Interesting, no criticism of Vlasic about last night, but lets jump on the #7 defenseman for a mistake. BTW, if Phillips was playing the right side, and Vlasic the left, why on that play were they switched? Let alone the horrible neutral zone turnover by Bertuzzi that caused the counter attack. How many other defenseman would suffer the same fate with Larkin coming full speed ahead ?

Vlasic was very weak on his stick on Detroits first goal, after he deflected Larkin's pass, he had 2 attempts to clear it, and all he did was weakly knock it back to Larkins's shinpad, tiwce.

Criticise Phillips all you want for playing too high on defense. Fine, but silence when Vlasic did the same on the third goal ?

Bad night for Vlasic, game chart verifies it. That being said, he is still the Hawks best defensemen.
- LAHawk

He also strangely tried that slap/pass when he was charging down the slot and I think Richardinson fed him the perfect set-up. Indeed. a poor game for him. Hopefully they all get their crap together tonight.

Interesting, no criticism of Vlasic about last night, but lets jump on the #7 defenseman for a mistake. BTW, if Phillips was playing the right side, and Vlasic the left, why on that play were they switched? Let alone the horrible neutral zone turnover by Bertuzzi that caused the counter attack. How many other defenseman would suffer the same fate with Larkin coming full speed ahead ?

Vlasic was very weak on his stick on Detroits first goal, after he deflected Larkin's pass, he had 2 attempts to clear it, and all he did was weakly knock it back to Larkins's shinpad, tiwce.



Criticise Phillips all you want for playing too high on defense. Fine, but silence when Vlasic did the same on the third goal ?

Bad night for Vlasic, game chart verifies it. That being said, he is still the Hawks best defensemen.
- LAHawk

I guess if you need a chart to determine which dman had a good night or not cool, but Vlasic didn't have a bad night because a couple lucky goals and an empty net goal were scored, but let the chart tell you different.

I guess if you need a chart to determine which dman had a good night or not cool, but Vlasic didn't have a bad night because a couple lucky goals and an empty net goal were scored, but let the chart tell you different.
- BetweenTheDots

It's not like he had a GOOD game. He was weak on the first goal. All stick and no force. He also was not his usual shut-down self. We are allowed to point out when he has a bad game. No one is asking to trade him.

Totally, LA.

Kurashev has been bad this year. He just can't win pucks either.
- Popsghostly

Kurashev just doesn't fit there.

I agree with moving TT back to Bedard’s line. Not only is he the second best scorer on the team behind Bedard, he’s also responsible defensively. I also agree that the other forward on that line needs to be able to retrieve pucks, where is Hossa when you need him. I too would try Bertuzzi, what do they have to lose. Their defense will improve once Martinez gets back, but don’t be surprised if Brodie replaces Phillips tonight.
- Angotti

I can't believe I'm saying this like he would have made much difference but I wish we'd signed Lafferty to play on any line.

It's not like he had a GOOD game. He was weak on the first goal. All stick and no force. He also was not his usual shut-down self. We are allowed to point out when he has a bad game. No one is asking to trade him.
- Chunk

He slapped that puck pretty good it popped up and it was a lucky bounce to fall right back on his stick. He kept himself between the player and the goalie something Phillips failed to do, then it was a very weak shot that Mrazek stopped but the 2 guys back decided not to help. As I've said before what is it with the Blackhawk forwards who only play defense 175 feet back. I guess it's in the eye of the beholder, but you're right he wasn't his shut down self because of a couple lucky bounces and the lack of support by his teammates

I thought they played well last night. The 1st goal was puck luck with 1.5 seconds left. You had an AHL defenseman trying to defend one of the better forwards with speed in the game. The 3rd goal was another lucky bounce off Allens skate and in. The passing has been so much better than the 1st 10 games. I guess LR just can't help himself, Reichel is playing well so let's start bouncing him around the line up. Even so he and Kaiser are playing really well right now.

The power play sucked last night. I believe on one of them the Wings had 2 SOG to the Blackhawks 0
- BetweenTheDots

I'm ok with all of the decisions about the paths the Hawks have taken with their prospects, maybe not KK up last yr, but it seems with Reichel they look for any way he'll fail and that's the path they take.

Beyond obvious the kid was scrambled eggs between the ears after last yr and this yrs camp. What do you do with a player like that in any sport? You simplify it for him every way you can and let the player play on instinct. Get his game back, get him playing the way that got him to the Bigs.

They stumble onto something that works after scratching him 4 games. Allowing him to play simple on L4 v L4 competition and it worked. Instead of allowing him to settle into playing well for 20-25-30 games they start moving him around.

I do think LR is trying to get Bedard going moving Reichel up with him for some looks. Not the other way around.

Watching the game last night, I got totally bored! I think we need to bring in Chelios to coach the defensemen. There was no hitting last. They checked a little bit but nothing to slow the wings down. Bertuzzi is a huge disappointment. He looked more like an observer than a participant despite getting an assist. The one bright spot in the game. Kaner is still Kaner! Happy to see him play his game. Hope he gets the record for american hockey players. God, I miss a healthy Toews!

