Just saw the replay again. Carlsson was 1st in the corner, Murphy followed. Both Towes and Kubalik were near the front of the net, but both were watching the puck, and not the Vegas guy that went to the net from the weak side.

So I’d say Murphy, Towes and Kubalik all screwed the pooch on the play.
- scottak

Thanks for setting me straight.

Agree. Next to the poor defensive coverage by the forwards who just watch the puck, the poor transition game is irritating.

The Blackhawks are simply horrible at transitioning out of their zone. Forwards can't/don't get open and D-men either take their time to make a pass or can't make a crisp pass.

Many of their D prospects are known to be solid at transitions by skating it out themselves or making a solid first pass out. At least that's on the horizon.

Yet this doesn't do the team a world of good right now, though.
- AEL_Fox

Have to play with the guys you have.

A puck on Carpenter's stick going forward is imaginary; how many times does Debrincat fail to corral a pass that hits his stick?; and many other examples of dead hands. All of these lead to loss of possession and then a very average defensive team is on then their heels trying to defend. If they get the puck back they are 150 feet from goal.

NHL is a hard league to win in with only 6 good forwards and the rest are barely above AHL calibre.

Vegas will neutralize Colorado’s speed, we started seeing it tonight, referees are getting into “playoff” mode, and the little pick plays, interference, mugging in front of the net will not be called.

I have to disagree, vegas beat Colorado pretty sound in the deciding game. Vegas is deeper a d plays a strong game.

The avs have the speed but vegas has been so sound all around shutting teams down.

I think Chicago would have faired better against Colorado because of the ability to play a back and forth game.

Vegas is good keeping players to the outside or shutting down teams from making entries .
- Taylorst1

Dm me. Vegas vs avs I’ll take the avs. What does a 1 seed get you in a neutral site tourney? Last change and what?

Vegas is the most overhyped, overrated playoff team in the playoffs.

Vegas is lucky to be up 2-0.

Dm me. Vegas vs avs I’ll take the avs. What does a 1 seed get you in a neutral site tourney? Last change and what?

Vegas is the most overhyped, overrated playoff team in the playoffs.

Vegas is lucky to be up 2-0.
- SteveRain

Against the 24 seed lol

Vegas will neutralize Colorado’s speed, we started seeing it tonight, referees are getting into “playoff” mode, and the little pick plays, interference, mugging in front of the net will not be called.
- LAHawk

If stl can get by Vancouver...they’ll bounce Vegas.

If stl can get by Vancouver...they’ll bounce Vegas.
- SteveRain

I think it’s very close between the trio of Avs/Blues/VGK. Hard to say who the best is.

I think it’s very close between the trio of Avs/Blues/VGK. Hard to say who the best is.
- SimpleJack

I don't think Lehner can take this team to the finals...

Vegas will neutralize Colorado’s speed, we started seeing it tonight, referees are getting into “playoff” mode, and the little pick plays, interference, mugging in front of the net will not be called.
- LAHawk

Feel proud to win that way
Why does Bettman allow it
There is BS pretty much everywhere in life

Switching topics.

Wonder if Penguins back up the truck? So are they giving away some big ticket players because who could afford them? Wonder whom the NYR target to center both Kappo and Lafranierre? Have to believe both Kappo and Hughes (NJ) get it going/too much ability not to.

And can Canucks push Blues to the brink? I don't think that Blues came out of Corona layoff all too well. Binnington alright?

If stl can get by Vancouver...they’ll bounce Vegas.
- SteveRain

I don’t think they will. The Blues have looked disinterested since play resumed and the Canucks have been motivated.

With Calgary losing most their D to UFA this year...

Would Murphy for Bennett be fair?

With Calgary losing most their D to UFA this year...

Would Murphy for Bennett be fair?
- PatShart

That is very interesting deal with both sides doing well . If I were Chicago I may ask for a bit more as Bennett regular season totals do not match up with Murphy over all game .I like Bennett and his playoffs performance would be a welcome addition to the Hawks .

With Calgary losing most their D to UFA this year...

Would Murphy for Bennett be fair?
- PatShart

Bennett ties the game 4-4 in the 3rd. Good call.

Dm me. Vegas vs avs I’ll take the avs. What does a 1 seed get you in a neutral site tourney? Last change and what?

Vegas is the most overhyped, overrated playoff team in the playoffs.

Vegas is lucky to be up 2-0.
- SteveRain

Good morning Steve . We all have our picks good or bad right or wrong , only time shall tell. I don't think vegas is over hyped

With Calgary losing most their D to UFA this year...

Would Murphy for Bennett be fair?
- PatShart

Possibly. I like Murphy but with Seabs likely coming back next year, Boqvist and then Mitchell possibly pushing for a spot, that's one too many RHD.

Though it's still a huge question if Seabs can regain some of his former form after surgeries, as are essentially playing two rookies, and Carlsson may be pushing for a spot on LHD.

I think Bennet would look good lining up at 3C behind 19 and 77. Then you've got 88, 8, 20, 12, 92 along with probably Suter and possibly Hagel to mix and match with.

I know he had 3 assists last night, however....

#88 looked disinterested....

Frustrated is he?

I know he had 3 assists last night, however....

#88 looked disinterested....

