Blackhawks at Kings 3-2 OT Loss Recap

"Trip To The Drug Store"

by Patrick Stankus

Saturday night marked the end of the long 6 game "Circus Trip" for the Blackhawks as they visited the Kings at the Betty Ford Center, I mean, Staples Center in Los Angeles. The Hawks were coming off an improbable comeback as the scored 3 unanswered goals in a combined time of about 4 minutes on Friday against the Ducks. As much as the Hawks want to end the road trip and return home, they can't get caught looking ahead. All that does is most likely end up with an embarrassing loss.

The Blackhawks wasted little time when it came to getting on the scoreboard. Patrick Kane extended his points streak to 19 games just 11 minutes into the game with a power play goal after a horrendous turnover by the Kings. Unfortunately that would prove to be the highlight for the Hawks in the 1st period. Towards the end of the period the Kings found their legs, but they couldn't sneak one past Darling and the Hawks would take a 1-0 lead into the 1st intermission.

The second period got underway with the Kings on the power play following a late 1st period penalty by Andrew Desjardins. The Kings had a bundle of chances, but Scott Darling stood his ground and kept the Hawks in the lead. Just past the midway mark of the period, Niklas Hjalmarsson fired a cannon from just inside the blueline and beat Quick top shelf to increase the Hawks lead to 2-0. As the period wound down, the Kings dominated the Hawks, but still couldn't solve Darling, and after 40 minutes it was 2-0 in favor of the Hawks.

In the third period the Kings picked up right where they left off in the second period. They dominated play and 52 seconds in, Jeff Carter hammered home a rebound and cut the Hawks lead in half. Rather than play to win, the Hawks sat back and played not to lose and it bit them in the ass. With just over 5 minutes remaining Brent Seabrook coughed up a puck in the Hawks zone, and Marian Gaborik was there to cash in and tie the game. Scott Darling came up huge down the stretch and kept the Kings off the scoreboard and we would head to overtime tied at two.

As is always the case with a terrible rendition of pond hockey, the overtime didn't last long. After high quality chances for both teams, it was Marian Gaborik, while on a breakaway, who would end things and send the Kings fans home happy with a 3-2 Los Angeles win. The Blackhawks finished the Circus Trip with a 3-1-2 record, taking 8 out of a possible 12 points.

The Good

• As was the case in Calgary, Scott Darling was awesome in net. At times he didn't look comfortable, but in the end he made the big saves when needed to keep the Hawks in the game. Anyone who blames this loss on Darling is bat shit crazy. In the end Darling made 33 saves.
• Patrick Kane didn't waste long in extending his points streak to 19 games. Kane now holds the record for the longest points streak by a U.S. born player. Who wants to bet there will t-shirts commemorating this for sale at The UC on Tuesday night?
• Wasn't it nice to be treated to a Niklas Hjalmarsson goal? That was an absolute bomb from the blueline.
• The Hawks only took one penalty, which occurred late in the 1st period by Andrew Desjardins. It earned him an extended stay on the bench.
• Back to Kane's goal, wasn't it nice to see the Hawks be 100% on the power play tonight? That's what happens when you convert your only chance.

The Bad

• It took the Hawks just about 10 minutes for them to register their 1st shot on goal in the second period. Seriously, at that point just throw a puck towards the net.
• WOOF, Andrew Desjardins. One bad penalty, and he was also by far the Hawk who saw the ice the least tonight with 7:03 TOI.
• Yesterday it was Teravainen, tonight it was Kero who got stuck playing with The Manshitter and Desjardins. Nothing like developing young players by setting them up for failure. How's that development of Marko Dano coming along when he sits in the press box?
• Kane and Keith both had multi point nights, and both ended up at -1. And as solid as TVR has been playing, tonight he took it on the chin with a -2, the only Hawk with that mark.

