Im not even sure he's scaled back. It looks to me like he's trying to do too much to force a play and it backfires more.
- JRoenick97

Sometimes, yes, that's definitely happening. But I'm talking about a pattern that is emerging consistently. The pattern of not moving his feet unless there's a scoring play in it for him. He will make good defensive plays here and there but the overall compete level isnt consistent. Kind of like an Ovie approach. Cruise around and let your guys get killed trying to retrieve the puck, then dive in for the kill shot. Lesser skilled players get benched for being so non-chalant. Some are more equal than others under Q.

I was. He was a tenacious son of a gun in his debut season. He's scaled back that aspect of his game BIGLY. I don't like it. You get a big raise, you take on more responsibility...you don't do less. That's my take.

In fantasyland, I'd trade him straight up for Saad and be very happy.
- kinigitt

Atkinson + Werenski

Atkinson + Werenski
- EnzoD

I'm serious. Straight up for Saad. Doesn't produce as much but I know who I'd rather have in a tough playoff series. There's something to be said for the "domino" effect. That one timer isn't winning many playoff games 5V5. Even on the PP, he's no Ovie.

Sometimes, yes, that's definitely happening. But I'm talking about a pattern that is emerging consistently. The pattern of not moving his feet unless there's a scoring play in it for him. He will make good defensive plays here and there but the overall compete level isnt consistent. Kind of like an Ovie approach. Cruise around and let your guys get killed trying to retrieve the puck, then dive in for the kill shot. Lesser skilled players get benched for being so non-chalant. Some are more equal than others under Q.
- kinigitt

Anyone that has played the game of hockey beyond age 11 knows that Coaches have favorites and equal treatment is a fantasy. I agree, however that Q shouldve been in BreadMan's ear about his TO's in the neutral zone. 72 had AT LEAST 5 blatant neutral zone Turnovers trying to dangle through the feet of multiple players when it was 1 on 3.

Anyone that has played the game of hockey beyond age 11 knows that Coaches have favorites and equal treatment is a fantasy.
- EnzoD

Don't disagree whatsoever.

Don't disagree whatsoever.
- kinigitt

I think that ultimately the loss of Anisimov's 200 foot play has made the combination of 72+ 88 a liability defensively. 72, like 7 and 4 last night, was not focused or playing with the same intensity level that the desperate Tampa Bay players were. 72 was a ghost in Round 1 vs STL but that was his first NHL playoff action. I sincerely hope he brings it this year or the Hawks wont go far.

I was. He was a tenacious son of a gun in his debut season. He's scaled back that aspect of his game BIGLY. I don't like it. You get a big raise, you take on more responsibility...you don't do less. That's my take.

In fantasyland, I'd trade him straight up for Saad and be very happy.
- kinigitt

I sort of thought I was the only one on here who has been irritated BIGLY by Panarin's play for most of the season. Glad somebody has joined me.

The tenacious guy you are describing and want to see again is actually Richard Panik. And it would be a shame if there was no money next year to keep him simply because the Russian flash turnover machine gets most of it.

I think that ultimately the loss of Anisimov's 200 foot play has made the combination of 72+ 88 a liability defensively. 72, like 7 and 4 last night, was not focused or playing with the same intensity level that the desperate Tampa Bay players were. 72 was a ghost in Round 1 vs STL but that was his first NHL playoff action. I sincerely hope he brings it this year or the Hawks wont go far.
- EnzoD

Agreed. Kero bailed 72 out a couple times last night though.

Agreed. Kero bailed 72 out a couple times last night though.
- JRoenick97

(Not directed at you JR97)

So Panarin is the new whipping boy? Just wait until he turns things around at the end of the season and the playoffs.

Panarin isn't the 2-way player that Hossa is, but nobody ever said he was. He's a solid offensive forward.

It was nice to see Kero play well last night, it will be interesting if it was a one night occurrence or something he can maintain. AA will still be the 2C when he gets back, but maybe Kero becomes 3C and Kruger slides down to 4C.

I sort of thought I was the only one on here who has been irritated BIGLY by Panarin's play for most of the season. Glad somebody has joined me.

The tenacious guy you are describing and want to see again is actually Richard Panik. And it would be a shame if there was no money next year to keep him simply because the Russian flash turnover machine gets most of it.
- RickJ

THIS x 1,000,000%!

Was swearing at the TV last night at the (frank)ing Russian -- then texted one of my buddies to say, Hawks aren't winning a CUP with this lazy-ass on the club. CUPS are about putting the team ahead of yourself, putting in that extra effort and doing your best to play 200' and not simply from blue line in.

I don't know what it would do to the "flow" of Euros coming to the club but I would not be very upset if they could replace 72 after the season ends. I'd trade him in a heartbeat. 72 has brought back some very bad memories of Russians in the Indianhead. Just like Ovie will likely never win a CUP. Something missing -- not in talent -- but in character.

