On Friday night, the Blackhawks continued their home stand when the Martin Brodeur-less New Jersey Devils came to town. Friday also marked the debuts for two new Blackhawks; former 1st round draft pick Ryan Hartman, and journeyman defenseman Kyle Cumiskey. Unfortunately, David Puddy wasn't in attendance to keep us entertained, which we all could have needed.
Aside from a couple of thunderous hits by Ryan Hartman, there really wasn't much to get excited about with the Blackhawks. The Hawks looked flat again, and could only muster 8 shots on goal in the first. Despite the boring first period, the Devils would manage to get on the board first, after a soft goal was allowed by Corey Crawford. After one, the Devils would lead 1-0.
(Insert second period summary here) - SNORE. That is all.
Following a late 2nd period penalty, the Blackhawks would open up the 3rd period on the power play. Marian Hossa continued his hot streak, as he tied the game with a power play goal just over a minute into the period. Just over three minutes later, Toews would hammer home another to give the Blackhawks the lead for good. Corey Schneider gave the Devils a chance with some great saves late in the game, but it was all for not, as Versteeg added an empty netter and gave the Hawks a much needed 3-1 win. It wasn't perfect, but based on how things have gone lately, I'll take the two points.
The Good
- We'll give a call to West Dundee native Ryan Hartman, who had a solid NHL debut. He had a couple of notable hits early on, and kept his game simple.
- Marian Hossa and Jonathan Toews were absolute beasts in the third period.
- The Blackhawks finally woke up in the third period, following the lead of Hossa and Toews. I'd still like to see a complete game played by the Blackhawks on this home stand.
- Corey Crawford bounced back nicely after allowing that brutal goal in the first. That's how you'd like to see your goalie react in that situation.
- Its a work in progress, but in the first period Patrick Kane was playing the point with Seabrook on the power play. Its an upgrade over Richards, but we'll see how long it lasts.
- The Hawks had a chance to put the game away on the power play in the third, but the man advantage was a disaster, just horrendous.
- Brandon Saad had a 2 on 1 with Hossa in the third, but instead of taking the shot, Saad waited, and waited some more, and the opportunity went for not. You'd like to see Saad be a little more selfish in that situation.
- The second period was about as exciting as a World Cup soccer game, which to us means; BORING.
- After watching the Devils, I have a suggestion for them. The ought to replace all the seats in the Prudential Center with cots, because they can put you to sleep with their thrilling play.
- Want to take a guess on who played a sweat drenching 4:03 tonight? Why the fuck is this guy on the bench?
- What can you say about the Devils roster? It looks like it was assembled from a not so clearance, clearance rack.