It is good to see you posting here.......
- SteveRain

Thanks, Stever. I hope you're well.

Sharp was better last night. Had some jump, had some chances. Made a nice pass over to Toews off that hossa play to pot the 1st one. Made a perfect shot on his breakaway, just hit the post.

He stays with Hossa and Toews, and when Toews comes out from behind the net Sharp should be able to blast one....hopefully through traffic.
- SteveRain

I agree with you Steve....sharp has had his best production over the years with toews and hossa....

yes his production has fallen off a cliff the last 18 months..but changing his role to bottom 6 won't solve that problem. Wish he could finish...5 hole is there for him but he never exlpoits that's....almost all his odd mans or breakaways go forehand into the goalies left pad....why??

he needs to stay there...but that comes at cost with other slotting...TT can not be paried with 16 and 11...he might as well be in the press box. Move him up and have steeg down there...i thk bows mentioned this... shaw at wing with vermette and TT i like....richards, saad, kane...like that to

q with deceptive line combos to start the game...you try to get something going and you mismatch somewhere esle: shaw at center, tt on 4th line with griders =


sharp with toews/hossa = great idea but sharp still can't finish...

13 games = 0 goals,

25 goals over his last 146

it is what it is and aint going to change
- bogiedoc

Its not hard to understand what he is doing, bogie. He is trying to accomplish two things. Open up some space for Kane or at least have someone who can take advantage of the open space Kane is creating indirectly.
The second is saying to TB, go ahead and stop Kane and Toews and company will see time against Coburn and Garrison.

And for all the rolling four lines mantra, show me a coach in the league who isn't going to try to get his best players out there more?

I hate to sound like some of the somewhat hockey ignorant UC crowd now-a-days, but the Hawks really need to SHOOT THE PUCK. They passed up a whole bunch of seemingly open shot attempts to try for an extra pass, a "hot pass" or back-door play, etc. Put the puck on net, good things will happen. There was a play in the 3rd that was it in a nutshell. Richards, Kane and I believe Saad were breaking in on net. Richards was breaking in on the left wing and had an open path to the net and clear shot, he gave the puck up to Kane who was somewhat covered in the middle for a one timer, that the goalie made a nice stop on. If Richards shoots, he has Kane and Saad crashing the net for the rebound. If Kane was wide open, fine, make the pass, but he was covered and the pass was forced, the shot would have been a better option.
- TheTrob

I'm sure you know that all has to do with Q's philosophy on puck possession. Taking a shot is giving up possession and I'm guessing Q is/has been telling them not to do that for fear of having the play turned around and them having to defend.

I cannot disagree with you in many instances -- in fact, on last night's blog, I suggested a drinking game where a (good) shot was there for one of the Hawks but they decided to pass. Every time that happens I suggested a shot of your choice of adult beverage.

Some of our compatriots replied that one would be sh!t-faced in a matter of minutes.

Thought of losing Saad in the offseason

If that tunnel leads to the net like last night, I'm OK with it.
- TheTrob

Saad makes a good soldier, but I don't see him being more than that. At least not yet. To deserve the payday most here thinks he has coming I'd like to see him demonstrate some recognition of chances for someone other than himself. Being the monster he is should afford him the ability to drag 2 defenders with him. That's when he needs to understand there is an open man who probably has a better look than the guy with 2 players hanging all over him. IF the time comes that he recognizes and takes advantage of that then I'm all in.

This, i agree with.

But it also seems to me that a lot of what Kane typically generates is off the rush/through transition and that's not there because of what Tampa is doing in the neutral zone.

Saad's down low/cycle game has improved a ton the last couple years and he is almost in that Toews/Hossa class and just what Kane needs as a complement to begin "operating" in the offensive zone, Saad can also finish, as can Richards.
- John Jaeckel

Some of what TB is doing and the Hawks just not managing the puck well. We have seen this from Kane before. He will find a way. He is too great a player not to. Calling Kane lazy is ludicrous, imo, frustrated? I think so. His game has always been to float around the ice and jump into spots. To think he is going to start driving the net like a power forward is simply not understand his skill set.

Also. Kane needs to move the puck and himself some times. When that happens he needs players with him who can get the puck back to him with some space.

I'm sure you know that all has to do with Q's philosophy on puck possession. Taking a shot is giving up possession and I'm guessing Q is/has been telling them not to do that for fear of having the play turned around and them having to defend.

I cannot disagree with you in many instances -- in fact, on last night's blog, I suggested a drinking game where a (good) shot was there for one of the Hawks but they decided to pass. Every time that happens I suggested a shot of your choice of adult beverage.

Some of our compatriots replied that one would be sh!t-faced in a matter of minutes.

- savvyone-1

Risk/Reward. Taking a shot is is the only way to score and you can't win hockey games unless you score.

