Well, he who scored the winning goal said it. It was a "sloppy" game. As much as I hate the shootout I did love watching Sharpie roof that one.
The defense was an utter mess last night. I'm not sure there is a single D-man that didn't screw up at some point. (Although I can't remember anything in particular by Keith.)
So, let's take the 2 points and scurry away before any figures it out.
Its a good period for milestones. First 500 points for Kane, now 1000 for Hossa and Toews will soon get his 200th goal after scoring 198 and 199 last night.
So it is on to Toronto where the van Riemsdyk brothers will meet face to face. I am sure this will not be their first time on the ice together but it will be there first NHL game together. Let's hope the Hawks can pull it together for this one and get a regulation win.
Oh, and a couple of P.S.'s
Jeremy Morin, stupid penalty late in the game. It is his bone headed moves like that which I feel will lose him a permanent spot on the team.
And I never really thought Darling would be around long term. Like to go to Hogs today. I think Q just wanted to see how he does playing on a regular basis.
#Blackhawks #MarionHossa #PatrickSharp #JonathanToews #TrevorvanRiemsdyk #JeremyMorin #ScottDarling
Friday, October 31, 2014
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Duck!
So Darling gets another start. And why not, he would have had a shutout last game if not for the 3-1 break. And again Richards gets caught up on the PP, Seabrook blows a tire and poor Scott sees his first NHL break-away. A lousy way for this kid to lose his first game. No support from one of the strongest offenses in the league.Regardless, Darling is making a name for himself. So if you were concerned about our back-up goalie, not to worry, we have two.
I gotta say, they first two periods nearly lulled me to sleep. Consider that there were only 20 shots by each team and more importantly only 1 give-away each. That's called conservative play. The third wasn't much better.
Highlights for the night:
Jeremy Morin. Stepping up to the plate. Maybe he is finally going to make it now. I still have my doubts but I won't be upset about being wrong on this one. The Hawks and Hogs have invested a lot in this guy. His play was great in this one and it showed when he drew two penalties. Too bad the Hawks didn't decline the second one. We could have gone to a shootout. Whoopie!
TVR, He still amazes me. I know what I like about him. He is a stay at home, position player. That was my style. Although I admit I did that because I was not the best skater around. But Trevor always seems to be in position.
Remember that Bowman has been going out pulling in these diamonds in the rough, like Darling and van Riemsdyk. Quietly signing these guys while the big names are out there keeping the fans interested. There are quite a few more in the system that have the potential of showing up and surprising us.
So I plan to be at practice tomorrow. Maybe some power play practice? We'll see if Q works them for more that an hour.
#Blackhawks #ScottDarling #TrevorvanRiemsdyk #BradRichards #JeremyMorin #StanBowman
I gotta say, they first two periods nearly lulled me to sleep. Consider that there were only 20 shots by each team and more importantly only 1 give-away each. That's called conservative play. The third wasn't much better.
Highlights for the night:
Jeremy Morin. Stepping up to the plate. Maybe he is finally going to make it now. I still have my doubts but I won't be upset about being wrong on this one. The Hawks and Hogs have invested a lot in this guy. His play was great in this one and it showed when he drew two penalties. Too bad the Hawks didn't decline the second one. We could have gone to a shootout. Whoopie!
TVR, He still amazes me. I know what I like about him. He is a stay at home, position player. That was my style. Although I admit I did that because I was not the best skater around. But Trevor always seems to be in position.
Remember that Bowman has been going out pulling in these diamonds in the rough, like Darling and van Riemsdyk. Quietly signing these guys while the big names are out there keeping the fans interested. There are quite a few more in the system that have the potential of showing up and surprising us.
So I plan to be at practice tomorrow. Maybe some power play practice? We'll see if Q works them for more that an hour.
#Blackhawks #ScottDarling #TrevorvanRiemsdyk #BradRichards #JeremyMorin #StanBowman
Monday, October 27, 2014
A Darling of a game.
