Stanley Cup Final: Blackhawks Fall In OT, Series Tied
Because 60 minutes just isn’t enough, the Blackhawks played into overtime for a third straight game.
Unfortunately, this time they came up on the losing end of the ledger. And the Stanley Cup Final will head to Boston with the series tied.
Daniel Paille scored over 13 minutes into the first overtime to give Boston the victory. He also assisted on Chris Kelly’s goal for the Bruins, a significant improvement after Paille was minus-two in over 20 minutes of ice time in Game One.
The Blackhawks dominated the first period, out-shooting the Bruins 19-4 and holding a 1-0 lead.
But Boston out-shot Chicago 8-4 and 8-5 in the second and third periods, respectively, and tied the game in the second. The Hawks let the Bruins hang around long enough that they were able to score a dirty goal on only their seventh shot of the night, and that tied the game.
The longer Game Two lasted, the more the Hawks looked tired on the ice; their opportunity to put a big number on the board was wasted in the first period, and from there the Bruins were able to get back in the game. And their netminder was a big part of their ability to stay close.
Tuukka Rask has been magnificent in the Final. He stopped 33 of 34 shots on Saturday night after stopping 59 of 63 in Game One; he has a .949 save percentage in the Final, and has been the best player in the series for Boston.
For Chicago, Corey Crawford allowed only two goals against 28 shots. He has now allowed five goals against 82 shots in the series, good for a .939 save percentage.
Andrew Shaw played another strong game up front for the Hawks, leading the team with four takeaways and tying Brent Seabrook for a team-high of six hits.
Patrick Sharp, who skated on a line with Michal Handzus and Patrick Kane, was electric for most of the first couple periods and, before the Bruins tied the game, had as many shots by himself as Boston had as a team.
The Hawks power play continued to be awful, doing nothing with three opportunities on Saturday evening. They have been able to get opportunities with a man advantage in the series, but have done nothing with their chance.
Game Three is Monday in Boston.
I just saw that replay, another one they/nbc (w nnnnnnnn bc.) didnt play during the game that shows the puck in, even before whistle. Thats 4 good goals during playoffs that are all not counted. How how can you screw up a instant SLOW motion replay. Unacceptable. I am so perturbed.
F-ing Flatlanders.
Yeah that was in but not why the hawks lost. They lost by not finishing on numerous chances during a stunning first period. The Bruins had to gain some respect for how good the Hawks are. This series will be back and forth every game.
Not sure why hawks slowly unraveled. Hope it’s not fatigue because they play every other day for next 3. They need to fire a lot of shots. Power play is awful. Crow, hosa and sharp were great. Keith was gassed by the second period. Kane was ok. Toews just can’t get it going. Boys scoring one goal is not going to get it done no matter how well Crow plays.
One, we scored 2 in the first period. Even though we need to do what we/team need to…
There no excuse for instant replay… I want to wipe those nhl channel people smiles off their faces, like dazed and confused/wipe that face your head bitch. When we win in 6or7 games I want to see those media geniuses push off.
Morrison, “…the puck in, even before whistle” — I don’t think it came down to that “goal” that didn’t count. I think the Hawks lost because they came away with just ONE goal from a COMPLETELY dominated first period, and, their powerplay SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They have six players who are (ALL-)STARS and Shaw, Bickell, Leddy…and they not only can’t score with a fuckin’ gun to their heads – they usually can’t even get a fuckin’ shot on goal.
“the Boston Bruins hung around before slowing the game down and winning it in overtime” — LOOK IN THE FUCKIN’ MIRROR, BLACKHAWKS (and save the PR BULLSHIT)!!!!
The Hawks were just dead tired, and got weaker and weaker as Boston got stonger and stronger…hopefully this changes for the Hawks…lots of reasons for this and that, but ultimately Chicago MUST get scoring from the Toews and his line…enough is enough…Tazer tries hard, he does other things well too…but he has got to start scoring…no ifs ands or buts…
Kane was pretty soft again tonight too…the PP is god awful and continues to give up as many good scoring chances against as it does for…its a disgrace to the players and the coaches…
The Hawks must win one in Boston…they have to find ways to finish on Rusk and Toews MUST step up…
3 OT games in a row is a brutal recipe at this time of the season…
hawks blew the game. played a stupid game of matchups – not their game. put in stalberg, play fast. press their advantage, get traffic in front of the net.
bolland was great again.
Bolland’s getting better…the 3rd and 4th lines are driving the Hawks right now, and that just can’t be…Toews must find a way to get it going…plus the Leddy/Rozy pairing can’t be on the ice at the same time as Kane’s line…too soft defensively.
Two issues first off Bolig lost the puck along the boards on the game winner. Stahlberg must play. I admit Stahlberg hasn’t been great but even in the playoffs a few times a game he explodes by everyone down the ice. At the end of these games in overtime he could make a big difference. Q must sit Bolig, he can’t put Bolig out there in crunch time. One other point that I want to completely and admittedly speculate on is I read that there is an HGH story brewing in the NHL. My candidate for an HGH user is that Lucic. He’s skull is growing out like Sammy Sosa. Bottom line, play Stalhberg and lets go get em in Boston. GO HAWKS.
Yeah Pete…Bollig has been pretty decent in 2 games but he didn’t play a lot after the 1st period and in OT he looked scared…scared of making a mistake which is what he did…again, I think Q has outcoached himself here…Stahlberg has not been great in the playoffs, but he’s a lot more seasoned than Bollig and has a ton of speed that can cause huge problems to the Bruin’s bottom D pairings…time for Stahlberg, again.
