Tyler Cameron: Game 1 Thoughts and Thoughts on Game 2
The outcome of game 1 couldn't have gone much better for the Hawks on Saturday.

Sure, there are some areas that the Hawks can clean up for game 2 tonight but considering how this team played for much of the 2019-20 season, I consider it a great performance.

I have a few quick thoughts below, however, there is one specific topic I want to call out – the Blackhawks preparedness.

FOOORST!!!!!!

I am really hopeful that Boqvist has a few sterling moments and it would be sweet in each game. He has great skill and can produce great plays/goals. In the practice scrimmages I recall reading how he got a goal off his smarts and skill. In the WJC he scored a game winning goal

Boqvist time is not yet here but he is showing some growth and descent play. Oh for a special play or two

Nice job TC, but so much here. Let's start with this.

It took JC almost 2 full seasons to realize that Duncan Keith, the 3X SC winning, Norris winning, Conn Smythe winning defenseman, who was on the #1 PP during those SCs, would be the best choice to be on the point on the PP.

And for all of those of you who don't like DK on the PP, you're wrong. You put your best players on the ice as much as possible. On the blueline, that's still DK.

Nice job TC, but so much here. Let's start with this.

It took JC almost 2 full seasons to realize that Duncan Keith, the 3X SC winning, Norris winning, Conn Smythe winning defenseman, who was on the #1 PP during those SCs, would be the best choice to be on the point on the PP.

And for all of those of you who don't like DK on the PP, you're wrong. You put your best players on the ice as much as possible. On the blueline, that's still DK.
- scottak

Keith has a tendency to shoot the puck from bad angles on the point, which is often blocked by opponents' shin pads, which then lead to odd-man rushes. Would be interested to see how many short-handed goals in the past two years happened with Keith on the ice. I'm not sure if he's the best option for the hawks, but on a true contending team, he wouldn't be on PP1. Might as well start grooming his replacement now.

I am really hopeful that Boqvist has a few sterling moments and it would be sweet in each game. He has great skill and can produce great plays/goals. In the practice scrimmages I recall reading how he got a goal off his smarts and skill. In the WJC he scored a game winning goal

Boqvist time is not yet here but he is showing some growth and descent play. Oh for a special play or two
- jhawk59

Boqvist has not lost any of his skills offensively, he really has tried to improve his defensive game. Keep in mind, he is only 19, and has steadily progressed defensively all season. The skating is there, he will anchor the Hawks PP from the point as soon as next year. Not worried about him offensively, I am just proud how far the kid has come defensively!! Think he has tried to simplify his game some this year in order to learn things better defensively. I really give the kid credit for that!!

Nice job TC, but so much here. Let's start with this.

It took JC almost 2 full seasons to realize that Duncan Keith, the 3X SC winning, Norris winning, Conn Smythe winning defenseman, who was on the #1 PP during those SCs, would be the best choice to be on the point on the PP.

And for all of those of you who don't like DK on the PP, you're wrong. You put your best players on the ice as much as possible. On the blueline, that's still DK.
- scottak

I believe Keith will be on the second power play unit once Boqvist and Mitchell are developed a tad more. Both Beaudin and Carlsson have attributes for PP duty. And I may feel even more strongly that more 5 on 5 with Keith and less pp duty as the kids develop, is best for the team and the kids' success.

But right now Keith is living the high life. High five life let us hope.

Would be neat if Blackhawk players come up with something cute and a source of solidarity in cheering their success.....like the Cubs with do the Izzo!

For those who do not know, after circling the bases by way of a HR, Rizzo and others high five by connecting the tip of thumb both hands and the tip of forefinger both hands thus making a triangle....and high five this way. I even bought a "HR to the Izzo" t shirt outside Wrigley a couple years ago.

Tyler exceptionally well written piece. I think chicago came prepared to both games so far mentally and physically. They had a game plan and executed it extremely well.


The power play is a huge piece in order for this team to move forward.

The pk just needs to tighten up and as a team don't take unnecessary penalties.

Crawford played well for not having much time to prepare for these games. You could see the jitters in the first period with him.

cat and nylander all need to get on the board with scoring or creating chances each shift.

Predictions
1) Koskinen starts
2) Neal plays some on the 1st or 2nd line
3) Oilers will dump it in more and have a ferocious forecheck
4) Oilers will be a lot more physical and the game will get chippy. Murphy and Carpenter will be noticeable in how they answer.
5) Oilers will play with urgency and desperation.
6) We will see how good Crow is feeling. He is going to need to play great for the Hawks to have a chance in game 2.

