John Jaeckel: Hawks Beat Depleted Pens

John Jaeckel: Hawks Beat Depleted Pens
- John Jaeckel

Morning John,
Nice bounce-back game for the Indianhead.
Wondering whether Q will give some guys games off (would love to see Keith and especially #7 get some rest -- talk about heavy legs . . . ).

As far as President's Trophy, forgetaboutit, not worth keeping the engine at a boil just to get some stupid trophy. Much rather they focus on 2 things the rest of the way out:

PK scheme -- enough of the collapsing box. Get some guys willing to pressure.

PP scheme -- enough with the 4 forwards and 1 D and the enlarged box. I have seen enough ring-around-the-rosie to last a lifetime.

John Jaeckel: Hawks Beat Depleted Pens
- John Jaeckel

Agree. The good thing to take away was holding the Pens to one goal. With their depth up front, and scoring ability, allowing one goal to Rust, who had a great game last night, was the impressive part.

Have only so far seen highlights from last night....on Panik's goal, a Pens guy got to him as he released the one-timer, and the Pens guy ended up sprawled on the ice and Panik didn't even move. Pretty darn solid on his skates...most guys are at their most vulnerable when releasing a shot.

Looks like the Western teams are rounding into playoff form.

CHI 7.1.2
MIN 1.7.2
STL 8.1.1
ANA 8.1.1
NSH 7.2.1
SJ. 3.7.0
EDM 7.2.1

Just throwing it out there but if the division is clinched by Sunday night, would it be possible to leave some core guys home from that three game Western swing to close the season? Maybe send them to Colorado but not to Anaheim and LA?

Morning John,
Nice bounce-back game for the Indianhead.
Wondering whether Q will give some guys games off (would love to see Keith and especially #7 get some rest -- talk about heavy legs . . . ).

As far as President's Trophy, forgetaboutit, not worth keeping the engine at a boil just to get some stupid trophy. Much rather they focus on 2 things the rest of the way out:

PK scheme -- enough of the collapsing box. Get some guys willing to pressure.

PP scheme -- enough with the 4 forwards and 1 D and the enlarged box. I have seen enough ring-around-the-rosie to last a lifetime.
- savvyone-1

Yup, all of this. Especially getting some rest for the guys on defense.

I would like Kero between Hossa and Hartman in the playoffs. He is very responsible defensively and brings more offense to the line.

Kruger can center the 4th line. It could be a checking line (zero offense)with Moose and Desjardins/Tootoo. It could be physical line (a little scoring) Jurco and Hayden. It could be an energy line (a little more scoring) with Hino and Hayden/Jurco/Tootoo. I imagine we will see several 4th line combinations during the series. But I would agree with JJ, Q could go with experience in the playoffs and Jurco, Hayden, Hino could be on the outside looking in.

The Hawks could win or lose a series against just about any playoff team in the West and whoever comes out of the East. But I like the Hawks goaltending, depth on D, high end forwards, good top 3 lines and depth and versatility on the 4th line. A hot goalie could take them out. A hot Crow could put them in. A cold Crow would take them out.

Although I would like the Hawks to look good against the Jackets it is just one game. In a 7 game series I like the Hawks hockey IQ, from Q and also up and down the roster. They might look like crap in one game or early in the series, but they get better as the series goes on.

Agree. The good thing to take away was holding the Pens to one goal. With their depth up front, and scoring ability, allowing one goal to Rust, who had a great game last night, was the impressive part.
- CanOCorn

I don't believe that depth is there.
Pens have only scored 6 even strength goals over the preceding 4 games (and only 10 total).
The absence of Malkin, Hagelin and Guentzel is particularly tough since those are all top six/nine players.

I don't believe that depth is there.
Pens have only scored 6 even strength goals over the preceding 4 games (and only 10 total).
The absence of Malkin, Hagelin and Guentzel is particularly tough since those are all top six/nine players.
- DeflatedPucks

Like that Guentzel kid.

I would like Kero between Hossa and Hartman in the playoffs. He is very responsible defensively and brings more offense to the line.

Kruger can center the 4th line. It could be a checking line (zero offense)with Moose and Desjardins/Tootoo. It could be physical line (a little scoring) Jurco and Hayden. It could be an energy line (a little more scoring) with Hino and Hayden/Jurco/Tootoo. I imagine we will see several 4th line combinations during the series. But I would agree with JJ, Q could go with experience in the playoffs and Jurco, Hayden, Hino could be on the outside looking in.

The Hawks could win or lose a series against just about any playoff team in the West and whoever comes out of the East. But I like the Hawks goaltending, depth on D, high end forwards, good top 3 lines and depth and versatility on the 4th line. A hot goalie could take them out. A hot Crow could put them in. A cold Crow would take them out.




