IGT : 02/03/2012 Blackhawks at Flames

[icehogfan08]

Discuss...

[DMelt36]

I really have no idea what to expect tonight. They could be pissed and destroy the Flames. Or they could still be sulking over last night and get throttled again.

[HawkWriter]

So...this is an important game?

Hoping that a vet like Mayers sets the tone early. I get the feeling that he is a leader on and off the ice. Hoping he drops the gloves early...could really supply a needed spark.

I would say this would be the perfect time for Toews to get his yearly fight in...but with the bad wrist I hope he holds off. It would be nice for Mayers to step up (like he does) but maybe even more so for someone off the grid to drop them and bleed for the team.

[Everyday I'm Byfuglien]

Originally Posted by HawkWriter

So...this is an important game?

Hoping that a vet like Mayers sets the tone early. I get the feeling that he is a leader on and off the ice. Hoping he drops the gloves early...could really supply a needed spark.

I would say this would be the perfect time for Toews to get his yearly fight in...but with the bad wrist I hope he holds off. It would be nice for Mayers to step up (like he does) but maybe even more so for someone off the grid to drop them and bleed for the team.

It's an important game for Emery. He can't have an off night.

As for the rest of the team- I don't think a bounce back win will have any profound "turning the corner" effect that they need. They have some issues that just can't solve themselves overnight and there are more than a few questions that need to be answered before the team starts rolling. I don't think it's the kind of stuff that a fight could help.

[Capt. Serious]

Originally Posted by icehogfan08

Discuss...

Rather not. Heartless group this team is.

[HawkWriter]

Originally Posted by Everyday I'm Byfuglien

It's an important game for Emery. He can't have an off night.

As for the rest of the team- I don't think a bounce back win will have any profound "turning the corner" effect that they need. They have some issues that just can't solve themselves overnight and there are more than a few questions that need to be answered before the team starts rolling. I don't think it's the kind of stuff that a fight could help.

I don't know about that. From my experience, a fight at the right time and by the right player can really get a team going. It can easily carry a team through the game and then good things happen. If a guy like Keith or Toews drop the gloves (which has happened) then other guys start to take notice and start to perk up a little. Obviously 1 fight tonight won't correct the defense, goaltending, etc...but it could go further than one might think.

If Emery plays well tonight I wouldn't be surprised to see him get another string of games in a row here. Something has to change.

[Everyday I'm Byfuglien]

I know what you're saying about fights and I agree that it can do things like you describe. This team has bigger problems though.

Like nobody hitting.

Yes, I'm aware they want to play a puck possession game (which is a problem in itself) that doesn't lend itself to high hit totals (which is a sketchy stat at best). But just watch what Edmonton was able to do with physical D-men. They hit Kane early and often and took him out of the game. They absolutely hounded Toews to the point where you could see Toews' frustration (which even helped him draw a questionable cross checking penalty).

The Hawks don't have the ability to truly neutralize guys like that. Seabrook really is the only D-man that will hit. Nobody is scared to go to scary places in the Hawks zone. The front of the net? Sure... make yourself comfortable Ryan Smyth.

Is a fight going to finally change this? A better question- is Q ever going to change this? He wants more physical play... well he's THE FUCKING COACH! Make it happen already or get lost.


Or how about the powerplay

Is a fight or anything going to ignite a shitty powerplay? I won't even mention the PK because I think you can hang some of that on the poor goaltending (though the screen goal Crawford let in last night was the ONLY non stinker he gave up).

[IvyPickin87]

Picked the flames because the past couple times i picked the hawks they lost. Gotta change the joo joo up.

Emery has to step up, Crawford looked baaaad last night we need someone to figure it out between the pipes or like last year our season will end in the first round.

[Captain Iago]

Frolik replaces Brunette tonight. Must mean Bicks is in again. Ugh. Have to wait until tomorrow for a move.

Edit: Actually, I take that back; there is some play. I'd much rather see Scott at F and OD as #6. Then, Bickell sits.

[Everyday I'm Byfuglien]

I don't think I'll ever understand Bickell.

He's like Daze if Daze had zero offensive production.