Justin Lowe: "That's Hockey" As the final buzzer went off as the Hawks defeated the Ducks 3-1 last night, Coach Q was heard excitedly shouting, "That's hockey!"

That was hockey Q, that looked like old Blackhawks style hockey.

The Hawks played their most complete game of the year backed by another strong Corey Crawford performance.

I'll say for John Hayden he did have a couple shifts where he was noticeably effective. I like when he has the puck in the corner and he makes fairly quick turns for a big guy and protects the puck. I hope we see more of that from him where he uses his size to create some problems for the opposing D.

On Hayden. When he looked good last season was when he was delivering hits. In the past two games he's had only one in each game. He needs to get back to that if he wants any chance of staying up with the big club.

Also noticed no Joki on the PP last night.

Lots of jawing between 2nd and third. I find it funny Manson went after Brinksy all night

Sure they won, but they were outhit again. Everyone knows what really matters in this game is hits.

#ChicagoSmurfhawks

Great game ,really like the lines .Believe Kruger took his 2nd penalty after Kunitz could not clear the puck late . Whatever Q did or said to Saad great work he was a new man out there last night . Crow has been scary good . I am starting to believe this team may have a chance to be something again . I am not sure they are playoff ready yet but maybe soon ..GO HAWKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Very pleasant outcome - especially for Saad.

Sure they won, but they were outhit again. Everyone knows what really matters in this game is hits.

#ChicagoSmurfhawks
- Ogilthorpe2

And faceoffs. ANA 54% CHI 46%.

And we can't even blame Schmaltz who was 50/50.

What I dont understand is, all I read all summer is the team is going to suck, lottery pick, etc

So why bench Kunitz? It would benefit the Hawks to play him.

He's a cup winning vet. Good leadership, highly competitive, and I'm sure helps some of the younger players with being a pro on/off the ice.

But the best part? Is at the TDL...he is exactly the type of "depth" players Cup teams trade picks for

So he cost the team 1mil bucks...and should net them a 4th/5th round pick. People should want him in the lineup and chip in a few goals here and there.

Let him learn the system. Hope he puts the puck in a few times, stays healthy and nets then a pick to....help the future - which isnt that the consensus of what the team is playing for/developing?

Justin Lowe: "That's Hockey"
As the final buzzer went off as the Hawks defeated the Ducks 3-1 last night, Coach Q was heard excitedly shouting, "That's hockey!"

That was hockey Q, that looked like old Blackhawks style hockey.

The Hawks played their most complete game of the year backed by another strong Corey Crawford performance.
- Justin Lowe

Great piece, Justin.

Saad was awesome last night. Toews still driving the top line, but Kahun was all over the place last night, trying to make something happen with and without the puck. Adb vs Manson, great to watch him because he doesn't take crap from anyone, but please, Adb, you will lose. I would add LJ with Kruger on the dumb penalties. Not in the o zone, never in the o zone. Hayden had his good moments, when he's in the o zone he will throw the puck on net and fight in the blue for the loose puck. Yes, he has bad moments too. Crow looks like there was never 11 months off. I wouldn't be able to tell if I wasn't following thus team. D was so much better, holy crap. I was happy from start to finish. Rangers next and they're in the same lineup transition that we are in, should be a good matchup.

Gus and Schmaltz Conversation Pieces:

Gus

Yes, he is a great and talented offensive D man who can both carry and distribute but like I said many times before, his "offensive" read is outstanding with being a great weak side outlet to relieve pressure as 3 or sometimes 4 man. His chemistry (maybe too much) is also awesome with Kane. However, his D zone work leaves a little bit to be desired which includes engagement (focus and priority) and physicality. At bare minimum just get goal side with a strong active stick. So the solution would be for Gus to get lots of TOI on 4v4 , 3v3, and any PP watch the shifts at ES. At this point, you have to accept the risk/reward ration with Gus!

Schmaltz

Yes, he is averse to contact sometimes and did bail a couple of times last night which is not good and can send the wrong message to staff and players. Also FO is atrocious. But how about the good. How did Kane get robbed by Gibson? Schmaltz shoots the puck purposely aiming for low far side pad and who is there for the nice rebound Kane. First of all, Schmaltz rarely shoots and secondly why would he shoot from the top to the right circle just off the boards. Then right after that he backhands a saucer pass to ??? for a nice one-timer. Schmaltz had a very uneven game last night but will get the much needed consistency with more experience. Again, much like Gus above, risk/reward ration has to be accepted!

Great game ,really like the lines .Believe Kruger took his 2nd penalty after Kunitz could not clear the puck late . Whatever Q did or said to Saad great work he was a new man out there last night . Crow has been scary good . I am starting to believe this team may have a chance to be something again . I am not sure they are playoff ready yet but maybe soon ..GO HAWKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
- oldduffman

Microchip in his brain, Q had the long wire remote control in his hands behind the bench. Only thing that I can think of....

