For All The Cows - Flames 5, Hawks 2
by McClure on Nov 18, 2011 11:13 PM CST
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After thoroughly dominating the Flames in their own building for what felt like eons, the Hawks are now 0-3 in their last 3 trips to Cowtown. At least this one wasn't marred by a non-existent effort, only by general ineptitude. I suppose a letdown is to be expected after Wednesday night, but it's still frustrating watching them get pecker slapped up and down the ice by a team that has had its own gamut of issues to this point in the season. Sam warned in the preview that the Hawks would need to clean things up in the defensive zone tonight, but that didn't happen, and tonight they got burned because Corey Crawford couldn't duplicate his superb effort from B.C. In any event, it's one game in November, with the opportunity 24 hours from now to at least split the Alberta swing. You want bullets? We've got 'em.
Observations
- After sounding the trumpets on Wednesday for the return of Norris-caliber Duncan Keith, 10-11 Keith reared his head again tonight with an ugly -4, and -4 in Corsi. The constant jumble of partners isn't helping things, but it didn't seem to have much of an effect on Wednesday. In any event, we see once again that as Keith goes, so go the Hawks.
- Any time Patricks Kane and Sharp feel like helping out Toews and Hossa on the scoresheet would be just dandy. Pull your weight.
- The hope is that Viktor Stalberg will eventually stop catching shit from fan outlets, but the fact remains he's producing, even if a blindfolded glass of orange juice could grab a plus or two with Toews and Hossa out there together. But Vik continues to go hard to the net, as stone handed and out of control as it might be some times, which is a lot more than can be said for the big toothless lump of crap floating around in the #29 sweater at the moment.
- Ben Smith, difference maker. Right Jesse?
- Corey Crawford is fighting it right now, no two ways about it. After a fantastic start, he's come back to earth pretty hard in the past couple weeks, the Vancouver game notwithstanding. While more starts for Ray Emery isn't the answer, he'll likely start tomorrow and Friday in Orange County, while everyone hopes that Crow cures his yips, or at least gets his hallmark consistency back.
- So now that they've lost, it's alright to sit the immoble, but somehow pinch-happy John Scott, right? RIGHT? PLEASE?!
- While the game was already out of reach when the Hawks got their 5-on-3, it's still infuriating to watch $16 million worth of blue liners in Keith and Hossa play catch back and forth 12 feet apart and refuse to criss-cross to set up a one-timer. On a 2 man advantage, with most defending teams playing a compact triangle in the slot, the key is to get the lone forward to over-commit laterally to open up shooting lanes, and standing still and making passes makes that man's job very, very easy.
- It's been said a zillion times already, but god damn are those Flames throwbacks fucking nice. They would be well-served to follow the lead of their Alberta neighbors and bring those back full-time next season. Hi-def just makes those things sear through the screen in the best possible way.
- The Hawks are 1-3-1 on Fridays so far this year. Maybe they just can't focus because they're preoccupied with wondering what Urkel and Cody on Step By Step got themselves into this week.
- At least the PK didn't allow anything tonight.
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and another +1 for
Step by Step reference. I loved that show! JT was the man!
and
Al (Christine Lakin) was hot…and remains hot: http://m.imdb.com/name/nm0003115/
"What the hell, let's review it." - Dale Tallon
"They are!" - Pat Foley
"What a farce." - Dale Tallon
by HawkVision on Nov 19, 2011 9:08 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
If this game will be remembered for anything
it will be as John Scott’s last appearance for a long, long time.. or at least the last time he ‘skates’ that many minutes. Right? Please?
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
hypothesis: john scott = lightning rod
leddy, monty, vik, bruno, hammer etc, and thus the team, have benefited from our vitriol being focused on JS
If graffiti changed anything it would be illegal
interesting Hypothesis..
but don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of spleen left over for the rest of them.. but he is a lightning rod in terms of being the highest point around.. can we stick him on the roof of the UC?
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 18, 2011 11:59 PM CST up reply actions
Found Scott to be a lil more agressive last night
Based on the over all play of the team last night,he is the least of our worries. More then enough talent to cover for him as he progresses.
H'8ter Proof™
Scott
Thought it was his best game of the year, or at least his most noticeable. But they lost. I have no idea what this means.
"I have only space enough to add: against the assault of desperate pandas nothing can stand."
-ChicoMaki (channeling Mark Twain)
by HungryHungryPanda on Nov 19, 2011 8:59 AM CST up reply actions
Ah, I see what happened here
you must have missed the pre-game show where they pointed out that John Scott dropped nine inches and wore #2 last night. Honest mistake.
When Scott has his best game and Keith has his worst
OK, let’s say Scott’s game can have a low of -10 and a high of 10. Keith can have a low of 0 and a high of 50. So if Keith is having his best and Scott is having his worst, the combined score is 40. When Scott is having his best and Keith is having his worst, it’s a combined score of 10. So, it doesn’t matter if Scott had his best game or not if Keith’s game was crap.
