+1
It's starting frighten me how much I agree with you.
- Ogilthorpe2

Ha ha...Worlds are colliding....

He had him down, but like Kane kept it on the ice. Both score if they elevate it. Hell, Toews was partially saved. Kane needs to go back to hs back hand move. Vrbata does the same move over and over and over again, and still scores. We all know 88 has sick skill, but just stick to what is successful.

I'll give you Stalberg if we are going to say "what if", but not Marcus Kruger. I haven't seen any evidence that Kruger has top 6 skill. Maybe he's resided in his role right now, but when Q signs off on moving Bolland up, and they plug Shaw into the 3rd role, that's a pretty telling sign.

Either way, I hate the shoot out. It's a joke. The aura of it, is over with. Give the OT loser a point, and go back to ties. It's taken away from penalty shots, that used to be exciting.

I'll say it may be time to move Toews down to the 3rd hole. I know it's nice to get out in front, but all 3 shoot out losses, they have lost in the 3 hole with Sharp air mailing the net twice, and Saad last night. The 3 hole is more important then leading off.
- SteveRain

Crawford seems to have a helluva time on guys that slow down the closer they get to the net. He's dynamite when dudes come roaring in and trying to get a backhand off.

Leddy has sold me. He gets his shot through more times then not. I keep hearing media proclaim how great of a shot Seabrook has but he's very hesitant to shoot. Instead he's trying to force passes. You also have ZERO net presence. None. Nobody wants to sit in front of the net and take a beating or pop out into the slot. So unless you move it quickly, which they don't, or get a BS back door tap in, which the rest of the NHL strategizes against, this PP is doomed until these problems are fixed. The 4 on 3s were pathetic. Stagnant movement with tons of ice, and 20 ft slap shots aren't going to cut it. 99% of the goalies in the NHL are going to stop those.

Saad made a helluva move on the shoot out. He didn't elevate it or else it's a goal. I was surprised that Eddie O didn't know the rule on the morings having to come out COMPLETELY before the net is considered dislodged, but he's too busy giving shot outs, pimping Quebec junior tourneys, or god knows what else.

last night was a brief preview of what ails this team. Physicality. 1 handed poke checks to avoid contact, Keith, and running for your life, Oduya, led to numerous turnovers and tons of chances. Same thing that Phoenix did to them last spring.

Bickell was sensational. That's the Bickell we should EVERY night. He was by FAR the best forward. Saad had a strong game and has a Toews like workmanship with constantly moving his legs. He's doing the small things right, which is a great sign.

I will say...the idiotic penalties that Frolik takes are getting old. For what this guy earns, and what he was supposedly supposed to be, he's a solid PK guy who tries hard, but takes untimely penalties and couldn't hit the right side of a barn with his shot. He's a perfect candidate to flip to a team for a larger sized, grinding player, that they'll need come playoff time.

Lastly, Crawford...13 games and only can point to 1 game where he crapped himself, but he still righted the ship. Guy is showing confidence, and that's all you need in the NHL to be successful.
- SteveRain

Saad got in too close - Like Kane, most of the time.

If the goalie doesn't for for the opposite side fake, you can't elevate it enough from that close to his pads.

Im tired of hearing from Edzo about how the key to the struggling PP is getting pucks to the net and zone entries.

Clearly hasnt been the hawks problem this year. Basically three point problem everyone is already aware of:
1. Standing still
2. horrible formation (still running the damn umbrella?!?!)
3. point men sniping shin pants

Hawks had control of 4 on 3 play in OT for an eternity. Here is the play by play:
"Kane holds, fakes, fakes, fakes, passes to hossa, back to kane, over to sharp, over to keith, SHINPADS!, Hossa corrals, back to kane, down to toews, back to kane, kane circles, switches with hossa, pass to hossa, AIRMAILED!, sharp holds in at boards, OH NO, puck squirts out! Going to a shootout!"

Anyone catch Steve Konroyd saying that Saad's goal sort of reminded him of Bobby Orr's goal to win the cup against St Louis.


- jhawk159

See my post immediately above.

I'm sorry, I'm a jerk and I am negative. But I am sick of the hype (not just around him either). He's just the latest poster boy. It goes way back.

Can we not acknowledge a young player's strengths while also not overbuilding expectations and trying to force the narrative— so also recognize that the player has some things to work on as well?

Some will say this "doesn't matter." Well, when hand in glove with it, we see players being put into roles they're not ready for, it does matter.

He had him down, but like Kane kept it on the ice. Both score if they elevate it. Hell, Toews was partially saved. Kane needs to go back to hs back hand move. Vrbata does the same move over and over and over again, and still scores. We all know 88 has sick skill, but just stick to what is successful.