Bad break on Hossa’s no goal…after the game Q told reporters that the ref told him he “meant” to blow the whistle, but didn’t, thus that goal has to stand…the Hawks win if they were up 2-0…
Stalberg wont fix Kanes lolly gagging with the puck,Stalberg wont fix the horrible turnovers and Stalberg certainly wont fix the PP QB we are desperate for.AND 25 cant change the fact that we burn 90 seconds of powerplay doing nothing.NO sense of fire or urgency after the 1st period.Kane and Keith amaze me in a positive then a negative way.They have these over the top great games,then they play these horrid games.Keith must of had 5 turnovers,just giving the puck away.Kane doesnt wanna play Hockey sometimes and thats a FACT.Is Leddy getting too full of himself?He flys across the ice,trying to strong arm himself to the front of the net and gets manhandled what 5 times?While Im impressed with his improvment and take his screwup which costed us the first goal with a grain of salt.Hes not a power forward WTF is he doing?If he wants to switch positions good luck Nick.Bolland I dont think was good in the game.Thankfully Hossa and Sharp are class acts and want to play every game.That nice rocket Hossa had would of zipped right in if it had been aimed better.Toews in injured,I thought everyone who spoke of it were crazy,but he doesnt look like himself after about 10 mins of the game offensively.Other games I figured he was wrapped up in his Selke honestly.Bad turnover by Bollig but Crawford should of had that.Another getting a little too cute with his glove but whatever he had a bad moment it happens.Anyone think Boston kinda let us run out of steam and then dropped the hammer?Hey atleast Seabrook didnt trip over a blue line tonight.Still 3 to go
@dunn – might not have made the difference but was sure blow to the boys, that dang puck was in and not amount of our pissing will make it count. f do the refs have a hard job and suck hard all at the same time. The posts were also on our side tonight but lets not miss the obvious, we got outplayed tonight to the tune of 3 periods. Fatigue? We can’t have that as an excuse in the SCF. I think we lost the match up battle tonight and the “prevent d” we seem to take when we go up one freaking goal is not going to win it. Crawford saved that game on a number of fronts, amazing game even when totally hung out to dry. We had no one looking north on the second goal, total breakdown and a roof shot 3 ft in. It’s going to get uglier in their building but faith is what I have in this group, GO HAWKS.
Bolig played 8 minutes or so in basically a 4 period game. So obviously Q doesn’t trust him out there and for good reason as he was instrumental in the play where the bruins scored. Meanwhile the Hawks look like they are getting worn down as the game goes along. I realize Stahlberg hasn’t played well but I recall a game against the Kings where he exploded down the ice and beat them to the puck. That talent can make a difference in a close game especially when its overtime and you see the players spread out over all three zones at time. In my opinion Q has to give stalberg a chance.
And on Lucic all I’m saying is test him for performance enhancing drugs. He’s got the “barry bonds/Sammy Sosa skull”
I haven’t been impressed with Saad on the Toews line at all. When you come back from a 3-1 deficit against Detroit, then take out LA in 5 with Bickell up why in hell are you dicking with things?
There aren’t going to be any fights and Hawks never hit worth a damn so sit Bollig, bring back Stalberg, and get some difference makers like Shaw, Bickell, Frolik, or Bolland up with Toews to try and get him going.
Kane’s almost useless unless he has fifteen feet of open ice around him to dangle and I’m getting real tired of watching him turn away or slow up from taking a hit. Get involved or get the hell off the ice.
What Bolig did in OT happens to every player every game. Unfortunately, this on went in. Maybe Crawford should have had that one, but you have to give credit to the shooter.
The Hawks have to figure out how to cover the trailing player coming into the defensive zone. Both games Boston created many good chances because mo0st/all of our players were too low in the zone. Q will address that I’m sure.
I believe Stalberg will play in game 3 for a couple of reasons. A different look and fresh legs. He will log minutes on both the 3d and 4th lines if needed. Stalberg would love a SC ring for his UFA value so who knows. Also Stalberg has probably got the message to play more physical.
I too think Stalberg should play. But what does the Bolig/Stalberg trade give you. Probably just more speed and experience. 25 is definitely capable of making the same error Bolig did last night. However I still make the swap and play Stalberg on the 4th line.
I also agree that moving Bickell back to the first line may help get that line going. Park him in front of the net like 26 did last night. Rask hates having people in front of him more than other goalies it seems. This makes him a little slow to the backside D-man jumping into the play. I would also shift 88 with Bickell/Toews sporadically to try and jump start him. That is where Kane got his garbage goal in the Kings series. Additionally the Bickell swap would put Saad on the 3rd line and that would be a pretty fast/pesky line.
The d also has to play better. I think a case could be made that the 3rd d pair was best last night.
Lines
29-19-81
10-26-88
20-36-65
67-16-25
Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there.
IMO- 25 is in dog house because he is sometimes careless getting the puck out of our zone- and he doesn’t always backcheck 100% OF THE WAY… Wait a second… I just described PATRICK JANE!!! Q- try 25 or Smith… ( I don’t think it will hurt!)
Sorry guys- I originally said Bruins in 6… I am now going with Bruins in 5…
Bruins Grit/fortitude to check/backcheck and play the body/not the puck is like Yotes from last year (but B’s are tougher/better at it)… the only way it goes 6 is if Hawks get some lucky off of the skate goals!!!
Hawks have just run into a very well coached team that plays the angles, and the body relentlessly… blocks shots, boxes out, protects the area in between the circles…
How Sharp’s goal went in was a miracle… there was a SEA of BRUINS protecting the net the shot found the only open 4″ triangle…
Bruins – don’t even give up a good angled shot when on PK!!!
Hawks- are u F’n kidding… when they attack Hawk’s PP (puck on boards w 2 defenders)… Hawks have 4 on 2 then… BUT NOBODY SKATES TO THE “in between circles area”… Hawks are content to whip it around boards!!! That is on the Coaches!!! That should be an automatic for the Hawk who is pressured by 2 Defenders- to read that- and blindly dump it to the middle- ( someone needs to read that/quick guy like Kane/Kruger/25, and get to the middle) … and now it is 3 on 2 in front of net area…
Guys just think about some of the play in the overtime periods where the players on both teams are sort of scattered throughout all three zones. I really think Stalberg could make an impact at those times and put a lot of pressure on the Bruins and now with fresh legs. With the teams so evenly matched and the players exhausted out there I don’t see how Q can keep Bolig in over Stalberg for game 3 after Bolig only played 8 minutes and was instrumental in the loss of game 2. Its not that Stalberg has been great(he hasn’t) the question is does he offer a little something more than Bolig that could make the difference in a an extremely close game/series. If so(and I say yes) Q has to put him out there and give the team the best chance of winning.
Wall lets not forget Game 5 against the Kings. Kane is the x factor for the Hawks to beat the Bruins.
