Crawford seldom froze the puck all game, the exact opposite of Elliotte.
I get your point but Crawford by design was playing those pucks....Evidently the Hawks didn't want to take a lot of defensive zone draws.
- Al

My issues was not that he played exactly but more he played it very poorly, throwing it out through the middle in a difficult way for the D to handle.

I said this exact same thing to my wife last night. Really poor play on his part. It's one thing to keep that play going, which he shouldn't imho. It's another to keep it going in the poor manner he did. It looked like a move you would do on 3v3 OT, not playoff 5v5 OT. Natural reaction from being used to 3v3?

Steve, I though Ladd was OK. I was expecting a bit more. Shaw looked like he is clearly not 100% as did Backes.
- Jason Millen

the only thing I can think of is 50 thought if he got it past the 3 fs the Hawks would have an odd man rush going the other way. Ballsy move, Maverick style, but it back fired. His team was out of sorts and it cost them.

I like Ladd's game. Lots of guys look to be hurting. 15 in white is another. you guys are going to love Brouwer this time of year. Man is a human wrecking ball and his hits actually pay down the line......

the only thing I can think of is 50 thought if he got it past the 3 fs the Hawks would have an odd man rush going the other way. Ballsy move, Maverick style, but it back fired. His team was out of sorts and it cost them.

I like Ladd's game. Lots of guys look to be hurting. 15 in white is another. you guys are going to love Brouwer this time of year. Man is a human wrecking ball and his hits actually pay down the line......
- SteveRain

I have to admit I wasn't a fan of the Brouwer/Oshie deal when it happened because I wanted Oshie to go for picks, prospects and cap relief. I'm glad to admit I think I was wrong.

I said this exact same thing to my wife last night. Really poor play on his part. It's one thing to keep that play going, which he shouldn't imho. It's another to keep it going in the poor manner he did. It looked like a move you would do on 3v3 OT, not playoff 5v5 OT. Natural reaction from being used to 3v3?

Steve, I though Ladd was OK. I was expecting a bit more. Shaw looked like he is clearly not 100% as did Backes.
- Jason Millen

don't take D-zone faceoffs in OT unless you absoultely must and that was not a must...craw aint great handling the puck...but come on 9 out 10 times that was nothing play that turned into something cuz of a damn bounce off a skate...

Mornin' Al...was really hoping they'd move TT instead of Dano in one of those deals at the TDL. But it wasn't to be.
- DK002

TT is a much better player than Dano and they wouldn't trade him for a rental.

The pk looked great the pp like poop. Mashinter a bad penalty I wish he could check like reaves. Svedberg is so soft for his size. Teuvo and Kane were invisible.

For those up North...

I will be on at 11:15 CST with Rick Ralph TSN 1290..

I will try to post later.

don't take D-zone faceoffs unless you absoultely must and that was not a must...craw aint great handling the puck...but come on 9 out 10 times that was nothing play that turned into something cuz of a damn bounce off a skate...
- bogiedoc

As a goalie, I have made this play too many times than I would like to remember. The problem was how hard and how it pushed it past the 2 d. Good idea, poor execution and something you may or may not want to try in a 0-0 OT game. Gambler mentality for sure and I like going for it but figure it was worth of a question to him.

For those up North...

I will be on at 11:15 CST with Rick Ralph TSN 1290..

I will try to post later.
- Al

Was it you that posted the TVR TOI on twitter last night?

The pk looked great the pp like poop. Mashinter a bad penalty I wish he could check like reaves. Svedberg is so soft for his size. Teuvo and Kane were invisible.
- vandymeer23

The Blues did have the 2nd best PK in the NHL this regular season.

My issues was not that he played exactly but more he played it very poorly, throwing it out through the middle in a difficult way for the D to handle.
- Jason Millen

I see the point...But that was easiest option. I agree in theory but I'm sure he was told to keep the play moving as much as possible-Exactly the opposite of the way Elliotte played

Before Mash took the penalty I thought he looked fine. He should still be out next game for either Panik or Weiss. I hope he puts keith and seabs together and I would stick with Roz and Gus on the 3rd pairing!
- kmw4631

Well Mash only played 1:37 up until the penalty. Unleash Weise. Has just as much snarl as Mashtaters but more skill and won't get suckered into a stupid penalty like Mash was. Agreed on Rozy/Gus together, Svedberg should hit the pressbox. Besides TVR's GWG, I thought he played well and am actually excited to see him at #4. Rozy played well for the most part as well.