Let me catch up on the weekend.
I missed the live feed Saturday night but watched the highlights which I DVD'd. Jackman, what an idiot! His penalty while short handed had to be one of the dumbest moves I have ever seen in hockey. I am not sure how Shaw restrained himself from retaliating. But since the ref was standing right there watching I guess Andrew knew that this would lead to a good opportunity for the Hawks, and it did. The rest of the game was pretty ho-hum for the Hawks as the outcome reflected. The Blues are a very skilled team but the Hawks seemed to lose control of the game and were playing follow the leader most of the night. A nice goal from Richards to Sharp to Versteeg was the Hawks highlight of the night. I never saw a video replay of that second goal that clearly showed the puck crossing the line but I heard there was one out there. It was an unfortunate night all around for the Hawks.
Now on to last night's game. That was a Darling of a game. Two Chicago natives in net (might have been the first time in history for the NHL but I have not confirmed that) and Scott Darling gets the win. With Richards falling asleep at the Senators blue line the Sens come back with a short handed 3 on one. Imagine had that not happened...it would have been a shutout for the new kid. While all 18 skaters had at least one shot on goal they were only able to penetrate twice. We are going to have to improve on this going forward. Shaw was agitating in front of the net but still they were not able to get a greasy goal.
Now back to Richards. I am really getting disappointed. I really expect more from him. I thought he was good point man on the power play but he really let his team down last night. I am surprised Q let him stay on the ice. And he is not a good pivot man on the PP. Too much skating around and not enough passing. I really liked this guy last year in the playoffs. I hope he comes around with the Hawks soon.
With Carcillo out for a month Morin will finally get some regular ice time. I think this is his last shot on this team. He looked pretty good last night but he will need to be consistent to stick around long term. Now is his make or break time. Having watched him in Rockford over the years I have my doubts.But I won't mind being wrong if he can start to contribute.
Kane with 500 points and Hossa 2 points from 1000. Big numbers.
#Blackhawks #ScottDarling #BradRichards # DannyCarcillo #JeremyMorin #MarianHossa #BarretJackman #AndrewShaw
I missed the live feed Saturday night but watched the highlights which I DVD'd. Jackman, what an idiot! His penalty while short handed had to be one of the dumbest moves I have ever seen in hockey. I am not sure how Shaw restrained himself from retaliating. But since the ref was standing right there watching I guess Andrew knew that this would lead to a good opportunity for the Hawks, and it did. The rest of the game was pretty ho-hum for the Hawks as the outcome reflected. The Blues are a very skilled team but the Hawks seemed to lose control of the game and were playing follow the leader most of the night. A nice goal from Richards to Sharp to Versteeg was the Hawks highlight of the night. I never saw a video replay of that second goal that clearly showed the puck crossing the line but I heard there was one out there. It was an unfortunate night all around for the Hawks.
Now on to last night's game. That was a Darling of a game. Two Chicago natives in net (might have been the first time in history for the NHL but I have not confirmed that) and Scott Darling gets the win. With Richards falling asleep at the Senators blue line the Sens come back with a short handed 3 on one. Imagine had that not happened...it would have been a shutout for the new kid. While all 18 skaters had at least one shot on goal they were only able to penetrate twice. We are going to have to improve on this going forward. Shaw was agitating in front of the net but still they were not able to get a greasy goal.
Now back to Richards. I am really getting disappointed. I really expect more from him. I thought he was good point man on the power play but he really let his team down last night. I am surprised Q let him stay on the ice. And he is not a good pivot man on the PP. Too much skating around and not enough passing. I really liked this guy last year in the playoffs. I hope he comes around with the Hawks soon.
With Carcillo out for a month Morin will finally get some regular ice time. I think this is his last shot on this team. He looked pretty good last night but he will need to be consistent to stick around long term. Now is his make or break time. Having watched him in Rockford over the years I have my doubts.But I won't mind being wrong if he can start to contribute.