Boston took the Hawks “best” punch in the 1st period & survived, just like the Hawks took Boston’s “best” punch in game 1 & survived.
We are witnessing 2 heavyweights slugging it out toe to toe, neither willing to back down & its amazing hockey!
IMHO the Hawks went “all-in” with that 1st period & only coming away with 1 goal hurt. They burned themselves out in that 1st period & it caught up to them the rest of the game. Clearly they were gassed & Boston took it to them.
The Hawks need to understand this is a “marathon” & not a sprint. It makes for boring hockey I know, but this is the reality.
That being said the Hawks were scary good in the 1st & without Rask playing fantastically they would have been up at least 3 or 4. But then what? 2 periods of “prevent defense?!?!?
Be patient boys, pick your spots & save some in the tank for the inevitable push by the Bruins.
This is going to take 7 games to settle & we are in for a treat!!
I’m legitimately worried about the rest of this series. Boston is a great team, and without the heroics of Corey Crawford we would be down 0-2 with game 3 in Boston.
Rusk was the MVP of game 2 for Boston. He kept them alive in the 1st period. But the hard cold truth of the matter is the Hawks were outplayed after the 1st period. Boston made great adjustments in this game. When the Bollig-Kruger-Frolik line is the most impressive on the night during regulation play, then you know Boston has come up with the right math on their end.
Boston isn’t concerned about Kane. They are concentrating instead on neutralizing Toews and Hossa first, and Sharp secondarily. Boston is wicked good defensively from their forwards. Bergeron had a great game in that regard. So too did Lucic and Marchand. I’m not sure Kane can have an effective series against a team with the defensive superiority and backchecking that Boston brings to bear. Maybe the Q line blender needs to go into hyper mode to combat, but now the line adjustments come at the disadvantage of being on the road for game 3 and 4. Also, Handzus can’t withstand this intensity level of minutes or play. So need to get creative on the 2nd line center role.
Lost way too many important face-offs per usual. And the PP is just terrible.
I will state the obvious….Chicago has to come away with 1 victory in game 3 or 4. If they do that then we can still win this series. If we don’t, then the Bruins will hoist the Cup in the end. Regardless, who ever hoists the Cup, they shall have earned it.
Enough with the Stalberg talk. Stalberg was a turnover machine and a liability on the ice against Minnesota, Detroit and LA. So incredibly sick of the idiotic argument, “yeah but he skates fast and can get behind the defense….” Bullcrap. Stalberg has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt he is paper tiger against quality teams. To think he is the missing ingredient against a formidable Boston team?!? Good grief.
Bollig has produced two quality games. He was on the ice more than “normal” in game 2 because this series is a battle of attrition on the ice. You got to run all 12 forwards…and I’ll take my chances with Bollig or Carcillo over what Stalberg and his Jack Skille-esqe joke of a skill set bring to the ice. Put Stalberg back on the ice and you ask your defensive pairings to do extra duty recovering from his turnover mistakes.
The lets just face facts Toews and Kane are not elite level players. They are really good but don’t have the desire or ability to dial it up and become difference makers in the playoffs. The Hawks also are doing a terrible job of placing their shots. Boston picks the corners uphigh forcing Crawford to make saves, while the Hawks try to shoot thru Raask allowing him to absorb the puck. The prime chance Leddy had needed to be placed high glove and he shot too low allowing for an easier save. If the hawks are going to win they need to skate hard and fast but smart. That is suppoedly thier greatest asset team speed. They need to make every shift exhausting for the Bruins. If not then Boston wins in 5
Shamrock is the only person on the planet that thinks Toews and Kane aren’t elite. Fantastic.
Elite players make a difference for their team. Maybe Tab can accept the playoff performances of Toews and Kane. I cannot.
An earlier poster said : “Bad turnover by Bollig but Crawford should of had that.Another getting a little too cute with his glove but whatever he had a bad moment it happens.” …. which is what we can say game after game with Crawford. That’s what he is. He does make a great save now and again, and has stretches where he looks fantastic. Then he’ll give the game away on a couple of shots that should be easy to stop. FRUSTRATING. But he’s not why we lost last night, not even close in my opinion.
Yep, we got screwed again by the refs, and all things remaining equal, that would have been enough to end it in three. But did you notice the hit count last night? At one point we had been out-hit 39-13. This was like watching a heavyweight fight and the guy throwing the body blows wins in the last round because the other guy has no legs left.
The Bruins looked bigger than us and are leaning on us pretty heavily. I think they simply took the legs out from under us last night after the first period.
IMO- The Hawks would have beaten Pens or any other team from East!
B’s are just the type of team the Hawks will not beat…
The Oduya goal in game 1 epitomizes B’s Hockey/focus… that goal does not go in vs. most teams/cuz D-man watches/sees shot from near blueline… but B’s Dman- once he saw Oduya wind up for shot (and he wasn’t in front of net to block shot) turned his focus directly to the closest Offensive player to box out and man-handle (Frolik)… which he did… that is the way Boston plays- great attention/responsiblity to details-especially in between circles!
Rufus- agree on Handzus- he has served us well… but I think 36 on that line adds a little speed D-wise to make up for the “floater” Kane… or put Kane back with Toews/Bix and the responsible Hoss back w/ 26 to help cover up for him D wise…
26 and 88 together- scare me in D zone!
Q- please
Smith or 20/19/88
20 or Smith/10/81
29/65/25
16/36/67
Smith can finish- and goes hard to the net (remember- he scored 3 goals vs. Nucks in Playoffs- going to the net!!!)… He is a very strong guy for his height!
What’s being forgotten my some of you is the sober admission that Boston is an exceptional and deep club. I hate to admit this, but honestly they look like a better overall club than Chicago. We can still win this series and hoist the Cup, but its not going to be easy.
Toews has been crucial in the two-way game and the face-off dot. To suggest he isn’t “elite” is just inflammatory nonsense. The problem for Toews offensively speaking is that he is going up against Boston’s top guys every single shift. Just as he was against Detroit and LA. Without the Captain, we aren’t even in the Finals.
