I guess some posters out there can forget the idea of Bowman trading Bickell this off-season. It isn't going to happen now.
- EKolb13

Not a chance he leaves. The Hawks don't hit in the regular season, and Bickell's game needs hitting to be most effective. I'll take him all day, and his contract is going to be a steal when analyzed in hindsight.

As yet, zero hours...

But 12 cups of coffee has kept me awake...only two more hours with these basterds and I'm more or less free of them until September
- prd797

Good for you.

The team's best game of the series by far. But there is still lots of room for improvement. Losing that two goal lead was inexcusable, and its a bit disconcerting how quickly they start to turtle with a lead, rather than pressing the boot down harder onto the opponent's throat - it's kind of been a trend all year.

But, what was encouraging was the last 5-6 minutes of the third period, paired with overtime. The team found their swagger. During the NBCSN broadcast, they made the comment that Bickell was chirping at the Blues bench that, "they were scared." Really, really good to see that bullying, take-no-prisoners attitude start to percolate, because that's the mindset that wins championships.

As much as we've been pounding Saad and Versteeg these last several days, that third line actually played pretty well together, especially early on. Saad hasn't been converting, but his speed is dangerous, and it created some opportunities last night. Versteeg really wasn't noticeable in a good or (overly) bad way last night, which I can live with. I still wouldn't mind Morin, or even Regin dressing in his place.

Tip of the cap to Ben Smith, who hopefully cemented himself as the 2C for a time. I'm sure we'll see different looks, but I like how his effort-game compliments 10 and 81.
- FredoXV

I caught that too. I will say that if the Hawks are gonna start clicking, the Blues should be scared.

Very high marks to Ben Smith who was a huge factor in the third period and OT making plays and getting to the net. Little guy with a huge heart who doesn't stop working. He was a factor.

I feel you there. Happy the Hawks took one in OT. Dragging ass from the late start and OT. Poor prd. Do you think the Scotsman got any sleep?


- EKolb13

I don't know, but I had a pour or two of their native drink last night which when paired with about four hours of sleep does not equal a winning combination.

I'm really waiting on Hossa. If he can get going, look out.
- PuckAndSticks

Ya I want him to get going but they seem to really be on him and making sure he gets no room. This is opening up for others though and eventually they won't be able to smother him. When Big Hoss finally gets some space, this is gonna get awesome for us.

The team's best game of the series by far. But there is still lots of room for improvement. Losing that two goal lead was inexcusable, and its a bit disconcerting how quickly they start to turtle with a lead, rather than pressing the boot down harder onto the opponent's throat - it's kind of been a trend all year.

But, what was encouraging was the last 5-6 minutes of the third period, paired with overtime. The team found their swagger. During the NBCSN broadcast, they made the comment that Bickell was chirping at the Blues bench that, "they were scared." Really, really good to see that bullying, take-no-prisoners attitude start to percolate, because that's the mindset that wins championships.

As much as we've been pounding Saad and Versteeg these last several days, that third line actually played pretty well together, especially early on. Saad hasn't been converting, but his speed is dangerous, and it created some opportunities last night. Versteeg really wasn't noticeable in a good or (overly) bad way last night, which I can live with. I still wouldn't mind Morin, or even Regin dressing in his place.

Tip of the cap to Ben Smith, who hopefully cemented himself as the 2C for a time. I'm sure we'll see different looks, but I like how his effort-game compliments 10 and 81.
- FredoXV

Awesome post, Fredo. I don't think we'll see line-up changes, unless someone was hurt.

Very high marks to Ben Smith who was a huge factor in the third period and OT making plays and getting to the net. Little guy with a huge heart who doesn't stop working. He was a factor.
- golfbard

From the late 3rd through OT, he was one of the 'Hawks' best forwards.

Interesting thing, a lot of folks think he's a little guy - he's a little shorter than a lot of guys out there, but at 5'11" 205, guy's built like a bowling ball. Really, really strong, and it shows when driving the net and working the puck along the boards.

IMO, he should see the majority of the shifts between 10 and 88/81.

The team's best game of the series by far. But there is still lots of room for improvement. Losing that two goal lead was inexcusable, and its a bit disconcerting how quickly they start to turtle with a lead, rather than pressing the boot down harder onto the opponent's throat - it's kind of been a trend all year.

But, what was encouraging was the last 5-6 minutes of the third period, paired with overtime. The team found their swagger. During the NBCSN broadcast, they made the comment that Bickell was chirping at the Blues bench that, "they were scared." Really, really good to see that bullying, take-no-prisoners attitude start to percolate, because that's the mindset that wins championships.

As much as we've been pounding Saad and Versteeg these last several days, that third line actually played pretty well together, especially early on. Saad hasn't been converting, but his speed is dangerous, and it created some opportunities last night. Versteeg really wasn't noticeable in a good or (overly) bad way last night, which I can live with. I still wouldn't mind Morin, or even Regin dressing in his place.

