Tyler Cameron: Hockey, Hockey, Blackhawks Hockey
What an amazing feeling it was to watch hockey last night. I caught some of the Leafs/Habs game, as well as scouted the Oilers as they took on the Flames.

Let's breakdown a couple of notes as it relates to the Blackhawks.

First.

First.
- boilermaker100

Missed out on first again,

The same can't be said for Kassian on Gus

Boom!

I am going to say this loud and clear; the coaching staff and players had plenty of time to prepare for the Oilers. By this I mean the Edm strategy and skill set. And most I of the players have squared off against them this season

You can expect there may be some moments where some players are in better shape and or even have a greater desire to push harder, to outwork our guys.

There should be no excuse if we are outplayed. We have four dmen whom have either plenty of experience or in Maata he is all about knowing and playing as a slower skater. And Boqvist may have some moments but he could thrive in a fast pace game as long his teamattes play responsibly.

Alright maybe our goaltending let's us down But I do not want to see us outplayed, outhustled, out- coached.

If this is a close series then I expect Colliton/Crawford return. On the other hand you have to wonder what Rocky does if we are badly outplayed.

I say skate with them. Do not try to outscore or match their extremism for offensive first unending. Just play responsible and if they do not control the puck too much, our defense should be better than Edmonton's.

Hold a lead and beat them like we did the last time we battled

What is the over/under on number of shifts before Kubalik is reunited with Saad and Toews because they can actually shut down an opponent?

What is the over/under on number of shifts before Kubalik is reunited with Saad and Toews because they can actually shut down an opponent?
- Chunk

Might take longer to get an answer if you were to ring up Vegas for the odds on anything, even this. They are quaranteened? Wearing masks?

Might take longer to get an answer if you were to ring up Vegas for the odds on anything, even this. They are quaranteened? Wearing masks?
- jhawk59

My wife went to Vegas on June 4th. At the time, they recommended, but did not require, masks in the casinos. I believe they require them now. According to her, it looked like a typical Sunday afternoon in Vegas the whole time she was there. About 1/2-2/3 full and lots of people unsure of where they actually were going.

My wife went to Vegas on June 4th. At the time, they recommended, but did not require, masks in the casinos. I believe they require them now. According to her, it looked like a typical Sunday afternoon in Vegas the whole time she was there. About 1/2-2/3 full and lots of people unsure of where they actually were going.
- Chunk

Just hope the Blackhawks know where they are going, & how to play defense against the high flying .......Edm Oilers

Honestly I think yesteryear the term high flying Montreal Canadiens was cited

Are the extra dressed guys just for exhibition games?

I know Chief has said that plans on getting everyone playing time during the exhibition/ round robin games. So who knows what lineup Blues may throw out there tonight.

Are the extra dressed guys just for exhibition games?

I know Chief has said that plans on getting everyone playing time during the exhibition/ round robin games. So who knows what lineup Blues may throw out there tonight.
- Gerk

Two extra players. So +1 forward and +1 defender i think is the rule.

I am going to say this loud and clear; the coaching staff and players had plenty of time to prepare for the Oilers. By this I mean the Edm strategy and skill set. And most I of the players have squared off against them this season

You can expect there may be some moments where some players are in better shape and or even have a greater desire to push harder, to outwork our guys.

There should be no excuse if we are outplayed. We have four dmen whom have either plenty of experience or in Maata he is all about knowing and playing as a slower skater. And Boqvist may have some moments but he could thrive in a fast pace game as long his teamattes play responsibly.

Alright maybe our goaltending let's us down But I do not want to see us outplayed, outhustled, out- coached.

If this is a close series then I expect Colliton/Crawford return. On the other hand you have to wonder what Rocky does if we are badly outplayed.

I say skate with them. Do not try to outscore or match their extremism for offensive first unending. Just play responsible and if they do not control the puck too much, our defense should be better than Edmonton's.

Hold a lead and beat them like we did the last time we battled
- jhawk59

Can't coach speed. Our forwards are slow.

I knocked off working from home a little early yesterday and watched the Flyers/Pens and a little of the Habs/Leaves later.

I know it's only exhibition in a very whacked out world right now but, it's really nice watching some NHL hockey...

Can't coach speed. Our forwards are slow.
- rpeters01

True, but the Hawks did win 2 of 3 from the Oilers this year, so speed isn't everything.

Tyler, good calls on Sikura as the 13th forward and Carlsson as the 7th defender. They both earned it in camp.

