Versteeg could be scratched for Game 1
Yeah, no guarantees, but the prospect of a Sharp-Vermette-Teravainen third line appeals to me a whole lot.
You're Here by Accident. Make the Best of It.
A Mostly But Not Entirely Chicago Blackhawks Thing.
Wednesday, 29 April 2015
Sunday, 26 April 2015
I Missed it All But it Still Happened: Hawks 4, Predators 3 and Saturday's Big Boy
Unbelievably, I failed to catch even a second of Game Six. These things happen, and so did The Hawks' elimination of The Predators.
Despite missing the entire affair it seems pretty obvious who gets The Belt.
More later, once we learn which team The Hawks will play, next.
Wednesday, 22 April 2015
Mercifully Complete: Hawks 3, Predators 1
Sunday, 19 April 2015
That's More Like It: Hawks 4, Predators 2 and Sunday's Big Boy
Not perfect but it'll do. What can we take away from today's match?
- Welcome back to the lineup, Antoine Vermette and Andrew Desjardins. Both were effective in their own ways and, I think, an upgrade over the performances of Nordstrom & Teravainen, who they replaced.
- Scott Darling was fine but I fully expect to see Crawford back in situ the moment Darling falters. Which will happen.
- Three goals on screen shots and another goal on a shot that Pekka Rinne didn't even bother to wave at. I do believe that not all is well in Rinne's head right now, and that suits me just fine.
- Bravo to more minutes for Sharp and fewer for Shaw and Versteeg. It was odd, I thought, that Shaw didn't get in on either power play, though.
- Certain Predators became a little unhinged today. If The Hawks keep their feet moving in Game 4 they'll get more looks on the PP.
Right from the opening shift of the match Marian Hossa showed that he was all in today. Go around ya....how about go right through ya? His two primary assists just make it sweeter.
He's coming, he's coming, he's coming.
- Welcome back to the lineup, Antoine Vermette and Andrew Desjardins. Both were effective in their own ways and, I think, an upgrade over the performances of Nordstrom & Teravainen, who they replaced.
- Scott Darling was fine but I fully expect to see Crawford back in situ the moment Darling falters. Which will happen.
- Three goals on screen shots and another goal on a shot that Pekka Rinne didn't even bother to wave at. I do believe that not all is well in Rinne's head right now, and that suits me just fine.
- Bravo to more minutes for Sharp and fewer for Shaw and Versteeg. It was odd, I thought, that Shaw didn't get in on either power play, though.
- Certain Predators became a little unhinged today. If The Hawks keep their feet moving in Game 4 they'll get more looks on the PP.
Thursday, 16 April 2015
One Down, a Bunch More to Go: Hawks 4, Predators 3 and Wednesday's Big Boy
Many hours later and this has been done to death by now, but it's my sacred duty to type some words.
The Game
- Special Teams were expected to be critical in this series and they sure were last night, but not as expected, with 3 PP goals surrendered by a couple of teams that boast pretty good PK Teams.
- Speaking of unexpected, Antoine Vermette being a scratch was an odd choice unless, of course, he's shaking off an injury of some sort. Even if Vermette did play old Q would have plunked him on the wing, anyway, doing nothing to alleviate...
- ...being thumped at the dot. Anyone can grok Shaw being underwater but when both Toews and Kruger have their asses handed to them y'all have a problem.
- Yanking Crawford was for the best even if only to kickstart The Hawks back into giving a damn. Darling, obviously, was excellent, but only the Stalberg goal was Crawford's fault and, even with his error, better positioning by Keith might* have prevented the goal. (* we know Vik is supah-fast but Keith ain't a slowpoke, either...). Darling is good and I like him in the backup role, but let's not expect another 20+ performances like this just yet.
Next
- More about Kane a little further down, but the reunion with Richards and Versteeg was less than magical. All in favour of punting Versteeg for Sharp say "aye".
