The Blackhawks continued their 4 game road trip Tuesday night with a visit to New Jersey. As expected, the game was full of the trap style, boring, "soccer" hockey as I call it. It also wasn't a marquee goalie matchup by any means. The Blackhawks started Lemont native, Scott Darling again, while the Devils went with Keith Kinkaid. Snore.
For much of the first period, both teams had several scoring chances, with both Darling and Kinkaid coming up big for their teams. However late in the first period, the Devils got on the scoreboard first by way of a Jordin Tootoo goal. (Excuse me while I vomit.) This was a goal that Darling probably should have had, but hey he's from Lemont, so I'll cut him some slack.
The second period saw the Blackhawks pepper Kinkaid with 17 shots, but only saw one of them beat the rookie netminder. Bryan Bickell finally got the 75 feet he needs to wind up his wrist shot, and beat Kinkaid to tie the game.
Early in the third period, with the game tied at one, the Devils managed to take the lead on a flukey bounce, which has become the norm when Darling, who is from Lemont, is in net. The Blackhawks to their credit didn't let down, and with just over three minutes remaining Duncan Keith tied the game at two.
After a scoreless overtime, the game went to the gimmick known as the shootout. After both Martin Havlat and Jaromir Jagr used their walking canes for their shootout attempts, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Kane made Keith Kinkaid look like an OHL goalie, and the Blackhawks escaped from New Jersey with a 3-2 shootout win.
The Good
- I'll give a stick tap to Keith Kinkaid for a job well done. He was good enough for the Devils to win, too bad the Devils just aren't good enough.
- Lemont native Scott Darling was just as good. Yes the first goal was softish, but overall we shouldn't nitpick on someone who's from Lemont. All that matters is the W in the win column.
- Bryan Bickell's goal was nice to see, too bad for him only one of his eyes could see the puck go in. Hopefully, much like Hossa the other night, this will build some confidence for #29.
- Patrick Sharp for the most part didn't show too many signs of rust. He had several bursts of speed, which was some what of a surprise to see.
- Ben Smith was solid at the dot, winning 70% of his draws.
- The Blackhawks outshot the Devils 39-24. That's a nice reversal for a change.
The Bad
- Two Blackhawks turnovers led to both of the Devils goals. A bad reception of a Seabrook pass by Andrew Shaw led to Tootoo's goal, while a weak clearing attempt by Klas Dahlbeck led to Stephen Gionta's goal. All too often, sloppy play leads to mistakes, which in turn, end up in the back of the net.
- A 4 minute power play in the second period was, politely, an EMBARRASSMENT.
- Back to Dahlbeck, he couldn't crack 10 minutes in ice time. Perhaps he's a few steps away from the Q doghouse.
The Ugly
- The faces of Bryan Bickell, Daniel Carcillo, and Jonathan Toews should all be sports some swelling and multiple colors of purple for the next few days.
- Did I mention how bored I felt watching this game? Thank God the Blackhawks play in the Western Conference.
- Speaking of the conferences. Not only does the Eastern Conference suck, but so do the 6 pm starts.
- As a former goalie, I feel the need to say this every time a game goes to a shootout. THE SHOOTOUT SUCKS.
- And finally, after reading this, you're probably tired of hearing about Lemont native Scott Darling, being from Lemont. Now you know how I feel when watching the game listening to Foley and Olczyk. Its old and tiresome. Now if you'll excuse me, I need some soft serve ice cream before I call it a night.
