That play with Kassian? Boq made the right play there, if that hit connected #27 wouldn’t be playing game 3.
- DarthKane

Nah I meant he needs a whole lot more muscle and in most battles he just seemed to struggle in contact, avoid hits and was more on the backpedal...

I’ll take games like that from Boqvist, we can’t expect him to be a difference maker, yet. All things considered, I’m happy with his play.

However, Dach is the real deal. That kid has been impressive and is playing over his pay grade.
- DarthKane

Boqvist uses this to get stronger.


Yeah, I think the Hawks had Dach ranked higher than Kappo Kaakko b/c he is bigger and simple more advanced in his thinking/hoickeymoves/reactinbgf.

He is really a big frame and it was ponbly gonna get filled in stronger quicker.

Dach could end up being the best player from the ‘19 draft (next to Caufield). Sure, there’s lots of player yet to play but the early returns are solid.
- DarthKane

It might could be but, Hughes will get stronger and he really is lightning in a bottle.

(He won't he the giant tree that arrives on the puck and unearths it.)

His wall work and possesses there with good players was so impressive.

I would consider Carlsson in for Boqvist. Carlsson's defense and compete level are much more needed than Boqvist's offensive skills while still learning how to defend effectively on the fly.

This isn't to say Boqvist will never got there defensively. But in games where defense matters, put in your best defensive players in the backend.

Boqvist will get his chances in his career.
- AEL_Fox

like I said yesterday should have been 7 defenseman b/c Kane was gonna get double shifted...

Tippett adjusted and the Oilers looked like the better team last night. Flush this one and come back for game 3. Now we'll see if Colliton can respond.

Are we still excited about seeing a lot more of #92?

I'd start Subban, too, with a quick trigger if he lets in early, easy goals. Crawford may need some more rest/recovery after the COVID. He seems to slow down and get sloppier as the game goes on when I believe the opposite used to be true.
- pdx2ord

Games 4 and (if necessary) 5 would be back-to-back Friday and Saturday.

You might see Subban in one of those - game 4 if the Hawks win game 3, game 5 if they need game 4 to survive.

Or Crawford in game 4 in any case - to win the series or to survive.

Can Crawford go in a b-to-b?

Tippett adjusted and the Oilers looked like the better team last night. Flush this one and come back for game 3. Now we'll see if Colliton can respond.

Are we still excited about seeing a lot more of #92?
- jrsamu

Yes - he didn’t play well, but he did in game 1. He wasn’t the only stinker out there.

Not many Hawks played well: Kane, Dach, AdB (2 assists)...although:

AdB was one of 3 important Hawks who put only zeros on the box score - no SATs for AdB, Strome or Saad.

2 assists for AdB, but they won’t go far with those three not showing any production - even if you get unexpected goals from Maatta and Koekkoek.

Tough game from crow, overall I thought the team puck management was very bad, a lot of unforced errors all over the ice.

Dinky and Dach both really good. Dinky played very fast, smart and physical, good to see. Dach is a moose.

Bad game from Nylander, we can’t win with Kampf Carpenter Highmore as our third line I don’t think, hopefully Nylander and Strome can get it going. Didn’t think Strome was bad.

Top line was quiet, hopefully Wednesday they manage the puck well like they did game 1, still think the hawks have a good shot to win it.

McDavid is absurd.

Tough game from crow, overall I thought the team puck management was very bad, a lot of unforced errors all over the ice.

Dinky and Dach both really good. Dinky played very fast, smart and physical, good to see. Dach is a moose.

Bad game from Nylander, we can’t win with Kampf Carpenter Highmore as our third line I don’t think, hopefully Nylander and Strome can get it going. Didn’t think Strome was bad.

Top line was quiet, hopefully Wednesday they manage the puck well like they did game 1, still think the hawks have a good shot to win it.

McDavid is absurd.
- LaheysBRandy

If I'm reading this correctly that was the only line with a positive CF.

https://www.naturalstattr...eason=20192020&game=30062

Most of the players making the big money got buried.

If I'm reading this correctly that was the only line with a positive CF.

https://www.naturalstattr...eason=20192020&game=30062

Most of the players making the big money got buried.
- Rota's Rooter

Great recap . Your spot on Chicago's puck control was nonexistent compared to the previous 2 games played. No support from their forwards back checking and controlling the neutral zone.

Nylander and strome are becoming liabilities each time the hit the ice.

Crawford had no control of the puck to many rebounds and flailing around in the net.

JC was out coached he should have called a timeout when chicago tied the game at 3.

Non existent powerplay , no forechecking.

Maatta should be benched he seems to be taking to many penalties

I think Chicago should start subban , I know the team feels Crawford is their best chance to win but unless these guys play a picture perfect game , crawford seems shaky , that soft goal he allowed is just 1 example to point out . Or his nonchalant going behind the net to play the puck that's a indicator he isn't focused or confident.

Boqvist should be paired up with de haan due to his size and defensive liabilities.

If the Hawks are going to win this series, one of two things will have to happen - either the Oilers have to play as poorly as they did in Game#1 or Crawford has to play a lot better than he did in the first 2 games. I'm not suggesting the loss last night was because of CC's poor play, because the d-zone coverage was abysmal, but I am saying that the Hawks team defense requires the goalie to play better than Corey has played the first 2 games ... and that would include a lot less of his "stellar" puck handling.

The passing was poor - both the pass and reception. Even Kane's passing and receiving was very un-Kane like. As has been the case for years - the Hawks are hard pressed to win if their passing isn't crisp more so than most teams who play better team defense than the Hawks.

