Pre-Game Talk: Blackhawks at Sharks - 2/5 at 9:30 PM CT

[brtriad]

Sharks have really cooled down and we match up well with them. Best game of the year so far.

 

[slappipappi]

Crawford is playing extremely well, but Emery's performance in Calgary was far more "Vezina-level" than anything Crawford has done this season.

Ray had no help, faced 47 shots, 30+ scoring chances, and only gave up two goals. If the Vezina were given out for one-game performances, it would have Ray Emery's name on it right now.

I was at the game and it was more like Calgary shooting it into Emery's pads, misisng the net or hitting the post that benefited Emery.

Emery got it done, to be sure, but it was likely more just randomness than a "star is born".

 

[IU Hawks fan]

I was at the game and it was more like Calgary shooting it into Emery's pads, misisng the net or hitting the post that benefited Emery.

How many wide open nets did Glencross miss? Had to have been at least 4

 

[chicagoskycam]

It will be a good game, Hawks always seem to play up or down to their competition. It would be nice to see them put this one away easy.

 

[LarmerAmonteSeabrook]

Emery may start in PHX, per Lazerus.

It makes sense, since his other start this season was the last time we were in Phoenix.

I'm kind of glad San Jose had to travel to Anaheim while our guys have been in San Jose since yesterday afternoon. Our guys had a nice practice today and can't be any more prepared for tomorrow's game. I'm expecting all lines to come out flying.

 

[w00d]

Good game at the Ponda Center tonight. The Sharks did not look all that threatening, to be honest. Ducks gave them their first regulation loss. Niemi wasn't in net tonight, however. He'll be in tomorrow vs. the Hawks.

Should be another W on the road for us.

 

[Sir Psycho T]

Good game at the Ponda Center tonight. The Sharks did not look all that threatening, to be honest. Ducks gave them their first regulation loss. Niemi wasn't in net tonight, however. He'll be in tomorrow vs. the Hawks.

Should be another W on the road for us.

Neither have the Hawks in their last few games.

I have seen the Sharks play every night and this is a talented and deep hockey team. Strong forward lines 1-4, with a good balance of skill, speed, grit and size. A defense that plays really sound hockey and strong goalkeeping. The break for the Hawks is the rest and the Sharks playing 3-4. All things being even, these teams are even with a slight edge to SJ.

 

[Bubba88]

I like that Craw gets this start. He is our starter and this may be the hottest team right now.

I'd go (see below) with the next games unless Craw or Emery goes on a SO streak

SJ: Crawford
PHO: Emery
NSH: Crawford
ANA: Crawford
SJ: Crawford
LA: Emery
VAN: Crawford
SJ: Crawford
CBJ: Emery
EDM: Emery
STL: Crawford

Yes, I'd start Emery on back to back nights unless he sucks big time.

 

[CS85]

Thanks, Ducks. Crawford starting is the right thing to do. I'm not nearly as worried about this game as I was last week.

 

[slappipappi]

I like that Craw gets this start. He is our starter and this may be the hottest team right now.

I'd go (see below) with the next games unless Craw or Emery goes on a SO streak

SJ: Crawford
PHO: Emery
NSH: Crawford
ANA: Crawford
SJ: Crawford
LA: Emery
VAN: Crawford
SJ: Crawford
CBJ: Emery
EDM: Emery
STL: Crawford

Yes, I'd start Emery on back to back nights unless he sucks big time.

Emery has one good game and all of a sudden he gets 40% of the starts including back-to-back starts?

Holy over-reaction Batman!!!!!

 

[BobbyJet]

I was at the game and it was more like Calgary shooting it into Emery's pads, misisng the net or hitting the post that benefited Emery.

Emery got it done, to be sure, but it was likely more just randomness than a "star is born".

That’s how I saw it as well. Like most goalies in this era Emery was solid blocking the lower part of the net. However, Flames shooting was terrible and the top half of the net looked vulnerable to me. No doubt Emery played well but he had some luck on his side. He is a more athletic goalie than Crawford and can usually recover for the 2nd shot better but his lateral movement is suspect (same as Crawfords). His experience allows him to compensate pretty well though.

As for who plays when. I think Crawford has played well enough to be the main guy but if he falters Q should not hesitate to sit him for a stint. That said, if Emery continues to impress when he does get the nod, down the stretch I’d like to see Q go with the hot goalie. I don’t want to see Q hand the start to CC in the playoffs if he hasn’t earned it.

 

[MadhouseOnMadison]

Not sure what to expect in this one. We usually step up when playing quality teams but the team has looked pretty flat the past few games.

