Tyler Cameron: Down 0-2... but it's not all bad
Not only did the Blackhawks make some lineup tweaks in game #2, but they also tweaked their game.

The Hawks looked better in the first and second periods. They were more aggressive with the D not only holding the offensive line but jumping up in a way that we haven't seen in the last few years.

Here are a few thoughts on game #2's OT loss, as well as to get you set up for the weekend:

First. Thanks TC. Nothing wrong with Crow, especially since he "had covid" . Not enough scoring, that is what is wrong now.

Thanks for the new blog Tyler.

This series is still about the experience the young guys will get, for better or worse.

Guys like Dach (especially) and Kubalik have shown they’re for real and should be around for a while. DeBrincat and Boqvist have struggled but it’s a good learning experience for them and I look forward to seeing how they respond.

Nylander will be around next season because of how he was acquired and his contract. But he’s playing for his future with the team beyond next season. Strome has hurt his chances of getting anything more than a 1 year show-me deal, if he sticks around at all.

I’d like to see Subban get some time, just to see what he can do for the Hawks.

Besides the young guys, I like what the 4th line has done. The Drake hasn’t been too impressive. 4K and Maatta have been better than expected but still may not stick around. Keith and Toews still have lots in the tank.

First. Thanks TC. Nothing wrong with Crow, especially since he "had covid" . Not enough scoring, that is what is wrong now.
- powerenforcer

I wouldn't say "nothing" is wrong with Crow.

Definitely understandable that his play is not at 100% due to COVID and the lack of reps. Not blaming him for that and I know the dude is trying but just saying the outcome in game #1 would have been closer and the Hawks could have maybe squeezed out a victory last night in regulation if Crow didn't give up that Nosek goal for example.

If the Hawks are to get a win or two this weekend, Crow will need to steal one or both of those games.

Will be interesting to see if he cna string together an elite Crawford-type playoff game that we've seen so many times in the past.

Nathan Mackinnon is toooooo good. I've got the Avs beating the Canes for the Cup in my NHL.com bracket.

Thanks for the new blog Tyler.

This series is still about the experience the young guys will get, for better or worse.

Guys like Dach (especially) and Kubalik have shown they’re for real and should be around for a while. DeBrincat and Boqvist have struggled but it’s a good learning experience for them and I look forward to seeing how they respond.

Nylander will be around next season because of how he was acquired and his contract. But he’s playing for his future with the team beyond next season. Strome has hurt his chances of getting anything more than a 1 year show-me deal, if he sticks around at all.

I’d like to see Subban get some time, just to see what he can do for the Hawks.

Besides the young guys, I like what the 4th line has done. The Drake hasn’t been too impressive. 4K and Maatta have been better than expected but still may not stick around. Keith and Toews still have lots in the tank.
- DarthKane

Definitely. I like your take on all of this, Darth.

I'm honestly rooting for Nylander and I liked what I say in spurts last night. He was engaged and stealing pucks back, I just don't know where he fits long-term if he's not a top 6 producer.

This is a discussion more for the offseason, but will touch on this briefly; I didn't mind as much that Jokijarju was traded. I was a fan and thought they were moving on too quickly from him but wasn't losing sleep over him being traded. I was - and remain - very skeptical that Nylander was the best return for a guy like Jokiharju.

Time will tell, but I thought the Hawks could have got more/a better player for Henri.

I understand the allegiance to Crow, and yes he gives us the best chance of winning. but best case he is a short term solution in the future, wouldn't you want to see if either Delia or Subban is ready to at play 1/2 a season? Even if Crow comes back, he is 35, and forget about the concussions, his body will not take a 60 game season. Just ask Luongo why he retired. Not because he couldn't stop a puck, but he broke down more and more often while doing so. Look at Rinne, that is an awefully expensive back-up goaltender you have there, and Nashville aaid they are looking for goaltender help because Soros cannot handlethe starting role. Lundqvist, Quick are other examples.

Tyler in the off-season i would like the hawks to go out get some bigger more physical wingers that could help on the forecheck which is lacking ala Columbus for example, and the team needs more speed. Just a couple of observations so far that the hawks need to address in the offseason. Tyler any word on if hawks have inquired about cam morrison who somebody mentioned in the previous blog. LW 6-2 200lbs from notre dame.

Definitely. I like your take on all of this, Darth.

I'm honestly rooting for Nylander and I liked what I say in spurts last night. He was engaged and stealing pucks back, I just don't know where he fits long-term if he's not a top 6 producer.

This is a discussion more for the offseason, but will touch on this briefly; I didn't mind as much that Jokijarju was traded. I was a fan and thought they were moving on too quickly from him but wasn't losing sleep over him being traded. I was - and remain - very skeptical that Nylander was the best return for a guy like Jokiharju.

Time will tell, but I thought the Hawks could have got more/a better player for Henri.
- Tyler Cameron

Don't forget cap restraints. There are not many 21 year old players in the league with top 6 talent that teams were willing to trade. You could say Perlini kinda fits that description and we got a prospect that Detroit was not high on for him.