Kane? It’s tough for a player of his size and style to have an impact in this series. If he starts to show any sort of life offensively then I guarantee Boston puts Marchand and Lucic on his ass for a couple of shifts to stop that in its tracks. We all know Kane needs space to operate, and that he’s not going to do board work to retrieve the puck, and that he can be a liability defensively. Those are the “limitations” that come with his package. They’ve always come with the package. But against many opponents the Hawks and Kane can work it where he finds the freedom and the space on the ice to put his elite playmaking skills to work. But to expect that to happen in THIS series? I think that is extreme wishful thinking just because of how damned good Boston is.
The key player offensively has to be Hossa…and Sharp. Hossa has to play like everything is on the line and create. Much easier said than done in this series.
Shamrock’s turn on stage at Yuk Yuks.
Paille made a difference for Boston last night. I guess that makes him elite.
Meanwhile at one point late in the second period only one member of Boston’s top 6 “difference makers” had a shot on goal. Jagr. How many points by Boston’s top 6 “elite difference makers” last night?
So to summarize……NONE of Boston’s top 6 are elite. Thanks for straightening that out for us.
Bickell? Sorry for another post, but I forgot this. I think Bickell is wearing down at a frightening pace. I thought he had an OK game last night, but to think that Q should simply jump him up on the top two lines and expect him to create the level of opportunity that he did against LA is silly. Boston has the talent and the structure to not get themselves into trouble with Bickell. And as we’ve seen, Saad is of limited worry or consequence to them either.
Shamrock- I am NOT a Kane fan… but he is an elite player (skill /skating/ vision)… as is Toews.
What Kane doesn’t have is the grit/body to go with it… but he still has elite skill-
bottom line is the Bruins have that “grit” ( JS- where are you- i know u hate that OVER used word…) but in this case- Grit doesn’t mean C-bomb making a dirty hit… it means relentlessly checking/boxing out/ blocking shots/protecting the net… Taking the hit to get out of harms way ( see Game 1 when Kane pussed out and Lucic took the pill away or Game 2 when Sharp shit his pants to avoid pinching D man or Leddy played the Paille puck instead of the body)- those are “grit” plays that were not made… by Hawks- Once again – they aren’t built for it- they Use and abuse 95% of the league with their speed/skill to make those average subtle plays… when they do get burned… “it’s ONLY one goal” Hawks can usually survive… NOT against the BRUINS!!! ONE goal vs. Bruins- is usually all Bruins need.
Shamrock- B’s aren’t going to give you time to “place your shots”- that is why Shot attempts are some times meaningless… just like Yotes last year- let up a shit load of shots- mostly from bad angles or in tight w/ a goon draped on your back… the Paille goal- he had time and space… Frolik had best chance- time/space in 1st and choked!!!
Rufus- another good post- 29 has been somewhat invisible.
that is why I suggest putting him back with the Gang on 3rd line… also you got to wake up Kane and put better D forwards with him-19…
lastly inject Smith into line-up he goes to the net and is a smart player!!!
good weight for his height and can finish low center of gravity…
So Kane can only play against teams that aren’t physical and give him time and space. That doesn’t sound like an elite player.
Everyone keeps saying the Bruins are the greatest team in the NHL. Really, if the are so good why were they a 5 seed and why did it take a miracle for them to beat the Maple Leafs in game 7. We can beat them and we will. Rufus you said Bollig played more than usual in game 2. Really? He played 8 minutes in a 4 period game. Leave Bollig out and go with Stalberg(imperfect and all) and run 4 lines. At the end of these games there are plenty of opportunities for our skill guys to score so if you play our 12 forward a little more i.e Stalberg, maybe Kane etc will have more in the tank at the end to outskill these guys despite Lucic and his HGH chemistry set.
I pretty much had the same lines for game 3 that Peter suggested earlier, except I had Kane and Hossa trading places. Coach Q used a line of Bickell, Toews and Kane vs the Kings and that seemed to ignite the Hawks.
Bickell came out and threw his weight around to protect Toews, who was hounded by Zetterberg. Toews eventually set up Kane on that 2 on 1 that sent the Hawks to the Finals.
I also think Toews is hurt. You just don’t see him able to battle down near the net and score like he usually does during the season.
……you are right Shamrock Kane picks his spots big time ……he practically hides from players……must be because he is American ….. doesn’t like rough Canadian hockey players and needs a bodyguard against the Bruins …..but for his size he must play this way to survive ……Toews on the other hand is all banged up and neutralized as well………hope there is enough toughness left on the Blackhawks to beat the big bad bruins……lol…….
There is no way I want Stalberg on the ice for more than 6 or 7 minutes a game in series like this. He is flat out too much of a liability…we already have our hands full against a wicked good Boston team in terms of containing turnovers and our forwards playing two-way hockey. Stalberg on the ice means that the Hawk defensive pairings need to have one eye open for his breakdowns and mistakes happening in front of them on the ice.
We have enough challenges on the ice right now without adding another big one.
Well somebody has to go out there as the 12th forward in place of Bollig and log enough minutes so the Hawks can roll 4 lines and have more in the tank at the end of these games. Whats your suggestion? Just saying you don’t want Stalberg doesn’t solve the problem.
…….Bollig must hit players like in Game 1………otherwise needs to be replaced…..also Leddy thinks he is a forward……useless……time to try out Smith,Carcillo Brookbank from the Black Aces…..
Wow…panic mode has set in…to Rufus et al…the Bruins are NOT a deeper, better team than the Hawks, if they were they would have outdone the Hawks all season and post season, and to date they haven’t.
The Hawks have proven themselves to be the best team in the league all year long, and again last night…it was just another example of “rope a dope”…we pummelled the heck out of boston in the first and scored 2 goals…the refs only counted 1…if the score was 2-0 after one, we win…
Now, Boston is a great hockey club and very, very close to the Hawks, so they fought back in the late 2nd and through the 3rd and OT…why? Likely because the Hawks got a little too cautious and because they have played 3 OT games in a row. Also, because the bruins are very good. But they sure didn’t look like world beaters when we peppered them with 19 shots in the 1st…I’ll bet there weren’t too many people thinking boston is the creme de la creme at that point.
Rask has been incredible throughout the playoffs and again last night. As well as Crawford played, Rask was better. These two teams are so close that goaltending is going to decide it…and if it takes 68 shots every night to get 4 past Rask then we had better start shooting now.
