Forcing things outside isn't unique to defending the Hawks. That's how you defend everyone. That said, the Hawks lack of net presence is pretty pronounced. The team can make some pretty plays, but not always the productive ones.

That said, I wouldn't go crazy over a 2nd loss in 12 games where the Hawks controlled play most of the night. Regroup and move on.
- kwolf68

You can look at the negatives like the fact that the Ducks were running around like a typical Goon-Squad does against the Hawks and physically punished them. You can look at the fact that maybe the Hawks didn't get enough net front presence. OR, you look at the fact that the Hawks absolutely dominated puck possession, shot attempts, and if not for Jonathan Bernier's best game of his career...they probably win that game by 3 goals.

The Hawks had won 13 of 14 before last night. Sometimes the puck luck goes the other way. I think that the Ducks, Kings, Oilers and anyone else who take the "No Human can Withstand that amount of punishment" approach should take a lookin the not to distant history books. See 2013 + 2015 to see how that turned out for teams that tried to bully the Hawks to win a series. They can take runs at the Hawks all day in the playoffs and the Hawks will continue to be the better hockey team and dominate the puck. Nobody can expect their goalie to play as exceptionally well as Bernier played last night for an entire series. At least 5 POINT BLANK A+ quality saves for Bernier and a ton of rubber overall.

I love the the way the Hawks are playing right now, and I think once Oduya-Hammer get comfortable playing with each other again, the Hawks are the team I'd put my money on to come out of the West.

Jimmy Howard back in goal tonight.

http://scores.nbcsports.c.../preview.asp?g=2017031005

Boudreau on Wild slump and road trip.

http://nhl.nbcsports.com/...way-the-wild-are-playing/

You can look at the negatives like the fact that the Ducks were running around like a typical Goon-Squad does against the Hawks and physically punished them. You can look at the fact that maybe the Hawks didn't get enough net front presence. OR, you look at the fact that the Hawks absolutely dominated puck possession, shot attempts, and if not for Jonathan Bernier's best game of his career...they probably win that game by 3 goals.

The Hawks had won 13 of 14 before last night. Sometimes the puck luck goes the other way. I think that the Ducks, Kings, Oilers and anyone else who take the "No Human can Withstand that amount of punishment" approach should take a lookin the not to distant history books. See 2013 + 2015 to see how that turned out for teams that tried to bully the Hawks to win a series. They can take runs at the Hawks all day in the playoffs and the Hawks will continue to be the better hockey team and dominate the puck. Nobody can expect their goalie to play as exceptionally well as Bernier played last night for an entire series. At least 5 POINT BLANK A+ quality saves for Bernier and a ton of rubber overall.

I love the the way the Hawks are playing right now, and I think once Oduya-Hammer get comfortable playing with each other again, the Hawks are the team I'd put my money on to come out of the West.
- EnzoD

Someone's in a good mood today

You forgot Vermette too thats 4 quality center men.
- dirt4949

At his point in his career, Vermette is good at faceoffs. I wouldn't call him a 'quality' center.

You can look at the negatives like the fact that the Ducks were running around like a typical Goon-Squad does against the Hawks and physically punished them. You can look at the fact that maybe the Hawks didn't get enough net front presence. OR, you look at the fact that the Hawks absolutely dominated puck possession, shot attempts, and if not for Jonathan Bernier's best game of his career...they probably win that game by 3 goals.

The Hawks had won 13 of 14 before last night. Sometimes the puck luck goes the other way. I think that the Ducks, Kings, Oilers and anyone else who take the "No Human can Withstand that amount of punishment" approach should take a lookin the not to distant history books. See 2013 + 2015 to see how that turned out for teams that tried to bully the Hawks to win a series. They can take runs at the Hawks all day in the playoffs and the Hawks will continue to be the better hockey team and dominate the puck. Nobody can expect their goalie to play as exceptionally well as Bernier played last night for an entire series. At least 5 POINT BLANK A+ quality saves for Bernier and a ton of rubber overall.