I'm sure you know that all has to do with Q's philosophy on puck possession. Taking a shot is giving up possession and I'm guessing Q is/has been telling them not to do that for fear of having the play turned around and them having to defend.

I cannot disagree with you in many instances -- in fact, on last night's blog, I suggested a drinking game where a (good) shot was there for one of the Hawks but they decided to pass. Every time that happens I suggested a shot of your choice of adult beverage.

Some of our compatriots replied that one would be sh!t-faced in a matter of minutes.

- savvyone-1

I don't think you understand how possession stats are calculated.

Some of what TB is doing and the Hawks just not managing the puck well. We have seen this from Kane before. He will find a way. He is too great a player not to. Calling Kane lazy is ludicrous, imo, frustrated? I think so. His game has always been to float around the ice and jump into spots. To think he is going to start driving the net like a power forward is simply not understand his skill set.

Also. Kane needs to move the puck and himself some times. When that happens he needs players with him who can get the puck back to him with some space.
- Elbows15

I'm just wondering if Kane has an injury that has not been reported. I remember him taking a vicious slash to the wrist area from that DBag Corey Perry in one of the late Anaheim games. It may be nothing serious or nothing at all, but the way things are kept silent in this NHL, I wouldn't be surprised if something came out after the series is over.

I'm just wondering if Kane has an injury that has not been reported. I remember him taking a vicious slash to the wrist area from that DBag Corey Perry in one of the late Anaheim games. It may be nothing serious or nothing at all, but the way things are kept silent in this NHL, I wouldn't be surprised if something came out after the series is over.
- Hawkytalk

Nah. I did hear though that he has an acute case pf pusseidus. Thankfully, it's not contagious.

Thanks, Stever. I hope you're well.
- mohel

Bi Polar as usual, but hanging in there........

This series is taking years off my life and my liver........

The 2013 Hawks Bruins Final had a similar feel to this series. Every time Boston had the puck it felt like they were going to score, yet somehow the Hawks found a way. I don't really see how this series is any different.

Yeah, the Hawks have not played great, yet somehow they are 2-2. The "better", "faster", "harder-working" team this series somehow has nothing to show for it. The Hawks have been able to win when not playing all that great. To me, that should come as a bad sign for the Lightning. If the Hawks can put it all together, which they tend to do as these series get to this point, they will roll.
- PuckAndSticks

So the Hawks are better, faster and harder working than the Lightning?

Bruins and Lightning different animals.

Lightning much faster and more skilled plain and simple. There is not corelation other than series being tied at 2 games a piece.
- TrueGrit

I was actually stating the opposite. Everyone keeps looking at the Hawks as the team that is being "out-everythinged" by the Lightning. If you look at it from the last time the Hawks were in this position, then you could argue that they are right where they need to be. (JJ didn't love this. Said Leddy and Rozy gave the Hawks the edge. Valid) But still feel the Championship bones are still there.

I agree with you Steve....sharp has had his best production over the years with toews and hossa....

yes his production has fallen off a cliff the last 18 months..but changing his role to bottom 6 won't solve that problem. Wish he could finish...5 hole is there for him but he never exlpoits that's....almost all his odd mans or breakaways go forehand into the goalies left pad....why??

he needs to stay there...but that comes at cost with other slotting...TT can not be paried with 16 and 11...he might as well be in the press box. Move him up and have steeg down there...i thk bows mentioned this... shaw at wing with vermette and TT i like....richards, saad, kane...like that to
- bogiedoc

Sharp has never been good with breakaways. I know he worked very hard at it between 13 and 14 to improve on shoot outs, again probably to sure up all aspects of his game in case it came down to the shoot out for making team Canada. Much like how Oshie had a nod over many other Americans because of his shoot out move.

TT is worthless if he's not playing with top end guys. Needs to be top 9 or sit, and honestly........I don't see how anyone in the press box right now is going to take over TT's spot.

Again, I hate to keep harping on it, but Bickell.....one of their larger guys in size has played as small as he can so badly......he's not even an option to dress. That just speaks volumes as to where Q is at with him, and while I don't always agree with Q, on this........I 100% agree with.

I also think very well 29 is gone this summer. Between all the scratches this season and now in the playoffs? Q is done with this guy.........more so then he ever was with 22, who didn't always warrant the dog house.

I'm sure you know that all has to do with Q's philosophy on puck possession. Taking a shot is giving up possession and I'm guessing Q is/has been telling them not to do that for fear of having the play turned around and them having to defend.

I cannot disagree with you in many instances -- in fact, on last night's blog, I suggested a drinking game where a (good) shot was there for one of the Hawks but they decided to pass. Every time that happens I suggested a shot of your choice of adult beverage.

Some of our compatriots replied that one would be sh!t-faced in a matter of minutes.

- savvyone-1

What?

