Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 
Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: You Still Watching Hockey?
Author Message
TJYTJY
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 05.23.2017

Apr 16 @ 3:26 PM ET
I am watching but I really hope that the Hawk brass is watching. If they are, they will realize that their team is not even close to competing for the playoffs as currently constructed.
matt_ahrens
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: San Carlos, CA
Joined: 06.30.2014

Apr 16 @ 3:59 PM ET
Playoff hockey is always a different beast but fun to watch.

Blackhawks will need to get that extra gear going if or when they get back to the postseason. Last spring they failed to step it up vs Nashville (who was the much hungrier team).

Personally I still question if the core guys have the desire to lay it all on the line again.

- breadbag


A bigger question for me is whether or not Stan can fill up a roster with guys talented enough who are willing to do that - lay it on the line.

We need 2013 and 2015 versions of Hossa, Sharp, Shaw, Bickell, Hammer, Oduya, Kruger, Bolland, etc. to go along with 2013 and 2015 versions of 2, 7, 19, and 88. But, those four guys have had their tanks emptied a bit, how much can they get back? How good of a roster can be put around those guys? I think they can win another Cup, but if they are still the best guys on that Cup-winning team, there needs to be quite a few guys not too far behind them and many more with the hunger.
fattybeef
Joined: 05.04.2010

Apr 16 @ 4:49 PM ET
Wow, so this has eroded to the Hawk Harrelson WILL to WIN being the most important metric. Woof.

devilhawk
New Jersey Devils
Location: IL
Joined: 05.26.2013

Apr 16 @ 4:57 PM ET
Watching.

DVR'ing every game, watching about two a night. Besides being a Blackhawks fan, I'm also a Devil fan. Seeing good things from the Devils, need a little more grit and some help on the back end (like the Hawks, and most teams).
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Apr 16 @ 6:18 PM ET
A bigger question for me is whether or not Stan can fill up a roster with guys talented enough who are willing to do that - lay it on the line.

We need 2013 and 2015 versions of Hossa, Sharp, Shaw, Bickell, Hammer, Oduya, Kruger, Bolland, etc. to go along with 2013 and 2015 versions of 2, 7, 19, and 88. But, those four guys have had their tanks emptied a bit, how much can they get back? How good of a roster can be put around those guys? I think they can win another Cup, but if they are still the best guys on that Cup-winning team, there needs to be quite a few guys not too far behind them and many more with the hunger.

- matt_ahrens

Not necessarily that it's an either/or situation, but what I have been thinking about lately is whether it's better to look at (A) what the winning formula was for the Hawks championship teams in 2010, 2013, and 2015 and try to recapture that glory again, or (B) look at the current playoff teams that are killing it and build a team to emulate teams like the Golden Knights and Lightning.

I personally have been leaning toward the latter with a particular piece of evidence being that Gallant has Vegas winning all regular season and now dominating so far in the playoffs with systems that work as well as a group of "cast offs" (i.e. middle 6 and bottom 6 forwards, bottom 2nd and 3rd pairing blueliners, backup goalies) who all invest in these systems and give 100% on the ice start to finish.

I agree with several posters who say that hopefully Hawks management and coaches are watching the 2018 playoffs and taking notes on what the team needs to do to compete. Even if the Hawks somehow backed their way into this year's playoffs, no way they survive the first round. The recent Hawks teams are not built for the playoffs.
Hawkytalk
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Frankfort, IL
Joined: 06.26.2012

Apr 16 @ 8:18 PM ET
I'm watching successful powerplay teams...that play below the goal line and have guys go to the front of the net.

Two things the current Hawk team doesn't do. There's too much passing around the perimeter, looking for that "pretty pass" by this team, and not enough Hawks want to pay the price by going in front of the net.

- tompo1015


Agreed. Here's a question.....

Brandon Saad scores the majority of his goals from close in. Why was he never even tried to be the man in front of the net on the PP ? Toews will continue to get beat up there if that's the strategy once again next year. Anisimov and Saad should be the 2 guys to park in front on PP 1 and 2......and if AA gets dealt, Hayden should be given a chance as well.

