Theo Fox: Brilliant Bloom A summary of the Blackhawks 1-0 win over the Canucks backstopped by Marc-Andre Fleury pitching the shutout with a brilliant 40-save performance.

Plus, a brief look at who's coaching the Chicago power play.

Although he did not help them at the start off the year on the first line, I think Tyler Johnson will help them on the 3rd line. Johnson, Borgstrum and Gaudette or Kurashev.

Murphy is brutal with the puck on his stick. DeHaan and McCabe are not much better. If they just took an extra second to skate to space and look up they could find a passing lane or a clearing lane.

With the Hawks current 3rd or 4th lines on the ice the opponent can be super aggressive on the forecheck. They know that line could not possibly score on them even if they beat the forecheck and create an odd man rush. On the road with the last change the opposing coach must be licking his chops.

Murphy is brutal with the puck on his stick. DeHaan and McCabe are not much better. If they just took an extra second to skate to space and look up they could find a passing lane or a clearing lane.

With the Hawks current 3rd or 4th lines on the ice the opponent can be super aggressive on the forecheck. They know that line could not possibly score on them even if they beat the forecheck and create an odd man rush. On the road with the last change the opposing coach must be licking his chops.
- Ztra

How did that work out for Travis Greene?

Thanks Theo - We are finally seeing the MAF most of us thought we would see. Yes posts are nice, but every team goes through a period where shots seem to hit posts all the time. Or, could it be when a goaltender is playing well they seem to get more help from the posts? Could be.

Is there any video o the play where Stillman got injured? I did not see the 1st period of the game.

How did that work out for Travis Greene?

Thanks Theo - We are finally seeing the MAF most of us thought we would see. Yes posts are nice, but every team goes through a period where shots seem to hit posts all the time. Or, could it be when a goaltender is playing well they seem to get more help from the posts? Could be.

Is there any video o the play where Stillman got injured? I did not see the 1st period of the game.
- powerenforcer

https://twitter.com/CRoum...gPF-ZuM_Bs_sSBreEhMg&s=01

https://twitter.com/CRoumeliotis/status/1462599075124195332?t=rOgPF-ZuM_Bs_sSBreEhMg&s=01
- BetweenTheDots

Gus is clearly looking to stay on the roster by any means necessary.

Gus is clearly looking to stay on the roster by any means necessary.
- DarthKane

Clear intent to injure. I hope Bettman looks into this situation.

Only 5 points out of a playoff spot. All they need is a 95% save percentage out of Flower until the end of the year.

Although he did not help them at the start off the year on the first line, I think Tyler Johnson will help them on the 3rd line. Johnson, Borgstrum and Gaudette or Kurashev.
-Ztra

Yes, Tyler Johnson will help them on the third line, but not in a top six role. The Hawks should be able to put together a decent third line on the ice, not a championship caliber third line, but a decent third line. I would do Dach(temporarily), Kurashev, and Johnson, try Borgstrom in a top six role. Hawks aren’t going anywhere, let’s see what these kids can do in a more prominent role. Khaira, Carpenter, and Hardman should never be higher than the fourth line, they should be fourth line or press box.

I believe we are seeing a team understanding who they are. I think they got caught up in thinking they were all that playing the Oil because they played them well for the 1st 10 minutes and it all unraveled. They just need to continue to play boring patient hockey keep things tight in the center lane of the ice defensively. The D is working on soft area passes in the dzone which scare the poop out of me but if they can get really good at it, it will alleviate a ton of D zone pressure.

To me the lines are fine so long as they continue to play defense

I don't disagree on Jones not being the best at his position defensively, but to routinely turn a blind eye to what Murphy is....I am sorry.....if people want to pull out their advanced analytics and bash Jones...fine....but lets not pretend that Murphy is some top 4 lock down defensemen. You could easily argue for the minutes he gets per game vs the other 5....he's by FAR the worst. Jones will at least you give some offensive upside back....what does Murphy give you.....oh the leadership aspect I keep on forgetting about when he was a letter wearer for the Team USA F team at the worlds year after year....

Somebody else said it best, tradeline is going to be thud baring a major uptick in a lot of guys play. Fleury has a NO 10 team trade list, and I am pretty sure Hawks and him had a deal he woudln't be moved again after taking time to decide if he wanted to come here in July.

