San Jose Sharks (15-10-1) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (17-8-4)

[HawkWriter]

Thoughts after last night...

I feel most comfortable with O'Donnell as our #6 guy at the current time. Lepisto played very poorly again in his second game in a row. Too many turnovers and how many times did Lepisto try to do too much in the offensive zone...when Montador was already deep/pinching. Not very good awareness by him and once again Lepisto was running around a lot last night.

Emery played solid last night but did leave a lot of juicy rebounds out there. In the end though, he only let in two goals, kept the team in it and got the win. Wasn't the prettiest game for him (in my opinion) but results are what matter right now. I would think that starting Crawford on Wednesday, against a low scoring but good team, might be a good idea long term - then go back to Emery for the next game.

I thought a lot of our dmen didn't have their best games last night. Keith had poor gap control and Hjalmarsson went for the puck instead of the stick/body on several occasions.

I'm not a fan of Kruger being in the top 6 at this point, I'm over that "Experiment". I'm a big fan of Kruger for what he brings to the table overall, but right now he just doesn't have the offensive abilities to be in that top 6. Personally, I would love to see Pirri between Hossa/Sharp, probably not the time to go with another experiment and I'm not expecting it, but I'm pretty high on Pirri after his pre-season again this year and then his solid year in Rockford so far.

I thought Brunette and Mayers both had solid games. Mayers was getting pucks to the net and running bodies. Brunette was creating opportunities (Montador's off the post) and had a nice clutch goal.

I thought Smith, Stalberg, and Frolik has so-so games. All had some nice moments but there were too many blueline turnovers for me to be thrilled.

 

[TheChicagoFan]

Thoughts after last night...

I feel most comfortable with O'Donnell as our #6 guy at the current time. Lepisto played very poorly again in his second game in a row. Too many turnovers and how many times did Lepisto try to do too much in the offensive zone...when Montador was already deep/pinching. Not very good awareness by him and once again Lepisto was running around a lot last night.

Emery played solid last night but did leave a lot of juicy rebounds out there. In the end though, he only let in two goals, kept the team in it and got the win. Wasn't the prettiest game for him (in my opinion) but results are what matter right now. I would think that starting Crawford on Wednesday, against a low scoring but good team, might be a good idea long term - then go back to Emery for the next game.

I thought a lot of our dmen didn't have their best games last night. Keith had poor gap control and Hjalmarsson went for the puck instead of the stick/body on several occasions.

I'm not a fan of Kruger being in the top 6 at this point, I'm over that "Experiment". I'm a big fan of Kruger for what he brings to the table overall, but right now he just doesn't have the offensive abilities to be in that top 6. Personally, I would love to see Pirri between Hossa/Sharp, probably not the time to go with another experiment and I'm not expecting it, but I'm pretty high on Pirri after his pre-season again this year and then his solid year in Rockford so far.

I thought Brunette and Mayers both had solid games. Mayers was getting pucks to the net and running bodies. Brunette was creating opportunities (Montador's off the post) and had a nice clutch goal.

I thought Smith, Stalberg, and Frolik has so-so games. All had some nice moments but there were too many blueline turnovers for me to be thrilled.

I agree about O'Donnell. Lepisto hasn't been impressive at all.

I think Emery should start Wednesday though. Crawford hasn't played well and keep riding Emery until he does something major. Make a big statement to Crawford so when he comes back he plays even better. It worked last year.

I don't like Kruger at the 2C either. He played well in the bottom 6, but when he was moved up that line looks dead. I wouldn't mind going back to Kane at center because it worked. I do like what you meantion about Pirri though. That would be interesting.

 

[Capt. Serious]

pretty awesome to see Eddie the Eagle & Cheli last night..two of my favs.

:buttrock:

 

[Everyday I'm Byfuglien]

Yeah, they even got an interview out of Eddie at the 2nd intermission. That was good to see.