Now that is science and statistics at their finest. There is no refuting that.
Thank you, sir! May I have another?
Boom!
/scienced
Pardon me I'm only bleeding But you cut me To the bone And tonight You're probably feeling Like a Human Cannonball
Keiths game last night,
going solely by your scale, was about a negative 40. I love great D men, and last night I was screaming at thr TV for Q to bench Keith. Scott played a good game.
/Hatersgonnahate.
There is a problem with outliving your enemies, it usually means that you have outlived your friends as well...
Honnor thy father - D. Vader (Robert Asprin, Myth series)
by burpchelischili on Nov 19, 2011 1:24 PM CST up reply actions
Sigh...
You just don’t understand the science. You can’t just go and willy nilly change the laws of the universe. Physics is physics, my friend.
Thank you, sir! May I have another?
I reject your reality,
and substitute my own…
/Mythbusted
There is a problem with outliving your enemies, it usually means that you have outlived your friends as well...
Honnor thy father - D. Vader (Robert Asprin, Myth series)
by burpchelischili on Nov 19, 2011 1:38 PM CST up reply actions
Actually
according to the uncertainty principle that’s not true. It turns out the more you know about Scott, the less you know about Keith, and vice versa.
You and your Heisenbergs...
Your Illini are handing the Badgers a win.
Thank you, sir! May I have another?
That's what I heard
I’m stuck at the office so I haven’t seen any of it but I saw that the Illini had a nice lead at the half and then laid an egg.
Badgers came from behind and won 28-17
Illini were up 17-7 at the half. Turnovers killed Illinois.
Thank you, sir! May I have another?
Illini fans been Zookered again....
[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."
by NobodySpecial on Nov 19, 2011 7:50 PM CST up reply actions
Apparently of the top two lines, only one can be clicking at a time. And that's the line that has Hossa on it.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
this is going to be the constant debate until we get that top-6 forward we need
Hossa and Kane or Hossa and Toews? Is Q going to have to keep rotating him between the two lines when one starts to go cold?
Personally I’d rather keep Toews and Hossa together because Sharp’s been more productive with Kaner. He hasn’t had an explosive season as last year, but that’s because everyone’s figured out our PP by now. But he has been quietly getting points and assists, and (aside from tonight), his defensive game has looked better than a couple weeks ago. Then again, the last time Sharpie was on Toews’ line he was still fighting off that slow start. Maybe if they’re put back together we’ll see more.
But I don’t think one game should cause panic over Hossa’s placement. Kaner’s line in general didn’t have a noticeable game that can’t be blamed on lack of chemistry.
We got cap space - be patient... Stanbow's got this...
No one is parting with the one we want just yet.
"What doesn't kill us makes us stronger"
cap space is a beautiful thing.
I hope Stan finds gold. We’re literally one second-liner away from an insane offensive squad. I get so excited thinking about it sometimes.
Yes, but
Does anyone else think the money should be spent on a blue liner? I don’t have anyone specific in mind yet, but this team’s problem isn’t scoring goals. Defensive zone coverage and composure has been lacking.
I’d like to think Stan is looking at a more defensive-minded top 6 forward (maybe Ruutu) and a veteran D-man that can kill penalties, with the D-man being the priority (maybe Gleason). Carolina is total crap right now, maybe we can swing something.
"I have only space enough to add: against the assault of desperate pandas nothing can stand."
-ChicoMaki (channeling Mark Twain)
by HungryHungryPanda on Nov 19, 2011 9:07 AM CST up reply actions
Perhaps we can find a way to get both?
I’m not getting my hopes up at obtaining top men like Weber, Doan, or Iginla, so if we go to some lesser paid guys we might be able to nab two. But if we do get the forward, it definitely should be someone who can be more defensive minded.
I’m not going to start raising the alarm on defense quite yet. Before Seabs went down the pairings seemed to be pretty decent. But they didn’t have much chance for any consistency before lines had to be changed again.
Not excusing the D-men altogether
There have been games, like last night, when overall the D corps didn’t play very soundly or responsibly. But, it seems like the biggest issue (as was the case last year) is the inability of our forwards to clear the zone and help out down low when needed.
Bickell isn’t the only one who take lazy routes to the puck in the D zone, he’s just the most noticeable.
"I have only space enough to add: against the assault of desperate pandas nothing can stand."
-ChicoMaki (channeling Mark Twain)
by HungryHungryPanda on Nov 19, 2011 10:41 AM CST up reply actions
Agreed
I think Vancouver on Wednesday is actually a pretty good example of the offense slacking on defense. We spent a lot of time in our own zone, but our defense played smart (if you ignored the turnovers) and cut back Vancouver’s scoring chances.
Definitely not, but he hasn’t been good on offensive plays either lately.
Wha? Vancouver was actually a pretty good example of players that normally slack on defense contributing.
