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Forums :: Blog World :: Theo Fox: Fire Wall
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Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Nov 24 @ 4:00 AM ET
Theo Fox: Fire Wall A summary of the Blackhawks 5-2 loss despite hanging tight with the Flames for much of the game before getting burned late with the GWG and a pair of ENs.

Plus, a look at what Kirby Dach's first NHL fight could mean in the grand scheme of his career.
StLBravesFan
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 07.03.2011

Nov 24 @ 7:36 AM ET
On the topic of bad clears - don’t forget Kane’s - with time and space to begin a transition up-ice - giving the puck away at the blue line leading to the GWG. (I guess, to his credit, he did get the puck over the blue line, leading to a quick re-entry by the Calgarys.)

I’m not sure why so many (including all 5 TV analysts last nite) are saying that the Hawks deserved more than a loss. The numbers say that only Fleury kept them in the game - and I didn’t see anything different. I can’t find a site that shows game time of possession (I know it exists) - I’d bet that it would strongly favor Calgary.

As others have noted, the Hawks spend so much time trying to clear their zone that by the time the puck does get in to the ozone, it’s time for a change, and any offensive possession is lost.

Beside (as Theo noted) the stretch passes into oblivion, when a Hawk has the puck (especially in the dzone, but all over the ice), pressure by an opponent will too often cause what looks like panic, and a bad decision / bad play. And opponents are just quicker to get to pucks in all zones.

At least they are doing a better job of cutting down the odd-man-rushes against them, and protecting the slot. That’s a lot - and a start.
Rota's Rooter
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.23.2017

Nov 24 @ 8:21 AM ET
Reese Johnson = GOAT
-Doh-
Location: VA
Joined: 10.05.2015

Nov 24 @ 8:45 AM ET
The weak back hand pass in their d-zone is a killer that they keep doing.

I hope we start seeing T Johnson soon. I think he would help the 3rd line.

Where is Gaudette? He might not bring the sandpaper that Reese Johnson, Carpenter, Khaira or Hardman bring, but he would have way more offensive skills. I am thinking King and the coaches are talking to Gaudette much like they talked to Strome.

Strome has not been great, but he is playing with a lot more purpose than earlier this year and last year.

Toews does not have that second gear. I am not sure if it is age related, illness related or dead legs from not playing for a year and a half and then coming back and playing heavy minutes. You can see his desire, but his body is not responding. I think he is a warrior and I hope he regains that 2nd gear. This board has counted him out too soon at least twice over the last 5 years. I hope we are doing that again and he proves us wrong again.

Fleury and Lankinen are going to have to be stellar for the Hawks to win any game. The softie last night was huge. The Hawks are just not good enough to overcome soft goals, dumb penalties, or just about any hiccup.
Angotti
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 07.03.2019

Nov 24 @ 8:55 AM ET
Thanks Theo. The Hawks played a decent game against a good, structured Calgary team. I don’t think that they deserved more, but it would have been nice to grab a point and the opportunity was there. I’m now seeing a Hawks team that’s in games, definitely watchable vs earlier in the year. King needs to get the line blender out, Borgstrom has some skills, give him some better forwards to play with. I’m still high on Dach, but I would move him to the third line for now, have Toews and Borgstrom as your top six centers.
mohel
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 02.08.2013

Nov 24 @ 9:15 AM ET
Charlie's Tweet with the shot stats looks like most of the rest of the games of the King Era, for which I do not assign him blame.

The team doesn't have enough skill, and still struggles with defensive responsibility.
scottak
Location: I am serious. And don't call me Shirley!
Joined: 08.06.2010

Nov 24 @ 10:14 AM ET
The weak back hand pass in their d-zone is a killer that they keep doing.

I hope we start seeing T Johnson soon. I think he would help the 3rd line.

Where is Gaudette? He might not bring the sandpaper that Reese Johnson, Carpenter, Khaira or Hardman bring, but he would have way more offensive skills. I am thinking King and the coaches are talking to Gaudette much like they talked to Strome.

Strome has not been great, but he is playing with a lot more purpose than earlier this year and last year.

Toews does not have that second gear. I am not sure if it is age related, illness related or dead legs from not playing for a year and a half and then coming back and playing heavy minutes. You can see his desire, but his body is not responding. I think he is a warrior and I hope he regains that 2nd gear. This board has counted him out too soon at least twice over the last 5 years. I hope we are doing that again and he proves us wrong again.

Fleury and Lankinen are going to have to be stellar for the Hawks to win any game. The softie last night was huge. The Hawks are just not good enough to overcome soft goals, dumb penalties, or just about any hiccup.

- -Doh-

From Lazerus last night on Toews:
"Jonathon Toews is still reluctant to talk about how he feels physically after a year away. Doesn't want it to be an excuse because the season is hard on everyone. But it sounds like he's still trying to find the energy and speed he once had. Feels good with the puck, though".

scottak
Location: I am serious. And don't call me Shirley!
Joined: 08.06.2010

Nov 24 @ 10:15 AM ET
The weak back hand pass in their d-zone is a killer that they keep doing.

