Second night in a row in O/T nobody on the Hawks backs up to prevent breakaways and no forwards hustling back to prevent a two on one. That's not acceptable.

We were lucky to get a point . Our two goalies each got a point for the Hawks... Great goal tending. I am not sure why our coach did not challenge the goal not allowed... All three coaches were huddling around watching the replay on the tablet. I would have called time out at that moment and really put that play under a microscope.

There is one thing that really stood out in this game ...Quality Depth . The Hawks have barely 2 quality lines. Boston came out with 4 lines that were physical , fast and were able to consistently create abundance of quality scoring chances. This could have been a cake walk for the Bruins if it wasn't for our great goal tending.

Surprisingly, the Hawks are still in the hunt for a playoff position...to win a Cup with this lineup however, would be more than a miracle.

P.S. What is going on with Kane . He looks like he is either sick or disinterested. He looks like he is skating with only 3 cylinders. He has scored 1 goal in about 3 weeks of play because most of his shots are from the perimeter or from a bad angle. Kane was never a poster child for his defensive prowess ... But now he avoids contact like the Chinese virus has spread onto the ice. I woen't even dwell on his efforts of not coming back on defense.
- spanky

If the referees say the play was blown dead, no review. Remember it is not when you hear the whistle, but when the refs intended to blow the whistle

What exactly is he spreading with that line? He should spread 15 around the press box.
- Elbows15

64 is a dumpster fire. He tries hard. I’ll give him that. They aren’t where they are solely on 64 but his ice time should be greatly reduced. He adds nothing. He Skates around the net and gets knocked off the puck instantly.

JC has been spreading out Kane Toews and 12 across 3 lines.

I don’t hate smith. He serves a minimal purpose but to your point he shouldn’t be out late in a tie game.

Well when you have lotteries to determine draft order which is supposed to dissuade ranking, you get situations people think the thing is rigged. Patrick Ewing to
Knicks is example A

My point was Crosby was a lock to go 1.

People could say bowman jumping up to
3rd this past year was rigged as well.

I don’t believe any of it. How many top picks has Edmonton had (top 5) and what has it gotten them?

Just go back to standings for draft order. If teams tank it’s on bettman to ride them. Nfl has it that way and it doesn’t seem to hurt their sport.
- SteveRain

I am not saying I believe it. I was trying to reason with PE and his conspiracy theories. Yeah, I know,

64 is a dumpster fire. He tries hard. I’ll give him that. They aren’t where they are solely on 64 but his ice time should be greatly reduced. He adds nothing. He Skates around the net and gets knocked off the puck instantly.

JC has been spreading out Kane Toews and 12 across 3 lines.

I don’t hate smith. He serves a minimal purpose but to your point he shouldn’t be out late in a tie game.
- SteveRain

Smith shouldn't be out there at all. He sucks.

64 is a dumpster fire. He tries hard. I’ll give him that. They aren’t where they are solely on 64 but his ice time should be greatly reduced. He adds nothing. He Skates around the net and gets knocked off the puck instantly.

JC has been spreading out Kane Toews and 12 across 3 lines.

I don’t hate smith. He serves a minimal purpose but to your point he shouldn’t be out late in a tie game.
- SteveRain

Last years Hawks would of lost this game in regulation, they shut down the best PP in the league. 64 and 15 are a big part of that

Well when you have lotteries to determine draft order which is supposed to dissuade ranking, you get situations people think the thing is rigged. Patrick Ewing to
Knicks is example A

My point was Crosby was a lock to go 1.

People could say bowman jumping up to
3rd this past year was rigged as well.

I don’t believe any of it. How many top picks has Edmonton had (top 5) and what has it gotten them?

Just go back to standings for draft order. If teams tank it’s on bettman to ride them. Nfl has it that way and it doesn’t seem to hurt their sport.
- SteveRain

But isn't it a fact that the NBA did rig that draft, freezing the knicks card/envelope/whatever they pulled out of the box? And Bettman was a member of David Stern's exec team. Perception is reality. I never agreed with that when I was young, but the older I get, that statement is true.

Second night in a row in O/T nobody on the Hawks backs up to prevent breakaways and no forwards hustling back to prevent a two on one. That's not acceptable.