Kaner and Sharpie both made startlingly good defensive plays in Vancouver. Hossa was a boss (given) and Toews was Toews. We did spend a lot of time in our own zone, but the forwards definitely pitched in and helped out. Kaner actually saved a goal on one occasion, if I’m recalling correctly.
If you want to pick games where the forwards didn’t contribute to defense, the Vancouver game is probably not where you want to look.
"...but the devil lives inside this kid, I swear it. It rises out of him in a mist, this baby-faced defiant wrathful version of Pat Kane, escapes his bodily confines to perform satanic miracles all over the offensive zone. The only thing more fearsome than that assist was the keep-in preceding it. The only thing more unholy than his face is his black magic." ~gmh
by Steeg of their own on Nov 19, 2011 11:02 AM CST up reply actions
Guess we focused on different things
Because I kept seeing slow transitioning, at least in the first half of the game, in what ended up last minute saves on behalf of some players. And other than those four, I didn’t see much else.
Goals against
1) Keith got beat badly on the first goal one on one.
2) Lepisto was out of position and couldn’t get to the player on his side for goal two.
3) Bad/unlucky pass from Leddy on the third
4) Just a great pass on the fourth goal. There were two guys over on Lepistos side. Not sure what they could have done differently there.
5) Just a lazy reaction from Keith on an extremely poor pass from Hossa on the fifth. I think the pass was so poor that Keith didn’t think it was to him. Hossa wiffed on the check too. Only goal where I could jump out and say a forward could have really done something there.
The D-group had a really poor night. And I would really like internal information on players health. OD in particular and lately Bickell. It is just so hard to tell from the outside what is going on when you don’t have any inside info…
Right, last night was certainly on the D
That Hossa pass and subsequent effort on the check was so bad, for a second I thought I saw an 82 on his back.
"I have only space enough to add: against the assault of desperate pandas nothing can stand."
-ChicoMaki (channeling Mark Twain)
by HungryHungryPanda on Nov 19, 2011 11:12 AM CST up reply actions
personally i like Kane - Hossa largely because I think Toews/Hossa are very similar players and splitting them up
is more beneficial to the team. Also, for Sharp/Kane hasn’t this productivity come with, at least last year with Toews as their center – which can be just as attributable to working well with Toews? Or is it the season before with Sharp at center as well? I’d love to see some stats, since I just don’t see the same chemistry/productivity that everyone else does.
We definitely need a top 6 guy, be it center or winger.
Also the “Pull your weight” comment bugged me, at least in regards to Kane. I do think Sharp needs to be better, and based on comments Kane did not have a good game tonight, but I think he’s been doing really well overall this season.
"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me." - Harry Potter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
by justforkicks on Nov 18, 2011 11:56 PM CST up reply actions
It's really a toss up, isn't it?
and just looking through the past week alone, Sharp’s gotten six points, mostly in assists that have gone to a defenseman or Kaner. It’s not that him and Kaner have a ton of chemistry, it’s just that they don’t not have chemistry. They work, but obviously we’re not going to be seeing the kind of productivity that you would find with Hossa because, well, Hossa.
For sure, I think center, only because (God forbid) if Kaner or Tazer go down with an injury, we don’t have anyone that could fill their spot. When we have an injured winger, we have options to switch things up.
I’m hoping Sharp is having pre-Daddy jitters or something, and then when his kid is actually born he can get right back to where he left off last season (before he was injured anyway).
I feel like Sharp could really step his game a little more...
Kane seems to be able to create some chemistry no matter who’s on his line, but again, he can’t do everything himself, and he shouldn’t be expected to (though he could have stepped up his game a little bit tonight). I really hope tomorrow night’s game will be much better than tonight, and Q won’t have to do massive overhaul (though I really want to see Hoss with Kane again…)
No doubt about it
It has been a steady improvement. So maybe by December we’ll have Sharp Shooter again instead of mildly-pointed-Shooter.
If tomorrow’s team doesn’t come in at least mildly ticked off, then there is a problem.
(if only Hossa had double Keith’s oxygen intake. Put him everywhere!)
Sharp hasn't had the finish lately
but in the last few games he’s played with a lot of tenacity. Any time an opposing player has been trying to skate the puck out of his own zone or even through the neutral zone while Sharp was anywhere near them he’s been all over the puck carrier and forcing turnovers. The goals will come, but I’ve been pleased with his effort.
My eye test didn't enjoy his backchecking a few games back
but either I was wrong, or he was being tentative coming off his surgery. Since then though he’s been a beast back there.
definitely
It’s only a matter of time before he’s consistent offensively, but other areas of his game have been picking up for sure.
McClure - regarding bullet point seven -
the key is to get the lone forward to over-commit laterally to open up shooting lanes, and standing still and making passes makes that man’s job very, very easy.
Thank you, thank you, a thousand times thank you!
After 55 years, I fear this will be the end of me someday soon!