(Not directed at you JR97)

So Panarin is the new whipping boy? Just wait until he turns things around at the end of the season and the playoffs.

Panarin isn't the 2-way player that Hossa is, but nobody ever said he was. He's a solid offensive forward.

It was nice to see Kero play well last night, it will be interesting if it was a one night occurrence or something he can maintain. AA will still be the 2C when he gets back, but maybe Kero becomes 3C and Kruger slides down to 4C.
- DarthKane

Somebody's gotta take the heat I had just noticed he's trying to get oo fancy lately and causing more turnovers. He's still lethal offensively. I think getting AA back will help him.

THIS x 1,000,000%!

Was swearing at the TV last night at the (frank)ing Russian -- then texted one of my buddies to say, Hawks aren't winning a CUP with this lazy-ass on the club. CUPS are about putting the team ahead of yourself, putting in that extra effort and doing your best to play 200' and not simply from blue line in.

I don't know what it would do to the "flow" of Euros coming to the club but I would not be very upset if they could replace 72 after the season ends. I'd trade him in a heartbeat. 72 has brought back some very bad memories of Russians in the Indianhead. Just like Ovie will likely never win a CUP. Something missing -- not in talent -- but in character.
- savvyone-1

Wow. This is... a reach. A big reach. He's had a few bad games here and there. There's some obvious nationality bias in your post here.

(Not directed at you JR97)

So Panarin is the new whipping boy? Just wait until he turns things around at the end of the season and the playoffs.

Panarin isn't the 2-way player that Hossa is, but nobody ever said he was. He's a solid offensive forward.

It was nice to see Kero play well last night, it will be interesting if it was a one night occurrence or something he can maintain. AA will still be the 2C when he gets back, but maybe Kero becomes 3C and Kruger slides down to 4C.
- DarthKane

That is my hope. I wish TK was a bit stronger on the dot, but man he's a nice, solid hockey player. I'd like to see him get an extended look on that 2nd line with Anisimov out. May tell us what we got in Kero...I'd love if he could slot in as a steady L3-C. He's a hell of a smart hockey player and works hard. Skill better than I first thought.

THIS x 1,000,000%!

Was swearing at the TV last night at the (frank)ing Russian -- then texted one of my buddies to say, Hawks aren't winning a CUP with this lazy-ass on the club. CUPS are about putting the team ahead of yourself, putting in that extra effort and doing your best to play 200' and not simply from blue line in.

I don't know what it would do to the "flow" of Euros coming to the club but I would not be very upset if they could replace 72 after the season ends. I'd trade him in a heartbeat. 72 has brought back some very bad memories of Russians in the Indianhead. Just like Ovie will likely never win a CUP. Something missing -- not in talent -- but in character.
- savvyone-1

Is this Don Cherry circa 1994?

Edit: A few months ago it was Toews being questioned for his lack of commitment. Why wasn't his nationality brought up then?

(Not directed at you JR97)

So Panarin is the new whipping boy? Just wait until he turns things around at the end of the season and the playoffs.

- DarthKane

I'll be glad if (when?) he does do that. I've been wrong before and I'll be wrong again. Just voicing my displeasure about the current season's body of work. I know how he can play when he's engaged. I just think it sets a bad example for other guys that bust their ass. It's a cumulative effect on a team's psyche to see a guy get away with a lack of discipline, while the coach rips you for the same thing.

Is this Don Cherry circa 1994?

Edit: A few months ago it was Toews being questioned for his lack of commitment. Why wasn't his nationality brought up then?
- DarthKane

Yes.
I'm wearing the ugliest plaid sportcoat anyone has ever seen.
With white shoes and striped socks.

Toews nationality? No reason. Don't have a problem w/Canada's players.
This type of play seems a bit endemic to Putin's boys.
Plus, I've had my own experience with several as teammates with same traits.
So yes, I guess you can say I'm pigeon-holing them.

And my comment about Ovie still stands. Might be the Patrick Ewing of hockey for those that would get that analogy.

And I would trade 72 straight-up for any number of guys that DO play a 2 way game even if not nearly as good a 1-timer. 72 got his $$ and his overall play has gone in the dumper.

if this team doesn't care, why should I?

I'm done with these bums

This team has had a rough couple nights. I think they deserve the benefit of the doubt, but some stars have to align for a deep playoff run. Some thoughts:

Hossa needs to be on a line where he can generate some quality scoring chances. When he's not, he's a 3rd line checking winger. Might be wasted slotted in with Kruger.

I think Schmaltz has regressed a bit in the last couple weeks. He's a rookie, so I lean towards going easy on him, part of the 82 game learning curve. But when Schmaltz was on, he helped set Toews on fire. When Schmaltz is on, puck on his stick and playing with confidence, Hawks are a much more dangerous team. I hope he finds his game again.

Special teams is bad. But we all know that.

