Justin Lowe: Can They Make It 3? Blackhawks vs. Lightning preview.

The Hawks search for their first 3 game winning streak of the year.

GO HAWKS

Very big game .Like always I hope the HAWKS play big, they usually do in these situations . Like the vibe have seen the last few ,players seem happier .Maybe something got straightened out in the room ,something was up after the 1st two games ..GO HAWKS !!!!

Just have that feeling we win tonight. 5-4

To answer your question, Justin....Yes they can.

But Crawford would have to be fantastic and the team defense would have to be solid. This tampa team is explosive.

In the end, I hope Hawks give them a good game and come out on top. So, my heart says YES.

But, my head says, not quite....Hawks drop this one 4-2

Hope I am wrong!!!

I think that was a good take on what's happening.

To answer your question, Justin....Yes they can.

But Crawford would have to be fantastic and the team defense would have to be solid. This tampa team is explosive.

In the end, I hope Hawks give them a good game and come out on top. So, my heart says YES.

But, my head says, not quite....Hawks drop this one 4-2

Hope I am wrong!!!
- hawk35

Is there any other way he can be?

I hear ya, this is a huge test for the defence. Not just the 6 guys on the backend, but TEAM defence. A full 60 mins effort will be needed.

I have not seen many Lightning games this season. Are they a heavy team, or are they more/less a quick team that plays in transition? I think the Blackhawks will look fine in this game, and I will say it will go to OT.

I'm going glass half-full in this one, Hawks get spanked 5-1. Bolts are just too good right now and the Hawks have only looked decent the past 2 games.

It would be a shame for the Hawks not to make the playoffs. The reality is unless they figure out their roles quickly that's exactly what's going to happen.

The one thing I know of Q's defense is if everyone does their job and is responsible with the puck they will be in this game. Will they?

Quick team with outstanding transition.

That said, while they aren't a traditionally "heavy" team, they are feisty and play very well in 5-man D units. Guys like Kuch and Point are known for their point production, but are anything but soft in their own zone or retrieving pucks. Add in guys like Dotchin, Palat, Killorn, Cally, Girardi and Coburn and this is a skill team with some bite.

Murphy + for RNH with some salary retained

99 Ian Mitchell, Hawks 2017 2nd rounder. http://www.thehockeynews....is-still-torching-the-khl

Murphy + for Draisaitl with some salary retained
- Slofire94

Fixed.

Quick team with outstanding transition.

That said, while they aren't a traditionally "heavy" team, they are feisty and play very well in 5-man D units. Guys like Kuch and Point are known for their point production, but are anything but soft in their own zone or retrieving pucks. Add in guys like Dotchin, Palat, Killorn, Cally, Girardi and Coburn and this is a skill team with some bite.
- OzBolts

They're devastatingly smart through the neutral zone. Extremely hard to turn the puck over from them once they have it. It's impressive.

It just seems like there is an identity crisis in Chicago right now, and it may take some time to work itself out. John McDonough wouldn't be happy to see his team miss the playoffs, but right now his younger players getting a real good look this year, to potentially help this Hawks team in the near-future (if they haven't started to already).

Look no further on how beneficial it was for TB's young guys who were able to play (a lot) in the absence of some regulars and now they have Brayden Point, Vladislav Namestnikov and Jake Dotchin playing huge roles for this team.

In the same aspect, I see massive benefits to the Hawks with the likes of Forsling, Hayden, Debrincat logging important minutes.


Indeed. Ongoing success is dependent on cost controlled guys stepping up and playing bigger roles and taking minutes some of the core seemingly can't anymore.

Posted this last thread that the takeaway in the win over the Pens was the following. With a minute left, Hawks up by 1, the Pens had an extra attacker on, faceoff in the Hawks' zone after Crow robbed Kessel Q trotted out Dcat-AA-Schmaltz/Forsling-Rutta with the game on the line.

These kinds of minutes will show their developmental worth come March. Just no way to know how that will turn out but we do know the development simply can't happen without those minutes given to non-core players. .....Seems Q is understanding the concept and or has less confidence in his vets.

It just seems like there is an identity crisis in Chicago right now, and it may take some time to work itself out. John McDonough wouldn't be happy to see his team miss the playoffs, but right now his younger players getting a real good look this year, to potentially help this Hawks team in the near-future (if they haven't started to already).

Look no further on how beneficial it was for TB's young guys who were able to play (a lot) in the absence of some regulars and now they have Brayden Point, Vladislav Namestnikov and Jake Dotchin playing huge roles for this team.

In the same aspect, I see massive benefits to the Hawks with the likes of Forsling, Hayden, Debrincat logging important minutes.


