John Jaeckel: THAT Was Blackhawk Hockey

First!

I just want a win tomorrow to rest our boys for whoever we face, especially if it's San Jose!

Still got to get a "stealth" dig in on Crawford despite his play, huh? JJ claims Hawks made it easy for Crawford because he faced "only" 25 shots. JJ's big on Emery, yet seems to selectively forget that Emery got the call against mostly weak teams, and seldom faced more than 20 shots. When he did, the excess were mostly the 2nd and third chances he created himself by failing to soak up the initial shot ...

Hossa has been bad in this series.

It's nice to see Bickell playing so well, I really hope Stan brings him back.

It's nice to see Bickell playing so well, I really hope Stan brings him back.
- DarthKane

At what price? I'd almost have to think Bickell is going to end up asking for more than what he's worth.

>>>The point is, the Hawks at their best are not necessarily a speed and finesse team or a physical team—but a great defensive team over 200 feet of ice. And they will be a hard team for anyone to beat if they play that game<<<

that is what the blkhwks have been about this yr....great great point instead of this constant chirping about finess vs physical..

yes they could be more about finishing checks....but how about those finishes by #65 that lead to Bicks goals: one to win in OT and the other to put away the wild last

Hopefully Game 5 brings a bounty of beautiful moments of Patrick Kane's puckhandling extravaganza and the Wild get caught watching the puck end up in their net.

John Jaeckel: THAT Was Blackhawk Hockey
- John Jaeckel

Props to Frolik too for being Kruger's partner in crime on the PK. Good thing their PK is going good, because the powerplay keeps looking worse (as if that's even possible).

Hossa has been bad in this series.
- nathanjf

As far as offensive production goes, and by Hossa's standards, I would have to agree -- but so has Toews. I'm pretty confident that they'll both get back up to par for St. Louis in the 2nd round, though.

As far as offensive production goes, and by Hossa's standards, I would have to agree -- but so has Toews. I'm pretty confident that they'll both get back up to par for St. Louis in the 2nd round, though.
- Q...argh

They can't play STL. Sj or Det are the only options. And I don't JJ was making a swipe at Crawford. The defense did make it easy for him but he was still very good last night.

As far as offensive production goes, and by Hossa's standards, I would have to agree -- but so has Toews. I'm pretty confident that they'll both get back up to par for St. Louis in the 2nd round, though.
- Q...argh

can't get the blues until WC finals if at all...its wings or sharks..

cmon wings pull a rabbit out and get G5

First!
- EKolb13

Look at you....get this man some cake!

Hossa has been bad in this series.
- nathanjf

No

They played like bastards last night.........................sorry, had too.

JJ -
Great recap and blog about the game last night. What have you heard about Emery and Bolland? Are they being held out because the hawks think they can get past the Wild without them or could these injuries hold them out all postseason.

They played like bastards last night.........................sorry, had too.
- UnnamedSource

Hossa has been bad in this series.
- nathanjf

4 games, 3 points, +4. Yeah, awful.

Saad, 0 points, -4.

JJ -
Great recap and blog about the game last night. What have you heard about Emery and Bolland? Are they being held out because the hawks think they can get past the Wild without them or could these injuries hold them out all postseason.
- UnnamedSource

Have not heard anything. I think both are still not ready. My hunch is if this were the Finals, either or both would play. But that is just a hunch and nothing more. Emery is working out on ice.

At what price? I'd almost have to think Bickell is going to end up asking for more than what he's worth.
- EKolb13

I still think Bickell can be re-signed for a reasonable deal. Even with a stellar playoffs I don't see Bickell asking for $3 million or anything like that. Bickell has stated he wants to stay in Chicago, and I expect he'll back up those words. I would think around $1.5 million (per) for around 3 years is fair. Bickell is evolving into an excellent 3rd line winger, but he hasn't showed the ability to be much more (yet).

Any update as to when Dave Bolland will be back in the line up?

Biggest worry for me right now is Seabs. Seems like every time you turn around, he's getting blown up. He finally laid out Clutterbuck (me thinks) in the 3rd, but hoping he wakes up on the full time for the next round.

Positive note, the boys haven't been dominating (except maybe gm 2), and this hasn't been much of a series. Here's to peaking at the right time........

Just read Esplen's blog - total lack of class.

Any update as to when Dave Bolland will be back in the line up?
- Colin_Smith

the preverbial...day to day and he is progressing....same message for the last 2 weeks...

no reason to play him in this series and risk aggravating what ever it is again...