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averagejoe
You fell victim to one of the classic blunders.
Wasn't sure what else to call this thread?
All teams go through slumps, so I'm not too worried about the last 10 games (6 losses 4 wins) and the lack of scoring (averaging 2.0 goals per game, when they were averaging close to 3 (2.8). They've also allowed 2.7 goals in the last 10 games when they were averaging 2.3.
The whole team seems to be struggling. Losing Kane and Oduya hasn't helped.
The pairings on D have been less than expected, turning the puck over and failing to clear the zone. And even though Hossa, Versteeg, Toews and Saad have been playing some great hockey the last 10 games, there is little to show for it on the score sheet. Bickell, Shaw, Sharp, Richards ahave been invisible. The 4th line has been decent, but Kruger and Smith aren't expected to light the lamp anytime soon.
Which brings me back to the thread title... the Hawks biggest problem...
All teams go through slumps, so I'm not too worried about the last 10 games (6 losses 4 wins) and the lack of scoring (averaging 2.0 goals per game, when they were averaging close to 3 (2.8). They've also allowed 2.7 goals in the last 10 games when they were averaging 2.3.
The whole team seems to be struggling. Losing Kane and Oduya hasn't helped.
The pairings on D have been less than expected, turning the puck over and failing to clear the zone. And even though Hossa, Versteeg, Toews and Saad have been playing some great hockey the last 10 games, there is little to show for it on the score sheet. Bickell, Shaw, Sharp, Richards ahave been invisible. The 4th line has been decent, but Kruger and Smith aren't expected to light the lamp anytime soon.
Which brings me back to the thread title... the Hawks biggest problem...
- ...outside of scoring & defense, they need to have timely hits. I realize that the Hawks are not a hitting team, usually ranking near the bottom of the league in hits. But in every game, there is usually a play or two where the opponent is bringing the puck up and rather than go for the hit, (or even just disrupt their stride with some kind of contact), what generally happens is they force the player along the boards (which is still good positional hockey fundamentals). Howeer the non-hit allows their teammates to join the play which results in a quality scoring chance. HIT them!
- ...is a lack of a goalmouth presence. Shaw would get the snot beat out of him, but he'd occupy a defender and create vision problems for the goalie. We seem to have gotten away from that.
- ...they're not shooting enough. The Hawks are one of the best passing teams in the NHL. But sometimes they pass too much. Other teams get "dirty" goals, and it seems as though the Hawks are always going for the highlight reel scoring play. SHOOT the puck!