IGT October 31st (Happy Halloween!) Predators @ Blackhawks!

[Jntg4]

tbo41fan
JoeCawks Is Jelly Of Me!

lol

 

[Jntg4]

lol wait JoeCawks,

Good = has to be as good as Crosby?
Not Good = Anyone Not as Good as Sidney Crosby?

:lmao:

 

[HawkWriter]

I was at the game so here are a few of my thoughts...

The line of Sharp/Kane/Hossa is absolutely deadly but...

It really hurts the depth that we put out there with what I would consider our "2nd" line in Brunette/Toews/Stalberg. I just don't think any of those two guys mesh very well with the type of game that Toews has. He really needs someone creative on his line in my eyes. Makes me think that the Blackhawks need another top 6 guy.

Nick Leddy is obviously playing great for his age, but he still has some costly turnovers. He had several blind passes and poor turnovers in the defensive zone yesterday. He is learning on the job, but with Keith possibly out I have to wonder how he plays.

Crawford had an off night but it was nice to see the team pick him up.

I still have to rag on having John Scott on the ice/bench. Ineffective and just kills the rest of the team when the 3rd period comes around and they can't get a rest. Olesz did warm up with the team. I thought a nice benefit of having Rockford as our affiliate was how fast we could get these guy over here (Even if on the road). Smith, Bollig, Klink, or anyone would have a more effective 5ish minutes and taking those effective 5ish minutes would help someone in the top 9 grab another breath.

The Powerplay actually played pretty well last night. They finally had a solid breakout and solid entry. They were moving the puck well and the backdoor play "worked" a few times, the guys just couldn't bury with Rinne making some ridiculous saves.

EDIT: Somehow I forgot Frolik. Quickly becoming one of my favorite players on the Blackhawks because of his work ethic. He is a mini Hossa in a lot of ways. A hound on the backcheck, always will to take a hit to make a play, very smart passer, and a solid skater. Once he starts finishing some more he is going to be deadly - and even if he doesn't, he is still a very solid 3rd liner that could easily be serviceable in the top 6.

 

[chantheman525]

When was the last time Crosby took the ice hmm?

 

[HawkWriter]

Also, Nick Leddy matched his point totals from last year already - in 1/4 of the games.

 

[Everyday I'm Byfuglien]

Leddys turnovers are brutal. Everytime he faces pressure or especially on the boards, i consider that puck lost. He's been alright defensively but with the puck in his own zone, he is scary.

As for the Toews line, i think its a little off because Brunette is filling the role that Toews has been so good at... Doing the hard work and winning board battles. Now that Toews doesnt have to do quite as much of that, he kind of has to adapt and put simply- get used to Brunette (which has already been sugested by Brunette). Seems like a cliche thing to say but I think it might be true.

 

[HawkWriter]

^^^ I wonder how a line of Carcillo/Toews/Stalberg would do. I think the lack of speed that Brunette has hurts Toews in particular. It didn't seem to bother Kane/Hossa in the pre-season though because Kane especially is an East/West kind of guy that lets the play catch up to him a lot of times so he can pick the defense apart. Maybe moving Brunette down to Kane/Hossa wouldn't be a bad move because that would give Sharp back to Toews and create more depth and mismatches. Just some thoughts.

 

[Everyday I'm Byfuglien]

Solid thoughts

I think more than anything, we can agree that Hossa Kane is the pair that needs to stay together( duh). I think we all liked what Carcillo brings to that line, but Im willing to plug in just about anyone with 88 and 81... Theyre just incredible.

The 3rd line is obviously set and the 4th line is strong with kruger and mayers being locks... Roll out anyone with them other than Scott and Im happy.

I wouldnt mInd seeing brunette on the 4th with kruger and mayers. Those guys have already been very good at keeping the puck in the offensive zone. Add in Brunette and they could be even more effective.

 

[tbo41fan]

Solid thoughts

I think more than anything, we can agree that Hossa Kane is the pair that needs to stay together( duh). I think we all liked what Carcillo brings to that line, but Im willing to plug in just about anyone with 88 and 81... Theyre just incredible.

The 3rd line is obviously set and the 4th line is strong with kruger and mayers being locks... Roll out anyone with them other than Scott and Im happy.

I wouldnt mInd seeing brunette on the 4th with kruger and mayers. Those guys have already been very good at keeping the puck in the offensive zone. Add in Brunette and they could be even more effective.

I wouldnt be opposed to brunette on the 4th line at all

Stalberg needs to stay in the top 6 as long as he is producing

 

[HawkWriter]

Keith is ruled out for Thursday's game according to Q.

Lines in practice today were Lepisto/Montador, Seabrook/Hjalmarsson, Leddy/O'Donnell

 

[Everyday I'm Byfuglien]

Keith is ruled out for Thursday's game according to Q.

Lines in practice today were Lepisto/Montador, Seabrook/Hjalmarsson, Leddy/O'Donnell

Looking at that lineup..

It's disturbing how important Keith is to this team.

 

[HawkWriter]

Looking at that lineup..