Hawks routinely having issues not scoring 5 on 5 and almost a quarter way through the season....not a blip any longer, this is now a major concern.

IF the Hawks didn't have Fleury do they have 2 wins? I doubt it.

I believe we are seeing a team understanding who they are. I think they got caught up in thinking they were all that playing the Oil because they played them well for the 1st 10 minutes and it all unraveled. They just need to continue to play boring patient hockey keep things tight in the center lane of the ice defensively. The D is working on soft area passes in the dzone which scare the poop out of me but if they can get really good at it, it will alleviate a ton of D zone pressure.

To me the lines are fine so long as they continue to play defense
- BetweenTheDots

They are 100% reliant on 3-4 guys right now....

Jones getting Debrincat and Kane the puck in transition or pinching in to help them create offense....

Kane and DeBrincat scoring key, timely goals either on the PP and/or 5 on 5...

Fleury pulling rabbits out of his hat each and every start because if he's not playing game 7 playoff hockey he can't afford to let in more then 2 goals or this team implodes mid game.

This streak is a mirage....they are not a good team and they could break out the 1995 right wing trap and it wouldn't matter. TOO many passengers, starting with the guy wearing the "C" and up and down the roster.

How this interim GM or possible new GM fix this.....no clue....but they have no idea where they are going, and don't have a roster that can compete in the short term, let alone the long term at this point.

Murphy is brutal with the puck on his stick. DeHaan and McCabe are not much better. If they just took an extra second to skate to space and look up they could find a passing lane or a clearing lane.

I lost count of how many times de Haan just tried to blindly clear the puck from his backhand. When Vancouver was on that late PP with the goalie pulled, no one was 6 feet from him, and he just backhanded along the boards to a Canucks player. He could have easily turned around and fired it all the way down. I guess it must not be that common of a skill. Keith and Seabrook were great at it. I guess it's easy to panic.

The schedule for the next month is brutal. 15 games. A lot of teams in the top 3 of their division. Only a few games against mediocre teams. We should know by Xmas if they have any chance at a playoff spot. They probably need at least 20 points in those 15 games to stay in it. Maybe less if they take most of their losses outside of the conference.

I don't disagree on Jones not being the best at his position defensively, but to routinely turn a blind eye to what Murphy is....I am sorry.....if people want to pull out their advanced analytics and bash Jones...fine....but lets not pretend that Murphy is some top 4 lock down defensemen. You could easily argue for the minutes he gets per game vs the other 5....he's by FAR the worst. Jones will at least you give some offensive upside back....what does Murphy give you.....oh the leadership aspect I keep on forgetting about when he was a letter wearer for the Team USA F team at the worlds year after year....

Somebody else said it best, tradeline is going to be thud baring a major uptick in a lot of guys play. Fleury has a NO 10 team trade list, and I am pretty sure Hawks and him had a deal he woudln't be moved again after taking time to decide if he wanted to come here in July.

Hawks routinely having issues not scoring 5 on 5 and almost a quarter way through the season....not a blip any longer, this is now a major concern.

IF the Hawks didn't have Fleury do they have 2 wins? I doubt it.
- SteveRain

Eliminating Gus from the conversation, I think deHaan is by far the worst. I am so tired of seeing him fail to clear the puck when he is under no pressure. In the final 2 minutes yesterday, while down a man, deHaan had 3 separate chances when on his forehand and time, and failed to clear the puck. This is a common occurrence for him. Not only that, but as a veteran, his ability to read plays is horrible. He puts himself in situations where he has no ability to make a play, or make himself an option for a teammate. I think McCabe has been playing better as of late.

I see a few things that really hamstring this team offensively. First, as others have mentioned, the inability of the defense to make a solid first pass out of the zone. I'm all for just flipping pucks out to relieve pressure only, but if that is the play 90% of the time they are never gonna generate consistent offense. Second, the unwillingness of the defense to just put the puck on net. It doesn't have to be the old days of looking for Doug Wilson to hammer shots from the point, or NSH/MTL looking for Weber to reek fear into the opponent as they unleash bombs, but look at opponents, work to the points, throw pucks on net, crash. The last few games they have been outshot badly, somewhat because they fail to just put pucks on net. Heck, last nights goal is a perfect example, flip one at the net, who knows what will happen.

