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Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: Areas of Improvement
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Savetheembers33
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 01.23.2017

Jan 10 @ 11:58 AM ET
I didn't do a sweater, but I did a long sleeve shirt with Adb on it. The winter hats were nice too. I think one of the games recently, at the UC, they were handing out WC scarves.
- I Am The Breadman


I couldn't resist. Went the day before my birthday and got some money so when I saw people walking around wearing them I said F' it and got me the same one the players wear. Well worth it. People always are complementing me on it even if they're not a Hawks or hockey fans.

I'm a hat guy (mostly now that my two year old son has contributed to me losing my hair lmao) and I never really cared for snapback hats but when I saw the all black one with Blackhawks written in cursive I couldn't pass it up. Looks sick with the sweater.

Yeah, Monday against the Flames I think is when they were giving them away. Part of me wanted one since I'm a collector of Hawks, Cubs, Bears, and Bulls gear but I decided to pass on buying one or going to the game to try n get one
TrueGrit
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: FL
Joined: 07.19.2011

Jan 10 @ 12:01 PM ET
I stop by to check the weather..and again. Cloudy, rainy, windy and chilly on the board.

Ground Hog day.

When will the sun ever come out...or the calendar ever change?
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Jan 10 @ 12:06 PM ET
I couldn't resist. Went the day before my birthday and got some money so when I saw people walking around wearing them I said F' it and got me the same one the players wear. Well worth it. People always are complementing me on it even if they're not a Hawks or hockey fans.

I'm a hat guy (mostly now that my two year old son has contributed to me losing my hair lmao) and I never really cared for snapback hats but when I saw the all black one with Blackhawks written in cursive I couldn't pass it up. Looks sick with the sweater.

Yeah, Monday against the Flames I think is when they were giving them away. Part of me wanted one since I'm a collector of Hawks, Cubs, Bears, and Bulls gear but I decided to pass on buying one or going to the game to try n get one

- Savetheembers33


Great investments, I say, haha. Who did you get on the back, or did you do a blank?
Savetheembers33
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 01.23.2017

Jan 10 @ 12:13 PM ET
Great investments, I say, haha. Who did you get on the back, or did you do a blank?
- I Am The Breadman


Hahaha that's what I always say to my girl when she asks me if I need another one I got it with no name. I already have Toews, Kane, Hossa, Keith, Seabrook, Crawford, Saad, Panarin, Teuvo, Chelios, Roenick, Hull, and Mikita so I didn't feel the need to get anyone in particular lol especially not knowing who's gonna be around in the future. Already faced that issues with getting Saad, Panarin, and Teuvo thinking they'd still be with the team at this point lol build my collection around the core that people will remember for years to come[url]
oldduffman
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 11.06.2013

Jan 10 @ 12:19 PM ET
Please tell me we're not back on the Toews bashing bandwagon now. All year long he's a played very well. Is he the elite player he used to? Maybe not. Depends on who you ask based on the play of others in the league, but I don't think it's because his skill has really declined all that much. I don't think people take into consideration the level of talent coming into the league these days and coming in at such a young age playing faster and making quicker moves. Toews got beat by Forsberg who's probably one of the best 20 or so players in the league after playing for pretty much a minute straight. It happens. Guys get beat. Toews has slowed down some and injuries and wear and tear from the past decade have certainly slowed his game down some so seeing him against guys ten years younger than him his skills will of course looked diminished at times. Same goes for guys like Keith and Seabrook. Like bhawks said, if your gonna bash Toews for that play then you better bash Kaner for floating half of his shifts AND on top of that they played well got a point and are still towards the bottom of the league in points. What more can you ask for?
- Savetheembers33


Ya not hard to believe with this crowd they would be bashing Toews .As I said last night .Toews played a minute in OT played 3 games in 4 nights . Forsberg fresh off the bench 1st game in a month .Advantage Forsberg ..

This team went thought a tough stretch and came out ok IMO .Big test coming against Vegas ,would not be surprised to see Ward in the net . Then a little break play some NY teams ,should have a great idea were this team is when Washington comes to town ..
oldduffman
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 11.06.2013

Jan 10 @ 12:24 PM ET
Great investments, I say, haha. Who did you get on the back, or did you do a blank?
- I Am The Breadman

On the back of my old sweater I went with number 6, and the name is "original " .Original 6 baby ..
Return of the Roar
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Solidly grounded in reality, IL
Joined: 07.27.2009

Jan 10 @ 12:24 PM ET
I find it absolutely comical that posters here EVER blame the Hawk goaltenders.

They are all collectively playing their hearts out behind a team that cannot restrain the pressure of any team with a strong forecheck.

The Hawks as a group are too weak on the puck and the body across the board up front, which means they can't maintain possession in the offensive zone, they chase back in the neutral zone (typically losing most 50/50 puck battles there), and the weak board play in the defensive zone encourages aggressive opposition defensmen to activate.

