Runnin' On Empty
When looking at the schedule, this Minnesota/Edmonton back to back was an odd one to say the least. While that is no excuse, the goal should have been take 3 of 4 points, anything less, its a failure. Call me Mr. Negativity, but this back to back is a colossal failure. While the Hawks did leave Minnesota with a win, it was an ugly win to say the least. Unfortunately for the Hawks on Friday night, their energy was still no where to be found after that first period in Minnesota. Friday night's game in Edmonton was just as enjoyable as getting your wisdom teeth pulled.
This one was ugly folks, I'm not going to ramble on too much, frankly because I think I'll pass out if I do. Brandon Saad opened the scoring for the Hawks, after crashing the net, and knocking home a rebound to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead. The Oilers then rattled off two straight goals to give them a 2-1 lead after one.
If you want to be Johnny Positive, Brandon Saad gave the Blackhawks a slight ray of hope, as he added his second of the night just after 5 minutes into the second period. From then on, it was all Oilers. Just under a minute later, Jeff Petry put the Oilers up 3-2 and for good. In the third, Nail Yakupov (best hockey name ever) and Taylor Hall tallied goals, and finally put the Blackhawks out of their misery, with a 5-2 win.
The Good
- I'm being generous, but I'll give Saad credit for two goals, and the way he did it. By crashing the net for rebounds.
- You lost to Edmonton, there is no more good.
The Bad
- Antti Raanta was ok in net for the Hawks. No doubt he was left hung out to dry on a couple of goals, but on Petry's goal, his rebound "control" was on display.
- Teuvo was back in the lineup, and while he was a -1 on the night, he was actually pretty decent out there. Take it in stride though, it was against the Oilers. Either way, it was good to see him look a little more comfortable out there.
- Nordstrom and Kruger couldn't crack the 10 minute mark tonight, while is puzzling considering how bad the Hawks were.
The Ugly
- How about the entire fucking game?
- Richards, Kane, Seabrook, and Keith were all -3 on the night. Bad games are bound to happen.
- Rundblad's bad high sticking penalty came back to bite the Hawks, as the Oilers scored on the ensuing power play.
- The Hawks only mustered 21 shots on the night, see the Minnesota game as well. Hopefully this isn't a trend developing.
- I've seen enough of Michal Rozsival. Seriously, how the fuck did he allow Brad Richards to beat him back on defense? I know the Oilers still scored on the play, but again, how do you let Richards beat you back? I'd love to see a slowest skater contest in All Star Weekend.
- 17 giveaways. I sure hope the Oilers liked the wrapping paper the Hawks used when they gave them the game.
- Hits are meaningless right? Well the Hawks were blown out, and they were STILL OUT HIT 29-17.
- Ok, I'm done, I've had enough of this day. Did I mention I managed to fall off of a truck today?