Zach Smith is having a bad game, even compared to Zach Smith

Sikura still can't finish.

Zach Smith is having a bad game, even compared to Zach Smith
- LAHawk

Eh, his wife just had a baby, he's been on dad duty--probably exhausted.

I think you're right. Lehner plays it up more. Of course he just naturally blocks more net given his size. Short side goals just really bug me. I'd rather see a guy over play the short side ever so slightly. If somebody picks the far post on me, especially top corner, I figure they earned it and chalk it up to a good/great/seeing eye shot
- BobP.

He just almost gave up another one.

Sikura can’t get the puck out 2 feet from the blue line led to that chance

It started even worse: https://twitter.com/ARmas.../1214008413706952712?s=20
- pdx2ord

I need the unedited version. That’s classic, but him being a celeb as well, makes me doubt his sincerity. All of them run in the same pack.

NBA superstar non call there

PE - no call on Kane’s trip.

No anti-Hawk conspiracy - The refs screw it up on both sides.

He just almost gave up another one.
- StLBravesFan

Yep. I really just don't like the way Cory plays those. Definitely a weakness in his game I think. And yes, overall he was great from '13 thru '17

PE - no call on Kane’s trip.

No anti-Hawk conspiracy - The refs screw it up on both sides.
- StLBravesFan

Doesn’t fit his narrative.

Yep. I really just don't like the way Cory plays those. Definitely a weakness in his game I think. And yes, overall he was great from '13 thru '17
- BobP.

Haven’t looked up the stats, but it seems that he lets a lot of goals in early - like two tonite - and usually plays well after that.

Haven’t looked up the stats, but it seems that he lets a lot of goals in early - like two tonite - and usually plays well after that.
- StLBravesFan

At least this year, he's had pretty regular slow starts and then seems to dial-in as you say.

Can only imagine a tale of two locker rooms at the first break:

Hawks: Wake the F up! If you cannot beat this team, you have no business even talking about the playoffs.

Red Wings: What the hell are you guys doing? We need that #1 pick!

[quote=pdx2ord]Even one would be nice. It's criminal considering how many years he's paid his dues with less-talented line mates (the Toews/Sharpy and Panarin years being the exceptions). Guy spends every summer trying to get better (and does), then you shackle him to two anvils

Kane is a true professional... His passes are so frightening good.

At least this year, he's had pretty regular slow starts and then seems to dial-in as you say.
- pdx2ord

Maybe he should not have a five game lay-off.

Maybe he should not have a five game lay-off.
- Angotti

Probably not good, for sure

However, it was happening even when they were going 1-and-1 between the two.

Maybe he should not have a five game lay-off.
- Angotti

That’s what happens when you are clearly the 2nd best goalie on an NHL team

That’s what happens when you are clearly the 2nd best goalie on an NHL team
- EnzoD

Clearly is up for discussion. Only 21 SA’s tonight, I wonder if rebound control had anything to do with that.....

Clearly is up for discussion. Only 21 SA’s tonight, I wonder if rebound control had anything to do with that.....
- Angotti

Numbers don’t lie for goalies...


Crawford .905
Lehner .922

Useful with a young team and vets too in their own heads sometimes:

@BenPopeCST
Colliton helped calm Hawks down at 1st Intermission.

Strome: "There was [desperation] by the players, and coach kept us calm. He came in and said, 'We're playing good.' He thought we were doing the right things and the bounces were going to go our way."

From the horse's mouth:

@BenPopeCST

Corey Crawford saved 19 of 21 tonight in his first start since Dec. 23 and first win since Dec. 6.

"I didn't really feel that great at that start. Got in between on plays sometimes, just little details [that] come easier when you're playing. Trying to get better as I go here."

His comments in the interviews before the game just seem like he's lost confidence. Definitely shows a positive attitude in the games, but this current situation does seem to have him down on himself.

Numbers don’t lie for goalies...


Crawford .905
Lehner .922
- EnzoD

He’s played five more games, let’s see what happens after these next few games while Lehner is on the shelf. By the way rebound control, or non rebound control will add to SOG’s. Save percentage could be misleading, timing of saves or non saves are huge. Lehner has given up 5 shorties, those are deflating to a team.

He’s played five more games, let’s see what happens after these next few games while Lehner is on the shelf. By the way rebound control, or non rebound control will add to SOG’s. Save percentage could be misleading, timing of saves or non saves are huge. Lehner has given up 5 shorties, those are deflating to a team.
- Angotti

Laakinen could/should get in one game if there is a five- ten game time frame Lehner is out

Situation at hand could be some team will make a fair offer for Crawford. Then who knows if Crawford goes and or Bowman pulls the cord. I realize that Bowman has to consider whether the team will be in the track meet for the final playoff spot sans Crawford.

Laakinen is an easy choice to be here next season behind Lehner but this season it would appear unfair to lean solely upon Lehner and hope Laakinen can perform adequately in the few games his number is called as relief. After all goaltending is a huge component of their success

We might have a better picture on playoff aspiration come the trading deadline but if this is still up in the air, even a nice return for Crawford should be vetoed

I would love to get a couple of #2 2020 if Gus and Crawford are moved.

I do not want players for them because they are not likely long term roster adds. I also disdain average type prospects. Deep draft 2020 so the best players for Gus and or Crawford are those with highest ceilng. That IMHO is #2 round 2020

*NEW* blog up: http://bit.ly/35lJJew

Hawks play down to Detroit but squeak out a win.

From the horse's mouth:

@BenPopeCST

Corey Crawford saved 19 of 21 tonight in his first start since Dec. 23 and first win since Dec. 6.

"I didn't really feel that great at that start. Got in between on plays sometimes, just little details
- pdx2ord[that] come easier when you're playing. Trying to get better as I go here."

His comments in the interviews before the game just seem like he's lost confidence. Definitely shows a positive attitude in the games, but this current situation does seem to have him down on himself.

To me i give credit to Zadina for making a perfect shot, my only complaint is no defensive pressure on him, and the deflection was a really nice play by the kid while getting cross checked. CC says the right things but imho it was more on the players in front of him