It all leads to the 35-50 shots against per night, with typically 15-20% of those shots being grade A scoring chances, which as I have stated for two years now, is unsustainable no matter who is in the net.

Too much is being made of the need for speed and skill, which might be great if the Hawks were one of the the faster and more skilled teams - but they are not. And truthfully, not one Cup winner has done it without a strong forecheck and a physical element to their game.

The answer lies in a balanced roster that includes some size and grit. Ugly goals win games and ultimately championships. The Hawks score precious few goals, win far too few board battles, or rarely transition their play up ice the hard way.

Chunk
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Why did I move back here again?, IL
Joined: 11.06.2015

Jan 10 @ 12:33 PM ET
I find it absolutely comical that posters here EVER blame the Hawk goaltenders.

They are all collectively playing their hearts out behind a team that cannot restrain the pressure of any team with a strong forecheck.

The Hawks as a group are too weak on the puck and the body across the board up front, which means they can't maintain possession in the offensive zone, they chase back in the neutral zone (typically losing most 50/50 puck battles there), and the weak board play in the defensive zone encourages aggressive opposition defensmen to activate.

It all leads to the 35-50 shots against per night, with typically 15-20% of those shots being grade A scoring chances, which as I have stated for two years now, is unsustainable no matter who is in the net.

Too much is being made of the need for speed and skill, which might be great if the Hawks were one of the the faster and more skilled teams - but they are not. And truthfully, not one Cup winner has done it without a strong forecheck and a physical element to their game.

The answer lies in a balanced roster that includes some size and grit. Ugly goals win games and ultimately championships. The Hawks score precious few goals, win far too few board battles, or rarely transition their play up ice the hard way.

- Return of the Roar


For sure our goalies have had a lot of pucks come their way, but I don't begrudge anyone who points out specific issues from a particular game. Delia was a bit shakier last night than we are accustomed to seeing. I don't think anyone said he played poorly, just that it wasn't his best game.
EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Jan 10 @ 12:48 PM ET
This guy never has played well in the playoffs.

It might be a Russian thing - the paycheque stop at the end of the regular season and so does the good play from most of them.

- RickJ


Evgeni Malkin, Sergei Fedorov, and Pavel Datsyuk play pretty well in the Spring
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Jan 10 @ 12:48 PM ET
Just watched a replay of the game. Were my eyes playing tricks on me or was Davidson the Hawks best defenseman last night?
- RaleighHawk


He's played well since he's returned. Could be a decent 7th dman for the rest of the year.

Let Forlsing get ice time in Rockford.
Savetheembers33
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 01.23.2017

Jan 10 @ 12:48 PM ET
Ya not hard to believe with this crowd they would be bashing Toews .As I said last night .Toews played a minute in OT played 3 games in 4 nights . Forsberg fresh off the bench 1st game in a month .Advantage Forsberg ..

This team went thought a tough stretch and came out ok IMO .Big test coming against Vegas ,would not be surprised to see Ward in the net . Then a little break play some NY teams ,should have a great idea were this team is when Washington comes to town ..

- oldduffman


I think most people just get too caught up in the fact that the team is struggling due to lack of talent and the top guys are taking up most of the cap thus preventing them from being able to fill the talent deficiencies easily having cap space. It's a bigger, faster, quicker league now and as good as our guys are they are not those type of players and are going to look a step behind them.

I agree. They looked very good against three very good teams and came out looking solid which is better than it was for us six or so weeks ago. They looked like a joke at that point. Glad to see them at least play competitive now
Savetheembers33
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 01.23.2017

Jan 10 @ 12:51 PM ET
He's played well since he's returned. Could be a decent 7th dman for the rest of the year.

Let Forlsing get ice time in Rockford.

- Justin Lowe


Agreed, or they trade Gus if given a good offer and let Forsling slide into his spot on the 3rd pair with Seabrook and play one of PP point roles (Cat or Kane with Joki and Forsling with Seabrook?). If Gus does stay then Forsling should 110% be sent to Rockford to play Top 4 minutes every night on the PP and PK to continue to round his game out while Davidson gives them a veteran they can afford to sit for a few games at a time and plug in when they feel Gus, Dalhstrom, or Joki needs a break for a game or two
paulr
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: YYZ
Joined: 06.26.2011

Jan 10 @ 12:58 PM ET
I stop by to check the weather..and again. Cloudy, rainy, windy and chilly on the board.

Ground Hog day.

When will the sun ever come out...or the calendar ever change?

- TrueGrit

How soon some people forget.
MNHawk
Location: Richfield, MN
Joined: 07.18.2014

Jan 10 @ 12:59 PM ET
Just watched a replay of the game. Were my eyes playing tricks on me or was Davidson the Hawks best defenseman last night?
- RaleighHawk


Thought he played a solid game. More than a couple times I found myself saying, "that was a good play." or "Good stick".