It's obvious that a ton of PP playoff goals are being scored from close in. Maybe our coaching staff will change the perimeter approach and park 2 guys down low in certain situations ????
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Apr 16 @ 8:43 PM ET
Not necessarily that it's an either/or situation, but what I have been thinking about lately is whether it's better to look at (A) what the winning formula was for the Hawks championship teams in 2010, 2013, and 2015 and try to recapture that glory again, or (B) look at the current playoff teams that are killing it and build a team to emulate teams like the Golden Knights and Lightning.

I personally have been leaning toward the latter with a particular piece of evidence being that Gallant has Vegas winning all regular season and now dominating so far in the playoffs with systems that work as well as a group of "cast offs" (i.e. middle 6 and bottom 6 forwards, bottom 2nd and 3rd pairing blueliners, backup goalies) who all invest in these systems and give 100% on the ice start to finish.

I agree with several posters who say that hopefully Hawks management and coaches are watching the 2018 playoffs and taking notes on what the team needs to do to compete. Even if the Hawks somehow backed their way into this year's playoffs, no way they survive the first round. The recent Hawks teams are not built for the playoffs.

- AEL_Fox


This is very true and especially in terms of the offense. The Hawks in 2016/2017 relied heavily on a 72-15-88 line that was productive at scoring in the regular season but when the going got tough in the playoffs couldn't string much of anything together. It was said a lot that the Hawks were a one line team, and it sucks when that one line fades when the checking gets tight.

Too much offense from the perimeter. Too much trying to carry the puck into the attacking zone or trying to beat guys 1 on 1. For me, nothing worse than watching one of the "skilled" guys attempt to deke the dman, only to create a turnover that sends the other team on the counter-attack.

There is something to be said about the forwards knowing when to dump and apply the forecheck to create some havoc and turnovers rather than going for the pretty play. Kind of need the personal that can win those battles to make it work. The Hawks have been weak at this. I think some teams like Vegas/Winnipeg do this really well in and it drives their offense.

Nashville did it well to Chicago last spring in those 4 games. They didn't try to force pretty plays and if needed they just put it deep behind the Hawks D. The Nashville forwards applied pressure and the Hawks D just threw the puck away over and over.

I think the problem with the Hawks applying a more aggressive forecheck is that they know it gets them into trouble. They don't have the defensive depth to bail them out when they get caught being aggressive. They also don't have that many forwards who can win the physical confrontations.

Recent Blackhawks teams can be summed up like this.....The skilled guys play too soft and the hard nose guys are lacking in the speed/skill/Hockey IQ department.
35Tony0
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Springfield, IL
Joined: 05.10.2015

Apr 16 @ 9:54 PM ET
Just got home from a meeting to see Marchand laying a two hander across a Maple Leaf just above the kneepads. Figures, seeing as how marchand translates from the French as: dirty douche.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Apr 16 @ 10:14 PM ET
This is very true and especially in terms of the offense. The Hawks in 2016/2017 relied heavily on a 72-15-88 line that was productive at scoring in the regular season but when the going got tough in the playoffs couldn't string much of anything together. It was said a lot that the Hawks were a one line team, and it sucks when that one line fades when the checking gets tight.

Too much offense from the perimeter. Too much trying to carry the puck into the attacking zone or trying to beat guys 1 on 1. For me, nothing worse than watching one of the "skilled" guys attempt to deke the dman, only to create a turnover that sends the other team on the counter-attack.

There is something to be said about the forwards knowing when to dump and apply the forecheck to create some havoc and turnovers rather than going for the pretty play. Kind of need the personal that can win those battles to make it work. The Hawks have been weak at this. I think some teams like Vegas/Winnipeg do this really well in and it drives their offense.

Nashville did it well to Chicago last spring in those 4 games. They didn't try to force pretty plays and if needed they just put it deep behind the Hawks D. The Nashville forwards applied pressure and the Hawks D just threw the puck away over and over.