Serenity now!
"What doesn't kill us makes us stronger"
No matter how he was sold to us
It’s getting fucking clear that Hammer has no offensive upside at all.
by LavalPhantom on Nov 19, 2011 12:25 AM CST via mobile reply actions
It's probably a good thing he's a defensemen, then
The Hawks don’t need offensive output from Hammer. They need consistent output from their top lines. They need Hammer to keep the the other teams scoring chances down.
See if you can guess what I am now.
by IndianHeadCrest on Nov 19, 2011 12:34 AM CST up reply actions
Or know what to do with it
As ahnfire told me once, it’s like he’s gotten so used to blocking/repelling the puck that he’s now always just trying to get rid of it once it comes to him. GO AWAY, SMALL BLACK VULCANIZED RUBBER DISC
I agree with Laval
Hjammer won’t even put it to the net. He just dumps it back in the corner….this is okay most of the time but it is infuriating to sometimes see the Hawks lose possession due to Hjammer’s fear of pucks.
Cheertheanthem.com
by HjammerTime on Nov 19, 2011 11:37 AM CST up reply actions
Sometimes he tries
“Hjalmarsson shoots… way off the mark”
It just looks like he’s dumping it into the corner…
He's your guy
can’t you have a conversation with him and get that crap straightened out?
Thank you, sir! May I have another?
Honk'n'Donk
would make a great whack-a-mole type game
Pardon me I'm only bleeding But you cut me To the bone And tonight You're probably feeling Like a Human Cannonball
yeah
and the good thing is, even if you miss with the hammer they still go down
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 19, 2011 1:18 PM CST up reply actions
although sometimes
you get to hit donk six or seven times and nothing happens
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 19, 2011 1:28 PM CST up reply actions
I'm sitting here laughing at your awesome suggestion
while watching the Badgers come from behind over the Illini. (US college football thing… Still 12 minutes left in the 4th qtr.)
Thank you, sir! May I have another?
fnarr fnarr!
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 19, 2011 1:48 PM CST up reply actions
That was one piss poor effort
No energy. No urgency.
See if you can guess what I am now.
by IndianHeadCrest on Nov 19, 2011 12:26 AM CST reply actions
Good, sober recap
No need to panic. This was a rather unfortunate game. Sad to see Toews best effort of the season be piddled down the collective hockey pantleg, but this happens, too. Good to see some snarl on the face of the Captain. Crow will be fine as will Keith. Kane was invisible with 1 SOG and -1 but deserves patience given the start he’s had. Kiprusoff kinda quietly had an excellent game, particularly early.
It looks like they've exorcized their dragons.
Duncs was fucking brutal tonight.
But otherwise has been solid. This was 2010-11 Keith we saw tonight. Hopefully, we won’t see too much more of that Keith this season.
See if you can guess what I am now.
by IndianHeadCrest on Nov 19, 2011 12:38 AM CST up reply actions
2010-11 Keith?
as everyone recalls, he was -328 last year right? Wrong. I’d be willing to bet Keith was never -4 last year. Last night, Keith was worse than his worst game last year. I can live with the mistakes, they’re gonna happen to anyone out there that much with the puck on hist stick that much. But he cleared several pucks from his own zone last night in a hurry, rather than holding the puck, finding a teammate, and maybe taking a hit for his effort. This started early in the game. Very uncharaceristic. Reminded me of Brian Campbell.
We like our people!
I know what you're saying Cliff, and I agree
But keith was a -4 TWICE last year.
"I have only space enough to add: against the assault of desperate pandas nothing can stand."
-ChicoMaki (channeling Mark Twain)
by HungryHungryPanda on Nov 19, 2011 9:57 AM CST up reply actions
I don't have a bad thing to say about Keith
and I probably never will – call me for having blinders on, but he busts his ass out there just as much as Tazer does. Mistakes will inevitably happen (like when Hansen blew by him), but they pale in light of his overall contribution.
I guess I should have been more specific by saying "shades of 2010-11 Keith"
See if you can guess what I am now.
by IndianHeadCrest on Nov 19, 2011 2:53 PM CST up reply actions
Spot on recap
Exactly how I felt after the game. Tazer was in pissed off mode when he had a goal disallowed via a very quick whistle. Sadly the rest of the team did not play with the same passion. Sure the 2nd line was invisible but the 3rd and 4th lines did little to help to situation either. Yep, Duncs stunk up the joint but again minimal help from the rest of the crew either. Leddy looked okay minus a couple yips… the rest of them, yuck.
"People who drink light ‘beer’ don’t like the taste of beer; they just like to pee a lot."
I hate seeing a game with Tazer in Super Beast mode go to waste.
As for Stals, I honestly believe if 32 skated with Tazer and Hoss and he’d score some goals too…
Thank you, sir! May I have another?
Let's not go nuts here.
