.

Keith has become absolutely hysterical. It has reached a point that you cannot believe what you are watching. It is as if he is purposefully trying to get his shot blocked by opposing players it is happening so often.
- Z3Hawk

It's getting so bad for him that even his passes are hitting shin guards. Maybe it is time to see what he can bring back in trade.

Solid game last night.

I have a blog with my thoughts hitting the press this morning.

Solid game last night.

I have a blog with my thoughts hitting the press this morning.
- Justin Lowe

We appreciate all the fresh new blogs JL.

Anyone notice Schmaltz skating thru center ice and bam two Duck players so he just lofted a pop up to duck zone and we lost possession. Give up
- glennjpawlak22

I saw that too. He tried to flip it in. He did pull up but he was going back for a line change. Kinda soft but no point in getting crushed there.

But, but, but,

None of this spoke to the "split" between Quenneville and Bowman.

There goes Oldduffman's narrative.....



- dahawks8819

Depends on which camp Q is in.

I saw that too. He tried to flip it in. He did pull up but he was going back for a line change. Kinda soft but no point in getting crushed there.
- bhawks2241

I was there last night and saw him bail a few times and it was maddening. But I also saw him hang in there a couple of times as well.

He could just skate away from the first guy and attract attention from a 2nd guy it gives him the opportunity to hit an open man. If at some point the opportunity over rides his fear he could be everything we all hope for.

I saw that too. He tried to flip it in. He did pull up but he was going back for a line change. Kinda soft but no point in getting crushed there.
- bhawks2241

I believe he was trying to flip it to Fortin. A lot of teams seem to be using that play recently. Hoist it into the o-zone and let the fast guy get it. I believe that is how Kapanen scored on us when we played Toronto.

It could be the the hawks drafted NS as a center because they knew he was a board battle chickenpoop. I'd rather see him in the middle of the ice, but there's a lot more to playing C than wing.

I saw that too. He tried to flip it in. He did pull up but he was going back for a line change. Kinda soft but no point in getting crushed there.
- bhawks2241

Yeah, going to the bench exhausted and a good thump, not a good mix. Schmaltz is one of the few on the team that carries the puck into the zone, saw it a couple of times last night.

Gus and Schmaltz Conversation Pieces:

Gus

Yes, he is a great and talented offensive D man who can both carry and distribute but like I said many times before, his "offensive" read is outstanding with being a great weak side outlet to relieve pressure as 3 or sometimes 4 man. His chemistry (maybe too much) is also awesome with Kane. However, his D zone work leaves a little bit to be desired which includes engagement (focus and priority) and physicality. At bare minimum just get goal side with a strong active stick. So the solution would be for Gus to get lots of TOI on 4v4 , 3v3, and any PP watch the shifts at ES. At this point, you have to accept the risk/reward ration with Gus!

Schmaltz

Yes, he is averse to contact sometimes and did bail a couple of times last night which is not good and can send the wrong message to staff and players. Also FO is atrocious. But how about the good. How did Kane get robbed by Gibson? Schmaltz shoots the puck purposely aiming for low far side pad and who is there for the nice rebound Kane. First of all, Schmaltz rarely shoots and secondly why would he shoot from the top to the right circle just off the boards. Then right after that he backhands a saucer pass to ??? for a nice one-timer. Schmaltz had a very uneven game last night but will get the much needed consistency with more experience. Again, much like Gus above, risk/reward ration has to be accepted!

So much for the Fortin-Johnson-Schmaltz line - Fortin has 7 shifts and barely over 5 mins TOI - same as Hayden and Kunitz. Oh well - so much for giving the kid a legit shot.

BTW - bad play by Toews that led to the Ducks goal. Doesn't matter that Gustafsson was diving down - Toews can't try to pass it through a stick of an opposing player closer to your goal than any Hawks players. Too bad CC couldn't bail him out on that one.
- EbonyRaptor

You do realize that power plays and penalty kills take ice time away from lower line players right?

I was there last night and saw him bail a few times and it was maddening. But I also saw him hang in there a couple of times as well.

He could just skate away from the first guy and attract attention from a 2nd guy it gives him the opportunity to hit an open man. If at some point the opportunity over rides his fear he could be everything we all hope for.
- 6628

I have been critical of Schmaltz for his aversion to (skating away from) contact. But I am not down on him longer term. The kid is 22. At this point he probably lacks experience and confidence more than courage. He has the same fear Teuvo did his first few years (and to a lesser extent Kane in his first few years). I think keeping him on the 3rd line as wing or center will let him mature and build confidence. Also playing on a line without Kane will give management a good view of who he is as a player and how much he is worth. I am on the fence as to whether he is worth a $6mil 6 year deal. We should know more by the end of the year.


Side note - I really do not like Schmaltz on the PK. You need someone who can/will block shots from the point on the PK and that is definitely not his thing

*NEW* blog up: https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=95491

Rutta goes most games without engaging the opposing team. Plays a very passive game in his own end. He is not better than anyone.
- Z3Hawk

He's better than Murphy. Who sucks badly.

Given Rutta’s Mobility, when he plays with confidence I think he’s a better player than Murphy . Forsling at his best is an upgrade over Manning, but 23 was solid tonight. Murphy + for Nylander
- EnzoD

Guarantees a Leafs Cup