Theo Fox: Game 23: Hawks 7, Wings 2
A recap of the Blackhawks 7-2 victory over the Red Wings on a banner night for Kane as he collects his 400th career goal.

Quite the detailed write-up Theo. Good stuff!!!

I agree. Boquist a good game. And, so many also were strong. As I said in the last blog, Hagel jumps out at me virtually every game. Such high pace, strong on puck, good vision. Not naturally an offensive talent, but a real energy guy who should be able to be a solid 3rd liner with 15 goal potential.

D-Cat was solid all night....not just the 4 points, but I noticed him several times on the backcheck and THAT is even more important. We know he has skills, but if he can also contribute defensively.....well, that is the key.

As a reality check....too many shots allowed, still some shabby defensive coverage. Still a VERY young team learning it's way. But, let's be real. We ALL thought this was a "Bottom 5" year. I don't think anybody thought they would be well inside the playoff bubble at this point in the season. Let's enjoy the unexpected success....realize there will be growing pains....and if they can make the "dance"...even with a first round lose....the experience will be so valuable to these young guys. Winning breeds winning. A team this young just has to benefit from any playoff experience they can get. Sure looking like they have a real chance!!!

Next 3 games against Tampa should tell us whether the Hawks can actually compete for a playoff spot or not. To me, it’s not the final scores that matter, it is how the young guys play.

I hope JC gives especially Bovquist and Mitchell big minutes, and doesn’t try and chase score and games, but continues the developement process.

Forwards are what they are. The Hawks are so thin after injury, you might see Kane playing 30 minutes. Walmart has been such a disappointment, I can’t wait for Strome to come back from concussion protocol.

Next 3 games against Tampa should tell us whether the Hawks can actually compete for a playoff spot or not. To me, it’s not the final scores that matter, it is how the young guys play.

I hope JC gives especially Bovquist and Mitchell big minutes, and doesn’t try and chase score and games, but continues the developement process.

Forwards are what they are. The Hawks are so thin after injury, you might see Kane playing 30 minutes. Walmart has been such a disappointment, I can’t wait for Strome to come back from concussion protocol.
- LAHawk

Hawk need Lankinen at least two out of three games against TB

Morning and nice recap. A couple observations/points;

1. Man, I'm glad they didn't trade Kane 7 years ago or whenever it was that JJ thought he might be on the move.

2. I'm going to have to stop my want to remove Kampf, he is a very good 4th line center.

3. Is it me, or are younger to a few years experience players improving in this system of JC's?

4. Organ- i-zation (love listening to NHL on sirus XM and hearing them pronounce that over and over) better with McD gone it seems. Was he holding back the rebuild since 2016?

5. 3 or 4 years ago, when the Griffins and all their young stars were pounding the Hogs, most I bet thought Red Wings were light years ahead of the Hawks on their rebuild, today?

Lastly, and a biggie in my mind;

6. Does anyone else think that this is now Kane's team, and if and when Johnny returns, it might cause issues???? Cause I kind of do, especially if Wiz's theory is true.



Next games will tell us a lot, both if team is for real, also, think Lanky, nice bounce back for him last night. He is so calm, I love that in my goalies.

Been a while since I've been in Chicago and seen local sports coverage from one of the network affiliates, but watching here in Detroit this morning there was no mention at all of last night's game.

Instead there was extensive coverage of the Tigers opening day Spring Training game cause they won 10-2.

Morning and nice recap. A couple observations/points;

1. Man, I'm glad they didn't trade Kane 7 years ago or whenever it was that JJ thought he might be on the move.

2. I'm going to have to stop my want to remove Kampf, he is a very good 4th line center.

3. Is it me, or are younger to a few years experience players improving in this system of JC's?

4. Organ- i-zation (love listening to NHL on sirus XM and hearing them pronounce that over and over) better with McD gone it seems. Was he holding back the rebuild since 2016?

5. 3 or 4 years ago, when the Griffins and all their young stars were pounding the Hogs, most I bet thought Red Wings were light years ahead of the Hawks on their rebuild, today?

Lastly, and a biggie in my mind;

6. Does anyone else think that this is now Kane's team, and if and when Johnny returns, it might cause issues???? Cause I kind of do, especially if Wiz's theory is true.



Next games will tell us a lot, both if team is for real, also, think Lanky, nice bounce back for him last night. He is so calm, I love that in my goalies.
- vabeachbear

1. For sure! One of the very few JJ missed on.

2. Agree on Kampf. Hard to play against never goes out of style, like Elbows' leisure suit.

3. The beer league coach seems to have the pulse of the team. Some are surprised.

4. McD does appear to have been in the way. Stan is on a roll since Mr. Control left.

5. Good point. I would've thought so, too.

6. Could be, but I don't think it will cause trouble.

Probably a good idea to withhold judgment on the team until they have a series of games against the Florida teams, who with Carolina seem to be the cream of the crop. I suspect the Stars will be heard from too before this is over.

