John Jaeckel: Stars at Hawks Gameday Preview

First.

Second?

I was hoping to see Darling in net tonight...

I hope jurco uncrosses his eyes and aims for the one in the middle.

GO HOCKS

I hope jurco uncrosses his eyes and aims for the one in the middle.

GO HOCKS
- hocktock

Myself included. I'm still not sure, but I think the last several games and the way he has played are pointing more in that direction.

And before anyone does a victory dance, at the start of the year, he wasn't.

Like this team as a whole, and a few key players like him, he has PROGRESSED. Some will say "I knew it all along."

That's like me saying "I know I'll win the lottery tonight." I like really smart if I do, and like every other sucker if I don't.

This is from the last blog...I didn't get back in time to respond. I was one of the guys at the start of the year who had faith. I never said he was top 6 per se, but all I wanted was for him to have a fair shot. They did and he has proven it, at least for this year. And the thing I like about him the most, after he scored the flurry of goals at the beginning of the year and then slumped a little, he didn't stop working. There was never a reason to take him off that line.

The Hawks now have 3 top 6 RW. That's a good problem to have.

First.
- PuckinHostile

Oh, you DOG

First.
- PuckinHostile

Attaboy.

Tracey Myers‏Verified account @TramyersCSN 2m2 minutes ago
More
#Blackhawks lines: 40-19-14, 72-38-88, 8-16-81, 70-67-22.

Didn't see that coming.

I sorta get trying Schmaltz on the left with Kruger and Hossa.

Major step up for Hartman.

Another game against a non-playoff team that can play loosy-goosy and try to be a spoiler, especially a division rival like Dallas. A few more lacklustre games like they played against Vancouver and the Hawks might let the Wild catch them for the Division lead. I'm not concerned whether the Hawks finish 1st or 2nd because they've shown they can win on the road, but I will be concerned if they come out and lay another egg tonight because they need to get back to trending up heading into the playoffs.

Hartman played a bit of center ice in the past. No?

Tracey Myers‏Verified account @TramyersCSN 2m2 minutes ago
More
#Blackhawks lines: 40-19-14, 72-38-88, 8-16-81, 70-67-22.

Didn't see that coming.

I sorta get trying Schmaltz on the left with Kruger and Hossa.

Major step up for Hartman.
- John Jaeckel

For as long as it lasts - but - wasn't Hartman between Panarin and Kane for much of the Vancouver game? Seems that Q recognized that with Schmaltz between them, there wasn't much "heft" at the net - Hartman can provide that.

Tracey Myers‏Verified account @TramyersCSN 2m2 minutes ago
More
#Blackhawks lines: 40-19-14, 72-38-88, 8-16-81, 70-67-22.

Didn't see that coming.

I sorta get trying Schmaltz on the left with Kruger and Hossa.

Major step up for Hartman.
- John Jaeckel

WOW - from a bottom-6 grinder winger to a top-6 center. Life moves fast sometimes.

At least Hayden is still on Toews wing - hope that experiment continues as long as Hayden plays the way he has his first 4 games.

And I see Mr. Jurco will be watching tonight.

Eric Lear @BHTVeric 5m

#Blackhawks lines:
Hayden-Toews-Panik,
Panarin-Hartman-Kane,
Schmaltz-Kruger-Hossa,
Rasmussen-Kero-Tootoo

Blackhawks pairs:
Keith-Hjalmarsson
Oduya-Seabrook
Campbell-TVR

Hartman has really been fantastic. Happy for him.

I'm also liking #40 on that top line. Big John plays well.

Tracey Myers‏Verified account @TramyersCSN 2m2 minutes ago
More
#Blackhawks lines: 40-19-14, 72-38-88, 8-16-81, 70-67-22.

Didn't see that coming.

I sorta get trying Schmaltz on the left with Kruger and Hossa.

Major step up for Hartman.
- John Jaeckel

Maybe Q thinks he can actually win a draw, so Kane and Panarin aren't chasing 3/4 of the time.

From the previous blog:

i don't understand why a number of people are always seemingly ready to chase Hoss away. How does anyone here really know what he's thinking about the next 4 yrs?? Isn't that what's left of his contract? Please correct me if i'm wrong.

Last night, when he scored, he huddled with Seabs and they looked pissed, like damn right we're gonna win kind of expression. At least that's what i saw. Shows me maybe the fire is still there. And he's still better than a lot of guys 10 to 15 yrs. his jr. Who exactly under contract to the Hawks replaces him??? Giant hole when he sadly does leave.

Bob P.
- BobP.


Hossa is probably still the 4th best forward on the team behind 19, 88, and 72. In four years he'll probably be about the 6th or 7th best. I hope he has a couple more cups by then too!

---------------------------------------------------------------------

I think the issue is that will Hoss want to continue playing when he's "only" earning 1M per season (while his cap hit remains at 5M+)? I for one sure hope he does - he's A BEAST (my 79 year old mom's favorite player). She watches the game wearing #81 along with rosary beads in both pants pockets.

Need a W this evening...interested to see how Hartman does centering the 2nd line this tonight.

Go Hawks!!!

Tracey Myers‏Verified account @TramyersCSN 2m2 minutes ago
More
#Blackhawks lines: 40-19-14, 72-38-88, 8-16-81, 70-67-22.

Didn't see that coming.

I sorta get trying Schmaltz on the left with Kruger and Hossa.

Major step up for Hartman.
- John Jaeckel

Certainly worth a try and if Hartman has some success at 2C it gives Q options when Anisimov returns (i.e. Hartman to 3C).

38 deserves the "promotion". I find him very noticeable every time he's on the ice. I am so happy Stan didn't pull the trigger on Duchene (if Hartman had to be part of the deal).

Eric Lear @BHTVeric 5m

#Blackhawks lines:
Hayden-Toews-Panik,
Panarin-Hartman-Kane,
Schmaltz-Kruger-Hossa,
Rasmussen-Kero-Tootoo.
- jt19

If Hartman can handle playing 2C, that opens up even more options for Q, not just from a starting lineup perspective but also for in-game adjustments which he does regularly. I like it. Let's see how it works.

Hartman gives that line the net front presence and physicality in the tough areas. IMO, three perimeter skill guys on one line is not a recipe for success in the playoffs. Also, 8 probably had some of his worst games since being recalled from Rockford playing Center. Very nice to have the flexibility of playing Center or Wing with Schmaltz, Hartman and Hayden.

Hartman gives that line the net front presence and physicality in the tough areas. IMO, three perimeter skill guys on one line is not a recipe for success in the playoffs. Also, 8 probably had some of his worst games since being recalled from Rockford playing Center. Very nice to have the flexibility of playing Center or Wing with Schmaltz, Hartman and Hayden.
- EnzoD

Hartman: one of the only dudes willing to go to the front of the net IMO.

Oh Oh ... Tracey Myers also tweeted:

Schmaltz went down in the corner, favoring left hand. He's headed to the room.