John Jaeckel: Hawks gut one out; Kings tonight

John,
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, hope all is well.

The guy that's surprised me most is Hartman, based on his previous stint with the big club. Improved in so many areas - skating, puck awareness and in particular, choosing his spots to get chippy. Really thought when he made the club at the outset he'd be one of the 1st sent down because he seemed to be a hothead. Nice to see him make some skilled contributions.

Hawks seemed to be running out of gas in the 3rd period but held on and gutted out a win. Crawford stood tall when it mattered most and Hartman continues to impress. Good to see a PP goal and an effective PK. Faceoff performance pretty abysmal, but Toews absence really hurt there. All in all a very big 2 points, especially without Toews.

I don't know if the boys will have much left in the tank for tonight's game. Two points tonight, or even one, would be huge.

It was just nice to see no shorty given up or even a quality shot on goal given up. Yesterday I heard them say they've given up more short handed goals then scoring on the PP on this trip.

Corey Crawford faced 36 shots, stopping 34, but swam and flailed at times, including getting completely turned around on one of the Anaheim goals.


Crow is elite in my eyes but he is poor when the puck is behind his net and on wrap arounds. Much of that is because he's an average skater.

Average skater, below average puck handler, can anchor himself when he goes down (not fluid when sliding side to side on one knee) and if I'm the opposition I try and start plays from below the end line against Crow.

It was just nice to see no shorty given up or even a quality shot on goal given up. Yesterday I heard them say they've given up more short handed goals then scoring on the PP on this trip.
- BetweenTheDots

Wonder if Foley would have "found" the time to share that stat if he was doing the game with Eddie O?........ Yea I heard that too. Stuff that makes you shake your head. And this happens when you have 55-60% of the cap hit on the ice!!

Hawks seemed to be running out of gas in the 3rd period but held on and gutted out a win. Crawford stood tall when it mattered most and Hartman continues to impress. Good to see a PP goal and an effective PK. Faceoff performance pretty abysmal, but Toews absence really hurt there. All in all a very big 2 points, especially without Toews.

I don't know if the boys will have much left in the tank for tonight's game. Two points tonight, or even one, would be huge
- garacat

Agree, but I bet there was more money on the ANA side than CHI yesterday. No doubt the Sutter meat grinder with 1/2 their minds back in Chicago, on a back to back after a trip through ANA without Toews is a tough assignment.

Speaking of I sit Go Johnny Go no matter what. No game in November, especially when you're in 1st place, is worth taking a chance with a core player.

Corey Crawford faced 36 shots, stopping 34, but swam and flailed at times, including getting completely turned around on one of the Anaheim goals.


Crow is elite in my eyes but he is poor when the puck is behind his net and on wrap arounds. Much of that is because he's an average skater.

Average skater, below average puck handler, can anchor himself when he goes down (not fluid when sliding side to side on one knee) and if I'm the opposition I try and start plays from below the end line against Crow.
- Mr Ricochet

I think you have perfectly listed the warts he occassionally faces in his game, but ratings with that new "Home plate" stat, about how well the goaler does when faced with traffic bodies and close play disruption...well, he is so good and focused for the most part.

That was a terrific hockey game, and I continue to feel every forward is playing so solid defensively and combined with that quick backline and it's precision passes, the kids HAVE to be starting to get more confident.

I could fall into deep depths of depression in regards to young forward and old forward play for shift to shift, but in my humble opinion, every game each newbie shows me something that is encouraging.

That bodes well for the distant future and this season.

I can't tell you how many questions I get asked about this prospect and how he will fit with the team whpo drafted him and where will he play, what's his high water mark.
My answer is first they have to play, and know what is expected, and second before trying to pigeon hole a high water mark, you have to see baby steps, confidence and finally a time when they stop backstepping. THEN they set their own hig water mark through off and on ice work, understanding and the way the "mesh" with their team.

Corey Crawford faced 36 shots, stopping 34, but swam and flailed at times, including getting completely turned around on one of the Anaheim goals.


Crow is elite in my eyes but he is poor when the puck is behind his net and on wrap arounds. Much of that is because he's an average skater.

Average skater, below average puck handler, can anchor himself when he goes down (not fluid when sliding side to side on one knee) and if I'm the opposition I try and start plays from below the end line against Crow.
- Mr Ricochet

I believe it's on/part of the defense, the defender on the opposite side is to defend the wrap around and Seabrook was blocked out nicely by Cogliano.