Panarin has definitely been floating, but both him and Kane look marginalized in the offensive zone without Anisimov. He makes so much room for them. Him being out also exposes Kane and Panarin's D efficiencies, which are abundant. Save us, Artem.

And my biggest bugaboo from last night, our defensive corps looks very old and very slow. Pucks are getting flipped up the boards, over the glass, or directly to the other team because the only defenseman that can break the puck with his feet in any capacity is Keith. Seabrook, Campbell, Oduya, and Hammer DO NOT look quick. They do not look crafty. They do not look like they have the escapability to thwart and big and fast forecheck (and guess what they are going to see all postseason?). Turning defense into offense has been Chicago's money maker for years, quick transition hockey. It's not there any more.

So yeah, get used to the image of our defenseman getting overwhelmed with speed and physicality, causing spastic clearing attempts and botched breakouts. It's not a good look on us, but it's ours.

Yes Panarin had a bad game, but so did Kane. The two of them together were lucky to have Kero out there between them as he bailed them out numerous times. Kane and Panarin's play can be described as being incredibly lazy and their effort was limited to the offensive zone. I'm not sure what's up with Panarin but there certainly seems to be the mentality between him and Kane that the effort should only be on one side of the ice. Also Kane has been floating... A LOT...... too many times we see guys in puck battles in our own zone and Kane just goes and floats outside of the zone assuming we win the battle and gets a clean outlet pass, numerous times I noticed this last night. That is just piss poor lazy bullpoop and it absolutely has to stop. Kane is 10x the player when he actually commits to playing in both ends of the ice, with his quick stick and hands he can have an impact defensively when he actually cares.

Yes Panarin had a bad game, but I thought Kane's game might have been even worse. Not sure why everyone is singling out Panarin, the two of them together were awful last night.

.
- Ballam

That's fair. Kane wasn't so hot either.

He is more consistently active outside the O-zone however, in the big picture, and Kane will bomb a few passes once in a while but generally keeps the puck going the right way if he can't do something with it.

Put Panarin with Hossa and Kero. If Q is intent on punishing em to motivate em, well... 2 birds with one stone. 72 gets 3rd line minutes and Kane doesn't get his finisher.

Logically, doesn't make too much sense to split up the most productive line. But if old-school message-sending is the aim, why not?

Yes.
I'm wearing the ugliest plaid sportcoat anyone has ever seen.
With white shoes and striped socks.

Toews nationality? No reason. Don't have a problem w/Canada's players.
This type of play seems a bit endemic to Putin's boys.
Plus, I've had my own experience with several as teammates with same traits.
So yes, I guess you can say I'm pigeon-holing them.

And my comment about Ovie still stands. Might be the Patrick Ewing of hockey for those that would get that analogy.

And I would trade 72 straight-up for any number of guys that DO play a 2 way game even if not nearly as good a 1-timer. 72 got his $$ and his overall play has gone in the dumper.
- savvyone-1

Would you say Anisimov is in the same boat as Panarin when it comes to work ethic and character?

Just so I'm clear here...

About a week ago, everyone was checking NHL.com after every game to see where Panarin stood with G, A, and P to see if he would get his bonuses. I didn't hear anything about his compete level or defensive liabilities then. Now after the Hawks look like hot garbage for the better portion of two games, he is slacking and people bring up the "Russian thing".

Panarin has NEVER been lauded for his defensive game. He also made the same bad turnovers last year (anyone else vividly remember Bergeron picking his pocket immediately leading to a score?). Its a couple of bad games... for the entire team. They are in first place in the conference. Invest in Vicodin and enjoy the playoffs. These last few reg season games are Q's playground for mixing and matching. Let it go...

Just so I'm clear here...

About a week ago, everyone was checking NHL.com after every game to see where Panarin stood with G, A, and P to see if he would get his bonuses. I didn't hear anything about his compete level or defensive liabilities then. Now after the Hawks look like hot garbage for the better portion of two games, he is slacking and people bring up the "Russian thing".

Panarin has NEVER been lauded for his defensive game. He also made the same bad turnovers last year (anyone else vividly remember Bergeron picking his pocket immediately leading to a score?). Its a couple of bad games... for the entire team. They are in first place in the conference. Invest in Vicodin and enjoy the playoffs. These last few reg season games are Q's playground for mixing and matching. Let it go...
- Chunk

Would you say Anisimov is in the same boat as Panarin when it comes to work ethic and character?
- DarthKane

No.
Can we have his blood tested to find out if he really IS Russian?

Aren't there always exceptions to the rule?

Yesterday was a good example of one team being a lot more desperate to win. Hawks had a lazy 2nd period and paid for it. I still wouldn't read too far into it. Hawks tilted the ice back the other way in the 3rd. They blew a lead, but still took a point on the road against a very desperate club.

I'm sure Tampa is glad they ended up hanging on to Drouin, the kid is a good one.