Theo Fox: Game 4: Hawks 4, Cats 5
The Blackhawks kept the pattern alive giving up 5 goals in a one-goal loss to the Panthers to go 0-for-Florida in the NHL's first week of the regular season.

Lankinen played a refreshing style, Kubalik lit it up offensively, Kurashev got his first career NHL goal, Mitchell continued to shine, and Boqvist showed improvement.

Good stuff Theo.

First game, that was at least fit to watch.

Nice to check out some of the young guys, but Mitchell looked overmatched and overall it seems most the young guys are just thrown in a little too early in their careers. As long as they don't lose confidence I am sure they will learn and grow.....but, a fine line between "Baptism by Fire" and ruining a prospect.....let's hope this shiiiit-show doesn't zap our young guys in the head...and destroy their confidence.

Good morning Theo and great read as always. Thanks for the game anlaysis!

Big ups again to Shaw for epitomizing what it means to give your all every shift. He was a little wrecking ball of hate throwing his body around and getting under the opponent's skin.

Here's to continued good health for Shaw so he can remain a leader and role model for the rebuilding Hawks squad while being a persistent thorn in the side of the opposition.

I really hope Shaw can remain healthy for himself but also for what you've detailed here. The Hawks have a plethora of bottom 6 guys though some of the ones, currently up can play top 9, like the Kurashev and Suter.

As you mention, I think he can be a role model for guys like that as well as Hagel and Highmore.

It was nice to see Kurashev cash in and afa Hagel goes, it's only two games, but the guy seems to always be around the puck.

I know it was a short camp and not that they were down on Hagel but he wasn't a guy that got referenced a lot from JC as someone who was "noticeable" or whatever the vernacular was. In any event, maybe he's not a guy who does eye popping things in practice but the two games he's played suggest he deserves a place in the lineup.

Most of us recognize this season isn't going to be pretty from a W/L standpoint so games like last night where you have a lot of the Yutes contributing and looking like they belong is what I'm looking/hoping for.

Way more entertaining game last night and I believe the Hawks held the statistical edge and passed the eye test as well. If they keep playing that way they'll end up on the right side of the score sheet.

Would be nice to get a win Friday at home vs the Wings.

Three goals against attributable to defending failings we’ve seen since Colliton took over: two Hawks following an opponent below the goal line (two vets who should know better), leaving another free at the net; and twice leaving an opponent (Hornquist) alone an free at the net the veteran defenseman Keith again on the last one).

And - on the other end - Hawks standing off to the side of the goalie, trying to wave sticks at the puck instead of standing in front of the goalie, blinding him and having a better chance at a deflection. Olczyk “called out” Suter on this once. Is that part of the Hawk system?

Three goals against attributable to defending failings we’ve seen since Colliton took over: two Hawks following an opponent below the goal line (two vets who should know better), leaving another free at the net; and leaving an opponent (Hornquist) alone an free at the net the veteran defenseman Keith again on the last one).

And - on the other end - Hawks standing off to the side of the goalie, trying to wave sticks at the puck instead of standing in front of the goalie, blinding him and having a better chance at a deflection. Olczyk “called out” Suter on this once. Is that part of the Hawk system?
- StLBravesFan

When was the last time it was actually part of the system? Even under Q, how many guys other than Shaw and Anisimov were fairly adept at taking away the GT's eyesight?

When was the last time it was actually part of the system? Even under Q, how many guys other than Shaw and Anisimov were fairly adept at taking away the GT's eyesight?
- HawkintheD

I was going to make a similar comment, but forgot - it’s too early in the morning of a momentous day. But - back to important things - hockey.

Yeah - we’ve always seen the “net front presence” be off to the side, trying for a baseball-bunt deflection.

But I live in the present, not the past - as my musical references have always made clear.

It was nice to see Kurashev cash in and afa Hagel goes, it's only two games, but the guy seems to always be around the puck.

I know it was a short camp and not that they were down on Hagel but he wasn't a guy that got referenced a lot from JC as someone who was "noticeable" or whatever the vernacular was. In any event, maybe he's not a guy who does eye popping things in practice but the two games he's played suggest he deserves a place in the lineup.

Most of us recognize this season isn't going to be pretty from a W/L standpoint so games like last night where you have a lot of the Yutes contributing and looking like they belong is what I'm looking/hoping for.

Way more entertaining game last night and I believe the Hawks held the statistical edge and passed the eye test as well. If they keep playing that way they'll end up on the right side of the score sheet.

Would be nice to get a win Friday at home vs the Wings.
- HawkintheD

Theo, thanks for validating my own opinion of Keith. It's way too early for Mitchell to be the #1, but it's pretty apparent he is on the fast track to being that. That's great news for the future.

The Hawks are definitely taking their lumps. I know it's a long season, but it's hard to see this team winning 15 games at this point. They really need to put it to Detroit and find a way to grab a couple wins to build some confidence. If they can come out of the weekend 2-3-1, the season will be looking a little better. Soderberg's leadership will help. I think they have been missing that part of Toews' game at C.