I've changed in better dressing rooms than that, and I never got anywhere in hockey. They might as well change at home and have their mom drive them to the rink in their gear.

Boqvist has not lost any of his skills offensively, he really has tried to improve his defensive game. Keep in mind, he is only 19, and has steadily progressed defensively all season. The skating is there, he will anchor the Hawks PP from the point as soon as next year. Not worried about him offensively, I am just proud how far the kid has come defensively!! Think he has tried to simplify his game some this year in order to learn things better defensively. I really give the kid credit for that!!
- ChicagoHope

Imo boqvist needs to be paired with a big physical stay at home d man for example Edmondson who will be a free agent i m not saying hawks should sign him but using him as a example.

Tippett announces Koskinen is starting game 2.

DO NOT EXPECT THE HAWKS TO SCORE 3 POWER PLAY GOALS AGAIN .
THEY LOOK GREAT 5 ON 5 , BUT HAVE TO STAY OUT OF THE PENALTY BOX.

Keith has a tendency to shoot the puck from bad angles on the point, which is often blocked by opponents' shin pads, which then lead to odd-man rushes. Would be interested to see how many short-handed goals in the past two years happened with Keith on the ice. I'm not sure if he's the best option for the hawks, but on a true contending team, he wouldn't be on PP1. Might as well start grooming his replacement now.
- Jance

There is no empirical evidence to show this is true. And the departed Eric Gustafsson had a heck of a lot of SHG against.

Come on now don't jinx them lol. Actually the past 2 games Chicago's power play looked much better , I like the changes they made to their setup.

I agree on the penalties they need to limit them to must take penalties.

Who is replacing drake tonight anyone know yet ?

Tippett announces Koskinen is starting game 2.
- Tyler Cameron

Tyler who is slotting in for drake any word yet ? And whom would you choose and why ? I'd go either sikura or entwistle

Tyler who is slotting in for drake any word yet ? And whom would you choose and why ? I'd go either sikura or entwistle
- Taylorst1

Not sure yet.

Sikura or Hagel are the options for me.

I think you see Sikura.

Tippett announces Koskinen is starting game 2.
- Tyler Cameron

Still no word from JC on Caggiula's replacement?

OOPS - I see Tyler already posted about it.

The win was nice but i expect the Oilers will make an adjustment tonight. This adjustment won't allow us to score 3PP goals we'll be lucky to score 1 each game going forward. The PK has got to be better.

They have a saying in football if you have 2 starting QBs that means you have none, can the same be said about 2 starting goal tenders?

If we get some quick goals in this game tonight and win, this will be a short series.

WTF with 9:30 start time

Not sure yet.

Sikura or Hagel are the options for me.

I think you see Sikura.
- Tyler Cameron

Playoff game, who's the more disciplined player, probably Sikura, he'll probably get the nod

I agree the hawks need too adjust their pk and not take foolish penalties. I don't get why chicago Edmonton drew the short straw on time of game.

Maybe they did it thinking this series wouldn't be a high ratings series and a later start would allow the league to once again show their bias towards the canadians and Pittsburgh.

Playoff game, who's the more disciplined player, probably Sikura, he'll probably get the nod
- BetweenTheDots

The third line definitely needs to be more productive with some timely goals.
Ever since cat linked his new contract he has been mia with his scoring.
Is it a coincidence or just bad luck either way he will be key to giving chicago a balanced lineup that can score.

The third line definitely needs to be more productive with some timely goals.
Ever since cat linked his new contract he has been mia with his scoring.
Is it a coincidence or just bad luck either way he will be key to giving chicago a balanced lineup that can score.
- Taylorst1

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I think teams have figured out pressure the other forwards and make Cat handle the puck, because he's really not that good at it. He's better finding little open spots to shoot from.

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I think teams have figured out pressure the other forwards and make Cat handle the puck, because he's really not that good at it. He's better finding little open spots to shoot from.
- BetweenTheDots

I should access his scouting report his draft year.

I suspect that he is not in the same shape, physically, he was when he scored 41 (or whatever amount) two years ago. I suspect summer workout with weights for some of his change in the ability shown this season. If I am.correct, I would like to think that he needs to get back to the shape he was in whence he had the 40 something goals. Perhaps a full summer of training could have helped him get back toward the body shape/strength he previously possessed.

Those familar with work outs for hockey players might choose to respond with their "take" on my perception

Your point has some merit. But cat has been up and down the lineup this season , so he has had better players to skate with.

Whatever is going on with him , he needs to start becoming more visible in his game.

I think nylander needs to step up in a big way. He should shoot more instead of being pass happy.