Time For The Blackhawks To Right The Ship
By Rob Winn in News on May 23, 2013 3:00PM
It was all blue skies and sunshine when the Blackhawks cruised to a win in Game 1 against the Red Wings. But then came a disturbingly lackadaisical performance in Game 2 followed by a frustrating 3-1 loss in Game 3. If the Hawks plan on living up to their potential, it's time for them to start playing like they're the better team.
Much was made when coach Joel Quenneville decided to sit Viktor Stalberg for what seemed to be a lack of productivity combined with a poor attitude. But when the Red Wings are openly intent on denying time and space for the Hawks, his unmatched speed can be extremely valuable. In no way is Stalberg a game-changing player, but sitting him to prove a point was short-sided by Quenneville. The third line of Stalberg, Shaw and Bickell has been productive all season and even if Stalburg's speed just opens up a little space, that's space the Blackhawks desperately need.
There have been calls for Jonathan Toews to step up and start scoring goals. Granted he hasn't had the most productive series, but others need to step up as well. Marian Hossa hasn't scored since early in Game 1 and doesn't have an assist in the entire series. The Red Wings have obviously made it a point to punish Toews whenever they have the opportunity. If Hossa can become more productive, he'll garner attention while taking some of the weight off the shoulders of Toews.
On a different front, Andrew Shaw needs to relax. So far in the series he has racked up 18 penalty minutes. His unhinged play directly resulted in a potential game-tying goal being waved off in Game 3. If he hadn't played the entire series like a newly escaped mental patient the refs would've given him the benefit of the doubt when he was in the crease on the goal. His willingness to go places where others won't is only useful when he's not putting his team at a disadvantage. Shaw admitted the coaching staff addressed the issue, saying "They've talked to me about it. I have to keep doing what I'm doing but just stay on the right side of the line."
At this point discussing the futility of the Blackhawks power play is like beating a dead horse, but once again it has become an issue. Throughout this series whenever they go on the power play any momentum they built up has been instantly sucked out of their game. For a while Quenneville tried to combat the issue by rolling out his biggest stars. But after yesterday's practice it seems he will try to find chemistry elsewhere by shaking up the lines. Now the first unit features Hossa and Keith, with Sharp, Saad and Bickell up front. The second unit featured Rozsival and either Seabrook or Leddy, with Toews, Kane and Shaw up front. We'll see if the line juggling breaks them out of their season-long slump. Even mediocre production would be a step forward at this point.
If the Hawks can shake off this slide and win Game 4, they'll regain the home ice advantage and the momentum in the series. But a loss will push them to the brink of elimination where they can be sent home on a bad bounce, even when playing at their best. That is not a place where the Hawks want to be. Tonight is the Blackhawks' best opportunity to regain their footing in the playoffs and they know it. Let's see how they respond.