John,
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, hope all is well.

The guy that's surprised me most is Hartman, based on his previous stint with the big club. Improved in so many areas - skating, puck awareness and in particular, choosing his spots to get chippy. Really thought when he made the club at the outset he'd be one of the 1st sent down because he seemed to be a hothead. Nice to see him make some skilled contributions.
- savvyone-1

Hey Savvy, happy holidays my friend...hope you're well. Hartman has been solid. 5 goals here just past the quarter pole - so possibly 18 to 20 for the season...let's hope.

Gutsy win yesterday and the kids were strong. As I mentioned this morning before the new blog went up what impressed me the most was the kids coming back to backcheck. Hino looked, good yesterday - it sounded like he was going to be the one possibly sent down but I don't think so now - he seems to be coming around.
As Mr. R mentioned yesterday this is a fun team to watch right now.

Meanwhile the Hawks got killed at the dot. Would love to still have Vermette here. He leads the league in F/O percentage.

On to LA should be another good test this evening.

I would sit Toews as well tonight. It's early in the season.

Nice work John!!!

Huge gutsy win!! I'll be going to the game tonight...One thing I've wanted to put out is the lack of general accuracy from point shots, particularly Dunc's...I don't think it's a coincidence that he's scoreless this late in Nov...
PS
JJ I wanna mail you my new CD!!!!

I think you have perfectly listed the warts he occassionally faces in his game, but ratings with that new "Home plate" stat, about how well the goaler does when faced with traffic bodies and close play disruption...well, he is so good and focused for the most part.

That was a terrific hockey game, and I continue to feel every forward is playing so solid defensively and combined with that quick backline and it's precision passes, the kids HAVE to be starting to get more confident.

I could fall into deep depths of depression in regards to young forward and old forward play for shift to shift, but in my humble opinion, every game each newbie shows me something that is encouraging.

That bodes well for the distant future and this season.

I can't tell you how many questions I get asked about this prospect and how he will fit with the team whpo drafted him and where will he play, what's his high water mark.
My answer is first they have to play, and know what is expected, and second before trying to pigeon hole a high water mark, you have to see baby steps, confidence and finally a time when they stop backstepping. THEN they set their own hig water mark through off and on ice work, understanding and the way the "mesh" with their team.
- wiz1901

I agree with the young players, typically I have to tell myself to be patient with the rookies, and they just continue to pleasantly impress me. Wondering how good Schmaltz's stick handling can/will be, there's some talent behind Motte, Hartman, Vinny and Forsling and instead of the typical 1 step forward two steps back with rookies, more like one step forward and only one step back with flashes of talent.

Hey Savvy, happy holidays my friend...hope you're well. Hartman has been solid. 5 goals here just past the quarter pole - so possibly 18 to 20 for the season...let's hope.

Gutsy win yesterday and the kids were strong. As I mentioned this morning before the new blog went up what impressed me the most was the kids coming back to backcheck. Hino looked, good yesterday - it sounded like he was going to be the one possibly sent down but I don't think so now - he seems to be coming around.
As Mr. R mentioned yesterday this is a fun team to watch right now.

Meanwhile the Hawks got killed at the dot. Would love to still have Vermette here. He leads the league in F/O percentage.

On to LA should be another good test this evening.

I would sit Toews as well tonight. It's early in the season.
- DK002

True and that's what happens with no Toews...AA 5 for 22, Kruger 5 for 16, Vinnie 3 for 15. As a team 17 for 67.

If the Hawks had any Cap room Vermy would look good as a 3rd or 4th line center. His cap hit wasn't as bad as I thought at only 1.75.

That said, I'm glad they went with the yutes this year over retreads and like someone was saying, it's working out ok now and would seem to bode well for the future.

I was watching a pre game interview with coach Q prior to the Sharks game, they asked him about Tyler Motte, Coach Q literally smiled and talked about how he loves his energy, responsible in all 3 zones actually went on and on. Last time he smiled like that they asked him about Panarin last year.

I believe it's on/part of the defense, the defender on the opposite side is to defend the wrap around and Seabrook was blocked out nicely by Cogliano.
- BetweenTheDots

IMO the play was lost when Crow got a bit tangled with Campbell at the near post. Crow knew no way he was getting to the opposite post because of that and that's why he spun around in a desperate/futile attempt to get to the far post with his stick instead of his leg.