The RIP on Debrincat from some was a bit premature. The kid can score and will score. Kubalik too is definitely a keeper. He is making it happen without much support.

Quite the detailed write-up Theo. Good stuff!!!

I agree. Boquist a good game. And, so many also were strong. As I said in the last blog, Hagel jumps out at me virtually every game. Such high pace, strong on puck, good vision. Not naturally an offensive talent, but a real energy guy who should be able to be a solid 3rd liner with 15 goal potential.

D-Cat was solid all night....not just the 4 points, but I noticed him several times on the backcheck and THAT is even more important. We know he has skills, but if he can also contribute defensively.....well, that is the key.

As a reality check....too many shots allowed, still some shabby defensive coverage. Still a VERY young team learning it's way. But, let's be real. We ALL thought this was a "Bottom 5" year. I don't think anybody thought they would be well inside the playoff bubble at this point in the season. Let's enjoy the unexpected success....realize there will be growing pains....and if they can make the "dance"...even with a first round lose....the experience will be so valuable to these young guys. Winning breeds winning. A team this young just has to benefit from any playoff experience they can get. Sure looking like they have a real chance!!!
- hawk35

Way too many shots allowed - but they kept them outside (or Detroit didn’t get inside) most of the night. SATs were 43-61, but SCs were much closer at 23-27. Even in the 3rd, SATs were 13-20, but SCs were tied at 7s, and the Hawks took back the game for the last 15 minutes. The SAT heat chart showed not many inside shots. (All from NaturalStatrick, 5x5).

We’d certainly like to see them tighten up - maybe more aggressive defense on the blue liners - but Detroit’s game was to pepper Lankinen without putting equal pressure on him.

That said, a nice comeback game for the Suomi goalie, after some of us were beginning to worry. One thing I really like about his game is how he covers up the short side on each side - nothing getting thru there. One thing he needs to improve on, I think, is once or twice a game, he goes shopping out of his area when the play is off to the side - he seems to be chasing the puck instead of staying home. I don’t think it’s cost him a goal yet, but I’ve held my breath on it several times.

Morning and nice recap. A couple observations/points;

1. Man, I'm glad they didn't trade Kane 7 years ago or whenever it was that JJ thought he might be on the move.

2. I'm going to have to stop my want to remove Kampf, he is a very good 4th line center.

3. Is it me, or are younger to a few years experience players improving in this system of JC's?

4. Organ- i-zation (love listening to NHL on sirus XM and hearing them pronounce that over and over) better with McD gone it seems. Was he holding back the rebuild since 2016?

5. 3 or 4 years ago, when the Griffins and all their young stars were pounding the Hogs, most I bet thought Red Wings were light years ahead of the Hawks on their rebuild, today?

Lastly, and a biggie in my mind;

6. Does anyone else think that this is now Kane's team, and if and when Johnny returns, it might cause issues???? Cause I kind of do, especially if Wiz's theory is true.



Next games will tell us a lot, both if team is for real, also, think Lanky, nice bounce back for him last night. He is so calm, I love that in my goalies.
- vabeachbear

Your point about the team possibly having moved on from Toews is a really interesting one. His presence could cause problems. Not sure if it will or it won't, but...

What was Wiz's theory? I think I missed it.

Kane's maturity and assumption of the leadership mantle has been something to watch and most gratifying since the days of his youthful indiscretions.

Next 3 games against Tampa should tell us whether the Hawks can actually compete for a playoff spot or not. To me, it’s not the final scores that matter, it is how the young guys play.

I hope JC gives especially Bovquist and Mitchell big minutes, and doesn’t try and chase score and games, but continues the developement process.

Forwards are what they are. The Hawks are so thin after injury, you might see Kane playing 30 minutes. Walmart has been such a disappointment, I can’t wait for Strome to come back from concussion protocol.
- LAHawk

I predict 6-0, 4-1 and 3-2 (this one is an OT loss but the Hawks blow a 2-0 lead in the 3rd).

I predict 6-0, 4-1 and 3-2 (this one is an OT loss but the Hawks blow a 2-0 lead in the 3rd).
- DarthKane

That close? Put down the crack pipe!