I love the the way the Hawks are playing right now, and I think once Oduya-Hammer get comfortable playing with each other again, the Hawks are the team I'd put my money on to come out of the West.
- EnzoD

To further your point, the Hawks normally get a lot more aggressive in the slot and around the net in the playoffs. Again, listening to the west coast feed, the announcers actually made a good point. They basically said the Hawks are content to just get into the playoffs - somewhere in the top 8 of the conference. Once in, they become dialed in and are a different team to handle. Like you alluded to, I think it comes down to depth. To my eye (as bloodshot as it is), they look to have better depth than last year - especially defensively.

Someone's in a good mood today
- BlazinMike

81 and 19 have had less than consistent results unless except for when paired with Saad. So I would leave Schmaltz and Panik in so they can continue to build chemistry.

14 had a good game - was engaged, physical, showed some more puck handling whiz-bang... Good effort from Schmaltz too but he couldn't find the space to handle the way he wants...

Crawford... overall an excellent game but a little bummed about the goal - big momentum shift to give that one up.

Forgot if you mentioned this JJ but both this loss and the Edmonton loss came after extended breaks... Both times significantly outshot the opponent with little to show. Maybe Q just need to give them less time off so they can work on their shots.

To further your point, the Hawks normally get a lot more aggressive in the slot and around the net in the playoffs. Again, listening to the west coast feed, the announcers actually made a good point. They basically said the Hawks are content to just get into the playoffs - somewhere in the top 8 of the conference. Once in, they become dialed in and are a different team to handle. Like you alluded to, I think it comes down to depth. To my eye (as bloodshot as it is), they look to have better depth than last year - especially defensively.
- Chunk

The depth on the blueline might be better than they've ever had. Now, The Big Three are all 30 as opposed to in their 20s like in previous Cup Runs. But, Michal Kempny would have been the 5D last year AND in 2015 and he can't even get into the lineup. Jurco continues to show offensive flashes and I think once he gets comfortable that 3rd line of Jurco-Kero-Hossa can provide some depth scoring. Richard Panik is an absolute thorn in the side of the opponent and his confidence with the puck on his stick continues to improve. Early in the year it often was like a hand grenade on his blade, but he continues to pull off both skill and power moves on a nightly basis.

I'd like to see more from 15 and 72 but that line is still a threat on nearly every shift because the best playmaker in the NHL is on that line, Patty Kane. Wouldve been huge for Crow to make that save on Perry as there was no screen and he got a clean look at it the whole way. But that Jag-Bag knows how to find the hole and has scored a lot of goals in his DirtBag NHL career. So it goes, cant with them all and I think the Ducks are a 1st round out this year.

The depth on the blueline might be better than they've ever had. Now, The Big Three are all 30 as opposed to in their 20s like in previous Cup Runs. But, Michal Kempny would have been the 5D last year AND in 2015 and he can't even get into the lineup. Jurco continues to show offensive flashes and I think once he gets comfortable that 3rd line of Jurco-Kero-Hossa can provide some depth scoring. Richard Panik is an absolute thorn in the side of the opponent and his confidence with the puck on his stick continues to improve. Early in the year it often was like a hand grenade on his blade, but he continues to pull off both skill and power moves on a nightly basis.

I'd like to see more from 15 and 72 but that line is still a threat on nearly every shift because the best playmaker in the NHL is on that line, Patty Kane. Would've been huge for Crow to make that save on Perry as there was no screen and he got a clean look at it the whole way. But that Jag-Bag knows how to find the hole and has scored a lot of goals in his DirtBag NHL career. So it goes, cant with them all and I think the Ducks are a 1st round out this year.
- EnzoD

Really tough chance for CC. Scumbag was skating to the right through the slot and shot back to the left. Probably no goalie alive makes that stop. Only chance would be go back to an earlier era and be outside the crease to cut the angle, and hope it hits you.

