But first, The Summary, and then The Bits.
The Hawks didn't make Connor Hellebuyck work very much for his first shutout of the season, not testing him very hard at all by managing to strike him within inches of his Jets crest with virtually all of their shots.
They failed to get to the gaps didn't bother making any adjustments after being closed off and shut down by an aggressive forecheck. The five-on-three power play was a wasted effort as The Hawks chose to stage a revival of their impotent, stationary power play of years past.
There was also a lack of finish, and not only around the net, but all over the ice; if something didn't work right away they often simply gave up.
The Big Call Out: Kempny was on the wrong side of the inch all game, out of position or in position but in the way. Rasmussen had an awful time of it and had certainly the worst shift of his NHL career midway through the second. Finally, Schmaltz infuriated me on three occasions in which he made a nice keep or a steal, and then stood around admiring his work instead of getting to a gap or even just being ready for a return pass. I see the skill, now and again, but I question whether the lad is ready to play at this level just yet. I realize I've been bringing this guy up in nearly every post, so I think I'll pump the brakes on that until something changes.
Chris Thorburn: Am I imagining this or does score every time The Hawks and Jets play each other? Does he only score against The Hawks? WTF is happening, here?
Four Lines Good, Three Lines Bad: Every highlights package included Hollywood of Hinostroza being devastated by Morrissey late in the first while the broadcasters were apparently oblivious to the fact that Marcus Kruger did not play the last half of the game, either. Yet, the first question at the post-game interview with Coach Q is whether or not a guy with ZERO points EVER is going to be okay. Kruger's health, folks, is our greatest concern in the wake of this nightmare voyage to Canada's worst city.
Enough. On to Calgary on Friday. Get well soon, Krugs.
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