Winnipeg Jets Over Chicago Blackhawks 6-2 Recap

  

Last night’s road contest in Winnipeg started off well for the Hawks, but it didn’t last long, with the Jets racking up 5 goals in a miserable first period for Chicago.

The Hawks lines and pairings were:

Saad-Toews-Kane

DeBrincat-Schmaltz-Hayden

Hinostroza-Kampf-Sharp

Jurco-Anisimov-Highmore

Keith-Murphy

Gustafsson-Seabrook

Oesterle-Rutta

The scoring opened at just :11 of the first period, with Brandon Saad ripping his 16th goal past Conor Hellebuyck’s glove from the right circle.

But the good fortune would not last long.

At 3:43 of the first period, Saad was subsequently faked out of his jock by Patrik Laine, at the initiation of a rush up the ice. That turned into a strong, layered attack by the Jets and a tic toe passing play, finished by Paul Stastny on a shot that was stoppable by Anton Forsberg—the puck slipping through a soft spot in his pads

At 5:18, Stan Bowman’s latest greatest discovery, Erik Gustafsson, lost a puck battle in the corner to the much smaller, but actually trying Mathieu Perreault. Well, Perreault battled, Gustafsson sort of waved at the puck, which subsequently went out to the point, before being deflected in front of the net, and in, by Joel Armia. Bad luck for Forsberg, who was thoroughly let down by Gustafsson’s lack of effort.

Forsberg’s night would end early, after a third Winnipeg goal at 10:34 of the first period. Jet center Jack Roslovic basically outworked Artem Anisimov for a loose puck in the neutral zone, with a terrific one-man effort, and converted from the right circle over Forsberg’s left shoulder.

Forsberg out, JF Berube in.

But just over 8 minutes later, Berube gave up a stoppable goal from 40 feet out to Bryan Little, after the Hawks’ neutral zone coverage basically fell apart.

And just when you thought the Hawks night couldn’t get any worse—hey, guess what—it did. Less than one minute later, the Jets finished another crisp tic-tac-toe passing play, this time by Kyle Connor.

Saad, Gustafsson, Connor Murphy, David Kampf and Vince Hinostroza all finished -2 for the period. The Hawks gave up 5 goals on 12 shots. The defense was dreadful in all three zones.

Welcome to the Lawrence Funeral Home Second Period on Blackhawks Radio!

Like the first period, the Jonathan Toews line came out flying and generated a couple of nice chances. Play settled down for much of the period, with Berube seeming to find his game a bit, and making a couple of nice saves, the best of which came at 8:02.

At 4:24, just as the game began to reach a hypnotically boring state, Nick Schmaltz won a puck behind the net, and quickly kicked a pass to Patrick Sharp on the doorstep, and just like that, the Hawks had their second goal. 5-2. And that was how the period ended.

In the third, Berube was busy but effective, with the Jets putting 16 shots on net, versus the Hawks paltry 7. Only one Jet shot went into the Hawk net, off the blade of Connor, after Berube had been pulled for the extra attacker in a futile attempt to overcome a 5-2 deficit.

Final score 6-2.

The Good

Nick Schmaltz had a nice game, noticeable, good energy, with a nice assist and +1. Berube seemed to play better as the game went on. The Toews line was OK for stretches.

The Bad

Goaltending. Some on the interwebz have theorized that the tandem of Berube and Forsberg is an ongoing audition for the backup goalie position next year. I concur. Could be. In Rockford.

The bottom line is this was a bad outing for Forsberg, especially the first goal he allowed, which kind of set the tone for a bad night. Berube came in and got lit up for two goals before settling in pretty nicely. But his last two outings were pretty much awful.

In truth, neither goalie is showing any kind of predictable game-to-game consistency. This morning, Berube has the upper hand. Forsberg did yesterday morning. It keeps going back and forth because neither guy is demonstrating that he can be “the” guy, should whoever the number one is next season go down for injury (as Corey Crawford has this year).

The Ugly

Individual effort—The Hawks were not only outskated, but outworked, much of the night, and especially in a dreadful first period. The lack of effort by Gustafsson on Winnipeg’s second goal was inexcusable.

