Behind the Net: Where stats come from

Here’s your CORSI and shift charts to start. We begin there because it’s the first thing I noticed when watching the game. I didn’t even really need to look at the charts tonight because Joel Quenneville kept his hand off the lever and maintained a very consistent lineup throughout this entire game. We’ll get back to that in our quick hits but it had to be mentioned first and foremost since it’s not something that happens, well, ever.

The first period was pretty much one of consistent movement as there were very few stoppages. The Hawks were controlling the pace and the puck for the vast majority of the first 20 minutes. They played a simple game, one that involved a single premise. Get the puck on the net. Instead of moving the puck around the perimeter once they gained the zone, Chicago stuck to one or two passes and then immediately tried to put the puck on the net. Most of the Hawks chances came between the circles or right at the goal mouth. To be perfectly honest, it was a pleasure to watch that first period despite going into the intermission down 1-0. Speed to the outside, center the puck to the trailer and fire it at the net. That’s JMH hockey porn right there. My only complaint was the standstill nature of the powerplay once again.

In the second period it was again the Hawks controlling the pace and outshooting the Senators 17-7. Patrick Sharp got a penalty shot opportunity early in the period but failed to convert. Sharp went wide, made one move and then tried to go glove side high but Lehner simply beat him. About 3 minutes and change later, the Hawks got on the board with Bryan Bickell’s goal on a delayed penalty. If the Blackhawks could treat that man advantage like they treat their powerplays (two skaters in front, work the puck behind the office and center it) our powerplay probably wouldn’t have a 38 chance drought. [looks at score sheet] HOLY SHIT WE SCORED A POWERPLAY GOAL LATER IN THE PERIOD. And would you look at that… two skaters in front, Hossa gets a rebound and takes it behind the office to get a wraparound.

The third period was a frustrating 20 minutes of the Hawks turtling and being outshot 10-5. It was also Joel Quenneville sending Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook out there for nearly 12 minutes each. Dylan Olsen and Sami Lepisto recorded three shifts each while Leddy and Oduya picked up nine respectively. The last two minutes were skittish but the Sens really only mounted a couple solid chances in the final frame.

  • I’m probably reaching apologist status with Corey Crawford but I’m in agreement with Q. This is Ray Emery’s crease to lose right now. I still think we’re going to see a lot of juggling of the goalies because I’m not sure Razor’s hip can handle the constant work but I’ll refrain from delivering a backhanded compliment here. Ray Emery made key stops tonight and was very good. Own that blue paint, Razor. The deed is yours now.
  • Consistency! Joel Quenneville! He did it! Take a look below as I’ve organized the shift charts by line. Look how they all line up!

Click to Embiggen

  • The powerplay, oh my, the powerplay. The first one sucked because there were five statues with Indian Heads out there but after that, it was all movement. Behind the office, two skaters in front, wristers or slap shots from the point. Even on the delayed penalty we saw this and it resulted in Bickell’s goal. Baby steps and I will take it. Keep it up, boys.
  • Seabrook and Keith still skated nearly half an hour tonight. I know it’s a one goal game but I think you can trust Leddy or Oduya a bit more in the 3rd. Even the 3rd pairing. Still, a win so I can’t complain much here. 27 minutes and change isn’t that bad.
  • Nice save in the 2nd period, Johnny Oduya. Razor was on his stomach and had no idea where the puck was. Hopefully they give you a save at hockey-reference.
  • Andrew Shaw is getting a bit more disciplined but I still don’t want him on anything but the 4th line. Jimmy Hayes seems to make more sense on a checking line that places an emphasis on defense and positioning.
  • Viktor Stalberg committed a penalty in the third period and actually saw the ice after it. More Quenneville progress.
  • Going to need you all to sit down before reading this next point. Seated? Good. Nick Leddy led all Blackhawk skaters with a +8 CORSI.  Only Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek were better overall.
  • I think we need to find a way to keep Andrew Brunette in the top six after Toews gets back. That Brunette-Kane-Hossa line was generating chances all night long. Perhaps it’s time Bruno came back up top with the Captain and Kaner?
  • How the hell did Matt Gilroy miss that open net on the Sens 3rd period powerplay?
  • One more time, for emphasis. Take a gander at where the majority of our chances came from. Circles and slot. Only 8 of 37 from the halfboards around the point area.

Click to Embiggen

  • Get well soon, Cap’n.