GDT: CAR/FLA Part 2: Knock on Wood

[tarheelhockey]

As shaky as our D have looked at times, if you want to see truly indifferent, head-up-ass defensive coverage check out Stralman on the GWG:

 

[3CanesInTheBox]

That's fair, and I certainly don't expect these guys to just pack it in... but if the Canes weren't 6-1 in a fairly random overtime system we may have a different tone around here. I think it mostly concerns me because it's similar to the issues we saw against Boston. Physical, draining defensive pressure completely neutralizing our biggest offensive threats.

3 more against Tampa and 5 more against Florida for the boys to figure out some solutions. Plenty of time.

Interesting posts.

i think this grueling stretch of games has been a really good mid season test for the team. I keep going back and forth about whether they should get some slack for the quantity of games versus high level opponents (the last, what, I think six games have been against Tampa and Florida) with some back to backs thrown in for fun? Lol

but at the same time, it does make me question the mental and physical toughness required for a long playoff run against the likes of Tampa, FL, Boston etc. esp. with pandemic-like restrictions.

I also wonder if Aho is just burnt out or nursing a slight injuries.

Hopefully as we play the bottom half of the division we will see some marked improvement in our top players. Only time will tell.

Definitely some potential red flags, but I have a lot cautiously optimistic hope for the team this season.

 

[Canes]

As shaky as our D have looked at times, if you want to see truly indifferent, head-up-ass defensive coverage check out Stralman on the GWG:

Looked like great defense to me though I may be biased.

But for real, I just don't think he expected Necas to be behind him already.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

When I watched it initially, my thought was "Stralman completely underestimated how fast Necas is." Neither defenseman in that sequence was ready for the speed of Aho and Necas

 

[chaz4hockey]

When I watched it initially, my thought was "Stralman completely underestimated how fast Necas is." Neither defenseman in that sequence was ready for the speed of Aho and Necas

Necas is a poor man's McDavid (which is nothing to sneer about) & is one of the top skaters in the NHL.

I'm expecting an explosion of goals within the next 2 years.

 

[DaveG]

Sorry for the long post. I'm glad the Canes were able to steal 2 points yesterday. You'll take them how you can get them. I have a few concerns that I'd love to hear some thoughts on... my hockey knowledge is limited, this is purely by my observations.

My biggest concern moving forward is both Tampa and Florida's ability to suffocate our top guys and their inability to find an answer. Seems like lately each time Aho has possession he has very limited options and is eventually forced off the puck one way or another. We all know his savvy creativity is what makes him the elite player he is, but he isn’t given / can’t create any space to make a play.

Svechnikov seems like he is in more of a slump than anything. He’s still creating plays with his speed and physicality, and he’s had some good looks that he’s put wide or off the post. I will say that when the same defensive pressure bothering Aho is applied to him, it seems as if he makes his mind up to what he is going to do before feeling the play out. Too many times yesterday he would attempt to force the puck to space in the offensive zone and the Canes would end up in a scrum for it.

And lastly... Dougie. I don't know if he still has a mental or physical hurdle to cross before being back to his old self, but whatever it is, we need it soon. Seems like the Canes' offensive strategy when he is on the ice is to give it to him at the point, let him wrist it on goal, and try to get a rebound that never seems to come. His defensive play has been careless and sloppy, and when he isn't producing on offense it is tough to forgive critical mistakes.

As for positives, I am thankful for Ned and I genuinely hopes he can become the 2nd guy with Mrazek. Pesce has been unreal. Slavin seems to be getting his defensive groove back. The fourth line has been very solid and generated a lot of chances in the past few games, starting with Martinook who really struggled to start the year. Obviously it's fantastic to see Trochek playing the way he is, and I can only hope it rubs off on Nino and Foegele as well. Hoping Teravainen's return helps the top guys out.

I think the big thing going with Aho currently is that he's just simply not guy you need to be the playmaker for that line. When he's put with Nino and McGinn he's just not able to create the chances he normally can because defenses can key in on him. He can still create against weaker teams in that situation but vs teams that can roll out a Norris caliber dman or a Selke caliber center he can get suffocated. The guys paired with him are part of the problem. You can ignore Nino and McGinn because they're rather one dimensional offensively, they don't really create room for Aho. Getting a distributor like Turbo or Necas on that line would do a world of wonder, and Rod's not going to do that for Necas for whatever reason. I assume Aho will look better against weaker competition, but he really needs to get Turbo healthy and back on his line.

Dougie I assume is dealing with injury issues still. Shit timing for him before UFA.

Spot on for Svech. Though he's definitely strong enough to fight his way through, the shots just aren't going currently.