- One would hope, given the sorry faceoff effort in Game One that Vermette would be inserted, but where? As much as this makes sense, Quenneville won't let Vermette play center, anyway. Who would sit? It would seem that Versteeg is untouchable and Teravainen earned his spot, for now, by virtue of his sweeeet pass to Hjalmarsson. Apart from faceoffs and the usual out-of-position issues Shaw was okay and I assume that Bickell stays in because it's the playoffs. That really only leaves Nordstrom and, while I don't mind the kid, Vermette can easily do everything Nordy does and more.
- Crawford starts Game Two. You don't bench a Jennings winner because of one bad period in Game One.
He's back, baby. I thought Kane looked as if he was hanging back a bit, but I could be overthinking. If that's right, maybe Kane was no better than Versteeg or Richards at even strength but, on those power plays, he was as magical as ever.
More, please.
The Game
- Special Teams were expected to be critical in this series and they sure were last night, but not as expected, with 3 PP goals surrendered by a couple of teams that boast pretty good PK Teams.
- Speaking of unexpected, Antoine Vermette being a scratch was an odd choice unless, of course, he's shaking off an injury of some sort. Even if Vermette did play old Q would have plunked him on the wing, anyway, doing nothing to alleviate...
- ...being thumped at the dot. Anyone can grok Shaw being underwater but when both Toews and Kruger have their asses handed to them y'all have a problem.
- Yanking Crawford was for the best even if only to kickstart The Hawks back into giving a damn. Darling, obviously, was excellent, but only the Stalberg goal was Crawford's fault and, even with his error, better positioning by Keith might* have prevented the goal. (* we know Vik is supah-fast but Keith ain't a slowpoke, either...). Darling is good and I like him in the backup role, but let's not expect another 20+ performances like this just yet.
Next
- More about Kane a little further down, but the reunion with Richards and Versteeg was less than magical. All in favour of punting Versteeg for Sharp say "aye".
- One would hope, given the sorry faceoff effort in Game One that Vermette would be inserted, but where? As much as this makes sense, Quenneville won't let Vermette play center, anyway. Who would sit? It would seem that Versteeg is untouchable and Teravainen earned his spot, for now, by virtue of his sweeeet pass to Hjalmarsson. Apart from faceoffs and the usual out-of-position issues Shaw was okay and I assume that Bickell stays in because it's the playoffs. That really only leaves Nordstrom and, while I don't mind the kid, Vermette can easily do everything Nordy does and more.
- Crawford starts Game Two. You don't bench a Jennings winner because of one bad period in Game One.
Monday, 13 April 2015
Interesting Development
Today's News:
The following statement was issued today by Chicago Blackhawks Head Team Physician Dr. Michael Terry:
“Patrick Kane suffered a broken left clavicle on February 24, and underwent successful surgery to repair the fracture on February 25. Patrick has been working extremely diligently with his rehabilitation and has recently returned to full-contact practice without any difficulty. After discussions with Patrick and the team, and examining Patrick today, we collectively feel it is appropriate, with minimal risk, for him to return to full participation.”
Reckless?
Irresponsible?
Ill-advised?
Just what we need?
Probably all of the above.
I'm for it.
“Patrick Kane suffered a broken left clavicle on February 24, and underwent successful surgery to repair the fracture on February 25. Patrick has been working extremely diligently with his rehabilitation and has recently returned to full-contact practice without any difficulty. After discussions with Patrick and the team, and examining Patrick today, we collectively feel it is appropriate, with minimal risk, for him to return to full participation.”
Reckless?
Irresponsible?
Ill-advised?
Just what we need?
Probably all of the above.
I'm for it.
Saturday, 11 April 2015
Coney Project III: Carrie's Corner
We think this is the only old-timey lunch counter within walking distance of our house, so we limbered up the dog and meandered to Carrie's Corner to continue the Coney Burger survey.
We observed many differences between today's offering and the three Fort William joints we visited earlier in the week.
- While our orders were filled in two minutes or less at the other places it took nearly 15 minutes for our Coney Burgers to be prepared, today.
- On that tack, rather than having the burgers already stewing in delicious, greasy juice as is the style in FW, these burgers were grilled on-demand. Grilled.
