Re: 2009 Chicago Blackhawks

[Wilson A2000]

Another article I read today alluded to the fact that Buff worked really hard to keep himself in shape this offseason, which I can see being a struggle for him, because he really wants to play on the U.S. Olympic team.

 

Just the same, if the first 20+ games of this season is his idea of max effort, it's time to get him out of town.

 

Wasn't he very close to being traded last year too?

[jersey cubs fan]

Another article I read today alluded to the fact that Buff worked really hard to keep himself in shape this offseason, which I can see being a struggle for him, because he really wants to play on the U.S. Olympic team.

 

Just the same, if the first 20+ games of this season is his idea of max effort, it's time to get him out of town.

 

Wasn't he very close to being traded last year too?

 

I don't know if that was the case last year, as he was really the only big body option and they didn't have a cap issue then. But contrary to what some are saying, I thought Buff was great in the early going this year, maybe a dozen or more games, and then he disappeared more recently. Although I was at the Pitt game and he was all over the ice, so maybe it's a TV perception thing.

[Flames24Rulz]

Instead we get the craptastic Patrick Lalime.

 

You just had to say that..

[Wilson A2000]

A couple of interesting things I noticed about the Hawks which everyone else probably already knew.

 

- The Hawks are drawing 104% of capacity for home games this season, a higher percentage by 2 points than the second highest home draw. Incredible!

 

- The Hawks are tied for the lowest goals against average with New Jersey at 2.14. And I thought defense/goaltending was the relative weakness of this team?

[Soul]

They've definitely shown improved defense/goaltending this year. That stat is the one that sticks out to me most. I expected the Hawks to outshoot people. But I really thought Huet would be a problem.

[kujay]

They've definitely shown improved defense/goaltending this year. That stat is the one that sticks out to me most. I expected the Hawks to outshoot people. But I really thought Huet would be a problem.

 

He was a problem. And then the team really kicked their play into high gear. How many times during a game these days is Huet really challenged and forced to make a great save? I can think of maybe once during the NYR game. They play fantastic defense. Even the wingers (save for Kane and Buff and probably Kopecky) backcheck really well.

 

I'm not saying Huet doesn't deserve credit for getting his act together, but it's not like he's facing 40 or even 30 shots every game.

[kujay]

Another article I read today alluded to the fact that Buff worked really hard to keep himself in shape this offseason, which I can see being a struggle for him, because he really wants to play on the U.S. Olympic team.

 

Just the same, if the first 20+ games of this season is his idea of max effort, it's time to get him out of town.

 

Wasn't he very close to being traded last year too?

 

I don't know if that was the case last year, as he was really the only big body option and they didn't have a cap issue then. But contrary to what some are saying, I thought Buff was great in the early going this year, maybe a dozen or more games, and then he disappeared more recently. Although I was at the Pitt game and he was all over the ice, so maybe it's a TV perception thing.

 

I've wondered about the TV thing. But I pay close attention to the effort the guys give when they are forechecking and backchecking, and for the most part you can see that on the TV feed if you are looking for it. And his effort just isn't there waaaaaaaaayyy too often. He waves his stick at the d-man breaking out and then circles around and lumbers back to the defensive zone to take up his spot covering the point man. And then repeats that again and then goes for a change.

 

By contrast, watch how Ben Eager flies around the ice. Sure, he's not nearly as talented and has a different role, but he's always busting it. And he creates chances with his effort.

[UMFan83]

Yeah I think the defense has been outstanding. Huet (and Niemi) deserves credit, but the defense from every position on the ice has been stellar. It's a good thing too, because the offense hasn't been producing as much as expected.

[Butterscup1679666578]

They've definitely shown improved defense/goaltending this year. That stat is the one that sticks out to me most. I expected the Hawks to outshoot people. But I really thought Huet would be a problem.

 

He was a problem. And then the team really kicked their play into high gear. How many times during a game these days is Huet really challenged and forced to make a great save? I can think of maybe once during the NYR game. They play fantastic defense. Even the wingers (save for Kane and Buff and probably Kopecky) backcheck really well.

 

I'm not saying Huet doesn't deserve credit for getting his act together, but it's not like he's facing 40 or even 30 shots every game.

 

Agreed. In terms of actual goalkeeping, Niemi has blown Huet out of the water. But if there's one thing I'm not going to complain about, it's that our goalie isn't getting enough chances.

[UMFan83]

Hawks are gonna catch a huge break tonight. Ryan Miller is sitting tonight and our old friend Patrick Lalime will be starting in the net.

[sherwood921]

With regards to our defense playing amazing...I think the biggest factor in play here is our offensive pressure. Teams are having a hard time getting the puck out of their zone, and when they do, we have been able to shove it right back in. Not to take anything away from our defensive play, but the best way to play defense is to keep the puck 200 feet down the ice for as long as you can. The time of possession in that Rangers game had to be overwhelmingly in our favor.

 

Also - Sharp needs to start putting some pucks in the net. I love the guy, but he's really snakebitten right now. Hitting the goalie in the chest way too often.

[UMFan83]

Hawks playing really well so far.

 

They have :90 seconds of 4-on-3 action coming up

[Butterscup1679666578]

Damn, some nice saves by Lalime.

[UMFan83]

Wow Lalime just made like 4 fantastic saves in a row. It'd better not be another game like Wednesday's game.

 

Edit: The Sabres have spent the first 10 minutes of the game trying to clear the puck out of their zone haha

Edited December 12, 2009 by UMFan83

[17 Seconds]

and of course lalime is standing on his head

 

get the [expletive] out of here

[UMFan83]

Like 40 good chances on that PP, but no goals.

 

Did I mention Lalime has only played in 4 games this year, only 1 in the last 6 weeks, and has a GAA over 4.5?

[Butterscup1679666578]

Like 40 good chances on that PP, but no goals.

 

Did I mention Lalime has only played in 4 games this year, only 1 in the last 6 weeks, and has a GAA over 4.5?

 

So far I'm not too concerned about the Hawks getting them by him, but if this continues I'm going to get a bit frustrated.

[17 Seconds]

Like 40 good chances on that PP, but no goals.

 

Did I mention Lalime has only played in 4 games this year, only 1 in the last 6 weeks, and has a GAA over 4.5?

 

it's seriously pissing me off. i dont understand why goalies do this so often against us

[17 Seconds]

14-4 in shots already

[UMFan83]

Like 40 good chances on that PP, but no goals.

 

Did I mention Lalime has only played in 4 games this year, only 1 in the last 6 weeks, and has a GAA over 4.5?

 

it's seriously pissing me off. i dont understand why goalies do this so often against us

 

I think part of the reason we rack up so many SOG is because our strategy is to fire everything possible on net and clog the crease hoping for a rebound, as opposed to looking for quality shots. But still you throw enough out there and something has to give.

 

Edit: I should say though that this isn't the case today so far...the shots we're gotten were really good looks, we've just been unable to get one by Lalime

Edited December 12, 2009 by UMFan83

[Butterscup1679666578]

getting a little sloppy with the puck

[kujay]

Wow, some rough shifts early on here. And now Sharp...wow, he didn't do much. Nice acting, Montador.

[kujay]

Good PP, too much pressure. Bound to happen.

[kujay]

I still don't get why the fans of teams Campbell played for feel compelled to boo him.

 

You want him back? Please?

[Butterscup1679666578]

I still don't get why the fans of teams Campbell played for feel compelled to boo him.

 

You want him back? Please?

 

hahah seriously. it's bizarre.