“Playing for our lives and playing for contracts”, really, how about playing to win. Good riddance!

Guys...we beat one of the best teams in the league last night for the first time in their building (during the regular season) since 2009! And it was the first time this year that Tampa has lost a game when leading going into the 3rd. You know what this means....

PLAYOFF TALK IS BACK BABY!!!



But in all seriousness, the Hawks looked a lot better out there. Like you could see that without the pressure of having to play well...they played well and had fun. Could be the youth showing through, but hopefully they can learn from it and grow to be better prepared for next year.

I watched the post game show and even JC looked MUCH looser and open than I think I've ever seen him before which was a nice change. It was good to see him make some smart moves for a change like our fearless leader suggested in his last blog.

Curious if anyone else thinks that Crow maybe had a fire lit under his a$$ with Lehner being brought in. Like he felt slighted that they felt he couldn't be THE guy for them (though completely rightfully so). If Crow can stay healthy I'm starting to warm back up to the idea of him signing for another year to help lead the charge. As much as he may want a multi year deal with his health history I'd be VERY hard to justify even a two year deal IMO. One year 3M to throw the Hawks a bone for what they've done for him would be extremely helpful going into next year

Guys...we beat one of the best teams in the league last night for the first time in their building (during the regular season) since 2009! And it was the first time this year that Tampa has lost a game when leading going into the 3rd. You know what this means....

PLAYOFF TALK IS BACK BABY!!!



But in all seriousness, the Hawks looked a lot better out there. Like you could see that without the pressure of having to play well...they played well and had fun. Could be the youth showing through, but hopefully they can learn from it and grow to be better prepared for next year.

I watched the post game show and even JC looked MUCH looser and open than I think I've ever seen him before which was a nice change. It was good to see him make some smart moves for a change like our fearless leader suggested in his last blog.

Curious if anyone else thinks that Crow maybe had a fire lit under his a$$ with Lehner being brought in. Like he felt slighted that they felt he couldn't be THE guy for them (though completely rightfully so). If Crow can stay healthy I'm starting to warm back up to the idea of him signing for another year to help lead the charge. As much as he may want a multi year deal with his health history I'd be VERY hard to justify even a two year deal IMO. One year 3M to throw the Hawks a bone for what they've done for him would be extremely helpful going into next year
- Savetheembers33

They definitely played better in the 3rd, but the 2nd was a crap show. Maybe it was guys getting used to new line mates (again), but they simply need to find a way to be more consistent. I have no illusions about this year, but am hopeful for next year. Even if they do not make any major moves, as long as they can build some consistency (particularly in the D-zone) I think they can be better equipped to get into the PO's.

Crawford (or someone like him, willing to take a shorter cheaper contract) is exactly what this team needs right now. Above average performance on short term.

Guys...we beat one of the best teams in the league last night for the first time in their building (during the regular season) since 2009! And it was the first time this year that Tampa has lost a game when leading going into the 3rd. You know what this means....

PLAYOFF TALK IS BACK BABY!!!



But in all seriousness, the Hawks looked a lot better out there. Like you could see that without the pressure of having to play well...they played well and had fun. Could be the youth showing through, but hopefully they can learn from it and grow to be better prepared for next year.

I watched the post game show and even JC looked MUCH looser and open than I think I've ever seen him before which was a nice change. It was good to see him make some smart moves for a change like our fearless leader suggested in his last blog.

Curious if anyone else thinks that Crow maybe had a fire lit under his a$$ with Lehner being brought in. Like he felt slighted that they felt he couldn't be THE guy for them (though completely rightfully so). If Crow can stay healthy I'm starting to warm back up to the idea of him signing for another year to help lead the charge. As much as he may want a multi year deal with his health history I'd be VERY hard to justify even a two year deal IMO. One year 3M to throw the Hawks a bone for what they've done for him would be extremely helpful going into next year
- Savetheembers33

I really don't think Crow needs anybody to light a fire under his ass. I do think (barring injury of course), that if (and I hope they do) sign Crow for next year, they bring in someone that could play at least 35 games during the regular season to give Crow a rest. Of course less high danger shots during the season would be welcome as well.

