Like Looking In A Mirror, Only Not: Hawks 2 - Scum 3 (OT)
by SamFels on Jan 14, 2012 4:42 PM CST
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PrintMan, did that feel like last Sunday's game. Home team rolls visitor for opening period, probably should have put the game away but didn't. Second period acts as the lever as game teeter totters to the visitors, who then proceed to strangle the third period. Only this time, the road team couldn't find the OT goal. In fact, the road team couldn't find the attacking zone in OT.
So this midseason trilogy between the Auld Central rivals is in the books. Both teams gathered four points in them. While I think a lot of us were hoping for an opening up of the division lead during this stretch, the bare minimum was to not lose ground in them, and the Hawks did that (though they lost ground in their other losses, which we didn't see coming). They remain atop the Central, depending on what the Blues do to Minnehaha tonight -- which is of course win because that's kind of what St. Louis does at home these days.
Bullets? Bullets:
-Please read this carefully, because I don't want to get torn to shreds in the comments by people who miss the larger point here. Corey Crawford had a good game, maybe even a very good game. But part of that opening onslaught, repeat: part, was due to still some less than stellar rebound control from Crow. It wasn't, as it has been, resulting in goalmouth scrambles where he has to make two or three saves to keep the puck out. But it did result in only clearances to the corner or chips out of the zone that just had the Wings coming back again. What you'd really like is Crawford to suck some of those shots up, get whistles, break the play up and maybe halt momentum. Then again, the Hawks probably would have lost that ensuing draw anyway. The bottom line, however, is that Crow kept the Hawks in the game just enough for them to get back into it. At this point in the season, that is more than enough. It's a step in the right direction, but there's still a lot to correct.
-Hey Eddie and Pierre, it's pretty damn hard to get a forecheck going when all your dump ins are just to get a change after spending a shift in your zone. Fix the first problem before worrying about the next.
-While I've scoffed and gotten upset about the anti-Kane talk, I can't escape that the past two games Kane has been hiding a bit. That's unlike him. There was a 3-on-2 in the second period where Kane tried for all the world to do anything but shoot, until he was left with no choice. Pierre pointed out some lackluster forechecking, which seemed only partially true due to the play. However, I disagree with Mike Milbury, shocking I know, that it has to do with switching positions a couple times. Kane's been back at wing for a stretch now, and it's just his confidence isn't there. It will be again.
-Funny though, Kane sucks when he's not scoring because he doesn't backcheck or forecheck hard, but Frolik does both of those furiously while not scoring, but he sucks too. I can't keep up with all the reasons players suck.
-Thanks to the Ombudsman, I hereby announce that Andrew Shaw will now be dubbed: Chicken Hawk. Chicken Hawks got him a chicken today, on a play by Howard that is what lazy looks like.
-While Kane's drawing a lot of the ire with Sharp out, Marian Hossa hasn't been a world better either. He's been chipping in assists here and there, and got the goal that tied the game after a couple bounces. But for most of the game he was erratic and turnover happy. The fact that the Hawks have gone 2-0-1 without Sharp without much from Hossa, Kane, and honestly Toews (on the scorehseet at least) has to be categorized as encouraging.
-I saw a lot on Twitter bemoaning the power play, but at least it provided some dangerous looks today. And it's mostly coming from the second unit, maybe because they are happy to keep things simple: work from the goal line out, get shots from the point with traffic in front. Learn, first unit.
-These have been Andrew Brunette's best two games as a Hawk, i wish he had more than an assist to show for it.
So it's all in the books, and we don't deal with these guys for another month. From reading some Wings' fans tweets, they aren't all that encouraged either. After these three games, I'm as if not more convinced that the Hawks will take the division this year, because there are other teams who can expose the Wings lack of speed in defense as the Hawks have done for a majority of the 9+ periods these past two weeks. Scum are still more than capable of playingg five-a-side with your skull for a stretch, but not for 60 like it used to be. Add to that a fade from their aged legs as the season goes on, along with the Blues having to come back to this planet at some point, and that's my conclusion. I will now be prepared to be slayed by Wings fans in the comments...
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more convinced after loss?
other than 14 min in the 3rd Im just having a hard time seeing that logic. to each his own I guess.
A game that should have been over in the 1st, went to OT
And the production and push-back came primarily from the undercard, not the big guns who everybody pretty much believes are going to get hot again eventually.
They kept Detroit from putting the game away, the fought back onto even footing, and saw the young guns thrive in a playoff-like atmosphere.
All reasons not to let a loss sting too badly. Plus, nothing seen tonight has shown that Chicago couldn’t take Detroit in a 7-game series. Only that it would be close, ridiculously intense hockey.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
by mhsilver on Jan 14, 2012 8:16 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
exactly!
and way to accentuate the positive, dude!.. this could effect your rep, though!
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 8:21 PM CST up reply actions
Don't worry. I'm still not happy about the first.
But I was ready to change the channel and start waiting for San Jose, so an OT loss is pretty damn good for me.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
no one is happy about the first
but the third confirmed to me what Sam (and your good self) said: the Hawks should fear nobody in the playoffs… and picking up a loser point in SCUM’s own barn is an OK thing.. we’re four points each out of three meetings..
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 8:28 PM CST up reply actions
until end of second, and the third where we dominated
this game wasn’t a good game for anybody, but especially not for our top guys. It doesn’t happen very often, but this was a game where I didn’t notice Toews and Hossa at all til the end. Whole team came out swinging though at the end, and while we still lost, I like that we were able to come back and tie it up.
As for Crow, I actually screamed at my tv when the goal went in off the breakaway – just because he is usually so damn good at them. Thought he had a good game tonight, but also wish he was able to swallow up the puck more often or control the rebounds better.
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
Well at least
he stuffed drew miller’s attempt.
This is over. You can go ahead and order the autopsy now.
yup.
I’ve gotten spoiled so I expect him to make those saves every time.
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 5:13 PM CST up reply actions
I'm with Sam on this one
I feel strangely buoyed after tonight. yes, there’s a whole pile of stuff that needs to be fixed.. but I think we win the Division (and the conference) this year.. I ain’t scared of anyone out there.
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
We got beat at the puck control game
And got outshot 43-27. Not seeing lots of positives.
by maxachium27 on Jan 14, 2012 5:13 PM CST via mobile reply actions
but still were able to tie it up and get a point out of the game. That's a plus, right?
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 5:18 PM CST up reply actions
Yes
But I’m commenting from a “can we win the Cup playing this way?” perspective.
by maxachium27 on Jan 14, 2012 5:34 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Ah, well we still have a ways to get to that point, and a lot of time to make corrections and the adjustments needed
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 5:37 PM CST up reply actions
But I’m commenting from a "can we win the Cup playing this way?" perspective.
No, not everynight- but on nights they dont play well- they can still steal a game here and there. And other night they do play well.
If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space.
by Timothy Fisher on Jan 14, 2012 11:20 PM CST up reply actions
The 1st was one of the worst
I’ve seen from our boys in a while, and sadly the only one I got to watch. For the rest I relied on John & Troy.
I’m glad they clawed their way back, but here’s what I got to see: 3 players within 5 feet of one another trying to cross into the Wings’ zone, and looking just like the clusterfuck you’d expect. This happens far too often of late. Spread the fuck out, not only on entry, but throughout the offensive zone. Bunching up usually just lets one defender play 2 guys, which means nobody is open. Also, passes are generally more effective when directed in the vacinity of your mate’s stick, and not his heels. And it helps if they actually know a pass is coming.
This team’s problems have nothing to do with a lack of talent and everything to do with a bad case of head-up-ass disease for long stretches of games.
An opinion should be the result of thought, not a substitute for it. (Jef Mallett)
by 334Rules on Jan 14, 2012 5:18 PM CST via Android app reply actions
It seems like the Hawks didn't wake up until I did at about 12:45.
I was very happy with the 3rd period. I knew we were eventually going to lose in OT because ha, why even try to spend time in the offensive zone. Sucks who scored that goal though.
the GMT contingent
are smiling and nodding at you!
