One thing is for certain...

...Cubs luv the dramatic.

Wonder how many anxiety attacks took place among Cub-dom tonight?
---

Cubs gave the Nats 14 hits and 9 walks...and found a way.

Nats left 19 men on base?!? Yikes.

The Hawks were the better team in terms of shot metrics, including scoring chances, yes. They had a lax 1st but both teams barely did anything so it impacts the numbers there a bit but the Hawks clearly controlled the 2nd, just owning the last 10 of the period, and then were slightly better in the 3rd up until the offside review. Again, this just tells you the trend of the game, not necessarily who should have won, but the shot numbers mesh with what we saw on the ice.

So yeah, lots of good for this game. It feel a bit like the Jackets games where there were times where the team wasn't all going and mistakes were made, but overall, they looked good and finished well. Score is the big difference of course, but extenuating circumstances playing into that.
- L_B_R

Thanks for clarifying what i thought, very well said.

I really hope we see A. Schmaltz back asap, and B. better possession numbers and better 5v5 play than we've had in the past couple seasons. And Like you've said before, we should wait about 20 games or so before we can really take anything away from those advanced metrics. So it will be interesting to see what direction we're headed as we reach that mark.

Thanks for clarifying what i thought, very well said.

I really hope we see A. Schmaltz back asap, and B. better possession numbers and better 5v5 play than we've had in the past couple seasons. And Like you've said before, we should wait about 20 games or so before we can really take anything away from those advanced metrics. So it will be interesting to see what direction we're headed as we reach that mark.
- SimpleJack

And the 20 games probably should be pushed out to 23-25 since Schmaltz was missing. Their overall shot attempt possession tonight was 52.27% and scoring chances were 53.33% at 5v5, which is a sweet zone to be in and hopefully they continue to trend that way, with goals being the reward of good play.

Hey Bogie...

WTF was that tonight with the officiating...yikes...just brutal. Meanwhile hoping Schmaltz is back Saturday can't go throught another game with AA centering Kane and Hartman
- DK002

Joel Quenneville: "One play cost the whole game. ... He didn't carry it, he didn't have possession. So I disagree with that ruling."

He is right...so inadvertantly pushing the puck while sliding on your ass with no idea where the puck is considered a "legal carry" or "pass" ok NHL thanks for clearing that up...

One thing is for certain...

...Cubs luv the dramatic.

Wonder how many anxiety attacks took place among Cub-dom tonight?
---

Cubs gave the Nats 14 hits and 9 walks...and found a way.

Nats left 19 men on base?!? Yikes.
- ArlingtonRob

that was outrageous...from the 6th inning on it felt like they were losing...
the pitching was atrocious...behind every hitter..lead off walk to start the 6-8 innings...

but striking out bryce harper to end it...was sweet

When it comes to Blackhawk hockey, Cuisinart starts with a "Q"!
- resqmed99

Quisinart? I like it!

I missed most of the game, but liked Hayden's fight. Down on all the scorers' cards and landed the knockout blow late.

As for the Cubs, did either team deserve to win? Glad the Cubs won, but I don't see them doing much against LA, especially after they had to empty the tank.

And the 20 games probably should be pushed out to 23-25 since Schmaltz was missing. Their overall shot attempt possession tonight was 52.27% and scoring chances were 53.33% at 5v5, which is a sweet zone to be in and hopefully they continue to trend that way, with goals being the reward of good play.
- L_B_R

Good to know. And just out of curiosity....Assuming we get the goaltending we're used to from Crawford and the defense gets solved to where we have 3 solid pairings(which is my biggest concern), do you believe that what we have right now at forward(Saad-Toews-Panik, Hartman-Schmaltz-Kane, Sharp-Anisimov-DeBrincat, Hayden-Kero-Wingles) is a good enough 4 line rotation to be considered Cup worthy/win the championship? IMO it is....

Its very temping to consider adding Duchene....and I've seen plenty of other suggestions for ways that we can upgrade at forward. But the more I think about our potential when Schmaltz returns, the more I don't think we need it. Is that being too confident? Or are we really that deep/solid overall at forward?

What I saw was a Hawk team that was in disarray all three periods. The Hawks lost because they played like crap not because of a bad call by the refereey. The Hawks passing was atrocious. Their power play was just as bad as last year. The penalty killing was also very suspect. I can except mistakes made by our young players.. But when I see Seabrook, Keith, AA, Toews and Kane make as many mistakes ( at times more), the Hawks are going to have a long frustrating season. Some people say Toews is his old self...not what I saw tonight.. He is constantly getting beat on the boards, made some ugly passes, was just so at the face offs and missed scoring on two great scoring opportunities. IMO, Due to injuries (concussion/ back problems) will newer be the same high level players he was the first 7 years of his career. Mr. Kane seems to have a feud going on with Coach Q because he is playing with no passio,,,just going thru the motions...Putting Kane on the same line with AA and Heartman sure hasn't elevated his game... Bad move by Coach Q. Paying $80.00 per tkt watching the Hawks has made me very very cranky.