I can't believe I'm saying this like he would have made much difference but I wish we'd signed Lafferty to play on any line.
- rpeters01

Except for the consistent work rate of Lafferty I think Bertuzzi was signed to be a better Lafferty, no?

As far as Lafferty he can be on most any team of mine.

It is really weird watching the games and trying to mesh it with the metrics. Maroon/Smith/Reichel has been pretty productive (and I don't seem to remember them being hemmed in their own end all that often), but their xGF% are all in the 30s.

Not sure if it is the simple fact that they lack depth, or if there is something bigger going on, but the Hawks seem so disjointed on the ice (even when they win). For those who have played, how the heck can you not start the game with energy - especially after two days off?
- Chunk

Same thing happened to me, Chunk. The majority of the time when I look at the fancies the game after it backs up with what I saw to at least some degree. But the SJ game and then the ANA game it was waaaaay off. ...... Thought they were the much better team both games but they barely outfancied SJ and lost big to ANA on the fancies.

Doesn't happen often but those two games it did and my eye was way off compared to the fancies. An outlier? ... Not sure.

He slapped that puck pretty good it popped up and it was a lucky bounce to fall right back on his stick. He kept himself between the player and the goalie something Phillips failed to do, then it was a very weak shot that Mrazek stopped but the 2 guys back decided not to help. As I've said before what is it with the Blackhawk forwards who only play defense 175 feet back. I guess it's in the eye of the beholder, but you're right he wasn't his shut down self because of a couple lucky bounces and the lack of support by his teammates
- BetweenTheDots

No, because he was out of position a number of times, and played the first goal weakly. The Detroit writer posted clips of every goal last night. Please rewatch. He certainly was not between Larkin and the goal. He was way off to the side and swatting with his stick.

Again, we can point out a bad game. Not the end of the world.

Same thing happened to me, Chunk. The majority of the time when I look at the fancies the game after it backs up with what I saw to at least some degree. But the SJ game and then the ANA game it was waaaaay off. ...... Thought they were the much better team both games but they barely outfancied SJ and lost big to ANA on the fancies.

Doesn't happen often but those two games it did and my eye was way off compared to the fancies. An outlier? ... Not sure.
- Mr Ricochet

The ANA game was kind of an outlier. When down by more than a goal, teams tend to push for offense in the 3rd, and ANA way outshot the Hawks in the 3rd period.

No, because he was out of position a number of times, and played the first goal weakly. The Detroit writer posted clips of every goal last night. Please rewatch. He certainly was not between Larkin and the goal. He was way off to the side and swatting with his stick.

Again, we can point out a bad game. Not the end of the world.
- Chunk

I certainly didn't ilke how Vlasic played that first goal. It was a bit of a lucky bounce, but he also moved his body position away from the middle when he poked at the puck and he was kind of out of position to make a strong play on the puck. I think part of it was his backward momentum and how he turned when trying to swipe at the puck. It wasn't the worst, but not a strong play on the puck IMO.

Overall I think the most frustrating thing for me was that we lost so many physical battles and Detroit was bumping out guys off the puck. The Wings were the ones battling harder and pushing those 50-50 pucks to their favor way more.

The second goal against highlighted something that broadcast team was mentioning. The Hawks weren't doing well on dump ins. Then they seemed like they then kept trying to carry the puck over the line on the attack, but that wasn't working well either, lots of turnovers trying to gain the zone, especially on the PP. Bertuzzi didn't make a great entry especially considering the D was changing on the long change. Phillips was coming onto the ice but was slow to realize he needed to get on his horse and get back. The little hesitation was enough.

The third goal against was a bad bounce but also bad coverage. Maroon and Vlasic both covered the same Red Wing and followed in the corner leaving Allan all alone with two Wings around the net. It was Smith, Donato and Maroon out there, and I think the confusion might have been around proper coverage between the D and C of the line. Maroon was kind of in that position a C would be in defensively, but being a winger I don't think he covered it properly he should have. Once he saw Vlasic pressuring the attacker and that he was behind, I think he should have covered the position near the net. He coasted into the corner instead. While it was a lucky bounce, it was not a good position for the Hawks to defend.

Who would want Kurachev? Imagine you are an NHL GM; what would you offer or should I say gladly depart with for this underachieving second or third line somewhat timid forward? You are going to trade your garbage for a young second line Iine center, eh? So you think you are Sam Pollach, eh? Good luck.
- jhawk59

I said it's possible he looks different this year than last year

I agree with moving TT back to Bedard’s line. Not only is he the second best scorer on the team behind Bedard, he’s also responsible defensively. I also agree that the other forward on that line needs to be able to retrieve pucks, where is Hossa when you need him. I too would try Bertuzzi, what do they have to lose. Their defense will improve once Martinez gets back, but don’t be surprised if Brodie replaces Phillips tonight.
- Angotti

Lou, to my eye when Reichel skates with Bedard at 5 on 5 he reverts back to his circling, especially above the circles. He ends up just playing on the perimeter looking to work with Bedard and of course he then sees the other club's shutdown or best players and becomes ineffective. ..