And remember this, boston has had 2 outstanding games from their very best players, we haven’t…Toews and Kane have not contributed much in the first 2 games, especially Kane…but they will…because they ALWAYS have…if we get production for the rest of the series from Toews and Kane, we will win the next 3 straight regardless of where they are played. Toews and Kane MUST step up Monday night.
Rufus, that’s ridiculous about Stahlberg…he hasn’t been great in the playoffs, but he hasn’t been bad…and how quickly we all seem to forget how good 25 was all season long…not just at skating and creating scoring chances, but with his physical play and his incredible back checking…this is how we will beat the bruins…by aggressively back checking and then rapidly advancing with odd man rushes. Stahlberg can do this for us…yes, he needs to get more intense, and play better, but he’s EARNED this ice time…Bollig hasn’t…he’s been a liability for us all season long…Q’s decision’s with 25 have backfired, and its time for him to trust his regular season lineup to get the job done.
Go get em Sr. I agree. GO HAWKS. Also I know you watch a lot of Hockey. My question is what did Toronto do to them to force their Game 7 miracle.
Toronto plays a quick transition game…and when the Leafs finally figured out that they had to back check to actually regain the possession of the puck, they became very dangerous…and the Leafs didn’t get amazing goaltending either.
Again, everyone, think about it…the Hawks lost in OT off of a turnover by a 4th line player who only skated 8 minutes in the game…that’s unfortunate, and really a coaching error. If the Hawks were run over and lost 6-1 and had no answers in their game, then you could be a little worried…but that’s NOT what happened. The Hawks EMBARRASSED boston in the first…had a legitimate 2nd goal waived off when the ref “forgot to blow his whistle, but meant to”, and had Shaw’s glorious chance in OT to win it…
The only thing to be concerned with in this series is Rask…he’s become a phenomenal goalie…but again, remember, we scored 4 on him in game 1…and literally, if it takes 60 shots a night to get 4 goals, then the Hawks will do it…because there’s no quit in our game, no end to the compete and the hustle.
And if Toews and Kane turn up their respective games, we will win 3 in a row. This isn’t blowing smoke up your skirts, this based on who and what this team has done ALL YEAR LONG…
……true most of us are just venting our frustration when Hawks lose and even though we can’t change anything we have to remain confident in the ability of our favorite team to overcome adversity as they have all season long ………
Hawk fan from 1967, you are right I don’t think any of Boston’s top 6 are elite. But so far they have been difference makers. Any player at anytime can be a difference maker. Elite players are supposed to be difference makers regularly. Especially in the playoffs.
shamrock…if you judge solely by playoff performances then in your eyes Malkin & Crosby are not elite either?
Aside from the blitz the Hawks put on early, IMO the big difference is Boston is getting, to coin Eddie O’s term, time and space for their scoring chances; they seemingly get far more and better opportunities than the Hawks. The Hawks rarely seem to be getting clean looks at Rask that are truly dangerous. Most of what he sees is routine. And the Bruins D is out of this world in blocking shots; so many pucks are knocked down and deflected without reaching the net.
Hell, with the PP I’m at a loss like everyone else here…at this point, I don’t care what anyone says, when they have the man advantage it’s now in their heads and they expect to flounder; collectively they’re mentally stymied. Four words sums up what they lack from 2010 with the PP…Brian Campbell Big Buff.
Zebragreg, aren’t playoff games the most important games. Also I beleive the word elite is used way to easily and often.
I do agree that they do miss buff and need a d-man who can run the powerplay
Last night was a chance to really put the pressure on and to me it would have been a death knell for Boston down 2-0. You could just feel it, after early domination, if we let them hang around we were gonna be sorry and sure enough the fear turned to reality. I was not surprised by that, as much as I was that we appeared to have no legs afterward. Damn, what would we have looked like WITHOUT the extra day off? We better be able to answer the bell for a full 60 from hereon or we will be done in very short order.
Current shortcomings are pretty obvious. The PP, lack of production from impact players, etc, etc If those continue, it’s going to come down to one thing. CC will HAVE to outplay Rask at every turn. That is a tall order and I would be shocked if 50 or anyone else in the league could do that currently. So, it’s imperative that Q address the issues. We can talk all we want here but it’s his job to make the adjustments. I would like to see 29-65-25 back together but thats just me. The PP combos last night were mind boggling. I still think it’s our to lose but Ive been really impressed with Bostons D. We have been the best road team all year, and that was why I gave us an edge to win in 6….I still think we can get a win or two in the Garden . Lets hope games get back to lasting 3 periods only
Shamrock, of course playoff games are most important; that goes without asking. I won’t sit here and debate whether a word used to describe a player is too often used either. But talking Toews; how can anyone say he’s not elite, world-class, etc. with what he already has on his resume? You can talk all you want about how he’s struggling, and he is and it happens to everyone at times, but there’s no way he’s not an elite or whatever word that can be used player. Kane less so as he has limitations but you’re clueless if you don’t think 19’s long-term body of work doesn’t place him in the world’s top tier of players.
Greg, you are absolutely right on the PP…at this point it is simply mental…they are expecting to fail and thus they do. I don’t know how Q justifies the coaching changes from last year…
Ryan, I agree…I say let’s go back to the regular season and roll…Saad with Toews and Hoss…Bicks with Shaw and Stahlberg, and let Handzus rotate with Bolly as the 2nd line centre…
The Hawks are the better team, but as Greg and Ryan both said, Rask is the difference maker in this series. Crawford has been very good, but Rask has been all world. He’s like a big lump in the net…a lunar eclipse of the sun…he doesn’t give shooter a lot to look at.
Zebragreg, seems that you are debating that point. Relax, don’t take it so personally. Its just a point of view.
Bruins fan trolling here. Teams even, Chicago needs to be concerned if they were truly gassed. That can’t happen. You can’t lose legs. The hgh talk is pathetic. Lucic was benched and did not have a good season. He’s in beast mode now. I think there are nagging injuries on chicago side that may explain some players lack of production. No predictions from me, this is too close to call, and I refuse to jinx my team. Attrition is now the story….
