Can We Recover From This? - Hawks at Blue Jackets
by McClure on Mar 18, 2009 2:16 PM CDT
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GAME TIME: 6:00 CST
OPPOSITION BLOG: Light the Lamp
TV: Comcast RADIO: WGN 720AM
As we as fans get nearer and nearer to descending completely into an uncontrollable spiral of insanity and despair, let's take a step back and take a deep breath over last night's contest. As Sam pointed out, raise your hand if two weeks ago you had that game penciled in as a "W"? Right. I thought so. The Hawks ran into one of the hottest and most solid teams in the league last night, playing some of their best hockey of the year, and on top of it they were gunning for an all-time record for the bedrock of the franchise. It was never in the cards.
That being said, yes, the Hawks are playing some pretty maddening hockey at the moment. The penalty kill, while it held the Devils to an 0-fer by the hair on my balls last night, has been in shambles, and defensively, Walker and Campbell have been flat out bad. Even the usually steadfast Duncan Keith has been making some pretty poor decisions of late, causing him to be a -4 over his last 5 games. On the bright side, however, Seabrook has been very solid recently stepping up his physical game, and Hjarmalsson has shown some progress recently with a willingness to mix it up, despite the fact that he himself might get knocked over if a stiff breeze rolled through a given rink. It was clear last night that there were communication issues with the new pairings, it will be interesting to see if Coach Q sticks with them tonight, or if it reverts back to the usual pairs. It will also be interesting to see if Quenneville found the pictures that Matt Walker clearly has of him stashed away somewhere, and Aaron Johnson gets another crack at the lineup in hopes of possibly generating even marginally more offense from the blueline corps.
The guys up front are in a similar funk, and it seems like many are squeezing the stick these days. With the games mattering more down the stretch, teams are tightening up and denying the Hawks clean entry into the attacking zone, and the Hawks have yet to show a willingness to play a chip-and-chase game, opting more for the cutesy plays at the blueline that are leading to there being not a lot of sustained pressure, or worse, to turnovers. Even more baffling is that Byfuglien can pull a game like he had last night out of his ass, and then have the potential to revert right back to his comfortable position as a passenger on whatever line has the misfortune of dragging him around that night. Here's hoping he puts a couple more like last night together in a row.
The major storyline tonight, though, is the debut of Sami Pahlsson at center. It will be his first action as a Blackhawk, and perhaps more importantly, his first action since January 31st after being out with mono. He's going to be expected to hit the ice in stride, as Antoine Vermette and Rick Nash have been playing extremely well since Vermette's arrival from Ottawa. Pahlsson and his linemates (likely Ladd and Versteeg) will be expected to keep them in check as the rest of the Hawk forwards attempt to rediscover their games. Good luck doing it against Ken Hitchcock's trademark root-canal brand of hockey, though. It will be interesting to see how much time Pahlsson gets, particularly on the PK, but one would think that after having been cleared to play some time ago, he'd be expected to contribute in his full capacity now that he's back. Either way, expect a grind tonight.
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I hope...
that at the last second Dubie starts….oh wait….we made him look like Brodeur the other night. Hjarmalsson deserves credit for keeping play in the opponents zone with strong pinching as of late, even if he looks confused at times. Simply trying to carry the puck into the zone, is not going to work against Hitch’s grind-it-out style that he demands from every player. I hope the Hawks are aware of this. Byfuglien = Enigma
Do you think there is any chance Campbell gets moved this summer? Joe Q (if he stays coach) seems to have a problem with his play. We could probably get something nice for him. He has been so unproductive, and Cam Barker is the QB of the powerplay.
The Admiral
http://windycityhockey.blogspot.com/
Personally, I’d be shocked if either Q or Campbell were moved. Quenneville was basically hand picked by Scotty Bowman, and there seems to be a genuine faith in what he can accomplish, as he’s been a strong coach everywhere he’s been. Campbell’s contract is an albatross, and as has been discussed before, it would be a harsh message to send to potential free agents in the future, as well as kill the goodwill that has made the Hawks a destination.