I would have been fine between Sikura or Kurashev actually. Same with Carlsson or Beaudin.

Tyler, good calls on Sikura as the 13th forward and Carlsson as the 7th defender. They both earned it in camp.

I would have been fine between Sikura or Kurashev actually. Same with Carlsson or Beaudin.
- AEL_Fox

Something I observed rewatching scrimmages was how efficient a few youngsters were in their play, in particular Highmore, Sikura, Kurashev, and Beaudin.

Pretty much every play they make counts towards something productive. They're not perfect, of course, but the compete and IQ are there. No wasted efforts.

True, but the Hawks did win 2 of 3 from the Oilers this year, so speed isn't everything.
- Chunk

Ironically enough, the game the Oilers did win was the game the fastest player in the world (McD) didn't play in.

The coaching staff and players had plenty of time to prepare for the Oilers. By this I mean the Edm strategy and skill set. And most of the players have squared off against them this season.There should be no excuse if we are outplayed.
- jhawk59

Outplayed or beaten in the series?

Edmonton showed throughout the season that despite up & down goaltending, sporadic supplemental scoring from the forwards, that their two elite playmaker scorers are on the top leagues top end in a ream sport.
The Edmonton defense has been dedicated since season close. Ethan Bear is dedicated 5th round entry draft gift to them...Last night, rookie Philip Broberg (who they invited to the pre-Cup camp with the idea he would leave with a good experience was so good they asked him to stay and be part of the roster) saved a goal with him body block and certainly didn't look out of place.

I am just not sure that there is a roadblock for McDavid's speed and skill set.

Sure the Hawks will have a plan. Much the same as Tippett's Oilers will be leveling some "blocks' on the Hawks.
Last night Josh Archibald blocks two shots and leveled two big time hits against a team they are not playing on Saturday, with Gustafsson being the recipient of the first one. They got guys that can level them.

And as much as I would love as a hawk homer to rip on midget asses of Tyler Ennis and Kailer Yamamoto, they get open for their centre and can let it go.

The idea that these teams are on equal footing to me is far-fetched until I see in game on the hawks showing they are up to be real challenger despite their success against each other on scrimmages.
Tippett will be ready to outcoach J C , and I am sure JC has a detailed 60 minute contingency plan when momentum goes to Oilers.

I am really excited to see what the Blackhawks have in their tanks because whether it is a three game go home or not, we do get to see who's worthy as our future.

That future still isn't as a Cup contender.

True, but the Hawks did win 2 of 3 from the Oilers this year, so speed isn't everything.
- Chunk

Moving the puck fast and accurately is better than having fast skaters. Although the last few years they haven't been able to do that either.

True, but the Hawks did win 2 of 3 from the Oilers this year, so speed isn't everything.
- Chunk

And let's not forget that during the regular season 19-20, the Blackhawks were a better team 5v5 than the Oilers.

If not for their all-world power play, the Oilers wouldn't be in the Edmonton bubble right now. Instead they'd be back in their homes in Edmonton, watching.

And good to see Gus hasn't forgotten how to cough up the puck as a Flame.

Hi Gerk, is Vladdy suiting up tonight?

Moving the puck fast and accurately is better than having fast skaters. Although the last few years they haven't been able to do that either.
- GPHawksfan

Being in position to move the puck fast and accurately - to have an outlet pass, to receive the outlet pass and move it up ice - that's most of what's been missing the last few years.

Edmonton has the edge in the series, but it isn't like the Hawks are facing the top team in the league. (Edmonton finished 12th in the NHL)

Sure they have a couple dynamic forwards who are difficult to stop, but as a team the Oilers are still somewhat inconsistent. There will be questions as to how the D hold up on both sides. Edmonton has some up and coming Dmen, Bear could be a difference maker and Broberg is looking good.

This is not officially the playoffs, but I'm sure we'll have similar style. Goal scoring becomes more about going to dirty areas, offense and special teams become less of a factor as the refs put the whistles away more and teams play more conservative.

The downfall of the Hawks could be taking penalties trying to slow down the Oilers, but at least we have some decent mobility on the backend. I hope we get some fun games at the very least.

Per espn Chicago Blackhawks announce no head dresses will be allowed at home game s or team sponsored events

Ironically enough, the game the Oilers did win was the game the fastest player in the world (McD) didn't play in.
- Leichs

So you say you are going to sit him to beat us? Evil genius!