Furious George! What happened to your beautiful face?!?
by AirTrafficAJ on Nov 19, 2011 2:33 PM CST up reply actions
If not here,
where?
Thank you, sir! May I have another?
by Badgerdano on Nov 19, 2011 3:03 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
too much beer and late-ass games
make mmD something-something..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 19, 2011 3:05 PM CST up reply actions
yeah
Watching Tazer’s face after the first goal was disallowed (WTF, you can’t see the puck from 30 feet away, how about that, so just blow the whistle right ref?) – you could tell he was definitely going to get another one on that shift alone, if not the next one.
Eh . . .
Keith is really good 75 percent of the time, despite what many might think. When he blows, he can blow hard and that was the case tonight. Interesting to note that Jahns I think tweeted that he faced the music after the game, which is more than you can say for some players who stink up the joint and then bolt or hide.
It looks like they've exorcized their dragons.
Agree with the Duncs comment...
At the very least he owns up to everything. Plus, he played half the game last night and a lot of minutes until third tonight, so I feel like he’s entitled to a bit of a break, for this game at the very least anyways. Plus, I felt like the whole team needed to be more supportive defensively, so it wasn’t like it was ALL Keith’s fault.
I think Dunc was a little gassed after the prior game
he played a lot of minutes, I know Q tends to rely on him when Seabs is out but I hope someone else can step up finally and fill some of those minutes…soon.
John Scott 12 minutes TOI - 0 +/-
Duncan Keith -4.
Guess who gets to play next game.? Well I mean besides Keith.
Enjoying .500 hockey this year.
As much as I hate to admit it, I think you’re probably right. If Seabrook is good to go, it’ll be Lepisto who sits. And I hate to admit it even more, but Scott had absolutely nothing to do with the loss.
www.mjt.org
I'll eat crow
I thought Scott would be getting worked on the road, but he was surprisingly pretty competent last night. Lepisto, however, did not look good. In particular, the Lepisto/Keith pairing, which made no sense to me, was brutal. Sami can sit for a while once Seabs comes back.
"I have only space enough to add: against the assault of desperate pandas nothing can stand."
-ChicoMaki (channeling Mark Twain)
by HungryHungryPanda on Nov 19, 2011 9:12 AM CST up reply actions
Lepisto did look poor last night … where everyone but a couple of others did, too. And it sucks for him, cause the Qfist will fall on him alone (and maybe Bickell). Too bad for Sami, cause I thought he’d looked really good here and there as a 6th man.
www.mjt.org
Overall he's been fine
I didn’t really notice him until he started skating with Keith. That pairing was not good. I just don’t know where he fits as a puck mover, because Monty is much more pinchy than I thought he was.
Seems that the ’Hawks could use a non 40-year-old true stay at home D-man.
"I have only space enough to add: against the assault of desperate pandas nothing can stand."
-ChicoMaki (channeling Mark Twain)
by HungryHungryPanda on Nov 19, 2011 9:30 AM CST up reply actions
at least he took a penalty when it actually made sense
skating 4 on 4 against that team usually is an advantage, especially to a team like the Hawks.
The defensive effort was crap
The offense could have been better, but was not really terrible.
My main concern is now Crawford. He started out strong in the season, but his numbers are a thing of concern now.
SV% = 0.909 and GAA = 2.61
Not terrible, but I think better was expected and as of late the numbers have been worse. Would like these to settle back down somewhat. Last night was not a game he could steal, but would like to get him back in form to be able to steal some games.
by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Nov 19, 2011 8:19 AM CST reply actions
Crawford’s numbers are the same as Niemi’s in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2010.
He’s just a little too aggressive right now, but the defence isn’t helping out whatsoever. Razor gives the ‘Hawks a very good second option and with a solid start tonight can help Crow evaluate his own play a little more. Razor’s been around and he’ll help out Crow as well.
Proud fan of the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks and the 2010 Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.
"You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself into one."
He was not terrible last night
The Defense just let him see WAY WAY too many good scoring chances. I think that is half of why his numbers are inflated, the other half is on him.
by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Nov 19, 2011 9:50 AM CST up reply actions
"attention, co-workers
it has been 305 days since our last Goalie Crisis!"
Just kidding. Crow has looked slightly shaky lately but I’d put a lot of the blame on what’s in front of him.
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 19, 2011 10:10 AM CST up reply actions
The Hawks have given up an unusually large number of odd man chances
and breakaways. I would expect his numbers to be down while the Hawks sort out the back end.
What the hell happened to Bickell last night???
He was a mess.
and Brunette is really too slow.
H'8ter Proof™
Missing from the recap
“As the Bolland line goes, so go the Hawks.”
The third line has been invisible lately, and last night it was our 4th line. Bickell, just unbelievable how lazy he plays sometimes.
Has Bolland had the puck on his stick for more than 3 seconds at a time in the past two games?
"I have only space enough to add: against the assault of desperate pandas nothing can stand."
