Theo Fox: Game 26: Hawks 3, Bolts 6
A recap of the Blackhawks fall-apart loss as the Lightning scored 6 unanswered goals. Murphy tagged with a match penalty and likely to see a suspension.

Plus, a recap of the IceHogs OT winner against the Iowa Wild on Altybarmakian's energetic effort.

Theo,

Once you feel you have a good grasp of how all these young dnen appear to be going.in reaching their NHL slot, would you list what pairing you hope each lands. Maybe you should say, by 2022 '23 season so as by then one or two veteran dmrn are likely gone. The kids will hopefully be alright after another year experience gained- well, not really but good enough I hope.

I ascertain that Kaiser and Vlasic will come along and Rogula, too. But for now it is to early to make a call on them. I especially foresee Kaiser coming aboard with likely no AHL backdrop. However, like Mitchell he benefits from at least one or two more collegiate seasons during which he can work on a few things and improve his game farther.

One point I am aware of, is that with the exception of Carlsson, we have very skilled offensive dmen each quite promising and each with certain strengths and certain weaknesses (Carlsson is no slouch, either). Eventually there may come a decision for one over the other as there could be a desire for more balanced set of dmen. That may be the ideal scenario but if these kids each keep getting better, we may have an unbalanced set on the blueline. At least for a while.

For example, keep both Kalynuk and Beaudin?

Due to experience Mitchell and Boqvist would seem to have a spot as first and second pair. I project Keith here two seasons, maybe three. It would be sensible to say, put Carlsson in the mix as a very good complimentary player. He will administer some hits whereas the others for most part do not. But what if Beaudin and Kalynuk are real gems.

I would like to stop carrying on about the kid's on defense, and you are especially aware of their upside as you watch AHL and follow all of hockey. I am not interested in debating your slotting of these kids; I just want to see if you are thinking about the same as I am. If all goes well we could have a dynamic three set of dmen as puck movers and whom propel the offense. Maybe even one day a puck possession group. I like how the bottom lines will help support the offensive dmen too.

I would put Bowey in, I think he will help the PK more than Kalnyuk would. If both Murphy and Da Haan are out, you have Keith, Zadorov and Carlsson as PK defenseman.

I thought Bovquist was the only young D man that showed he is ready to take on big minutes. The others when the Bolts started ramping up the pressure started panicking with the puck.

Bettman Cup Standings (Biggest Loser - Pts/GP)

1) 0.652 Sabres
2) 0.654 Wings
3) 0.704 Sens
4) 0.800 Ducks
5) 0.857 Canucks
6) 0.857 Devils
7) 0.864 Sharks
8) 0.880 Preds (lol)
9) 0.950 Stars (big pair of games coming up)
10) 0.962 Flames
11) 0.962 Jackets
12) 1.000 Rangers
13) 1.042 Yotes
14) 1.087 Kings
15) 1.154 Oilers
16) 1.192 Hawks (BEAT DALLAS)
17) 1.208 Pens
18) 1.217 Canadiens
19) 1.227 Flyers
20) 1.227 Wild
21) 1.240 Blues
22) 1.273 Av's
23) 1.292 Jets
24) 1.318 Bruins
25) 1.333 Caps
26) 1.360 Islanders (Trotz can coach)
27) 1.417 Panthers
28) 1.458 Canes
29) 1.462 Leafs
30) 1.565 Lightning
31) 1.571 Knights

Are the Lightning, Panthers, and Canes that good? Or do they have so many points because they get to play so many games against the Wings, Preds, Stars and Hawks? Maybe a little of both.

I know it’s 4 trying to offset 5, but on the 4 PK goals, a major factor was Kilorn or Maroon or someone up front UNDISTURBED really bothering Lankinen.

They have to figure out a way to move that guy out.

Blocking shots. We saw some pretty good and pretty bad examples of blocking shots the last three games. I think Zadorov, Mitchell, Boqvist, Kalnynuk need a little work in that area.

Some dmen just don't have the courage. It takes some real gonads to square up to the shooter. Hopefully these young guys can grow some.

If Nick Leddy had squared up to the shooter in overtime against the Kings this Hawks core may have had 4 cups instead of 3.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...nal-with-wild-game-7-win/

I know it’s 4 trying to offset 5, but on the 4 PK goals, a major factor was Kilorn or Maroon or someone up front UNDISTURBED really bothering Lankinen.

They have to figure out a way to move that guy out.

Lankinen's stick to the back of their knees when the refs not looking works for me. Stop some of the runs at him too.

Theo, are you sure they won't go the other way with Murphy and de Haan out? I predict 8D, 10F!

I know it’s 4 trying to offset 5, but on the 4 PK goals, a major factor was Kilorn or Maroon or someone up front UNDISTURBED really bothering Lankinen.

They have to figure out a way to move that guy out.
- StLBravesFan

If the shot doesn't get through they can't score, they are so worried about the passing lanes they sacrifice defensive position between the guy who has the puck and the net.

Simply put.....put the last 2 periods of that game behind them. Played even with the Lightning for basically 2 1/2 games before the CHAMPS put their foot down.

Focus should be squarely on the next 2 games and ensuring there is the same relentless effort they have shown most of the year. Get AT LEAST a split....3 or 4 points would be awesome.

Preds did us a favour beating Dallas last night. So, it is our hands to keep 4th in our control. A split will do it. Go Hawks!!!

1. Three points in three games against the Stanley Cup champion. Good.

2. Showed they're not lavender sniffers. Did not back down. Not afraid to compete against the best. This, imo, is a very big deal.

3. The kids on the blue line were overwhelmed once Murphy left. Tremendous learning experience for them. Learning to play in full battle mode against an outstanding team requires some lumps.

