Seriously, when have there been this many completely unforced, just not-paying-attention giveaways? Panik had two or three in the first period alone, while Seabrook and Hartman each had a couple of dandies. It's nothing but carelessness, it's getting ridiculous and it has to stop.
Hey, maybe that good Canadian ice will help, later this week.
Anyway, apart from half the team appearing compelled to just get the puck away from them ASAP, regardless of who they give it to, there was still some good stuff in this match. Behold!
Keith was much better tonight after a pair of yippy games. Unfortunately, Seabrook took up the the torch where careless play is concerned. Hjalmarsson and Kempny were both excellent, though, I thought.
After seeing Hartman on the ice in the starting lineup I immediately wondered how long that would last. Nothing against the kid but slotting him onto Toews' line makes as much sense as Shaw being there in recent years, and Shaw is better than Hartman. I assure you, though, there's no satisfaction in being right when you see Hartman, on the ice with two of the finest players in the game, take weak shots from crap angles, put himself offside several times and give the puck away when not even under pressure. He was much better after the first period, skating mainly with Schmaltz and Moose.
Schmaltz: I think he'll be a pretty fine second or third-liner, someday. For a fella that slight, playing a rather lightweight game, his feet are not yet quick enough and he takes a little too long to conceive his plays. That said, I like him on the point during power plays; with that little extra time & space we get a glimpse of the potential Schmaltz holds.
Hinostroza was certainly better than Hartman alongside Toews & Kane, but he needs to dial 'er back about 20%, as he's doing that full-speed-don't -know-what-I'm-doing thing again, resulting mostly in chaos. I feel as if once he notches a point he'll be able to calm down a little. Both Hinostroza and Hartman look tight and like they're trying too hard once they get bumped up the line chart, and so much more loose when on the third or fourth line.
I liked that line of Desjardins - Kruger - Panik, even if Panik did have a rough first period. I'm not sure how much offensive potential this trio has, with Panik being the only one of them with any kind of hands (and only from <1m). I would expect The Hawks' defense to do most of the actual scoring when this line is out there, and that's just fine, as this trio began nearly all their shifts in The Hawks' zone yet were soon down the ice and consistently creating chances.
Nathan Beaulieu's remarkable long con continues. It's unreal how long they've persevered with this guy for whom every decision he makes is basically a coin flip.
I considered bestowing Stormare's Seal of Approval upon Coach Q strictly for scratching Tootoo, but for all I know he's slightly injured or ate some iffy shrimp. So, surprise - it's Kane, and not only down to his highlight reel goal, either. Okay, mostly that.
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