You're starting to encroach into powerenforcer territory.
- paulr

Just barely. He's still got a long way to go before he's required to wear a tinfoil hat for safety.

#81 has been just fine. Getting shots, playing his 2 way game, puck possession....just not getting rewarded.
- bogiedoc

No doubt. Would like to see him bury one top shelf though . Milers glove is begging to be beaten by Hossa

I apologize to MM and you and everyone. My bad mood stems from your Hitchcockian move with the donuts. You kept calling me Pirri and not letting me near the plate until it was empty...


- TrueGrit

I'm speeding to Dunkin for a fresh dozen!

There it is again...thank you...pulling that pearl of wisdom out was much easier than I thought.

Did anyone notice the chances Ben Smith had late in the game, skating with the second line? How come Zues does not seem to get those chances? Oh Yeah, he is UNABLE to be in any position to score. But having a 2C who is able to chip in does not make any difference at all right?

This is like proving a negative. It is opportunity cost and nobody can quantify the unknown of what we really are missing. But, we do know it is not his fault. Gotcha...

I say you dress next game, since one guy does not effect the whole of the team.


- TrueGrit

Nice Post !! Agree totally.
Handzus has made some nice shot blocks, but has also fallen down on 2 of the Blue's PP goals. One in game 2 and another last night. Once he's down, it takes forever for him to get back up and in the play again.
As for creating scoring chances for himself or his linemates ??? It just never happens. Smith created more in 1 shift last night at 2C that Zus in 4 games.
Hopefully Q will get off his stubborn platform and use him at 4C and PK. His TOI would then be limited and keep him energized !!

I'm glad you commented on it. Quenneville should have earned our trust by now, but I guess some feel they know more.
- paulr

I agree, but I think one reason for the lack of trust is the lack of information. I am certain there is a very good reason for all moves made by the coaching staff; but that rationale is not known to us. So it often feels like there's no rationale or the coach is a dope. I know we're not going to get the info, just a theory on why the lack of trust...

My heart has been ripped out and transplanted about a dozen times already.
- bogiedoc

Back to even...all anyone could ask for after the hellacious losses in STL over the weekend.

--Backes: Shocked he didn't play. Still don't think he's concussed based on traveling, but this Blues team desperately needs him back. Meanwhile, can somebody please shadow Taresenko? The guy is a one man wrecking crew.

--Kane: Balls of a porn star. He jus sacks up and goes to town. My god. To slow down and wait and then fire a perfect shot?

--Sharp: Outside of his nice pass to Smith in OT, and his check on Lappierre, he's still been bad. Refusal to take a hit to clear the zone in the 2nd led to the tying goal. IS he hurt?> This isn't the Sharp I know. Who is this imposter?

--Crawford: Horrible 3rd goal...but he made the saves when he had to in OT. Gotta feel good for him.

The biggest variable to me, like the Hawks after game 2, is the Blues played 2 OUTSTAINDING road games. Where is their head today? 2 tough losses when they arguably controlled the play for a lot longer then the Hawks did and didn't get rewarded. Throw in the eerily similar pattern to their LA series last year.....and if the Hawks can get up early in Game 5...they may just crack.

At first I said the winner of this series would be a cup finalist, and now with all these hits and tough games...not so sure. STL is without Morrow, Sobotka Backes, Roy, Taresenko, and Lappierre are all f'd up. Toews Keith, and Kane for the hawks...

Going to come down to will....still haven't seen the hawks best yet. Waiting for that perfect Vancouver road game....game 5 would be perfect time to break it out.

Man, that was a lot of intense hockey. From watching the CBJ- Penguins game live to watching the Hawks-Blues. I was physically drained and I just watched. ( and drank…)

The good news is that the Hawks managed to win another game in which the Blues played even better than they did in game 3. The Blues are getting better and better and the Hawks keep finding ways to win. Hopefully that was their best shot.

The bad news is that this series is looking a lot like Blues-Kings of last year. If the Hawks get by the Blues, they're going to be gassed come round 2 and WCF time….. But run over that kitten when we see it.

Nice to see Leddy bounce back ( +21 CORSI 5 on 5). And a win is a win. Now to find a way to take game 5. Onwards.

For all the praise Kane is getting for his huge OT goal this morning, he owed us that one for that bone-headed play near the end of the 2nd period that completely turned the game around in favor of St. Louis.

I liked Saad last night. You could see the extra effort in his attempts to drive to the net more. I have a feeling he will catch one of their D flat-footed and pot one soon.
- 67hawks

Every penalty the Hawks took last night was unnecessary....Zus was only one I would cut any slack.

Saad and Versteeg have been very sloppy with the puck all series, as was Sharp last night.

Kane wins Game 4 in OT 4-3 Kane/Toews back in form-Q pushes right buttons-Turnovers/mistakes +Injuries??:Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1iin1na

My heart has been ripped out and transplanted about a dozen times already.