……the bottom line is Blackhawks are a very disciplined team that don’t take too many penalties ……..Bruins are somewhat restrained in the last two games but will take more penalties because of their aggressive nature and style of play…….if Hawks can’t capitalize because their power play sucks they simply will not defeat the Bruins …..typical President’s Cup winner……lol……
The reason Boston severly out hit us early was because we had the puck a lot more things like that happen. Had the goal been allowed to stand evryone would have laughed at the hit stat because we would have had a 2 goal lead.
As for the lines those calling for Saad to go back the top line, have you not been paying attention? Saad has been on top line each of these first 2 games.
I say put Bickell back with Toews and Kane. Put Hossa and Zeus together they work well with each other. As for the 4th line Coach Q said he put Bollig in to balance the lines, yet he hasn’t rolled 4 lines consistantly this series. And I feel Stalberg or Ben Smith on that 4th line with Kruger and Frolik would add some juice.
29-19-88
10-26-81
20-36-65
67-16-25/Smith
Boston’s PP isn’t that much better (16%-12.3%).
I’m late to the party, so if my comments have already been made by others before me – I apologize for the redundancy. My defense is that I was so disgusted by 53 minutes of that game that I pretty much tuned out until now and don’t have time to read through all the comments.
I don’t know what switches were flipped between the 1st and 2nd periods, but it was pretty obvious the Hawks were flipped from on to off and Boston was flipped from off to on. The (lack of) power plays surely helped Boston and the Hawks were doubly lucky Marchand didn’t score a shortie on the play the Seabrook should have gotten a penalty. While we can all lament the “non-goal”, we have to admit that Boston outplayed the Hawks and deserved to win the game.
Bollig – 0 hits? ZERO hits! I don’t think it’s right to crucify him for the turnover that led to the winning goal because plenty of other players had turnovers throughout the game and it happens – but 0 hits is inexcusable and there is no reason to play him over Stalberg after that showing.
Game 3 is HUGE.
Ebony this might be the first time I agree with you. And no you aren’t late to party you are just in time. Other Brad, pete, tab and a few other level headed bloke we have Wall (who picked us to lose before the series) and others telling us the sky is falling.
Couldn’t agree more about Bollig. I love the guy and agree with you he should more hits. But Q is throwing him to the wolves by skating him so little and asking so much. That 4th line had no time gel and in the end was our undoing.
If it takes Stalberg to put more confidence in ice time then that is what must happen. Or if it takes stalberg to 3rd line (shaw to center) with bolland back on 4th then that must happen. Cause when 36-16-67 were out there the last couple series they were really active and had great sticks.
As a diehard for nearly 40 years, it pains me to say I don’t like our chances to win this series. Can we win the Cup? Absolutely. Will we? My head says no. Boston is a real good hockey club. I’m afraid they’ve seen our best punch, but I’m not sure we’ve seen there’s yet. Crawford has carried us throughout the playoffs. If he takes even one step backwards, then this series will be over very quickly for Chicago.
Must win either game 3 or 4. Need to come back to Chicago tied 2-2. If we can do that, then we maintain a chance to pull out this series and hoist the Cup.
But you know what pisses me off more than sky is falling talk? It was all the talk about off-season moves after our game 1 win.
Said it before and I will say it again, whether I agree or disagree with some of you I love the banter here. However, I can not stand talking about the off season when are still in season. Karma (like revenge) is a dish best served cold. And for all those talking off season moves after game 1 got the cold dish in game 2.
Blows me away that it takes a loss to have actual hockey discussion. So can we hold off on the off season player movement till it is actually the off season?
Rufus we didn’t play them and they didn’t play us in Reg season so that probably plays a large large part in your skepticism. But what makes you think we haven’t seen their best punch? Sure they score goals, but they do so off of others mistakes! Look at 1st period of game 2. We didn’t turn it over, exited our zone cleanly and it resulted in a ton of chances. If Boston can’t create turnovers or seperate the puck carrier from the puck/ disrupt their flow, then they have no chance.
Brandon Bollig is a career minor league player. Q has to be out of his mind to even have him on the roster. He doesn’t have the skills and he plays scared. Stalberg sucks, too. So give Ben Smith a chance. We have to roll 4 lines so the top 3 lines are not gassed by the end of the game. The fact that Bollig played only 8 minutes and lost the game for us on the winning goal says it all. Find someone for that 4th line that you can trust or its Bruins in 5.
I was hoping for a 2-0 series lead but was expecting a split. Boston is a good team I was thinking that would go quietly. Now the Hawks need to win 1 of the next 2 games to remain on track for a 6 game victory go Hawks!
Like I said, I don’t think we’ve seen the best out of Boston. I want to win another Cup more than anybody. But honesty compels me to say we face an uphill battle to do that. Boston is better than I thought they were. And I had I high opinion to begin with. We MUST win one of the next two games. Then we can reevaluate.
As bevilacua said, if Bollig dresses, he needs to be a force out there laying hits and getting in the Bruin’s faces, standing up to anyone who might drop the gloves. That and not making stupid mistakes.
Nobody is expecting him the put the biscuit in the basket, but during the season he often played with a ton of heart, energy and toughness. If he dresses, that’s what he needs to bring.
I think it’s a judgement call between him and 25. Stalberg is f’n fast, but he can’t finish and coughs up the puck in the slightest traffic. The D does need to play back a little with him on the ice. And he started using his size and played with a little toughness this season. Still, not worth what he’s likely to get paid from whomever signs him for next year (see also: Bickell)
Game 3 will be interesting.
I understand the mindset behind playing Bollig over Stalberg, he’s physical & Q was hoping he could help even out the playing field against a physical Boston squad. Despite he’s giveaway in OT he was fairly solid.
But let’s be honest, Stalberg may not score points as often as we’d like, but he understands how to cycle the puck, make some nice passes and can skate like all hell. He’s also not afraid to lay the body.
Although Q & him have obvious issues, he’s got to start game 3. It could cause headaches in terms of matchups and the Bruins will have a hard time defending that 3rd line with him being a part of it.
All of that aside, this series is far from over & it’s going to be one to remember, that’s for sure!
