They didn't score tonight but they factored in both goals against Montreal last game - Strome and DeBrincat got assists on Murphy's goal and DeBrincat picked up a second assist on Perlini's goal so I don;t you can say they've gone cold.
- EbonyRaptor

Last 11 games, Adb-11 pts (4 were goals) and Strome-8 pts (1 goal.) So yes, that's not cold. What I was more implying was they had a longer hot streak when playing with Kahun. Perlini has been hot, but he's been the sole beneficiary of those two when it comes to goal scoring. Also, they were 2 of 4 pt producers, and I was saying that they weren't going to keep producing like they were.

Cat had his looks, couldn’t finish. That’s how it goes when you rely on 3 guys to score most nights...
- EnzoD

That's what I was trying to say. One of my points.

Hate to admit it, but the Nucks deserved their two points. They were in the Hawks' faces all night long. Sometimes you have to tip your cap. It just came at a rotten time for us. Most hockey teams don't quit. The greatest of all sports.
- gabriel

Van was physical the first two periods, and that gave the hawks fits. 4 shots in the second frame. That's not good at all.

Last 11 games, Adb-11 pts (4 were goals) and Strome-8 pts (1 goal.) So yes, that's not cold. What I was more implying was they had a longer hot streak when playing with Kahun. Perlini has been hot, but he's been the sole beneficiary of those two when it comes to goal scoring. Also, they were 2 of 4 pt producers, and I was saying that they weren't going to keep producing like they were.
- I Am The Breadman

Ah gotcha.

I like what Gus brings to the team, yes he needs to improve his defense but he brings an offensive punch on the blue line that the team lacks.

What time of terms would be acceptable in Gus’ next contract to keep him?
- DarthKane

Given what they have in the pipeline with Jokiharju and Boquist, Plus what Debrincat and Strome will sign for...not sure allocating $6mil for Gustafson makes sense when protecting the crease is their biggest issue. Name one 50+ point Defenseman making under $6mil? If you can get him for $3mil, sure. Time will tell, but it’s a nice “problem” to have with a Euro UFA who is having a career year.

Ah gotcha.
- EbonyRaptor

Sorry, clearly stating what I mean is a problem for me.

Given what they have in the pipeline with Jokiharju and Boquist, Plus what Debrincat and Strome will sign for...not sure allocating $6mil for Gustafson makes sense when protecting the crease is their biggest issue. Name one 50+ point Defenseman making under $6mil? If you can get him for $3mil, sure. Time will tell, but it’s a nice “problem” to have with a Euro UFA who is having a career year.
- EnzoD

I wouldn’t sign him to a big money deal yet, especially with his defensive deficiencies.

That being said, if the team feels they’re unlikely to sign Gus do they look to trade him at the draft? Or do they hang on for another season and take their chances that he plays well again and can be moved at the deadline?

Van was physical the first two periods, and that gave the hawks fits. 4 shots in the second frame. That's not good at all.
- I Am The Breadman

I know we all wants a win, but getting a point out of a game the Hawks had no business winning? If they have to lose at least they get a point. Now they can win out the season.

I know we all wants a win, but getting a point out of a game the Hawks had no business winning? If they have to lose at least they get a point. Now they can win out the season.
- DarthKane

I'm happy with the point, tied with Col for now, and I'm not doom and gloom. Most of the game was bad, especially period 2, but Crow was the star for me, and the third period was full of push back. Great for the core and young guys who are wanting new contracts. These final ten games should be fought tooth and nail.

I wouldn’t sign him to a big money deal yet, especially with his defensive deficiencies.

That being said, if the team feels they’re unlikely to sign Gus do they look to trade him at the draft? Or do they hang on for another season and take their chances that he plays well again and can be moved at the deadline?
- DarthKane

I truly believe that Jokiharju can run the Powerplay just as effectively as Gustafson. Boquist can probably be the best of the bunch in that role once he makes the team. I’m really high on Jokiharju and then you have Boquist who might force Collitin and Stan to give him the 9 game tryout next fall.

The game tonight reminded me of an AHL or NCAA game. Ridiculous amount of turnovers and fumbled passes. Too many teams in the NHL. Product watered down

I truly believe that Jokiharju can run the Powerplay just as effectively as Gustafson. Boquist can probably be the best of the bunch in that role once he makes the team. I’m really high on Jokiharju and then you have Boquist who might force Collitin and Stan to give him the 9 game tryout next fall.
- EnzoD

No tryout. He has to learn and hone the art of playing defense just where he is. Rushing him is not prudent and certainly counter productive for his success and the team success as well. Beaudin is interesting to see how far along. The AHL guys have professional experience so Carlsson and maybe others are closest. Mitchell coukd be fast tracker if he signs.

I truly believe that Jokiharju can run the Powerplay just as effectively as Gustafson. Boquist can probably be the best of the bunch in that role once he makes the team. I’m really high on Jokiharju and then you have Boquist who might force Collitin and Stan to give him the 9 game tryout next fall.
- EnzoD

What has Jokiharju done that makes you so certain he can run a powerplay as effectively as Gus? Maybe one day he can but I have seen nothing so far that would indicate that. Hopefully he can because for all his offensive prowess Gus is a disaster in other aspects of the game which we have all discussed a million times. And right now Boqvist isn't much better defensively than Gus. Another season in London will hopefully see Boqvist improve his defense and other parts of his game so he's ready for the Hawks the following year.

Hawks have gotten 3 of possible 4 points when they had no business getting one. Not sure if that’s good or bad, guess we find out soon enough.