I'll give you Stalberg if we are going to say "what if", but not Marcus Kruger. I haven't seen any evidence that Kruger has top 6 skill. Maybe he's resided in his role right now, but when Q signs off on moving Bolland up, and they plug Shaw into the 3rd role, that's a pretty telling sign.

Either way, I hate the shoot out. It's a joke. The aura of it, is over with. Give the OT loser a point, and go back to ties. It's taken away from penalty shots, that used to be exciting.

I'll say it may be time to move Toews down to the 3rd hole. I know it's nice to get out in front, but all 3 shoot out losses, they have lost in the 3 hole with Sharp air mailing the net twice, and Saad last night. The 3 hole is more important then leading off.
- SteveRain

Only problem with that is sometimes the 3 hole never gets a chance, as long as we're stuck with shoot outs, I want 19 to participate every time.

I did...and I just shook my head.

The kid is good...hell he may be great. The big difference is this isn't 2007-08 where they pimped Kane and Toews because they had a very limited following and a crap team. You have a strong following, and a solid team. So why do I need the immortal Brandon Saad shoved down my throat EVERY telecast? It's comical. It really is. The educated fans will understand what he brings. Hell, the t-shirt jersey mafia can see he creates chances. We don't need him pimped on us...ALL. DAY. LONG.
- SteveRain

THIS.

When you win a stanley cup and still get fired....you have a major issue. Quenneville, much like Lovie Smith, is going to get fired because his loyalty to his assistants who have no business coaching, are going to kill this team.

There is NO excuse for a team that rolls out 10 talented guys on both units, to be this bad. They have no sense of urgency, no movement, and just seem to be all doing their own thing. Kane can only create so much. It's coming to that pont again, I may have to flip the channel or walk out of the room when they go on the PP.

And the 2 talking heads, refuse to criticize it. Only Konroyd has called them out for having a disasterous PP.
- SteveRain

When my girlfriend, who knows absolutely nothing about hockey, starts noticing inefficiencies, it makes you ask 'if she can see it, why can't the coaches?'.

Last night during the OT Power Play, she asked "Why do they keep passing it to the 3 guys up top? That doesn't seem like it would be hard to defend."

Ask and ye shall receive! Found this little gem:

Both (Scotty) Bowman and (Mike) Keenan note that the secret to success in hockey—at regular strength or in specialty-team situations—boils down to “how quickly you can set up (on offense) or defend. How quickly you can turn a single advantage into success.

“The puck can change teams 400 times a game,” Keenan says, adding “and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Except on the power play.

“You have two minutes to get a goal,” says Keenan. “Use the full two minutes.”

Dennis, you're right. This is a great point and the way they sit back and look around like Columbus in search of land, letting seconds tick off is infuriating. Feels like a lack of confidence actually.

I submit to you, my Hockeybuzz friends, that this is the problem that I've been trying to relate. Nick Leddy is the ONLY guy on the PP that understands this notion of HOW QUICKLY YOU CAN SET UP ON OFFENSE translates into having a good chance to succeed offensively.

Go roll some tape of Keith and Seabrook and watch exactly the opposite. Slow in retrieving the puck and then totally unsure of what exactly to do after that. Do they skate up? Do they pass? Do they dump the puck in? Similarly, at the point, these same kinds of decisions must be made and must be made almost before the puck arrives on their blade. Do they shoot? Do they touch-pass or pass -- and if so, to where or whom? A good part of this is vision but it is also hockey instinct as well. Do they have a sense for where their teammates are going -- to what spot?

IMO, Duncan Keith has NONE of these instincts, beginning with coming out of our zone. And it shows in the play of the Unit 1 and once they DO get in the zone, they have little success because of all the decisions that must be made at the point.
- savvyone-1

Ask and ye shall receive! Found this little gem:

Both (Scotty) Bowman and (Mike) Keenan note that the secret to success in hockey—at regular strength or in specialty-team situations—boils down to “how quickly you can set up (on offense) or defend. How quickly you can turn a single advantage into success.

“The puck can change teams 400 times a game,” Keenan says, adding “and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Except on the power play.

“You have two minutes to get a goal,” says Keenan. “Use the full two minutes.”

I submit to you, my Hockeybuzz friends, that this is the problem that I've been trying to relate. Nick Leddy is the ONLY guy on the PP that understands this notion of HOW QUICKLY YOU CAN SET UP ON OFFENSE translates into having a good chance to succeed offensively.

Go roll some tape of Keith and Seabrook and watch exactly the opposite. Slow in retrieving the puck and then totally unsure of what exactly to do after that. Do they skate up? Do they pass? Do they dump the puck in? Similarly, at the point, these same kinds of decisions must be made and must be made almost before the puck arrives on their blade. Do they shoot? Do they touch-pass or pass -- and if so, to where or whom? A good part of this is vision but it is also hockey instinct as well. Do they have a sense for where their teammates are going -- to what spot?