Great stuff. After sitting for a day i don’t think we should worry too much Hawk fans. In game 1 there was plenty of ice for the guys to wheel. Lots and lots of passes on the tape all over the ice. And they cracked back. Even Hammer having a rough start wasn’t enough to sink them. Bruins had a two goal lead twice and couldn’t hold it. If Rask was that impenetrable he wouldnt have pooched that unobstructed look at Saad’s flat footed wrister from top of the circle. Tukka Rask. Big deal. Hawks stoned Jimmy Howard in 3 straight close out games. Turned johnathon quick into a mess. Crow is going to beat Tukka, too.
So the Bruins survived the hellacious onslaught of period 1 in game two. Give ’em
credit for adjusting after cleaning out their shorts in between periods and sandbagging for the next two periods. The Hawks let up. Which they did time after time during a regular season when they toyed with the Western Conference. The Bruins get no credit for taking over the game because they amassed a grand total of one dinky garbage goal that travelled 3 feet. What firepower.
So Shamrock and the other chowderheads can debate how many angels can dance on their pin heads. Shut up, suit up and bring it Monday night.
Carcillo! What about Carcillo….put him out there, a real clutch player, especially in the playoffs……Stahlberg should play, like the Ben Smith suggestions, but who do we sit out for him? Hawks will do it, everyone panicking, Bruins are not that good…very bad call by ref. was mind numbing, changed the game right then and there. We win two in Boston, and the cup at home in game five.
Looks like Stahlberg will be back in…
Tracey Myers ?@TramyersCSN 6h
Q said Stalberg “could” play tomorrow. Which usually means he’s playing.
“Kane and Toews are not elite players”? Kids are so cute when they are little.Ya just wanna pinch their cheeks.In Shamrocks case,someone should shake him when he crys.:) “Boston in 5”? WOW thats a good one.A team who should be up 2-0 is gonna lose in 5.You do know it takes 4 to win right?Even series ofcourse thanks to a ref who forgot he was officiating a Hockey game,a Stanley Cup Final no less.I didnt like the last 50+ minutes as I said.Im not in to #25 playing either.We won with Bollig,we just didnt show up after the first.Plain and simple.And Leddy thinking hes Paul Coffey didnt help either.Hit em out their building,shoot them out their building and we will hoist that Cup.Carcillo is the LAST freakin player we need.Another 6-10 PIMs and we are screwed.I bet we lose tommorow and win on wednesday IMHO.Like it better it we took 2 straight though obviously.Lets hope Stalberg pretends hes playing the Jackets Eh?
It’s just one game. They did their job in stealing one in Chicago. We go back and steal one in Boston.
Big physical teams… what were the Kings? What were the 2010 Flyers? Keep the legs pumping and we’ll make it.
McKay- The Flyers were a “Flying” team and the Kings were an injured team.
And it’s not that B’s are over physical… they are just a lot more focused/responsible on checking, shooting lanes, and boxing out… makes for boring D style hockey to watch sometimes… but they are the best in the league at it. AND they do have enough talent to burn you off of transition from that great D.
Another we did in game 1 that we didn’t do in game 2, was shoot low hard shots at the far post from the wings. Rask was giving up a ton of rebounds late 2nd period on. When we get a rush instead of just throwing a puck at him fire some low hard ones at him and see if he starts kicking out rebounds again.
Where is JS, anyway?
Seems like we have a tendency to overreact in both directions… when the hawks win, we trumpet that we’re the best to ever play the game; when the hawks lose, they all deserve to be demoted back to the AHL, trade everyone, blow it up and start over with a new GM. I think we need a Toews figure on the message boards to keep everyone cool.
This season, we’ve consistently the best team in the league. We saw a 24 game point streak. Toews and Kane were both PPG players. Crow and Razor combined to allow the fewest goals in the season. Yes, all teams have weaknesses and yes, playoff hockey is different and players have off-nights, but with the show the hawks have given us this year, I think they’ve earned some trust and some slack. We are the same great team we’ve watched for almost 70 games and we can pull it off. LETS GO HAWKS!
@Icehogst: “Shut up, suit up and bring it Monday night.”
Well said. I would add Wed nite to your directive as Hawks need to win 1 of next 2 and even up the series coming back to the UC…
Also- For those skewering Bollig for his “turnover” in OT, you can’t be serious that this loss fall on him or Q for having him in the lineup- right? If you’ve watched the playoffs (let alone the game-1’s 3x OT), there have been large numbers of similar board battles lost by several of the Hawks players (stars and others both.) 52 tried to poke a clearing wraparound out of the zone and the Dman made a good pinch to keep it in. Bummer they converted it, bummer it was a good shot just inside/hitting the post, but that’s hockey. Bigger issue is ZERO hits by a guy who was dressed for that purpose. THAT is a much bigger problem and unfortunately indicative of Hawks mindset and lack of WILLPOWER to grind and grit throughout game-2.
I know this is largely an “anti-Carcillo” site, but regardless of who we suit up, we’re going to continue to need more snarl and less pretty-boy to win this series. We won game-1 after bringing the wood. Game-2, not so much. We have not scored a single highlight reel goal in this series. It’s all about grinding, willpower and net presence against the B’s. As I posted before game-1, I don’t like the fact Q moved 29 off Toews line as he needs that type of physical presence on his line. Saad is not a line-1 guy imho, so will be interesting to see how he juggles lines in-game tonight and if we’re ready to play some more playoff type hockey. Winning tonight would be HUGE. Still believing we have the better club when we’re willing to pay the price and will win this series.
Shots were 19-4.
At the end of the day you need to score more goals than the other team. Bury two and make them desperate to chase the game so things open up.
Are some of you not aware of the parity that exists in the NHL? Winning and losing is such a thin margin. These are definitely the two best teams of the East and the West. Both games have gone to OT. In a game of inches the Hawks have won one and Boston has won one. Neither has had a clear dominating team for all 60 minutes and neither game has been sorted out in 60 minutes.