Kane with 500 points and Hossa 2 points from 1000. Big numbers.
#Blackhawks #ScottDarling #BradRichards # DannyCarcillo #JeremyMorin #MarianHossa #BarretJackman #AndrewShaw
Friday, October 24, 2014
Smashville
The Hawks take their first loss of the season. I only saw the last half of the 3rd period. From what I am reading I may not have missed too much from a Hawks perspective.
Nashville is a new team. Trotz has been trotted away and a more offensive coach, Laviolette, is now in place along with a couple of strong forwards acquired over the summer. Problem 1 for the Hawks in this game, SOGs. Only 15 in the first 40 minutes. While they got 17 in the third, Rinne's confidence was high by that time and he was making the saves. 32 shots against Rinne may not be enough to win any more now that the Preds have more offensive power. Neal with 27 goals last year now has 4 with three of those coming last night. The Preds are a different team this year and may be a bit underrated in the press. Their start certainly indicates that they are a team to recon with.
So let's look to the weekend and Darlings first start behind the Indian head. This has to be a 3 point weekend for the Hawks if not 4. My summary on Monday.
#ChicagoBlackhawks
Nashville is a new team. Trotz has been trotted away and a more offensive coach, Laviolette, is now in place along with a couple of strong forwards acquired over the summer. Problem 1 for the Hawks in this game, SOGs. Only 15 in the first 40 minutes. While they got 17 in the third, Rinne's confidence was high by that time and he was making the saves. 32 shots against Rinne may not be enough to win any more now that the Preds have more offensive power. Neal with 27 goals last year now has 4 with three of those coming last night. The Preds are a different team this year and may be a bit underrated in the press. Their start certainly indicates that they are a team to recon with.
So let's look to the weekend and Darlings first start behind the Indian head. This has to be a 3 point weekend for the Hawks if not 4. My summary on Monday.
#ChicagoBlackhawks
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Raanta-0
Doesn't have the same ring as Tony-0 but consider that the kid has 2 shutouts in 26 games with the Hawks. Alright, alright, I am jumping the gun a little but but he looked pretty good for someone that game in as a bucket of nerves. Certainly a good back up goalies and perhaps future Stanley Cup leader. And he gave us the "Finnish" dance at the end. LOL
I couldn't agree more with Q that this was their best game of the season. Nicely played by all. Bring in Versteeg (love him or hate him) created a balance on the 4 lines and they ALL played well. The powerplay looked energized with a lot of traffic in front of the net rather than passing around the perimeter. And they were rewarded.
Let me focus on two players that were not the center of attention:
Danny Carcillo must have been been doing a little agitating during the game drawing two penalties on the Flyers. Unlike the Danny of the past, he skated away rather than getting involved and getting called himself. Acting a bit more mature now that he is a family man. A great 4th liner. I would only see him moving up in an enforcement role if needed.
TVR. I love that nick name. Trevor just played a really solid game all the way around. Him and Rosy are a good pair giving us 3 strong back-end lines.
Downside: Patrick Kane pointed it out. The slow times were the last 5 minutes of the 1st and 2nd periods. Perhaps the Hawks were being lulled into a drowsy time by their own dominating play. Although I must say that the entire 2nd period seemed to find the Hawks sitting on their lead. That as fine for this game but they may need to pick up their pace in the second for future games.
#Blackhawks #DannyCarcillo #TrevorVanRiemsdky
I couldn't agree more with Q that this was their best game of the season. Nicely played by all. Bring in Versteeg (love him or hate him) created a balance on the 4 lines and they ALL played well. The powerplay looked energized with a lot of traffic in front of the net rather than passing around the perimeter. And they were rewarded.
Let me focus on two players that were not the center of attention:
Danny Carcillo must have been been doing a little agitating during the game drawing two penalties on the Flyers. Unlike the Danny of the past, he skated away rather than getting involved and getting called himself. Acting a bit more mature now that he is a family man. A great 4th liner. I would only see him moving up in an enforcement role if needed.