I'm just wondering if Kane has an injury that has not been reported. I remember him taking a vicious slash to the wrist area from that DBag Corey Perry in one of the late Anaheim games. It may be nothing serious or nothing at all, but the way things are kept silent in this NHL, I wouldn't be surprised if something came out after the series is over.
- Hawkytalk

I don't think so. Nothing looks wrong with his release or shot to me.

Off topic question for anyone:

Why is Matt Barnaby such a douchebag? He's one of those "since I played in the NHL I know something" a-holes who, when I hear him talk, sounds like an idiot.

Off topic question for anyone:

Why is Matt Barnaby such a douchebag? He's one of those "since I played in the NHL I know something" a-holes who, when I hear him talk, sounds like an idiot.
- DMCsPulledHammy

Didn't he "Warren Sapp" some prostitute or something?

Thought of losing Saad in the offseason




- BURDA13

Why would they lose Saad?

I'm just wondering if Kane has an injury that has not been reported. I remember him taking a vicious slash to the wrist area from that DBag Corey Perry in one of the late Anaheim games. It may be nothing serious or nothing at all, but the way things are kept silent in this NHL, I wouldn't be surprised if something came out after the series is over.
- Hawkytalk

There you go TG. Page 12...of the next blog.

Nah. I did hear though that he has an acute case pf pusseidus. Thankfully, it's not contagious.
- Bjm84

Are you calling Kane a wussy?

You really are pathetic Paul. Don't worry we all know you and Mr. Sequin are the smartest guys on the board.

Now I know it may be tough seeing the monitor from under Q's desk, but if you look at what I said and the context, it may save you from debating yourself.

Recall a few years ago when the Sharks purged themselves of all the tug boats. Murray, Clowe and Handzuis, think there was one more. They REALIZED that glaciers do not do well in the modern NHL. At the same time, Q could not get enough of Handzuis.

The point I made then and will make again now, is that the Hawks cut their teeth, pioneered a new brand/style of hockey that led to a lot of success. Other teams were emulating that. And what I pointed out was that the Hawks were abandoning that.

Now see, nowhere does it say the Sharks are better than the hawks or anything like that. Ask Mr. Sequin to proof read if you need to.

See I can see too that the Hawks have much more talent then the Sharks or any team you mentioned. But like the LIghtning, there is one way to compete for a cup going forward in this league. And that is with players that can get up and down the ice.

I will never tell you that Zus, or Richards or Rosi or any guy like that can not be effective on the wall, on draws etc...what I am saying is that the other 70% of the game, they are not in the screen and struggle to keep up. Keep in mind, this is the 2 and half lines era of Q.

So as the world turns, we get the 3.5 d sequel. The Hawks may do it with their high end talent and winning pedigree, but it sure would be better if you actually found a way to play 6 defensemen and roll consistent lines.

Dallas and Colorado, have not passed the hawks. They have embraced their model of building a club and if they are fortunate enough to add or develop a few pieces, will be teams to be reckoned with. Ottawa too...they made an effort to make their team more dynamic.

So to put words in my mouth and/or project what you hear or believe as to what I said or believe, especially in the face of this common sense explanation, discredits your tired narrative and is quite foolish.

But by all means. Go on and on and on repeating something that I never said. In the mean time enjoy watching the Lightning, who are as I said, at the beginning of this series, the closest thing the hawks have seen that looks like a mirror, since they became cup champs in 2010.
- TrueGrit

Who is Mr .Sequin?

Risk/Reward. Taking a shot is is the only way to score and you can't win hockey games unless you score.
- Bjm84

Can you Tweet that to Q?

Some of what TB is doing and the Hawks just not managing the puck well. We have seen this from Kane before. He will find a way. He is too great a player not to. Calling Kane lazy is ludicrous, imo, frustrated? I think so. His game has always been to float around the ice and jump into spots. To think he is going to start driving the net like a power forward is simply not understand his skill set.

Also. Kane needs to move the puck and himself some times. When that happens he needs players with him who can get the puck back to him with some space.
- Elbows15

#88 is not a sniper but his trademark is to have a similar effect in big games - as in gimmee the puck, now's the time to get something done. At that point he makes a highlight reel move, pass or shot that changes the whole game. On that 2 on 1 with Desjardins in the last minute of the 2nd period I was ready for something big and all we got was a shot into the pads. I think he looked over at #11 and wondered what he was doing there. The Tampa Dman played it perfectly as did the goaltender.

Cooper is smart enough to know that if they go to sleep on Kane for a minute, he can change the whole game and series. Q is trying everything he can to bust him loose. Holding him in check for 6 or 7 straight games isn't easy.

Can you Tweet that to Q?
- savvyone-1

Hawks are 11-1 this post-season in games they've been out shot in. Pretty sure they've got a handle on it.