I think the problem with the Hawks applying a more aggressive forecheck is that they know it gets them into trouble. They don't have the defensive depth to bail them out when they get caught being aggressive. They also don't have that many forwards who can win the physical confrontations.

Recent Blackhawks teams can be summed up like this.....The skilled guys play too soft and the hard nose guys are lacking in the speed/skill/Hockey IQ department.

- breadbag

Excellent post.

Skill alone won't win you games in today's NHL especially the playoffs. Vegas isn't the most skilled team but everyone plays hard each shift and all zones. They as well as other playoff teams play physical, play sound defense, and play relentlessly in waves. If the Hawks can recalibrate to this style to go along with their skill, then they'll be back in business again and return to playoff hockey.

I know there's different trains of thought about this, and as cliche as it sounds, but I'm a firm believer that defense wins championships. Having the Hawks defenseman cookie cutter being one that churns out offensively minded puck movers will not lend itself to playoff caliber particularly if these players are mediocre to plain bad in the defensive end.

Although not the most luxurious of prospects, I'm happy that defensive defensemen like Hillman and Gilbert are signed. Hopefully Carlsson signs soon, too. Not that these 3 are locks to be Hawk regulars in the near future but the team needs more D prospects like them to pair with the offensively gifted like Forsling, Jokiharju, Mitchell, and Krys.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Apr 16 @ 10:22 PM ET
https://www.nhl.com/black...8-team-awards/c-297983706

I'm sure many of you have seen this already but for those who haven't, here is this year's Hogs annual award winners:

Tyler Sikura - Most Valuable Player
Matthew Highmore - Rookie of the Year
Cody Franson - Defenseman of the Year
William Pelletier - Unsung Hero
Andreas Martinsen - Heavy Hitter Award
Collin Delia - Most Improved Player and Man of the Year
BetweenTheDots
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 06.13.2015

Apr 16 @ 11:02 PM ET
There are 2 things i really like about how the Penguins play defense, they have a 3 man rotation that protects the house and when the puck is at their own blue line the defenseman make sure they are the last ones to exit the zone, in case of a turnover.

Love LVGK forecheck and how they play the body instead of the puck, hard for the guy handling the puck to do anything with it
BetweenTheDots
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 06.13.2015

Apr 16 @ 11:08 PM ET
Orpik and Orlov are brutal, Goober very shaky in net.

Kings look like the same team when Sutter coached them.

Preds down 3 getting all chippy, that team has a bunch of btches on it.
BetweenTheDots
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 06.13.2015

Apr 16 @ 11:11 PM ET
Watched Panarin still nothing special in the playoffs, is kept to the perimeter a lot, goal was soft, has made some nice passes though on the power play, defense still suspect
Colbyboy
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Summerside , PEI
Joined: 12.14.2013

Apr 16 @ 11:16 PM ET
I’m seeing three things
1.Parity
2.Speed
3.Crosby is in the conversation as best player ever
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Apr 16 @ 11:20 PM ET
There are 2 things i really like about how the Penguins play defense, they have a 3 man rotation that protects the house and when the puck is at their own blue line the defenseman make sure they are the last ones to exit the zone, in case of a turnover.

Love LVGK forecheck and how they play the body instead of the puck, hard for the guy handling the puck to do anything with it

- BetweenTheDots

The Penguins defense rotation would be preferred for a Hawks team that needs to double down on playing back rather than double down the other way given the greater deficiency on defense.

Gustafsson is a good example of a Hawks defenseman who just doesn't get the "protecting the house" aspect of defense. He seems to play back only if he happens to be there but otherwise will not only join the rush (sometimes being the 2nd guy on the attack if not the puck carrier) but also continue to drift down past the faceoff circles in the offensive zone when he should stay above them if not hanging out as close to the blueline as possible to neutralize breaks the other way.

I don't mind d-men who pinch but only when there's someone covering their post. There's an art to picking spots to joining the attack and the Hawks blueline have not been good at that.