What I saw was a Hawk team that was in disarray all three periods. The Hawks lost because they played like crap not because of a bad call by the refereey. The Hawks passing was atrocious. Their power play was just as bad as last year. The penalty killing was also very suspect. I can except mistakes made by our young players.. But when I see Seabrook, Keith, AA, Toews and Kane make as many mistakes ( at times more), the Hawks are going to have a long frustrating season. Some people say Toews is his old self...not what I saw tonight.. He is constantly getting beat on the boards, made some ugly passes, was just so at the face offs and missed scoring on two great scoring opportunities. IMO, Due to injuries (concussion/ back problems) will newer be the same high level players he was the first 7 years of his career. Mr. Kane seems to have a feud going on with Coach Q because he is playing with no passio,,,just going thru the motions...Putting Kane on the same line with AA and Heartman sure hasn't elevated his game... Bad move by Coach Q. Paying $80.00 per tkt watching the Hawks has made me very very cranky.
- spanky

You didn't notice the Hawks raise their level of play at the midway point of the 2nd period? Kane looked pretty good, as did Toews. Not nearly as bad as you're making them sound, even though they weren't as good as they were the first 2 games either. Schmaltz and Kane looked outstanding together(with Hartman at LW) before Schmaltz got hurt, obviously we have that option coming back for us very soon, another reason why I'm confused about how worried you sound, to go along with the fact that the Toews line has been amazing for us. We're gonna be alright my friend!

What I saw was a Hawk team that was in disarray all three periods. The Hawks lost because they played like crap not because of a bad call by the refereey. The Hawks passing was atrocious. Their power play was just as bad as last year. The penalty killing was also very suspect. I can except mistakes made by our young players.. But when I see Seabrook, Keith, AA, Toews and Kane make as many mistakes ( at times more), the Hawks are going to have a long frustrating season. Some people say Toews is his old self...not what I saw tonight.. He is constantly getting beat on the boards, made some ugly passes, was just so at the face offs and missed scoring on two great scoring opportunities. IMO, Due to injuries (concussion/ back problems) will newer be the same high level players he was the first 7 years of his career. Mr. Kane seems to have a feud going on with Coach Q because he is playing with no passio,,,just going thru the motions...Putting Kane on the same line with AA and Heartman sure hasn't elevated his game... Bad move by Coach Q. Paying $80.00 per tkt watching the Hawks has made me very very cranky.
- spanky

What I saw was a Hawk team that was in disarray all three periods. The Hawks lost because they played like crap not because of a bad call by the refereey. The Hawks passing was atrocious. Their power play was just as bad as last year. The penalty killing was also very suspect. I can except mistakes made by our young players.. But when I see Seabrook, Keith, AA, Toews and Kane make as many mistakes ( at times more), the Hawks are going to have a long frustrating season. Some people say Toews is his old self...not what I saw tonight.. He is constantly getting beat on the boards, made some ugly passes, was just so at the face offs and missed scoring on two great scoring opportunities. IMO, Due to injuries (concussion/ back problems) will newer be the same high level players he was the first 7 years of his career. Mr. Kane seems to have a feud going on with Coach Q because he is playing with no passio,,,just going thru the motions...Putting Kane on the same line with AA and Heartman sure hasn't elevated his game... Bad move by Coach Q. Paying $80.00 per tkt watching the Hawks has made me very very cranky.
- spanky

There is a very easy quick fix to their power play woes. It seems their entries this year are better - they are getting set up quickly enough - the main problem is lack of shots.

They need to follow the simple formula of getting the puck to the point men, point man shoots, the other three are around the net to either get a rebound, or try to deflect the shot. This causes the other team to scramble for the puck and it gets the goalie out of position. It's not rocket science!!!!!!

They need to stop with the minimum six passes before shooting strategy - it just doesn't work!!!!!

And the easiest way to do it is when they come off a game with this poor power play strategy, it's right to the rink the next morning and five hours of passing drills to get it out of their system - and the coaches tell them if they don't want this type of practice again, start shooting the f-ing puck more!!!!!!!!

Two takeaways from tonight's game:

1) Schmaltz is a key to success this year (his absence changes the character of the team from one that is relentless throughout the lineup to a one line team much easier to defend against); and

2) Hayden is the next addition to the Hawks as a leader/core member.

There is a very easy quick fix to their power play woes. It seems their entries this year are better - they are getting set up quickly enough - the main problem is lack of shots.

They need to follow the simple formula of getting the puck to the point men, point man shoots, the other three are around the net to either get a rebound, or try to deflect the shot. This causes the other team to scramble for the puck and it gets the goalie out of position. It's not rocket science!!!!!!

They need to stop with the minimum six passes before shooting strategy - it just doesn't work!!!!!

And the easiest way to do it is when they come off a game with this poor power play strategy, it's right to the rink the next morning and five hours of passing drills to get it out of their system - and the coaches tell them if they don't want this type of practice again, start shooting the f-ing puck more!!!!!!!!
- dahawks8819

I remember when Kompon was here he was interviewed on Sirius, the Score?...somewhere and it doesn't matter, but he said one of the things they talk about in practice is shooting the puck more on the PP.