And as I think about Reichel is much more dangerous a player with the puck than without. He makes impacts that way and of course we know Bedard wants the puck too to play his game.

Except for the consistent work rate of Lafferty I think Bertuzzi was signed to be a better Lafferty, no?

As far as Lafferty he can be on most any team of mine.
- Mr Ricochet

He would have pushed Kurashev and Reichel and even Bertuzzi if both were signed.

Pretty brutal summary of where Boqvist is in his career:

https://thehockeynews.com...ith-stanley-cup-champions

Lou, to my eye when Reichel skates with Bedard at 5 on 5 he reverts back to his circling, especially above the circles. He ends up just playing on the perimeter looking to work with Bedard and of course he then sees the other club's shutdown or best players and becomes ineffective. ..

And as I think about Reichel is much more dangerous a player with the puck than without. He makes impacts that way and of course we know Bedard wants the puck too to play his game.
- Mr Ricochet

I was going to say something similar. Reichel seems best when he can be the playmaker on the line and the other two are known quantities who will go to specific areas and stay there. When he gets with other creative players, he looks really out of place.

I was going to say something similar. Reichel seems best when he can be the playmaker on the line and the other two are known quantities who will go to specific areas and stay there. When he gets with other creative players, he looks really out of place.
- Chunk

You are right on with this synopsis, it’s like he knows he has to carry the fourth line with talent, while his wings are working hard, and when he gets moved up he’s expecting his linemates to carry the line, so he’s more like a passenger. The kid just needs to play his game, and he also needs to stop losing the puck at the offensive blue line.

Interesting article and video regarding the whole CHL/NCAA thing. It will be really interesting to see how all of this plays out. I think it's a net gain for the players, but I'm sure there will be plenty of bad examples.

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...ng-NIL-and-CHL/275/126751

I said it's possible he looks different this year than last year
- Scott1977

Ok, got it
I bet if Kurashev was worried he would get healthy scratch regularly then he might play better or play with greater intensity and effort in all zones

Pretty brutal summary of where Boqvist is in his career:

https://thehockeynews.com...ith-stanley-cup-champions
- Chunk

Boqvist may get an opportunity to play due to injuries and a long season . He better perform well and not look like a liability. Could be his last chance. Perhaps if he put up some numbers and played well for half an AHL season then he might get a recall but on short leash and only recalled due to an injury

Pretty brutal summary of where Boqvist is in his career:

https://thehockeynews.com...ith-stanley-cup-champions
- Chunk

Looks like he is destined to a good career over in Europe on the bigger sheet. His body cannot handle NHL hockey and all of the contact that occurs on the smaller ice sheet.

Interesting article and video regarding the whole CHL/NCAA thing. It will be really interesting to see how all of this plays out. I think it's a net gain for the players, but I'm sure there will be plenty of bad examples.

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...ng-NIL-and-CHL/275/126751
- Chunk

Thanks for posting, Chunk..........An earth shaking development. When this whole movement, then lawsuits, about Major Junior kids allowed to play NCAA hockey my immediate thought back then was this is gonna be really bad for the USHL. Basically the USHL won't get Canada's elite like Fantilli or Celibrini that want to play NCAA. They can stay home, play in say the best jr then play NCAA when they're ready.

And, many/some MJ kids who really ain't interested in school will leave MJ for NIL money. Play NCAA at 18 or 19 and make a few hundred thousand or a million before turning pro.

And, what will this do, if anything, to the CHL-NHL agreement? Will a Korchinski leave at 19 to play AHL if he had the chance? I think those types of talent will indeed do that.

The Hockey News chews on it a bit. https://thehockeynews.com...r-junior-players-now-what

Thanks for posting, Chunk..........An earth shaking development. When this whole movement, then lawsuits, about Major Junior kids allowed to play NCAA hockey my immediate thought back then was this is gonna be really bad for the USHL. Basically the USHL won't get Canada's elite like Fantilli or Celibrini that want to play NCAA. They can stay home, play in say the best jr then play NCAA when they're ready.

And, many/some MJ kids who really ain't interested in school will leave MJ for NIL money. Play NCAA at 18 or 19 and make a few hundred thousand or a million before turning pro.

And, what will this do, if anything, to the CHL-NHL agreement? Will a Korchinski leave at 19 to play AHL if he had the chance? I think those types of talent will indeed do that.

The Hockey News chews on it a bit. https://thehockeynews.com...r-junior-players-now-what
- Mr Ricochet

That may be the beginning of the end for the CHL if hockey can gain some more traction.

I think the players having opportunity to make actual money instead of the pittance they get in major junior in Canada.