Theo Fox: Game 47: Hawks 5, Preds 4
A recap of the Blackhawks thrilling come-from-behind OT win over the Predators powered by Hagel's heroics and Subban's perseverance in net.

Despite the victory, team defense was still a disaster.

Watched the first period live and picked up the game about an hour later off the dvr. Was ready to delete the recording after I saw Nashville go up 4-1, but just couldn’t do it; thought this might be the one I regret. Sure enough, the Hawks made it entertaining. The OT win was great, but it would have helped getting it in regulation and gaining 2 on Nashville instead of just one and picking up a crucial regulation win in the tiebreaker.

Keith looked better than the previous game, which was the worst I think I even saw him play. Murphy was a disaster. Vinnie is playing like he recognizes he is playing for his hockey life. I’d keep him if he keeps this up. As important as Hagel’s goal was, I was more impressed with how he kept his composure behind his own net immediately prior to the simple pass to Vinnie that started the GWG. Very impressed with his overall play.

Fun game! Well, the third period anyway. Hawks just refused to go away. Would be nice if there was another Hagel or two in the system somewhere.

Theo,

Has your opinion of Barret changed at all since he started playing in Rockford. He is a player whom reportedly might play wing or center and could play even on the second line. What about his skating?

Fun game! Well, the third period anyway. Hawks just refused to go away. Would be nice if there was another Hagel or two in the system somewhere.
- HawkintheD

Stan did a good job plucking two legit prospects from other teams in Hagel and Kalynuk. It’s hard to admit, but the timing for signing both of these guys was spot-on.

Fun game! Well, the third period anyway. Hawks just refused to go away. Would be nice if there was another Hagel or two in the system somewhere.
- HawkintheD

This time last year, you didn't even know there was one of them. I have to think he's a great example for other youngsters who want to make it.

Showing what you have to do to succeed. All of a sudden, starting to get points as well.

This time last year, you didn't even know there was one of them. I have to think he's a great example for other youngsters who want to make it.

Showing what you have to do to succeed. All of a sudden, starting to get points as well.
- vabeachbear

We got a glimpse of him that last game (last season vs the Sharks) before everything shut down and he stood out in his one appearance. Beaudin played well that game too.

Other than that game and what Theo wrote, didn't really know much about him.

I know Theo billed him as a Highmore type with more offense (while not a bad appraisal at the time), though I think in hindsight that might be selling him a bit short.

Why didn't Vinnie get an apple on Suter's goal? It looked to me like he directed the puck to Hagel.

Stan did a good job plucking two legit prospects from other teams in Hagel and Kalynuk. It’s hard to admit, but the timing for signing both of these guys was spot-on.

id say they could turn out to be down right steals. Throw Kubalik in there and thats 3 pretty decent players for nothing. thats good work there Stan!

Stan did a good job plucking two legit prospects from other teams in Hagel and Kalynuk. It’s hard to admit, but the timing for signing both of these guys was spot-on.
- DarthKane

I wouldn't be surprised Hagel plays himself into a top 6 forward.

Why didn't Vinnie get an apple on Suter's goal? It looked to me like he directed the puck to Hagel.
- tvetter

Keeping his numbers down so he does not demand higher contract.

As great as last night's game was, the report on Toews was certainly welcome news. Hopefully he keeps trending positively. Would be great to see him back next year.

I know they have very different skill sets, but does anyone else notice similarities between Zadorov and Gus. In the defensive zone Z will get out of position or lose his man and then will just float or wander. Usually he will float pretty far from the crease, like at the circle or along the side boards. There is no real urgency to get back in position or find his man. Same as Gus.

I know they have very different skill sets, but does anyone else notice similarities between Zadorov and Gus. In the defensive zone Z will get out of position or lose his man and then will just float or wander. Usually he will float pretty far from the crease, like at the circle or along the side boards. There is no real urgency to get back in position or find his man. Same as Gus.
- -Doh-

I can see that. The problem is that Z doesn't have the offense to go with the bad defense.

I can see that. The problem is that Z doesn't have the offense to go with the bad defense.
- tvetter

For as big as he is you’d think he’d have a bit more mustard on his shot. More often than not they don’t find the net either.

Stan did a good job plucking two legit prospects from other teams in Hagel and Kalynuk. It’s hard to admit, but the timing for signing both of these guys was spot-on.

id say they could turn out to be down right steals. Throw Kubalik in there and thats 3 pretty decent players for nothing. thats good work there Stan!
- SaskHawkFan

And, I know he's not a prospect, and I don't expect him to keep putting up these numbers, but Vinnie has been great since his return. He also didn't cost anything, and he's got 7 points in 8 games. I'd like to see him signed to a cheap one year contract to see if he can do it again next season.

Why didn't Vinnie get an apple on Suter's goal? It looked to me like he directed the puck to Hagel.
- tvetter

Bettman.

As great as last night's game was, the report on Toews was certainly welcome news. Hopefully he keeps trending positively. Would be great to see him back next year.
- HawkintheD

That's good news, indeed. If the report is accurate, we can rule out ALS - you don't improve from that.

I can see that. The problem is that Z doesn't have the offense to go with the bad defense.
- tvetter

The problem is they are both bad at hockey.

The problem is they are both bad at hockey.
- -Doh-

Yeah, but Gus isn't our problem anymore. Plus, Stan got Wyatt Kaiser with the pick from Calgary, so a potentially big improvement there.

A nice little comeback win last night.

Conner Murphy needs to glue his helmet to his head. Teams are taking liberties with him ever since he declined the invitation to a pointless fight against Tampa and getting mugged by Domi.

So I'll play EEyore today and just say that last nights win just delays the inevitable.

Stan did a good job plucking two legit prospects from other teams in Hagel and Kalynuk. It’s hard to admit, but the timing for signing both of these guys was spot-on.

id say they could turn out to be down right steals. Throw Kubalik in there and thats 3 pretty decent players for nothing. thats good work there Stan!
- SaskHawkFan

Red font?

Red font?
- Ogilthorpe2

Not at all. 3 potential roster players for very little in return. i like it.

A nice little comeback win last night.

Conner Murphy needs to glue his helmet to his head. Teams are taking liberties with him ever since he declined the invitation to a pointless fight against Tampa and getting mugged by Domi.

So I'll play EEyore today and just say that last nights win just delays the inevitable.

- Rota's Rooter

That’s fine. I’d rather the kids have something to play for. The key to that though is letting the kids play. I think it’s past time to get Beaudin and Mitchell back in the lineup. I don’t ever need to see Zadorov or deHaan again.

was that report by Dreger true or wishful thinking? I hope it's true, but you would think this kind of update would of come from the club first. I can't see Toews granting a journalist (although a well connected one) approval to give an update about his condition before the club.