Have some perspective and chill out. Push a panic button if Crawford gets chased or a significant injury takes place. Otherwise, just enjoy the absolutely tremendous hockey that is being played by both teams.
watch game 7 against the wings the hawks were flying tape to tape creativity looked like the old flying frenchmen fire wagon hockey now against a plow horse team they are trying to play plow horse hockey if they skate like they did in game 7 versus the wings they will win the cup if they try to hit like the bruins check like the bruins and crap like a bear in the woods bruins youll be seeing chara with that godawfull grin on his face with the cup over his head why dont they make a special cup for the hawks to keep so we dont have to suffer this crap every year infidels trying to snatch away our holy grail only our beloved Black hawks deserve to have the cup DK
As usual, good stuff by everyone. Boston stole a game, here. Now we have to go there and steal a game. If anyone thinks the Hawks are intimidated by the physical play by the Bruins, you’re wrong. But the Bruins know that if they get into a track meet with the Hawks, they’re dead.
Both teams are good at what they do. The Hawks are fast and the Bruins are physical. The Hawks have a much more skillful roster than the Bruins. I still say the Hawks in 6.
Tom, it is not that B’s are overly physical- it is that they all over the gaps/pursuit/ shooting lanes/checking… Just like two other teams we struggled against 2012 Yotes and 2013 Wings… Physical- but not hitting physical.
But your greatly mistaking the Skill level of B’s… Krejci, Bergeron, Marchand, Jagr, Horton are as skilled as Hawks top players- especially Krejci- that guy is Damn good!
The way this is playing out so far is pretty simple. The margin between winning and losing is ridiculously tight. The goalies from both teams have been excellent with both teams bringing some quality scoring chances. Hawks could have easily lost Wednesday and Boston was fortunate to have escaped with just a one goal deficit Saturday in the 1st when the Hawks could have blown them away.
The way I see this series moving forward is more tight games, nail biters. The Bruins have looked dangerous and were very good at filling in empty space once they get possession in our end. Our forwards have to be wary of this and stop bunching up down low. Offensively the Hawks must get off the boards and get guys to circles and in front of the net. As great a player that Rask has been thus far, he has a short fuse. We need guys blocking his vision. Zus got it done on Saturday when Sharp scored. Bickell needs to play this role along with anyone else willing to get in there and take some abuse to help get those dirty goals that win playoff games. Stahlberg needs to be back in the lineup to put the slower Bruin dmen at a disadvantage. I would be happy to see our 3rd line back together that flourished in the regular season.
I keep thinking Toews will rise and get some goals soon, but it can be that he has a bad left hand/wrist. I found it funny that Toews and Kane were being called non elite players be some posters. So far the production hasn’t been there, but teams are focusing on shutting certain guys down, and that is what has been going on in these playoffs all the way through. In the end, good players find a way and I believe our top guys will get it done. By the way Bolland is finding his game—-at last, and we need solid play from him since Boston is so strong up the middle. I remain impressed with the drive from Shaw. There have been comparisons with Shaw and Marchand. Having played, I would say Shaw is chippy while Marchand crosses the line and really does lots of dirty cheapshot moves. Pity, because Marchand does have talent and is a dangerous guy with the puck.
Boston is not beating us down physically so far in this series. I really want to see Blackhawk players getting after Lucic and Marchand. They also has a very short fuses and can be taken out of a game when physically challenged. The goals Lucic scored in game one were because he was completely left alone. Lucic also is slow on the skates, and must be made to play a 2 way game. If we roll 4 lines it should benefit the Hawks in what could easily be a 7 game series. Make the Bruins skate more than they want and eventually gaps will open up.
Not sure what to say about the Hawks power play that hasn’t been said already. It has been really bad now for quite some time. One touch passes with players moving to open ice up the middle should result in one timers that Rask can’t set up for. Net presence is mandatory. It would be interesting to see Q just send out a 4 man unit half way through a PP just to see how it works.
I believe we will take one of these games in Boston this week. A 60 minute effort is required, but I think we have a good team on the road, and they will come out ready the next 2 games.
Lets Go Hawks!!
Toews not an elite player? Ok, then…every player is available for the draft this year. Your goal is to win the Stanly Cup next year. You have first pick…who ya taking? Ok, now that Crosby is gone, name me every OTHER player that gets drafted before you hear “Jonathan Toews” called in this draft!
We can all have a nice fun discussion about whether he goes top 5 or top 10, or maybe top 15. But not elite?.? Please!
Now the same for Kane…probably goes a little deeper in this hypothetical draft, behind better two way players, but still elite.
….response to DAVE……..there is a Cup for the type of team that you are describing and the Blackhawks have already one it…….The President’s Cup…..lol…..
Sounds like Stalberg will be in on 4th line tonight. No other real changes. Coach Q said yesterday he wants Bickell to simplify things. Well why wouldn’t we put him on the top line with Toews and Kane and tell him to get in front of the net? Seems to me it doesn’t get much better than that.
I’m very concerned about our chances. Hawks need to come away with 1 win in either game 3 or 4. Enormnous pressure on Crawford which isn’t right given how he has been our playoff MVP.
No way you can blame 52 for G2, but…. I’m a Stalberg fan. I’ve said it before here he can be a difference maker. He had a nice year. I don’t know why he’s fallen out of favor but it’s a no brainer for me to get him out there. If he fails y’all can rip him and me. I think he will play well given his current plight. I would prefer him 3rd line with Shaw and Bix but this is better than sitting him. Looking for 65,29,36 to have a good games tonight
I just turned off G3 with 10 minutes left… 1 shot on the last 5 PPs… im not going to what this shit. I know this is overreaction talking, but FIRE Q, FIRE KOMPTON, FIRE THE REST OF THE COACHES. 1 FUCKING SHOT ON 5 FUCKING PPs?! THATS A FLAW IN STRATAGY… THATS A FLAW IN COACHING!
DAMN!
This is where you pay the price for messing around with playing Carcillo and Bolland all year instead of getting Morin and Smith some time so they are ready. Hossa goes down in warmups, unbelievable. Stalberg had some moments and we could have used him in game 2, which we should have won. Eddie O is still complaining that the blackhawks got a call in the beginning of the game on that scrum. Hey Eddie we have had 3 legit goals waived off in these playoffs.
I meant Bolig not Bolland.
Blackhawks lose. Uggh. So let the post-game criticism and recommendations begin for Game 4… starting with the Fluffington Post’s funny, off-kilter variety. For example, “#4 — Order Goalie Corey Crawford to morph into an all-powerful werewolf like he did in those Twilight movies.” http://bit.ly/16C7yeV