Was it you that posted the TVR TOI on twitter last night?
- Jason Millen

No...He played well I thought...Anyone that still believes the other two young dmen are as good defensively are mistaken.

As a goalie, I have made this play too many times than I would like to remember. The problem was how hard and how it pushed it past the 2 d. Good idea, poor execution and something you may or may not want to try in a 0-0 OT game. Gambler mentality for sure and I like going for it but figure it was worth of a question to him.
- Jason Millen

you presume beat writers know how to ask such questions....let me know when one does....they never ask tactical or strategic questions....

its all about "how did you "feel" when....., how "frustrating" is it when....

Hawks can be disappointed with the outcome but not really with how they played overall.

The PP let the Hawks down when they could have used a goal or two. The 5-3 the opening were there, but they failed to bury one.

Shaw definitely doesn't look 100%, I was waiting for him to step up his game last night but he seemed a bit out of it. I really thought Shaw and (whomever was skating next to him) could have gotten the loose puck just before the goal and cleared it out, but tired legs weren't moving.

Mash wasn't the reason we lost, but he did have a poor game. Unfortunately penalty on the trip and then he should have gotten another penalty coming out of the box. I don't know how he didn't get benched after that sequence. I assume he has some blackmail material on Q or something. I'd like to see Panik get his spot.

Toews line was great
AA line was too cute and need to make it simple
TT line was not effective but somewhat good defensively. The 3 forwards on this line only managed 2 shots on goal and only attempted 4 shots. Need these guys getting pucks on net and trying to get some more ozone draws for the big dogs.
Kruger line wasn't so good. Not terrible, but not a good game by that line.

The D played pretty well. I could have done without Rosy taking that dumb penalty on the interference, but he had some better moments later in the game. Svedberg and Gus were okay. #4/#57/#7 all very good last night.

Can't wait for some game 2 revenge. Go Hawks!

I think they deserved better, especially considering their lineup for this game.
Blues played on their heels much of the night.

Unless Elliott is bulletproof the entire series the Blues can't stay with a rope a dope style and win series.

Svedberg, Gus....were over their skis last night and the Blues forecheck wasn't effective for 3/4 of the game.
- Al

With all of the PP chances especially to start OT-- the Hawks couldn't convert-- so I'm not surprised they lost on a puck bouncing off a friendly skate--

Encouraged by the overall play and commitment to team defense-- and that team effort deserved a better outcome-- except for the failure on the PP--

Shaw and Anisimov looked like they were hampered by injury-- seemed like there were stretches that 15 was replaced by 22 --- Crawford and Hossa both looked good--

What adjustments would you make?

To me Weise would be a smart addition over Manshinter-- or maybe even Panik but not sure how he fits with 86/12-- I'd go with Weise there for his physical play, history with 12 and playoff track record--

The Blues did have the 2nd best PK in the NHL this regular season.
- Jason Millen

since when does regular season mean anything at this point...isn't that the playoff mantra...

hawks can and will beat it....

No...He played well I thought...Anyone that still believes the other two young dmen are as good defensively are mistaken.
- Al

TVR Shift chart - 3 shift in OT for lengths of 0:37, 2:02, and 0:55 (ended due to goal so likely would have been over 1 minute).

I have to admit I wasn't a fan of the Brouwer/Oshie deal when it happened because I wanted Oshie to go for picks, prospects and cap relief. I'm glad to admit I think I was wrong.
- Jason Millen

For the past 5-6 years, I can't think of a more underrated player in the league than Brouwer. Guy does it all and knows his role. Hated to see him go.

Teuvo was brutal.

Not making excuses but TT can't be effective if he plays with the Mashinters of the world.

Also, TT needs to play the point on the 2nd PP unit....Q didn't want him out there last night with a young dman in a tie game..