 

[ColdSteel2]

Emery has one good game and all of a sudden he gets 40% of the starts including back-to-back starts?

Holy over-reaction Batman!!!!!

Agreed. When a guy is bad for over a year spanning two contracts, you're going to see an overreaction. Think about the short fat kid you played with as a kid who finally scored. It's like it was overtime Game 7 and gets more credit than it should. However, he played great, stole a win and he got the kudos. Now you park that game where it is and move on to the next one. Nobody should be entertaining the idea of using him more with the way Crawford is playing until he puts 4 or 5 of these together. As it stands, we'll use him only when we have to and hope to get a good performance in those games. If he turns around and lays an egg, obviously we're back to square one. One game at a time.

 

[Hawkaholic]

Agreed. When a guy is bad for over a year spanning two contracts, you're going to see an overreaction. Think about the short fat kid you played with as a kid who finally scored. It's like it was overtime Game 7 and gets more credit than it should. However, he played great, stole a win and he got the kudos. Now you park that game where it is and move on to the next one. Nobody should be entertaining the idea of using him more with the way Crawford is playing until he puts 4 or 5 of these together. As it stands, we'll use him only when we have to and hope to get a good performance in those games. If he turns around and lays an egg, obviously we're back to square one. One game at a time.

Emery had quite a few quality starts last year, and he has only played through 1 contract so far. This is nothing like a fat kid who finally scored.

More like, a kid on the 4th line that jsut scored his first of 5 goals on the season.

 

[clydesdale line]

I have a feeling in my gut this is the game Saad registers a point. (goal or assist)

 

[ColdSteel2]

I have a feeling in my gut this is the game Saad registers a point. (goal or assist)

He's playing way to well not to. I hope he scores a goal. You have to love Saad's attitude. Keeps his mouth shut and just works. If the goals/points aren't coming, his answer is to work even harder.

 

[Sevanston]

He's playing way to well not to. I hope he scores a goal. You have to love Saad's attitude. Keeps his mouth shut and just works. If the goals/points aren't coming, his answer is to work even harder.

I really felt for the guy when that goal got waved off in Vancouver.

I could almost hear him screaming "COME ON" all the way from here.

 

[Illinihockey]

Sharks fans even more pessimistic than us. Lots of fans predicting a Hawks win in their GDT

 

[slappipappi]

Not sure what to expect in this one. We usually step up when playing quality teams but the team has looked pretty flat the past few games.

Past one game I would say. They outplayed Minny and Vancouver.

 

[Ace Card Bedard]

Let's go Hawks!
Beat the Shyaa-aarks.

 

[puterwiz53]

If the Hawks really want to win this game, they need to bring more grit. The Sharks love to hit and hit often. Unless the Hawks can control the puck possession game it will be very difficult to pull out a win. Yes the Sharks are a bit tired but if they come out really hitting it will tire the Hawks out very quickly unless the Hawks start hitting back equally as much.

 

[Madhouse Mafia]

We own the Sharks. Looking forward to a good win tonight.

 

[Hawkaholic]

Didn't Toews get his concussion against the Sharks last year, via Thornton? Could we see a little 'payback' tonight? Not condoning injuring any one, but maybe Bollig/Mayers, Shaw, Brookbank get in Thorntons face a bit?

Hope so!

 

[BobbyJet]

If the Hawks really want to win this game, they need to bring more grit. The Sharks love to hit and hit often. Unless the Hawks can control the puck possession game it will be very difficult to pull out a win. Yes the Sharks are a bit tired but if they come out really hitting it will tire the Hawks out very quickly unless the Hawks start hitting back equally as much.

Actually, I think it would be to our benefit if SJ comes out banging (I thought they might do the opposite). Unless they’re in tip top condition, which I doubt, we should be able to wear them down by the 3rd period. I do agree that we will need to play a gritty game though... and gotta stay out of the box. We are due for our PK to blow up in our face (for reasons discussed). It will be interesting.
Unfortunately I must PVR this game; too late for me.

 

[Blackhawkswincup]

Crawford is playing extremely well, but Emery's performance in Calgary was far more "Vezina-level" than anything Crawford has done this season.

Ray had no help, faced 47 shots, 30+ scoring chances, and only gave up two goals. If the Vezina were given out for one-game performances, it would have Ray Emery's name on it right now.

And if players had there contracts terminated in NHL after 1 game then Emery would be unemployed

Emery played well vs Flames but he shouldn't be given the next start as a result... Craw is the #1 and its his job to carry team vs the elite of NHL