Joki definitely caught my eye too. This kid is going to be great.
bhawks2241
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 09.17.2013

Jan 10 @ 1:03 PM ET
Please tell me we're not back on the Toews bashing bandwagon now. All year long he's a played very well. Is he the elite player he used to? Maybe not. Depends on who you ask based on the play of others in the league, but I don't think it's because his skill has really declined all that much. I don't think people take into consideration the level of talent coming into the league these days and coming in at such a young age playing faster and making quicker moves. Toews got beat by Forsberg who's probably one of the best 20 or so players in the league after playing for pretty much a minute straight. It happens. Guys get beat. Toews has slowed down some and injuries and wear and tear from the past decade have certainly slowed his game down some so seeing him against guys ten years younger than him his skills will of course looked diminished at times. Same goes for guys like Keith and Seabrook. Like bhawks said, if your gonna bash Toews for that play then you better bash Kaner for floating half of his shifts AND on top of that they played well got a point and are still towards the bottom of the league in points. What more can you ask for?
- Savetheembers33


I was more saying we can criticize Toews for getting beat on that play. It happens to all great hockey players. The posters saying "oh you can criticize Toews for that" are flat wrong. You can criticize him. He got beat. Plain and simple. Don't make excuses.

Move on to the next game. Overall Toews has had a very very good year. Happy to see him back to prime form and skating well.

As for the Kane floating bit. He is supposed to be up high in the zone. That is what he is coached to do. He doesn't play center. He isn't supposed to be down low in the d-zone digging out pucks or clearing the crease. That is not his game and that is not what he is coached to do.
MNHawk
Location: Richfield, MN
Joined: 07.18.2014

Jan 10 @ 1:09 PM ET
I was more saying we can criticize Toews for getting beat on that play. It happens to all great hockey players. The posters saying "oh you can criticize Toews for that" are flat wrong. You can criticize him. He got beat. Plain and simple. Don't make excuses.
- bhawks2241


Did you see the post-game interview? No excuses from Toews. Came right on and said he was beat. Handled it like a true professional and leader.
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Jan 10 @ 1:19 PM ET
Hahaha that's what I always say to my girl when she asks me if I need another one I got it with no name. I already have Toews, Kane, Hossa, Keith, Seabrook, Crawford, Saad, Panarin, Chelios, Roenick, and Teuvo so I didn't feel the need to get anyone in particular lol especially not knowing who's gonna be around in the future. Already faced that issues with getting Saad, Panarin, and Teuvo thinking they'd still be with the team at this point lol build my collection around the core that people will remember for years to come
- Savetheembers33


Hahaha, it's the only answer to give besides my money.

I hear you on sweaters for players who are gone. I have the worst luck in that area. The only shirt/jersey (mainly shirts) I've ever asked for was Panarin and recently Adb. Here's my luck over the years: Versteeg, Hammer, Shaw, TT, Bollig (shirt and sweater, I liked him a lot), Sharp (birthday present and he was traded on my birthday), and the ones that stayed: Kane, Toews, and Keith.
StLBravesFan
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 07.03.2011

Jan 10 @ 1:22 PM ET
I was more saying we can criticize Toews for getting beat on that play. It happens to all great hockey players. The posters saying "oh you can criticize Toews for that" are flat wrong. You can criticize him. He got beat. Plain and simple. Don't make excuses.

Move on to the next game. Overall Toews has had a very very good year. Happy to see him back to prime form and skating well.

As for the Kane floating bit. He is supposed to be up high in the zone. That is what he is coached to do. He doesn't play center. He isn't supposed to be down low in the d-zone digging out pucks or clearing the crease. That is not his game and that is not what he is coached to do.

- bhawks2241


Kane: no, he’s not going to - and shouldn’t - go below the goal line to confront opponents down there.

But I think he should be aware of what is going on.

If he’s out by the blue line - and he sees the front of the net devoid of Indianhead sweaters - and the puck is 50/50 or in the other team’s control - if an opponent is unopposed in the slot - get back there and don’t let him have free access to Dilia / Ward / Crawford.
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Jan 10 @ 1:22 PM ET
On the back of my old sweater I went with number 6, and the name is "original " .Original 6 baby ..
- oldduffman


That's really cool!

I got a hoodie with the original 6 teams on the front. My nephew just bought me an original 6 winter hat, of course it's the one size fits none.
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Jan 10 @ 1:24 PM ET
I find it absolutely comical that posters here EVER blame the Hawk goaltenders.

They are all collectively playing their hearts out behind a team that cannot restrain the pressure of any team with a strong forecheck.