Indeed. Ongoing success is dependent on cost controlled guys stepping up and playing bigger roles and taking minutes some of the core seemingly can't anymore.

Posted this last thread that the takeaway in the win over the Pens was the following. With a minute left, Hawks up by 1, the Pens had an extra attacker on, faceoff in the Hawks' zone after Crow robbed Kessel Q trotted out Dcat-AA-Schmaltz/Forsling-Rutta with the game on the line.

These kinds of minutes will show their developmental worth come March. Just no way to know how that will turn out but we do know the development simply can't happen without those minutes given to non-core players. .....Seems Q is understanding the concept and or has less confidence in his vets.
- Mr Ricochet

Totally agree about DeBrincat, Forsling and Hayden. It is unrealistic to expect these guys will come in and be able to replace Toews, Kane and Keith. But they are 3 solid young guys who are playing well and showing signs of improvement.I know the window of opportunity to win is now, but the team needs to have patience with some of their young guys. We can likely add Sikura to the list when he joins the team later this season or early next season.

I'm going glass half-full in this one, Hawks get spanked 5-1. Bolts are just too good right now and the Hawks have only looked decent the past 2 games.
- Rota's Rooter

Very tough match up for the Hawks. Cooper will pressure the puck all over the ice especially on the forecheck which will test the Hawk D. This is the kind of test the core thinks is worth their time so I expect a solid effort. .. Not much the Hawks do will matter without a big effort from Crawford.

It's @ the Panthers next game that the Hawks' core may not feel 30 minutes of hockey is justifiable.

I'm going glass half-full in this one, Hawks get spanked 5-1. Bolts are just too good right now and the Hawks have only looked decent the past 2 games.
- Rota's Rooter

Wouldnt that be glass half-empty picking your team to lose? Badly at that?

Totally agree about DeBrincat, Forsling and Hayden. It is unrealistic to expect these guys will come in and be able to replace Toews, Kane and Keith. But they are 3 solid young guys who are playing well and showing signs of improvement.I know the window of opportunity to win is now, but the team needs to have patience with some of their young guys. We can likely add Sikura to the list when he joins the team later this season or early next season.
- DarthKane

No doubt, most of the core just doesn't have what they had anymore. Dcats, Forslings, Ruttas, Haydens have to be given minutes to develop. I'd add Schmaltz to that list playing wing.... IMO this kid at wing has the best chance in the organIzation to replace Hossa's effective 3 zone game. If kept at wing by March we might see a first rate 3 zone hockey player.

And I'd add Hartman to that list too as a 3rd liner. This kid put up a +13 and 19 goals as a pure rookie last yr without a definitive role.

No doubt, most of the core just doesn't have what they had anymore. Dcats, Forslings, Ruttas, Haydens have to be given minutes to develop. I'd add Schmaltz to that list playing wing.... IMO this kid at wing has the best chance in the organIzation to replace Hossa's effective 3 zone game. If kept at wing by March we might see a first rate 3 zone hockey player.

And I'd add Hartman to that list too as a 3rd liner. This kid put up a +13 and 19 goals as a pure rookie last yr without a definitive role.
- Mr Ricochet

Yup, Schmaltz too.

I know the overall feeling around the Hawks here is slanted towards doom and gloom, but I think there is a lot to be excited for. Once Toews, Kane and Saad break out of their respective slumps (and assuming the young guys keep playing well) things will be very positive for the team.

If the salary cap indeed goes up to $80-$82 million next season the complexion of the team changes. For the first time in a long time the Hawks will be in a position to keep most of their quality young guys. I know the off season if a ways away, but I hope Stan re-signs Rutta then Forsling as soon as possible.

No doubt, most of the core just doesn't have what they had anymore. Dcats, Forslings, Ruttas, Haydens have to be given minutes to develop. I'd add Schmaltz to that list playing wing.... IMO this kid at wing has the best chance in the organIzation to replace Hossa's effective 3 zone game. If kept at wing by March we might see a first rate 3 zone hockey player.

And I'd add Hartman to that list too as a 3rd liner. This kid put up a +13 and 19 goals as a pure rookie last yr without a definitive role.
- Mr Ricochet

I'd like to see much more from Hartman. He had 2 good games to start the year and has been an enigma ever since.

Bolts by a TD but miss the extra point

Bolts by a TD but miss the extra point


- RaleighHawk

Not for an NBC rivalry night game. It will be close. OT decides it.

Not for an NBC rivalry night game. It will be close. OT decides it.
- powerenforcer

Could go OT, but if not then it's smoke city.