What has Jokiharju done that makes you so certain he can run a powerplay as effectively as Gus? Maybe one day he can but I have seen nothing so far that would indicate that. Hopefully he can because for all his offensive prowess Gus is a disaster in other aspects of the game which we have all discussed a million times. And right now Boqvist isn't much better defensively than Gus. Another season in London will hopefully see Boqvist improve his defense and other parts of his game so he's ready for the Hawks the following year.
- paulr

No better example of how bad defensively Gus is than the play with Tanner Pearson at center ice on the boards that became a 2 on 1. Cro saved Gus's butt and then they tied it up later.

But every NHL team needs 1 or more Dmen who can make the good outlet pass to the forwards and then move up the ice in support on offence. Gone are the Don Cherry days of firing the puck off the glass waist high and hoping a forward can corral it.

So Gus fits and helps until somebody better comes along and is physically ready for the NHL grind. Featherweights coming out of junior hockey at 19 don't help NHL teams win.

No better example of how bad defensively Gus is than the play with Tanner Pearson at center ice on the boards that became a 2 on 1. Cro saved Gus's butt and then they tied it up later.

But every NHL team needs 1 or more Dmen who can make the good outlet pass to the forwards and then move up the ice in support on offence. Gone are the Don Cherry days of firing the puck off the glass waist high and hoping a forward can corral it.

So Gus fits and helps until somebody better comes along and is physically ready for the NHL grind. Featherweights coming out of junior hockey at 19 don't help NHL teams win.
- RickJ

I agree that all defensemen need to be able to move the puck out of their zone in a controlled way, be it a pass or carrying it out. Keith was one of the best and if it could be done I would like to see Joki and Boqvist taught to play like Keith defensively. Keith's defensive game game was/is positioning, understanding where his stick needs to be, exceptional anticipation but he also would fearlessly be first one into the corner to retrieve a loose puck and was willing to take a hit to make a play. Gus has no interest at all in taking a hit, he's almost as bad at Schmaltz at bailing on the play. I hope neither Joki or Boqvist emulate that.

The game tonight reminded me of an AHL or NCAA game. Ridiculous amount of turnovers and fumbled passes. Too many teams in the NHL. Product watered down
- just69sayin

Turnovers and fumbled passes, in large part attributable to Van's stiff forechecking and speed. We dressed 4 guys (count 'em) who are slow by any measureable standard. And, nobody to insert in their place. Speed still kills in this league, and the Canucks proved their point last night.

The game tonight reminded me of an AHL or NCAA game. Ridiculous amount of turnovers and fumbled passes. Too many teams in the NHL. Product watered down
- just69sayin

Welcome to the new and improved NHL. Bettman is beaming, somewhere.

So what's the play? We want the Avs to beat Minny tonight and hope the Hawks beat the Avs in back to back games?

Did you guys expect them to win out?

Yeah - should have won this one - but they came back and picked up a point on the teams they’re chasing.

A not very good outcome - but not a disaster (losing in regulation would have been).

Hawks are not finished.
- StLBravesFan

5 out of possible 6 pts against the 3 Canadian teams? Take it gladly!

really need caggulia back. If it was you who would you sit? Right now I would do kruger? a week ago it would have been Sikura. But he has looked better. kind of hard for me to decide who out of forsling, Koek, or Dahlstrom.

wish we would have moved hayden at the deadline.

we are really rolling 4 lines. no need to double shift kane at this point. Also how is keith such a bad passer and shooter at this point. it should be his speed and agility and endurance that should be the issue.

really need caggulia back. If it was you who would you sit? Right now I would do kruger? a week ago it would have been Sikura. But he has looked better. kind of hard for me to decide who out of forsling, Koek, or Dahlstrom.

wish we would have moved hayden at the deadline.

we are really rolling 4 lines. no need to double shift kane at this point. Also how is keith such a bad passer and shooter at this point. it should be his speed and agility and endurance that should be the issue.
- kmw4631

I like Koek.

So what's the play? We want the Avs to beat Minny tonight and hope the Hawks beat the Avs in back to back games?
- SoftServe

One tough call there. To beat Col back to back seems to be a stretch. Could happen, but wouldn't place a dime on that bet.

Turnovers and fumbled passes, in large part attributable to Van's stiff forechecking and speed. We dressed 4 guys (count 'em) who are slow by any measureable standard. And, nobody to insert in their place. Speed still kills in this league, and the Canucks proved their point last night.
- gabriel

Mhmm. And in OT it looked like Toews kind of dogged it back. Kane's guy was up high.

Toews was behind his man the entire play and into the net it went. I don't buy the tired excuse. These guys are pro athletes. Took the foot off the gas for a few seconds and that ended it.

The bad turnovers in the Hawk's own zone continue to baffle me. Bad turnovers with little pressure. Teams are taking away the ring around. It leads to so many turnovers. Might be time to start moving the puck up the middle of the ice (something the Hawks used to do very very well).

really need caggulia back. If it was you who would you sit? Right now I would do kruger? a week ago it would have been Sikura. But he has looked better. kind of hard for me to decide who out of forsling, Koek, or Dahlstrom.

wish we would have moved hayden at the deadline.

we are really rolling 4 lines. no need to double shift kane at this point. Also how is keith such a bad passer and shooter at this point. it should be his speed and agility and endurance that should be the issue.
- kmw4631

Probably would dress Sikura and Koek. Kruger needs a breather in the press box.