As I mentioned in the previous blog, despite the record, I think the Hawks are playing better than last year. You haven't seen the game, or the period where the Hawks didn't touch the puck and are defending the entire time in their own zone, while the goalie is facing 20 shots a period.

That being said, in my eyes unfortunately so far this year, Keith's game has significantly deteriorated, and where is playoff Connor Murphy?

Positives for me:
*I liked Zadorov’s and Mitchell’s game. Both show poise with the puck and make good passes. Also, I love Zadorov’s thirst for contact.

*Glad to see #8 get a couple of tallies, happy to see him firing the biscuit at will. It reminded me of Sharp in his prime.

*DeBrincat had a nice game, he had some nice plays away from the puck. I wish he’d fire the puck more instead of always trying to feed Patrick Kane. Speaking of Kane, my goodness what an incredible backhand goal…just wow!

*Even with a new comer Hagel, the 4th line continues to be effective and contributing meaningful O-zone time.

*Shaw continues to be a beast!

*I thought Lankinen was pretty good, I liked that he was calm in net. He had an incredible save on a 3 on 1 in the first portion of the OT frame.

Negatives for me:
*Murphy continues to struggle with seemingly fundamental things. In the first period he had an issue twice with picking the puck off from along the boards, more failed clearing attempts and poor passing.

*Speaking of failed clearing attempts I must not forget to mention Duncan Keith. I admire that he still plays with speed an intensity, but sadly he is far from his Norris winning prowess. Plus this guy is really racking up the PIM’s.

*Strome was invisible... he never seems to be skating hard or with a purpose.

“Zadorov wanders too much in the defensive zone often abandoning his post by vacating the front of the net to go into a board scrum”

If only that tendency could have been predicted before Stan traded for him.

Nice write up and Im a big fan of the breakdown good/bad on Hawks and opponents goals in the recaps.

Kurashev looks to have the skill set to be a solid top 9 contributor. Hope this kid gets more time and playing with more skilled players to see how high his ceiling can be.

Like 90% on this board.....I accept what this team is, but I guess the only issue I have is that it's the veterans who are just playing dumb, stupid hockey....most notably 2 and 5. 2 looks to have regressed as dramatically the year we realized Seabrook was old/slow. Keith is lost in his own end in the Florida 2 game series.....how many goals was he directly responsible for? He didn't even his stick in the right spot on the OT goal, which if he did, he likely breaks up that cross zone pass. Just maddening. I truly hope Bowman can deal Keith, and the sooner the better, before his value plummets league wide. Keith was elite for so many years but it's fair to say today....his regression is in warp speed right now....and Bowman needs to show he learned that lesson with Seabrook.

4 games in so I don't think it's fair to bash younger kids or even goalies until we get closer to the half way point. Veterans are fair game as they have game experience to know better.

Three goals against attributable to defending failings we’ve seen since Colliton took over: two Hawks following an opponent below the goal line (two vets who should know better), leaving another free at the net; and twice leaving an opponent (Hornquist) alone an free at the net the veteran defenseman Keith again on the last one).

And - on the other end - Hawks standing off to the side of the goalie, trying to wave sticks at the puck instead of standing in front of the goalie, blinding him and having a better chance at a deflection. Olczyk “called out” Suter on this once. Is that part of the Hawk system?
- StLBravesFan

Eddie O made a good point on that. Suter should have tried to screen the goalie and be a target for a greasy tip in goal.

My guess is that Suter may have been thinking that he was in better position for a shot or tip in off to the side there.

Nice write up and Im a big fan of the breakdown good/bad on Hawks and opponents goals in the recaps.

Kurashev looks to have the skill set to be a solid top 9 contributor. Hope this kid gets more time and playing with more skilled players to see how high his ceiling can be.

Like 90% on this board.....I accept what this team is, but I guess the only issue I have is that it's the veterans who are just playing dumb, stupid hockey....most notably 2 and 5. 2 looks to have regressed as dramatically the year we realized Seabrook was old/slow. Keith is lost in his own end in the Florida 2 game series.....how many goals was he directly responsible for? He didn't even his stick in the right spot on the OT goal, which if he did, he likely breaks up that cross zone pass. Just maddening. I truly hope Bowman can deal Keith, and the sooner the better, before his value plummets league wide. Keith was elite for so many years but it's fair to say today....his regression is in warp speed right now....and Bowman needs to show he learned that lesson with Seabrook.

4 games in so I don't think it's fair to bash younger kids or even goalies until we get closer to the half way point. Veterans are fair game as they have game experience to know better.
- SteveRain

I really like that analysis too. Awesome job Theo!

“Zadorov wanders too much in the defensive zone often abandoning his post by vacating the front of the net to go into a board scrum”


- Ogilthorpe2If only that tendency could have been predicted before Stan traded for him.

Brandon Saad wasn't saving this team. Hawks need young NHL ready D men and lets hope Zadorov's ceiling can be elevated as he's given more responsibility. We know what Saad is......a nice piece for cup contending teams who can contribute here and there.....but no where near his current cap hit and future cap hit on a team going no where in the immediate future. If you want to be angry about Saad being gone, than question Stan who continues to trade for veteran D man when he supposedly has all younger D man "in the system"....see Dehaan, Murphy, Zadorov...and that's on top of an aging Keith and a broken down Seabrook.