I think given a full off-season to work out the kinks, they will get on the same page. But Campbell is what he is, and will always be an adventure in his own end.
Campbell has been more of an adventure this month
March — 8 games, 4 assists, 6 12 games, 7 assists,
February -1 14 games, 1 goal, 7 assists, +1
January -
Team does better the closer he is to even, though his points are about on his normal pace.
by runningquicklynowhere on Mar 18, 2009 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions
But he's been great at skating the puck into the zone
then promptly making a lazy pass or dump that results in a quick turnover.
It’s like as soon as he gets past the blue line, he feels his job is done.
Got more sole than a sock with a hole.
Your gametime video feed and beer
This feed is a maybe, but it’s the only one I can find at the moment: http://www.justin.tv/jtv_sports4
Beer:
Goose Island Matilda
I’m a big fan of everything Chicago (except the Cubs) and Belgian-style ales — so I’m giving this one a try tonight. I’ve read favorable things about it. I’m too tired today to make this interesting to read, so no matter what you’re drinking tonight…
Go Hawks!
NOW STOP IT RIGHT HERE
by mjthor on Mar 18, 2009 4:30 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I may have to see if I can find this one
last night I just went straight for the Jameson after that third NJ goal.
by runningquicklynowhere on Mar 18, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Wow did we just score first in a game?
Lets Go Hawks!
why is huet allowed to play again?
he has no concept of positioning
Lets Go Hawks!
Can Huet just be chained to the net?
Every F*ing time he tries to play the puck, my heart stops
Detroit Sucks!
Let's Go Hawks!
There's a reason they have the same number of syllables.
No reason for Khabi not to be in net for the rest of the year
Every goal last night was a result of awful defensive coverage, nothing he could do about it, plus making some incredible saves just to keep us in the game. When Huet starts he finds ways to let in goals, tonight again for example and the team can’t play with confidence when this loser is in net, its an easy call Q, start khabi
Lets Go Hawks!
Hawks score early, bolland, Huet gives it right back by trying to play the puck behind the net
jackets throw it in front, tie game. Hawks do shit on a 4 minute PP, campbell sets up nash with a short handed breakaway on an awful pass, huet makes the save
Lets Go Hawks!
by CubsBall2202 on Mar 18, 2009 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Fuck this
Huet for a bag of pucks
Lets Go Hawks!
i mean seriously
i think if i were in net i would look very much like how huet looks most of the time. out of position, diving all over the place, indecisive and generally confused as fuck. this shit is just ridiculous.
for the record, i have never played goalie in hockey. and i stand by my statement that i would look similar to huet.
by GreenLantern411 on Mar 18, 2009 6:30 PM CDT reply actions
Tallon will be gone at seasons end, thank god, he has no business being a GM
Lets Go Hawks!
by CubsBall2202 on Mar 18, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Tallon fucked this team by signing Huet and Campbell
Lets Go Hawks!
by CubsBall2202 on Mar 18, 2009 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions
We’d be fighting for 8th at best without Campbell. How the fuck did anyone think Campbell was going to come here and suddenly become a top-tier defender? And I’m not about to claim Huet has been stellar of late, but his first half was phenomenal, and the defense over the last ten has looked like something the Leafs might put on the ice.
Well if hes not going to be here for defense, at least he could chip in on offense
1 goal in his last 30 games, coinciding with the fact that were now in the playoff stretch when big name players start stepping up
Lets Go Hawks!
by CubsBall2202 on Mar 18, 2009 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions
He’s a puck-moving defenseman who sets up plays, he’s not a goal guy. And to look at his production in an isolated way like that, without comparing him to the rest of the shit the team has produced, is ridiculous.
not to mention his career high is 12 goals in a season
and he has 7 this year. When Hawk fans decided Brian Campbell was Bobby Orr reincarnate is beyond me.
