Yea, Toews was saying last week that he just felt like he wasn't able to do all he wanted when he was on the ice. To me that sounds like maybe he was a little mentally slow (thinking the game and reacting) and that can be both concussion and conditioning related. He seems to be fine now and I think we'll be surprised by how good he looks if he does play tonight.
Oh yeah, and I still want Kane at center, **** you Q. The kid gets a solid groove going with Toews out and you put him back in the supporting role.
While I'd like to see him at center, it's hard to see why he'd want to break up Stalberg-Kruger-Shark and Bickell-Bolland-Shaw right now. So essentially, Kane-Toews-Hossa were the odd men out
While I'd like to see him at center, it's hard to see why he'd want to break up Stalberg-Kruger-Shark and Bickell-Bolland-Shaw right now. So essentially, Kane-Toews-Hossa were the odd men out
Kane - Toews - Hossa is easily the best line made out of spare parts.
I watched parts of the two early games last night and as expected both were quite physical. As I said in the other thread I hope Q has the good sense to ease Jonny back in. He probably won’t though.
It’s certainly appears that Kane starts on the 1st line on the wing. This makes little sense to me considering his effective play at center in Toews absence and the chemistry he and Hossa had as his winger. I suppose the line of Kane, Toews, Hossa would still retain that chemistry but I’d rather have 25-19-10 together and leave Kane at center, with Hossa and Hayes.
Hawks got away with Kruger as 2nd line center to end the regular season, but it won't be quite as easy for 25 and 10 to generate offence in the PO's.
I watched parts of the two early games last night and as expected both were quite physical. As I said in the other thread I hope Q has the good sense to ease Jonny back in. He probably won’t though.
It’s certainly appears that Kane starts on the 1st line on the wing. This makes little sense to me considering his effective play at center in Toews absence and the chemistry he and Hossa had as his winger. I suppose the line of Kane, Toews, Hossa would still retain that chemistry but I’d rather have 25-19-10 together and leave Kane at center, with Hossa and Hayes.
Hawks got away with Kruger as 2nd line center to end the regular season, but it won't be quite as easy for 25 and 10 to generate offence in the PO's.
As good as Kane has been at Center, Toews is a 60% faceoff guy and puck possession is a huge deal in a series against Phoenix. I understand front loading the top line for PP but I think putting Kane on a line with Stalberg and Sharp would probably work better and have Toews take the most draws as a Top Line Center with Hossa and Hayes would make more sense.
only a few hours left... and I'm already nervous. Can't lose against those Yotes. Please, I would freak out if we lose this series
The Yotes are a good, disciplined hockey team. Anything can happen in the NHL playoffs and a few lucky breaks can do you in. Unless they go out and get swept or lose in 5, I don't think you can really make too many judgments about a team in such a small sample size.
Not really nervous, just excited to see them out there.
Also, if Toews does in fact play, I am predicting that top line will fail miserably and will be broken up by Game 2.
Let's come out flying! I want the Hawks to just bomb Smith in the opening period. Guys crashing the net and shots raining down on him from everywhere. Hopefully get a lead early and make them change their gameplan.
Now that i'm on my computer i actually get to see the GDT. Great job MTP.
Walking around school with my Sharp Jersey on is so awesome. Everybody is so excited and happy about the playoffs! Great time to live in the Chicagoland area.
Best thing the Hawks can do is play an uptempo game. Hawks need to enforce their will and keep the pace high in this series, and throughout the playoffs. IMO, that is the key. You cannot get bogged down in your end for long stretches because we know that this team will allow plenty of shots to get through from the point. If Phoenix is getting those shots off, it's going to be a long series for us.
Hawks need to play like they did in the 2nd or 3rd game of the season series, where they broke the play wide open in the 2nd period and came back from the 3-0 deficit. Run the Yotes out of their own building tonight, Hawks!
As good as Kane has been at Center, Toews is a 60% faceoff guy and puck possession is a huge deal in a series against Phoenix. I understand front loading the top line for PP but I think putting Kane on a line with Stalberg and Sharp would probably work better and have Toews take the most draws as a Top Line Center with Hossa and Hayes would make more sense.
Yeah. I wouldn’t mind if Q tries that combination. It certainly would be a good thing for Toews to have two big wingers for a few games, and let them do the mucking. Sometimes I wish Toews would play more the finesse game anyway. He certainly is more than capable of dangling.