I questioned if this would happen after a 4-1 loss in the series opener and we even had our own PatShart predict the exact lines that Colliton would go with. And for the most part, Pat and Colliton were correct in these moves.-Tyler Typing

Sort of scary when Hockeybuzz posters are as smart as the Blackhawk coach.

And Tyler, you are correct. What defenseman did Keith have the most success with during his career? A big, physical stay at home defenseman. So why saddle him with the offensively gifted kid?

Oh no, now you've gone and done it. You've attempted to extricate Colliton and his system from under the bus. Certain posters will not be happy with that.

I always prefer when the Hawks wear their home jerseys although I'm not sure last change will mean much in this series because DeBoer pretty much roles 4 lines regardless of the situation because he has 4 lines that play the same way. Maybe JC can get a favorable matchup against certain d-pairings but even there I don't think there's much difference in the d-pairings with respect to how they defend in their d-zone - some are better offensively and rushing the puck but not so much actual defending.

Nathan Mackinnon is toooooo good. I've got the Avs beating the Canes for the Cup in my NHL.com bracket.
- EnzoD

I got Washington vs vegas in finals time will tell

I still think the Hawks find a way to win at least 1 or maybe 2 games, but will still ultimately fall in the series.

It does have some parallels to 2009's series vs the Red Wings where the Hawks lost in 5 to a better, more experienced team. The issue here is the Hawks of 2020 are not the up and coming super deep roster that 2009 team was that required only a few tweaks. And JC is not Q.

But there is some hope this series will give the younger guys experience, and maybe with a few shrewd moves this team could return to more of a quasi-shoo in playoff team and maybe challenge for some Western Conference finals series. I still don't see this as a Cup team in it's current construction or projection.

I wouldn't say "nothing" is wrong with Crow.

Definitely understandable that his play is not at 100% due to COVID and the lack of reps. Not blaming him for that and I know the dude is trying but just saying the outcome in game #1 would have been closer and the Hawks could have maybe squeezed out a victory last night in regulation if Crow didn't give up that Nosek goal for example.

If the Hawks are to get a win or two this weekend, Crow will need to steal one or both of those games.

Will be interesting to see if he cna string together an elite Crawford-type playoff game that we've seen so many times in the past.
- Tyler Cameron

Crawford playing a solid 60 is part of the equation but he needs help, especially from the forwards.

There needs to be more cohesive coverage and active guarding of all Golden Knights. Stop the puck watching!

Quicker transitions out of the zone would help, too. I know our D isn't the most mobile but still take the effort to skate it out if there's no outlet pass available.

If forwards can get open, make a crisp pass out to start the attack.

Without a quick transition, Vegas can easily defend and flip the ice in their favor in a flash.

Great analysis Tyler. Do you think carlsson knowing this was his first game and time on ice JC will take that into consideration and put him into the lineup on Saturday or is it your take Boqvist plays.


Also not to Harp on Crawford anymore , but the soft goals he has allowed and frequently that are routine saves have been his blocker side . Do you think he might have some lingering problems and that's why we see him being exposed their ?


Also I'm truly disappointed in Cat , what would you do to get his attention that his underwhelming performance is not acceptable?

This is a discussion more for the offseason, but will touch on this briefly; I didn't mind as much that Jokijarju was traded. I was a fan and thought they were moving on too quickly from him but wasn't losing sleep over him being traded. I was - and remain - very skeptical that Nylander was the best return for a guy like Jokiharju.

Time will tell, but I thought the Hawks could have got more/a better player for Henri.
- Tyler Cameron

Yeah, Stan kinda went through a phase where he was into 1st round reclamation projects - Strome, Perlini, Koekkoek, Nylander and I'm probably missing one or two. I'm surprised we didn't end up with PoolParty too. I suppose swinging for the fences every now and then isn't a bad thing but it seemed like it turned into "a thing". Hopefully we see less of that as "a thing".

I have hawks vs canes. Safe to say I was drunk when I filled out the bracket.

Great analysis Tyler. Do you think carlsson knowing this was his first game and time on ice JC will take that into consideration and put him into the lineup on Saturday or is it your take Boqvist plays.


Also not to Harp on Crawford anymore , but the soft goals he has allowed and frequently that are routine saves have been his blocker side . Do you think he might have some lingering problems and that's why we see him being exposed their ?


Also I'm truly disappointed in Cat , what would you do to get his attention that his underwhelming performance is not acceptable?
- Taylorst1

That is interesting, because he busted his butt to get stronger away from the rink, and he is not lazy on the ice. He just makes bad decisions, especially having the puck in the defensive zone. It is hard to teach hockey sense.

Crawford playing a solid 60 is part of the equation but he needs help, especially from the forwards.

There needs to be more cohesive coverage and active guarding of all Golden Knights. Stop the puck watching!

Quicker transitions out of the zone would help, too. I know our D isn't the most mobile but still take the effort to skate it out if there's no outlet pass available.

If forwards can get open, make a crisp pass out to start the attack.