IMO, Duncan Keith has NONE of these instincts, beginning with coming out of our zone. And it shows in the play of the Unit 1 and once they DO get in the zone, they have little success because of all the decisions that must be made at the point.
- savvyone-1

Dennis, you're right. This is a great point and the way they sit back and look around like Columbus in search of land, letting seconds tick off is infuriating. Feels like a lack of confidence actually.

Point conceded. I'll take that.
- John Jaeckel

Why dont they just install net cams? Yes, there may be times where it doesnt have the greatest view, but it would definitely be a beneficial angle.

See my post immediately above.

I'm sorry, I'm a jerk and I am negative. But I am sick of the hype (not just around him either). He's just the latest poster boy. It goes way back.

Can we not acknowledge a young player's strengths while also not overbuilding expectations and trying to force the narrative— so also recognize that the player has some things to work on as well?

Some will say this "doesn't matter." Well, when hand in glove with it, we see players being put into roles they're not ready for, it does matter.
- John Jaeckel

Is that just a Chicago thing? Is that a McDonough thing? That happens far too much with the Cubs. If McD was still in charge over there, you might already see Baez or some of the kids in the bigs. I'm not blaming McD for the Saad hype, but there's a common denominator. I don't hear that much about Sox prospects.

I saw a few tweets on this last night, and proceeded to roll my eyes. Looked to me like Saad plays a little out of control at times.
- eburgio

There is a nice set of skills to be very excited about with this kid.

To say he will "replace" Marian Hossa within the next two years (or maybe ever) or to compare him to Bobby Orr shows a true lack of hockey knowledge, period.

Hossa's one SO move seems to be to try to blast the puck over the pad or through the five hole. A guy like Fasth is going to stop that 95% of the time.
- John Jaeckel

Amen - +1

I have loved what Saad has brought to this team, and I even will go as far as to say that he wouldnt be a bad player on the PP for puck retrieval purposes, but last night I see the major issue with him being on that top line. When Saad is not on the ice and Hossa is, the puck is on his stick and he seems like "Marian Hossa." Hossa is noticeable when he is involved in all assets, he had his legs last night, but he is not involved enough. Move Hossa with Kane and Bolland. Put Sharp w Toews and Saad. And dont give me the bs that Hossa needs to play w a left handed center. He is a professional hockey player.

Only problem with that is sometimes the 3 hole never gets a chance, as long as we're stuck with shoot outs, I want 19 to participate every time.
- Ogilthorpe2

I hear you, but 19 is 50%, Kane is mid 40s, in regards to success rate. You need a guy with stones to push that to the 4th round.

Sharp is horrible. My god. He's going to put one into the protective netting on a fly. I'm waiting for it.

Hossa....I just dont' think he really cares. Guy just shoots low stick or fires off a slap shot. Doesn't really deke.

From there...they really have issues.

Bolland should be given a chance. He seems to have success in game on breakaways.

stalberg has so much speed that, that alone is a weapon.

Shaw? Pass
Kruger? Pass
Frolik....maybe.

So its' pretty dicey. Like I said, I hate the shoot out. You battle 65 minutes are tied, and then a carnival starts...it needs to go away.

THIS.
- John Jaeckel

Thanks..like you, I think he has the potential to be great.

The most glaring thing for me on the first PP unit is that for some reason 2 and 7 refuse to play on their off-hand side. When you aren't a threat to one-time the puck on a PP guys can give you room. When you have to catch the pass, load, and then shoot you are allowing the shot blockers all the time in the world to get in the lanes. It boggles my mind that this is allowed.

Is that just a Chicago thing? Is that a McDonough thing? That happens far too much with the Cubs. If McD was still in charge over there, you might already see Baez or some of the kids in the bigs. I'm not blaming McD for the Saad hype, but there's a common denominator. I don't hear that much about Sox prospects.
- eburgio

Dunno, the Hawks are all about hyping the players, the prospects, the coaches, the front office. They're all either ten feet tall or geniuses.

And I've heard the "realities of the salary cap" argument as far as playing kids and letting them learn on the job—which is ok, to a degree, by itself—while saying they're the second coming of Bobby Orr.

You know what, there's one bottom line, that's winning—especially in the playoffs. Sure, they're winning now, which is great. But there is a valid argument as to whether this is a temporary hot streak and there are some issues that will be there come playoff time.

Also, Leddy's misuse and miscasting last year—and the hype surrounding him, is a great example.

Someone posted here yesterday that this is all irrelevant. I won't be so childish as to say they are being, umm, hypocritical and completely missing the point . . . but you connect the dots.

Dennis, you're right. This is a great point and the way they sit back and look around like Columbus in search of land, letting seconds tick off is infuriating. Feels like a lack of confidence actually.
- John Jaeckel

John, thanks -- you gave me a hearty laugh with your Columbus comment this morning! For sure that's a great analogy. And knowing the clock is ticking and seeing them light up a cigar bringing the puck out of our zone makes me scream.

