Not great, not even very good for much of the game, but The Hawks were good enough, at least when it mattered most.
Despite being outshot badly, more than 2:1 in the last 40 minutes, and being manhandled in possession, The Good Guys managed to make the most of the opportunities they created and got another all-universe performance from Corey Crawford. Let's get this done.
Saad WasA Beast Tonight, constantly barging into The Wild zone which, in addition to resulting in one goal, gave The Wild D something to think about: when Saad was on the ice in the latter half of the game The Wild had at least one D-man hanging back. On the goal, he not only outfoxed Dumba but somehow jinked around Stalock's poke check. Equal parts will and skill, my friends.
Crow Was Phenomenal, full-stop. When he's playing like this a little goal support will go a long way. Imagine what a shit-show this would have been with Wardo or Bergie in net. Still, The Hawks mustn't expect to be bailed out by Crow night-in, night-out -- the skaters really have to get back to scoring and take the pressure off the guy.
On that tack, Schmaltz and DeBrincat have to get going. One fumbled chance between the two of them tonight and a total of 3 points between them in the last ten games is not remotely good enough. Still, I hope Colliton keeps them with Anisimov a little longer 'cos I think there's some potential there.
I Have A Hard Time Congratulating The Hawks' Defence when they let the bad guys land 40 shots but, only a few mishaps aside, they weren't too bad. Gustafsson's form was more like in October and Forsling had another good game. Gus and Hank Jokiharju were the only Hawks north of 50% Corsi which looks pretty good on them on a night when The Wild just never stopped coming at them.
Next: In Maryland to face the also-not-in-a-playoff-position Capitals. Let's see who wants it more.
The Who - You Better You Bet
This was the first game in which head coach Jeremy Colliton attempted to make any significant changes to not only The Hawks lineup but also to their approach. While they still lost, and really only played a half-game, having lost their focus somewhat around the middle of the second period,they earned a consolation point, which is better than nothing and hopefully something to build on. Behold!
Big Line Shuffles: To summarize, Toews found himself between Schmaltz and Kane, Kampf centered DeBrincat and Kahun and Anisimov anchored a "what do we do with these guys" trio with Hayden and Fortin. On the back end, Keith and Seabrook were reunited while Gustafsson and Jokiharju were a new duo.
So how did that go? Mostly ok. The first line had a lot of zone time and some dominant shifts, so it was a little surprising to me that the only offence they generated was a tip-in goal, but it's one game, early days yet. Each of the other three lines had their moments and, unexpectedly, the fourth line of Johnson, Martinsen and Kunitz were the most dynamic of the other three trios, undone only by a general lack of finish. I'll circle back to the D in a bit.
I suspect that Schmaltz was not the first choice to join Toews & Kane but, with Saad ailing, he got the call. He was good, impressing with his puck pursuit and willingness to hang around in front of The 'Canes net. Maybe not a statement game, as such, but he's sure given the coaches to think about once Saad returns.
Andreas Martinsen impressed me by not trying to be something he is not. He charged around, laid some big hits, took a lot of shots and kept his feet moving all the time. That's about all we can realistically hope for from him and, in that sense, he delivered the goods. Of note, his line sported the best possession stats of any line tonight on both teams, with Martinsen ticking along at a gaudy 68% Corsi. Kind of on this tack, The Hawks were a lot more physical than usual, allegedly making 27 hits. Now, I'm with ya when you say "HITTING ISN'T AS IMPORTANT AS IT USED TO BE" but, given that there have been many a night in recent years in which The Hawks have had zero physical presence, I don't mind this directive. Just keep it clean, boys.
As BAD as Keith was on Saturday, and it was very bad, he was that good tonight, one spectacular whiff notwithstanding.
Gustafsson with Jokiharju: I expected disaster but it was okay, mainly because Jokiharju is so responsible in his positioning. I wondered if he'd be left to chase down Raleigh forwards when Gus went walkabout, as he does, but he managed to cover really well. Some mistakes were made but let's remember that the kid is still 19 years old with fewer than 20 NHL games under his belt. He's remarkably poised, I think, and quite confident in his ability to skate or pass his way out of danger. It doesn't always work out but, given his relative experience, he's doing well.
Overtime, Deployment and Hunches: Well, inserting Kampf in the second unit there didn't pay off, but I can see why Colliton went that way. Kampf had a strong game, overall, and is far quicker than Anisimov, the only other realistic choice to "center" a unit in OT. Maybe too much, too soon for Baby Huey, as he gambled and lost (as did Colliton, I guess) but what ya gonna do...? I'm not pleased with the result but I like that they're trying new things, especially being as the same-old hasn't been getting results these days.
Cam Ward was good in his "homecoming" game, but a little soft on the game winner, I thought, perhaps because of Seabrook being more of a distraction than anything.
DeBrincat had his best game in about two weeks, and it wasn't only about the goal. He hasn't looked fully invested lately but, apart from a pair of weak plays, was far more engaged than he's been of late. I liked how he worked with his linemates and what about that pass from Kahun? He seems to have a supernatural sense of what's going on behind him, sometimes.
Next: The Blues on Wednesday. Stick with the plan, I say, with Saad drawing in for Hayden or Fortin, should he be ready to go. We're due, but we have to get a full 60-minutes of concentration, something we've not had since the Edmonton game over a week ago.
Thomas Dolby - Close But No Cigar
A day late due to a late night beer league game, so this will be quickish.
The talking heads remain positive, asserting that The Hawks have yet to lose in regulation. That's not the same as "unbeaten" however and I believe they can count themselves lucky to not be 2-and-2 right now. If not for Kane's heroics vs. TOR and DeBrincat having a bit of a time in MIN last night that's exactly how things would stand.
While I'm loving the fast starts to each game thus far, I've been unimpressed with The Hawks taking their foot off the gas before the games are half over. In Toronto they faced a team that struggles to prevent goals but, given the space, will cheerfully run up the score. Yet, even after leaping to an early lead, The Hawks stopped pressing the matter and, even more frustrating, it's not because they tightened up defensively. Last evening they met a team that hasn't been able to score at all, again took an early lead and, facing a determined attack by The Wild, largely collapsed defensively, allowing far too many chances and only mounting sporadic offense of their own. While Cam Ward did play his best game in his four starts, he's been weak, and the guys in front of him haven't helped his cause a whole lot.
So let's mention the defense. Breakouts have been undeniably outstanding, better than they've been for two or three years, and that has certainly keyed the offense, giving them the head start they've lacked for some time. Simple defense in their own end, however, has been lacking, with missed assignments, soft play in front of and behind their net and, most aggravating, d-men needlessly chasing opposing forwards, taking themselves out of position.
The forwards could be doing more to help, as well. On the tying goal last night, Keith had a man, Jokiharju sort of had a man (he escaped, but that'll happen sometimes) but none of the forwards had picked anyone up at all. This is elementary stuff that they can and must pay more attention to.
However, based on this morning's practice, the response has been to shuffle the bottom three lines, the highlight there being Fortin being slotted in the 2nd line and Saad moving to the 4th alongside Kruger & Kampf. Saad has not been great, granted, but I doubt that inserting A Guy in the top six after only one not especially notable game is the solution.
You know those Purina-crunching mouth breathers from Missouri are going to be gunning for a "statement game" tomorrow - The Hawks had better sort themselves out.
The Step And The Walk
