Two's The Charm: Hawks 5, Predators 3 and Saturday's (really late) Big Boy

Late again.  Just finished watching the game today, so this will be short & sweet.

More Line Shuffles
Coach Q and Co. made a few more tweaks for the rematch vs. Nashville, notably with Schmaltz centering Motte and Hossa, and Vinnie Hinostroza higher up the chain with Toews and Panik. I expect that, until someone truly distinguishes themselves, we'll see a variety of wingers slot in with Toews and Panik while everyone gets "their turn".

Scott Darling
Generally solid, although he appeared mesmerized by a flurry of skates and sticks on Arvidsson's goal.  His first period, though, was the best of the nine The Hawks have played thus far.

Schmaltz Waltz
Nick Schmaltz hasn't been bad, he really hasn't been....anything. His steal along the boards, dash to the slot and a decisive, accurate shot for his first NHL goal, though, may be a preview of what's in store when he's better adjusted to the tempo of the NHL.

What's The Angle?
Never have I seen so many ill-advised shots taken from ridiculously poor positions. Panarin continues to be the most frequent offender but the worst example was Seabrook's "blast" from about seven feet from the boards, even with the face off dot.  I expect this from the New Boys but I wonder if the team is being asked to shoot, shoot, shoot.

Hartman Out, Rasmussen In
While I was unexpectedly encouraged by Hartman's work late in the preseason right up to his injury, I sure didn't mind Moose's effort last night.  As I stated a week or two ago, he seems to have found an extra bit of speed plus he never stops moving.  Being constantly in motion and with his long reach I'll bet he's a real nuisance to play against.

Hey, it took three games but here we are.  I'm kind of a Richard Panik apologist but, even so, even I picture his true role somewhere on the third or fourth lines, banging, harrying and using his speed to chase down loose pucks.  Any offense he provides would just be a bonus.
Well, maybe he has the hands to play in the Top Six.
Probably not, as his shooting % is currently a gaudy 67%, obviously unsustainable for a career 13% shooter, but hey, he's leading the NHL in goals at the moment, so let's just join him in enjoying the moment. I wrote about Coach Q exercising unusual amounts of patience with his rookies, thus far, and I assume he'll extend the same courtesy to Panik, at least until Kane, Panarin et al see fit to get their collective act together.  

                                    There's a smile!