I did not notice Carlsson last night, that’s always a good thing for a defenseman.

I did not notice Carlsson last night, that’s always a good thing for a defenseman.
- Angotti

In general yes. He played under 12:00. Probably because 2/3 of the game was special teams.

yup

gotta be careful about mouthing off in the press about this team, or not doing what they want you to do. they'll let you go pretty quickly. See Raanta, Saarela, Perlini, Joker - to name a few
- squishy24

Perlini got launched because he wasn't, and still isn't, very good at hockey.

They definitely played better in the 3rd, but the 2nd was a crap show. Maybe it was guys getting used to new line mates (again), but they simply need to find a way to be more consistent. I have no illusions about this year, but am hopeful for next year. Even if they do not make any major moves, as long as they can build some consistency (particularly in the D-zone) I think they can be better equipped to get into the PO's.

Crawford (or someone like him, willing to take a shorter cheaper contract) is exactly what this team needs right now. Above average performance on short term.
- Chunk

Funny enough I only caught the 3rd and I assumed they played like dog $#!t the first two periods.

I'm in the same boat as you. JC needs to set his line and stick with them damn near for the rest of the year. You need to find out what guys are going to be apart of this team next year and beyond so you know what, if any areas, you need to address in FA.

Crow definitely is playing into coming back at least for next year. I think a one year deal for around 3M would be PERFECT IF they have a young goalie behind him that they feel can step in be either the next season or as soon as the end of the year to to be the #1 or 1A/1B

What's the verdict on Nylander last night? Star or bum (as you all know it is one or the other)?

Not fair to make a 21 yr old a bum. He's basically got the same NHL experience as Boqvist.

I really don't think Crow needs anybody to light a fire under his ass. I do think (barring injury of course), that if (and I hope they do) sign Crow for next year, they bring in someone that could play at least 35 games during the regular season to give Crow a rest. Of course less high danger shots during the season would be welcome as well.
- LAHawk

I'm not saying that they need to now, but this summer by bringing in Lehner I think it did. Obviously, having a legit starting goalie to pair with him so he's not playing 50 games a year taking 40 shots per is only gonna help him at this stage of his career.

One year deal for Crow to pair with a young starting caliber goalie would be ideal IMO. Spend around 4-5M total for both goalies and be able to fix some of the holes on the roster as well.

Funny enough I only caught the 3rd and I assumed they played like dog $#!t the first two periods.

I'm in the same boat as you. JC needs to set his line and stick with them damn near for the rest of the year. You need to find out what guys are going to be apart of this team next year and beyond so you know what, if any areas, you need to address in FA.

Crow definitely is playing into coming back at least for next year. I think a one year deal for around 3M would be PERFECT IF they have a young goalie behind him that they feel can step in be either the next season or as soon as the end of the year to to be the #1 or 1A/1B
- Savetheembers33

I agree, I mean you can always pick up Lehner next year at the TDL for a third rd. pick

I did not notice Carlsson last night, that’s always a good thing for a defenseman.
- Angotti

Always a good thing. I've said for awhile with AF that he's a guy that could sneak in under the radar and that that stabilizing defender that just does all the little things right to improve the defense. Hopefully he continues to get play and he can get more and more comfortable so that next year he can take another step. Playing consistently WITH THE SAME PARTNER will help with this.

What's the verdict on Nylander last night? Star or bum (as you all know it is one or the other)?

Not fair to make a 21 yr old a bum. He's basically got the same NHL experience as Boqvist.
- rpeters01

From what I saw he looked solid enough. Give him the run to play in the top six the remaining 18 games and let him grow (through the good and bad) and develop chemistry. Last thing you want is him playing worrying that one mistake is gonna cost him minutes and/or even starting. Let the kid play and get comfortable and learn from his mistakes.

I agree, I mean you can always pick up Lehner next year at the TDL for a third rd. pick

- LAHawk

naw Stan can't trade with himself to get that kinda value...that being said Stan would more than likely pay a 1st and a 3rd to get him back

Just for giggles, I watched the recap of the game from the NHL app. They show the opening faceoff and immediately skip to the second period.

So it's agreed, that first period was a crap show all around!

