entire central in action tonight with blues vs aves...most likely have to win just to not lose ground

>>How often do we see Jonathan Toews, Keith or Brandon Saad lay down to block a slapshot, or hit someone on the forecheck to get a turnover instead of a stick check or skating away?<<<

you don't want toews blocking shots...i don't think he blocked many shots during their winning years, keith has never been a shot blocker

>>The ‘Hawks are negative-66 on giveaways/takeaways so far this year. If the team becomes more relentless on the puck, this stat will change and wins will come.<<

that is a bad stat which does explain poor checking and puck pursuit as well as lousy puck protection when they do have it...how in the hell are they near the top in off zone posession time?
- bogiedoc

Patrick Kane. His line has shifts with nearly 60 seconds of zone time almost every game. Toews line has good possession numbers as well, they just can't find the twine.

Who is wearing #2 tonight?

that place is half empty...

Purrrrr!!!!!

that place is half empty...
- bogiedoc

As much as it's a Hawks fans' duty to despise Detroilet this is sad to see. Brand new arena too. Can it still be called Hockey Town?

Great start.

good start...nice goal with toews in front

good start...nice goal with toews in front
- bogiedoc

DUKE AND THE CAT!!!

nothing like having howard in net to cure what ails you

good start...nice goal with toews in front
- bogiedoc

What was he doing? Trying to block the shot probably!

good start...nice goal with toews in front
- bogiedoc

Noticed that he has been spending much more time in front of the net trying to be part of the offense since that line was assembled last game.

turnover and bingo...

turnover and bingo...
- bogiedoc

Vinnie played well last night too. SNIPE!!

Hinostroza picked his spot nicely on that one.

Hinostroza picked his spot nicely on that one.
- breadbag

Duclair 3 points already. Forsberg big save on Tatar.

funny how that works...3-0...goalie change and they immediately get some high quality chances

Duclair 3 points already. Forsberg big save on Tatar.
- EnzoD

Kind of nice that Stan traded Panik for a guy with actual top 6 caliber skill. Panik could finish some chances (until November of this season) but Duclair seems to make things happen.

Cue the playoff push

Cue the playoff push
- Slofire94

Just wait until the Wings take the lead in the 2nd.

Two bad teams dancing tonight

Kind of nice that Stan traded Panik for a guy with actual top 6 caliber skill. Panik could finish some chances (until November of this season) but Duclair seems to make things happen.
- breadbag

Add Duclair to Stan's list of solid moves. Morin for Duclair, essentially.

Kind of nice that Stan traded Panik for a guy with actual top 6 caliber skill. Panik could finish some chances (until November of this season) but Duclair seems to make things happen.
- breadbag

Kid is 22. If he ever finds consistency and some semblance of a 2 way game with his speed and hands this just might end up one of StanBow's better gets. And he ain't small.

Just wait until the Wings take the lead in the 2nd.
- breadbag

3 straight turnovers by Toews on the same shift that almost lead to a goal.
He's killing this team. ...sad to continue say.....and Saad not much better.
Thank God the kids are flying. ...

Musings -

Beginning of season whom would get more goals, DeBrincat or former hopeful star high draft TT? Earlier this year TT had a hot streak. He had the hard working J Staahl and Aho as linemates. Aho looks like a top scorer just blooming but alas is now injured. Meanwhile DeBrincat has not really developed as quickly as it looked like he might. But he has managed to withstand the rigors of a league of giants compared to his frail frame. Tonight both have tallied, DeBrincat #15 and TT #12. Who will finish with more goals?

Keep an eye on * Jurco *♡. Could he supplant someone on the fourth line? Has played well upon recall. Was very effective on pk in Rockford. His speed helps him stay with top offensive players on pk. And if Hayden returns then two thirds a new fourth line POSSIBILITIES trade deadline deals. Why not check into a defense upgrade, one of our dmen plus a fourth line player going to the trade partner. Just a thought