Pitt/Cbus emtertaining: each team that had a 2 goal lead ended up losing in all 4 gmes. Also Ducks/Stars having its share of peaks and valleys.
- bogiedoc

This has definitely been an entertaining playoffs. I just hope detroit and LA can extend their series. Round 2 looks like it could be just as good.

The Blues defense has smothered the top Hawk fowards not allowing any prolonged cycling. There has been no room for guys like Hossa to make that "nice" pass only lower percentage shots. Then last night WOW. I think Kane shed the brace. No one could touch him and the Blues got burned. With that in the back of their minds it looked like there was more room for Towes, Saad and even the D. Bickell delivered as promised. I think the Smith bowling ball reference was brilliant. He skated thru Blues like pins. Kane was brilliant!

Back to even...all anyone could ask for after the hellacious losses in STL over the weekend.

--Backes: Shocked he didn't play. Still don't think he's concussed based on traveling, but this Blues team desperately needs him back. Meanwhile, can somebody please shadow Taresenko? The guy is a one man wrecking crew.

--Kane: Balls of a porn star. He jus sacks up and goes to town. My god. To slow down and wait and then fire a perfect shot?

--Sharp: Outside of his nice pass to Smith in OT, and his check on Lappierre, he's still been bad. Refusal to take a hit to clear the zone in the 2nd led to the tying goal. IS he hurt?> This isn't the Sharp I know. Who is this imposter?

--Crawford: Horrible 3rd goal...but he made the saves when he had to in OT. Gotta feel good for him.

The biggest variable to me, like the Hawks after game 2, is the Blues played 2 OUTSTAINDING road games. Where is their head today? 2 tough losses when they arguably controlled the play for a lot longer then the Hawks did and didn't get rewarded. Throw in the eerily similar pattern to their LA series last year.....and if the Hawks can get up early in Game 5...they may just crack.

At first I said the winner of this series would be a cup finalist, and now with all these hits and tough games...not so sure. STL is without Morrow, Sobotka Backes, Roy, Taresenko, and Lappierre are all f'd up. Toews Keith, and Kane for the hawks...

Going to come down to will....still haven't seen the hawks best yet. Waiting for that perfect Vancouver road game....game 5 would be perfect time to break it out.
- SteveRain

Crawford bailed out the boys in game 3, the boys bail him out in game 4. Gotta find a middle ground.

Yeah that's true. Being tied 2-2 is very common with this core then they usually take games 5 and 6. I'm just a little worried that they usually have home ice for that. Winning that game 5 is huge and they are on the road friday
- tomcat24

Didn't have home ice against Philly or Boston in the Finals.

Back to even...all anyone could ask for after the hellacious losses in STL over the weekend.

--Backes: Shocked he didn't play. Still don't think he's concussed based on traveling, but this Blues team desperately needs him back. Meanwhile, can somebody please shadow Taresenko? The guy is a one man wrecking crew.

--Kane: Balls of a porn star. He jus sacks up and goes to town. My god. To slow down and wait and then fire a perfect shot?

--Sharp: Outside of his nice pass to Smith in OT, and his check on Lappierre, he's still been bad. Refusal to take a hit to clear the zone in the 2nd led to the tying goal. IS he hurt?> This isn't the Sharp I know. Who is this imposter?

--Crawford: Horrible 3rd goal...but he made the saves when he had to in OT. Gotta feel good for him.

The biggest variable to me, like the Hawks after game 2, is the Blues played 2 OUTSTAINDING road games. Where is their head today? 2 tough losses when they arguably controlled the play for a lot longer then the Hawks did and didn't get rewarded. Throw in the eerily similar pattern to their LA series last year.....and if the Hawks can get up early in Game 5...they may just crack.

At first I said the winner of this series would be a cup finalist, and now with all these hits and tough games...not so sure. STL is without Morrow, Sobotka Backes, Roy, Taresenko, and Lappierre are all f'd up. Toews Keith, and Kane for the hawks...

Going to come down to will....still haven't seen the hawks best yet. Waiting for that perfect Vancouver road game....game 5 would be perfect time to break it out.
- SteveRain

Early leads mean nothing in this series and these 1st round games over all. Teams with 2 goal leads are 12-8 so far. Some of those wins were of the barely hanging on variety.

I expect Backass is in. Goons like Reaves and Lappy are always more comfortable to act out in front of the home crowd. Does Miller have a "stand on head" game in him?

Didn't have home ice against Philly or Boston in the Finals.
- mohel

They had home ice for both of those series....won game 5 each time.

Wow, what a game. I thought the Blues out skated the Hawks last night and controlled the game for the most part. The Hawks haven't really been able to play their game due to the Blues smothering them and slowing down the play.

And, I think the Blues have played better without Backes.
- Lido_Shuffle

Were you watching a game 3 replay? Hawks easily owned Game 4 for the majority of the time. Boys played their asses off. They were all over the ice going after loose pucks instead of big hits. Crawford has looked better but the defense cleared a lot of rebounds.