Although I would like the Hawks to look good against the Jackets it is just one game. In a 7 game series I like the Hawks hockey IQ, from Q and also up and down the roster. They might look like crap in one game or early in the series, but they get

better as the series goes on.
- -Doh-

GOOD POINTS. I think Coach Q has options of the fourth line. He can go "big" or more defensive or hoping they get Hinostroza in there at some point, they can put some speed on that line and give other teams some match up problems potentially

John, I agree with all of your blog except your assessment on Hayden. IMO, Hayden would be a great asset for the fourth line come playoff time. He is the second best punishing player on the team.... And is willing to post his big body in front of the crease which is not one of the Hawks strong point.

I understand the rationale for veterans playing in the playoffs over young players and I agree that Q leans that way, but, there is also an argument to be made for more talented players playing over less talented players. Hayden is a more talented player than Rasmussen, Desjardins, Tootoo and Jurco. I have not noticed a drop off in his play with the exception of his blown assignment on Tampa's 2nd goal. We'll see what Q does but I will be disappointed if we're watching a less talented veteran play over Hayden.

Does anyone else see this team evolving into a more physical team, maybe it could eventually be as physical as the 2010 team. Panik, Hayden, Hartman, Moose, Desjardins, Tootoo, Seabrook, Kempny, Rosi (if we ever see him again). Even Oduya, Toews, Anisimov, Panarin, Hjalmarsson, Hossa will get physical from time to time. I am liking it.

I vote 40-16-48 for the fourth line.

What a joke this really is.........commenting on our FOURTH LINE!!! We sure have it tough these days.

Thank you Chicago Blackhawks....win or lose you are a great diversion to life.

I vote 40-16-48 for the fourth line.

What a joke this really is.........commenting on our FOURTH LINE!!! We sure have it tough these days.

Thank you Chicago Blackhawks....win or lose you are a great diversion to life.
- 17SEC

Not only commenting on our 4th line, but having decent options for the 3rd pairing and 4th line. We are spoiled.

I don't believe that depth is there.
Pens have only scored 6 even strength goals over the preceding 4 games (and only 10 total).
The absence of Malkin, Hagelin and Guentzel is particularly tough since those are all top six/nine players.
- DeflatedPucks

But with Crosby, Kessel, Sheary, Bonino, Hornqvist (who has always been a thorn in the 'hawks side), Rust and Kunitz, that's still a lot of depth. I know what you are saying, but from the outside looking in, that's still a lot of power, even if they are struggling a bit.

Not only commenting on our 4th line, but having decent options for the 3rd pairing and 4th line. We are spoiled.
- -Doh-

BUT KROOGER DON'T SCORE NO GOALS!!!

#ForJJ

Thank you Chicago Blackhawks....win or lose you are a great diversion to life.
- 17SEC

Truth!

Although I'm sure everyone here to a man and woman would lean more on the Win side. Like maybe CUP win.

BUT KROOGER DON'T SCORE NO GOALS!!!

#ForJJ
- CanOCorn

What do you mean? 2 goals in the last 6 games. Same as Toews. Kruger is Mr. Offense!!!

Just saw the Otters advanced to round 2. Debrincat leading the team (and OHL) with 13pts (2/11) in 4 games. They swept Sarnia.

Hey where is hawk fan patshart on here? oh wait he is on Wilson's message board ripping Toews. Jump in on that one boys good stuff. Toews sucks ass basically. can't believe the praise he gets. Big stat page from Wilson proving how useless Toews is. good stuff on there.

Just saw the Otters advanced to round 2. Debrincat leading the team (and OHL) with 13pts (2/11) in 4 games. They swept Sarnia.
- resqmed99

Not that I want to look to far ahead (but I will anyway), I think next year's training camp should be interesting. I don't think the likes of Debrincat and Fortin will make the team, but it will be interesting to see how well they do and how close they are. Maybe Highmore surprises some people too. Either way, with these three plus Louis, Iacopelli, Knott and Snuggerud these situation could be quite competitive in Rockford next season.

How about Matthew Tkchuk??

Basically an old hockey soul in a new game. Haha.

I wish so bad the Flames and Kings would meet in the playoffs.

How about Matthew Tkchuk??

Basically an old hockey soul in a new game. Haha.

I wish so bad the Flames and Kings would meet in the playoffs.
- Hank3Henshaw

Personally, I think he brings some personality and excitement to the game. He's the type of player yo hate on other teams but love on your own. Canucks fans are pi$$ed that Benning too Juolevi over Tkachuk, time will tell who the better player is but the early returns look good for Calgary.