Team defense—Terrible.

Who else is ready for this awful season to end next month?

You keep looking for silver linings of hope for next year with this team. Some nights you see them—Hinostroza’s energy, Alex Debrincat’s quick hands, John Hayden’s physicality, even Brent Seabrook’s game has steadied out over the last 20 games or so. But other nights you get games like this one.

My personal belief (hope) is that GM Stan Bowman’s projection that next year’s team will look a lot like this one was just a smokescreen so he doesn’t appear desperate in offseason dealings. This is not a team in decline—it’s just a bad team.

Many hold out hope that Crawford’s projected return next year will turn things around, that goaltending alone is the problem. That is likely foolish. Crawford, at 34 and coming off over a half season lost to concussion symptoms, might—might— play 60 games and be the difference in winning ten more of them than a backup would. But that makes the Hawks basically a .500 team next year.

And one bump away from Exile to ForsbergBerubeLand.

In truth, the Hawks are a shell of what they were three seasons ago on their blueline—which is why they give up so many shots now, their structure up and down the ice so often falls apart, and the technical inconsistencies and fragile psyches of their young goalies gets exposed so regularly. For all the tire-pumping of Gustafsson, Jordan Oesterle and even Jan Rutta, this blueline is two aging stars in decline, an odd lot named Connor Murphy, who just doesn’t seem to click with this coaching staff, and a bunch of non-physical learners who make a lot of mistakes night in and night out.

Hawk fans, time to light some candles for the Hawks in the draft lottery—and hope that Bowman was just putting on a poker face with this comments about how next season’s team will look.

Join the comments below.

 

Follow @jaeckel

Center Ice Forums Recap: Jets Over Blackhawks, 6-2

Viewing 16 posts - 1 through 16 (of 16 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #6107
    John Jaeckel
    Participant

    Last night’s road contest in Winnipeg started off well for the Hawks, but it didn’t last long, with the jets racking up 5 goals in a miserable first p
    [To continue reading full article, click here: Recap: Jets Over Blackhawks, 6-2]

    #6109
    Mewirtz
    Participant

    I don’t get Q’s handling of Murphy and Hayden. Physical players are going to cause some penalties

    #6110
    6628
    Participant

    Most likely a ton of people not renewing season tickets will get more attention than brutal performance. And in my opinion that’s a huge part of the problem beause it’s ass backward. They don’t need all the bandwagon bullshit, all they need to do is figure out how to win, or at least look good trying. Invest in hockey, make the tough decisions necessary. P.T. Barnum couldn’t sell these guys the way they played in Boston and Winnipeg.

    #6111
    fattybeef
    Participant

    Re Season Tickets: Not only because the team is bad but also that corporate write off is going away so many of those seats are going to be up for grabs as well.

    The Gus and Rutta money is just preposterous. That is 3 million dollars flushed unless they package them in some other deals. Comical moves at best.

    I think some of the younger guys have shown some good things individually. However, you’d expect some thing to start clicking at this point for some of the new faces but that hasn’t happened. Other then Debrincat and then the group that worked out with Kane over the summer, a whole lot of bleh.

    I also think that is an interesting note. 5 years ago you’d think it would be the dudes hanging out with Toews having success. Who would have thought Kane would be the guy to have the biggest impact on the younger players? At least they know how to tank better than the Bulls? Toews and Saad could certainly benefit from getting with that group this summer.

    The AVs twice the Jets twice and the Sharks once probably won’t be pretty there. The other games will be toss ups and hopefully Forsberg starts in hopes of leaving more points on the table.

    Help us Rasmus Dahlin you’re our only hope.

    #6112
    Chico Maki
    Participant

    Stan Bowman needs to be fired.  Between his ludicrous contracts and questionable trades, he’s assembled a PATHETIC hockey team.

    He went into this current season with no credible back up goaltender.  He has two guys–Forsberg and Berube–who are AHL talent.

    The contracts to Rutta and Gustafson alone (given Bowman’s track record with contracts) should get him fired.  There was no rush to sign these two fringe NHL players, esp with raises, when the team in in a constant salary cap crunch.