FifthFeather.com
by El Duque's Raft on Mar 18, 2009 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions
i can guarantee you would look much much worse.. especially after you’ve shat your pants when you realize how fast and hard the pucks are coming at you.
i'd like to think
that after i shat myself, i would realize i’ve hit bottom, relax, and play with less chicken-with-head-cut-off syndrome.
by GreenLantern411 on Mar 18, 2009 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Isn't that how Huet already looks in net?
Completely lost
Lets Go Hawks!
by CubsBall2202 on Mar 18, 2009 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Green and Cubs, you guys do realize, don’t you, that there are maybe 2 goalies in the league, tops, that haven’t gone through stretches of shitty playing, right?
I do realize this
But I also realize that Huet has been consistent all year, consistently below average for the amount of money were paying him to be a big time goaltender which is completely opposite of what hes been. Soft goals have become a routine for him in net along with horrible, horrible positioning
Lets Go Hawks!
by CubsBall2202 on Mar 18, 2009 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions
i'm not saying
that he’s been shitty all year (unlike cubsball)….he has had some very nice games….just he’s looked real ugly for well over a month now.
by GreenLantern411 on Mar 18, 2009 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Looks like a moderately coherent PP there
Comes to fuck all, but at least they have a pulse.
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 6:38 PM CDT reply actions
There you go Kaner.
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 6:39 PM CDT reply actions
they played hell's bells after the goal
including the second line “i’m coming on like a hurricane”
for…patrick “here i am, rock me like a hurrikane”
i know, not on purpose, but i found funny.
by GreenLantern411 on Mar 18, 2009 6:41 PM CDT reply actions
So I got here late, again
Pahlsson? Yay or nay?
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 6:41 PM CDT reply actions
Nice to see we showed somewhat of a pulse that period
and started putting the puck in the net, really need to tighten up defensively though if were going to win this one
Lets Go Hawks!
We got outshot in the 1st period for the first time in a while
Something to be said for quality.
(Blackest of cloud on that silver lining — the offense was MIA for most of the 3rd last night.)
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Kaner's lip is looking a little plump there
They gotta put the “wear your freaking mouthpiece” in the contract during the next negotiations.
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 6:50 PM CDT reply actions
First Period Stats
Shots: Hawks – 7 Jackets – 13
Hits: Hawks – 8 Jackets – 9
Faceoffs: Hawks – 10 Jackets – 11
Pahlsson with 3:35 TOI and he’s a -1
Biscuit and Keith are both +2
They're good on their knees
Thank you! You’re wonderful! Try the veal!
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Seabs loses some chicklets there
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 7:07 PM CDT reply actions
Ouch
Seabs took a puck to the jaw
"He shows up every day to play, he plays hard every day, and he shows up to beat your butt."
You see? You see what happens when you camp out in front of the net?
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 7:15 PM CDT reply actions
Wow, Huet. Brilliant.
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 7:19 PM CDT reply actions
More outstanding goaltending
Lets Go Hawks!
The socceresque whining to the ref
made it that much more craptacular.
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 7:20 PM CDT reply actions
this is getting silly.
looked like in a video game when you’re controlling the wrong guy even though it’s obvious you want to be controlling the goalie.
by GreenLantern411 on Mar 18, 2009 7:21 PM CDT reply actions
Khabibulin in net = 3-1 Hawks lead
Lets Go Hawks!
Seabs doesn't like the Blue Jackets
Noted.
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 7:27 PM CDT reply actions
Figures
His defense is impregnable. (Ish.)
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions
I really do enjoy these 3:4 PK drills.
Builds character.
(Wait. This isn’t a drill? Shit.)
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 7:32 PM CDT reply actions
quite confusing on huet manages to make beautiful saves like that one
yet let in awful ones like teh 1st and 3rd goals
Lets Go Hawks!
Coach W.H. Taft calls for time
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 7:35 PM CDT reply actions
Fun fact
Taft? From Ohio. Also: shaped like Ohio.