It's disturbing how important Keith is to this team.

Agreed.

Anyone here been able to watch Rockford more than I have (Basically only when they play the Wolves on TV). How is Olsen doing? I know he is currently concussed, but he impressed the absolute hell out of me in pre-season. Cut straight from the Brent Seabrook mold in my opinion.

I think Olsen is the closest sure thing prospect on Defense that we have. Lalonde has a lot of raw talent in my eyes, but still really really needs to learn how/when to use it and how to play the position.

 

[icehogfan08]

Agreed.

Anyone here been able to watch Rockford more than I have (Basically only when they play the Wolves on TV). How is Olsen doing? I know he is currently concussed, but he impressed the absolute hell out of me in pre-season. Cut straight from the Brent Seabrook mold in my opinion.

I think Olsen is the closest sure thing prospect on Defense that we have. Lalonde has a lot of raw talent in my eyes, but still really really needs to learn how/when to use it and how to play the position.

Olsen could be fine if he comes to play. I really wouldn't say any of the defensmen are NHL ready. Connelly is probably the most ready as far as experience, but I don't see him in the NHL. Lalonde and Olsen are probably the best options for fill ins over Scott and when O'Donnell needs a break.

 

[Captain Iago]

I was at the game so here are a few of my thoughts...

The line of Sharp/Kane/Hossa is absolutely deadly but...

It really hurts the depth that we put out there with what I would consider our "2nd" line in Brunette/Toews/Stalberg. I just don't think any of those two guys mesh very well with the type of game that Toews has. He really needs someone creative on his line in my eyes. Makes me think that the Blackhawks need another top 6 guy.

Nick Leddy is obviously playing great for his age, but he still has some costly turnovers. He had several blind passes and poor turnovers in the defensive zone yesterday. He is learning on the job, but with Keith possibly out I have to wonder how he plays.

Crawford had an off night but it was nice to see the team pick him up.

I still have to rag on having John Scott on the ice/bench. Ineffective and just kills the rest of the team when the 3rd period comes around and they can't get a rest. Olesz did warm up with the team. I thought a nice benefit of having Rockford as our affiliate was how fast we could get these guy over here (Even if on the road). Smith, Bollig, Klink, or anyone would have a more effective 5ish minutes and taking those effective 5ish minutes would help someone in the top 9 grab another breath.

The Powerplay actually played pretty well last night. They finally had a solid breakout and solid entry. They were moving the puck well and the backdoor play "worked" a few times, the guys just couldn't bury with Rinne making some ridiculous saves.

EDIT: Somehow I forgot Frolik. Quickly becoming one of my favorite players on the Blackhawks because of his work ethic. He is a mini Hossa in a lot of ways. A hound on the backcheck, always will to take a hit to make a play, very smart passer, and a solid skater. Once he starts finishing some more he is going to be deadly - and even if he doesn't, he is still a very solid 3rd liner that could easily be serviceable in the top 6.

You're observations were going well until you got to Scott...

I mean, really, dressing (and subsequently sitting) him is the reason guys in the top 9 can't catch a breather since they're alternately being double shifted? Please.

Scott is EXTREMELY effective at his role; one of THE most effective in the league. None of the guys you mention who can be recalled from the Rock have anywhere near the effectiveness of big 32.

You're not thinking hard enough...

 

[southern_cross_116]

Plus I'd add- that skating 4 lines is not a pre-requisite to winning. The norm is that 4th lines are generally ineffective, and not solely because it is for lack of ice time ... it is because that those players are the lower echelon of the skill talent pool within the context of the NHL.

Personally I would rather have my more effective scorers out there more often, and have the spare 3 forwards as specialty guys.

But that's just me. (In a perfect world, Brunette is a speciality guy -who would generally only see ice time on the powerplays). However- it isn't a perfect world.

 

[HawkWriter]

You're observations were going well until you got to Scott...

I mean, really, dressing (and subsequently sitting) him is the reason guys in the top 9 can't catch a breather since they're alternately being double shifted? Please.

Scott is EXTREMELY effective at his role; one of THE most effective in the league. None of the guys you mention who can be recalled from the Rock have anywhere near the effectiveness of big 32.

You're not thinking hard enough...

I'm thinking hard enough, I think the post you referenced easily shows that.

The fact that Scott can't play a regular shift is huge to our top nine. The fact that he can't play more than 5 mins or in the third period is huge.

Please tell me what Scott is effective at? How can anyone be effective by playing 2 minutes a night? Look at the Canucks series last year, Scott didn't deter anyone. It is 2011, the day of the goon is dead. No one will fight Scott because of his size, you can't just take a guy and pummel him because te NHL has changed. Scott can't even use his size for checking because he is such a poor skater. Anyone that would actually fight Scott isn't worth the time and he doesn't have to deter them from doing anything, because chances are that player would never play a shft against Toews/Kane/Sharp/etc.

Am I still not thinking hard enough? Disagree if you want, that is fine, but I just threw a shitload of logical and sensible opinions on the table.