 

[Anton Dubinchuk]

I think the big thing going with Aho currently is that he's just simply not guy you need to be the playmaker for that line. When he's put with Nino and McGinn he's just not able to create the chances he normally can because defenses can key in on him. He can still create against weaker teams in that situation but vs teams that can roll out a Norris caliber dman or a Selke caliber center he can get suffocated. The guys paired with him are part of the problem. You can ignore Nino and McGinn because they're rather one dimensional offensively, they don't really create room for Aho. Getting a distributor like Turbo or Necas on that line would do a world of wonder, and Rod's not going to do that for Necas for whatever reason. I assume Aho will look better against weaker competition, but he really needs to get Turbo healthy and back on his line.

Dougie I assume is dealing with injury issues still. Shit timing for him before UFA.

Spot on for Svech. Though he's definitely strong enough to fight his way through, the shots just aren't going currently.

Ha, was going to post just this.

In TT’s absence, we’ve been “Eric Staaling” Aho the last few games. Giving him no one to work off of, make plays with. It’s one thing when it’s Aho AND TT with a Nino or a McGinn - a cleanup/grimy/shooter with two good play drivers. But when it’s McGinn AND Nino, the onus falls on Aho to make the plays all by himself. And, for me at least, the eye test confirms that he’s doing basically as much as he can. He’s getting his entries, he’s moving his legs. But there comes a point 1-on-3 in those entries where he’s looking around for someone to make a play with and it’s not there, so he ends up just trying to start a grimy-type cycle with Nino and McGinn. That’s not his game, so it translates to us that he’s “not making anything happen”. He’s not really the guy that gets his own shot like Svech.

Svech is 20 years old and struggling his way through his first real cold stretch of his career, and he’s doing it like a bull in a china shop. He’ll get there, I hope it’s sooner rather than later because we need him, but the effort and mindset is there.

Dougie I think is still feeling the injury effects.

 

[AhosDatsyukian]

Kinda funny that the OTL point moves Florida into 1st place. Not wanting to jinx anything but Florida Tampa and the canes are starting to really separate from the pack, and I keep thinking Chicago will run out of race track but they haven't played that many more games than the other teams and seem to be chugging right along

Chicago's record vs. each team:
TBL: 0-2-0
FLA: 0-1-1
DET: 5-1-0
NSH: 0-0-2
CBJ: 4-2-0
CAR: 1-1-1
DAL: 2-0-0

Not too worried about them, they've mostly been beating up on Detroit and Columbus.

 

[Stickpucker]

Funny I was thinking about this well before OT and was annoyed Rod benched him....and really wanted to see him in OT...

and while I know he's still really raw I just really enjoy Necas game. He's blazing fast....he can stickhandle pretty well....he has some nasty moves while skating at high speeds....which will lead to some nice highlight goals...and he has great vision....the cherry on top is he sometimes decides to be physical and lay some guys out. He's also tough as nails and fearless...he's taking a couple big hits and never comes back timid.

Really look forward to watching him grow his game further.

 

[Dishface]

Kinda funny that the OTL point moves Florida into 1st place. Not wanting to jinx anything but Florida Tampa and the canes are starting to really separate from the pack, and I keep thinking Chicago will run out of race track but they haven't played that many more games than the other teams and seem to be chugging right along

The battle for 1st place in the division is huge. You most likely get to play Columbus or Chicago and watch whoever isn't in first between us, Florida, and Tampa destroy each other. The 2nd and 3rd seed will have a hard fought series and loser could have very well made the conference final in a normal year. This point battle is going to be entertaining to watch.

Edit: damn didn't realize Dallas fell off a cliff.

 

[Tryamw]

If I did my math right Ned had like a .913 in the third when he gave up 2 goals.. They were all over us..

 

[Chrispy]

I wonder if Aho has just become so accustomed to being able to be a scorer with TT on his line that it's hampering the development of his distribution ability. But as pointed out above, the only sniper on the team is Svech, so putting anyone else up there doesn't help Aho much. And it appears Nino and Trocheck are developing some chemistry and should be allowed to work with that.

That said, the Aho-Necas OT goal was a level of understanding and anticipation that A) I haven't seen from Aho in a while and B) I haven't seen people have in general with Necas in using his speed without the puck to lead him to a good chance. Maybe Aho & Necas should be a thing until TT is healthy.

Re: Svech, I see a better version of the Skinner issue right now while he's slumping. Svech takes it upon himself to create. But he has a great level of passing as well that isn't always anticipated by linemates.

 

[GIN ANTONIC]

I think the big thing going with Aho currently is that he's just simply not guy you need to be the playmaker for that line. When he's put with Nino and McGinn he's just not able to create the chances he normally can because defenses can key in on him. He can still create against weaker teams in that situation but vs teams that can roll out a Norris caliber dman or a Selke caliber center he can get suffocated. The guys paired with him are part of the problem. You can ignore Nino and McGinn because they're rather one dimensional offensively, they don't really create room for Aho. Getting a distributor like Turbo or Necas on that line would do a world of wonder, and Rod's not going to do that for Necas for whatever reason. I assume Aho will look better against weaker competition, but he really needs to get Turbo healthy and back on his line.

Ha, was going to post just this.