We were lucky to get a point . Our two goalies each got a point for the Hawks... Great goal tending. I am not sure why our coach did not challenge the goal not allowed... All three coaches were huddling around watching the replay on the tablet. I would have called time out at that moment and really put that play under a microscope.

There is one thing that really stood out in this game ...Quality Depth . The Hawks have barely 2 quality lines. Boston came out with 4 lines that were physical , fast and were able to consistently create abundance of quality scoring chances. This could have been a cake walk for the Bruins if it wasn't for our great goal tending.

Surprisingly, the Hawks are still in the hunt for a playoff position...to win a Cup with this lineup however, would be more than a miracle.

P.S. What is going on with Kane . He looks like he is either sick or disinterested. He looks like he is skating with only 3 cylinders. He has scored 1 goal in about 3 weeks of play because most of his shots are from the perimeter or from a bad angle. Kane was never a poster child for his defensive prowess ... But now he avoids contact like the Chinese virus has spread onto the ice. I woen't even dwell on his efforts of not coming back on defense.
- spanky

My fear is exactly what you pointed out. The lack of quality depth both upfront and on d is going to hurt them.

They can’t ride 88/19/2 into the ground for 50+ games because they dug a massive hole with a crap start.

2 looks gassed.
88 looks gassed.

40/50 should be good as long as both are healthy otherwise getting bombarded with a massive amount of quality chances will burn a goalie out fast.

Positive.....they keep up this pk and goalies are healthy or they at least have 40 or 50 (still think you deal 1 you aren’t signing for something at deadline) they could be a tough out. Much like the wings were in their final run with their core. Beat Anaheim took hawks to 7. 40 or 50 can steal games. They imo match up better vs a heavy team then do a fast skilled team. Not saying they’d beat stl but like that chance better then facing Colorado.

Smith shouldn't be out there at all. He sucks.
- Elbows15

Smith or lehner. Death isn’t an option.

Last years Hawks would of lost this game in regulation, they shut down the best PP in the league. 64 and 15 are a big part of that
- LAHawk

Valid point.

I’m just saying put both on line 4 and use them on pk. Limit their 5 on 5 minutes.

22 at least has proven he can slide up and not hurt that line.

But isn't it a fact that the NBA did rig that draft, freezing the knicks card/envelope/whatever they pulled out of the box? And Bettman was a member of David Stern's exec team. Perception is reality. I never agreed with that when I was young, but the older I get, that statement is true.
- powerenforcer

No idea on nba front. I know it’s been rumored. Never seen it confirmed.

NHL? I don’t buy it. McDavid ended up on a Canadian team. If rigging happens why not ship him to an America market they need to be strong? East coast team etc.

Smith or lehner. Death isn’t an option.
- SteveRain

Lehner. Smith blows.

But isn't it a fact that the NBA did rig that draft, freezing the knicks card/envelope/whatever they pulled out of the box? And Bettman was a member of David Stern's exec team. Perception is reality. I never agreed with that when I was young, but the older I get, that statement is true.
- powerenforcer

It's your perception is your reality.

It is so painful to watch the other team out compete us. It is so painful to watch Strome and DeBrincat when they aren't scoring or generating opportunities/putting good looking shots on goal.

Bowman not only needs to draft and develop well, but must rebuild a tougher more physically engaged lineup too to bottom

Letting Lehner leave only means one more piece - a goaltender - to add later. Crawford and an AHL netminder promoted to NHL back up, is a short term band aid approach and very risky as well. Crawford's health and the AHL back ups is not favorable odds to place your faith for long term success so Lehner should be a priority to keep. Just have to try to sign him for a reasonable amount, even a bit if an overpayment is worth considering.

The team most likely will gradually sink out if the playoff picture. Bowman needs to be smart whom to trade and when. We can look forward to a draft choice bringing us another good player. But probably not as good or as NHL soon capable as Dach. Just hope we fare well in the draft lottery
- jhawk59

There's a difference between out compete and just "too damn slow!"

Cue we should never of traded Joki on 3....2....1....
- LAHawk

We're going to trade Saad and Dach for Joki back.

My fear is exactly what you pointed out. The lack of quality depth both upfront and on d is going to hurt them.

They can’t ride 88/19/2 into the ground for 50+ games because they dug a massive hole with a crap start.

