When Keith plays well, I'll be the first to say so.
The guys the reigning Norris winner and is crucial to this team. It wasnt just the giveaway to the goal that was poor, IMO. He coughed a few up. His outlet passing has been horrendous...and this team relies on the first pass in their transition game.
No doubt the 30min a game he plays, and the 20gms in 39 days....missing Soupy has put more on his shoulders. But the little/small plays is what has concerned me about him. It hasnt just seemed that it's been 1 or 2 games with him...as he goes - so does alot of the team. The guy has been a leader on the blueline the last few years....and, again, IMO...has been brutal this year. As much as Cullimore, Hendry, Boynton, Scott get grief - I really don't expect great play out of them. I expect mistakes...their 500K players playing spot duty.
I think Hjarllmarsson (I think I spell his name differently every time) was terrible the first part of the year. Last few games, he's been stellar. And his play has helped the PK, kept the shots down and saved some goals with his blocking. The guy went and signed an offer sheet (dont blame him) to get paid big bucks, may have cost the Hawks a player along the way. Well....step up big boy and play like it.
Keith, is a reigning Norris winner. Signed a huge deal. I really dont expect the 60+ point season out of him, but for a guy that's been reliable in his own zone...a +84 the last 3 years...to be a -6 this year and again, IMO, making alot of mistakes has really hurt the Hawks. I don't think its a lack of effort, or he doesnt care, etc....I just think he's sucked. Too many minutes played - too much pressure on himself - whatever it is. I dont think the offense has been as bad as others. I figured they'd take time to get the flow. But the D group really only lost Sopel (and Soupy when he was hurt)....and they've been the weak link to this point. Before Campbell, giving up way too many shots on net, bad puck possesion, poor outlet passing...I just expect him to be better in his own zone.
Toews and Bolland are the other 2 in the core I think need to get going. TCD hit the nail on the head on some board play where it looked he gave up - and thats unlike him. I think there comes a time where he needs to be a 30-35 goal scorer and not the 20-25. He's better than that. Now, he plays in all 3 situations, best faceoff guy....so he still does alot. But with the chances he gets, I wish he'd start finishing. Bolland needs to be more of an impact player in the regular season as well. This team put him in that core group - over a guy like Ladd....and he needs to pay the team back by being better. 3pts in 14 games isnt good enough for a guy making 3.25mil per year. When Ladd has 18pts in 18gms.....Bolland needs to be better. His faceoffs have sucked. Again, I am not questioning their "heart" or "effort"....but the bottom line is, they need to produce and contribute.