I have said this before...But unless the master plan is to turn AA into the 3rd line center or have TT develop chemistry with Fleischman or someone with skill...
He doesn't really fit in and if the front office thinks the same-He will be part of the big off season trade.
- Al

No offense, but there is always an excuse for 86 as to why he doesn't produce. Always. My huge problem is if this kid has so much talent as has been hyped he has to make those around him better. Fact is....he doesn't and what it does is screw with the philosophy where the Hawks thrive. having that 3rd line have skill to exploit the other team's bad matchup. That's where this team has long term playoff success. Instead they rolled out 2 checking lines, and the other 2 and I'm sure Q figured his real top line (72-15-88) would get shut down and force 19 and friends to carry the load. They had chances and maybe this game plan over 7 games nets you 4 wins, but against better teams you are really playing with fire. Speed beats a lumpy team hell bent on forechecking. So scratch 53 and insert 14/25. End of story.

I probably woke up the whole damn village of Plainfield when 86 walking down the slot instead tried a give and go with 53, who by the hand of god, somehow got it back to 86 cleanly but of course....TT f'd up. So not only does he NOT shoot from 5 ft away he tries a BS play and then whiffs on the chance with Elliott down and out. Where's the offensive confidence to fire that on net?

I've said it for years...he's not a center. He's a RW. Maybe he slides up to RW as I think 81's days of being a true finisher as top 6 player, alla Modano, are over. Put 65 between him and 12 or 14, if 12 wont' step up, and slide 25 down with 11 and 22 and explain to 25 not to go stupid and end up in the box. In my mind 25/65 almost exact same player.....

you presume beat writers know how to ask such questions....let me know when one does....they never ask tactical or strategic questions....

its all about "how did you "feel" when....., how "frustrating" is it when....
- bogiedoc

I'd ask the tactical/strategic/tougher ones and not get allowed back to the next press session

I have to admit I wasn't a fan of the Brouwer/Oshie deal when it happened because I wanted Oshie to go for picks, prospects and cap relief. I'm glad to admit I think I was wrong.
- Jason Millen

JAM, I know you won't agree with me, but Brouwer has turned into a POS. I really liked him as a Blackhawk, but his intentional runs into Crow last night were disgusting. No place for that at this level. I hope Fatty is asked about that.

Hey Rainman...some really great points here.

They could certainly use Ehrhoff on offense...3rd line nowhere. Mash TOI last night 7:57...stop giving Weise the Vermette treatment and get him in there.

Once again the Hawks vaulted PP comes up empty...
5 on 3 have to get a goal there.
- DK002

Hey DK....

I'm not overly down, I truly expected a blowout last night. 2 coming back will be big but it felt like a big missed chance to steal one. You win that one, have 2 coming back and the mental edge is HEAVILY in the Hawks favor. Woulda, coulda, shoulda.

I agree. 53 can't play. He almost fell on his @ss on the forecheck late in the 3rd pursuing a guy. He just can't keep up, much like Bolig was exposed in 2013. Q needs to swallow the pride and sit him. Speed kills and 14/25 are rearing to go.

JAM, I know you won't agree with me, but Brouwer has turned into a POS. I really liked him as a Blackhawk, but his intentional runs into Crow last night were disgusting. No place for that at this level. I hope Fatty is asked about that.
- powerenforcer

PE, do you know what time in the games the runs were? Or at least about? which period? which half of the period?

I didn't notice anything outrageous with him and CC but it might have been at the other end or maybe when I was dealing with a couple of issues.

What I did notice and I'm not sure if it translated on TV is that the game was nasty. Most checks on both sides were finished with high elbows, a ton of cross check stick work going both ways, lots of behind the play, drive by type slashes both ways, etc. Definitely some interference type checks too.

My bad. Mashinter should've scored and Q looked horrible on the PP.

As AMAZING as Toews looked, he's paid to score and win faceoffs. Didn't do either. So is Hossa. So is Ladd. So is Panarin. So is Kane. They were the ones that failed last night and their play is the play that should be critiqued last night. Not what any GM would pay them nor what they did last year. The only top paid players that should be happy with their play last night was Crawford, Hjarll and Seabrook. Rozy who gets ripped here as well played a helluva game too.

But it will be that TT is somehow to small or Mashinter was in the game that was the "epic failure" of the team.
- PatShart

you realize it's a chess match, right? Look up the Hawks record in games 1-3 under Q and then look up games 4-6...think you'll be happy.

The skill guys aren't scoring every night. 72/19 had chances. 88 had the puck a lot. 16 was doing his part. If you want to criticize 81/15 I am with you.

however, depth guys need to exploit bad matchups and 86 had a prime chance in the3rd but got cute and never got a shot on goal. That CAN NOT happen. Play north-south.