And speaking of passing - when Player-A passes the puck into the skates of Player-B and Player-B is unable to corral the puck before the opposing player comes away with the puck - should Player-B be held responsible for the turnover? That is what happened to Nylander in the neutral zone that led to the Oilers getting the puck and scoring. Eddie said Nylander turned it over but I don't think he got a second look at the play so maybe he wouldn't have pinned the turnover on Nylander if he saw a replay, but regardless - at least in my opinion, that turnover wasn't Nylander's fault.

I think this is a win/win series for the Hawks. Under normal circumstances the young guns wouldn’t have got any playoff experience this season. I think this series will go a long way in the development of guys like Dach, Boqvist, DeBrincat, Kubalik, Strome and Nylander.

On the flip side, should they win the series that would just be awesome.
- DarthKane

This.

I’d rather see Sikura or Hagel or anyone else with a pulse in the lineup instead of Nylander game 3. Maybe Alex was reading too many articles from the Athletic about his intersquad scrimmage performance? Man was the athletic hyping up Nylander all summer....and just a black hole out there in Edmonton.
- EnzoD

Series is going to show the team brass who you can and can't win with in the playoffs among the young guys.

It wouldn't bother me if Nylander, Strome, Quenneville and even Debrincat got moved to new employers.

Series is going to show the team brass who you can and can't win with in the playoffs among the young guys.

It wouldn't bother me if Nylander, Strome, Quenneville and even Debrincat got moved to new employers.
- RickJ

Saad would net a greater return than DeBrincat

And let's just face the facts; Crawford was suspicious to play well the entire series. I could imagine confidance and adrenaline rush initially so he was alright in game one. But such a short camp and returning from possibly some effect of covid19. Well you gamble with Crawford in there if you do not trust your back ups.

On Boqvist: we pumped his tires and honestly the kid has been fast tracked too much. Starting on top pair in playoffs is too much too soon.. Timid? Issues he will face going forward.

All the more reason to wish upon drafting Drysdale or Askarov
- jhawk59

It may be too soon on Boqvist. But a few years from now we may look back on this as an important first step. It depends if he shrinks under pressure or learns from it and steps up next year.

Series is going to show the team brass who you can and can't win with in the playoffs among the young guys.

It wouldn't bother me if Nylander, Strome, Quenneville and even Debrincat got moved to new employers.
- RickJ

DeBrincat has been more than fine, he’s a keeper. Quenneville is an AHL tweener, like Sikura and a few others. I’d keep Strome too, but he gets a bridge deal, maybe 1-2 years.

The Blackhawks PP is still too predictable and easy to telegraph. Despite the talent, not enough creativity and quick movement to get the Oilers moving to create passing and shooting lanes.

The Keith-Boqvist pair was a microcosm of a bigger team issue: poor defensive coverage due to fixating on the puck but not looking around to ensure the open opponents are covered.

While Keith has the trophies and accolades in his career, he was just as guilty as the rookie Boqvist. I'm in the minority on this but Keith needs to step it up as the #1 D-man.

Put Carlsson in for Maatta.
- DarthKane

Or KK.

Saad would net a greater return than DeBrincat
- LAHawk

I’m a huge Saad fan and based on his on-ice performance I think he should stick around for a while. But because of the flat salary cap I expect he’ll be gone, either traded or allowed to walk as a UFA.

like I said yesterday should have been 7 defenseman b/c Kane was gonna get double shifted...
- wiz1901

I would have to agree with you, Wiz. If Kane is going to be double shifted much of the game, it really didn't matter who replaced Caggiula so dress 7 defensemen instead.

This would allow Boqvist to gain the experience while giving reps to a more defensively sound youngster in Carlsson. Both will have their growing pains but get their lumps now to learn.

Or KK.
- scottak

Koekkoek wasn’t as bad as Maatta, he provided some decent offense. Overall the defence needs an upgrade, there’s only so much that can be done right now.

Tippett adjusted and the Oilers looked like the better team last night. Flush this one and come back for game 3. Now we'll see if Colliton can respond.

Are we still excited about seeing a lot more of #92?
- jrsamu

No. He's fast and can make a sweet pass here and there but overall think it might do everyone better if he took a break from the lineup

even though Matta got a a bounce in goal. Carlson speed would really help. Matta is pretty slow Vs MCD. boquist clearly needs to hit the gym hard and put on 10lbs if ever wants to be a top 4 guy on a good team. also I felt Like ED realized how much team speed they have compared to Chi and pushed there D a little farther up in the O zone. I feel like our D retreats from the blue line on 50/50 pucks and there's go and attack and keep them in the zone. it was just a thought.

of all our D we have 2 slow, murph and matta. Murph makes up with some of that with length and strength. and 4 AVG keith, dehaan, boquist, KK, I think adding more speed on the D end would help.

It may be too soon on Boqvist. But a few years from now we may look back on this as an important first step. It depends if he shrinks under pressure or learns from it and steps up next year.
- -Doh-

James Neal is 6'2" 220lbs. Boqvist is maybe 6' 180lbs. He needs to add strength and I think he will.

As for McDavid.... 2nd goal was a fluke. If you actually watch the replay the puck goes on edge right when he shoots backhand. Allows him to roof it over Crows shoulder. Otherwise, I don't think he scores there. 3rd goal was a double deflection.

I don't understand the ragging on Nylander. Kane threw him a grenade at center ice. Nylander Strome Kane is a terrible line. Not sure Nylander should be skating with Kane.

Strome was horrible and did nothing. He did not do much in Game 1, except the early goal.

I'd flip Dach and Strome. Let Strome and Dcat get there mojo going together and Dach and Kane look dangerous together. Dach can go get pucks and maintain possession for Kane.

Problem is Nylander Strome Dcat line terrifies me.


Lets see what Colliton can do with last change.

I hate James Neal.