[A] Brink of Elimination: CHI 2, PHX 3 (OT)

[Ton]

The Blackhawks will need to win their next three games in order to survive their push to the Stanley Cup after losing in OT once again to the Phoenix Coyotes.



The game was extremely tight with very little space provided by the Coyotes until things finally opened up in the third period... only it was the Coyotes striking with two goals before the Blackhawks responded with two of their own to force the fourth straight OT.



Once again Crawford came up short against Boedker as the puck trickled past him on a mini-breakaway where Nick Leddy was able to slow Boedker down enough to prevent an actual shot on goal. Unfortunately, the puck found a hole between Crawford's pads and slid itself straight to the back of the net.



Brandon Saad appeared in his first playoff contest. He wasn't able to fill the stat sheet but he did make some excellent defensive plays and seems to thrive in transition. It's too bad this is more of an experimental phase rather than a sure-fire solution. He doesn't really have a "few games" to get it together, but he certainly has not hurt. Hopefully he is a quick learner and can contribute offensively on a team that is missing it's core of stars for the majority of this series.



The Blackhawks power-play was abysmal once again going 0-for-3 on the man advantage during the most opportune times during the game. While the officiating was brutal for both sides of the ice, it's no excuse for the Blackhawks as they had ample opportunities to put this game away not only on the power-play but 5-on-5 as well.



Now they meet a situation where they have a must-win game back in Phoenix. At times it seems as if the team plays for these situations where they are grasping for straws; deep in the hole; down for the count... etc. etc. While it may be entertaining at times, especially when they are able to vault themselves back to dominance, it does make for a very frustrating experience as a fan.



Regardless, it would be silly for anyone to count them out of this series knowing what this team is capable of. Will the Hawks pull out the next win and remain on life support, or will they pull the plug on their season?



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[roshinaya]

Crawford fucks up again. Just awful. And for that matter, everyone except BiBoFro thought they would take the night off. Why bother, just saw your best forward get murdered last game, so why change anything on how you approach the game. Phoenix will just need to do what they've done every game this season. Keep the Hawks on the outside, sit back and wait for Hawks to make mistakes, which they do often, capitalize on them and also expect Crawford to suck one softy in, most likely in OT.



I don't know what it is with this team. It's bipolar. At times it shows great heart and determination and the other a completely lackadaisical attitude. The scales tipped to the latter ever since the Great Purge and Scooter has yet to get in the right personnel to fix it and so far it looks like he hasn't got a clue on what to do. Do not bring Oduya back, this is the one the Jets fans warned about. The magic of joining another team has worn off.



As for game 5, I expect a similar game as every other so far. Hawks pepper Smith with low percentage shots, Coyotes capitalize on the defensive breakdowns. Hawks rally late in the third to tie it, like it's the only time to show some urgency and do some whacky outside-the-box shit like creating traffic in front of the net. How about the other 59 minutes guys? Once in OT Crawford decides he don't care about the last minute efforts in the third and just not stop the puck on a weak backhander.



And with that Phoenix, Nashville, Los Angeles and St. Louis go on to make the most boring Western semifinals ever as Ambien sales plummet. The NHL is happy and gives the bonuses to the Phoenix-Chicago officials as promised.

 

[Larmer83]

Based on his play in this series, show of hands on those that want the Hawks to re-sign Oduya...

 

[jaxhawksfan]

I don't think I have too much more to add to that. Nice post (except for not blaming Sharp for being fucking invisible except for the turnovers).

 

[the canadian dream]

Seabs has been the only consistant blueliner all series and that was no different tonight even though by the 3rd he was starting to look tired from carrying the rest of the dead weight on his shoulders. Oduya, Hammer, OD, Leddy and even Keith should be ashamed of their performances this series at the back end.



Craw needs to make that save in OT just as he needs to make that save in OT in game 3. Hes been good these playoffs but the last 2 game losing goals have been really bad. Need clutch at those moments.



The Hawks PP has been an issue all season why wouldn't it be a major issue in the playoffs? It has been. A huge one. It could be the reason they are down 3-1 right now. The chances have been there and nothing from them. Sigh.



Sharps fell off the face of the earth as far as hockey playing goes. While Toews and Kane are working their asses off out there (Neither are immune to their own mistakes but at least they are in the game) Sharps MIA every shift it feels like. Not something needed while Hossa is out.



Stans inability to correct holes and Q's coaching problems all season have also raised there heads again at the wrong time.



Those are just some of the big problems the hawks can't blame on anyone else but themselves this series. Blueline and PP have no excuses outside of self finger pointing.



As for the horrible officiating? That's a different story. I don't want to get into that right now though we all know the issues there (To some degree it has got into the Hawks heads a bit too much..we are losing the mental battles in this series too..some I understand). I think the Hawks need to look at the things I mentioned above first and foremost right now. The problems the Hawks have had all season rightfully are showing up in the playoffs.

 

[the canadian dream]

Oh and PS



What sort of fan would I be if I didn't think the Hawks could win 3 in a row? They have done it before it's just going to be a giant hill to climb.



Not sure if the PP can be fixed over night and now not sure if the blueliners or Sharp can get their shit together either over night. But all I have is hope now...so just going to have to ride that.