The PP woes predated Kompon and have existed after which if you take him at his word, would lead you to believe it's the players who forever seem to be looking for the perfect play and that backdoor pass whether it's Sharp sneaking in, Lil Artie or Dinkycat.

This team has a bunch of players who seem to have no known allergies to the opposing net so definitely yes please, shoot more and cash in on the rebounds.

Two takeaways from tonight's game:

1) Schmaltz is a key to success this year (his absence changes the character of the team from one that is relentless throughout the lineup to a one line team much easier to defend against); and

2) Hayden is the next addition to the Hawks as a leader/core member.
- BMWChiFan

.


#2 for sure, I see him in a top six or nine roll probably sooner than later, don’t know about #1 yet, he’s is soft is an ice cream sundae on a hot day, I still say, sell high if you could make a deal for a top for defenseman or a top six winger

Two takeaways from tonight's game:

1) Schmaltz is a key to success this year (his absence changes the character of the team from one that is relentless throughout the lineup to a one line team much easier to defend against); and

2) Hayden is the next addition to the Hawks as a leader/core member.
- BMWChiFan

With Saad coming back I think it was a safe bet Toews line would get going again. After all it did with Schmaltz and Panik on his wings and Panik continues to look even better this year.

I really like Hayden too and am glad they opted to keep him up; not that he really left them much choice through camp and the preseason.

.


#2 for sure, I see him in a top six or nine roll probably sooner than later, don’t know about #1 yet, he’s is soft is an ice cream sundae on a hot day, I still say, sell high if you could make a deal for a top for defenseman or a top six winger
- wonthecup10

Schmaltz got a head shot when 3 players collapsed on him and Johnson was just being a Johnson. Not sure even a non wuss would have been able to avert what was likley a concussion.

So you trade a cost controlled top 6 forward who looks ready to not only have a breakout season but positively effect the overall forward depth for what? Dutch and his $6M contract? Why?

I was only able to watch the boring 1st period last night but, I really like the pairing of Rutta and Forsling. While not an experienced NHLer, Rutta is older, steady for the most part and seems to have had a positive impact on Forslings play. And kinda like Panarin and Raanta, Ruuta seems to have fun out there. He seems to just like to play the game.

I believe there is more to Haydens game then he's being used. I would really like to see, instead of a 8 minute a night 4th line, a 3A and 3B line. Maybe Kampf centering Hayden and ????. A line more of a scoring threat then an energy, hard to play against line. Bouma's presence doesn't help create that.

Schmaltz got a head shot when 3 players collapsed on him and Johnson was just being a Johnson. Not sure even a non wuss would have been able to avert what was likley a concussion.

So you trade a cost controlled top 6 forward who looks ready to not only have a breakout season but positively effect the overall forward depth for what? Dutch and his $6M contract? Why?
- HawkintheD

Not necessarily Duchenne because we might not have a match, Montreal is ramping that effort up, but possibly a top three or four defenseman, at this point just throwing crap against a wall to see what sticks, have to give it like everybody said about 15 to 20 games, I was just so thrilled to finally see a good not staged heavyweight toe to toe fight , repeating Jan Hayden has a lot of hockey skills also, would love to see him develop into an Al Secord ,Cam Neely, Rick Tochett, Billy Guerin type player

In Dusty We Busty.

How many teams is this guy going to ruin?

It will likely just be a matter of time that Hartman is taken off the second line, unless that line ignites when Schmaltz comes back. Not sure what the best option is for 2nd line LW, but if it keeps sputtering, likely to see Sharp move up. Any other viable options?

Not necessarily Duchenne because we might not have a match, Montreal is ramping that effort up, but possibly a top three or four defenseman, at this point just throwing crap against a wall to see what sticks, have to give it like everybody said about 15 to 20 games, I was just so thrilled to finally see a good not staged heavyweight toe to toe fight , repeating Jan Hayden has a lot of hockey skills also, would love to see him develop into an Al Secord ,Cam Neely, Rick Tochett, Billy Guerin type player
- wonthecup10

...as long as we get rid of Schamltz cause a a friend of of a friend of a friend who knows duh family's dog walker says he ain't got no heart! Now I have to go to the Jewels. See you later.

Didn't go through the thread so sorry if this is a duplicate but I know a lot of you all have been watching hockey for a while and wanted to pass along that Gary Warwick Sr died. He was one of the real innovators in goalie masks. You all would know his work from Belfour's masks.
- Jason Millen

Sorry to hear that. Thanks for the heads-up, Jammer.

Joel Quenneville: "One play cost the whole game. ... He didn't carry it, he didn't have possession. So I disagree with that ruling."

He is right...so inadvertantly pushing the puck while sliding on your ass with no idea where the puck is considered a "legal carry" or "pass" ok NHL thanks for clearing that up...
- bogiedoc

Spot on, Boge. There's really no point in even having replay if that call is allowed to stand.

Hard to say it definitely cost the Hawks points, since the outcome of the game was very much in doubt and maybe the Wild come out with the win anyway (although the Hawks had the edge in play). Still, that one call absolutely gave Minny the game. Frustrating to see.

Early season test for the Blackhawks in how they respond as a team to that bad call.