TVR. I love that nick name. Trevor just played a really solid game all the way around. Him and Rosy are a good pair giving us 3 strong back-end lines.
Downside: Patrick Kane pointed it out. The slow times were the last 5 minutes of the 1st and 2nd periods. Perhaps the Hawks were being lulled into a drowsy time by their own dominating play. Although I must say that the entire 2nd period seemed to find the Hawks sitting on their lead. That as fine for this game but they may need to pick up their pace in the second for future games.
#Blackhawks #DannyCarcillo #TrevorVanRiemsdky
Monday, October 20, 2014
Over powered?
While the Hawks did beat the Preds they should have made their life a little easier. Puck possession seems to be working fine but they continue to shoot at the middle of the net too often. Hutton did not need to come up with too many big saves to keep the game at 1-0 through regulation. The Hawks went almost 62 minutes without a score. during that time they got 35 shots on Hutton and had 17 others blocked on their way to the net. Again I look for the Hawks to start picking corners to score.
Now for the power play. looking pretty limp at 3 for 20 on the season or 15%. Just a 1 for 5 against Nashville would have won the game in regulation. I realize the first PP was cut short, but still. With all the offensive power this team has you would think they could do better. Q even went to the 3rd and 4th lines to try an spark a power play. I was at their practice on Friday and they seemed to have a good strategy for the PP. But that did not play out in a real game. Perhaps there is too much power on this team and they lose focus on shooting and going to goal on the PP rather than merely controlling the puck.
Player notes:
I thought Richards was playing pretty well. I think he is starting to get confortable with the team.
Oduya had a great game. Beyond the 1 goal he also was a maniac in the defensive zone.
I was a little disappointed with Van Riemsdyk. Watch him deep in their own end. He was beat at least twice when he chose to turn from back to front to keep up with the forward. Each time he turned away from the player and then lost his position. He is going to need to start pushing back and get in the way of those forwards.
As good as Corey has been I think we will see Raanta this week. I an thinking against the Panthers on Thursday.
Oh yea, let me not forget the captain. His two-way play kept the Hawks in this one during regulation. His second effort on the OT shorty was indicative of his will to win.
#Blackhawks #JonathanToews #Oduya #TrevorVanRiemsdyk #BradRichards #AnttiRaanta
Now for the power play. looking pretty limp at 3 for 20 on the season or 15%. Just a 1 for 5 against Nashville would have won the game in regulation. I realize the first PP was cut short, but still. With all the offensive power this team has you would think they could do better. Q even went to the 3rd and 4th lines to try an spark a power play. I was at their practice on Friday and they seemed to have a good strategy for the PP. But that did not play out in a real game. Perhaps there is too much power on this team and they lose focus on shooting and going to goal on the PP rather than merely controlling the puck.
Player notes:
I thought Richards was playing pretty well. I think he is starting to get confortable with the team.
Oduya had a great game. Beyond the 1 goal he also was a maniac in the defensive zone.
I was a little disappointed with Van Riemsdyk. Watch him deep in their own end. He was beat at least twice when he chose to turn from back to front to keep up with the forward. Each time he turned away from the player and then lost his position. He is going to need to start pushing back and get in the way of those forwards.
As good as Corey has been I think we will see Raanta this week. I an thinking against the Panthers on Thursday.
Oh yea, let me not forget the captain. His two-way play kept the Hawks in this one during regulation. His second effort on the OT shorty was indicative of his will to win.
#Blackhawks #JonathanToews #Oduya #TrevorVanRiemsdyk #BradRichards #AnttiRaanta
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Week start...
Yes its been a week. And yes the Hawks look weak. Yeah, yeah, I know they are 2-0-1 but they certainly are not playing up to their potential. So I admit I have only been able the watch two of the 6 (not counting OT/Shootout) periods. Those two periods were the third periods of the first and third games. But that does not mean I am not following along with the beats at the game. My thoughts so far...
