Three Stars:
- Artemi Panarin, 1 G, 1 Shootout score
- Andrew Ladd, 1 G
- Jonathon Toews, 1A
Alright. That is not how the shootout order needs to be. That’s where we got beat. Teuvo is a great prospect, he’s gonna be the best third line center in the league someday. He’s not an offensive force. He’s not going to score on the shootout. Let’s get into it.
Andrew Shaw needs to be that sixth spot. He’s scored in the shootout when he’s had opportunities before, and is better at finishing that Teuvo. That shot was weak. Shaw can out-maneuver the best of them at times. See his Getzlaf goal last year versus the Ducks.
Marian Hossa will likely be back next game. That means we could see a Shaw-Rasmussen-Desjardins fourth line, which would fundamentally help the defense. If not for how shutdown the two wings have been with Kruger than how offensively capable they are without him. This is a pairing that’s been a long time in coming back. It’ll be dangerous.
I have never been impressed by Andrew Ladd. That changed on his goal last night, because without his screen and tap Teuvo doesn’t score. Do you hear me Q? Teuvo doesn’t score.
Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook are also better options at the sixth spot. If a defenseman can beat Crawford a much better defenseman can beat Allen.
Defense was to blame for the goals last night. On both sides of the puck. We’ve gotta clear the zone better for Crawford, and the guys just weren’t on top of it. Facing St. Louis is when we have to get physical. Ryan Reaves’ awful hit on Ehrhoff is proof of that. He hit him in the head first. That’s an illegal check. He deserved to get tossed.
Kruger will be back at the end of the month. Hopefully Desi and Shaw are practicing using him as a backboard for goals. That’ll likely be his role. #Bankshot #NeverForget