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 5:40 PM CST up reply actions
NFL playoffs began at 4 PM EST
which is all you need to know – counter programming at it’s finest (or worst).
oi, you lot? a question?
I’ve been asked on Hockey Wilderness if we have an “Official” SCH nickname for Backes? Not so I’ve heard.. any ideas?
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
I just usually call him a shithead
SCH moderator. I'm the nice one. Really, I am. (you can quit laughing now)
by stacie7 on Jan 14, 2012 5:43 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
that's a good approximation
of what i said to the Wild folk.. and also very, very accurate.
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 5:44 PM CST up reply actions
Did you warn them to be prepared for lots of slashes that don't get called
and probably some questionable hits too?
SCH moderator. I'm the nice one. Really, I am. (you can quit laughing now)
He takes a lot of penalties
That’s how you know he should be captain, remember
and he wants to fight, whereas that useless bum
we have for a Captain just wants to score “Goals” and “Win” “Games”
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 5:49 PM CST up reply actions
I gave them a wee pep talk...
http://www.hockeywilderness.com/2012/1/14/2707544/minnesota-wild-st-louis-blues-game-45#comments
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 5:48 PM CST up reply actions
The folks over at Hockey Wilderness seem allright to me
However, those at SLGT appear to have, as Jeff Foxworthy would say, “A glorious lack of sophistication”.
"What doesn't kill us makes us stronger"
they're great (HW, not the Other Lot)
I’m hanging out there for the game..
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 7:29 PM CST up reply actions
Well, since he is the ultimate captain of captains
Captain Taco Supreme?
But in the end, I think it's going to come back to the Globetrotters, because if there's one thing they know, it's "globe-trotting!"
I cobbled this together in five minutes flat...
as you can probably tell.. still, a South Park reference has to be good, right? Bueller?
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 6:41 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
ok
Shit Taco Supreme for when he’s being extra Blewsy.
But in the end, I think it's going to come back to the Globetrotters, because if there's one thing they know, it's "globe-trotting!"
It's easy
But I usually just go with Backasshole
Furious George! What happened to your beautiful face?!?
by AirTrafficAJ on Jan 14, 2012 6:21 PM CST up reply actions
Little Big Man
mostly due to his constant tough – guy act when he’s trying in vain to get Toews to dance with him again. But when Mayers offers, Backes is no where to be found.
Alright, I'll admit it.
I was pretty hard on Frolik in the third period thread. While I really, really DO appreciate the effort everywhere but in the shooting area, but it’s just so hard to say “good enough” when dude isn’t burying chances that are so prime they’re USDA certified.
by ForAllYouYoungHockeyMoms on Jan 14, 2012 6:19 PM CST reply actions
to paraphrase PJ O'Rourke
“So long as it isn’t USDA ‘School Lunch Meat’ Certified”
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 6:32 PM CST up reply actions
Re: Frolik
When Q put him out in the last minute of OT, I figgered the Stache was just trying to get to the crap shoot.
Then, he let Bertuzzi have free access. Guh.
We like our people!
Shit yeah
Minnesota strikes first. Keep it up!
by ForAllYouYoungHockeyMoms on Jan 14, 2012 7:23 PM CST reply actions
Crow gets heat again?
Believe it or not goalies aren’t vacuums. Rebounds happen, get over it.
agreed
even when improving, and playing a great game, crow will still take heat, thats just how the media and fans work. they identify their straw men early and stick with them.
by putmeinthemadhouse on Jan 14, 2012 7:38 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I understand some of the heat.
When I say that I mean I can understand people not totally buying into his game.
But if after that game you felt you wanted to see anything more from him other than consistency and better puck handling, than you need to seriously lower expectations.
hey I love Crow
but his highly suspect play over the past two months makes him a suspect, fairly or not.
I don't know, I think its fair to say he had a good game
but there are things he can still improve on. There’s not a single player I’m ever 100% satisfied with, because I want them to be as good as I believe they can be. nothing wrong with having high expectations.
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 7:55 PM CST up reply actions
It is really uplifting to see what the hawks are doing without their stars.
Hossa and kane were both bad tonight and toews didn’t create much offensively yet again.
This is all the more reason the kids shaw and hayes are getting so much praise. They seem to have added to depth up front that looked a bit disappointing in the first quarter of the season.
Toews is such a Dickwad
He stole Pandas goal and took it for himself.
by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Jan 14, 2012 7:46 PM CST reply actions
Trade, no, BEHEAD him!
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 7:47 PM CST up reply actions
St Louis are on the verge of losing their minds
against the Wild.. Backes already got himself tossed
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
Fuck yeah
meltdown, please. d(^_^ )d
by ForAllYouYoungHockeyMoms on Jan 14, 2012 7:52 PM CST up reply actions
Jeez.
Time to switch to that game. Leafs vs rangers isn’t quite what I wanted.
you're a leafs fan?
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:00 PM CST up reply actions
nice - what'd he do?
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 7:53 PM CST up reply actions
instigator/helmet on/being a complete dick
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 8:05 PM CST up reply actions
ah nothing new then
Have to admit I am confused by the penalties for fighting.
You want to make the game safer on head injuries, but get a penalty if you don’t take your helmet off. And you get a penalty for fighting, or rather an extra penalty for instigating a fight, meanwhile the player and the team with the dirty hit get away scot free, making them more likely to continue being dirty.
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:08 PM CST up reply actions
apparently it was a 10 minute
rather than a game.. so the fucker is back (usss).. also, Mikko Koivu is injured
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 8:22 PM CST up reply actions
Fuck, I hope so.
Like Fels said, they have to fall back down some time.
by ForAllYouYoungHockeyMoms on Jan 14, 2012 7:55 PM CST up reply actions
Ben Smith ♥ has a goal for Rockford tonight
They’re up 1-0 over San Antonio, about 4 mins into the 2nd
Aw go ben smith!
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:08 PM CST up reply actions
lol, apparently in San Antonio they drop stuffed cows with parachutes during games
I will never get your cow thing San Antonio
aw that is cute though
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:13 PM CST up reply actions
Have you heard of this Cow Parade thing?
It’s …interesting. The Butterfly one is cool in person as is the Good Humoo one.
What in the world?!
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:29 PM CST up reply actions
They're just around the city. I can't get the map to load.
Then I might be able to figure out all the ones I’ve seen.
actually now that I think about it, I think there was something similar in NYC.
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:33 PM CST up reply actions
yeah i don't know, lol
here are the cows. I did see some of them turns out!
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:41 PM CST up reply actions
I can expect to see huge cow sculptures in San Antonio
(the ones I saw were at a mall with a giant boot out front. Texas) but NYC? Not really.
A mall with a giant boot? That's interesting, haha.
what you don’t think cows + NYC makes total sense?
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:48 PM CST up reply actions
omg that is amazing
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:53 PM CST up reply actions
you mean like
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 8:15 PM CST up reply actions
Right now, Detroit is the superior hockey team
It’s just that simple. They have a better and deeper team that the Blackhawks right now.
Kane? Other than one nice rush he was, once again, a non-factor. This makes a full month of full fledged slump / awfulness. Worst stretch of his NHL career by far.
Frolik? He “was” reliable in the defensive zone, but now that has gone away too. It’s time to sit him on the bench for a few games. Needs some sort of wakeup call.
Bickell? Awful game, again.
San Jose? Got to come away with 2 points.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
What does benching or a "wake up call" do for a player who is busting his ass but not producing
How will that help his game at all?
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:28 PM CST up reply actions
I don't get it at all. It gets said for every player when their in a slump, but how does it possibly help that player get out of their funk?
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:30 PM CST up reply actions
exactly! if they don't do their job on ice, ok. but otherwise? no amount of sitting a player is going to get the puck in the net
and nobody is going to be harder on the player then the player themself
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:34 PM CST up reply actions
WIth Kaner and Bolly, they show up at playoff time, that's much of their overall value to the team...
That’s difficult impossible to replace, see Canucks/ Sharks for examples teams built for the regular season and with no Fuck You mode for the playoffs…
I’ll stick with the wheelbarrow boys, thank you…
No Swagger, No Dagger
although kaners regular season points say otherwise - and i'm sure he'll get back on track soon.
but yeah hear what you are saying
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:38 PM CST up reply actions
Kaner isn't really built for the playoffs.