 

[roshinaya]

Hoping the officiating (although nothing too egregious tonight) would improve is a pipe-dream and nothing the Hawks can do anything about. The far more important issues why they are in this hole is things that are their own damn fault and should be addressed swiftly before it's too late, which arguably it already is. Seabs has been the star of the blueline this season and the playoffs, Keith a shadow of the Norris winner and the rest are not worth even mentioning. And yes, Sharp has been non-existent in a positive sense. Injury bothering him perhaps.

 

[Larmer83]

Craw needs to make that save in OT just as he needs to make that save in OT in game 3.

QFFT

 

[Pez68]

Somebody get a transcript of Toews' interview when asked about the third period and their play when they are trailing. Pretty much calling out the coaching staff for their "DON'T **** UP" mentality they constantly preach to these guys. TAKE OFF THE FUCKING REIGNS, AND LET THIS TEAM PLAY TO THEIR STRENGTHS! If not, series is over on Saturday. Phoenix CANNOT skate with the Hawks and play a high tempo game. PERIOD.

 

[the canadian dream]

Like they did in the first period yet were unable to finish glorious chances? Hawks are given a lot of lose reigns pez. sometimes they just cant finish. THat game could have been won in the first if Keith could hit the net and a few other guys. Or if they could score a fucking pp goal. The second period they came out deflated as if frustrated from the 1st period. Low and behold it takes another late comeback to push it to OT. Somewhat due to hard work and somewhat due to luck. These late come backs are killing me and as much as I love them they shouldn't need to happen every single game. Im sure the Yotes fan is dieing from his or her team blowing leads late in the game.



I'll give it a 50/50 split on finger pointing. one half to the coach the other half to horrible mistakes and failure to finish from the players (and poor blueliner decisions minus Seabs).

 

[Pez68]

Like they did in the first period yet were unable to finish glorious chances?

Doesn't matter, they controlled play and Phoenix had NO FUCKING ANSWER for it. Continue to play your game, and **** the bounces. Eventually it's going in the net. Playing not to make mistakes is what LOSERS do. And that looks like what the Hawks are about to be.

 

[the canadian dream]

Doesn't matter, they controlled play and Phoenix had NO FUCKING ANSWER for it. Continue to play your game, and **** the bounces. Eventually it's going in the net. Playing not to make mistakes is what LOSERS do. And that looks like what the Hawks are about to be.

What do you mean it doesn't matter? The Hawks had no reigns on them in the first period played a hell of a period yet couldn't finish. That's not a problem? Couldn't score on the pp yet again either.



I agree the Hawks can't play that style where you play not to make mistakes because they keep doing it anyways esp the blueliners. That's a game the Yotes play. They play not to make mistakes and take advantage and finish on the mistakes the other team makes. And look where they are.

 

[BiscuitintheBasket]

At least I made a good down payment on next season already

 

[Pez68]

TCD, eventually, when you control play like that, the puck is going into the net. It's just a matter of time. How many times do we say that when it is the Hawks struggling? The Hawks need to play their game. Period. Right now, they are playing RIGHT INTO the Coyotes' strengths in this series. No surprise they are down 3-1. Let the kids play. For ****'s sake.

 

[equator180]

.842 !!! The will be no winning games with a Save percentage of .842! The biggest problem is between the pipes. I maintain this from the beginning of the year. This year, even with the yet to be realized miracle of 3 wins in a row to advance, would end there. Next season looks no better, Crawford is a good backup but he is not in even the top 50% of goalies ...no, I take that back, he isn't even good enough to be in the top 60%..nuff said!

 

[Rex]

.842 !!! The will be no winning games with a Save percentage of .842! The biggest problem is between the pipes. I maintain this from the beginning of the year. This year, even with the yet to be realized miracle of 3 wins in a row to advance, would end there. Next season looks no better, Crawford is a good backup but he is not in even the top 50% of goalies ...no, I take that back, he isn't even good enough to be in the top 60%..nuff said!

I was wondering when you were going to come back. Do you wait to post on games Crow is under .900? Haven't seen you in weeks!

 

[the canadian dream]

.842 !!! The will be no winning games with a Save percentage of .842! The biggest problem is between the pipes. I maintain this from the beginning of the year. This year, even with the yet to be realized miracle of 3 wins in a row to advance, would end there. Next season looks no better, Crawford is a good backup but he is not in even the top 50% of goalies ...no, I take that back, he isn't even good enough to be in the top 60%..nuff said!

.900 at least get your stats right if you are going to go down that road.



I don't care about any of that shit I just care about those 2 bad OT goals against. Those were bad. He could be .800 for all I care as long as he makes those OT saves that are routine. That's the ONLY thing thats been frustrating about Craw.

 

[BiscuitintheBasket]

7 game winning streak starts Saturday!

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

Fight back only to lose.... UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Samurai]

Tippet made a good 3rd period tactical adjustment, and Q did not/could not respond. Our Boys were not prepared for the full court press (2 man forecheck), and any form of of adjustment came too little/late. Why did "we" again score in the last moments of the game...unencumbered skill being allowed to attack without restriction. Why did they not dominate the other 58+ minutes each game? They have the speed and skill to do it. They also (should have) had enough anger to run through brick walls. Properly channeled and utilized, they could have, and should have made this a one-sided blowout.



Throughout history, inferior armies with good strategies have invariably defeated superior armies with mediocre strategies.