-ChicoMaki (channeling Mark Twain)
by HungryHungryPanda on Nov 19, 2011 9:18 AM CST up reply actions
What the hell happened to Bickell all season?
Proud fan of the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks and the 2010 Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.
"You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself into one."
He has become
the Brouwer of this year. All that size with no idea, or will to use it in a productive manner.. If he doesn’t straighten up soon I can see him as trade bait. The only reason I can see that may hold that up or give SB pause is he is so cheap for what he CAN do when he wants to.
No worries, this was the plan all along!
When are the Limo pictures going to surface?
They were hungover…To many guys looked a step slow and out of place.
I think it had more to do with ...
The fact that the Flames were a team that sat 14th within the Western Conference and had the inner feeling that with a couple more losses would see it’s core split up before season’s end.
They had the urgency that the ‘Hawks simply didn’t match at all, and as a result, the final score read as such.
Proud fan of the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks and the 2010 Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.
"You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself into one."
Core?
Calgary has a core?
"I have only space enough to add: against the assault of desperate pandas nothing can stand."
-ChicoMaki (channeling Mark Twain)
by HungryHungryPanda on Nov 19, 2011 9:19 AM CST up reply actions
Bomeestir
"I have only space enough to add: against the assault of desperate pandas nothing can stand."
-ChicoMaki (channeling Mark Twain)
by HungryHungryPanda on Nov 19, 2011 9:51 AM CST up reply actions
geeordahnoh
"What is icing?"
"Well, uh... icing appen when uh the puck come down... bang, you know, before the other guys, nobody there, you know. My arm go comme ça then the game stop then start up."
by anActiveStick on Nov 19, 2011 1:57 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
As far as 5-on-3's go...
Why not try Nick Leddy there instead of Keith?
Proud fan of the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks and the 2010 Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.
"You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself into one."
In order from worst to best
.
Bad game last night
Keith
Crawford
Lepisto
Kane
Sharp
Montador
Bickell
Bolland
Carcillo
Smith
OK game last night
Mayers
Scott
Kruger
Hossa
Good game last night
Stalberg
Hjalmarsson
Leddy
Toews
We like our people!
by cliffkoroll on Nov 19, 2011 9:44 AM CST reply actions 2 recs
When your #1 defensive pair AND your third line have a bad game
You are not usually going to win.
A word on Hammer. I missed the 6-2 drubbing from VAN a few weeks ago, but in reading the recap and comments from that game, you’d have thought Hammer lost that game on his own. I couldn’t understand the vitriol because up until that game he’d been excellent. And since that game he’s been excellent.
So, unless I’m missing something, was the Vancouver loss so bad that it made people think Hammer has sucked all year?
"I have only space enough to add: against the assault of desperate pandas nothing can stand."
-ChicoMaki (channeling Mark Twain)
by HungryHungryPanda on Nov 19, 2011 9:55 AM CST up reply actions
I don't think it was that bad
I’d have to go back and reread the thread – but he’s much improved over last year so far, blocking more shots and he’s virtually eliminated his usual 100 – year clearing attempts when back in his own zone.
It was that bad
From Killions wrap:
The defense is absolutely lost without Duncan Keith back there now. The clock is ticking on both Nick Leddy and perhaps more importantly, Niklas Hjalmarsson … The problem with Hammer runs a little deeper. He simply hasn’t been the player he was in the 09-10 season. I know he had his stick tied up on the final Vancouver goal but we need more from him./blockquote>
Assorted comments from SCH after that game:
-Also, Hammer hasn’t been the same player since he missed time due to the hit in the Buffalo game last season.
-Hammer looks worse than last year. (is that really possible?)
-Obviously it’s more than one player, but maybe I started heralding Hjammer too soon this year. He been out of position on at least a few of the recent goals and doesn’t seem willing to clear anyone out of the crease.
"I have only space enough to add: against the assault of desperate pandas nothing can stand."
-ChicoMaki (channeling Mark Twain)
by HungryHungryPanda on Nov 19, 2011 10:30 AM CST up reply actions
But that's a different game
Hjammer had a couple of ill-advised passes I think, and he’s still shaky with the puck, but he’s not as bad as he was last year. At least, at this point in the season I feel last year’s body of work was much worse (of course, it’s easy to blow that view in the wind after a particularly good or bad game).
That's my point
I think I just articulate it poorly. I think Hammer’s been pretty nails this year in his role as 2nd pairing shut down guy. Then I miss one game where he supposedly played poorly and people were all doom and gloom on the guy. I think he’s been pretty damn good this year, and seems to be throwing his weight around more lately.
"I have only space enough to add: against the assault of desperate pandas nothing can stand."
-ChicoMaki (channeling Mark Twain)
by HungryHungryPanda on Nov 19, 2011 11:36 AM CST up reply actions
Hjammer
Plus 4 for the season because of two short handed goals. Plus 2 with Seabrook and even with Leddy. Hjammer is NOT even in the top five of things to worry about.