I do think as a team the hawks step it up though where it kind of seems the canucks and sharks step it down a bit.
he has scored some really clutch goals though.
But agree, overall as a team the Hawks really bring it to the playoffs, and there are always players picking up the slack when others falter
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:45 PM CST up reply actions
and 13sec tying goal against Nash?
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 9:32 PM CST up reply actions
That game was kind of a team effort.
And not all of Kane’s goals were of the spectacular variety.
The Nashville tying goal was pretty clutch though.
My issue with Kan in the playoffs are that his defensive liabilities are magnified.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
Whatever
That backhander was fucking sick. Most significant win at the UC for this group, period. And Kane led the way.
We like our people!
I'll agree with that...
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 9:37 PM CST up reply actions
It was fine.
But I think most people coming out of that game thought ‘Wow, Luongo sucked’ not ‘Wow, Kane was amazing’.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
Not my experience or recollection at all
We like our people!
by cliffkoroll on Jan 14, 2012 10:19 PM CST up reply actions
yeah.. I mostly remember
rolling around on the floor drooling “KAAAAAANNNNNNEE”.. the Lu piss-taking started later..
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 10:21 PM CST up reply actions
I was at that game
the only people walking out of the UC thinking Luongo sucked more than Kane was amazing were Vancouver fans.
Maybe, just once, someone will call me 'Sir' without adding, 'You're making a scene."
Well I live in Vancouver
So obviously that would have skewed my perception of the reaction.
Still, the media (Sportsnet, TSN, etc) were all over Luongo that night, not praising Kane.
And trust me, the Canadian media have no love of the Canucks.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
really?
in other news, Brion Gionta is really short.. :]
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 15, 2012 3:00 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah i guess game 4 wcf isnt good enough
"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 Jan 15, 2012 8:53 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
hello mate!
long time no see!
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 15, 2012 12:59 PM CST up reply actions
Not to mention, he's been insanely sound from a 2-way perspective.
If Frolik isn’t a scoring machine fine. As long as he’s not costing us goals on the ice, then his line can just be used to wear down the other team and eat up time to rest the other lines.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
I mean it is of course frustrating when he misses what is a wide open net
but as you say, he’s doing a lot of other things really well. So I’m ok with leaving scoring to the other players on the team
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:32 PM CST up reply actions
Uh, Frolik didn't stand out in the OT.
Everybody in a Hawks uniform was playing like absolute shit.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
Watch the play
He had position on Bertuzzi and got caught watching the play and let Bertuzzi walk right into the slot.
He sure as hell wasn’t on the ice for his scoring touch.
We like our people!
No
In all likelihood he was on the ice because Q was running all four lines since everybody on the team was exhausted.
The fact is, the OT goal could have been scored with anybody on the ice, I wouldn’t have been shocked. Chicago NEVER looked in control of the play in the entirety of the OT. It just happened to be scored then.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
Oops
In 4 on 4, you only have two forwards out at a time, so you prolly don’t go more than six deep. I don’t think Frolik is an OT mainstay and, considering his skill set, it suggests to me that Q was trying to get the game to a shoot-out. So, that’s his job, that’s what he’s good at, that’s what he’s out there for, and he totally lost his guy. The fact that the Hawks were struggling changes none of that.
We like our people!
by cliffkoroll on Jan 14, 2012 10:15 PM CST up reply actions
You're right.
So what do you do when you usually go six deep, and all of them are exhausted from playing from behind and putting everything on the ice for the last 20?
You probably end up spreading the minutes to guys you wouldnt normally, just to get some oxygen into the lungs of your major weapons.
And again, Detroit was getting glorious seams and scoring chances with everybody from Toews and Hossa to Keith and Seabs on the ice. The fact that the one that finally beat Crawford happened on a Frolik misplay instead of one of the other Hawks? Doesn’t make me think the guy is terrible.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
Who said he was terrible?
otoh, who said he was “insanely sound from a 2-way perspective” and “as long as he’s not costing us goals on the ice…” yada yada?
We like our people!
by cliffkoroll on Jan 14, 2012 11:38 PM CST up reply actions
I don't know about better and deeper.
More consistent, definitely.
Save some bad streaks this season, they come to play at 20:00 of the first period every game, and every player works their ass off for the entire period.
Their special teams are also better and more consistent.
But talent and depth? I’d say the two teams are pretty much dead even.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
My dislike for Detroit aside...
If the playoffs started today I would pick Detroit, hands down, to represent the Western Conference. They are four lines deep, they are veteran good and they have Babcock coaching. Yes, they are prone to shockingly bad games. Yes, they are not a perfect team. But unfortunately, yes, they are a better and deeper team than the Hawks (or Vancouver or St. Louis) right now.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
I picked them to start the year.
Abdelkader is not the answer at 3rd line center though, he will get eaten alive.
I also wonder about their age a bit as well as their play along the boards.
San Jose is one line and 2 d-men short of being Stanley Cup legit in my view
Personally, I think their real window of opportunity to win a Cup ended last year.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
Hockey is a 3 line game.
I actually don’t mind their 6th pair either.
I don't know man.
2008 – Detroit had four lines that could go.
2009 – Ditto for the Pens.
2010 – We all know.
2011 – Boston’s fourth line wrecked.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
San Jose is in a weird spot.
That team just cannot get up for regular season games anymore. They’ve made it into the playoffs at the top (or near the top) of the standings too many years in a row.
That team is on cruise control until the post-season, and it’s only then we’ll see what a completely motivated Sharks team can really do.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
But don't the sharks usually shut down in the post season?
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:48 PM CST up reply actions
have they been to the finals in a while?
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:52 PM CST up reply actions
No.
You could have said that a few years ago.
But who have they lost to the last few years?
Chicago and Vancouver. Legitimately better teams. They didn’t choke, they were outplayed by deeper teams.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
Ok. I know the rhetoric the last times their post season has ended
has been that they choked, so just going based off that
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:52 PM CST up reply actions
It's a rep that will always haunt them.
Until they win a cup.
They’re always a threat, cause they’re so damn big, so good at cycling, and just wear teams down.
Even Chicago said that that four game series was physically the toughest test of the playoffs, and they went through 3 6-game series.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
oh yeah
I’ll get behind that.. that series against the Sha-arks was BRUTAL! (also thought it set us up well for PHI)
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 8:57 PM CST up reply actions
hm, yeah i can dig that
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 9:00 PM CST up reply actions
I never said they weren't.
I’m just saying whatever rolls they get on this season, it still won’t be an indication of what the team will do at 100% motivation.
So as good as they look at their best in the regular season right now, I only expect them to get better and harder to play against as the playoffs approach.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
I agree with that.
But that’s all the more reason why SJS looks even scarier.
I would take Vancouver over Detroit.
Faster core, 3 scoring lines, more mobile defense (and more of them) and the best goal-differential in the conference.
Their issue is, of course, goal-tending, but even that issue let them get to game 7 last year.
Personally, if you put any combination of Vancouver, Detroit or Chicago into the WCF, I couldn’t confidently pick a winner.
And by the end of the year, maybe add San Jose and the Blues to that list too.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
Vancouver has to prove it to me.
I know they made it all the way to game 7 of the finals but until the sedins show up in the playoffs and luongo gets a bit more consistent in them I am not sold.
The pressure on this team will be even higher than last year (if at all possible).
HIgher on the coach.
It’s Stanley Cup or bust if he wants to keep his job. The team? I think they just want to get back, I don’t think they’re thinking about ‘what if we fail’.
The Sedins did actually show up last year. They were just shut down by a bigger, tougher Bruins team. But they were putting up points against Chicago and San Jose, and Kesler did most the damage against Nashville cause Weber and Suter were all over the twins.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
Doesn't matter.
The media will get to them. When they have to answer questions about last year everyday they will crumble (or at least I think so).