 

[HawkWriter]

Plus I'd add- that skating 4 lines is not a pre-requisite to winning. The norm is that 4th lines are generally ineffective, and not solely because it is for lack of ice time ... it is because that those players are the lower echelon of the skill talent pool within the context of the NHL.

Personally I would rather have my more effective scorers out there more often, and have the spare 3 forwards as specialty guys.

But that's just me. (In a perfect world, Brunette is a speciality guy -who would generally only see ice time on the powerplays). However- it isn't a perfect world.

When the Hawks won the Cup they had one of the best 4th lines in the league during the playoffs- Burish/Madden/Eager. That line could skate, forecheck, pop a few in, play their roles, stick up for teammates, and take a very effective regular shift. Not to mention play 8 minutes a night which is big over the grind of a season/playoffs. Mayers and Kruger are great right now, obviously I'm not a fan of Scott.

Last year the Blackhawks were missing a 4th line that knew their role and did it effectively. I think that was a reason for the down year. 8 minutes doesn't seem like a lot, but I don't think it is a coincidence that we won the Cup with a great 4th line.

 

[Everyday I'm Byfuglien]

I'm a fan of having a strong 4th line and this year's 4th line, particularly Kruger and Mayers, has been VERY effective. Being able to roll them out and have them not be a liability is a notable addition to this roster.

I know it all keeps coming back to last year's Vancouver series, but again- look at how effective their 4th line with Lapierre and Torres was. No they weren't potting a ton of goals but they helped establish the physical play while keeping the pressure on Chicago. Torres in particular... that guy is good at his job and the Hawks had zero counter for it.

All I'll say about Scott is that his skating has definitely improved over last year. He still reminds me of a tall lanky guy I had on my team in college in that he looks like a galloping giraffe when he skates, but he's definitely moving a lot better.

 

[Captain Iago]

I'm thinking hard enough, I think the post you referenced easily shows that.

The fact that Scott can't play a regular shift is huge to our top nine. The fact that he can't play more than 5 mins or in the third period is huge.

Please tell me what Scott is effective at? How can anyone be effective by playing 2 minutes a night? Look at the Canucks series last year, Scott didn't deter anyone. It is 2011, the day of the goon is dead. No one will fight Scott because of his size, you can't just take a guy and pummel him because te NHL has changed. Scott can't even use his size for checking because he is such a poor skater. Anyone that would actually fight Scott isn't worth the time and he doesn't have to deter them from doing anything, because chances are that player would never play a shft against Toews/Kane/Sharp/etc.

Am I still not thinking hard enough? Disagree if you want, that is fine, but I just threw a shitload of logical and sensible opinions on the table.

Nope, still not. Start thinking beyond the TOI and the trickle down effect. And one single guy not playing in the third is resulting in the death of our top 9 is ridiculous hyperbole.

The argument of "the days of the goon are dead" is a incorrect argument. There is still a place for them in the right situations. Sure, against Detroit, he need not dress. That logical point you make i will 100% agree with you on. Against Boston? Oh, hell yes, he needs to dress! You weren't watching close enough to the Hawks/Nucks series last year to honestly state that he didn't singlehandedly have an effect in that series. You really didn't notice how all of the bullshit came to an end and only started up again only when the Canucks were being blown out? Hmm, when did the SCF take a turn for the Bs? Oh yeah, when a goon, Thornton, was inserted in the lineup.

But yeah, go on thinking the these guys can have no positive impact and those "days" are long gone when they clearly aren't.

 

[HawkWriter]

Nope, still not. Start thinking beyond the TOI and the trickle down effect. And one single guy not playing in the third is resulting in the death of our top 9 is ridiculous hyperbole.

The argument of "the days of the goon are dead" is a incorrect argument. There is still a place for them in the right situations. Sure, against Detroit, he need not dress. That logical point you make i will 100% agree with you on. Against Boston? Oh, hell yes, he needs to dress! You weren't watching close enough to the Hawks/Nucks series last year to honestly state that he didn't singlehandedly have an effect in that series. You really didn't notice how all of the bullshit came to an end and only started up again only when the Canucks were being blown out? Hmm, when did the SCF take a turn for the Bs? Oh yeah, when a goon, Thornton, was inserted in the lineup.

But yeah, go on thinking the these guys can have no positive impact and those "days" are long gone when they clearly aren't.

Seabrook gets run by Torres, Brouwer takes an elbow from Edler, Smith takes a knee from Torres...all with Scott in the lineup. Scott drops the goves with Glass, nothing happens because Glass doesn't drop his.

The Bs series changed when Horton took that hit. Thornton can actually play the game of hockey and an effective shift. Scott and Thornton can't even be compared, the difference in their on ice abilities is shocking.

Edit: thornton put up 20 pts last year, I doubt Scott puts that up in his career. A 20 pt 4th liner who can play the game of hockey is a great asset to any team. Comparing/putting those two in the same class is ridiculous. Thornton is not a goon, rather a player like Mayers/Carcillo/Eager/Burish who can play the game of hockey while mixing it up.