    Should the Hawks lose enough remaining games to be in position to draft Dahlin, does anyone have confidence in Bowman to draft him?   Besides, Dahlin is 17, he’s at least 2++ years away.

    This team needs a top to bottom rehab. The only way this gets better is when there’s empty seats in the UC.

    #6113
    Falconero
    Participant

    I keep seeing comments hoping Stan is playing poker face and that  he has some unbelievable magic he’ll pull out of a hat.

    Don’t you think the other 30 GM’s see how Gustafson, Rutta et al play?  Do you think they want to pay those new contract salaries for 5/6 D men and give up something better?

    I don’t.

     

    Falconero

    #6114
    Hank_Greenberg
    Participant

    Stan Bowman needs to be fired. Between his ludicrous contracts and questionable trades, he’s assembled a PATHETIC hockey team. He went into this current season with no credible back up goaltender. He has two guys–Forsberg and Berube–who are AHL talent. The contracts to Rutta and Gustafson alone (given Bowman’s track record with contracts) should get him fired. There was no rush to sign these two fringe NHL players, esp with raises, when the team in in a constant salary cap crunch.

    Chico, I’m starting to get the impression that you’re not that big a fan of Stan Bowman ….

     

    #6116
    Chico Maki
    Participant

    The evidence is clear, Hank.  Bowman sucks at his job.

    #6117
    Under Qs moustache
    Participant

    JJ great write up! The Lawrence Funeral Home 2nd period sponsor is excellent! Add that to “sh*tshow” power play. How about the “Dean’s milk carton” player of the game?  Waste Management garbage empty net goal? River’s Casino giveaway? The Oster Line-Blender starting lineup?  The Dalmane 500 1st intermission player interview? The “no-touch” car wash defenseman of the game?

     

     

    #6118
    fattybeef
    Participant

    Soooo the Hawks have 10 million in salary cap space next year with 17 signed (including Hossa’s cap hit but not his roster spot).

    If cap goes to to 80 million they will have 14 million in cap space.

    If they unload Hossa’s deal they have 19 million in cap space. If they also unload AA and don’t take a lot back they have +20 million dollars to spend on like 5 roster players.

    Seriously $20-25 million in cap space for potentially only 5 roster spots. They can buy some serious stuff this off season. Like any one or two players they want. AND\OR trade for I dunno Karlsson win the Cup again and then probably retire because cap hell again.

    #6119
    fattybeef
    Participant

    Plus a top 10 pick Mayyyyyybe a top 3 because the NHL is dumb like that. Next season could actually be kind of fun.

    #6120
    John Jaeckel
    Participant

    Soooo the Hawks have 10 million in salary cap space next year with 17 signed (including Hossa’s cap hit but not his roster spot). If cap goes to to 80 million they will have 14 million in cap space. If they unload Hossa’s deal they have 19 million in cap space. If they also unload AA and don’t take a lot back they have +20 million dollars to spend on like 5 roster players. Seriously $20-25 million in cap space for potentially only 5 roster spots. They can buy some serious stuff this off season. Like any one or two players they want. AND\OR trade for I dunno Karlsson win the Cup again and then probably retire because cap hell again.

     

    Do you want Stanley spending it?

    Karlsson ain’t coming. I mean, HIGHLY doubtful. Go get a legit 2-way 3C, a decent backup goalie, and another solid top 4 d-man (or two). And pray Crawford can play 60 games next year and maybe there’s something to get mildly excited about.

    #6121
    John Jaeckel
    Participant

    Soooo the Hawks have 10 million in salary cap space next year with 17 signed (including Hossa’s cap hit but not his roster spot). If cap goes to to 80 million they will have 14 million in cap space. If they unload Hossa’s deal they have 19 million in cap space. If they also unload AA and don’t take a lot back they have +20 million dollars to spend on like 5 roster players. Seriously $20-25 million in cap space for potentially only 5 roster spots. They can buy some serious stuff this off season. Like any one or two players they want. AND\OR trade for I dunno Karlsson win the Cup again and then probably retire because cap hell again.