Big deals so far this year. Hawks second period woes (-5).
And the big one Bickell/Bolland/(Frolik or Smith) are a combined -7. Like I mentioned before, Marlboro 72 seems to have been re-united because of the woes of the Hawks vaunted checking line.
Here's hoping for a better game from Keith tonight
I think if Smith picks it up, then when Fro comes back Bickell is going to have some fun in the press box.
Also, that game was so bad all around I don’t know how anyone could single out one person for the loss. Hammer seems to be the scape goat just because he doesn’t produce much offensively, which I don’t have a problem with since his defensive game has picked up from last year.
Relax.
This seems to be directed at my comment earlier on the lack of offensive upside by Hammer. I like Hammer as much as the other guy and I believe he’s had a pretty good season so far.
It’s just that I have been waiting for three years for his offense to come along. I just realized last night that it’s never gonna happen.
by LavalPhantom on Nov 19, 2011 11:11 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I wasn't specifically directing this comment at you
So don’t think I was being passive-aggressive. You’re not the first or the last person who’s going to call Hammer out, it seems to be the norm practically every game. And I was more bugged by the fact that he was getting flack when it seemed more of an all-around team issues with the smack-talking and then not living up to it.
Hammer probably won’t rack up the points we would like, such as the 17 from 09-10. But then again he was playing with Soupy then, when the team was collectively having a good year. Who knows, maybe when Leddy picks up we’ll see more contribution.
Fair enough.
I’m always a little bit more irritable the morning after a Hawks lost. Hopefully this won’t be the case tomorrow.
Go Hawks!
by LavalPhantom on Nov 19, 2011 9:10 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
on Crawford
It seemed to me he made some huge saves. He basically had the lookout defense in front of him – you know where they turn around after getting beat and holler -“Look out!”
Did you really think he was all that bad? I know 5goals against- but they weren’t all on him.
I watched Alex Tanguay a lot last night
McClure, you’re right- they guy is a marshmallow.
We like our people!
Signed through 2016 at 3.5 mildo per year.
What a steal!
Furious George! What happened to your beautiful face?!?
by AirTrafficAJ on Nov 19, 2011 12:16 PM CST up reply actions
I'd still love to see Ruutu here
get that Eskimo out there and create some energy – flat doesn’t begin to describe the effort last night.
Need to get right back on the points wagon tonight
by getting two from the oil
I hate to hear these words, "We hope you enjoyed the broadcast in spite of the outcome." I would rather enjoy the outcome inspite of the broadcast.
Kane and Sharp
As is said in the recap, please get your shit together and start putting up some points. There were very few times were the even had a sustained forecheck last night. I’m not sure what to make of Carcillo’s presence out there either. It’s not like he’s hurting them but it’s not like he’s helping them either.
I might be the biggest Hossa homer on here however that pass that was intended for Keith that set up the fifth goal was terrible. 81 has to know better than that.
Rebound in Rexall tonight. Please dress SOD. Hope Fro plays too. His presence on the defensive end of the ice is noticeably missing
by JesusMarianHossa on Nov 19, 2011 10:58 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Hee hee hee!
I’m sure you were sarcastic when you excoriated Kane and Sharp for not putting up points, but still. It made me laugh.
I mean they’re only #8 and #23 for points in the ENTIRE GODDAMN LEAGUE. Clearly they’re not pulling their weight.
Trade them!
"...but the devil lives inside this kid, I swear it. It rises out of him in a mist, this baby-faced defiant wrathful version of Pat Kane, escapes his bodily confines to perform satanic miracles all over the offensive zone. The only thing more fearsome than that assist was the keep-in preceding it. The only thing more unholy than his face is his black magic." ~gmh
by Steeg of their own on Nov 19, 2011 11:06 AM CST up reply actions
Reminds me of last year
when we were #4 in the league in goals scored while giving up way too many, and when Boynton-Cullimore was our 3rd pair.
We need another top-6 forward!
Toews, Hossa, and Kaner aren’t pulling their weight, they should all be 50 goal scorers! Trade them!
More scoring, more goals! MOAR!!!!!
hope Stan still has
Dat Buffles Guys number
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
by mightymike D on Nov 19, 2011 11:28 AM CST up reply actions
I hears Detroit wants to trade dat bertuzzzzi guy
Trade Kane now!
Furious George! What happened to your beautiful face?!?
by AirTrafficAJ on Nov 19, 2011 12:18 PM CST up reply actions
Sharp and Kane
Sharp and Kane with Hossa were 6/1 GF/GA and 7/4 without. Still good numbers but not the dominant performances they had with Hossa. So I could see people noticing the dropoff…
Kane's been noticeably less productive since 81 left his line
No where within did I mention giving up on them. They’re in a cold streak with a lack of productivity. Snapping out of it would be nice.