Any notice Kane might have been playing without his knee brace last night? He was Vintage Kane last night playing at his usual high speed and stopping on dimes. On replays, it looks like his knee is smaller and perhaps played without his brace for the first time last night, but haven't read it anywhere.

Back to even...all anyone could ask for after the hellacious losses in STL over the weekend.

--Backes: Shocked he didn't play. Still don't think he's concussed based on traveling, but this Blues team desperately needs him back. Meanwhile, can somebody please shadow Taresenko? The guy is a one man wrecking crew.

--Kane: Balls of a porn star. He jus sacks up and goes to town. My god. To slow down and wait and then fire a perfect shot?

--Sharp: Outside of his nice pass to Smith in OT, and his check on Lappierre, he's still been bad. Refusal to take a hit to clear the zone in the 2nd led to the tying goal. IS he hurt?> This isn't the Sharp I know. Who is this imposter?

--Crawford: Horrible 3rd goal...but he made the saves when he had to in OT. Gotta feel good for him.

The biggest variable to me, like the Hawks after game 2, is the Blues played 2 OUTSTAINDING road games. Where is their head today? 2 tough losses when they arguably controlled the play for a lot longer then the Hawks did and didn't get rewarded. Throw in the eerily similar pattern to their LA series last year.....and if the Hawks can get up early in Game 5...they may just crack.

At first I said the winner of this series would be a cup finalist, and now with all these hits and tough games...not so sure. STL is without Morrow, Sobotka Backes, Roy, Taresenko, and Lappierre are all f'd up. Toews Keith, and Kane for the hawks...

Going to come down to will....still haven't seen the hawks best yet. Waiting for that perfect Vancouver road game....game 5 would be perfect time to break it out.
- SteveRain

Morning Stever. I think "horrible" is a stretch on the 3rd StL goal; for horrible watch some MAF from last night. I would say that was in the could have or maybe should have saved category. It seems to me that Tarasenko's shot is tough for Crow to pick up; so it'd be good to guard him a little tighter. Agreed on the will - and the Hawks have a lot of it.

I'm speeding to Dunkin for a fresh dozen!
- HawkintheD

That is Leadership...

Crawford bailed out the boys in game 3, the boys bail him out in game 4. Gotta find a middle ground.
- redrising10

I agree, but I think one reason for the lack of trust is the lack of information. I am certain there is a very good reason for all moves made by the coaching staff; but that rationale is not known to us. So it often feels like there's no rationale or the coach is a dope. I know we're not going to get the info, just a theory on why the lack of trust...
- mohel

I also think we play for a few years then manage to play beer league so we think we know a hell of alot more than we do. Quenneville hasn't coached over 1,000 games because he doesn't know what he's doing. As for information, I'd rather be kept in the dark than listen to Babcock say one thing and do another.

- EKolb13

about mid way thru the 3rd period...oh boy

Morning Stever. I think "horrible" is a stretch on the 3rd StL goal; for horrible watch some MAF from last night. I would say that was in the could have or maybe should have saved category. It seems to me that Tarasenko's shot is tough for Crow to pick up; so it'd be good to guard him a little tighter. Agreed on the will - and the Hawks have a lot of it.
- mohel

It's a shot he had to have, but Taresenko is quite the rising star. Kid has a quick release and a knack for the dramatics.

Hawks can be better......Friday is going to be a war. What a series.....

about mid way thru the 3rd period...oh boy
- bogiedoc

I know the feeling...

Man, that was a lot of intense hockey. From watching the CBJ- Penguins game live to watching the Hawks-Blues. I was physically drained and I just watched. ( and drank…)

The good news is that the Hawks managed to win another game in which the Blues played even better than they did in game 3. The Blues are getting better and better and the Hawks keep finding ways to win. Hopefully that was their best shot.

The bad news is that this series is looking a lot like Blues-Kings of last year. If the Hawks get by the Blues, they're going to be gassed come round 2 and WCF time….. But run over that kitten when we see it.

Nice to see Leddy bounce back ( +21 CORSI 5 on 5). And a win is a win. Now to find a way to take game 5. Onwards.
- yahoodi

Could be, but the Avs have lost Barrie for the next series and Duchene may or may not be able to play. And the Ducks are getting battered, too. Toughest title to win in all of team sports.

I agree, but I think one reason for the lack of trust is the lack of information. I am certain there is a very good reason for all moves made by the coaching staff; but that rationale is not known to us. So it often feels like there's no rationale or the coach is a dope. I know we're not going to get the info, just a theory on why the lack of trust...
- mohel

I do this disclaimer every so often and it is often forgotten. But we all operate out of perfect knowledge. We read the tea leaves and give it a stab.

It is part of the fun of it all. I do not expect Q to tell us all why he does what he does etc...just will never happen. I would like him less if he did.

I just find it funny that somebody can not question something or wonder aloud and not have people fly off the handle as if somebody is trying to suggest that somehow they know more or could do it better. It is that polar reaction to things that cracks me up.

Q is Q and that is cool. Fans will debate until the end of time decisions made by their players and coaches. It is not an auditon for the job.