Tip of the cap to Ben Smith, who hopefully cemented himself as the 2C for a time. I'm sure we'll see different looks, but I like how his effort-game compliments 10 and 81.
- FredoXV

He has been almost Toews-like along the boards. I like him as 2C and hope he gets more minutes there weather between Hossa and Sharp or Kane and Saad/Bickell.

20 28 88 were on for the winning goal last night and Kane and Smith have showed some chem; not just in the playoffs but had a few nice games together before Kane and Bickell both got hurt.

Maybe Hitch can fool you, JJ, with his "Backes could be skating at another rink right now, comments, but I think they demolished the rink in La-La land.

Even if Capt. "courageous" attempts a return to lift his team, he is dumber than the stray dogs he and his wife fill collect as air fresheners.

He has very little self control when he is hit, and his style also dictates contact and more collisions. It won't take long to see him involved and re-scrambled.

If macho does dictate an unwise early return, they may be playing one short after a period if he goes looping.
Besides the league rules, I ma pretty sure the Blues have doctors who will hold him from a possible too early return for fear he does just that.

We mentioned some guys but we all overloked Kruger who has been lights out on effort, and will.

I guess some of you are watching a diffferent Versteeg than I am...juts don't see any concern or reason to play a rookie in his stead, because he understands movement, and flow, and is pretty tough.

This is by far the best series, the one with constant ebb & flow, and one where the defenders are lights out high level NHL defenders, even after the hiys they are all taking. Those PP are not failures because of poor attempts as much as solid defensemen (and killers).

This too me is like a final series, and both teams deserve accolades for diiging in....

They still had a patch of gawd awful hockey and not sure how I feel about them rolling 3 lines for a lot of the game buuuuuut:

Hossa beating the hell out of Steve Ott at every opportunity made me so happy. Toews being very Toewsy. I think Bickell doing his Buff impression helps his cause by a large factor.

Kane is really good at stuff and is finding his legs. He looked unstoppable last night. First back to back Conn Smythe since super mario in the works.

Gonna be cool when Patrick Sharp explodes because he cant shot 0% for forever.

Friday is going to be fun.

Not a chance he leaves. The Hawks don't hit in the regular season, and Bickell's game needs hitting to be most effective. I'll take him all day, and his contract is going to be a steal when analyzed in hindsight.
- mohel

+1

Seems to really get him going. I do think he wasn't completely right until the end of the season either.

Last night at the game I realised how bad Sharp is really playing. He is not hustling back at all, not engaging in any board battles and is just coasting around the ice. If Sharp is not hurt this is a big problem. He just always seemed 20 feet behind the play and was making no effort to get the puck.

They still had a patch of gawd awful hockey and not sure how I feel about them rolling 3 lines for a lot of the game buuuuuut:

Hossa beating the hell out of Steve Ott at every opportunity made me so happy. Toews being very Toewsy. I think Bickell doing his Buff impression helps his cause by a large factor.

Kane is really good at hockey and is finding his legs. He looked unstoppable last night. First back to back Conn Smythe since super mario in the works.

Gonna be cool when Patrick Sharp explodes because he cant shot 0% for forever.

Friday is going to be fun.
- fattybeef

Fixed and agree.

Looking forward to Friday!

Patrick Kane has out of the world talent. Even back in the day when he was lazy, lacked maturity and strength and didn't seem to want to play all aspects of the game he still possessed the tools to be a big time player though I argue was not a "super star" though he was marketed as such.

Any marketing to that effect now would be instantly credible...I believe that #88 has more skill than any hockey player on the planet. If he was a bigger he would wreck the league.

Maybe Hitch can fool you, JJ, with his "Backes could be skating at another rink right now, comments, but I think they demolished the rink in La-La land.

Even if Capt. "courageous" attempts a return to lift his team, he is dumber than the stray dogs he and his wife fill collect as air fresheners.

He has very little self control when he is hit, and his style also dictates contact and more collisions. It won't take long to see him involved and re-scrambled.

If macho does dictate an unwise early return, they may be playing one short after a period if he goes looping.
Besides the league rules, I ma pretty sure the Blues have doctors who will hold him from a possible too early return for fear he does just that.

We mentioned some guys but we all overloked Kruger who has been lights out on effort, and will.

I guess some of you are watching a diffferent Versteeg than I am...juts don't see any concern or reason to play a rookie in his stead, because he understands movement, and flow, and is pretty tough.

This is by far the best series, the one with constant ebb & flow, and one where the defenders are lights out high level NHL defenders, even after the hiys they are all taking. Those PP are not failures because of poor attempts as much as solid defensemen (and killers).

This too me is like a final series, and both teams deserve accolades for diiging in....
- wiz1901

Kruger and Smith have really played well now we need Sharp and Hossa to start producing and the Hawks are close to running on all cylinders. The most impressive has been Toews who I'm sure isn't 100% but his effort and resolve have been outstanding.

