While calling this a "goalie win" is accurate, I think that slightly mis-represents the Hawks.

Yes, TB was in control for the first period and the last 4 minutes definitely. But the Hawks controlled most of the time between and before that last flurry by TB, the Hawks held the Bolts to FOUR total shots in 25 minutes.

This game, much like every other game was evenly played and could have gone either way. Yes, the strange thing about this series is there are periods of the game where one team looks like total trash. I think that's because of HOW GOOD both these teams are, if one is "a little off" they then get run out the rink.

The Hawks hit 3 or 4 posts and the third period setup from Richards to Kane on a brilliantly designed zone entry (love how Keith skated it and passed it back to RW who was circling back, who then passed cross ice to Kane on LW who drove it into the zone) all could have easily been Hawks goals. I was just waiting for yet another deflected goal into the back of our net during the last few minutes. That's pretty much how TB has been scoring. But that goal never came. That goal never came, the puck luck TB had gotten in games 2 and 3 didn't hold up. The "response" TB had delivered to previous Hawk goals never happened. The Hawks missed those golden chances and had 3x the number of giveaways as TB and still found a way to win.

If the Hawks skate the Cup, Game 4 is where it was "won". This is where the series changed. Puck luck changed, the flow changed, the momentum changed. The stars ARE aligning once again for this team. Crawford made the "champion saves" he had to make. He's getting into the zone. Kane and Toews, who I think had one single point in Games 1-3, got 2 points last night. Patrick Sharp was a breath of fresh air on the top line, it has him going and he was involved in 4 or 5 good chances. Versteeg has been outstanding.

All systems go....Saturday night!!!
- kwolf68

The Hawks had 9 shots on goal through the first 35 mins...They kicked in later but TB, as they have had in every game had the edge in play...But that doesn't matter as much as the score. Crawford won Game 1 and Game 4.

I think if there is a lineup change next game... Bickell will be in for Desjardin.
- Al

Agree Al unless he's hurt

4th line except for Shaw was MIA last game...If there is a change that is the one that makes the most sense.
- Al

I think Kruger is hurting big time and Bickell isn't likely healthy either.

Hawks are 11-1 this post-season in games they've been out shot in. Pretty sure they've got a handle on it.
- Ogilthorpe2

Shots on goal alone is often a misleading stat.

NHL Network Radio http://chirb.it/7xr0cm -Recap and look ahead.
Reasons to believe differently but even tho Hawks are gassed-imo to win Cup TB needs Gm 5.
@AlCimaglia

I think #29 is on vacation and won't be returning to the office before June 18.
- RickJ

I'm with you...gone fishing!

I think if there is a lineup change next game... Bickell will be in for Desjardin.
- Al

given his decisions the last 2 series...Q would do that....its dumb but he would do it any way

I think Kruger is hurting big time and Bickell isn't likely healthy either.
- RickJ

Many are either hurting or gassed...Bickell will get another shot.

given his decisions the last 2 series...Q would do that....its dumb but he would do it any way
- bogiedoc

4th line is getting outplayed...and that's with Shaw playing very well.

Sharp Toews Hossa

Saad Richards Kane

Versteeg Vermette TT

Shaw Freddy Desi

Seabs Keith

Oduya Hammer

KT. TVR

Crawdaddy


Id like to see Kane get to the crease more in game 5 . Closer to the net and use those world class hands tonpoke in aome rebounds.

I want Saad to shoot wverytime he gets the puck .

3rd line needs more than 10 minutes of play.


Sucks for us we gotta wait till Saturday night.

Probably good for the team though.

4th line is getting outplayed...and that's with Shaw playing very well.
- Al

Hes gotta stay at wing

Nah, he's a loser, through and through. Heart of a chump, not a champ. (frank) him, let the loser penguins sign him or something, he can be their consolation prize for missing out on Saad haha
- BlazinMike

heart isn't the issue with him. foot speed on the other hand...

4th line is getting outplayed...and that's with Shaw playing very well.
- Al

desi been 10-12 TOI...he looks ok to me...

Please explain how #29 who can't seem to skate anymore helps the notion they are being outplayed

He didnt take 1 faceoff right ?

Id day he is hurt


Garrison was never fast but something didnt look right about him either.