Can we please have a ceremony or blog where we rehash EVERY single trade since 2008 so people can mourn about their favorites and bash Dale or Joel or STan or Jeremey on they did said player(s) wrong and how this board knew before professional NHL caliber evaluators?

We can even have a two part blog for Saad......

As I mentioned in the previous blog, despite the record, I think the Hawks are playing better than last year. You haven't seen the game, or the period where the Hawks didn't touch the puck and are defending the entire time in their own zone, while the goalie is facing 20 shots a period.

That being said, in my eyes unfortunately so far this year, Keith's game has significantly deteriorated, and where is playoff Connor Murphy?
- LAHawk

100% and it's fair to ask.....and the veterans are fair game early on.

Just dumb, stupid, lost hockey. I thought Lankinen was more impressive than Delia. Made some nice saves, including the 3 on 1 in a 3 on 3 OT

Eddie O made a good point on that. Suter should have tried to screen the goalie and be a target for a greasy tip in goal.

My guess is that Suter may have been thinking that he was in better position for a shot or tip in off to the side there.
- King Agler

Standing in front of the net and having a d man beat the hell out of your lower back, a goalie slash your calves and back of your skates, while trying to time a 95+ mph shot to get just enough to change the direction is arguably the greatest hand eye coordination in any sport. It's truly an art and while NHL players make it look simple, it's far from.

THe more Shaw shows he's healthy and hopefully stays healthy, the more attractive he becomes for a playoff team come deadline time.

In my warped world, all these veterans are open season to be dealt....Bowman needs to fill organizational holes, mainly from the blue line back to the net......and possibly another top 6 C as I fear JT may be done....just a hunch.

Shaw, Murphy, DeHaan, Strome, Murphy, Keith, and even Kane.....IF he wanted to go. Out of those 6, the price for Kane has to be sky high as he's still an elite NHL player and top 5 guy in the league.....and has shown zero signs of regression.

Standing in front of the net and having a d man beat the hell out of your lower back, a goalie slash your calves and back of your skates, while trying to time a 95+ mph shot to get just enough to change the direction is arguably the greatest hand eye coordination in any sport. It's truly an art and while NHL players make it look simple, it's far from.

THe more Shaw shows he's healthy and hopefully stays healthy, the more attractive he becomes for a playoff team come deadline time.

In my warped world, all these veterans are open season to be dealt....Bowman needs to fill organizational holes, mainly from the blue line back to the net......and possibly another top 6 C as I fear JT may be done....just a hunch.

Shaw, Murphy, DeHaan, Strome, Murphy, Keith, and even Kane.....IF he wanted to go. Out of those 6, the price for Kane has to be sky high as he's still an elite NHL player and top 5 guy in the league.....and has shown zero signs of regression.
- SteveRain

Boy, you really don't like Murphy.

Suter was too low on that particular play, but he was in position on others. He is not going to be Hornqvist. He doesn't have the anchor to maintain position. He is really good at getting just enough separation to pick up the puck and put second chances on net. I said before, it would be great if Strome could build that into his game with his size, but I'm not sure if that is ever going to happen.

Keith at 37 is tough to watch. For me it's like watching one of my dogs get older i just appreciate the time i have left with them.

Did anyone else see Hinostroza throw Mitchell into the boards? That has me worried what's going to happen when a real hockey player does this to him.

Keith at 37 is tough to watch. For me it's like watching one of my dogs get older i just appreciate the time i have left with them.

Did anyone else see Hinostroza throw Mitchell into the boards? That has me worried what's going to happen when a real hockey player does this to him.
- BetweenTheDots

It looked to me like Mitchell jumped on that play. He slowed down about 4-5 feet from the boards (I assume to slow the opponent) and then jumped a bit to negate some of the hit.

I get what you are saying, but I have fewer concerns about Mitchell than almost any other D-man on this team. Zadorov strikes me as a "good in theory" guy. Big, good range, can/will hit, but is slow to process and gets himself into trouble more often than not. That play where he wheeled behind the net with the puck, only to have it immediately stripped by a stationary Panther was hard to watch.

Boy, you really don't like Murphy.

Suter was too low on that particular play, but he was in position on others. He is not going to be Hornqvist. He doesn't have the anchor to maintain position. He is really good at getting just enough separation to pick up the puck and put second chances on net. I said before, it would be great if Strome could build that into his game with his size, but I'm not sure if that is ever going to happen.
- Chunk

Ha.....typo

I don't dislike Murphy, he's just a frustrating player. THe playoff version of Murphy gave me some hope but so far.....he's regressed back to the guy who can't hold the Hammer's jock strap.

Why was Colliton extended again?

Ha.....typo

I don't dislike Murphy, he's just a frustrating player. THe playoff version of Murphy gave me some hope but so far.....he's regressed back to the guy who can't hold the Hammer's jock strap.
- SteveRain

How quickly we forget what Hammer looked like when he left. He wasn't the same player as the glory years either.

Lady Gaga doing the National Anthem.

They coulda had Cornellison....