They still had a patch of gawd awful hockey and not sure how I feel about them rolling 3 lines for a lot of the game buuuuuut:

Hossa beating the hell out of Steve Ott at every opportunity made me so happy. Toews being very Toewsy. I think Bickell doing his Buff impression helps his cause by a large factor.

Kane is really good at stuff and is finding his legs. He looked unstoppable last night. First back to back Conn Smythe since super mario in the works.

Gonna be cool when Patrick Sharp explodes because he cant shot 0% for forever.

Friday is going to be fun.
- fattybeef

Even though Hoss hasn't been lighting up the score sheet, he was very aggressive and fast last night. There were two big hits he threw that made me wonder why he hasn't done that more in the past.

Last night at the game I realised how bad Sharp is really playing. He is not hustling back at all, not engaging in any board battles and is just coasting around the ice. If Sharp is not hurt this is a big problem. He just always seemed 20 feet behind the play and was making no effort to get the puck.
- waitforawhistle

I saw the same from angles we got on TV. He looked pathetic on a couple board battles to the point I was questioning what injury he is playing with. He is getting golden opportunities that he can't cash in and then to make matters worse, couldn't clear that puck that ended up as another last second deflating goal.

Crawford will have to be much better Friday. The 2nd and 3rd goals can't happen.

We mentioned some guys but we all overloked Kruger who has been lights out on effort, and will.

I guess some of you are watching a diffferent Versteeg than I am...juts don't see any concern or reason to play a rookie in his stead, because he understands movement, and flow, and is pretty tough.

This is by far the best series, the one with constant ebb & flow, and one where the defenders are lights out high level NHL defenders, even after the hiys they are all taking. Those PP are not failures because of poor attempts as much as solid defensemen (and killers).

This too me is like a final series, and both teams deserve accolades for diiging in....
- wiz1901

That was the best the fourth line has looked so far and Kruger was a big part of it.

I don't think Steeg's been as horrible as I've seen posted but even if I wanted to see Morin...if it didn't happen after games 1 or 2, it's not happening now. For this series more than likely.

Very high marks to Ben Smith who was a huge factor in the third period and OT making plays and getting to the net. Little guy with a huge heart who doesn't stop working. He was a factor.
- golfbard

He isn't all that little... short maybe, but at 205 pounds he is a pretty stout dude.

What happened to the Blues trolls? If the Hawks should lose again on Friday I guess we can expect them back.

That was a beauty!! Woke the house up with that goal..
- PhilMeister89

A true pro's goal. For all the young hockey players watching at home (had to add that)...head up, Kane head fakes middle for a pass at least twice from inside the blue line, forcing Miller to cheat just ever so slightly toward the middle, Miller cheats a bit too much, leaving his short side open, and...game over. Kaner was shooting all the way, but without the head fakes to the inside, the short side wouldn't have been left open. Beautiful hockey.

Even though Hoss hasn't been lighting up the score sheet, he was very aggressive and fast last night. There were two big hits he threw that made me wonder why he hasn't done that more in the past.
- Fooseshark

Hoss got put on his arse a few times in the first few games...think he was feeling cross about that and wasn't having any of it last night...an angry Hossa is some kind of terrifying...and awesome

Kruger and Smith have really played well now we need Sharp and Hossa to start producing and the Hawks are close to running on all cylinders. The most impressive has been Toews who I'm sure isn't 100% but his effort and resolve have been outstanding.
- paulr

Was commenting along these lines to something you posted before the new blog went up. Toews was a beast on the boards last night keeping plays alive in the StL zone so they were able to sustain some pressure in the StL zone (which I think led to the tying goal).

They had some other guys join the party last night and like you said, if 10 and 81 start chipping in they will be tough to beat Friday.

Not a chance he leaves. The Hawks don't hit in the regular season, and Bickell's game needs hitting to be most effective. I'll take him all day, and his contract is going to be a steal when analyzed in hindsight.
- mohel

Yeah, it is really easy to pick apart regular season performances, call goaltenders just average, players over paid, and low end peices as big needs for replacement.

Once you won and suffered in winning (injuries) you know how to play and what you must do.

If anyone thinks Shattenkirk, Polak, and Boumeester haven't felt the Bickell and Hawk hard hits think again.

I must say I always thought Boumeester was the biggest overpaid ypung star in this league and it was because we all thought that he was supposed to be this tremendous offensive generator-when in fact he is a brilliant defensive defenseman (maybe the most under-rated in the league----if Shea Weber could do what he does he would win the Norris every year.) who in his own end closes bodies takes pucks with his stick and is really strong on the puck once taking it. I think thats why they are bodying him constantly.

This series is far from over and there is no sign of one of the two combatants letting up. The series looks like teams are making bad plays, but it is mostly the other team quickly forcing and answering at the same quickness.
Maybe some can attempt ot criticize the 'tenders, but they have closed pretty big openings but I just can't. There have been times when they are walls out there.