The good news is that the Hawks do not slump in the third period. Good thing or the Hawks would be 0-3-0. Think about that!
Game one, for two periods the Hawks looked like the Oilers. They finally saved a tie in the third and the win on sick goal by Patrick Kane. Wait for the movie to come out, "The highlight reel of Patrick Kane." They will probably need two intermissions during this film. But can you say, "Call the cops." Q certainly recognized the outstanding play of Corey Crawford. Come on everyone, quit doubting.
Game two. I missed this one because I was in the City of Brotherly Love. CSN chose to show the Flyers game. The nerve. So I followed along via twitter and the BHs app. First the early lead and then they give it away. Hawks take a rest in the second period. Finally the team is sparked again by none other than number 88. A PPG and SHG followed by the ever entertaining Danny Carcillo. I wonder if he wears a diaper just in case he scores a goal. I swear he wets his pants each time. I love watching him celebrate. Again a strong third period by the Hawks and a fun win against Kane's home town.
Now, game 3. Shots on goal listed as 50-18. But I don't this they ever reversed the 2 shots from Morin that they awarded to Calgary. So this should have been 52-16. Hillar is definitely going to need a new jersey after that game after the Hawks pelted the flaming C on his jersey. Time for some shooting practice. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5-hole. BTW Calgary also had 30 blocked shots. So that makes 82 attempts by the Hawks. Let's not even talk about the missed shots.
One final note on the first three... PP = 20%. 3-15. Even with all those shots in game three they had two power plays with zero shots on goal. Hossa talked about the guys getting too fancy. Indeed.
So, My highlights for the first 3:
Danny Carcillo: Always fun to watch. Even more fun to watch him score.
Trevor Van Riemsdyk: The Jersey boy and brother of James. WOW This guy will certainly fill a gap next season when the Hawks D will likely get revamped due to cap issues. Not to say he won't get his far share of time this season.
Patrick Kane: Ever entertaining. A little timing needed on that line will go a long way.
Dissapointments:
Brad Richards: I still have a lot of hope in Brad. He looked great in NY but starting much slower than I would have thought. Give him time.
Jonathan Toews: I admit I have only seen a couple of periods so I am not sure how well his two way game is going. I have to expect that is well, but I am disappointed with his scoring opportunities. SOGs to date 3: by game: 1-0-2
#blackhawks #PatrickKane #DannyCarcillo #TrevorVanRiemsdyk #JonathanToews #BradRichards
The good news is that the Hawks do not slump in the third period. Good thing or the Hawks would be 0-3-0. Think about that!
Game one, for two periods the Hawks looked like the Oilers. They finally saved a tie in the third and the win on sick goal by Patrick Kane. Wait for the movie to come out, "The highlight reel of Patrick Kane." They will probably need two intermissions during this film. But can you say, "Call the cops." Q certainly recognized the outstanding play of Corey Crawford. Come on everyone, quit doubting.
Game two. I missed this one because I was in the City of Brotherly Love. CSN chose to show the Flyers game. The nerve. So I followed along via twitter and the BHs app. First the early lead and then they give it away. Hawks take a rest in the second period. Finally the team is sparked again by none other than number 88. A PPG and SHG followed by the ever entertaining Danny Carcillo. I wonder if he wears a diaper just in case he scores a goal. I swear he wets his pants each time. I love watching him celebrate. Again a strong third period by the Hawks and a fun win against Kane's home town.
Now, game 3. Shots on goal listed as 50-18. But I don't this they ever reversed the 2 shots from Morin that they awarded to Calgary. So this should have been 52-16. Hillar is definitely going to need a new jersey after that game after the Hawks pelted the flaming C on his jersey. Time for some shooting practice. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5-hole. BTW Calgary also had 30 blocked shots. So that makes 82 attempts by the Hawks. Let's not even talk about the missed shots.
One final note on the first three... PP = 20%. 3-15. Even with all those shots in game three they had two power plays with zero shots on goal. Hossa talked about the guys getting too fancy. Indeed.