I hope we start seeing T Johnson soon. I think he would help the 3rd line.

Where is Gaudette? He might not bring the sandpaper that Reese Johnson, Carpenter, Khaira or Hardman bring, but he would have way more offensive skills. I am thinking King and the coaches are talking to Gaudette much like they talked to Strome.

Strome has not been great, but he is playing with a lot more purpose than earlier this year and last year.

Toews does not have that second gear. I am not sure if it is age related, illness related or dead legs from not playing for a year and a half and then coming back and playing heavy minutes. You can see his desire, but his body is not responding. I think he is a warrior and I hope he regains that 2nd gear. This board has counted him out too soon at least twice over the last 5 years. I hope we are doing that again and he proves us wrong again.

Fleury and Lankinen are going to have to be stellar for the Hawks to win any game. The softie last night was huge. The Hawks are just not good enough to overcome soft goals, dumb penalties, or just about any hiccup.

- -Doh-

From Lazerus last night on Toews:
"Jonathon Toews is still reluctant to talk about how he feels physically after a year away. Doesn't want it to be an excuse because the season is hard on everyone. But it sounds like he's still trying to find the energy and speed he once had. Feels good with the puck, though".

Newgod77
Boston Bruins
Location: IL
Joined: 05.10.2015

Nov 24 @ 10:23 AM ET
Apparently hawks players think they aren’t allowed to be hit.
Tatoo
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Montreal, QC
Joined: 12.17.2016

Nov 24 @ 10:28 AM ET
JT is far from being himself.if the the first line doesn’t score or we don’t score on the PP we won’t win many games.
paulr
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: YYZ
Joined: 06.26.2011

Nov 24 @ 10:33 AM ET
Apparently hawks players think they aren’t allowed to be hit.
- Newgod77

17 seconds!
fattybeef
Joined: 05.04.2010

Nov 24 @ 10:39 AM ET
They got spanked by one of the better teams, at least defensively, in the NHL.

On a high note Kane still got his chances and Dach was very good. Some of the final passes not quite there but he's making those decisions more quickly and with confidence so that's a plus. He was also one of 2 players above water for shot shares at 62.5%.

Toews - 0 SOG
Jones - 0 SOG
Kubalik - 0 SOG
Strome - 0 SOG
Borgrstom - 0 SOG
Debrincat - 1 SOG

Hagel ripped a spectacular shot into the top shelf and the Johnson goal was pretty hilarious but the rest of it. Woof.

The two games at home this weekend would be a good opportunity to give Reichel or even Connolley a look before they hit the road again - esp since they don't play for 4 days after Sunday.

fattybeef
Joined: 05.04.2010

Nov 24 @ 10:43 AM ET
JT is far from being himself.if the the first line doesn’t score or we don’t score on the PP we won’t win many games.
- Tatoo


That's been true the last 4 years. Its the Kane and Debrincat show with out a lot of secondary scoring and neither is as prolific as McDavid or Draisaitl to drag the team into the playoffs themselves.
gabriel
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: West Lafayette, IN
Joined: 02.02.2013

Nov 24 @ 11:15 AM ET
No blame whatsoever, Mo. They played a top notch team, and died with their boots on. You are correct, sir. The talent disparity was stark. Any word on Galvas adjusting to North American rinks? At some point, you'd think the Hawks would spot start him.
MABster
Calgary Flames
Location: Canada, AB
Joined: 10.02.2006

Nov 24 @ 11:16 AM ET
The 'Hawks looked fast and dangerous for 2/3 of the game. But the gift goal from Markstrom (STAY IN YOUR FREAKIN" NET AND LET THE DEFENSE PLAY THE PUCK!) was the only reason that they were able to hang around for so long.

I was impressed by their effort and grit, however. That could have gone either way had it got to overtime.
gabriel
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: West Lafayette, IN
Joined: 02.02.2013

Nov 24 @ 11:19 AM ET
17 seconds!
- paulr


Still honked off, approaching Thanksgiving holiday in 2021. Talk about revealing one's own ass.
BGKarras
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Itasca, IL
Joined: 06.19.2012

Nov 24 @ 11:23 AM ET
Apparently hawks players think they aren’t allowed to be hit.
- Newgod77

It seems like you've been hit once too many times in the head must explain your stupidity.
BGKarras
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Itasca, IL
Joined: 06.19.2012

Nov 24 @ 11:25 AM ET
Murphy enough said.
gabriel
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: West Lafayette, IN
Joined: 02.02.2013

Nov 24 @ 11:45 AM ET
The 'Hawks looked fast and dangerous for 2/3 of the game. But the gift goal from Markstrom (STAY IN YOUR FREAKIN" NET AND LET THE DEFENSE PLAY THE PUCK!) was the only reason that they were able to hang around for so long.