Eliminating Gus from the conversation, I think deHaan is by far the worst. I am so tired of seeing him fail to clear the puck when he is under no pressure. In the final 2 minutes yesterday, while down a man, deHaan had 3 separate chances when on his forehand and time, and failed to clear the puck. This is a common occurrence for him. Not only that, but as a veteran, his ability to read plays is horrible. He puts himself in situations where he has no ability to make a play, or make himself an option for a teammate. I think McCabe has been playing better as of late.

I see a few things that really hamstring this team offensively. First, as others have mentioned, the inability of the defense to make a solid first pass out of the zone. I'm all for just flipping pucks out to relieve pressure only, but if that is the play 90% of the time they are never gonna generate consistent offense. Second, the unwillingness of the defense to just put the puck on net. It doesn't have to be the old days of looking for Doug Wilson to hammer shots from the point, or NSH/MTL looking for Weber to reek fear into the opponent as they unleash bombs, but look at opponents, work to the points, throw pucks on net, crash. The last few games they have been outshot badly, somewhat because they fail to just put pucks on net. Heck, last nights goal is a perfect example, flip one at the net, who knows what will happen.
- TheTrob

I don't recognize DeHaan as a player for my own sanity....but you're right, he is worse than Murphy, but in regards to the short/long term window....Murphy has just been awful this year.

Agreed on point shots and they've had games even the telecasters are questioning why a Hawks D man is not engaging by throwing a shot on net.....

What is that magical stat about Thanksgiving? 70% of teams who are in playoff spots by US thanksgiving make the playoffs? Hawks are 5 pts behind Nashville and Nashville has a game in hand.

I was on the guys thinking this team could contend given their roster on paper....what I didnt' expect is so many to be dragging ass and we as fans can make any/all the excuses for guys coming back (toews) or making up for some of his idiot plays in his own end with offense (jones) or that he's ONLY 20 and still needs time (dach) or on and on it goes....point is outside of 2 guys, 12/88, lots of guys need to look themselves in the mirror and find their games fast or it's on the Hawks management to decide if it's blip OR if this is a pattern with lack of production vs cap hit.

And yes, I get Dach is ONLY 20...but his lack of finishing as of now tells me he's a fringe top 6, solid top 9 player...which is fine, but not what the Hawks needed for where they invested in him as an organization. Hope that kid starts using his size, and becomes more consistent.

Dach had the best face-off percentage he had all year 38.5%. That was his highlight. He had no hits, no shots, and looked like a puppy flopping around the first time it walked on ice. He needs to either be put in a 3C role and figure it out, or sent to the A. He has certainly regressed from that playoff bubble performance.

Toews looks gassed. I understand back-to-back, and 33 years old, but with him missing the year, too much is being asked of him. However, putting Strome with players with some offensive acumen like Hagel and Toews, that was the Hawks best line 5 x 5 by far. Way more dangerous than when Kubalik was playing with Hagel and Toews.

Kurashev got benched as this was 2 games in a row with a O zone penalty. Not to pick on him, but finally some accountability for stupid mistakes.

Upside is that Dach, Strome and Kubalik's contract negotiations should result in minimal raises. Same with Lankinen. deHaan and Fleury are off the books. Hopefully Reichel next year can make the jump, and see if Davidson or another GM can put lipstick on this pig.

Only 5 points out of a playoff spot. All they need is a 95% save percentage out of Flower until the end of the year.
- mohel

They would have lost 2-1 last night if Flower had a 95% save percentage.

Eliminating Gus from the conversation, I think deHaan is by far the worst. I am so tired of seeing him fail to clear the puck when he is under no pressure. In the final 2 minutes yesterday, while down a man, deHaan had 3 separate chances when on his forehand and time, and failed to clear the puck. This is a common occurrence for him. Not only that, but as a veteran, his ability to read plays is horrible. He puts himself in situations where he has no ability to make a play, or make himself an option for a teammate. I think McCabe has been playing better as of late.

