Toews' goal? Oh, my
Posted by TimS on Sat, 12/06/2008 - 20:01
Did you just see Jonathan Toews' first goal against the Red Wings? If you didn't it will be all over the highlights Saturday night.
Toews came down the left side against Detroit's Dan Cleary, faked left, went right, around a helpless Cleary, then deked goalie Ty Conklin down and out for the goal. Made it 2-2 after a terrible start by the Hawks and goalie Cristobal Huet.
Toews scored again with five seconds left in the first period for a 3-2 Hawks lead.
Toews' first goal was similar to the one he scored against Colorado last season when he went around three Avs defenders. It wasn't that good, but real close.
Look no farther than the power play on the third period (which eventually became 4 on 4). For a while it looked as though it was the Red Wing on the PP. Right there and then it was obvious the hawks team from the 2nd period stayed in the locker room and the team that came out was a shy, scared and frankly pathetic bunch. We had complete control of the game in the 2nd but couldn't put it away and they hung around. Instead of keeping up the intensity and taking the play to them on the 3rd we were making slow exits, giving up turnovers and just flat out shaking in our boots. It didn't have to be this way. But for now the hawks clearly lack the experience and the confidence to stay calm under pressure and do what it takes when the game is on the line.
If you asked me two days ago if I'd be happy taking a point from last night's game I'd say absolutely. But after watching the 2nd period I have to say that was a disappointing and frustrating outcome.
Nobody has mentioned Seabrooks play last night and how it contributed to the loss. He's in one of those typical Brent Seabrook stretches, giveaway's, soft on the boards and out of position. He seems to have weeks at a time where he disappears. For his size and skill he just plays to soft to often.
Once in each of the last two games, an opposing player has scored on a breakaway while Seabs has been on his butt. The Dive is becoming too familiar for my tastes.
Thank God Wiz is supposed to be back on Wednesday. This D corps will get a lot better and a lot deeper.
Both his goals showed his strengths...his first showed his ability to make his own play and stickhandle at top speed.
His second showed how lightning-quick his snapper is.
This kid just might be able to make a decent living at this game.
no question the first two goals he let in were enough for a good benching. what a sorry netminder. Maybe he WAS good at one time, but no more. absolutely cost the game tonight.
Tim is o.k. with his comment .Terrible start +HUet.Huet stayed terrible, the team get better .Sorry they lost with a s.o. but who was in goal?I hope Khaby back soon,and trade Huet with the golie "adviser".( I beleive Mr. Bowman is a quick "moover")
Well, another game against one of the powers of the NHL and once again we had the lead and end up losing in a shootout. While I've been holding out on my thoughts for or against Huet, tonight sent me in the direction of against. His fundamentals are terrible. He's going down WAY too early, getting caught too far back in his own crease, and his rebound control still leaves ALOT to be desired. Scoring 4 goals on the Wings should have cemented this win. Now, I know many will say Khabby let in more goals the first time the 2 teams met. I will say at least some of those goals were tremendous goals where Khabby couldn't have done anything about them.
I've got to say. I love the Hawks competing with the Wings and earning points in every game. However, I have to say when I see Conklin making great saves and earning less than 1m per year and Huet looking like complete crap and making 5.25m it makes me sick to my stomach...
...and of course Cherry commented on the great Canadian kid. The next highlight was the PPG. Another great one. Give and go, Kane and Sharp.
What a game...hope they can finish strong in the 3rd!