So yes, on that play Crow's only hope was to get help at the far post as you mention and a good forward will obstruct the far side Dman or centerman from doing so as you also mention.

A goalies first priority on those severe angle attacks is to hold the post, ready for a crease or cross crease pass and then the wrap around. If he is anchored or his flow is interupted he just can't get to the far post...... A hugely more difficult play for a goalie than it looks.

Elite skater/anticipation/balance/smooth guys like Price, Holtby and Anderson are like looking at a Picasso when they are faced with these plays.

I was watching a pre game interview with coach Q prior to the Sharks game, they asked him about Tyler Motte, Coach Q literally smiled and talked about how he loves his energy, responsible in all 3 zones actually went on and on. Last time he smiled like that they asked him about Panarin last year.
- BetweenTheDots

Didn't see the live interview in either case but was reading a blurb from Q somewhere about how he's been pleased with all the rookie fwds play away from the puck.

IMO the play was lost when Crow got a bit tangled with Campbell at the near post. Crow knew no way he was getting to the opposite post because of that and that's why he spun around in a desperate/futile attempt to get to the far post with his stick instead of his leg.

So yes, on that play Crow's only hope was to get help at the far post as you mention and a good forward will obstruct the far side Dman or centerman from doing so as you also mention.

A goalies first priority on those severe angle attacks is to hold the post, ready for a crease or cross crease pass and then the wrap around. If he is anchored or his flow is interupted he just can't get to the far post...... A hugely more difficult play for a goalie than it looks.

Elite skater/anticipation/balance/smooth guys like Price, Holtby and Anderson are like looking at a Picasso when they are faced with these plays.
- Mr Ricochet

Oh I don't disagree, in fact many teams try to do this to Corey and how many times have we seen the defenseman make a play to prevent a wrap around goal. I want to say at least 5 times without Corey being anywhere in the picture.

Didn't see the live interview in either case but was reading a blurb from Q somewhere about how he's been pleased with all the rookie fwds play away from the puck.
- HawkintheD

That's the thing Q rarely smiles when asked about a rookie, almost never. Which tells me Q really likes Motte's game, even notice he's getting more PK time.

I think you have perfectly listed the warts he occassionally faces in his game, but ratings with that new "Home plate" stat, about how well the goaler does when faced with traffic bodies and close play disruption...well, he is so good and focused for the most part.

That was a terrific hockey game, and I continue to feel every forward is playing so solid defensively and combined with that quick backline and it's precision passes, the kids HAVE to be starting to get more confident.

I could fall into deep depths of depression in regards to young forward and old forward play for shift to shift, but in my humble opinion, every game each newbie shows me something that is encouraging.

That bodes well for the distant future and this season.

I can't tell you how many questions I get asked about this prospect and how he will fit with the team whpo drafted him and where will he play, what's his high water mark.
My answer is first they have to play, and know what is expected, and second before trying to pigeon hole a high water mark, you have to see baby steps, confidence and finally a time when they stop backstepping. THEN they set their own hig water mark through off and on ice work, understanding and the way the "mesh" with their team.
- wiz1901

There can only be one best in the world at the greatest position in all of sport. So yea Crow has is weaknesses. But as you mention his focus (puck tracking) is off the charts and has always been what I thought was Crow's best attribute. Incredible how he can find a puck through traffic and then adjust to a redirection/tip. Incredible and that is a direct result of balance which comes from economy of movement......... He's better than I've ever seen him cuz IMO he is more economical and IMO watching/practicing/talking to Price and Holtby at the WCoH helped Crow in that regard.

Agree on the newbies, it's something new that's good every game and yes their confidence has to be sky high. Watch them enter the zone with quiet minds/hands, not rushed, and you can see that confidence.

Prospects: Went to a squirt tournament game with a bud to see his nephew. A winger he's at the right circle in the Ozone pursuing a left shot Dman who's going back for the puck behind his own net. This kid is 15 feet back and instead of chasing the the Dman behind the net he peels off to the right and seals the boards for the possibility of a reverse flow wring around. This kid is 9 yrs old!!

This kind of stuff, minute to some, lights my fire. It shows coaching, willing to accept coaching, fundamentals and IQ. 9 years old man.

If a kid has the skills to make the USHL he's talented. But when watching these supremely talented kids some show what that 9 yr old did. These are the kinds of prospects like Motte, Hino, Forsling that out perform their draft position.