1. For sure! One of the very few JJ missed on.

2. Agree on Kampf. Hard to play against never goes out of style, like Elbows' leisure suit.

3. The beer league coach seems to have the pulse of the team. Some are surprised.

4. McD does appear to have been in the way. Stan is on a roll since Mr. Control left.

5. Good point. I would've thought so, too.

6. Could be, but I don't think it will cause trouble.
- mohel

Lighten up Chief! GM's talk ya know.

Next 3 games against Tampa should tell us whether the Hawks can actually compete for a playoff spot or not. To me, it’s not the final scores that matter, it is how the young guys play.

I hope JC gives especially Bovquist and Mitchell big minutes, and doesn’t try and chase score and games, but continues the developement process.

Forwards are what they are. The Hawks are so thin after injury, you might see Kane playing 30 minutes. Walmart has been such a disappointment, I can’t wait for Strome to come back from concussion protocol.
- LAHawk

I agree. Things will get ugly really fast if we give up that many shots against a team like Tampa with way more skill than Detroit.

I agree. Things will get ugly really fast if we give up that many shots against a team like Tampa with way more skill than Detroit.
- hpk90

I bet 20 to 25 shots were from the blue line with no traffic, unless it's Laine or Stamkos taking those shots, let them shoot and jeopardize possession. I think they wanted Lanky to pass the puck like he did vs BJs, and he didn't do it once

Lighten up Chief! GM's talk ya know.
- HawkintheD

So do internet lackeys.

I agree. Things will get ugly really fast if we give up that many shots against a team like Tampa with way more skill than Detroit.
- hpk90

Things could get ugly even if they play well. Maybe we should scratch our inner Vandy and start with a full line brawl. Start Big Z at center.

Morning and nice recap. A couple observations/points;

1. Man, I'm glad they didn't trade Kane 7 years ago or whenever it was that JJ thought he might be on the move.

2. I'm going to have to stop my want to remove Kampf, he is a very good 4th line center.

3. Is it me, or are younger to a few years experience players improving in this system of JC's?

4. Organ- i-zation (love listening to NHL on sirus XM and hearing them pronounce that over and over) better with McD gone it seems. Was he holding back the rebuild since 2016?

5. 3 or 4 years ago, when the Griffins and all their young stars were pounding the Hogs, most I bet thought Red Wings were light years ahead of the Hawks on their rebuild, today?

Lastly, and a biggie in my mind;

6. Does anyone else think that this is now Kane's team, and if and when Johnny returns, it might cause issues???? Cause I kind of do, especially if Wiz's theory is true.



Next games will tell us a lot, both if team is for real, also, think Lanky, nice bounce back for him last night. He is so calm, I love that in my goalies.
- vabeachbear

What was wiz's theory I missed it?

Your point about the team possibly having moved on from Toews is a really interesting one. His presence could cause problems. Not sure if it will or it won't, but...

What was Wiz's theory? I think I missed it.

Kane's maturity and assumption of the leadership mantle has been something to watch and most gratifying since the days of his youthful indiscretions.
- hpk90

I believe Wiz's theory is that Johnny opted out this season.

I believe Wiz's theory is that Johnny opted out this season.
- tvetter

Yes, and to be fair, I don't remember if he was speculating, reporting what he was hearing, or just guessing.

I only brought it up as if true, would it effect the how the team looks at Kane vs. Toews?

I think it is Kane's AND Keith's team. Those young defenseman idolize the guy, and he seems to really have embraced the mentoring role.

Maybe it's me but everytime Boqvist takes a big hit he gets off the ice immediately, like towards the end of the lprevious loss to the Wings at the opponents blue line, when he comes back he seems to play better. I think his confidence is linked with being able to stay healthy.

I believe Wiz's theory is that Johnny opted out this season.
- tvetter

Here's my conspiracy theory. Toews suspended by the league for one year for gambling on games. Much like Michael Jordan years ago when he "retired" from the Bulls for 2 years.

RED FONT

I think it is Kane's AND Keith's team. Those young defenseman idolize the guy, and he seems to really have embraced the mentoring role.
- LAHawk

I'm sure Keith is doing some mentoring, but I think more than anything, he is just sick of them being mediocre at best and is "demanding" that the young D learn and improve quickly.

I've seen with Mitchell specifically, he has calmed down immensely. He is not nearly as frantic in the corners and makes quicker/safer outlet passes to get out of the zone. There are far fewer "hope" plays from him. Boqvist as well. He's much more direct and his carries into the zone have purpose instead of him just trying to take over and do everything himself.

I think it is Kane's AND Keith's team. Those young defenseman idolize the guy, and he seems to really have embraced the mentoring role.
- LAHawk

If, more like when Toews comes back he'll be welcomed with open arms. The vets completely respect him, and the kids if they don't now they will quickly once he's on the ice again.