The series is all tied up and we’re headed out to Boston.
I figured it would be a close series, but neither I nor
anyone else would have guessed we would have 4 overtime periods in the books
after two games. There are a few things the Blackhawks have to be able to
change in order to come back to Chicago at least tied if not ahead in the
series. If they fail to make these changes; the Hawks will be back in a 3-1 deficit
situation they faced against Detroit (but we all know how that turned out).
Power Play:
First and foremost, let me say that our power play is
useless. The Hawks aren't even developing enough momentum to carry them into some
decent 5 on 5 possessions; but even worse than that WE AREN'T PUTTING THE PUCK
ON NET.
I know a lot of people expect to score on every power play,
but that just doesn't happen. (Although, I wouldn't complain if that were the
case). The problem with our unit is what I have said all year long; The
Blackhawks have a very stagnant power play.
Scoring on a power play starts with good entries and
movement. The Hawks special teams can’t do either well. Pucks are getting
swatted away at the blue line, or when we dump the puck only one red sweater
was going to chase. In those situations it is necessary to keep the puck in the
offensive zone. There should be 3 or more players, if needed, around every dump
because keeps lead to possession, and possession leads to scoring opportunities.
When we do get the puck however, there is a lot of standing
around by the Hawks star forwards. I believe a change in personnel on the power
play line would be very beneficial to the Hawks. A line such as Brian Bickell,
Andrew Shaw, and Brandon Saad; Get the hard working young players involved and
they may pay dividends. (Plus, the three of them have been just about the three
most productive players for the Blackhawks this series).
But, if the Blackhawks are going to keep their star studded
power play lines intact the key to scoring is through Patrick Kane. He cannot
play down in the trenches like Q has had him on the power play. Kaner needs the
puck in between the circles and the blue lines because that is where he is a
true play maker. Defenders will draw to him and open up space in front of the
net for other players to score.
Offensive Zone Draws:
I don’t have the numbers for this, but my friend Dan pointed
this out to me while we were watching game 2. Both teams are struggling to win
offensive zone face-offs.
This is truly important because one of the only times you
can run a set play in hockey is off a draw, and they can be very effective if
you know your opponent and what everyone is doing on the ice. Offensive zone
draws also allow you to keep puck possession, which gives the Hawks more opportunity
to get scoring chances.
Shots vs Scoring
Chances:
The Blackhawks have had no problem throwing the puck at the
net in 5 on 5 situations, but they are struggling to come up with more scoring
chances.
It always looks great to have more shots than the other team,
but if Rask sees all of them coming or they are from tough scoring angles they
aren't going to find the back of the net.
Now in a special team’s scenario I say the Blackhawks need
to take all of the shots that they can because they aren't getting many
anyways. But, in 5 on 5 scenarios we need to be just a little bit pickier with
our shot choice. Too many shots have been taken from the blue line and in today’s
hockey that can’t happen. Shot blocking by EVERYONE is preached by the coaches
and too many shots from the point get deflected away.
Boston hasn't had nearly as many shots as Chicago and if you
look at the stats during the first two games I believe they were always leading
in chances. The way they run their offense is efficient and every role player
knows what they need to do in order for their team to succeed.
I’m not saying Chicago needs to be Boston, but they should
look at how they come up with so many scoring
chances and try to apply these
concepts to their own game.
Viktor Stalberg:
I love Coach Joel Quenneville, but what are you
thinking!?!?!?
We don’t need a bigger line-up against Boston. So, why is
Brandon Bollig skating against the Bruins. Viktor has shown he can be an impact
player in very few minutes. His ability to skate makes him an asset to the
Blackhawks line-up and I am furious that he didn't play in either game.
Brandon Bollig had a fatal mistake that turned the puck over
and led to the winning goal for the Bruins. I personally would sit him even
though I have to be a fan of him living in Missouri. He is my favorite big man
for the Hawks, but that doesn't excuse that play and he is the perfect
candidate to sit for Stalberg.
The Hawks are a great road team and the series is going to
be close whether they make some of these changes or not. I believe the series
is going to come back to Chicago tied 2-2. I have Chicago in overtime tonight,
but only time will tell if I’m even close to being correct. I hope all of you
have enjoyed this series as much as I have so far and with every game it’s
going to get better.
The Dropkick Murphy's couldn't have sung it better; We're shippin' off to Boston!
So with that said, Lets go Hawks!
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