched for Pokka, they play different sides. Nice rant though.
Misinformed, but nice rant.
I like Rufus’ comments, Q’s line up changes didn’t seem to have any negative impact at all, and then his next point was to rip Patrick Sharp for not showing up? Gee, I think Sharp showed up but his 2 line mates DIDN’T! The Hawks went from grinding out wins by rolling 4 lines each game, back to two lines and only one centre winning face offs! What has Joakim Nordstrom EVER proved to anyone that he could be a healthy scratch for an age and then suddenly show up in a playoff game and make a difference? Nothing. The Hawks PP was atrocious with Kevin Dineen screaming at them on the bench to mix up their entries without a single player listening. I’d say that fatigue was an issue for the Hawks in game 3 caused by the coach bringing in two ineffective players that resulted in only 3 lines, and chasing the puck most of the night.
Final thought, that 2nd ANA goal simply should never have gone in. Crow cannot commit to a shot from the middle of the point by selling out his crease positioning. A simple angular pass resulted and Crow’s swinging leg still left half the net open. A technical gaff that meant the difference between a regular time loss and OT. As well as Crawford has played, Andersen has been better.
Tonight is the biggest game of the year. Must win. I expect 80 and 86 back in the lineup. Q screwed up last game and he knows it so he will make the necessary adjustments. 44 must sit this game. I would move Cumiskey over to his natural side and put Runblad in with the hope of getting 7-10 minutes from him. As shaky as Runblad is he is an improvement over 44. I actually feel bad for 44 because I can see he is really trying but his play is pitiful. Win tonight or start polishing the golf clubs.
Hof, move Cumiskey over to the left and you have Pokka on the right… I did not say where they would play…