Happy Easter. You may have expected this earlier, but this is no longer the Morning After.
Three Stars:
- Andrew Ladd
- Andrew Shaw
- Scott Darling
Darling bailed us out a few moments last night. Other than that, this was the night of the Andrews, both Ladd and Shaw, both wanting a place on the Blackhawks roster next year. Only one of them truly deserves it and will come at a team friendly price. Let’s get into it.
Positives:
1. Both Ladd and Shaw showed some very bright spots last night. Ladd contributed two goals, one unassisted, and generally helped ensure that Ladd-Toews-Hossa can still manufacture offense. Shaw took some dumb penalties but continued a three game goal streak, and if it continues, look out dark horse Conn Smythe.
2. Our PK is back to form due to the exciting return of both Marian Hossa (talked about his impact a few games ago) and now Marcus Kruger (it’s still weird seeing him in not-16).
3. The fourth line is a shutdown line once more, but more importantly Desjardins and Shaw have the capability to be offensively dominant. As with last season, this could be our best line in the playoffs
4. For the first time, it’s not how the second line goes that determines the result. It’s now the fourth line, but that being said Kane finally got point #93. Maybe he can crack 100 after all. This is still cause for change in the NHL, when your league leading scorer can barely crack 100.
5. Scott Darling is inconsistent, but he’s good when we need him most. If we had lost this game, morale would have fallen off a cliff and we’re looking at the wildcard, but he stepped up and we’re closing in on that third seed. I’d take the Blues over the Kings any day.
Negatives:
1. Our defense needs to step up. Last night it didn’t, but Darling was good enough and the offense finally had a break through game, so it didn’t matter. Svedberg should not be playing over Gustaffson or Ehrhoff, especially not over both. I don’t know what Q sees in him, but the rest of us don’t see whatever that is. Q needs to realize both Ehrhoff and Goose fit the system and can play well if given a chance.
2. I think if we lost these last games going into the playoffs that Stanbo would take away the starting 18 decision from Q. We’ve been losing and it’s because of Q’s inabilities at defense, the one position he should know best. If you aren’t worried about what happens when Keith gets old… you should be.
3. Like I said, the second period was chalk full of dumb penalties from two leaders on the team – Shaw and Toews. Luckily the PK and 4-on-4 came in clutch, but it could have been disastrous if we were still without Hossa and Kruger. This is why these guys have excellent contracts from their perspective. It’s also why their overpaid from a common sense perspective. Kruger is barely making less than Anisimov.