22 points (3 goals) in 25 games for henrik, 20 points in 25 games for daniel. Not at all good enough for guys that score 100 points in the reg season.
Vancouver is done being in Cup contention
I really believe that. You put Nashville or St. Louis against them in the 1st round and Vancouver is going home early this year. They gave every ounce of what they had to offer in the playoffs last season, and didn’t get it done. It took the heart out of that team. They are regular season stats whores is the best way I can describe them. Sure, I’d love to have 6 guys on that team. But as a unit they are done.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
No way.
Vancouver is on a tear lately. They look like a cup contender again. I’m interested to see how Chicago does against them on the 31st, cause the last time they played, Vancouver was in the middle of a post-cup-run hangover or whatever.
They look like a totally different team now.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
Western Conference Cup Seriousness o' Meter
1. Detroit
2. Chicago
3. LA (yep, that’s what I said)
4. Nashville (yep)
5. Vancouver (I don’t care if they march to 115 points)
6. San Jose
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
What's up with the SJS hate?
That top 4 on the back end is scary good, especially the way vlasic has been playing this year. They have a decent bottom 2 as well.
That group up front is as scary as anybody’s as well and probably the best group in puck battles along the wall too.
The top 3 is a tie, but if I had to order them...
1) Vancouver – Fast, skilled, deep, defensively sound. Toughness and goaltending are question marks.
2) Detroit – Consistently sound team defense, top tier offensive weapons. Age and wear-and-tear are questions.
3) Chicago – Fast, skilled, offensive juggernaut. Special teams, team defense and consistency all question marks.
4) San Jose
5) St Louis
6) LA
7) Nashville
8) Minnesota
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
I think SJ will finish higher
(obviously, with the seeding for Divisional winners) but I also actually believe that the hawks will top the Central.. and I’ma swap out Minnesota for the Avs (unless the Wild sort this slump out)
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 9:04 PM CST up reply actions
I wasn't going with standings.
I was just listing them as my personal favorites to win the conference.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
aiight.
mea culpa!
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 9:12 PM CST up reply actions
Toughness question mark for VAN is silly.
Offense question mark is more realistic. Hell that shaky hawks defense last year held the canucks to the worst offensive numbers of anybody in round 1. Their offense disappears come playoff time and it is not just when they play the tough, defensive teams.
Don't mean to be a dick about this.
I just think you have to add offense into the question marks whether you think it won’t be an issue this time around. It has clearly been an issue in the past (specifically last year) so it has to be considered a question mark.
I have it to my rankings right now
Vancouver
Detroit
San Jose
St. Louis
Chicago
Nashville
LA
Phoenix
Dallas
Colorado
Edmonton
Minnesota
Calgary
Anaheim
Columbus
by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Jan 15, 2012 7:32 AM CST up reply actions
so they definitely didn't
walk past every other team in the WC after their epic against the Hawks last year? Including San Jose? Or was I watching a different Playoffs?
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 8:54 PM CST up reply actions
What BLou said
SCH, a softer, kinder place to comment on violent sports.
by ChicagoNativeSon on Jan 14, 2012 8:57 PM CST up reply actions
Yep
The Kings have too much talent and Drew Dougthy not to be a monster at playoff time. Daryl Sutter will get that team in the playoffs. I would not want to play the Kings.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
No easy matchups in round one out west.
Can’t say the same thing about the east.
and the best goal-differential in the conference.
37 > 38 ?
Since when?
by J.J. from Kansas on Jan 14, 2012 10:17 PM CST up reply actions
win!
now, come on Minnesota! (and BTW, ignore BLou, he’ll go away)
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 8:30 PM CST up reply actions
I think BLou enunciates what most of us (many of us?) do think at some level, just maybe a little more at the surface for him...
I personally try to glean some value from what he says, and discard the over the top stuff…
Wait, am I a Meathead??
No Swagger, No Dagger
there may be some
good points in what he says (pretty rare though)
but the way he says it, his smug condescension and outright unpleasantness, well, they annoy me.
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 8:37 PM CST up reply actions
and by educated you mean having played the game, right?
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:41 PM CST up reply actions
hey, I'm the "Professor" here
so I think I’m fairly edumacated
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 8:43 PM CST up reply actions
I have a serious problem, and just can't help myself. I always have to respond.
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:35 PM CST up reply actions
think of me like the angel on your shoulder giving sound advice
JUST HIT Z
SCH moderator. I'm the nice one. Really, I am. (you can quit laughing now)
hah yeah. sometimes i have really good conversations out of it though, so i usually enjoy the give and go.
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:39 PM CST up reply actions
Its certainly not always the case though.
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:50 PM CST up reply actions
yeesh. Who were the other 2? Not Morin again I hope
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:35 PM CST up reply actions
Segal and Fahey
Fahey fought after the end of period one. There was a “near brawl”?
yikes. are they still winning?
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:41 PM CST up reply actions
hope they can hold on!
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:44 PM CST up reply actions
Other games today
Avs beat Stars 2-1
Devils beat Jets 2-1
Sharks beat BJs 2-1
Hurricanes beat Bruins (lol) 4-2
Islanders beat Sabres 4-2
Rangers beating Leafs 3-0 YAY
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
MIN just scored to make it 2-2
SCH moderator. I'm the nice one. Really, I am. (you can quit laughing now)
Demote Kane?
In the old days coaches would put Kane on the 4th line for a game or two. Among other things, team spirit was built. Does Q have the nerve.
Q has done it before I think. But again, what does that do. If he is lacking confidence, and I do think that is part of the problem
how does demoting him help him find the back of the net?
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 8:46 PM CST up reply actions
no
not to Q, because he’ll mess with lines till the cows come home…. but what is Kane going to do on the 4th? The dude needs and is only used to top line service
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 8:48 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, skating with Brunette and Mayers will solve everything
by CjSax on Jan 14, 2012 8:51 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Q did drop Kaner to the 3rd line last year
so there is a precedence for this.
SCH, a softer, kinder place to comment on violent sports.
by ChicagoNativeSon on Jan 14, 2012 8:56 PM CST up reply actions
...
SCH, a softer, kinder place to comment on violent sports.
by ChicagoNativeSon on Jan 14, 2012 11:50 PM CST up reply actions
No
Kane is a mess right now. He’s in the biggest slump of his NHL career. But he’ll break out of it. I think what most good Hawk fans are, finally, realizing is that Kane isn’t the budding superstar that he was originally marketed as. He’s a gifted offensive player. When his game is on he is a feared offensive player. But he is soft and completely and totally useless defensively.
You don’t bench Kane or demote Kane to get him out of his doldrums. What he probably needs is to be selfish with the puck for a few games as means of breaking out.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
He definitely is a young superstar.
But right now, goalies aren’t respecting the risk of a shot (and neither are the defense), because he barely ever shoots unless its a last resort under pressure.
He needs to start adding a bit more of the ‘elite sniper’ into his game, to go with the very good play-making skills.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
Projections for Kane need to be downgraded
I think what he ultimately becomes is quality 30 to 35 goal, 30 assist guy. Superstar? No. Very good offensive playmaker? Yes.
He becomes a better version of Martin St. Louis in my opinion.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
You think he's going to go from 82 to 88 to 60/65 goals?
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 9:33 PM CST up reply actions
not goals, points.
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 9:33 PM CST up reply actions
65 points a season
Yeah, that’s what I think. Look, none of this is said with malice toward Kane. I think he’s a major asset and a player any team would crave. But he isn’t going to live up to the over-the-top hype. Hell, two years ago Kane was talked about as the Lone Ranger and Toews was Tonto the sidekick. Well, that got blown up. Toews is a all-around superstar. He is Trottier all over again. Fantasticly great player. Best player in the NHL in my biased opinion.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
When Crosby is out, he sure is.
I think you’re seriously underestimating his ability to both play and bounce back.
But ok. I’m done here and I’m done in the other thread. I can’t talk about this anymore.
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 9:41 PM CST up reply actions
It is possible.
It’s happened before to players, as the league gets a book on them and how to play them.
Look at Ovechkin lately.
