The Hawks slow start is really showing in the standings right now. There were some winnable games at the start they they let slip away and they aren't gaining ground with the back and forth wins and losses lately. If they don't find another gear, they will not get back into the race. It's doable, there are some trash teams ahead of them that should slow down, but time is ticking.
- breadbag

After the terrible start, my main hope is to not give up a top 7 or so draft pick to the Blue Jackets in June. If they keep playing this way, I think this is possible. We might even snag a higher pick if we trade Flower at the deadline. All is not lost if the team gels and the youth gets better over this somewhat lost year.

If not, these cancellations will go on forever. This new variant with limited symptoms isn’t going away anytime soon.
- Angotti

Yeah, at this point we know what this is. Establish some early treatment protocols and let's get on with life. If not, everyone just lives under a rock for the rest of eternity.

Montreal with no fans allowed, Toronto half occupancy, this sucks
- BetweenTheDots

But, it's for the greater good.

I do not want to see him in Chicago. He has never demanded the players maintain their discipline, not only in terms of keeping out of the penalty box but in sticking to the system put in place by the coaching staff. You’d see the Jets playing a good game, looking after their own end and supporting teammates. But then the opponent will score a couple goals and suddenly everyone is in it for themselves, the systems breaks down and the team is in disarray. On top of that Maurice gets sidetracked yelling at the refs and opposition players and coaches.
- paulr

You jogged my memory, yea that's been the complaint by many. The national guys I've listened to today really like him, he is a really nice guy, and haven't mentioned this. ..... Seems like he's really burned out.

Yeah, at this point we know what this is. Establish some early treatment protocols and let's get on with life. If not, everyone just lives under a rock for the rest of eternity.
- Chunk

Yes, I agree. I recall in past seasons when the flu (or whatever virus) would go through a team, it was always game on. Players would play even if they were sick. Now, someone hears a cough and the whole world shuts down.

But to really understand all this, the optics are just so wrong. The coaches on the bench with masks on(most of the time) while players are spitting all over the ice. Yes, the masks are helping. THIS IS ALL A JOKE NOW!

The refs may allow a dozen uncalled Sisson elbows to the head of Blackhawks, but maybe Gabriel won't be so accommodating.
- 35Tony0

I think the Preds might lead the league in hits. They come at you nonstop with Tanner Jeannot, Mark Borowiecki, Trenin, Kunin, Sissons. ...... Watched the 2nd and 3rd periods vs COL last night and IIRC the Preds were 2-3 guys short cuz of the virus and seemed to me they dialed it back just a tad to stay outa the box due to being short players...... Also Saros played goal last night so unless he goes back to back Hawks will see Big Save Dave Rittich.

No Johansen or Duchene so the Hawks are catching them at a good time. Undrafted Jeannot played 1C and thought the kid looked good but he's still no 1C.

But if you traded for Gabriel you may as well get him in a game to see what you have and NSH is a good spot for that.

I think the Preds might lead the league in hits. They come at you nonstop with Tanner Jeannot, Mark Borowiecki, Trenin, Kunin, Sissons. ...... Watched the 2nd and 3rd periods vs COL last night and IIRC the Preds were 2-3 guys short cuz of the virus and seemed to me they dialed it back just a tad to stay outa the box due to being short players...... Also Saros played goal last night so unless he goes back to back Hawks will see Big Save Dave Rittich.

No Johansen or Duchene so the Hawks are catching them at a good time. Undrafted Jeannot played 1C and thought the kid looked good but he's still no 1C.

But if you traded for Gabriel you may as well get him in a game to see what you have and NSH is a good spot for that.
- Mr Ricochet

I’ve never seen him play and I already know what we have, basically a waste of a roster spot. Two goals in 49 NHL games, can’t wait to see him play five minutes.

I’ve never seen him play and I already know what we have, basically a waste of a roster spot. Two goals in 49 NHL games, can’t wait to see him play five minutes.
- Angotti

Fire Davidson? ........ I don't remember seeing Gabriel play either so I'll be dialed into his shift(s) to see how he skates, who he's on a line with, do they have any chemistry, do they tilt the ice, can he forecheck, does he run around, does he fill a role, what will the fancies say tomorrow.

Yeah, it seems they consider a positive test to be a symptom. I wonder if the testing is better now, I can't remember how many stories I have read in the last two years about false positives and false negatives.
- 35Tony0

Seems that positive results are now in high 90s % accuracy. Still more issues with false negatives, but if you get a positive, it's highly likely to be accurate.

If not, these cancellations will go on forever. This new variant with limited symptoms isn’t going away anytime soon.
- Angotti

Unfortunately, Imperial College in London (where they've been able to study this a bit longer than us) is finding that the severity and prevalence of hospitalization seems to be on par with Delta. Seems the earlier reports of "milder" had more to do with the population catching it in those areas.

I DO think that after we finally see the anti-virals (a la Tamiflu) that are pending approval in wide distribution and that will lower the pressure on the healthcare system, we're more likely to see the sports leagues and other businesses consider the option of playing asymptomatic players/reverting to normal rules.

Love me some Entwhistle, makes guys around him better.

Tough, and works hard.

Can we please take Slavin off the PK

https://youtu.be/Z0GFRcFm-aY

Can we please take Slavin off the PK
- BetweenTheDots

How was that goal on Slavin? That goal was on Fleury. The best PK’r is supposed to be your goaltender, the PK needs to get better, not very good lately.

Can we please take Slavin off the PK
- BetweenTheDots

Terrible goal by Fleury. Obviously not looking at the puck.
As for the PK....how about more 19 !! Win your faceoff and sit down. I'm beginning to believe that the Hawks woes this year
begin with the Captain. I don't see anything he's doing well other than at the dot. His hands are atrocious and hopefully he finds some touch soon.

https://youtu.be/Z0GFRcFm-aY
- mohel

I feel fine also, how about you?

How was that goal on Slavin? That goal was on Fleury. The best PK’r is supposed to be your goaltender, the PK needs to get better, not very good lately.
- Angotti

He's been the common denominator when scored against on many penalty kills

I feel fine also, how about you?
- Angotti

All good. But it is never too early to panic!

How was that goal on Slavin? That goal was on Fleury. The best PK’r is supposed to be your goaltender, the PK needs to get better, not very good lately.
- Angotti

The goal was on Fleury, Dots sure likes his blame du jour.

He's been the common denominator when scored against on many penalty kills
- BetweenTheDots

Is that one of them new fancy stats?

The goal was on Fleury, Dots sure likes his blame du jour.
- paulr

I'm still getting 180/110. Not bad.

It is what it is, when Slavin is on the PK, power plays are scored

I'm still getting 180/110. Not bad.
- mohel

When a Blackhawk player goes offsides it spikes I bet

McCabe has been skating well tonight. Good to see C. Jones looking more comfortable too.

Who needs Gabriel when you have Dcat.