Really tough chance for CC. Scumbag was skating to the right through the slot and shot back to the left. Probably no goalie alive makes that stop. Only chance would be go back to an earlier era and be outside the crease to cut the angle, and hope it hits you.
- scottak

I agree it was a tough chance for 50. One thing we can all agree on, though, is that Perry is a scumbag. Always good to find common ground ....

Really tough chance for CC. Scumbag was skating to the right through the slot and shot back to the left. Probably no goalie alive makes that stop. Only chance would be go back to an earlier era and be outside the crease to cut the angle, and hope it hits you.
- scottak

There also was a nice pick on JO to clear him from the lane where Perry shot it. Refs need to make the tough calls at the tough times, or they shouldn't be out there.

Really tough chance for CC. Scumbag was skating to the right through the slot and shot back to the left. Probably no goalie alive makes that stop. Only chance would be go back to an earlier era and be outside the crease to cut the angle, and hope it hits you.
- scottak

Its a good shot and it would've been a great save, I agree. Was a bit bothered by the fact that Olycyk defended Perry's cross check DIRECTLY to the #s on Oduya. Oduya moved the puck and turned at least 2 strides before Perry delivered that dirty and dangerous hit from behind. Olcyk should put his coaching hat on and tell kids watching to NEVER hit a guy in that position. I did not like that hit on Johnny O whatsoever.

There also was a nice pick on JO to clear him from the lane where Perry shot it. Refs need to make the tough calls at the tough times, or they shouldn't be out there.
- powerenforcer

Officiating was brutal last night. Schmaltz has the puck on his stick, gets a cross check/butt end DIRECTLY to the mouth and is bleeding, no call. Why? Bc the Parity Zebras didnt want to put the Ducks at a 5 v 3 disadvantage. The Refs try to keep the game even instead of calling penalties when they see them, its awful.

- Quicky72

Correct.

I am a big fan of the intensity of the games of late, it should help some of the young guys start to understand how their game needs to step up come the playoff season. This is something many of the vets already know, but realizing with less time and space, one bad decision can impact the end result of the game because you tried to stickhandle in the neutral zone vs dump and change.

I'll take shots and possession with this group every night over hits and GAA's, regardless of the end score.

1st place would be great, but no matter what seed you get there are going to be some crazy round 1 matchups through the league.

Here's to another solid outing vs the Wangs and for a MIN loss heading into Sunday's matchup.

Players with "bite" are going to get a penalty from time to time. The 5 Panik got for fighting were more than offset by Getzlaf getting 5 plus the 2 minute instigator plus 10 minute misconduct. Plus did you notice that Panik, who was a black belt judo champion in Slovakia, did a judo move on Getzlaf's arm to leverage him down to the ice at the end of the fight, even though Panik's jersey was over his head. Loved it!

You can look at the negatives like the fact that the Ducks were running around like a typical Goon-Squad does against the Hawks and physically punished them. You can look at the fact that maybe the Hawks didn't get enough net front presence. OR, you look at the fact that the Hawks absolutely dominated puck possession, shot attempts, and if not for Jonathan Bernier's best game of his career...they probably win that game by 3 goals.

The Hawks had won 13 of 14 before last night. Sometimes the puck luck goes the other way. I think that the Ducks, Kings, Oilers and anyone else who take the "No Human can Withstand that amount of punishment" approach should take a lookin the not to distant history books. See 2013 + 2015 to see how that turned out for teams that tried to bully the Hawks to win a series. They can take runs at the Hawks all day in the playoffs and the Hawks will continue to be the better hockey team and dominate the puck. Nobody can expect their goalie to play as exceptionally well as Bernier played last night for an entire series. At least 5 POINT BLANK A+ quality saves for Bernier and a ton of rubber overall.

I love the the way the Hawks are playing right now, and I think once Oduya-Hammer get comfortable playing with each other again, the Hawks are the team I'd put my money on to come out of the West.
- EnzoD

Bernier will be wearing a baseball cap during the playoffs or as soon as Gibson is healthy. You are correct, the greatest game of that stiff's career.

