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Big comeback? Big turnaround? |
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On two successive nights, the Blackhawks mounted furious 3rd period surges. Unlike Friday night's failure in Columbus, last night, they pulled off an even more unlikely two-goal comeback at the UC.
As in their last back-to-back, road loss followed by a home win, the Hawks played better in the latter, home game.
The important thing to remember is that although the Leafs may be an improved club, this was a game the Hawks "should" win.
Still, the Hawks were much better last night on faceoffs: 53% overall, with Jonathan Toews at 68%, Marcus Kruger at 58% and even Artem Anisimov at 53%. The only thing holding the result down was Nick Schmaltz' 11% (1-8). Offensive zone possession time continues to improve by the game.
On the flip side, the team still struggled killing penalties, giving up and other power play goal on just two penalties. The Hawks also continue to struggle with coverage in their own end 5-on-5.
3-3 at this point of the year is not the worst scenario for a team trying to forge a revised identity on the fly. Still, the schedule has been fairly favorable for the Hawks, and while there are signs of encouragement (Richard Panik, Gustav Forsling, Tyler Motte), there are just as many causes for concern: the penalty kill, defensive zone coverage issues, inconsistency overall.
What the Hawks are learning—and I have not heard this specifically, it's just my opinion—is which of the 5-6 "rookies" on their roster can realistically help them after the 10-game point and through the regular season and playoffs (assuming the Hawks get to the dance—and that is very much in question).
Because here's what it comes down to: rookies can improve, but just as likely a determination can be made that an NHL rookie would be better situated (for himself, and the parent club) in the AHL.
It's fair to say at this point that Vince Hinostroza is this team's 14th forward, and on the return of Andrew Desjardins, he is probably going to be heading up I-90 to Rockford.
The other outlier at this point is Schmaltz. Right now, it appears the coaching staff has a lot of confidence in him—playing him in a a lot of important situations. But is it really confidence at this point? Or is it a feeling out process to see how much he can actually help?
What the Hawks have learned about Schmaltz at this point is his NHL position is likely center—a tougher role to play than wing. He is also likely a top 9 or even top 6 pivot in terms of is style of play. But a weakness at center—a position that requires quick decisions, 200 foot defensive commitment and the ability to do so versus big, physical players—will be exposed and exploited versus the better teams in the NHL. You know, the ones in the Central Division and in the playoffs.
The Hawks coaches have forgotten more about hockey than most fans (myself included) will ever know. And they have their eyes on Schmaltz every day in a lot of situations. So their judgement today—and say 2-3 weeks from now should Schmaltz also be sent down—should be trusted.
As I've been saying, this is a process. But I still maintain, the process does not necessarily have to follow the current script, or preserve the current roster. And .500 or thereabouts is not remotely a playoff team, and at some point, would call for a script change. But positives outweighed negatives last night at least. And that may be something to build on.
All for now,
JJ
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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