4. They played well enough in the series to bring out the best in a talented, experienced and determined team. The Hawks are clearly not at the level of the Bolts, but they are much closer than I would have believed at the start of the season.

Blocking shots. We saw some pretty good and pretty bad examples of blocking shots the last three games. I think Zadorov, Mitchell, Boqvist, Kalnynuk need a little work in that area.

Some dmen just don't have the courage. It takes some real gonads to square up to the shooter. Hopefully these young guys can grow some.

If Nick Leddy had squared up to the shooter in overtime against the Kings this Hawks core may have had 4 cups instead of 3.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...nal-with-wild-game-7-win/
- -Doh-

Your point is valid on blocking shots, but did you watch the replay in the link you attached. Leddy was squared up. The shot was even going to his right and he did what he could to get in the way of it. It one off his arm and over Corey into the net. I am far from a Leddy defender, but in my eyes that was simply a bad bounce.

If the shot doesn't get through they can't score, they are so worried about the passing lanes they sacrifice defensive position between the guy who has the puck and the net.
- BetweenTheDots

Well, if they don't worry about the passing lanes, that one-timer from Stamkos is open all day long and he just buries it (like both he and Laine have done this year). It's a power play. There is always a disadvantage somewhere. Can they play it better? Obviously. That said, if they concentrate on closing the lanes, it is very difficult to dedicate someone to pushing the net-front guy out of the way. The PK coaches that I've listened to (all four of them) have said that shutting down the cross ice passes is one of the biggest keys to successful PK defense and makes everything easier to defend.

Well, if they don't worry about the passing lanes, that one-timer from Stamkos is open all day long and he just buries it (like both he and Laine have done this year). It's a power play. There is always a disadvantage somewhere. Can they play it better? Obviously. That said, if they concentrate on closing the lanes, it is very difficult to dedicate someone to pushing the net-front guy out of the way. The PK coaches that I've listened to (all four of them) have said that shutting down the cross ice passes is one of the biggest keys to successful PK defense and makes everything easier to defend.
- Chunk

I guess they are wrong, no 1 timers here just a ton of time and space with a free unobstructed shot.

I guess they are wrong, no 1 timers here just a ton of time and space with a free unobstructed shot.
- BetweenTheDots

No, not they.

https://twitter.com/NHLBl.../1368700962500665354?s=01

Completely agree with what JC said about Hagel's penalty, and the young defense

Your point is valid on blocking shots, but did you watch the replay in the link you attached. Leddy was squared up. The shot was even going to his right and he did what he could to get in the way of it. It one off his arm and over Corey into the net. I am far from a Leddy defender, but in my eyes that was simply a bad bounce.
- Chunk

It is very subjective. You could look at it either way. It was just a wrist shot. I feel he had time to square up and get his body in front of it.

With Mitchell especially you wonder how much gas he has left in his tank. This is probably the most hockey he has ever played in a season. At least Bovquist had a full season in London and Carlsson a couple in Rockford. .

Blocking shots. We saw some pretty good and pretty bad examples of blocking shots the last three games. I think Zadorov, Mitchell, Boqvist, Kalnynuk need a little work in that area.

Some dmen just don't have the courage. It takes some real gonads to square up to the shooter. Hopefully these young guys can grow some.

If Nick Leddy had squared up to the shooter in overtime against the Kings this Hawks core may have had 4 cups instead of 3.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...nal-with-wild-game-7-win/
- -Doh-

Wait. We're still lamenting the 2014 WCF (or as I like to think the SCF since either team would have rolled the Rangers)?

Wait. We're still lamenting the 2014 WCF (or as I like to think the SCF since either team would have rolled the Rangers)?
- Rota's Rooter

IIRC, they lost a couple of 2-goal leads.

One shot didn’t beat them.

Wait. We're still lamenting the 2014 WCF (or as I like to think the SCF since either team would have rolled the Rangers)?
- Rota's Rooter

Not lamenting, but referencing it as to show how important blocking shots can be.

Also some dmen just shy away from it. I cannot remember who it was. But within the last few years I remember a Hawk defender that would jump out of the way. He would be in position and screen the goalie and then at the last second duck out of the way. If these young guys are to develop into our future top pairings they need to acquire that skill (and the courage).

IIRC, they lost a couple of 2-goal leads.

One shot didn’t beat them.
- StLBravesFan

Funny. I thought that "one shot" was the GWG. As I understand it that is what that means.

Only one two goal lead and that was before the 9 minute mark of the 1st period.
1-0
2-0
2-1
2-2
3-2
3-3
4-3
4-4
4-5 OT

Hjalmarsson 5 Blocks
Oduya 3
Keith 2
Seabs 2
Rozsival 1
Leddy 0

The collapse in the late 2nd/3rd show the importance of DeHaan and Murphy over inexperienced younger DMen (at least at this point)?

Yeah echoing many on those PP goals (and that overtime goal) having to do with TB forwards effectively screening also it seems TB has DMen who can get shots on the net from the center.

It appears we are giving up a lot of goals from the slot area as players have plenty of time after draws but this could be the traffic generated in front of the net.

I guess they are wrong, no 1 timers here just a ton of time and space with a free unobstructed shot.
- BetweenTheDots

And why was that?

Funny. I thought that "one shot" was the GWG. As I understand it that is what that means.

Only one two goal lead and that was before the 9 minute mark of the 1st period.
1-0
2-0
2-1
2-2
3-2
3-3
4-3
4-4
4-5 OT

Hjalmarsson 5 Blocks
Oduya 3
Keith 2
Seabs 2
Rozsival 1
Leddy 0
- -Doh-

You’re right - a two-goal lead and then two one-goal leads. Shouldn’t have gotten to the OT.