I see a few things that really hamstring this team offensively. First, as others have mentioned, the inability of the defense to make a solid first pass out of the zone. I'm all for just flipping pucks out to relieve pressure only, but if that is the play 90% of the time they are never gonna generate consistent offense. Second, the unwillingness of the defense to just put the puck on net. It doesn't have to be the old days of looking for Doug Wilson to hammer shots from the point, or NSH/MTL looking for Weber to reek fear into the opponent as they unleash bombs, but look at opponents, work to the points, throw pucks on net, crash. The last few games they have been outshot badly, somewhat because they fail to just put pucks on net. Heck, last nights goal is a perfect example, flip one at the net, who knows what will happen.
- TheTrob

Don’t just put shots on the net without have Hawks at / going to the net. Too many Hawk shots are straight on, into a goalie without anyone there to blind him, cause a deflection, or be in position for a rebound.

A shot from the perimeter without that will never become a goal.

But that’s what the Hawks do a lot.

I don't recognize DeHaan as a player for my own sanity....but you're right, he is worse than Murphy, but in regards to the short/long term window....Murphy has just been awful this year.

Agreed on point shots and they've had games even the telecasters are questioning why a Hawks D man is not engaging by throwing a shot on net.....

What is that magical stat about Thanksgiving? 70% of teams who are in playoff spots by US thanksgiving make the playoffs? Hawks are 5 pts behind Nashville and Nashville has a game in hand.

I was on the guys thinking this team could contend given their roster on paper....what I didnt' expect is so many to be dragging ass and we as fans can make any/all the excuses for guys coming back (toews) or making up for some of his idiot plays in his own end with offense (jones) or that he's ONLY 20 and still needs time (dach) or on and on it goes....point is outside of 2 guys, 12/88, lots of guys need to look themselves in the mirror and find their games fast or it's on the Hawks management to decide if it's blip OR if this is a pattern with lack of production vs cap hit.

And yes, I get Dach is ONLY 20...but his lack of finishing as of now tells me he's a fringe top 6, solid top 9 player...which is fine, but not what the Hawks needed for where they invested in him as an organization. Hope that kid starts using his size, and becomes more consistent.
- SteveRain

I'm willing to give Dach more time. I look at his age, and his actual injury free playing time and realize he only has about a year under his belt. I compare him to a guy like Couturier, who came in young and was "OK" until really blossoming a couple of years in. The difference of course is PHL had the likes of Giroux, Voracek, Simmons, Hartnell to be the stars and carry the team while he found his NHL legs, while the Hawks are almost relying on Dach to be something he is not yet.

I realize the Hawks were dealing with the Beach stuff, but knowing the November thing in regards to playoffs, why let Colliton dig such a big hole? Why get to 10 games under .500, knowing thats a tough hole to climb out of.

Looking at individual pieces on this team, it doesn't seem that bad, BUT something just doesn't fit together right.

Dach had the best face-off percentage he had all year 38.5%. That was his highlight. He had no hits, no shots, and looked like a puppy flopping around the first time it walked on ice. He needs to either be put in a 3C role and figure it out, or sent to the A. He has certainly regressed from that playoff bubble performance.

Toews looks gassed. I understand back-to-back, and 33 years old, but with him missing the year, too much is being asked of him. However, putting Strome with players with some offensive acumen like Hagel and Toews, that was the Hawks best line 5 x 5 by far. Way more dangerous than when Kubalik was playing with Hagel and Toews.

Kurashev got benched as this was 2 games in a row with a O zone penalty. Not to pick on him, but finally some accountability for stupid mistakes.

Upside is that Dach, Strome and Kubalik's contract negotiations should result in minimal raises. Same with Lankinen. deHaan and Fleury are off the books. Hopefully Reichel next year can make the jump, and see if Davidson or another GM can put lipstick on this pig.
- LAHawk

why continue to keep Strome? What is the upside to that? I don't understand that logic at all....find a kid down in the A to take his spot.

WE've seen this smoke show by Strome before...he gets motivated plays hard for a stretch and then reverts back to what he is as a player.....