We'll see
- mrpaulish

TBL writer has been saying he is hurt, implying fairly significantly for a bit now.

It would be weird.

I doubt that you guys could afford him. I have a feeling that he is gone because he wouldn't take a pay cut to stay with the Blues and he probably wants as much as he can get now with this likely being his last bigger contract.
- carcus

How about we sign Oduya and they sign Jackman?

desi been 10-12 TOI...he looks ok to me...

Please explain how #29 who can't seem to skate anymore helps the notion they are being outplayed
- bogiedoc

Bickell has been awful and the other night he was obviously bad...Desjardin has been ok to not really visible and Q will look to get some life into the lineup is my guess.
The 4th line needs some energy and as a whole the Hawks are gassed...I expect one lineup change and Versteeg will likely stay in...So that leaves a 4th line player and it won't be Kruger, and Shaw has been one of the best forwards in the series.

Bickell has been awful and the other night he was obviously bad...Desjardin has been ok to not really visible and Q will look to get some life into the lineup is my guess.
The 4th line needs some energy and as a whole the Hawks are gassed...I expect one lineup change and Versteeg will likely stay in...So that leaves a 4th line player and it won't be Kruger, and Shaw has been one of the best forwards in the series.
- Al

agree with your assessment about energy and being gassed but I don't see how 29 helps with those issues...certainly dont expect to see nord or carcillo and steeg has to stay in....

After rewatching the game Versteeg really stood out. Had a huge jump in his step and played a smart game. Could be huge moving forward to allow Sharp to play on that top line and keep our 3rd line rolling.

agree with your assessment about energy and being gassed but I don't see how 29 helps with those issues...certainly dont expect to see nord or carcillo and steeg has to stay in....
- bogiedoc

Not sure he will help but his legs should be fresher than some....And others u mentioned r rusty at this point. Club is dragging and Crawford won't win all 4 games himself...At least it is unlikely.

agree with your assessment about energy and being gassed but I don't see how 29 helps with those issues...certainly dont expect to see nord or carcillo and steeg has to stay in....
- bogiedoc

I Agree totally with what Bick has brought , but on the Kruger line with Shaw may not be the worst idea. Noticed in the past that Bick seem to pick up his game when playing with Shaw . I have like Desi very much ,but not so much last night .

Shots on goal alone is often a misleading stat.

NHL Network Radio http://chirb.it/7xr0cm -Recap and look ahead.
Reasons to believe differently but even tho Hawks are gassed-imo to win Cup TB needs Gm 5.
@AlCimaglia
- Al

Damn nice to see you posting, Al. Thanks for the link to your audio as well..........

Damn nice to see you posting, Al. Thanks for the link to your audio as well..........
- Mr Ricochet

U are welcome and been busy...

wow...no pushback from me on this...must be getting soft....


i have stated numerous times 29 has no legs, can't skate anymore....could be his knees or a combo with other injuries...he can't skate...no way for him to keep up vs this bolt team...

not being able to skate (and he never was a good skater) impacted the rest of his game...passing, shooting, and even checking....

finding a suitor for bicks if he can pass a physical is going to cost stanbow...i don't know if he could give him away right now...
- bogiedoc

LTIR for two years?

Looks like Barrett Jackman isn't going to be resigned by the Blues. Read it on The Hockey News site. It will be interesting to see who picks him up - and for what $/term.

How weird would it be to see him as a bottom-pairing d-man in a Hawks sweater next year?
- Chief4Feathers

He'd be a great fit for the Ducks. - big slow skating cheap shot artist.

Sharp Toews Hossa

Saad Richards Kane

Versteeg Vermette TT

Shaw Freddy Desi

Seabs Keith

Oduya Hammer

KT. TVR
AGREED on your line's. That's the best we got. Hopefully Q rolls all 4.

Crawdaddy


Id like to see Kane get to the crease more in game 5 . Closer to the net and use those world class hands tonpoke in aome rebounds.

I want Saad to shoot wverytime he gets the puck .

3rd line needs more than 10 minutes of play.


Sucks for us we gotta wait till Saturday night.

Probably good for the team though.
- mrpaulish

Oh my! Now I understand TG's obsession. He's a nice looking man.
- paulr

You got me...