So, My highlights for the first 3:
Danny Carcillo: Always fun to watch. Even more fun to watch him score.
Trevor Van Riemsdyk: The Jersey boy and brother of James. WOW This guy will certainly fill a gap next season when the Hawks D will likely get revamped due to cap issues. Not to say he won't get his far share of time this season.
Patrick Kane: Ever entertaining. A little timing needed on that line will go a long way.
Dissapointments:
Brad Richards: I still have a lot of hope in Brad. He looked great in NY but starting much slower than I would have thought. Give him time.
Jonathan Toews: I admit I have only seen a couple of periods so I am not sure how well his two way game is going. I have to expect that is well, but I am disappointed with his scoring opportunities. SOGs to date 3: by game: 1-0-2
#blackhawks #PatrickKane #DannyCarcillo #TrevorVanRiemsdyk #JonathanToews #BradRichards
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Car bombs and other Hawk news
Danny Carcillo, one of the most colorful players in recent years is Baaaa-aaack! I could actual see him on a line with Tuevo later this year to protect the youngster from the big bad NHL. I much enjoyed Danny when he was with the Hawks and I am sure he will bring a little something for them this year. But Danny also adds $550,000 to our salary. (more on that later)
Speaking of Tuevo, he is now assigned to the AHL. No surprise. I definitely plan to go see him play. More on Tuevo in future blogs.
Leighton and Regin put on waivers. I guess Regin has lost his luster with Q. I won't be surprised if both of them get picked up before they make it to Rockford.
And I have been waiting to post all of that until the news finally broke: D-man Nick Leddy and Goalie Kent Simpson are traded to the Islanders, who can use all the help they can get. As many of you may know, I always liked Leddy. Don't blame him for a bad bounce to end the Hawks season least year. But the signing of Carcillo also made it clear that the Hawks needed to to trade the higher salaried player. Also, I wonder how good Hammer is without Johnny. So there you have it.
In return we get goalie Anders Nilsson, who will remain in Kazakhstan for the time being, D-man T.J. Brennan, who has played 30 NHL games over the past 3 years with many more in the AHL, and Ville Pokka, D-man from Europe. Brennan and Pokka will report to Rockford.
In other news:
I was disappointed that Subban did not play against the Hawks this week. I have heard so much hype and saw his performance against NYR in the playoffs last year where I would have called him mediocre. My east cost contact tells be that Subban was not up to his usual skill level in that series.
Speaking of NYR, I was also surprised that Richards did not make the trip to MSG. I wonder if they would have cheered or booed him?
#Blackhawks
Speaking of Tuevo, he is now assigned to the AHL. No surprise. I definitely plan to go see him play. More on Tuevo in future blogs.
Leighton and Regin put on waivers. I guess Regin has lost his luster with Q. I won't be surprised if both of them get picked up before they make it to Rockford.
And I have been waiting to post all of that until the news finally broke: D-man Nick Leddy and Goalie Kent Simpson are traded to the Islanders, who can use all the help they can get. As many of you may know, I always liked Leddy. Don't blame him for a bad bounce to end the Hawks season least year. But the signing of Carcillo also made it clear that the Hawks needed to to trade the higher salaried player. Also, I wonder how good Hammer is without Johnny. So there you have it.
In return we get goalie Anders Nilsson, who will remain in Kazakhstan for the time being, D-man T.J. Brennan, who has played 30 NHL games over the past 3 years with many more in the AHL, and Ville Pokka, D-man from Europe. Brennan and Pokka will report to Rockford.
In other news:
I was disappointed that Subban did not play against the Hawks this week. I have heard so much hype and saw his performance against NYR in the playoffs last year where I would have called him mediocre. My east cost contact tells be that Subban was not up to his usual skill level in that series.
Speaking of NYR, I was also surprised that Richards did not make the trip to MSG. I wonder if they would have cheered or booed him?
#Blackhawks
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