The Hawks as a group are too weak on the puck and the body across the board up front, which means they can't maintain possession in the offensive zone, they chase back in the neutral zone (typically losing most 50/50 puck battles there), and the weak board play in the defensive zone encourages aggressive opposition defensmen to activate.

It all leads to the 35-50 shots against per night, with typically 15-20% of those shots being grade A scoring chances, which as I have stated for two years now, is unsustainable no matter who is in the net.

Too much is being made of the need for speed and skill, which might be great if the Hawks were one of the the faster and more skilled teams - but they are not. And truthfully, not one Cup winner has done it without a strong forecheck and a physical element to their game.

The answer lies in a balanced roster that includes some size and grit. Ugly goals win games and ultimately championships. The Hawks score precious few goals, win far too few board battles, or rarely transition their play up ice the hard way.

- Return of the Roar


Goaltenders have been a strong suit for us this season, especially with Crow being out again. It's not realistic to say they have been perfect, a few games of being shakey at the start. Goalies have off nights, and Delia had one. I still say that it doesn't help facing a large onslaught of shots every night.
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Jan 10 @ 1:24 PM ET
Evgeni Malkin, Sergei Fedorov, and Pavel Datsyuk play pretty well in the Spring
- EnzoD


And now Ovi.
Savetheembers33
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 01.23.2017

Jan 10 @ 1:40 PM ET
Hahaha, it's the only answer to give besides my money.

I hear you on sweaters for players who are gone. I have the worst luck in that area. The only shirt/jersey (mainly shirts) I've ever asked for was Panarin and recently Adb. Here's my luck over the years: Versteeg, Hammer, Shaw, TT, Bollig (shirt and sweater, I liked him a lot), Sharp (birthday present and he was traded on my birthday), and the ones that stayed: Kane, Toews, and Keith.

- I Am The Breadman


Hahaha right? I've always looked for deals though buying mine. Only ever paid full price for two of them: 2019 Winter Classic and my old school Bobby Hull one (but it was when they had buy one get one free before Adidas took over so I got my girl one too).

Damn bro that's some s#i!!y luck lmao I dealt with that problem as a kid so when I got older and decided to start building my own I made the decision...well first my girl got my first one and got me a Saad one in '15 when we first started dating cuz I'm like he's a beast and he isn't going to go anywhere!...then he got traded and THEN I made the decision to only go with core players that 20 or so years from now people will remember and appreciate. That's a solid collection yourself ya got. Few cult favs to go with the core. I wanna get a Hammer one but I haven't found one worth the price since he got traded. One day I will get that to add to my collection. My girl is a HUGE Andrew Shaw fan so she's got like three of his jersey's (Red, Black, and I got her a signed Montreal one too) that she still wears to this day and a Darling one too lol our collection is ridiculous man. Pretty sure together her and I have more jerseys than actual clothes
walleyeb1
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Petersburg, IL
Joined: 09.25.2014

Jan 10 @ 1:42 PM ET
ToewsdNKanefusd
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Hampshire, IL
Joined: 05.14.2015

Jan 10 @ 1:45 PM ET
Hahaha right? I've always looked for deals though buying mine. Only ever paid full price for two of them: 2019 Winter Classic and my old school Bobby Hull one (but it was when they had buy one get one free before Adidas took over so I got my girl one too).

Damn bro that's some s#i!!y luck lmao I dealt with that problem as a kid so when I got older and decided to start building my own I made the decision...well first my girl got my first one and got me a Saad one in '15 when we first started dating cuz I'm like he's a beast and he isn't going to go anywhere!...then he got traded and THEN I made the decision to only go with core players that 20 or so years from now people will remember and appreciate. That's a solid collection yourself ya got. Few cult favs to go with the core. I wanna get a Hammer one but I haven't found one worth the price since he got traded. One day I will get that to add to my collection. My girl is a HUGE Andrew Shaw fan so she's got like three of his jersey's (Red, Black, and I got her a signed Montreal one too) that she still wears to this day and a Darling one too lol our collection is ridiculous man. Pretty sure together her and I have more jerseys than actual clothes

- Savetheembers33



You guys have got me wanting a Toews winter classic jersey, and so I went looking online, and everyone is sold out of the size I need...
Savetheembers33
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 01.23.2017

Jan 10 @ 1:46 PM ET
Goaltenders have been a strong suit for us this season, especially with Crow being out again. It's not realistic to say they have been perfect, a few games of being shakey at the start. Goalies have off nights, and Delia had one. I still say that it doesn't help facing a large onslaught of shots every night.
- I Am The Breadman


Even more so than just this season. Goaltenders has been a strong suit for this organization the past decade with Jimmy Waite coaching them. From Niemi, Huet, Crawford, Emery, Darling, the Bulin Wall, Raanta and Delia now they've had some duds sure but they've had A LOT of good luck with their Goalies since Waite has taken over and coached guys up
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