I think they took the "just shoot the puck" mantra to the extreme last night. I wonder how many shots were actually good scoring opportunities? How many shots didn't even come close to being on net too? Was a frustrating game to watch.

Players with "bite" are going to get a penalty from time to time. The 5 Panik got for fighting were more than offset by Getzlaf getting 5 plus the 2 minute instigator plus 10 minute misconduct. Plus did you notice that Panik, who was a black belt judo champion in Slovakia, did a judo move on Getzlaf's arm to leverage him down to the ice at the end of the fight, even though Panik's jersey was over his head. Loved it!
- BMWChiFan

Panik didnt even drop the gloves, Getzlaf threw the first punch, and Richard tossed him to the ice like it was nothing. Getzlaf is 6'4" 220lbs and Panik tossed him around like he was 175lbs. What an hidden gem Richard has turned out to be. I love his game.

Panik didnt even drop the gloves, Getzlaf threw the first punch, and Richard tossed him to the ice like it was nothing. Getzlaf is 6'4" 220lbs and Panik tossed him around like he was 175lbs. What an hidden gem Richard has turned out to be. I love his game.
- EnzoD

Not to take anything away from Panik, but sitting right there, both guys soft as puppy crap, getzlaf had Panik down quickly, Hawks need to address that especially in your own building ! Lovvvvve to have a kid like Josh Manson in our line up. Just like his Dad! Seabrooke??? Have another cheeseburger Brent! Panik is fine in his role, the other crap is not his game!

Its a good shot and it would've been a great save, I agree. Was a bit bothered by the fact that Olycyk defended Perry's cross check DIRECTLY to the #s on Oduya. Oduya moved the puck and turned at least 2 strides before Perry delivered that dirty and dangerous hit from behind. Olcyk should put his coaching hat on and tell kids watching to NEVER hit a guy in that position. I did not like that hit on Johnny O whatsoever.
- EnzoD

Agree. Thought your namesake was way off base about that hit. I try to listen to the other team's announcers whenever possible. Can't stand the birthday wishes, pointless banter, and Foley's "tree tirty tree" stupidity every game followed by Olycyk's obligatory fake chuckle/laugh. Ugh!

Panik didnt even drop the gloves, Getzlaf threw the first punch, and Richard tossed him to the ice like it was nothing. Getzlaf is 6'4" 220lbs and Panik tossed him around like he was 175lbs. What an hidden gem Richard has turned out to be. I love his game.
- EnzoD

Getzlaf also cross checked Panik twice to the lower back just off the Duck crease, then speared Panik as they headed up the ice just before he started really cheap shotting Panik.
Nice judo move by Panik to end it. Getzlaf was either going to the ice or losing use of his arm for several months.

Panik didnt even drop the gloves, Getzlaf threw the first punch, and Richard tossed him to the ice like it was nothing. Getzlaf is 6'4" 220lbs and Panik tossed him around like he was 175lbs. What an hidden gem Richard has turned out to be. I love his game.
- EnzoD

It is looking like between him and Hartman, we have two "Shaw-like" players that can really infuriate other players without necessarily ramming guys into the boards. Oh yeah, they can also produce some points.

Anyone have any info on the goalie tonight? Any shot Glass gets in? Not really pining for it, but it would be interesting to see how he does.

Not to take anything away from Panik, but sitting right there, both guys soft as puppy crap, getzlaf had Panik down quickly, Hawks need to address that especially in your own building ! Lovvvvve to have a kid like Josh Manson in our line up. Just like his Dad! Seabrooke??? Have another cheeseburger Brent! Panik is fine in his role, the other crap is not his game!
- wonthecup10

I loved Dave Manson and would love to have Josh too. But you are wrong about Panik being soft. He is fearless, and when he gets that deranged smile on his face during dust-ups, he reminds me of Jack Nicholson in The Shining.