Lardis is out for today’s match up with Oshawa.

Outside of maybe EDM in for KK, this could very well be the D-pairs to start next year.
- Chunk

I still wouldn't be surprised if KK finds his way to be right there in the top 4 either. Each pair would have an offense guy.

Lardis is out for today’s match up with Oshawa.
- paulr

I saw the guy who hit him got a 2 game suspension.

I saw the guy who hit him got a 2 game suspension.
- breadbag

Yeah he didn’t get a penalty on the play. It was a bit of a leg whip and didn’t appear egregious at the time.

Man, wasn't sure if Kaiser/Lev were ever going to get to change there. I lost count, was that 2 or 3 icings.

This is just an observation, but it seems like Knight only gives up goals up top, don’t get me wrong love the trade, however that’s something that Waite needs to work with
Knight on.

This is just an observation, but it seems like Knight only gives up goals up top, don’t get me wrong love the trade, however that’s something that Waite needs to work with
Knight on.
- Angotti

He does seem to go down early a bit, but incredible reflexes.

I agree with you. I think specifically in his first 15-20 games of his career he was a lot more aggressive on the attack. I don't know if it was the broken jaw or what, but he has been more passive and recently at times holding onto the puck way too long. IMO, if he is going to hold onto it, he has to move his feet faster.

I can't be too critical, as I think this kid knows more about hockey and what he is doing than pretty much everyone, but just feels like he isn't going full speed.
- breadbag

Looks like Bedard was reading our Hockeybuzz posts. He took that puck full speed into the zone, 1 on 1 with defender, and absolutely ripped a shot on net. More of that.

Bedard makes up for his dumb, lazy stick penalty. I’m hoping he stops that laziness next season. It’s discouraging to watch.

Bedard makes up for his dumb, lazy stick penalty. I’m hoping he stops that laziness next season. It’s discouraging to watch.
- paulr

He stops moving his feet. Bad habit on both ends of the ice. Nazar been so good lately b/c he never stops skating and moving his feet (something the Hawks wanted him to work on in the AHL earlier this season).

The shorter stick seems to be helping Bedard get his shot off just a tad quicker. Season 3 next year for Bedard. Time for a real NHL coach to start holding him accountable. No more teenager leeway.

He stops moving his feet. Bad habit on both ends of the ice. Nazar been so good lately b/c he never stops skating and moving his feet (something the Hawks wanted him to work on in the AHL earlier this season).

The shorter stick seems to be helping Bedard get his shot off just a tad quicker. Season 3 next year for Bedard. Time for a real NHL coach to start holding him accountable. No more teenager leeway.
- bhawks2241

It’s partly about not moving his feet at partly he’s not interested in getting himself in tough situations. In fact the team as a whole have to get harder to play against.
Ottawa are finishing their checks. It forces the Hawks to make plays more quickly than they want to. It makes the Hawks uncomfortable knowing they’re going to take a hit after each play. I expect to see the Blackhawks play a much more robust game next season.

It’s partly about not moving his feet at partly he’s not interested in getting himself in tough situations. In fact the team as a whole have to get harder to play against.
Ottawa are finishing their checks. It forces the Hawks to make plays more quickly than they want to. It makes the Hawks uncomfortable knowing they’re going to take a hit after each play. I expect to see the Blackhawks play a much more robust game next season.
- paulr

Ya it’s been bad the 3rd period. No flybys from Ottawa. Smothering the Hawks.

Ya it’s been bad the 3rd period. No flybys from Ottawa. Smothering the Hawks.
- bhawks2241

Ottawa should do well in the playoffs if they can continue to not get called for interference.

Moore and Greene look good together. Hope both hit their ceilings and Hawks second line is Moore Green Nazar. That would be a fun line.

Ottawa should do well in the playoffs if they can continue to not get called for interference.
- BetweenTheDots

There will be far fewer calls in the playoffs.

Nice way to end it

Rinzel Bedard Nazar. Nice plays by all 3 on the OT goal.

Rinzel is so deceptively fast. Big powerful strides. Looks effortless. Completely caught the Ottawa forward off guard.

This is just an observation, but it seems like Knight only gives up goals up top, don’t get me wrong love the trade, however that’s something that Waite needs to work with
Knight on.
- Angotti

I have notices that also . Not able to watch tonight ,Knight seems to be holding them in there . He covers the bottom of the net very well ,and maybe as the defense and team mature players will have less time to try and pick corners . Frankie Baby oh ya !!!

I know it's only a small sample size but Moore looks good, Greene looked competent, it sure looked like the past 2 games Reichel was playing in another gear hopefully the new coach can convince him it's okay to continue at full speed and contact the guy with the puck, if he just added that part to his game he'd be a better hockey player.

Outside of maybe EDM in for KK, this could very well be the D-pairs to start next year.
- Chunk

Agreed but with Allan back up and Murph as 7th d-man. Can’t wait!

This is just an observation, but it seems like Knight only gives up goals up top, don’t get me wrong love the trade, however that’s something that Waite needs to work with
Knight on.
- Angotti

He does have a couple windows above his shoulders he needs to close a bit but otherwise a big addition and love that he doesn’t give up a ton of rebounds.

Been almost 2 games since My Guy Kaiser made a play. He's generally good for two nice little plays/reads per shift...........

Good chance for him to show his IQ paired with Lev. Lev will leave his partner in a pickle a couple times a game and Kaiser's game can absorb that. Not so much last two tilts.
- Mr Ricochet

Totally agree. I think Kaiser’s compete level is very high. Late in the game he seems to always have something left in the tank.

I know it's only a small sample size but Moore looks good, Greene looked competent, it sure looked like the past 2 games Reichel was playing in another gear hopefully the new coach can convince him it's okay to continue at full speed and contact the guy with the puck, if he just added that part to his game he'd be a better hockey player.
- BetweenTheDots

A better coach or better teammates isn’t going to give Reichel courage. He’s going to have to figure that one out on his own. He is most comfortable playing on the periphery and on occasion break to the middle of the ice. If there’s a scrum he shows no interest in finding a partner to scuffle with. He won’t stop at the net looking to deflect a puck or creating traffic in front of the goalie. Until he decides he’s willing to get a few bumps and bruises in the course of the game he won’t be here long term. I’d like to see KD read him the riot act during the exit interview and tell him to come to camp looking to be more aggressive, assertive and more involved in the play or that he’ll be moved.

Bedard makes up for his dumb, lazy stick penalty. I’m hoping he stops that laziness next season. It’s discouraging to watch.
- paulr

I wonder how much is strength, speed and fitness. I think watching Mikheyev and Nazar has affected Bedard. In a positive way.

Outside of maybe EDM in for KK, this could very well be the D-pairs to start next year.
- Chunk

I'd prefer that Murphy is gone he's a useless pylon and a punching bag . Let any of the kids play and get experience. Murphy is what he is and I think his best days are behind him.