I was taught that every second on the PP is precious. My coaches would bench one of us on D if we didn't skate back at top speed to retrieve a clear and then either bust our tail to lug the puck up ice or better yet, to pass to a teammate a line ahead of us to get into our offensive set ASAP.

If Jamie Kompon doesn't understand this most basic aspect of the PP, I know one guy that would love to break into the NHL and specialize on the PP.

Thanks..like you, I think he has the potential to be great.
- SteveRain

Could be. I keep coming back to a Ryan Smyth sort of projection.

John, thanks -- you gave me a hearty laugh with your Columbus comment this morning! For sure that's a great analogy. And knowing the clock is ticking and seeing them light up a cigar bringing the puck out of our zone makes me scream.

I was taught that every second on the PP is precious. My coaches would bench one of us on D if we didn't skate back at top speed to retrieve a clear and then either bust our tail to lug the puck up ice or better yet, to pass to a teammate a line ahead of us to get into our offensive set ASAP.

If Jamie Kompon doesn't understand this most basic aspect of the PP, I know one guy that would love to break into the NHL and specialize on the PP.
- savvyone-1

I know one guy who knows how to run a power play who is on the Hawk payroll. But Q doesn't like having him around.

Oh, I have finally upgraded my top 210 Mock drdaft and profiles at
www.Draftsite.com/NHL

I watched and really strong hockey game. I liked the entire game by both teams.

I saw lots of hits.

I saw two bigger goalies take up lots of space, but it would be insulting not to say they both played excellent.
Crawford actually showed some real glove. And I am impressed how well Crawford when down in the butterfly has shown he still can use his leg pads almost like paddles..

Fasth showed composure and squared up and stayed calm and resloved.


This is a PP where new things are being tried and to a large extent the players have been allowed to free style and continually vary what they try to do.

I see that they are working hard to establish the presence in front.

Last night, there was less motion than the game before.
A lot of shots were on Fasth and 'handled by the Ducks."

Anytime I see Kane not on the right wing half boards, I feel they are not at their best; he just seems more "instinctual" there

I am starting to think Sharp and Kane both like the biscuit so much that they are getting in each other's way.

I thought Roszival had a few moments where he made poor decisions, but understood, completely why Brookbank wasn't lined up against the old mates thsi first game.

Isn't it nice that the hawks actually has a newer draftee who is ABLE to power to the front with power?
Eventually Saad has got to get a bit more touch to receive the passes, but I continue to be surprised that this is the same kid from a year ago...

I think that when you let your heavy skilled team play the way the hawks do, the chances won't always dicated to bundles of goals.

Not pulling the panic button, but Ducks have added some quicker guys, have super old guys, and still play hard up & down the frontlines.

Expect this type team play to be what the hawks and all teams will face in the playoffs.

But there won't be any dumb shoot out them.

...and your top forwards won't be dicating their ice time in OT, either.

Gotta love how they are playing regardless of the fact they haven't signed a OT shooter/specialist.

When the shootout was about to start I only wondered was one of the Hawk forwards gonna just let loose a blast instead of faking to the goalmouth.
I think that might have shook Fasth up.
- wiz1901

Pick # 45 Tristan Jarry is an Oil King not a Steelie. I'm hoping the Hawks pick this kid...

Is that just a Chicago thing? Is that a McDonough thing? That happens far too much with the Cubs. If McD was still in charge over there, you might already see Baez or some of the kids in the bigs. I'm not blaming McD for the Saad hype, but there's a common denominator. I don't hear that much about Sox prospects.
- eburgio

We typically don't have any

Dunno, the Hawks are all about hyping the players, the prospects, the coaches, the front office. They're all either ten feet tall or geniuses.

And I've heard the "realities of the salary cap" argument as far as playing kids and letting them learn on the job—which is ok, to a degree, by itself—while saying they're the second coming of Bobby Orr.

You know what, there's one bottom line, that's winning—especially in the playoffs. Sure, they're winning now, which is great. But there is a valid argument as to whether this is a temporary hot streak and there are some issues that will be there come playoff time.

Also, Leddy's misuse and miscasting last year—and the hype surrounding him, is a great example.

Someone posted here yesterday that this is all irrelevant. I won't be so childish as to say they are being, umm, hypocritical and completely missing the point . . . but you connect the dots.
- John Jaeckel

Isn't that what every year should be based on? I don't want to sound pissy over a 10-0-3 start, but looking in the review mirror...Anaheim is only 4 points back after last night. It's a more enjoyable ride when you're leading the pack, but ultimately Q's job is going to be saved by what happens in May/June this year, not what place they are in on Valentine's day. This team still has some holes. I'm cautious