Slain In South Bend: Bruins 3½, Hawks 2

Well, it was mostly fun to watch and a game that could have gone either way, but The Hawks never really looked willing to take control of this one.  We know from experience that when The Hawks are the least bit noncommittal things generally end badly.

Stuff I Liked
Cam Ward was mostly great, a little lucky on a couple of saves, a little unlucky on Bergeron's goal, but also outsmarted comprehensively by Pastrnak.
David Kampf played a near-perfect game....for David Kampf, of course.  His takeaway and subsequent pass to Perlini was Baby Huey at his best.  It's just a shame he didn't have the legs to outrace Bergeron on his breakaway.
Eric Gustafsson was very good offensively and good enough defensively, and that's a win any day.
Brendan Perlini had his best game as a Hawk and all in a mere 7:26.  Sure, his goal was kind of a gimme but HE PASSED THE PUCK....TWICE.  That's real growth.

Stuff I Liked Less
DeBrincat was a no-show, looked distracted or something, failing to generate anything.
Strome's "Touch Pass" in the last 30 sec.  Really?  In what reality is that play a good idea?  I know he had his back to the two Bruins that bum rushed the subsequent loose puck that Strome directed to no one, but he knows they're coming....they always will.

Stuff I Hated
Patrick Kane was either sick or hungover or heartbroken or some damn thing that prevented him from doing his job.  23 minutes TOI and not one good look, no sweet set ups and dragging his arse reluctantly back to The Hawks' zone after his playmaking fell short.  A blip, I expect, but one that underlines Kane's impact - when he's bad it's like The Hawks are playing one one foot in a bucket.
Gustav Forsling was dogshit that garbage scrapes off it's shoe.  Couldn't make a pass while a Bruin was within 20 feet and was outmuscled/outhustled countless times behind our net and along the half-wall.  And then there was Goose turning his back on Kuraly who, of course, scored the game winner.  Not at all a good game for him and the sooner Hank Jokiharju returns, the better.

What Else?
No debut for Drake Caggiula due to his US Visa not yet being squared away.  I'm not expecting much but we currently have a few forwards accomplishing far less than "much" and he should be able to exceed that, at least.  If we're lucky Caggiula could perhaps evolve into an Andrew Shaw-type Guy who isn't an asshole (I hope).  As much as anything I'm just happy to see Brandon Manning somewhere else, doesn't matter where...

The South Bend Shovel Slayer