    Do you want Stanley spending it? Karlsson ain’t coming. I mean, HIGHLY doubtful. Go get a legit 2-way 3C, a decent backup goalie, and another solid top 4 d-man (or two). And pray Crawford can play 60 games next year and maybe there’s something to get mildly excited about.

     

    And all that costs you likely about $15-17 million in cap hit. Add $5-7 million if you need a guy who can be your #1 goalie.

    #6126
    Mister Ricochet
    Participant

    Soooo the Hawks have 10 million in salary cap space next year with 17 signed (including Hossa’s cap hit but not his roster spot). If cap goes to to 80 million they will have 14 million in cap space. If they unload Hossa’s deal they have 19 million in cap space. If they also unload AA and don’t take a lot back they have +20 million dollars to spend on like 5 roster players. Seriously $20-25 million in cap space for potentially only 5 roster spots. They can buy some serious stuff this off season. Like any one or two players they want. AND\OR trade for I dunno Karlsson win the Cup again and then probably retire because cap hell again.

    Good work here, Fatty……. We wanted out of cap hell the last 10 yrs but didn’t realize the club would be so bad once we got there!!

    Problem is signing FA is expensive and there is not much, if any, value.  An add or two to a solid young core is preferable but adding 3-4-5 FA’s can get you back to cap hell quickly.  And as JJ said do we want StanBowPops&McD doing the signing?

    Maybe a deal from a team about to lose a front line player cuz they can’t afford him like the Hawks did with Saad?  Or a deal for instance with TB.  They need to pay RFA JT Miller and 26 yr old Palat is signed at 5.3 for 4 more yrs.

    #6115
    Chico Maki
    Participant

    Stan Bowman needs to be fired. Between his ludicrous contracts and questionable trades, he’s assembled a PATHETIC hockey team. He went into this current season with no credible back up goaltender. He has two guys–Forsberg and Berube–who are AHL talent. The contracts to Rutta and Gustafson alone (given Bowman’s track record with contracts) should get him fired. There was no rush to sign these two fringe NHL players, esp with raises, when the team in in a constant salary cap crunch.

    Chico, I’m starting to get the impression that you’re not that big a fan of Stan Bowman ….

     

    The evidence is clear.  He sucks at his job.

     

    #6122
    DK002
    Participant

    Soooo the Hawks have 10 million in salary cap space next year with 17 signed (including Hossa’s cap hit but not his roster spot). If cap goes to to 80 million they will have 14 million in cap space. If they unload Hossa’s deal they have 19 million in cap space. If they also unload AA and don’t take a lot back they have +20 million dollars to spend on like 5 roster players. Seriously $20-25 million in cap space for potentially only 5 roster spots. They can buy some serious stuff this off season. Like any one or two players they want. AND\OR trade for I dunno Karlsson win the Cup again and then probably retire because cap hell again.

    Do you want Stanley spending it? Karlsson ain’t coming. I mean, HIGHLY doubtful. Go get a legit 2-way 3C, a decent backup goalie, and another solid top 4 d-man (or two). And pray Crawford can play 60 games next year and maybe there’s something to get mildly excited about.

      I can’t believe a) that the Hawks will actually have cap space and that b) Bowman hasn’t already spent that money on bringing back Rundblad.  Seriously…Bowman was worried about cost controlled players moving forward when he handed Panarin to the Jackets…This is the guy that is the king of f-ckup deals starting with Leddy in 14.  I don’t think one or two adds is going to fix this team moving forward.  And Bowman has only increased the problem with the two latest overpays in a career full of them.

    I’d love to see anyone qualified to become the new GM of the Hawks and send Stan anywhere where he doesn’t control hockey decisions.  If Bowman is allowed to continue I think we’ve found our answer to the dumbest President in Chicago sports its John McDonough.

    As I’ve mentioned several times on this board.  This season alone Bowman destroyed the defense, traded away a true playmaker in Panarin, and had no actual NHL level backup goalie to replace a guy that’s missed significant time the last two seasons …and presto.

    And what if Crawford isn’t able to go next season?  Now you have to go after a #1 goalie as well as a #2 based on what we’ve seen.  I would think that’ll eat up a good chunk of the cap space that’s there.

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