- Today's burgers were way bigger, plumper than those in FW.
- The cost was almost double that of any of the FW joints.
- The "Coney sauce" bore little resemblance to what we had already enjoyed this week, being far more tomato-y, more of a spread than a sauce and far less flavourful than its FW counterparts.
The verdict: T'was a fine burger, but not what we understand to be a real Coney Burger. It would do in a pinch but, given the choice, I'll meet you in Fort William, son.
We observed many differences between today's offering and the three Fort William joints we visited earlier in the week.
- While our orders were filled in two minutes or less at the other places it took nearly 15 minutes for our Coney Burgers to be prepared, today.
- On that tack, rather than having the burgers already stewing in delicious, greasy juice as is the style in FW, these burgers were grilled on-demand. Grilled.
- Today's burgers were way bigger, plumper than those in FW.
- The cost was almost double that of any of the FW joints.
- The "Coney sauce" bore little resemblance to what we had already enjoyed this week, being far more tomato-y, more of a spread than a sauce and far less flavourful than its FW counterparts.
The verdict: T'was a fine burger, but not what we understand to be a real Coney Burger. It would do in a pinch but, given the choice, I'll meet you in Fort William, son.
Oh My Gosh
Okay, I realize that, after Minnesota's loss earlier today, tonight's game vs. Colorado is just something The Hawks have to do but, halfway through the match, Rozsival leads all skaters in ice time. So much about Quenneville droning on about The Hawks "taking this game seriously".
On the plus side, Versteeg has played the least of anyone.
On the plus side, Versteeg has played the least of anyone.
Friday, 10 April 2015
The Coney Project Part II
Today we found a 1992-ish Dodge at Buck's Auto Parts on Mission Island and got the hood hinge out without losing any fingers.
Since we were already waaaay over in Darkest Fort William we stopped at Nipper's Takeout on Simpson for an even more substantial, messier Coney Burger experience. This one seemed less flavourful, at first, but the heat and savoury qualities came on song after a few bites. Nipper's was the largest of the three Coney burgers we've sampled, so far and in same ballpark, price-wise, as the others. This was the sloppiest of the three, I think, although that's a tough call because they're all pretty drippy. Totally in a good way, you understand.
Still to do, that comes to me right now: Hodder Greeks and Carrie's Corner.
Since we were already waaaay over in Darkest Fort William we stopped at Nipper's Takeout on Simpson for an even more substantial, messier Coney Burger experience. This one seemed less flavourful, at first, but the heat and savoury qualities came on song after a few bites. Nipper's was the largest of the three Coney burgers we've sampled, so far and in same ballpark, price-wise, as the others. This was the sloppiest of the three, I think, although that's a tough call because they're all pretty drippy. Totally in a good way, you understand.
Still to do, that comes to me right now: Hodder Greeks and Carrie's Corner.
Junkyards & Coney Burgers
So, who has
the BEST grimy burgers in Thunder Bay?
We need a hood hinge for the old truck and we set out to scour junkyards for a part. We hit three scrapyards on the other end of town before we got hungry.
First we hit Westfort Coney Island; small burgers, probably in the "slider" category, but deliciously greasy (the burgers were sorta stewing in a hot pot and were plucked out by the server with her fingers!). Of course, the critical element is the Coney sauce, almost a mild chili, with hints of onion and garlic.
Emboldened, and bored with the whole junkyard thing, we proceeded to McKellar Confectionary on Arthur St, across from where McKellar Hospital used to be, and sampled their iconic Coney Burger. Delightful! More substantial than the Westfort iteration, lighter on the Coney sauce but no less flavourful, with a great deal more onion taste. No harm in that.
Now we've determined that we must try ALL of the lunch counters in town that sling Coney sauce.
It's good to have goals, you know.
We need a hood hinge for the old truck and we set out to scour junkyards for a part. We hit three scrapyards on the other end of town before we got hungry.