I'm willing to give Dach more time. I look at his age, and his actual injury free playing time and realize he only has about a year under his belt. I compare him to a guy like Couturier, who came in young and was "OK" until really blossoming a couple of years in. The difference of course is PHL had the likes of Giroux, Voracek, Simmons, Hartnell to be the stars and carry the team while he found his NHL legs, while the Hawks are almost relying on Dach to be something he is not yet.

I realize the Hawks were dealing with the Beach stuff, but knowing the November thing in regards to playoffs, why let Colliton dig such a big hole? Why get to 10 games under .500, knowing thats a tough hole to climb out of.

Looking at individual pieces on this team, it doesn't seem that bad, BUT something just doesn't fit together right.
- TheTrob

Who was going to make the decision? Bowman? I bet he had his authority to do anything stripped weeks before he was asked to resign. My guess is Davidson was going to promote Crawford right away, but that wouldn't of been a good look, hence King. I also think Davidson asked Crawford what needed to change, and Davidson agreed, thus Crawford is getting his assistant coach, and is running practices, and being way more vocal on the bench. It has come out that one of JC's fault was he didn't take advice, or listen to anyone that didn't see it his way. I wondered why Crawford just stood on the bench like a mime at the Venetian Hotel. That sure wasn't his personality as a player or a ex head coach.

I'm willing to give Dach more time. I look at his age, and his actual injury free playing time and realize he only has about a year under his belt. I compare him to a guy like Couturier, who came in young and was "OK" until really blossoming a couple of years in. The difference of course is PHL had the likes of Giroux, Voracek, Simmons, Hartnell to be the stars and carry the team while he found his NHL legs, while the Hawks are almost relying on Dach to be something he is not yet.

I realize the Hawks were dealing with the Beach stuff, but knowing the November thing in regards to playoffs, why let Colliton dig such a big hole? Why get to 10 games under .500, knowing thats a tough hole to climb out of.

Looking at individual pieces on this team, it doesn't seem that bad, BUT something just doesn't fit together right.
- TheTrob

I just want to see flashes which become a little more consistent over time until it all comes together...Edmonton bubble...I saw a glimpse of THAT Dach and I liked that game....I get he was hurt last year, but what is the ample amount of time to wait on a guy before he becomes a player like Strome?

why continue to keep Strome? What is the upside to that? I don't understand that logic at all....find a kid down in the A to take his spot.

WE've seen this smoke show by Strome before...he gets motivated plays hard for a stretch and then reverts back to what he is as a player.....
- SteveRain

Sounds like Kubalik, but is 2 years younger, and has better overall skill. Hope the Hawks can get a third at the TDL for Kubalik.

Who was going to make the decision? Bowman? I bet he had his authority to do anything stripped weeks before he was asked to resign. My guess is Davidson was going to promote Crawford right away, but that wouldn't of been a good look, hence King. I also think Davidson asked Crawford what needed to change, and Davidson agreed, thus Crawford is getting his assistant coach, and is running practices, and being way more vocal on the bench. It has come out that one of JC's fault was he didn't take advice, or listen to anyone that didn't see it his way. I wondered why Crawford just stood on the bench like a mime at the Venetian Hotel. That sure wasn't his personality as a player or a ex head coach.
- LAHawk

I think it's fair to question.....given how much they invested this offseason to try and win "now" only to burry themselves and have a GM refuse to fire his "pet"....does anyone here we will ever see JC in the NHL as a HC again? That to me is an answer in itself.

Don’t just put shots on the net without have Hawks at / going to the net. Too many Hawk shots are straight on, into a goalie without anyone there to blind him, cause a deflection, or be in position for a rebound.

A shot from the perimeter without that will never become a goal.

But that’s what the Hawks do a lot.
- StLBravesFan

Of course you're correct, seemingly basic hockey. I just don't understand the philosophy. It was one thing during the cup run, when the roster was overflowing with talent, to be able to play the possession, cycle game around the perimeter and work for the pretty play. That talent just doesn't exist. While they have some guys that can still find open areas for the pretty plays (Kane, ADB), the rest really shouldn't be playing for the extended cycle. Cycle, work the puck to the points, crash the net. NOT cycle, work to points, throw it down low, cycle again, to the point, down low, lose possession with no shot......chase.