If you think this is scorched earth, I’ve got some lakefront property to sell you.
by JesusMarianHossa on Nov 19, 2011 3:18 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Bwah? Prior to this last game, Kaner was on a six points in four games streak.
And before they shit the bed against Calgary, Sharpie had four points in four games.
I mean, maybe I’m a little confused about exactly how “productive” you expect them to be, but when you’re complaining about six points in four games (or even six in five, if you include last night’s debacle), I’m really not too sympathetic to your complaints. Kaner and Sharpie are fine, and I’d really rather they didn’t snap out of whatever’s got them scoring at that rate, thanks.
"...but the devil lives inside this kid, I swear it. It rises out of him in a mist, this baby-faced defiant wrathful version of Pat Kane, escapes his bodily confines to perform satanic miracles all over the offensive zone. The only thing more fearsome than that assist was the keep-in preceding it. The only thing more unholy than his face is his black magic." ~gmh
by Steeg of their own on Nov 19, 2011 3:26 PM CST up reply actions
The Hawks better bring their A game tonight.
Edmonton has dropped four in a row and will be in their own building; I fully expect them to come out swinging and have the bite to make it hurt.
"Showin' her my Toews-face!"
True dat
But weather the first ten minutes and get the first goal and Edtown will fold like a cheap tent in a stiff breeze.
I plan to live forever, or die trying.
by Sparky The Barbarian on Nov 19, 2011 12:47 PM CST up reply actions
thank heavens..
DGB
is go!
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
I LLOLed
2:50 p.m. – “Hey, why don’t we all watch some old YouTube clips of Brendan Shanahan from his playing days repeatedly punching people in the face because they got on his nerves” – A presentation by Brendan Shanahan
Pardon me I'm only bleeding But you cut me To the bone And tonight You're probably feeling Like a Human Cannonball
Also golden
1:31 p.m. – Flyers’ GM Paul Holmgrem notices what time it is and abruptly refuses to continue participating.
Hat tip
to the Flames. The Hawks certainly gave them an abundance of chances but they applied the skillful finish in impressive fashion. That first goal caught the corner, the goal off the Leddy turnover that went into the slot came in just under the crossbar and the slap pass goal from the right point to the guy in the left circle was just downright pretty. They played a good game and deserved the win.
I’m not the biggest Keith fan but I find it very easy to write off a game like this from him. He was terrific in Vancouver and I’m confident he will be again.
I thought this was the least noticeable game from Carcillo. Just didn’t have much to offer last night.
Tazer was the only Hawk worthy of being singled out for praise. He’s a man among men.
How much of Dunc's terrible game
Was a direct result of having to play 30 minutes in Vancouver, whilst Scott played 7?
Furious George! What happened to your beautiful face?!?
And how much was team over confidence?
We saw this on the team all last year: We’re the freaking Blackhawks. We can beat these guys on one skate. Hey, what just happened?
I plan to live forever, or die trying.
by Sparky The Barbarian on Nov 19, 2011 12:49 PM CST up reply actions
Well that's Q's job for the most part
but after he called that much – needed TO early in the 2nd, they still didn’t get the message, apparently.
gah reply fail
I really am getting to dislike this phone – these are not the droids I was looking for.
by Waylon on Nov 19, 2011 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I really did,
llol
There is a problem with outliving your enemies, it usually means that you have outlived your friends as well...
Honnor thy father - D. Vader (Robert Asprin, Myth series)
by burpchelischili on Nov 19, 2011 4:33 PM CST up reply actions
Flyers copping it from the Jets
A certain A Ladd on the scoresheet too..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
there's that word again..
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
Well, folks..
I’m shortly off out to drink many, many pints of glorious Guinness with one of me brothers so will have to miss the pre-game ‘festivities’.. and may well be in no condition for much when the game is on.. so here’s a pre-emptive Let’s Go Hawks!
enough of the niceties: time for the eye-gouging..
and yes, I probably *should* be asleep right now!
as a representative for all Hawks fans in Ireland
you’re gonna have to drink for everyone else here.
and two for me
Pardon me I'm only bleeding But you cut me To the bone And tonight You're probably feeling Like a Human Cannonball
Good stuff from PD
Confirming, once again, that Jonathan Toews excels at pretty much everything he does.
Excerpt:
With the man advantage, Toews is 62-for-85 in the faceoff circle, good for an obscene win percentage of 72.9. On the powerplay, Jonathan Toews starts with the puck.
Considering that a lost faceoff can trim as much as 45 seconds off a two-minute man advantage, this is incredibly helpful. Expect the Blackhawks’ powerplay to continue to improve, especially considering how often Jonathan Toews lets them practice.
"I have only space enough to add: against the assault of desperate pandas nothing can stand."
-ChicoMaki (channeling Mark Twain)
by HungryHungryPanda on Nov 19, 2011 3:23 PM CST reply actions
Captain is perfect
rain is wet, ice melts, etc. etc.
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