First we hit Westfort Coney Island; small burgers, probably in the "slider" category, but deliciously greasy (the burgers were sorta stewing in a hot pot and were plucked out by the server with her fingers!). Of course, the critical element is the Coney sauce, almost a mild chili, with hints of onion and garlic.
Emboldened, and bored with the whole junkyard thing, we proceeded to McKellar Confectionary on Arthur St, across from where McKellar Hospital used to be, and sampled their iconic Coney Burger. Delightful! More substantial than the Westfort iteration, lighter on the Coney sauce but no less flavourful, with a great deal more onion taste. No harm in that.
Now we've determined that we must try ALL of the lunch counters in town that sling Coney sauce.
It's good to have goals, you know.
Wednesday, 8 April 2015
Road Warriors?
Apparently, coach Quenneville spouted some nonesense, post-game, about The Hawks being "better on the road". What the hell? Two things spring to mind:
1) Q is attempting to legitimize The Hawk's lack of results the last several weeks by suggesting that they want to forego home-ice advantage in the playoffs. If this is remotely true, then....wow.
2) How is that supposed to make Hawks fans IN Chicago feel?
1) Q is attempting to legitimize The Hawk's lack of results the last several weeks by suggesting that they want to forego home-ice advantage in the playoffs. If this is remotely true, then....wow.
2) How is that supposed to make Hawks fans IN Chicago feel?
Tuesday, 7 April 2015
Yeah..
Versteeg was a healthy scratch on Sunday, presumably for being useless, then he comes back and continues to be useless for 17 minutes.
On what planet does this make any sense?
On what planet does this make any sense?
Monday, 6 April 2015
About Last Night: This Has to End
Yeah, Blues 2, Hawks 1.
This Rozsival thing is getting old. How must he feel, being constantly responsible for goals against and subsequent losses? Tonight old Rozsy was two-for-two, being in the penalty box for the tying goal and flailing whilst the winning goal was scored. It's not all on him, though, because HE DOESN'T FILL OUT THE LINEUP CARD.
And Andrew Shaw at center needs to be stopped now, as well. It was wonderful seeing him marauding around at wing on the fourth line with an occasional spell standing in front of various goaltenders on the power play. What was wrong with that? Nothing. Now we must grit our teeth as Shaw loses faceoff after faceoff while there is a career center man playing wing alongside him. Lunacy.
But hey, at least Versteeg discovered the opposition's net for the first time since Feb. 24th. Yeah, he belongs one the first line.
In the bigger picture, let's just endure the bleating of the seven or eight semi-literate Blues fans. They've won battles before but have never failed to lose the war.
Friday, 3 April 2015
47 Seconds: Hawks 4, Sabres 3 and Friday's Big Boy
Well, that was a lot closer than anyone would have liked it to be.
38 shots against versus a last place team is nothing to be too proud of, either.
Probably the less said about this close escape, the better.
In summary:
- If David Rundblad had played half the games that Rozsival shouldn't have been in he would be somewhere around +30.
- Kruger seems fine after missing half the second period.
- Despite his faults and the deployment errors surrounding Andrew Shaw he's ready for the playoffs and peaking at the perfect time.
- Versteeg is a nightmare.
Are you kidding? Who else could it be? Whatever it is that's been bugging or ailing Toews lately had no bearing on the those precious 47 seconds.
Still special.
38 shots against versus a last place team is nothing to be too proud of, either.
Probably the less said about this close escape, the better.
In summary:
- If David Rundblad had played half the games that Rozsival shouldn't have been in he would be somewhere around +30.
- Kruger seems fine after missing half the second period.
- Despite his faults and the deployment errors surrounding Andrew Shaw he's ready for the playoffs and peaking at the perfect time.
- Versteeg is a nightmare.
About Last Night: Hawks 3, Canucks 1 and Thursday's Big Boy
Okay, really quickly, 'cos I've got stuff to do...
- That was nice of the Chicago sports media to choose Corey Crawford as First Star. He played well, stopped 35 shots, but never really looked too bothered. If not for Rozsival it could have been a pretty easy shutout.