In TT’s absence, we’ve been “Eric Staaling” Aho the last few games. Giving him no one to work off of, make plays with. It’s one thing when it’s Aho AND TT with a Nino or a McGinn - a cleanup/grimy/shooter with two good play drivers. But when it’s McGinn AND Nino, the onus falls on Aho to make the plays all by himself. And, for me at least, the eye test confirms that he’s doing basically as much as he can. He’s getting his entries, he’s moving his legs. But there comes a point 1-on-3 in those entries where he’s looking around for someone to make a play with and it’s not there, so he ends up just trying to start a grimy-type cycle with Nino and McGinn. That’s not his game, so it translates to us that he’s “not making anything happen”. He’s not really the guy that gets his own shot like Svech.

You guys are right but also I don't think it's an excuse. Aho (and others) are trying to create offense the same way they always do, whether it's Detroit or Tampa. You can't do that and expect to be effective. Especially with TT being out and not having your BFF side kick right there all the time with the give and go blind pass mind meld stuff. You need to adapt to the opponent that you're playing and create offense based on what is available AND you need to look at your linemates and understand their strengths and limitations to work within that. In my opinion, Aho, Nino, McGinn, and lots of others aren't doing that. They are saying 'This is the way I LIKE to create offense' and it doesn't matter if that particular approach is going to be successful against their opposition.

I feel like they all float into the zone and are waiting for someone to get open or the opposing player to f*** up and lose coverage and they will all be like 'Cool. There's our opportunity. Now we now what to do and how to score here.' But what they aren't doing is forcing any pressure to make those opportunities open up. They're just waiting around for it to happen. That doesn't work with good teams... because they're good and they don't make mistakes like shitty teams and you also don't have the ability to just out-skill them and create mismatches.

I'm not saying Aho should try to be Svech or Necas in that regard... because he's not and he can't do those types of things, but he's a super IQ player with a great shot, very good hands, and excellent stickwork. Sometimes you just have to challenge the other team and use those skills to make something happen.

Maybe the Caps and Holtby played this poorly but try to do things like this more often and catch your opponent off guard and maybe good things will happen. This was kind of a nothing play to start with. Aho slowly entering the zone by himself against two Caps d-men. He didn't have help and he didn't have a good shot lined up. He did something weird and unexpected and it worked. Sure TT came zipping in like a bat out of hell at the last second and maybe that causes a bit of a distraction but we all know how big this goal was. When Aho is doing things like this and outthinking his opponents, that's when he's at his best. Doing predictable drop passes and criss crosses on zone entries and staying to the outside waiting for something to open up just isn't going to work very often against good teams.

 

[AD Skinner]

Chicago's record vs. each team:
TBL: 0-2-0
FLA: 0-1-1
DET: 5-1-0
NSH: 0-0-2
CBJ: 4-2-0
CAR: 1-1-1
DAL: 2-0-0

Not too worried about them, they've mostly been beating up on Detroit and Columbus.

These are awesome- whats the easiest way to get these stats? I keep thinking with the season set up like it is, season series will create such great storylines. I don't see those highlighted as much as I thought I would by talking heads

 

[GIN ANTONIC]

Chicago's record vs. each team:
TBL: 0-2-0
FLA: 0-1-1
DET: 5-1-0
NSH: 0-0-2
CBJ: 4-2-0
CAR: 1-1-1
DAL: 2-0-0

Not too worried about them, they've mostly been beating up on Detroit and Columbus.

Agreed. They may grab the 4th spot in the division but it's pretty clearly a 3 headed monster at the top cashing the #1 seed.

 

[AhosDatsyukian]

These are awesome- whats the easiest way to get these stats? I keep thinking with the season set up like it is, season series will create such great storylines. I don't see those highlighted as much as I thought I would by talking heads

I just manually scrolled through the Hawks' schedule and added it up myself, these stats really should be easily accessible, maybe they are somewhere but I don't know where. Didn't take too long but would certainly be a pain in the ass to do it manually for every team and especially as more games are played... And yeah I agree it would be interesting to see every team in the division's record against the others and be able to compare the season series' easily.

 

[GoldiFox]

Chicago can win any single game due to Kane. They aren't an easy out because of that. But their success so far this year is largely due to Lankinen being a passable starter.

Every year a Euro goaltender or two come out of nowhere and post decent stats for a stretch. Then teams finally get the book on the new goalie and they typically regress back to below-average among NHL talent.

 

[The Faulker 27]

If I did my math right Ned had like a .913 in the third when he gave up 2 goals.. They were all over us..

What a bum.

 

[hblueridgegal]

Always enjoy seeing our fellas get a little love.

 

[chaz4hockey]

I just manually scrolled through the Hawks' schedule and added it up myself, these stats really should be easily accessible, maybe they are somewhere but I don't know where. Didn't take too long but would certainly be a pain in the ass to do it manually for every team and especially as more games are played... And yeah I agree it would be interesting to see every team in the division's record against the others and be able to compare the season series' easily.

I use this link but it doesn't show each year's results though: NHL Records