2 looks gassed.
88 looks gassed.

40/50 should be good as long as both are healthy otherwise getting bombarded with a massive amount of quality chances will burn a goalie out fast.

Positive.....they keep up this pk and goalies are healthy or they at least have 40 or 50 (still think you deal 1 you aren’t signing for something at deadline) they could be a tough out. Much like the wings were in their final run with their core. Beat Anaheim took hawks to 7. 40 or 50 can steal games. They imo match up better vs a heavy team then do a fast skilled team. Not saying they’d beat stl but like that chance better then facing Colorado.
- SteveRain

Last year the final 10 games Kane had nothing left...

But isn't it a fact that the NBA did rig that draft, freezing the knicks card/envelope/whatever they pulled out of the box? And Bettman was a member of David Stern's exec team. Perception is reality. I never agreed with that when I was young, but the older I get, that statement is true.
- powerenforcer

In the olden days the NBA lottery was only two teams. That's how the Lakers got Magic and Worthy.

If the referees say the play was blown dead, no review. Remember it is not when you hear the whistle, but when the refs intended to blow the whistle
- LAHawk

They really need to change that rule. Until the whistle is blown, both teams are battling. If a puck goes in before the whistle sounds, it should be a good goal. Hockey is the only sport that encourages kids to play until the ref intends to blow the whistle!

(frank)ing give it a rest. Refs Refs RefsRefs Refs RefsRefs Refs RefsRefs Refs RefsRefs Refs RefsRefsRefsBettmanRefsRefs Refs RefsRefs Refs RefsRefs Refs RefsRefs Refs Refs

That's all you got. It's tiresome. I am sure you think you will get a medal of freedumb, but you gotta work harder.
- kwolf68

Fixed

Well when you have lotteries to determine draft order which is supposed to dissuade ranking, you get situations people think the thing is rigged. Patrick Ewing to
Knicks is example A

My point was Crosby was a lock to go 1.

People could say bowman jumping up to
3rd this past year was rigged as well.

I don’t believe any of it. How many top picks has Edmonton had (top 5) and what has it gotten them?

Just go back to standings for draft order. If teams tank it’s on bettman to ride them. Nfl has it that way and it doesn’t seem to hurt their sport.
- SteveRain

Go to the draft wheel.

https://nba.nbcsports.com...lottery-reform-proposals/

Doesn’t every poster here have a hot button they bee otch about?

Zach smith
Lehner
Bowman
McDonough
Toews
Kane
Keith
JC
Nylander
Gus
Refs
NHL
Bettman
Crawford

Some guys/gals have multiple but everyone has a gripe.

Just a matter of engaging where each individual wants.
- SteveRain

I'll admit, mines the Danault trade, but lets not go down that rabbit hole

No idea on nba front. I know it’s been rumored. Never seen it confirmed.

NHL? I don’t buy it. McDavid ended up on a Canadian team. If rigging happens why not ship him to an America market they need to be strong? East coast team etc.
- SteveRain

Ya but for like 4 years every guy went to Edmonton, someone should be investigating that.

*NEW* blog up: http://bit.ly/38aw7oM

10 thoughts from 2 games.

Enjoy.

Tough loss. Back to back ot games.

Last night they had more chances but missed. Kampf had a gimme tap in he jacked up. Toews hit the bar.

Debrincat Gus hit posts tonight.

It’s going to get more intense as the season wanes down. I already wrote them off weeks ago so I’m in the bonus mentally ....😂

Their pk and goaltending is masking a lot of issues here. No team is perfect but hawks have less room for error.

Hopefully 12 gets rolling.
- SteveRain

If he can all of a sudden start scoring in bunches would obviously be good. Strome has had a couple of meh games which isn't surprising given he's just coming back from injury.

Somehow a so so couple games for him has translated into a terrible season for some. Guy was on a .75 PPG clip after a slow start and he was just starting to look really confident, shooting more and burying his chances.

Getting those two going and Kubalik getting hot again on the trek through CAN would be welcome sights.

Hope Boq is ok. I know the result shouldn't influence the penalty but thought Krecji could have gotten five on that one.

Didn’t St. Louis lose a game in OT on a blatant hand pass by Karlsson in the semi’s.
- LAHawk

I can still hear that fan screaming hand pass over and over again