***OFFICIAL*** NHL RESTART BLACKHAWKS vs. OILERS thread

[Granada]

The way I looked at it was that the layoff kind of leveled the field, so I thought the Hawks had a slim chance. After last night, I'm upgrading from slim to a decent chance. If Crow plays like Crow, it might be even higher. There was a lot to like, I mean even that idiot KoKo looked like an NHL dman. I really like what I'm seeing in Dach....he's now playing on both Special Team units, PP and PK along with his 3rd line duties. If he can handle it, that would be a big addition. I'm actually looking forward to this series now.

I know you wrote this before Game 1, but it can apply even after, specifically in regard to Koko and Dach. I agree and I'd throw Maatta in there after seeing Game 1 too -- I thought he looked pretty good also. I know it's only been two games, but the Hawks look like a team on a mission and it looks like the break did way more good than harm, at least so far -- whereas for other teams, the break did more harm than good. Again, still early, but I'm extremely pleased with the way they've come out of the break, because the possibility that they would drag ass out of it was there.

 

[MassHavoc]

Toews is awful... just blew his load in one game. Nothing to see.

Oilers in 4.

We didn't say your name 3 times. Go back to the Neitherworld

 

[LordKOTL]

He didn't give up any even strength goals. That's good enough for me. Simple fix too. Stop being fucktards

Basically, yeah. But if Crawford relaxes a bit, it can't hurt...especially 9n the PK.

I can't believe he missed that. He's been ice-cold these last two games. The opposition continues to key on him physically (like they have all year) and he has yet to really find an answer to battle through.

I'm seeing some shade thrown towards Keith, and he did look squirrelly at times, but overall, he was solid and led the team in ice time (as per usual) while finishing with 2 assists.

Kubalik tearing it up was nice, but it was also fantastic seeing the vets step it up as well. Just imagine when Kane begins to light it up.

Dach continues to impress me with his board play. He uses his size so well while protecting the puck, particularly in the corners and below the goal line.

The one thing that might have impressed me most was the 4th line -- specifically in the 2nd period, when they dominated the Oilers' first line. They didn't score, but they ate up a ton of time in the attack zone and were able to switch with the 3rd line while controlling the puck in their zone.

re: Debrincat: exactly. Any other player making, or poised to make 6M+ buries that.

re: Keith: in all fairness he and he rest of the team looked excellent 5v5--better than they have since 2014. The PK was squirrely though and as Keith was part of that. I think that part of that is that there was less practice on the PK than there should have been, and that's on JC (and to be fair to JC he did outcoach Tippet). But I do think a little practice emphasis on PK and everyone from the net on out will pay dividends...and really, that's the only quasi-negative thing I saw...aside from Nylander. Even Debrincat had some smart D plays 5v5 on spite of the fact that he couldn't hit the broadside of Roseanne's ass with a banjo.

 

[Diehardfan]

Basically, yeah. But if Crawford relaxes a bit, it can't hurt...especially 9n the PK.

re: Debrincat: exactly. Any other player making, or poised to make 6M+ buries that.

re: Keith: in all fairness he and he rest of the team looked excellent 5v5--better than they have since 2014. The PK was squirrely though and as Keith was part of that. I think that part of that is that there was less practice on the PK than there should have been, and that's on JC (and to be fair to JC he did outcoach Tippet). But I do think a little practice emphasis on PK and everyone from the net on out will pay dividends...and really, that's the only quasi-negative thing I saw...aside from Nylander. Even Debrincat had some smart D plays 5v5 on spite of the fact that he couldn't hit the broadside of Roseanne's ass with a banjo.

I'm wondering why they pulled Dach off the PK...I thought he did well vs the Blues in that capacity. You'd think his size and long reach could be a problem for the Oilers.

 

[ruprecht]

I'm wondering why they pulled Dach off the PK...I thought he did well vs the Blues in that capacity. You'd think his size and long reach could be a problem for the Oilers.

Couldn't hurt. Give the Oilers repeated PPs they are going to score., period. Hawks PP looks awesome. Since the Hawks had a top PK all year I think they will stabilize

 

[ruprecht]

I am very impressed with Dach. Wait til that dude puts on a few more lbs. Stronger than I expected already

 

[MassHavoc]

Caggiula suspended. Yes he did it but the guy leaned into it.