Frustrated is he?
- mike7076

He looks a bit like he is skating in mud at times. Just tired or not at full speed. He made some nice passes though and nearly got one in under the pads when he hit the post.

i don't know about over rated...they had their ups and downs during the regular season and were still a #4 in WC...

they have played very well during this tournament 5-0 and have owned the 3rd periods in every one...

the blows are 0-5 including practice game to the hawks...they need to reverse things now to even get past the nucks...

i don't know about over rated...they had their ups and downs during the regular season and were still a #4 in WC...

they have played very well during this tournament 5-0 and have owned the 3rd periods in every one...

the blows are 0-5 including practice game to the hawks...they need to reverse things now to even get past the nucks...
- bogiedoc

Yep. Blues aren't looking so hot right now. Vegas has proven they have never been a fluke, going back to the deep run they put up in year 1. They have a solid team.

Watching the game, it just seemed like the Golden Knights were able to out battle and out muscle the Hawks most of the time. Add in that they gave Chicago absolutely no space to get through the neutral zone, the Hawks were handling the puck like a hand grenade.

We Hawks fans may have to just admit that we are not built to beat this Vegas team.

Yep. Blues aren't looking so hot right now. Vegas has proven they have never been a fluke, going back to the deep run they put up in year 1. They have a solid team.

Watching the game, it just seemed like the Golden Knights were able to out battle and out muscle the Hawks most of the time. Add in that they gave Chicago absolutely no space to get through the neutral zone, the Hawks were handling the puck like a hand grenade.

We Hawks fans may have to just admit that we are not built to beat this Vegas team.
- breadbag

And yet - with all of that - lack of a transition game, defensive breakdowns, soft goals let in - VGK had to go to OT to win the game....Hawks haven’t been blown out in either game.

Sin City will almost certainly win the series - but if the Hawks can tighten up a couple of things - they can win a game or two.

Yep. Blues aren't looking so hot right now. Vegas has proven they have never been a fluke, going back to the deep run they put up in year 1. They have a solid team.

Watching the game, it just seemed like the Golden Knights were able to out battle and out muscle the Hawks most of the time. Add in that they gave Chicago absolutely no space to get through the neutral zone, the Hawks were handling the puck like a hand grenade.

We Hawks fans may have to just admit that we are not built to beat this Vegas team.
- breadbag

And that was without their 1C.

Colliton question - why does he make some of the decisions that he does?

Example: tied game, 11 minutes left in the 3rd, offensive zone draw - why did he have the fourth line out there instead of Kane’s line or (if they had just ended a shift, I don’t recall) Toews’?

Example: last minute of regulation - why were Strome, AdB and Carpenter out there? Not a defensive line, much better combinations available to try to end it before OT?

Maybe there were things that I didn’t see, but....

Colliton question - why does he make some of the decisions that he does?

Example: tied game, 11 minutes left in the 3rd, offensive zone draw - why did he have the fourth line out there instead of Kane’s line or (if they had just ended a shift, I don’t recall) Toews’?

Example: last minute of regulation - why were Strome, AdB and Carpenter out there? Not a defensive line, much better combinations available to try to end it before OT?

Maybe there were things that I didn’t see, but....
- StLBravesFan

On the 1st example, he wanted Nylander on the ice because he gives you the best chance to score in that situation

Can’t help with the 2nd one.

#FireColliton

Colliton question - why does he make some of the decisions that he does?

Example: tied game, 11 minutes left in the 3rd, offensive zone draw - why did he have the fourth line out there instead of Kane’s line or (if they had just ended a shift, I don’t recall) Toews’?

Example: last minute of regulation - why were Strome, AdB and Carpenter out there? Not a defensive line, much better combinations available to try to end it before OT?

Maybe there were things that I didn’t see, but....
- StLBravesFan

I was thinking similar throughout the 3rd and OT

Boqvist wasn't great but Carlson.....was just horrid. Not only in his own zone but he missed passes to Kane to offensively to help set up offensive zone time. Id rather take the lumps with Boqvist then Carlson.

As far as JC....I think it was Mohel back in February where we talked about JC's "System"....I guess for me I would like a more educated broadcast from the Hawks. Let Eddie O show us breakdowns or where guys should be, or when they make the right play to help expedite the hockey knowledge across the fan base. instead we get Foley playing grab ass and I truly want to bash my head off a wall during crucial periods when he's dumbing down an already dumb broadcast.

For years this board torched Q for pushing his "system/style" upon teams that maybe werent' best equipped to handle it. ......so why in sam's hell is it OK for the Hawks to run a system where aging defensemen are chasing forwards half way up the wall...or double teaming guys on the weak side and relying on a forward group that 80% are clueless in their own end. I just dont' get how that works or gives this team the best chance to win.

Again last night....goal 1.....and goal 4.....those are 100% on Colliton's "system" and it's just beyond frustrating to watch. Chasing the puck which never works. Ever. Even in beer league.

Coulda, woulda, and shoulda ... I know ... but the Hawks coulda/woulda/shoulda won this game 3-2 if Crawford played as well in the 1st period as he did in the 3rd period. Don't have much of a chance to win when the goalie gives up one or two softies every game.
- EbonyRaptor

Shoulda not been in the playoffs...