That said, I don’t think Kane will downgrade that much. I personally, would prefer to see him play wing with a great center. Put the onus on the other guy to make plays, let Kane worry about picking corners. But that may not be an option for awhile.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
Yeah, I just think its way to early to shut the door on his abilities or what he is capable of.
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 9:43 PM CST up reply actions
I agree with justforkicks here.
The strength of kane’s game is how slippery he is, his hands and his passing. As much as I would like people to respect his shot more I definitely think he is and will continue to be at his best when he has the puck.
What would really help him is if he got some explosiveness in his legs, I don’t think that is going to happen though.
disagree with you quite a bit but what else is new
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 9:31 PM CST up reply actions
Demotion to the 4th line is kind of harsh.
Maybe 3rd line. But he has to let Kane know why.
Tell him on the bench to shoot the puck when he has a chance, yell at him when he gets back to the bench if he passed on the chance (or several), and if nothing changes, THEN put him on the third line for a couple shifts to see if he wakes up.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
Yes
Shoot early and often, take the John Daly approach, grip it and rip it. Sooner or later his talent will get him a few and he can be Kaner again
If you must scream to get noticed, maybe you should whisper instead
by Z-man24 on Jan 14, 2012 9:34 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
It's counter intuitive and "anti-team," but Kaner needs to go on a selfish streak
I think Q would allow Kane a little “freedom” as way to break out of this. I also think Stalberg and Kane cannot coexist on the same line. Stalberg likes the puck on his blade. Watch Kane when Stalberg is buzzing around with the puck on his stick….he looks like a lost child at the store. This is the one thing I disagree with Q on. You can’t have Stalberg and Kane on the same line.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
this i could buy - to get him back to shoot first mentality and out of primary instinct being to pass (regardless of being a playmaker)
he’s not trusting his shot right now. demoting/benching him isn’t going to change that. Only thing that can help is potting a few.
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 9:37 PM CST up reply actions
NE 35 DEN 7 at the half
Brady with 5 TD passes
The Fraud has passed for 28 yards
by CjSax on Jan 14, 2012 9:06 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Amen to that
If you must scream to get noticed, maybe you should whisper instead
by Z-man24 on Jan 14, 2012 9:07 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
Maybe Tebowie
had something to do with it.
But in the end, I think it's going to come back to the Globetrotters, because if there's one thing they know, it's "globe-trotting!"
I'm listening to the radio feed
http://www.nta.fm/WNTAPlayer.aspx btw SA scored again 2-1
They're supposed to broadcast Hogs home games on a local cable channel in Rockford
and for away games they play the radio feed on the channel.
That doesn't help me.
Thanks anyways though.
I am really starting to feel bad for Kane
First real slump of his career and it’s just one load of crap after another dumped on hIm. Perhaps he has hit the wall due to not having had training camp? Plus he had been sick so here’s what we get…
Screaming Meatheads calling for his benching, trading, stoning, etc
The main sports radio station in town calling him an alcoholic on the air.
Enough already.
by CjSax on Jan 14, 2012 9:19 PM CST via mobile reply actions
really?
The main sports radio station in town calling him an alcoholic on the air
fuck that!
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 9:21 PM CST up reply actions
More than one show has intimated that his play can only be explained by hangovers
by CjSax on Jan 14, 2012 9:25 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Wow. I wish I could be surprised by it, but I'm not. That is seriously shitty.
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 9:29 PM CST up reply actions
I worry about him leaving for buffalo (and toews for winnipeg).
Getting this kind of heat because of a slump can’t help.
You can't seriously worry about that.
Or at least you shouldn’t.
Professional athletes don’t run to their home-town teams every time the going gets tough and the pressure mounts.
Toronto would have the most stacked roster ever if that were the case.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
You are definitely right.
That definitely is a foolish worry of mine I just can’t help it.
Fact is there are lots of whispers about Kane's off the ice antics
He parties very hard. A young woman in my office has run into Kane on two ocassions at a bar on Lincoln Avenue. The last ocassion was the night before a game. He doesn’t need to be a choirboy and what he does in his personal time is his personal business. But I don’t think you’d see Toews or Keith or Hammer or a whole lot of other young Hawks emulating the Kaner lifestyle off the ice.
THe best thing for the guy would be a steady girlfriend who is good for him.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
Maybe when it's time for his next extension.
Just make sure she’s hot.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
a
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 9:47 PM CST up reply actions
That "last occasion" was last season
I don’t think there have been any recent rumors about shenanigans. And I’m pretty sure he does have a girlfriend right now. Also, to totally ignore my “in the past” statement, Toews would never party like Kane. Never.
by girlphoenix on Jan 14, 2012 10:09 PM CST up reply actions
That's not even bad.
Skille just looks retarded.
i've obliged you
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 10:17 PM CST up reply actions
now now don't say that plz
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 10:17 PM CST up reply actions
dude!
you know better! Anyway, Skille looks like slightly-undercooked Squid is a)less offensive and b) more accurate
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 10:19 PM CST up reply actions
I apologize for the comment.
Rude and uncalled for.
thanks, appreciate your response being this rather then
the usual bah pc-ness that usually comes out.
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 10:34 PM CST up reply actions
I only apologize when I mean it.
That was wrong on my part.
even better
skille does look like a total weirdo though
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 10:56 PM CST up reply actions
any time these days i read about him being out, he is still out with Toews or some other member of the team
which is not to say he doesn’t go out with his other friends. But Toews isn’t exactly a choirboy.
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 10:18 PM CST up reply actions
But we can all agree kane is a bit more laid back and toews is more uptight.
I think that is probably why toews gets the choir boy reputation and kane doesn’t.
Not beating up cab drivers helps as well.
I guess you don't remember which one was arrested for being underage in a bar
by girlphoenix on Jan 14, 2012 10:23 PM CST up reply actions
That's worse than beating up a cab driver?
I know toews isn’t mr. perfect like everyone thinks he is I am just explaining why I think kane gets the reputation.
Who is comparing those two incidents?
I think girlphoenix is just pointing out that toews was the one who got arrested, and why he isn’t the “choirboy” people think he is either.
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 10:26 PM CST up reply actions
This is going to sound silly but I think part of it is the way they deal with the media.
Kane is a bit more honest about who he is at media events, he is a bit more loose. Toews is buttoned up and kind of boring with the media.
And Kane has a reputation of partying with the little people.
Which always gets you in trouble. You are much better off as a celebrity to party in the VIP sections. As the saying goes, what happens in the VIP sections, stays in the VIP sections.
Unlike the public areas where everything tends to get recorded…
Probably true, and unfortunate. I love the players who speak their mind and have fun with the media
rather then the buttoned up robot ones. See Toews and Crosby
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 10:37 PM CST up reply actions
I do to
I may have been young when roenick was a hawk but still, that is one of the reasons I like him.
I sort of like the swagger kane usually brings too, wish he would get it back.
yup. soon i hope. very very soon!
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 10:40 PM CST up reply actions
yeah that's clear but
but the fact is, Toews is not.
and good grief, that was what 2 or 3 years ago? Obviously it shouldn’t be forgotten, it was dumb, stupid, shitty, you name it. but let it go (i don’t mean you specifically, i mean everyone).
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 10:25 PM CST up reply actions
like i said it shouldn't be forgotten
but the way people bring it up (that i’ve seen on other sites – again don’t mean you) is seriuosly frustrating. someone says kane had a bad game and the response is that he beat up a cab driver. i mean, come on. yes it was fucked up, yes he shouldn’t have done it. but i see that vid of him with the make a wish girl, or talking about crying after going to the hospital and visiting his grandparents at the cemetary, and I really don’t think he is the shitty person people think he is
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 10:32 PM CST up reply actions
Great example
REally not a dirty player but he gets pegged as one of the more dirty players in the league because of that incident.
umm...
No. Just no. I don’t really care how contrite Bertuzzi claims to be (or is.. and I’m Catholic, so I know about guilt!), or what instructions he got from the (then) VAN bench… he’s a piece of shit. If Stephen Moore plays again, maybe I’ll rethink that opinion.
Not a go at you, personally!
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 10:38 PM CST up reply actions
The only difference to be is the result.