I was impressed by their effort and grit, however. That could have gone either way had it got to overtime.

- MABster


We have to leave our net, to prevent certain d-men from touching the puck. So, there's that. Thought your assessment was both fair and accurate. Enjoyed an honest field report from an 'enemy' behind the lines.
Mr Ricochet
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Joliet, IL
Joined: 04.19.2009

Nov 24 @ 11:48 AM ET
Posted yesterday that the game vs the Flames, with the 3rd best win percentage in the league, on the road was a measuring stick for me. IMO a club that strangles you with structure like CAL does is tougher for a Hawk group known for clown shows in their zone, little to no structure themselves and mistake prone than purely talented teams. ....... Indeed the fancies say the Hawks were clubbed about the head, although the fancies inside the fancies showed well for the Hawks, but I liked what the eye test showed.

Laz today:

"The overall numbers in the game were ugly, as the Flames out-attempted the Blackhawks 61-39, out-chanced them 34-18, and out-high-danger-chanced them 11-6. But a deeper look at the numbers shows clear signs of that progress. The Blackhawks had more chances off the rush (4-3), more odd-man rushes (8-5), more controlled entries (38-36) and more controlled exits (81-68). That last one is particularly notable, given how discombobulated the Blackhawks have been in their own end all season.

In fact, aside from the occasional disastrous period like the second in Vancouver on Sunday night, the Blackhawks seem to pass the eye test more often than they did under Colliton. There seems to be less confusion, less chasing, and less abandonment of the net front. Tuesday’s second period was a good example of that. The Blackhawks looked in control of themselves and of their structure."
333inthe3rd
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 02.04.2015

Nov 24 @ 11:58 AM ET
The 'Hawks looked fast and dangerous for 2/3 of the game. But the gift goal from Markstrom (STAY IN YOUR FREAKIN" NET AND LET THE DEFENSE PLAY THE PUCK!) was the only reason that they were able to hang around for so long.

I was impressed by their effort and grit, however. That could have gone either way had it got to overtime.

- MABster


The Flames shut down the top lines last night. It was a solid effort and a deserved W.

We were wondering last night who will be the next Flames captain?
Mr Ricochet
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Joliet, IL
Joined: 04.19.2009

Nov 24 @ 11:59 AM ET
Also responded to Mo yesterday, think it was Mo, who said the Hawks having the 3rd best GA since November 7th is cuz of Fluery's insane play over that stretch. Agreed that Fluery has been fantastic but mentioned this doesn't happen in a vacuum. The sieges that occurred on Hawk goalies before King has been drastically reduced as have the regular clown show stretches and that determines a good bit to how a goalie plays......... Indeed, more from Laz:

" So let’s get into that second period. The Blackhawks have hardly morphed into some sort of defensive juggernaut since King took over. According to Sportlogiq, under King, they’ve climbed from 31st to 26th in the league in goals against per game (chalk that up to Marc-André Fleury as much as anything), from 28th to 22nd in expected goals-against per game, from 30th to 27th in slot shots against, from 27th to 24th in rush chances against. They’ve also dropped from 27th to 30th in cycle chances against, and stayed level at 22nd in shot attempts against. (That’s all entering the Calgary game.)"
35Tony0
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Springfield, IL
Joined: 05.10.2015

Nov 24 @ 12:32 PM ET
I was impressed with the 'Hawks game/effort and actually do not see Calgary as that much better a team. But the Flames are better right now. Seeing progress from the Blackhawks is nice.
I enjoyed Dach reminding that one Calgary player to play a cleaner game. Remember, Dach has a stitched up lip from one or two games ago but he threw down anyway. As John Madden (football) was known to say, "He's got rocks in his pockets."
Say whatever you will about Gus, as for me, I'll say he is as good a skater as anyone I've ever watched.
-Doh-
Location: VA
Joined: 10.05.2015

Nov 24 @ 12:52 PM ET
The 'Hawks looked fast and dangerous for 2/3 of the game. But the gift goal from Markstrom (STAY IN YOUR FREAKIN" NET AND LET THE DEFENSE PLAY THE PUCK!) was the only reason that they were able to hang around for so long.

I was impressed by their effort and grit, however. That could have gone either way had it got to overtime.

- MABster

Each goalie gave up a soft goal.
3rd goal was a deflection off a defender's skate.
The Flames cannot be too happy with the way that game was played. The Hawks on the other hand probably were not too disappointed.
gabriel
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: West Lafayette, IN
Joined: 02.02.2013

Nov 24 @ 2:40 PM ET
Not disappointed at all. Think Hawks put in a legitimate effort. Still not enough guns to go around. That's not the responsibility of the players. See a much more coherent team with King at the helm. At the very least, we can begin to sort out who we want to hang onto for next year.
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