I guess the question is Lehner really a true #1 goalie. He has split time as a 1A/B the past 2 years, has only played more than 50 games twice (with Buffalo), and even though his stats were there, we know how that ended. Maybe the question that Lou and now Stan has, he might be very good sharing the net with someone, but if he has to play 55-60 games does he have the make-up to withstand the pressure?

I guess the question is Lehner really a true #1 goalie. He has split time as a 1A/B the past 2 years, has only played more than 50 games twice (with Buffalo), and even though his stats were there, we know how that ended. Maybe the question that Lou and now Stan has, he might be very good sharing the net with someone, but if he has to play 55-60 games does he have the make-up to withstand the pressure?
- LAHawk

I have nothing to base this on, I just believe he may be a locker room problem. hence no one latching on for even 3 years...

Yes they (frank)ing do Asswipe!!!!
- paulr

His name’s Oss-wee-pay.

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/robin-lehner-things-not-working-231608567.html

Lehner keeps talking about his time with the Hawks. He played like crap near the end there so not sure what he is talking about here. He seems to imply the Hawks benched over contractual reasons and not his play.
- HawksFan30

Yeah here’s a side by side from January 1st through the TDL:

I have nothing to base this on, I just believe he may be a locker room problem. hence no one latching on for even 3 years...
- riozzo

Don’t have anything to base it on either. Who knows what went on in the locker room or what was being said behind closed doors.

Teams keep punting on him, though no one but they know why ; but there’s perhaps something to it. Couple that possibility with the fact he went public about the “no hometown discount” thing along with the Hawks having some RFA’s they need to sign and Crow being Crow...

I did not notice Carlsson last night, that’s always a good thing for a defenseman.
- Angotti

I did. At the 6 or 8 minute mark of second period, he did a bonehead 'pinch', the play got behind him, which led to a 2 on 1 break for Tampa. He was not seen much after that. And when the play moved ahead, instead of hustling back to his own zone, he decided he was gonna throw a check for some unknown reason and further delay his return to his position. He also made some good plays, want to see him back out there.

Great piece, TC. In my time away, I always made time to read your blog. Always nice after a long & stressful day.

They booed Koek? Ha! The same team & fanbase that wanted to keep the red out ... the same fanbase Bishop blamed for being too loud when he crashed into his own player & Sharp had an eng ... the same team that poop the bed in the 3rd & started a fight like sore losers ... those guys booed a former young player? (frank) them & their pissy loser attitude. May they never win

I agree, I mean you can always pick up Lehner next year at the TDL for a third rd. pick

- LAHawk

That Carolina wouldn't give up a 1st for him says they didn't think they could sign him, or didn't want to sign him.

I really don't think Crow needs anybody to light a fire under his ass. I do think (barring injury of course), that if (and I hope they do) sign Crow for next year, they bring in someone that could play at least 35 games during the regular season to give Crow a rest. Of course less high danger shots during the season would be welcome as well.
- LAHawk

That's one of my favorite parts about him. He has pretty much the same body language when lighting it up vs having an off night (except for the rare stick smash). The dude abides.

And agreed. Crow should play 45-50 games and have a good enough back up to play the rest.

I did. At the 6 or 8 minute mark of second period, he did a bonehead 'pinch', the play got behind him, which led to a 2 on 1 break for Tampa. He was not seen much after that. And when the play moved ahead, instead of hustling back to his own zone, he decided he was gonna throw a check for some unknown reason and further delay his return to his position. He also made some good plays, want to see him back out there.
- MadHatter

True, but he also made a few very nice plays in the slot and near the net, with one likely preventing a goal.

I'm not saying that they need to now, but this summer by bringing in Lehner I think it did. Obviously, having a legit starting goalie to pair with him so he's not playing 50 games a year taking 40 shots per is only gonna help him at this stage of his career.

One year deal for Crow to pair with a young starting caliber goalie would be ideal IMO. Spend around 4-5M total for both goalies and be able to fix some of the holes on the roster as well.
- Savetheembers33

2 years 8 millionish total is mostly fair i think for a 35 year old with his mileage and the possibility he could get bonked and out indefinitely. Knowing Stan he'll give him 10 or 11.