As for the observation on the Vegas forecheck, I love that style as well. Exciting to watch. However, I don't see a Q-coached team getting the green light to play that way.
bogiedoc
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: VA
Joined: 09.27.2011

Apr 16 @ 11:56 PM ET
preds can't skate with the aves in G3...so acting like complete d-bags...crosschecks galore, during and after the play...(frank) them
bogiedoc
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: VA
Joined: 09.27.2011

Apr 17 @ 12:18 AM ET
good bye ducky sucky wuckies....good riddance
BetweenTheDots
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 06.13.2015

Apr 17 @ 12:32 AM ET
Avs trying not to lose, uh oh
BetweenTheDots
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 06.13.2015

Apr 17 @ 12:35 AM ET
I believe thats a bit of a misnomer, Q wants a team with a good forecheck, not so muchin the defensive zone but for sure in the offensive zone from his forwards it's been instrumental in all 3 of our SC's
BetweenTheDots
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 06.13.2015

Apr 17 @ 12:48 AM ET
I don't think anyone on the Avs knows how to block a shot, just horrible
Return of the Roar
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Solidly grounded in reality, IL
Joined: 07.27.2009

Apr 17 @ 2:32 AM ET
Yes watching.

Observation: Smurf wussy hockey is not only not well represented in the teams that made it in, but the bigger and nastier the teams are, the more likely they will advance.

The belief that skill, speed and the league will edge the physical aspect of the game out is just a bunch of molarki.

So, as a Hawk fan, ask yourself if strong physical checking is even a small part of the current or future game plan of this team.

If not, we have seen the best of this franchise for a long time to come.

I’m sorry, but anyone who thinks a team built around Schmaltz, DeBrincat, Hinostroza, Oesterle and a bunch of has beens and never gonna bes is truly one worth banking on, I want what you are smoking.

When you see the SC finals this year, use either team’s play as the measuring stick for how large the gap to fill is for the Hawks to compete at that level. Then honestly ask yourself if you really think McEgo and Stan Potato Chip Bowman are going to truly turn this around any time soon.
savvyone-1
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: I'm singing the Blues!, IL
Joined: 03.04.2011

Apr 17 @ 7:02 AM ET
Then honestly ask yourself if you really think McEgo and Stan Potato Chip Bowman are going to truly turn this around any time soon.
- Return of the Roar


Now you're getting to what's really important!
I remember Stan with the bag of Chips.
Look, Stan has lots of decisions to make, can't be bothered with the Blackhawks roster.

Let's see:
>Regular or Kettle-Cooked?
>Regular or Low-Salt?
>Plain or Wavy/Crinkle Cut?
>Plain or Flavored? If flavored, which one?
>Non-GMO or GMO?
>Regular or Family-Sized?
>Brand name or Store Brand?
>Dip or no Dip?

I'm doubting Stan can pull it off before the draft.
And we don't know if he's a double-dipper either (can't you just see Stan here?):
Goalie-33
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.01.2017

Apr 17 @ 8:50 AM ET
Watched Panarin still nothing special in the playoffs, is kept to the perimeter a lot, goal was soft, has made some nice passes though on the power play, defense still suspect
- BetweenTheDots


YOU HAVE ZERO CLUE!!!

Bread Man has been great on a team with very little around him

STAY HOT!!!
Goalie-33
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.01.2017

Apr 17 @ 8:52 AM ET
And for those who cried when Hartman got booted to Nashville

24 games & 7 points & a "-6"

Hartman will NEVER be better than a 4th liner

Only good move Bowman made
Z3Hawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 05.04.2017

Apr 17 @ 9:19 AM ET
Can someone explain the Haula/Kopitar hit?

I watched, it looked like an instinctive reaction by Haula. I couldn't see him trying to butt end Kopitar. The amount of pain and anguish from LA is epic.

The thing is it looks like Haula hits the right side of Kopitar's face when he is trying to get up with Kopitar on his back, yet Kopitar is seen holding the left side of his face on the bench.

Can someone tell me if they see this differently?

(frank) the Kings btw.

- kwolf68


With a jaw hit the entire jaw can be involved so not unusual for the opposite side of jaw from the hit to be injured. Thought that Haula made a purposeful move as well.
Page: Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16  Next