Tomorrow's Chevvy day then, right?
- mohel

Dead parrots.

I appreciate the comments.

I think that the way a team is playing currently - especially if the sample of games is big enough (and 25 or so games is big enough) is a measure of the team at the current point in time - not what they were 4 and 5 months ago, but what they are now.

ESPECIALLY if almost all the signs agree with the 25 game record - the lack of production from just about every skater except Toews and Hossa (and, to be fair, Smith and Bollig); a drop in offense of about a full goal per game since January 1; a drop in the PP from topping the league to being in the bottom half over the past 25 games; and record that is (I think) 4th in the division and 6th in the conference - the only are that has shown improvement has been the PK.

It make no sense to me to keep crowing about the 3rd best PPin the league when it's been a disaster for over two months (longer?).

THAT'S why the remaining 15 games are important: I don't want them going into the play-offs needing to figure out how to win again - let's figure it out before April 13.
- StLBravesFan

I think part of my problem is I view pre-Olympics post Olympics as totally different situations. The Hawks played well on the road trip before the break, outside of the Phoenix game, but the lack of Kane plus the success in Cali plus the Olympics that was a total trap game. I think it'd be hard to disagree with that. They controlled play against the three best teams in the Pacific. Another problem I have is, its kind of unfair to look at an individual and say that trend is going to continue. Players, especially scorers, are streaky. Kane has been producing like an average second liner, but that's not his caliber of play, and neither was when he was producing like Crosby, it's in the middle, which his season numbers reflect, same with Sharp. Anyway I hope they play well over the last 15 too, but I don't think its a sign they're really flawed the way things have been going since xmas or whatever

the interesting thing to remember about Messier is this: He won 2 Cups without Gretzky. Gretzky didn't win any without Messier. Obviously much more to it that than.
- Elbows15

Elbows, do you believe if Mess was sent to the Kings in '88 instead of Gretz, the Oilers would have won that Cup in '90?

Anybody with Direct TV, what channel will the game be on? White Sucks are on right now and will be until after puck drop.
- Studebakerhawk

Sox game is over...they were going to cut to the hockey game anyway..

Anybody with Direct TV, what channel will the game be on? White Sucks are on right now and will be until after puck drop.
- Studebakerhawk

Nevermind!

Sox game is over...they were going to cut to the hockey game anyway..
- Glenman12

Just saw the Hawks are on, thanks.

lets get a win.....

lets get a win.....
- UnnamedSource

lets get a win.....
- UnnamedSource

Buckle up....this one is gonna be PHYSICAL. No SOFTIES Raanta.

I think part of my problem is I view pre-Olympics post Olympics as totally different situations. The Hawks played well on the road trip before the break, outside of the Phoenix game, but the lack of Kane plus the success in Cali plus the Olympics that was a total trap game. I think it'd be hard to disagree with that. They controlled play against the three best teams in the Pacific. Another problem I have is, its kind of unfair to look at an individual and say that trend is going to continue. Players, especially scorers, are streaky. Kane has been producing like an average second liner, but that's not his caliber of play, and neither was when he was producing like Crosby, it's in the middle, which his season numbers reflect, same with Sharp. Anyway I hope they play well over the last 15 too, but I don't think its a sign they're really flawed the way things have been going since xmas or whatever
- rollpards19

Unless the regular season means nothing, the Hawks' performance since the beginning of January is important. I think the regular season is important and is predictive of playoff performance to a certain extent. The question is how much. In horse racing terms, the jockey (Q) didn't need the whip at all last year, but has needed it at a time of year when teams are readying for the playoffs. That is a concern (note, I said concern - not the end of the world), but we'll see if they can bring it more often from now on.

Shaw was asked in the pre-game what the team has been missing, and without hesitation said "desperation", and I think it neatly sums up the concern.

Unless the regular season means nothing, the Hawks' performance since the beginning of January is important. I think the regular season is important and is predictive of playoff performance to a certain extent. The question is how much. In horse racing terms, the jockey (Q) didn't need the whip at all last year, but has needed it at a time of year when teams are readying for the playoffs. That is a concern (note, I said concern - not the end of the world), but we'll see if they can bring it more often from now on.

Shaw was asked in the pre-game what the team has been missing, and without hesitation said "desperation", and I think it neatly sums up the concern.
- mohel

Great post Mo

Buckle up....this one is gonna be PHYSICAL. No SOFTIES Raanta.
- philco28

Lets get dirty...and by that I mean get in front of the net!

Lets get dirty...and by that I mean get in front of the net!
- UnnamedSource

You asked! Ask again please...

Shawzer!!!

Sweet!

Shaw!! Boys are playing like they want to tonight.......

Nice third line with Sharp.

Glue Guy DRIVES the net....Shawzer cleans up. NORTH-SOUTH HOCKEY IS WINNING HOCKEY.

Dirty goal. Love it.

Nice third line with Sharp.
- StLBravesFan

Yes. Outstanding.

You asked! Ask again please...
- mohel

Tell my wife to ask in about four hours.

Great start!

...nice to see a great sequence, plus the goal, 20 seconds after turning the set on.

And now Dunc's too.....! Yowza!

Keith!!! No shin pads!!!

OMG Keith's shot was on net.