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Didn't he get stuck in the bathtub at the White House?
"He shows up every day to play, he plays hard every day, and he shows up to beat your butt."
That's an old wives' tale.
And after some quality time with Big Bill, Mrs. Taft was a very old wife indeed.
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, even if he didn't get stuck, he had a bigger tub installed
7 feet long and 3 1/2 feet wide!
"He shows up every day to play, he plays hard every day, and he shows up to beat your butt."
Well, then --
Hawks looked for a moment like they were going to bust out of the slump, but then we returned to our regularly scheduled clusterfuck.
Need a little pop in the 3rd. Badly.
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 7:39 PM CDT reply actions
2nd Period Stats
Shots: Hawks – 13 Jackets – 24
Hits: Hawks – 11 Jackets – 20
Faceoffs: Hawks – 22 Jackets – 17
Both teams have 12 PIM.
Pahlsson really upped his TOI – 9:25
Kane’s got 4 SOG
Toews is 9-2 on faceoffs
Pahlsson is a lovely PK'er
FifthFeather.com
by El Duque's Raft on Mar 18, 2009 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Now fellas ...............dont give up on Huet & Campbell
theres no reason to give up on your team…thats not a Blackhawk Fan….never give up…dont panic….were OK…..we will make the playoffs…..dont give up were gonna be fine…………………….ONE GOAL
I like true faith.
I also like evidence. Ah, the battle between the head and the heart.
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 7:56 PM CDT up reply actions
I wouldn't say I've given up on Huet and Campbell
I’m just dissapointed by them.
White Sox: Trying to roll a hard six.
No ones giving up on the team
Its just glaring how big of busts huet and campbell are
Lets Go Hawks!
by CubsBall2202 on Mar 18, 2009 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Campbell with a horrid pass
setting up a good rush for CBJ
Lets Go Hawks!
Oh, wow.
Way to get back, Brian. Jeebus.
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 7:59 PM CDT reply actions
how the fuck does the blue jacket player beat campbell to that puck?
I thought campbell’s big thing was he was supposed to be fast.
White Sox: Trying to roll a hard six.
Good energy on the PP
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 8:01 PM CDT reply actions
Ok, I just gave up on campbell
That pass to keith was horrible
White Sox: Trying to roll a hard six.
Campbell with more terrible passing,
Can he sit for aaron johnson, try it out, wouldnt be surprised if we play a lot better
Lets Go Hawks!
You know what would be really cool? If every fucking time Campbell or Huet makes a mistake, large or small, you commented on it. That would be really cool.
Keep your blinders on then
Lets Go Hawks!
by CubsBall2202 on Mar 18, 2009 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions
VERSTEEG getting upended
and then hopping right back up.
(bold) VERSTEEG! (/bold)
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 8:03 PM CDT reply actions
Blinders? When have I said he’s played fantastic? He’s played like ass, and so has the team, for 10 or 15 games now. But every time he slips up—every single time—you say the same fucking thing.
Why are you so invested in this?
No one is forcing you to read these comments.
People can talk about anything they want to talk about. If Campbell has become the focus of people’s ire, maybe that’s unfair but I don’t see what the big deal is.
White Sox: Trying to roll a hard six.
Nice call there on the flop
Tack on another two for unsportsmanlike, von Massenhoven! Do it! DO IT DAMN YOU!
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 8:04 PM CDT reply actions
What are these fans even booing at?
It seems like they are just booing at the most random times on a hawks rush, idiots
Lets Go Hawks!
Huet's got more iron in his diet, I see.
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 8:11 PM CDT reply actions
FIVE MINUTES?
Nope, just two.
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 8:11 PM CDT reply actions
Oh bullshit.
That’s a penalty? Bullshit bullshit bullshit.
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 8:16 PM CDT reply actions
Hawks kill the penalty after seabrook sent off for checking
Lets Go Hawks!