- Andrew Desjardins has not been the waste of time that I expected he would be. Yet. He's possibly the worst skater since Brian Skrudland but his positioning is decent and he's made some good passes. Let's put it this way; he's an upgrade over Carcillo.
- When was the last time that two fourth-liners earned game stars?
I'm not sure Marcus Kruger has been in one of these things. You know he earns his money on the defensive end, night after night, so what a bonus it is when he has an offensive outburst like this.
Let's do this again, sometime.
- That was nice of the Chicago sports media to choose Corey Crawford as First Star. He played well, stopped 35 shots, but never really looked too bothered. If not for Rozsival it could have been a pretty easy shutout.
- Andrew Desjardins has not been the waste of time that I expected he would be. Yet. He's possibly the worst skater since Brian Skrudland but his positioning is decent and he's made some good passes. Let's put it this way; he's an upgrade over Carcillo.
- When was the last time that two fourth-liners earned game stars?
Wednesday, 1 April 2015
Back in the Saddle? Hawks 4, Kings 1
Now that's more like it.
This felt like the first game in a month, though my memory may fail me, that The Hawks looked like they were in 100% control throughout an entire game. Passes were mostly crisp, rebounds were mostly cleared away and the bad guys' lanes were mostly covered. "Mostly" is quite acceptable to me; even though The Kings may or may not make the playoffs they're still the defending champions, and that counts for something. What else?
- Once I deduced the line combinations and had a mini tantrum I had to admit that three of the four lines looked just fine. I'm still not a fan of Shaw at center, but his line (with Saad and Bickell) were dangerous all night. Likewise, I'm not mad for Vermette not playing center, but he, Richards and Sharp generated more chances than the rest of the league in this match. Hell, Sharp outchanced The Kings all by himself. Surprisingly, Kruger-Teravainen-Desjardins were pretty good as well; each of these guys did the thing they do very, very well. And that's without anyone being entirely clear on what, exactly, Desjardins does. Only the Toews line disappointed me. Hossa was a beast, but Toews was invisible and Versteeg was, sadly, all-too visible. What has he done in the last three weeks to deserve a first-line assignment?
- Patrick Sharp: I don't know if I've ever seen a guy play so well yet contribute nothing. When he gets on the other side of the inch it's going to be cataclysmic.
- Brandon Saad is Luke to Marian Hossa's Ben Kenobi.
Tough call for this one, a game in which almost everyone played very well but no one really stood out as being larger-than-life. Saad and Hossa were both very impressive, but this guy was also good and has been outstanding most nights since returning from injury a few weeks ago. Look at this as recognition for a month of excellent work.
It's Johnny's belt, bitches!
This felt like the first game in a month, though my memory may fail me, that The Hawks looked like they were in 100% control throughout an entire game. Passes were mostly crisp, rebounds were mostly cleared away and the bad guys' lanes were mostly covered. "Mostly" is quite acceptable to me; even though The Kings may or may not make the playoffs they're still the defending champions, and that counts for something. What else?
- Once I deduced the line combinations and had a mini tantrum I had to admit that three of the four lines looked just fine. I'm still not a fan of Shaw at center, but his line (with Saad and Bickell) were dangerous all night. Likewise, I'm not mad for Vermette not playing center, but he, Richards and Sharp generated more chances than the rest of the league in this match. Hell, Sharp outchanced The Kings all by himself. Surprisingly, Kruger-Teravainen-Desjardins were pretty good as well; each of these guys did the thing they do very, very well. And that's without anyone being entirely clear on what, exactly, Desjardins does. Only the Toews line disappointed me. Hossa was a beast, but Toews was invisible and Versteeg was, sadly, all-too visible. What has he done in the last three weeks to deserve a first-line assignment?
- Patrick Sharp: I don't know if I've ever seen a guy play so well yet contribute nothing. When he gets on the other side of the inch it's going to be cataclysmic.
- Brandon Saad is Luke to Marian Hossa's Ben Kenobi.
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