Kane attacked a guy.
Bertuzzi attacked a guy.
The fact that one of them ended up more injured than another is more to do with circumstance (like a fucking dogpile, for example) than it does the intent or character of the person committing the act.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
I don't take it personally.
I do disagree though.
Realistically moore was being a little rat and taking runs at naslund (the canucks best player). In the next game after injury naslund bertuzzi (who was a top line forward when moore was a tough guy) tried to fight him in what would have been a positive fight for moore’s team. Moore refused, bertuzzi got mad and punched him and the rest is history.
Stupid and totally wrong? Yes. But the man was incredibly apologetic from the get go and hasn’t had any other history of major dirty plays since or before that incident.
Exactly
Placing appropriate blame on Moore for the incident is a delicate part of the discussion with the knowledge of his injuries and that he won’t play again. I mean, concuss another team’s captain then don’t answer the bell when someone challenges you to a fight? If someone hit Yzerman or Lidstrom, or for you guys, Toews, in the way that Moore hit Naslund, we’d be looking for a death penalty.
Bert ended his career, but if he had known his actions would have caused the injuries, he wouldn’t have done it. Also, if Bert hadn’t hit him in just the right way to cause those injuries and Moore continues playing, we’d be saying he probably got what he deserved.
Fan of the Detroit Tigers, Lions and Red Wings.
I am not condoning what he did though.
Sucker punching someone from behind no matter what the circumstances is stupid and reckless.
I do understand that it is an emotional game and I don’t condemn bertuzzi for life because he foolishly lost his cool once, regardless of the outcome.
Not a go at you, personally!
No worries at all there.
I think Bert’s play since the lockout does more to speak to his contrition than any words he’s ever said. He’s a completely different hockey player now. Even the threat of a lawsuit wont’ keep a vicious dog caged for as long as Bertuzzi has been since he did something stupid and ruined Moore’s career.
But that’s just my opinion. As far as it goes for talk, Kane’s cabby run-in is always going to be something that gets brought up, same with Bertuzzi/Moore and the Dany Heatley crash. It’s up to the players to get past the knowledge that it’s always going to hang out there for them.
by J.J. from Kansas on Jan 14, 2012 10:45 PM CST up reply actions
..and of course
the Kane incident is still not terribly comparable, since that story didn’t actually end tragically.
by J.J. from Kansas on Jan 14, 2012 10:46 PM CST up reply actions
I think danny heatley figured the way out of it actually.
Just publicly request for a trade out of a canadian market and the pressure is off whatever incident outside of hockey you get heat for.
I understand.
I truly don’t mean to bring it up as an insult to kane either, just as a reason why kane gets the reputation he does.
I don’t think kane is the shitty person either. I don’t see myself enjoying spending time with him because I think he is a bit of a bro but I definitely don’t think he is as bad of a guy as others think.
I wish people would let it go too but it is just never going to happen unfortunately.
yeah i didn't think you were, just as i said, i get really frustrated because i see it pretty often still
but yeah, probably a total bro, i like how close he is to his family though – him flying out his mom when he was sick is still hilarious, and i loved that one of his first comments after winning the cup was introducing his sister as the athlete in the family
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 10:43 PM CST up reply actions
Definitely
One of the reasons I love hockey, however minor, is because the athletes are usually raised in blue collar families and are very good people because of it.
I know. Everyone who thinks that Toews is perfect really needs a reality check
by girlphoenix on Jan 14, 2012 10:21 PM CST up reply actions
He's only perfect on the ice.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
except for today
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 10:35 PM CST up reply actions
I was being facetious.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
Although he IS awesome.
And did get credited for that last goal after the game was over.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
he generally is no doubt.
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 10:38 PM CST up reply actions
its hard to tell
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 10:38 PM CST up reply actions
oh hogs, why? =(
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 9:32 PM CST up reply actions
5:24 to go, Polak just boarded the shit out of a Minn guy.
No Northern Clown Shoes, plz.
by ForAllYouYoungHockeyMoms on Jan 14, 2012 9:34 PM CST reply actions
suspension worthy?
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 9:35 PM CST up reply actions
Nah.
There wasn’t much momentum at all, it was a corner play.
by ForAllYouYoungHockeyMoms on Jan 14, 2012 9:37 PM CST up reply actions
ok
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 14, 2012 9:38 PM CST up reply actions
Their announcers are fucking awful.
by ForAllYouYoungHockeyMoms on Jan 14, 2012 9:46 PM CST up reply actions
aren't they?
I never thought anyone could be worse than NESN…
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 9:54 PM CST up reply actions
Seriously.
Ever single push, nudge, shove, or check from behind to a blues player is a cross check. Getting up on Harding’s shit when he’s down is “sniffing around for a rebound”. Perron is a “wizard.” And the list of dumb shit grows longer.
by ForAllYouYoungHockeyMoms on Jan 14, 2012 9:55 PM CST up reply actions
and longer
aaaannnnddd looongerr.. oh well, at least it’s over
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 10:03 PM CST up reply actions
Oh god, they tried the fucking backdoor play and failed and it got cleared.
It’s so familiar somehow.
by ForAllYouYoungHockeyMoms on Jan 14, 2012 9:38 PM CST reply actions
Minn. Struggling just to get to O.T.
by ForAllYouYoungHockeyMoms on Jan 14, 2012 9:43 PM CST reply actions
backing Harding in a SO!
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 9:54 PM CST up reply actions
Fuck yeah.
Langen get denied.
by ForAllYouYoungHockeyMoms on Jan 14, 2012 9:57 PM CST up reply actions
Heatley...
fuckin all-star just failed hard.
by ForAllYouYoungHockeyMoms on Jan 14, 2012 9:59 PM CST reply actions
Yeesh, the division lead isn't going to be finalized till the last day of the season.
Detroit, Chicago and St Louis are just going to keep trading it back and forth every week.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
I think the Blues drop a notch or two
You must give the Blues a lot of credit for their transformation. Still, I’m not convinced they can play to the level of defensive intensity they have displayed the last two months. Their margin for error in that regard is paper thin. They WILL hiccup, and when they do I don’t think they get back to the same level of play they’ve been at. No, they are not in the league of Detroit or Chicago.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
I agree they will drop off in points.
Not in quality of play though. They have an amazing home record, but have played a metric ton of games at home to date.
Their road record isn’t spectacular, so when that evens out, I think you’ll see them fall abit.
That said, I’m not confident enough about Chicago’s consistency of play (and the lack of 60 minute efforts) to say with conviction that they will put distance between themselves and the Blues with a ton of wins.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
this is bad news for my liver
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 10:04 PM CST up reply actions
I will now be prepared to be slayed by Wings fans in the comments…
Eh, aside from the “old jokes are old” stuff, I think there are good reasons for both Wings fans and Hawks fans to be confident based on what they’ve seen. These are two well-matched clubs built to play hockey the right way.
If they do meet in the playoffs, I just hope that they don’t take so much out of one another that whichever team advances doesn’t get caught up on by a shit team like St. Louis.
by J.J. from Kansas on Jan 14, 2012 10:21 PM CST reply actions
amen, brother!
and there is zero chance of our teams meeting before the Blosers in the playofs.. one or other of us will have already fucked them up (provided they make it to the party, that is)
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 14, 2012 10:24 PM CST up reply actions
At 3:10 of the third an incident occurred between Jiri Hudler and Brent Seabrook.
During a race for the puck, Jiri Hudler crossed paths with Brent Seabrook and checked him before either player reached the puck. Because Brent Seabrook did NOT provide enough force on the "counter check," Brent Seabrook was "stood up" on the play and Detroit won the puck.
It is THAT play right there why I don’t have the venom others have shown Carcillo for his hit on Gilbert. It is because the Hudler hit is NOT called as a penalty that makes the Gilbert play so dangerous. When Gilbert "crossed paths" with Carcillo, I was fully expecting Gilbert to deliver that Hudler level hit. So you are expecting a player like Carcillo to prepare for a Hudler level hit but when it doesn’t happen, somehow be able to "take back" his counter hit. That’s not possible. So when Gilbert didn’t make that big hit but instead just interfered with Carcillo, he was the one that was "blown up."
