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Not only did the Blackhawks make some lineup tweaks in game #2, but they also tweaked their game.

I questioned if this would happen after a 4-1 loss in the series opener and we even had our own PatShart predict the exact lines that Colliton would go with. And for the most part, Pat and Colliton were correct in these moves.

The Hawks looked better in the first and second periods. They were more aggressive with the D not only holding the offensive line but jumping up in a way that we haven't seen in the last few years.

In fact, I believe, with guys like Boqvist (more on him in a second), Mitchell, Carlsson, Beaudin, Kalynuk, etc. coming up through the ranks, Colliton and his staff consider playing this more aggressive style. It works for the Golden Knights and you could tell, Vegas was struggling as they took down a spoonful of their own medicine.

Yes, I know the Knights have better overall personnel, however, I think if the system is in place where the Hawks forwards recognize and support their D, the Hawks could see success in the future with this style. They have younger, more mobile defenders in the pipeline or already on the team and if executed properly as we've seen with the Knights, it's difficult to defend.

Moving on to the Boqvist decision, I was and am still on board with that decision.

If you go back and watch Boqvist in game #1, he was constantly bailing on plays and turning the puck over due to that.

Just like a team feeds off the energy from guys like Drake Caggiula, Matthew Highmore, and Andrew Shaw (when he's in the lineup), I feel the opposite happens when you see your teammate jumping out the way – specifically in the post-season – and failing to make the right play. It's deflating.

Can Boqvist overcome this? Yes, he just needs to put himself in a position to make the correct plays. He can do this by reading plays properly, good positioning/gaps, and at the end of the day brace himself better for contact.

Even if Carlsson had a better game, I always thought Boqvist would re-enter this series. You heard Colliton talk about Adam returning at a higher level after some rest.

Moving on to Carlsson, for those upset at him, this was all about getting another young defender who factors into your future some experience as well.

He did not have the best outing in his 10+ minutes of ice time, however, I will defend him a little here; how difficult do you think it would be to come after a 4-month layoff cold (he hasn't dressed in 1 game, yet) while your teammates and your opponents are 4-5 games in. Oh, and this was his first taste ever of the NHL playoffs.

With that being said, I think Boqvist plays game #3 and most likely plays with Keith. I would love Keith to get some shifts with de Haan though as #2 was one aggressive mofo in game #2. He was able to do that because he had steady-Calvin back there to cover his butt. It's more difficult to do that with 19-year old Boqvist on your pairing.

Heck, here's an alternative thought, maybe you unleash Boqvist and his offensive skills next game. Colliton obviously gave the dmen the green light. If you have Keith-Murphy and de Haan-Boqvist as your pairings, while leaving Maatta-Koekoek together, you could do that.

I'm not sure what Coach Colliton has up his sleeve, but I've liked the way he's growing as a coach in this postseason and think he'll have his team prepared for game #3.

Here are a few thoughts on game #2's OT loss, as well as to get you set up for the weekend:


* Patrick Kane – #88 comes alive with a 3 assist game. Kaner was moving a lot better and getting some better looks. I suspect he continues his strong play this weekend.


* Missing person(s) found – The Cat and his BFF Strome had better games as well. Outside of Strome being allergic to shooting the puck a few times, I thought he and DeBrincat were solid.


* Corey Crawford – Can you imagine where the Hawks would be if Crawford played a full game (like we know he can) in game #1 and #2? I think that's what is so impressive about the Hawks hanging with the Knights, they've been doing so with 1-2 soft goals given up per game.

Corey saved their bacon with some great saves in the 3rd period, but if there's a way he can put together a strong 60-minute performance the Hawks will win at least one of two games this weekend.


* The deciding weekend – We all know the Hawks have to grab at least one "W" this weekend or they are heading home. I'm optimistic that the Hawks can win both game #3 (Sat @ 8pm EST) and game #4 (Sunday 630pm EST) if they continue to push the pace, keep rolling 4 lines, and as I alluded to above, get a superb goaltending effort.


That's my pep talk as we head into the weekend!

I'm really pumped to see the Hawks as the "home team" this weekend. Having the last change will really benefit them as it did in the EDM series. They are technically 2-0 at home. Let's see if they can keep it up.

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Stay safe and see ya out there!

TC

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