What's the referee signal on that?
Shoulder shrug?
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Wow, were outshooting them 10-2 this period?
Outside of our powerplays they seem to have been dominating the play
Lets Go Hawks!
hawks get a much needed point
Lets Go Hawks!
Let's go Hawks
"He shows up every day to play, he plays hard every day, and he shows up to beat your butt."
Well, at least we get a point out of it.
That’s saying something, I guess. What, exactly, I’m not sure. But anyway.
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 8:29 PM CDT reply actions
Third Period Stats
Shots: Hawks – 25 Jackets – 27
Hits: Hawks – 17 Jackets – 27
Faceoffs: Hawks – 31 Jackets – 26
We need a good rush
immediately!. I trust the skills competition as far as I can throw it.
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 8:33 PM CDT reply actions
Campbell and Huet, I salute you!
Oy vey.
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 8:34 PM CDT reply actions
And the hated duo of campbell and huet combine to lose it in OT
great stuff, couldnt have scripted it better than that
Lets Go Hawks!
I actually liked the pick-up Eddie had showing the good stickwork of Vermette to take away Campbell…
I have no idea what Huet was doing though.. maybe everyone who gives him so much shit is right
khabibulin is in net we win this game easily
Huet cost us again with more soft goals, a fixture he has everytime he plays, great signing by tallon
Lets Go Hawks!
by CubsBall2202 on Mar 18, 2009 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm sick of this crap
WIN AN EFFING GAME, DAMMIT!!!!
"He shows up every day to play, he plays hard every day, and he shows up to beat your butt."
Huet has done enough shit work for today
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Only one thing to say about that last play
HO! HA HA! Turn! Parry! Dodge! Spin! Ah! THRUST!
(wacks self in head with hockey stick)
WAIT FOR THE WHISTLE!
by Sec 326 Bureau Chief on Mar 18, 2009 8:49 PM CDT reply actions
You inspired me
to make this.
:-)
"He shows up every day to play, he plays hard every day, and he shows up to beat your butt."
Don't forget, Huet also made some incredible saves this game.
Who’s to say Khabi would have stopped all the shots Huet faced tonight? Sure he might have stopped those easy ones Huet missed, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t have let some harder ones in. The real problem is the power play. THREE power plays in a row and you can’t score a goal? come on.
Therein lies the difference between the 2
They both make incredible saves but Khabi doesnt let in the bullshit softies that huet lets in, about 2 a game seems to be the average for him. The team plays with confidence with khabi in net because they no he usually gives them a solid effort every game, and if he gives up a goal, it usually is a pretty legit goal thats going past him
Lets Go Hawks!
by CubsBall2202 on Mar 18, 2009 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Team plays with confidence?
It hasn’t looked that way the last two times Khabi was in goal!!! We can place the blame on the goalie, but unfortunately he’s not the reason the team doesn’t score on the power play. He’s also not the reason for giving up fast breaks on sloppy line changes.
The goals he allowed last night in Jersey were all one timers, guys being left open
from awful defensive coverage, none of them soft goals by any means. Tonight, each goal Huet let in was horrid, absolutely pathetic “NHL” goaltending. Khabibulin is in net we win this by 2 goals, simple as that.
Lets Go Hawks!
by CubsBall2202 on Mar 18, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Um....
One second you’re saying the team plays with confidence when Khabibulin’s in the game, the next you’re saying the goals Khabi let in were because of awful defensive coverage. Wha???
Listen, I’m not trying to give Huet a pass tonight for the shit goals he let in. But I think it’s completely unfair to place the blame solely on his shoulders.
I dont think you follow
How would you feel to be on the team and know that when Huet is in net you’re guaranteed to have him let in about 2 soft goals that are his fault and not the teams? At least when Khabi is out there they know that if a goal is going past him its usually a pretty damn good shot and not his fault, much like the NJ game
Lets Go Hawks!
by CubsBall2202 on Mar 18, 2009 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions
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