Fill a lane, lift a stick, use all your gears not just top gear all the time when in a play, anticipate a reverse flow, use your leverage, realize a Dman has pinched and cover, those guys have IQ. That's what catches my eye when watching, and ultimately prognosticating, a prospect in juniors. Those are the kinds that a Q or Babcock love even though their size or skill had them drafted low.

I think you have perfectly listed the warts he occassionally faces in his game, but ratings with that new "Home plate" stat, about how well the goaler does when faced with traffic bodies and close play disruption...well, he is so good and focused for the most part.

That was a terrific hockey game, and I continue to feel every forward is playing so solid defensively and combined with that quick backline and it's precision passes, the kids HAVE to be starting to get more confident.

I could fall into deep depths of depression in regards to young forward and old forward play for shift to shift, but in my humble opinion, every game each newbie shows me something that is encouraging.

That bodes well for the distant future and this season.

I can't tell you how many questions I get asked about this prospect and how he will fit with the team whpo drafted him and where will he play, what's his high water mark.
My answer is first they have to play, and know what is expected, and second before trying to pigeon hole a high water mark, you have to see baby steps, confidence and finally a time when they stop backstepping. THEN they set their own hig water mark through off and on ice work, understanding and the way the "mesh" with their team.
- wiz1901

I agree Wiz. I also think that the backend (goaltending and defense) is so good that if the young forwards keep playing a 200 foot game it lessens the urgency of them needing score a lot.

Hartman is getting praised for scoring. But I feel it is only a matter of time before more of the young forwards start finding the back of the net.

I do not think Rasmussen will score a lot of goals, but you can see his intelligence and effort. It seems that whatever line he plays on keeps the puck in the opponents end a lot and creates some scoring chances.

You can see each young player get better and grow more confident shift to shift and game to game. By the time April rolls around they are not going to be playing like rookies.

We are really fortunate to have such a highly skilled and likable hockey team to follow day in and day out.

That's the thing Q rarely smiles when asked about a rookie, almost never. Which tells me Q really likes Motte's game, even notice he's getting more PK time.
- BetweenTheDots

Imagine Q going into the year. 5-6 pure rookies and he has to be thinking my God how the hell am I gonna make this work. Then a Motte shows over and over he can "play the game right" to the point he's getting a good number of minutes on the kill when he had a good chance of being sent to Rockford going into camp. http://leftwinglock.com/p...ndex.php?playerid=8477353

I think that smile you see from Q talking about Motte, or any rookie so far, is as much relief as anything else.

I was watching a pre game interview with coach Q prior to the Sharks game, they asked him about Tyler Motte, Coach Q literally smiled and talked about how he loves his energy, responsible in all 3 zones actually went on and on. Last time he smiled like that they asked him about Panarin last year.
- BetweenTheDots

And when they asked about Hartman last night(?), he actually (for Q) beamed and said he has Shawzy qualities. High praise from him.

A few observations from yesterday's game:

- Keith really had trouble holding the line last night when in our O zone. Mostly on the PP but I think he had pucks get past him during 5-on-5, too.

- Why wasn't there a roughing penalty on Bieksa after he mauled Schmaltz twice on the play where Theodore got a penalty? I guess it's okay now to hit guys from behind when the play has moved away from them.

- Loved seeing Hartman skate away laughing after Vatanen crossed check him twice (much like Bieksa did to Schmaltz) this time after a whistle near the crease. He still amazes me at 20+ games in that he can keep his cool. Great agitator who doesn't flip his lid at every indiscretion.

- My wife as we were watching the game:

Her: "Who's the guy filling in for Olczyk?"
Me: "Steve Konroyd, used to play defense for the Hawks."
Her: "He sounds like a golf announcer."

And when they asked about Hartman last night(?), he actually (for Q) beamed and said he has Shawzy qualities. High praise from him.
- pdx2ord

I like that kid a lot, I know many compare him to Shaw myself included, but the more I watch him I get flashes of that good looking guy who wears #10 in Dallas now. No expectations but I do see it from time to time.

Q is such an experienced coach and I think he has mastered his messaging to the media. While I don't doubt his words are genuine, I think his responses are well thought out and he knows when to praise and when to be critical.

This game against the Ducks, the Hawks were definitely a bit gassed, but it also seemed like one of those games where guys are stepping up a little bit. Players talk about it all the time, when someone goes down with injury who is a key cog in the machine, guys feel like they need to step it up to fill in the void. The depth/role players were working a little harder to make things happen offensively.