I hate that Hudler play and agree with those that think the league needs to take that play out of the game. Or else there will be more hits similar to the one Carcillo made on Gilbert.
OT but this is really pretty cool...ESPN (yes, them) names The Captain #1 player under 25 years of age over that guy from Pittsburgh
No Swagger, No Dagger
Saw that a few days ago.
It was also brought up on the radio here in Vancouver, and generally agreed with.
Good to see Toews start getting serious time in the ‘best in the league’ conversation.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
Very nice to see Toews getting that kind of praise
The best part is the ‘under 25’, both he and Kane should only get better
If you must scream to get noticed, maybe you should whisper instead
by Z-man24 on Jan 14, 2012 10:44 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
Is it just me or have there been more penalty shots then usual this year
including this one from tonight that never should have been
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
Seems like it
That one is awful. I was initially happy when I read a year or two ago that refs were going to start leaning more towards PSs on broken up breakaways, but the pendulum has swung way too far. I never thought it would get to this point.
Fan of the Detroit Tigers, Lions and Red Wings.
ok, it's nearly 5am here
I’ve wayched two Hockey games (two OT, one SO) plus a big hunk of an amazing Football game.. and I’m working in eight hours.. time for ZZZZZZ
goodnight all…and I do mean all..
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
nice objective comments
from a bunch of Chicago fans….i’m impressed. no really though, Chicago scares me with top 5 forward talent. Not that imressed with the bottom six. My completly biased vew is that Detroit has the edge in forward depth. Defense too, although, yes, we are getting old and slwing down a bit. That leaves goaltending and coaching. Crawford and Howard are very similar. I think Howard is further along in his development, but Craword is lookin pretty good this season. Too bad coach Q seems to not have complete confidence in him (what’s up with that?). As far as coaching comparison goes, Babcock has the stare, while Q has the heart condition (and should really stopcomplaining about the refs so much). Q is a great coach, but I think Babs has the edge there too. BIG SURPRISE, a wings an likes his team over the Hawks. Anyway….Who will make the bigger splash at the TD??? We shall see…..This is shaping up to be a great race in the Central!!
I actually really like the Hawks chances in a series against Scum
I handicap both teams a half notch behind SJ and Van… Until Stan makes the Big Splash!
We like our people!
by cliffkoroll on Jan 14, 2012 11:45 PM CST up reply actions
DET can very easily make a big splash as well (and likely will).
They are also lucky enough to not really have the positional needs the hawks do so they can go get a good scoring winger or something.
I've got no hate for Detroit
That’s why I never use the ‘Scum’ nickname. I just have a healthy respect and desire to see the Hawks beat them.
Personally, I give the Hawks edge in talent and depth up front, but they aren’t as consistent as Detroit. They may reach higher highs, but they’ll also have more absent or downright terrible games, where Detroit can always count on their bottom 6 for a good, workmanlike performance, even at the works of times.
Our new guys are a bit less experienced though, because Detroit has the most amazing system to marinate their players in the minors and bring them up at the perfect time, so maybe that will come with time. Hoping.
On defense, I think Chicago has the edge as far as the top pairing, and then it’s Detroit all the way. We need to address that.
Goalie? Uh, which guy has a save percentage and number of wins near the top of the league? That’s the guy who’s the clear winner. Crawford is doing well, but he’s solidly behind Howard.
Since you’re in Detroit, I’ll put this in car terms.
Detroit is like an Audi. Consistent, high performance and pedigree.
Chicago is like a 67 Mustang. It can give you bursts of insane performance in a straight line and look damn good doing it, but reliability and consistency is an issue.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
great analogy on the cars
all we have to do though is tell Henery, aka “chicken Hawk” that the Audi is a chicken. That will put us over the top.
The Ombudsman might be on to something.
Audi?
Seeing how they are Detroit, the least you could have done was use an American car in your analogy.
Maybe, just once, someone will call me 'Sir' without adding, 'You're making a scene."
OK, Aztek...
No Swagger, No Dagger
by Saskjet on Jan 15, 2012 8:53 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I had one as a rental
What an ugly piece of trash. Funny though that they were one of if not the first crossover cars that are all over the road today.
Maybe, just once, someone will call me 'Sir' without adding, 'You're making a scene."
I was thinking A6 or RS4 when I said Audi.
Both of which are great cars. Especially the RS4. Yummy.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
My brother
just bought an RS4 for his wife, sort of a Christmas present. She hasn’t driven it yet…
Thank you, sir! May I have another?
I couldn't think of a consistently reliable, high performance American car.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
Ok, then Detroit is a Cadillac. :)
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
You talk to the wings fans I know...
Consistency is an issue for them big time.
I think talent and depth comes out pretty much even. Maybe the wings have slightly better depth with a stronger 4th line and the hawks have slightly better top end talent. Come playoff time we will probably see nyquist in a wings jersey too.
I agree with the top pairing for chicago. I think lidstrom is living off his name a bit right now. Not to say his positioning isn’t solid, his passing isn’t good, his shot isn’t good or he isn’t still smart but he is not a top shutdown guy anymore. Kronwall and stuart aren’t quite as good either.
Obviously I agree on goalie.
Fair enough
I agree about everything you said up to Q. Crawford was on a long stretch of miserable games before Q went with emery for a bit and right after that he stuck with crawford through some mediocre games. He has shown a good enough amount of faith in crawford, he just also realizes crawford shouldn’t be playing when he is really sucking it up and he shouldn’t play 70 games a year like howard is going to (that could really hurt the wings if it doesn’t get fixed).
Babcock is a better coach but it is a slight edge and while I think coaching does matter a little bit it won’t matter with such a slight edge.
On a Positive note after all the Nay-Saying
The HAwks Strength of Schedule took a sharp rise in Early December. Their GFG and GAG took hits around that point, GFG dropped from >3.50 to <3.2 and GAG went from 2.80 to over 3.10 after the schedule toughened up. After these initial hits, the Hawks GFG increased and steadied out at around 3.30 while GAG hovered around 3.05-3.10 for a while before it dropped to about 2.80, the past few games have pushed it back to 2.89, but is trending down again.
Long Story short. The Hawks adjusted well to the schedule getting tougher. It took a couple games to raise it the notch or two needed, but they adjusted very well. Goals against is a concern still and IMO really keeps the Hawks out of the Top 4 in the NHL, but that is steadily improving still. All I am looking at it will not take much to rocket the Hawks up in the NHL while conversely it will take quite a bit to fell them, this is a good position to be in, opposite of the position Minnesota was in when they where at the top of the WC, they were very close to being a marginal team and now it shows.
by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Jan 15, 2012 9:07 AM CST reply actions
What Q said.
“When the Hawks are a defensive team that scores a lot of goals they are very tough to beat.” When the Hawks just try to outscore their opponent, well, they just aren’t.
By the way, really like BTN’s new shot total graphs per game. You can really see a team that spent all of its energy to “come back and tie” and then have nothing left.
The HAwks were completley gassed in OT
I cannot remember the last time I saw Tazer NOT pressure a pointman with the puck, and this happened every series in OT. It was very apparent the Hawks spent everything they had to tie the game. Can’t fault them for that, they earned their point and would not just sit and die. This graph reflects that well.
by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Jan 15, 2012 11:45 AM CST up reply actions
Outscoring the opposition has basically been the only way the Hawks have won this year.
The first Detroit game and the Vancouver domination was maybe the first and last times I’ve seen this team put team defense first and keep another highly-skilled team in check well enough to create and capitalize on their own chances.
Team defense this year has been frankly terrible. But we’re still near the top of the league. Go figure.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
and I take it that was a joke, right?
Outscoring the opposition has basically been the only way the Hawks have won this year.
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 15, 2012 2:54 PM CST up reply actions
It was a little tongue-in-cheek. ;)
The spirit of the comment, that the Hawks are basically just out-scoring their defensive fuck-ups, is serious though.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
yeah
and I do agree with that.. I spent years as an Arsenal fan watching us fail completely at defence but (most times) managing to outscore the oppsition..