Justin, you didnt include in your Not so Great or Bad section, the Push em Back Entry. Can we just scrap that play....we all know its coming, the opposition knows its coming and we almost always turn it into a dumpster fire. NO MORE PUSH EM BACK ENTRIES!!! Q - Channel your best Daddy Dearest!!!!

On Hayden. When he looked good last season was when he was delivering hits. In the past two games he's had only one in each game. He needs to get back to that if he wants any chance of staying up with the big club.

Also noticed no Joki on the PP last night.
- Rota's Rooter

Agreed Rota.

That "BANGER LINE" mentality and play has disappeared this year which makes me think it's coming from the coaches.

Sure would be nice to throw Hayden and Martinsen out there to smash a few guys and control the play down low when the Hawks need a spark.

- YuenglingJagr

"That is an S, a K, and a J all next to each other so that's a no, turn back around."

Saad was "awesome" because he did the things everyone was saying he wasnt doing previously- he went to the net with/without the puck, he drove the play, he played between the dots ...and did it all game.

Which he didnt do consistently last year, and didnt do it the first few games of the year.

To be a "6mil dollar man", he needs to do that every game...or goes back to being an overpaid passenger, which shouldnt be acceptable

Justin, you didnt include in your Not so Great or Bad section, the Push em Back Entry. Can we just scrap that play....we all know its coming, the opposition knows its coming and we almost always turn it into a dumpster fire. NO MORE PUSH EM BACK ENTRIES!!! Q - Channel your best Daddy Dearest!!!!
- glennjpawlak22

Add wire hangers while you're at it, I hate wire hangers!!!

Add wire hangers while you're at it, I hate wire hangers!!!
- I Am The Breadman

Its almost like if the push em back is taken away, what in the hell do we do next?

Its almost like if the push em back is taken away, what in the hell do we do next?
- glennjpawlak22

What happened to good old fashioned chip and chase? I don't like the push em back either, most teams do it, but when we see it, it seems like the opps. have us on radar and steal it nearly every time. And most times we end up offsides because of the guys always standing at the blue line for the puck straggler to bring it across the line, one guy has already over anticipated and jumped the gun.

"Mother Superior jumped the gun." -The Beatles.

The key to this team all hinges on Corey Crawford's health. He gives the Hawks a legitimate shot to win every night. So impressive considering he has hardly played in a calendar year.

Q's kick in the pants to Saad has paid huge dividends. Saad has been in beast-mode the last 2 games. He is showing absolutely no fear in going to the net, and he is a presence every time he is on the ice now, great to see!!

Does this team have some obvious flaws?
Yes, they can drive you nuts playing in the defensive zone. Bottom 6 production and depth is clearly a concern. Any major injury to a key cog would be devastating.

Is this team better than I thought? Yes
I have been entertained so far, very excited about the play of Toews. Nice to see Debrincat continually getting better and better. Kane is Kane. Seabrook has bounced back too. They are not Cup contenders, but I do feel if the key pieces remain healthy, they will compete for a postseason spot.

Agreed Rota.

That "BANGER LINE" mentality and play has disappeared this year which makes me think it's coming from the coaches.

Sure would be nice to throw Hayden and Martinsen out there to smash a few guys and control the play down low when the Hawks need a spark.
- Justin Lowe

I'm not advocating smash-mouth hockey but, let's be honest. Hayden is not going to be that power forward we all hoped he'd be. He's effective when working hard and laying timely checks. Maybe a goal every 7-8 games would be nice also.

Agree on a lot of the positives mentioned from last night.

I was severely disappointed that the hardest hit Manson took after the dust up with Dcat was from Kane behind the net. I would think if Hayden has any understanding of his role, the next time he was on the ice with a chance to lay the body on Manson he should have done so with full effort. The fact that he didn't tells me he thinks he is more of a scorer, than a physical guy. Until he fixes that mentality, he will bounce in and out of the lineup.

Agree on a lot of the positives mentioned from last night.

I was severely disappointed that the hardest hit Manson took after the dust up with Dcat was from Kane behind the net. I would think if Hayden has any understanding of his role, the next time he was on the ice with a chance to lay the body on Manson he should have done so with full effort. The fact that he didn't tells me he thinks he is more of a scorer, than a physical guy. Until he fixes that mentality, he will bounce in and out of the lineup.
- hereismike1

Could also be, the Hawks were playing a very good game and ADB can handle himself with the chippy play.

Manson's game is to hit and try to intimidate. Getting involved with him, gets the Hawks playing his style (and ANA style) of hockey. Not sure the Hawks would be successful in doing that