The Hawks showed up to play on Wednesday evening; they just didn’t show up on time. The Blues played a solid game and caught the Hawks in naptime for the first 10 minutes of the game. The Blues took advantage of early opportunities and jumped out to a 2-goal lead. St. Louis played well enough for the next 50 minutes and the Hawks just couldn’t solve Legace, except for 1 goal. That Hawks goal was an oddity as the puck was shot from the point and missed the net high. It then bounced back off the boards and landed on the back of Legace’s neck and then went over the goal line. The play went under a 10-minute review and was deemed a goal. I know that the NHL spent about $100,000 per team to upgrade the goal review cameras. I don’t know where or if there is a sufficient view from the overhead camera at the UC. The boys in Toronto might want to review that situation because the game was halted for too long. I guess the important point is that the right call was made, but it seemingly took forever.
Savard mentioned in his post game comments that he didn’t really know why the Hawks weren’t prepared again to play at the start of the game. That same situation happened last Wednesday night against San Jose. He didn’t know why it has been happening, but he gave everyone a clue as to who was the least prepared to play last night. He said that it is not only the younger players who have to learn about preparation, but the 2nd and 3rd year players have to be ready for the start of the game also. I will quickly interpret, as he didn’t give any names. Those players who looked lost last night for much of the game including the first 10 minutes were Seabrook, Keith and to a lesser extent almost everyone else on defense. Sopel and Wisz weren’t bad, but they didn’t have memorable games either.
St. Louis scored their 3rd goal with Seabrook closer to the Blue Line then his own net, and his partner Keith was 20 feet away from Khabby also. On Kariya's first goal of the game and as a Blue, he had so much time he almost guided the puck into the net, once again Keith and Seabrook were on the ice. He was almost too open as he hesitated enough to allow Khabibulin a chance for the save. Khabby had a good night although he wasn’t better than Legace. Even when the Hawks did get a shot on goal Legace controlled most of the rebounds. When he did allow a rebound opportunity the Hawks couldn’t capitalize.
The Hawks defenders as a group had a total of 7 shots on goal Wisz and Seabrook had 0. Too many shots from the point missed the net all together. The Hawks will never have a consistent Power Play until they can find someone who can shoot on goal from the point. I thought that “someone” would be Johansson, but for some reason he doesn’t get a lot of PP time. Last night he looked tentative and unwilling to shoot as he only had 1 shot on goal and he didn’t have one of his best efforts.
As a group the Hawks did fight the puck, Savard said the same after the game. Samsonov logged a lot of miles last night and did have 5 shots on goal. I really feel that much of the time his shots aren’t good chances to score but he did show a lot of effort last night. He needs to play with a good center and Perreault who has been injured has not played very well. So Sammy hasn’t been able to score and really hasn’t put his line mates in a position to dent the net either. Kane had 4 shots on goal, and he might be squeezing his stick too tightly also. I can’t knock his play though and when he scores his first goal I am sure he will be relieved. Kane was one of the better players for the Hawks again last night.
The new Hawk Chairman Rocky Wirtz was among the 10,000 people in the stands last night. I am sure he is not happy with all the empty seats that he saw around him. I have a couple of suggestions concerning the on ice product.
After 6 games played last season the Hawks had 25 goals for and 20 against. I realize that Havlat was still playing during that point in last season. The totals for this year are 11 goals for and 12 against, and all that needs to be said is thank goodness for Khabibulin. The defense has tightened up considerably, and their overall play has been better. So far Seabrook hasn’t sparkled, as his play has been disappointing
Also even when Havlat gets back this team still needs another top 6 forward. If I consider Ruutu, Toews, Kane, Lang and Havlat to be in that top 6 grouping there still needs to be another contributor. I still see the need for another left winger who can score. Maybe someone will emerge from the current roster, or maybe someone will come up from Rockford to provide some offense. It appears right now that the Hawks will struggle for wins unless there is a change.
Richmond hasn’t gotten into a game yet, and Vandermeer has been out since last Wednesday. I don’t see how Richmond fits in here anymore, and he can’t be sent down because he probably wouldn’t clear waivers. Vandy also could be the odd man out it appears; his future with the Hawks is also in question. Certainly if Barker or Byfuglien were ready to be here now, he would have to be dealt. I like Vandy especially when he plays with an edge, now it appears he will have trouble getting into the Lineup. Johansson should be used on the 1st team PP unit; his value to the team is because of his offensive skills. He hasn't been put in the best position to succeed, so far at least.
Well Savard is in another difficult position; Vandy will have to play soon, most likely Friday. Who do you sit? Zyuzin is just getting back from an injury or Johansson who needs to be on the ice for the Power Play. I say neither; I would bench Seabrook for a game or two. He hasn’t been in the top pair performance wise yet this year, although he gets top pair minutes on many nights. I think it would be an eye opener for young Brent to watch a game or two from the Press Box. This probably won’t happen for a couple of reasons. The Hawks have hyped him, as a future cornerstone of the Organization, so to bench him now would be difficult. They also probably would not want to diminish his trade value if they are disenchanted with his progress as his contract is up after this year. Savard has some tough decisions to make and there appears to be a need for at least one more skill player. I wonder if Rocky feels the same way?
I will be on WGN’s Sports Central Show with David Kaplan at 8:35 this evening doing a little Hawk chat, if you get a chance tune in.
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