Without a quick transition, Vegas can easily defend and flip the ice in their favor in a flash.
- AEL_Fox

While I completely agree with most of your points, The soft goals Crawford has given up had nothing to do with the forwards or defensemen. His fumbling around the net in the Edmonton series that he coughed up a goal or the 2 goals that are routine stops on his blocker side are on him.

That's all any of us whom have been critical of his play have pointed out that he needs to fix.

Everything else you stated I agree with.


And a lack of productivity by strome , cat , nylander even kane not scoring or creating enough scoring chances isn't helping neither.

Yeah, Stan kinda went through a phase where he was into 1st round reclamation projects - Strome, Perlini, Koekkoek, Nylander and I'm probably missing one or two. I'm surprised we didn't end up with PoolParty too. I suppose swinging for the fences every now and then isn't a bad thing but it seemed like it turned into "a thing". Hopefully we see less of that as "a thing".
- EbonyRaptor

There is a common reason why the teams that drafted them were willing to move on from them so quickly. After seeing them every day, they realized they weren't as good as they thought when they drafted them.

That is interesting, because he busted his butt to get stronger away from the rink, and he is not lazy on the ice. He just makes bad decisions, especially having the puck in the defensive zone. It is hard to teach hockey sense.
- LAHawk

You pointed out some issues, that I concur with. However this season has been a step back for him as a player.

I would just point out that as a interesting point he out performed last year and his rookie season and stan offered and signed him to a new contract. 6 out of 10 times players get their payday and fall off or don't perform.

Also I'm truly disappointed in Cat , what would you do to get his attention that his underwhelming performance is not acceptable?
- Taylorst1

Other than not scoring goals, which is obviously significant, I think the rest of Cat's game has been pretty good. He gives max effort every shift and he is often the initiator of contact. His passing is better than it used to be where he had so many of his d-zone passes picked off - he still needs to improve in that area but he has made improvement from where he was. He's also improved his skating since his rookie year.

The funny thing about scoring goals is that one season your shooting percentage is higher than normal and therefore you score more goals - but the next season your shooting percentage craters and you score less goals. In 2018/19 when he scored 41 goals he put 220 shots on goal and had a shooting percentage of 18.6%. In 2019/20 when he scored 18 goals, he got even more SOG per game but his shooting percentage was only 8.7%. Most players have some flux from year to year but 10% difference is huge. Hopefully he gets a little more puck luck moving forward.

BTW - Kubalik's shooting percentage this season was 19.1% Yikes - that may trend downward a bit.

Other than not scoring goals, which is obviously significant, I think the rest of Cat's game has been pretty good. He gives max effort every shift and he is often the initiator of contact. His passing is better than it used to be where he had so many of his d-zone passes picked off - he still needs to improve in that area but he has made improvement from where he was. He's also improved his skating since his rookie year.

The funny thing about scoring goals is that one season your shooting percentage is higher than normal and therefore you score more goals - but the next season your shooting percentage craters and you score less goals. In 2018/19 when he scored 41 goals he put 220 shots on goal and had a shooting percentage of 18.6%. In 2019/20 when he scored 18 goals, he got even more SOG per game but his shooting percentage was only 8.7%. Most players have some flux from year to year but 10% difference is huge. Hopefully he gets a little more puck luck moving forward.

BTW - Kubalik's shooting percentage this season was 19.1% Yikes - that may trend downward a bit.
- EbonyRaptor

I will say Cat at $6 mil. is better vallue than Kyle Turris, and Kyle Opkoso

I understand the allegiance to Crow, and yes he gives us the best chance of winning. but best case he is a short term solution in the future, wouldn't you want to see if either Delia or Subban is ready to at play 1/2 a season? Even if Crow comes back, he is 35, and forget about the concussions, his body will not take a 60 game season. Just ask Luongo why he retired. Not because he couldn't stop a puck, but he broke down more and more often while doing so. Look at Rinne, that is an awefully expensive back-up goaltender you have there, and Nashville aaid they are looking for goaltender help because Soros cannot handlethe starting role. Lundqvist, Quick are other examples.
- LAHawk

Oh I'm with you LAHawk.

In a way, CHI shot themselves in the foot with Lehner this year:

A) CHI had him under contract and he could have extended him but opted to trade him. Really thought he was the Hawks' goalie for the next 3-5 years. They didn't see it that way and we'll see how much Lehner ultimately signs for.

B) Because CHI had Lehner and Crawford and both stayed healthy all year, the Hawks didn't get to see what Delia and/or Lankinen can do in an extended look.


I'm a Delia guy, but I also an intrigued by Lankinen.

There's a lot of uncertainty moving forward in the Hawks net, however, I think the most likely scenario is you see Crawford back on a 2-year deal with Delia, Lankinen, or Subban backing him up as Bowman tries to figure out what he has in his next wave of tenders.

A less likely scenario - but one that I wouldn't be overly shocked if it happened - would be if the Hawks trade for a higher-tier younger goalie like Georgiev or Demko to reinforce the future in net in Chicago.

Debrincat, Strome, and Nylander should all be on trading block