NHL suspends ‘gritty’ Blackhawks forward Drake Caggiula for Game 2 vs. the Oilers. Here are 3 likely candidates to replace him.

The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended Chicago Blackhawks center Drake Caggiula for Game 2 against the Edmonton Oilers for his second-period check of Tyler Ennis during Saturday’s 6-4 …

www.chicagotribune.com

 

[MassHavoc]

Caggiula suspended. Yes he did it but the guy leaned into it.

NHL suspends ‘gritty’ Blackhawks forward Drake Caggiula for Game 2 vs. the Oilers. Here are 3 likely candidates to replace him.

The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended Chicago Blackhawks center Drake Caggiula for Game 2 against the Edmonton Oilers for his second-period check of Tyler Ennis during Saturday’s 6-4 …

www.chicagotribune.com

Also what Ennis did in response was just as dangerous. Why not give him a game too.

 

[dweebs19]

I feel like whichever team loses this series is going to win the draft lottery.

 

[MassHavoc]

Also what Ennis did in response was just as dangerous. Why not give him a game too.

And the winner loses next round

 

[Spunky Porkstacker]

I feel like whichever team loses this series is going to win the draft lottery.

Link?

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

Oilers will dominate tomorrow. Toews won't strike gold twice.

You're about to see a real team wake up. Hawks are finished.

 

[LordKOTL]

Couldn't hurt. Give the Oilers repeated PPs they are going to score., period. Hawks PP looks awesome. Since the Hawks had a top PK all year I think they will stabilize

Agreed. I think the PK will even out.

Caggiula suspended. Yes he did it but the guy leaned into it.

NHL suspends ‘gritty’ Blackhawks forward Drake Caggiula for Game 2 vs. the Oilers. Here are 3 likely candidates to replace him.

The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended Chicago Blackhawks center Drake Caggiula for Game 2 against the Edmonton Oilers for his second-period check of Tyler Ennis during Saturday’s 6-4 …

www.chicagotribune.com

Yea, Kinda weak. Even weaker that Sikura is likely tapped.

 

[zack54attack]

big big big Game 2. Let's see if the Hawks from periods 1/2 in Game 1 show up.. or the ones from period 3.

 

[anotheridiot]

I guess we will see what third game ice is like instead of virgin ice. The puck should be bouncing away from both teams. Sikura is ready to play, but they might go Quenville to be a bit more physical. I would like to see Kurashev or Hagel just because Edmonton will probably be not ready for them like they were not ready for Kubalik.

 

[MassHavoc]

I guess we will see what third game ice is like instead of virgin ice. The puck should be bouncing away from both teams. Sikura is ready to play, but they might go Quenville to be a bit more physical. I would like to see Kurashev or Hagel just because Edmonton will probably be not ready for them like they were not ready for Kubalik.

I mean... they are all playing on the same ice though right? Or are they using different venues in Edmonton? The Ice has already see like 5 games in the last two days hasn't it? I don't know the logistics? I heard them say it was something like 80 degrees in edmonton on saturday.

 

[MassHavoc]

big big big Game 2. Let's see if the Hawks from periods 1/2 in Game 1 show up.. or the ones from period 3.

9:30 start! What is this the circus trip!!!Can't even go watch it at the bar damn it... hope I don't drink myself asleep hah.

 

[hawkinmontreal]

Lets see what JC has up his sleeve tonight, we as fans will get a real Indication of what this coach is all about. We know Tippett will have his team ready, lets see what JC will do to counter and adjust. The Oilers will be relentless on the forecheck tonight, the Hawks will see a lot of Leon and Connor being played together, this is pretty much do or die for Edmonton, can the Hawks weather the storm, can the Hawks stay discipline, can the Hawks tighten up defensively this will be on the coach and his gam plan, lets see what kind of real coach Bowman brought on board, tonight’s game will speak volumes moving forward.

 

[MassHavoc]

I feel like first to 2 wins this one.

 

[MassHavoc]

I'm sure it was probably just me but I was watching some of the other games today and yesterday and I swear the other teams just seem so much faster in both these teams on the ice