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 15, 2012 2:59 PM CST up reply actions
whoops
to finish that point: it’s not an ideal game-plan over the long term
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 15, 2012 3:00 PM CST up reply actions
Bloody hell, it's quiet here tonight!
was it something I said?
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
Are you still here?
But in the end, I think it's going to come back to the Globetrotters, because if there's one thing they know, it's "globe-trotting!"
I'll get me coat...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfJAHASV8k8
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 15, 2012 2:47 PM CST up reply actions
A coat?
Where’s your fucking jacket??
SCH, a softer, kinder place to comment on violent sports.
by ChicagoNativeSon on Jan 15, 2012 3:13 PM CST up reply actions
a Fucking Jacket
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 15, 2012 3:15 PM CST up reply actions
tum-te-tum..
Weekend Link! DGB on All-Star form…
my favourite?
Kris Versteeg, Florida – It was unfortunate that there wasn’t room to include Versteeg since it would have been fun to see him reunited with his recent former teammates, every other player in the league.
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
Would have been nice to see him voted in
instead of the senators fans vote bombing and getting 4/6 spots there.
by ForAllYouYoungHockeyMoms on Jan 15, 2012 3:03 PM CST up reply actions
Same thing happened in Carolina.
The only thing the All-Star game is good for is the fans in the city hosting it.
So I don’t care if they vote in their own guys.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
Wings fan here
Just wanted to say that I hope the Western seeding ends similar to the way it is today for the playoffs.
Wings vs Hawks in the first round would be amazing! I’ve absolutely loved these last two games, and I have to say that you have a phenomenal team.
Best of luck the rest of the season!
by eight_legged_freaks on Jan 15, 2012 3:05 PM CST reply actions
Ugh
I don’t know if my heart, or the team’s stamina, could take that.
by ForAllYouYoungHockeyMoms on Jan 15, 2012 3:06 PM CST up reply actions
Actually kind of hoping its a WCF ;)
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
No love for your canadian high-dive team? ;p
by ForAllYouYoungHockeyMoms on Jan 15, 2012 3:07 PM CST up reply actions
I'm saying IF the Hawks/Wings meet, it would be great if it was in the WCF
A Vancouver/Chicago WCF would be some of the most intense, emotional hockey the NHL has ever seen…
…but I would have to go hide up at Whistler cause my friends would not be happy with my even-handed view of the proceedings.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
thanks
but, personally i could go for a large order of Wings/Hawks WCF (after we destroy St Louis and VAN on the way)
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 15, 2012 3:07 PM CST up reply actions
That would do me fine too
It would mean we finally got passed San Jose. Either way, this rivalry is just getting better!
by eight_legged_freaks on Jan 15, 2012 3:09 PM CST up reply actions
It certainly is!
These games have been seriously suspense. Not sure my heart could take a 7 game playoffs series!
"Well now you're just talking like Foghorn Leghorn!"
by justforkicks on Jan 15, 2012 3:22 PM CST up reply actions
razor
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 15, 2012 3:12 PM CST up reply actions
agreed
you remember the early realignment scenarios that had Detroit going to the East.. yeah, like that was ever gonna happen!
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
argh!
Waylon to eight_legged_freaks!
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 15, 2012 3:12 PM CST up reply actions
The would've sucked
As much as the travel schedule is annoying, I really hate all the griping about it from Wings fans. It hasn’t hurt us at all in the 20+ years it’s been this way, the teams in the West are far better then the East, and the rivalries we’ve been able to cultivate against teams like St. Louis, Colorado, San Jose and of course Chicago, have been nothing short of amazing.
I’m really curious as to how Hawks fans see their own team. I’m so envious of your top line talent, as Marian Hossa was, is and probably forever will be the one who got away in my mind.
What do you think of your team, as is?
by eight_legged_freaks on Jan 15, 2012 3:15 PM CST up reply actions
At the moment? A glass cannon.
Unbelievably offensive weaponry all over the ice, but I think even those that truly reviled the Campbell contract can admit that his leaving set off a domino effect that the team defense has yet to recover from.
We are lucky to have the talent to outscore our problems, but it’s not a winning strategy deep into the playoffs.
And yes, this team can be very, VERY fun to watch.
We really miss Sharp on the powerplay though. :P
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
Brian Campbell
I will obviously always love Brain Campbell for his spin-o-rama in overtime in the playoffs a few years ago, but he was so valuable. Maybe not $6.7million valuable, but he was, and still is, a great offensive puck mover. His defense was suspect, but he really helped you guys with your stretch passes.
by eight_legged_freaks on Jan 15, 2012 3:21 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, I'm happy to see him thriving in Florida.
A perfect market for him, because the media there doesn’t care enough about hockey to spend every night harping on how much he’s being paid.
Every time I see this team trapped in their zone for extended time, I think about Campbell, and how often he seemed to effortlessly skate the puck out past the line and set up a great pass.
We’re missing that smooth exit right now, and as a team that thrived on the transition game, the team is still trying to figure out how to achieve the same the effect.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
I like my team just fine..
I’m of the opinion (and there are plenty who disagree) that the Hawks arebuilding towards a deep playoff run and are genuine-article contenders for the big shiny thing. As are Detroit, San Jose and Vancouver.. St. Louis’ bubble will burst and they’ll be back scrabbling for the last playoff places with the Kings, Avs, Wild and Stars.
And yes, if I’d traded Hossa away I’d be pissed too..
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 15, 2012 3:21 PM CST up reply actions
Cool
Crawford really proved to be a good goalie, which is awesome for you guys. It’s scary how eerily similar Crawford and Howard have been up to this point. They’re almost identical in terms of career paths.
by eight_legged_freaks on Jan 15, 2012 3:22 PM CST up reply actions
has Jimmy been catching any flak
in the Detroit media for that pass to Shaw last night? Because otherwise, the dude stood on his freaking head, especially in the Third
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 15, 2012 3:27 PM CST up reply actions
Not really
I mean, alot of it is being chalked up as a “fluke play”.
The way I saw it, Jimmy came out to play the puck (which is always an adventure in itself), then it took a patented weird bounce off the equally weird boards (sorry “active” is the broadcaster term haha), then caught the heel of his stick and bounced perfectly to Shaw.
It was worrisome in that, the same thing nearly happened twice (the Frolik save), and it definitely didn’t help keep the momentum squarely with Detroit, but it’s largely being called a flukey play.
Both Howard in the third and Crawford in the first and most of the second played amazing. Lost in the excitement of the game was the stellar goaltending duel.
by eight_legged_freaks on Jan 15, 2012 3:30 PM CST up reply actions
oh yes..
both Goalies playes a blinder.. and I agree that the Shaw goal was a freak. Good to hear he’s not getting too much grief over it!
"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"
by mightymike D on Jan 15, 2012 3:39 PM CST up reply actions
All this playoff talk made me think about matchups.
For as much as the standings tell us, sometimes there are teams that just match up well or poorly against each other, regardless of how far ahead of below them they are in the standings.
Chicago matches up well against Vancouver for whatever reason. You can argue it’s psychological, maybe some of it is, but some of it is just play-styles. Vancouver tends to get caught off guard by Chicago’s talent for transitioning from the defensive zone to the offensive rush.
San Jose matches up well against Detroit. They’re both teams that excel at the cycle, and when two cycle teams go up against each other, the bigger team tends to win out over 7 games.
I think Detroit matches up well against Chicago. I think it would be an amazing 7-game series of close, high-intensity games, but I think the consistency through all 4 of Detroit’s lines, game-in game-out would be the difference.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
Of course, as I said earlier in the thread...
…I personally think Vancouver, Chicago and Detroit are so damn close in terms of talent and quality-of-play, that I couldn’t pick a definitive winner in any series between those teams.
Great hockey though.
Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?
I'm Just Waiting
waiting for the pregame thread that sad suck-off left me in damascus
"There are rough players and there are dirty players. I'm rough and dirty."
by YouFeelShame II on Jan 15, 2012 3:36 PM CST reply actions
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