The Ugly

• Sorry, but I'm not one who can find it acceptable to say "hey, the Hawks salvaged a point tonight." I can't accept that when you BLOW a 2 goal lead in the 3rd period. That's unacceptable in my book. Call me a meatball all you want. It'd be different if the Hawks were down in the 3rd and tied the game, and then lost in OT. Sorry tonight the glass is half empty.
• Seriously someone get Brent Seabrook some Robitussin with the way he's been coughing up pucks of late.
• The Hawks were out shot tonight 36-22. That's what happens when you sit back on a lead instead of keeping your foot on the gas.
• If someone other than Jonathan Toews wants to win a faceoff, that would be swell.
• It doesn't surprise me that the Kings fans love 3 on 3 OT. After all they called this "hockey" for two summers.                                    
  
  
• And I'll leave you with this. The Hawks were outhit 33-17 and lost. Stop saying hits are a meaningless stat. After all don't we love stats, stats, and more stats along with graphs 90% of the population don't understand?

Blackhawks at Ducks 3-2 OT Win Recap

"Hot Tub Slime Machine"

by Patrick Stankus

On Friday afternoon the Blackhawks started their southern California portion of the Circus Trip with a visit to the pond in Anaheim. The Hawks were coming off an impressive with in the bay area on Wednesday night over the Sharks and looked to carry that momentum to So. Cal for the back to back this weekend. This also marked the Hawks first trip to Anaheim since winning the Campbell Bowl last season, how's that for a Game 7 memory Anaheim?

The first period got off to a disastrous start for Hawks. Patrick Kane turned the puck over just inside the Ducks zone, which led to an Anaheim 2-0 and Andrew Cogliano scored to put the Ducks up 1-0 just a minute into the game. It didn't get much better for the Hawks. Throughout the period, the Hawks coughed up the puck numerous times, but Crawford was there to bail them out. After two lifeless power plays that generated 1 shot, the Hawks found their legs towards the end of the period, but couldn't get the puck past Gibson, and trailed 1-0 after 20 minutes.

After the lackluster showing in the 1st period, the Hawks looked like a team that got their ass chewed out during the intermission. They came out with more energy and were able to generate a few more chances. The Hawks seemed to turn the momentum in their favor after a power play in which they had several good looks, but didn't score. All that momentum was killed though after Andrew Shaw took a soft, but correct slashing penalty. The Ducks were able to cash in just as that power play ended as Chris Stewart beat Crawford with a knuckleball to increase the Ducks lead to 2-0. As time wound down, Kane was able to get a breakaway, but Gibson stoned him and after 40 minutes the Ducks retained their 2-0 lead.

The third period got underway with the Hawks being shorthanded for the first 1:52 for a carry over penalty of Niklas Hjalmarsson from the 2nd period. The Hawks penalty kill came through and was able to kill off the penalty. The majority of the 3rd period was a snoozefest with whistle after whistle. That however changed in the final 2 minutes of the game. With Crawford pulled, the Hawks were able to score two goals in just over a minute to tie the game at 2 and send the game to overtime. The overtime frame would take just under two minutes for the Hawks to complete the improbable comeback. Brent Seabrook set up Artem Anisimov for the game winner, giving the Hawks a 3-2 win. Holy shit, I gotta get out of this business.

The Good

• Much like the game in Calgary where the Hawks had no business earning a point in the OT loss, today the Hawks had no business earning 2 points for the OT win. The Hawks can thank their goaltending for those 3 points. Much like Darling in Calgary, Corey Crawford kept the Hawks in the game today when they had no business whatsoever.
• The final two minutes were pretty exciting wouldn't you say?
• Patrick Kane extended his points streak to 18 games, and tied the record for longest streak for a U.S. born player with an assist on Duncan Keith's game tying goal.
• Quietly today Brent Seabrook had 3 assists, for that, I'll forget his ill timed hit of Kesler that in part led to Chris Stewart's goal.
• Marian Hossa's opening goal for the Hawks was on the power play. I think I'll go wet my pants.
• Artem Anisimov has turned into quite the 2nd line center for the Hawks. Too bad it came at the expense of a 1st line left wing. Because that hole is still humongous.

The Bad

• Just as the Hawks generated some momentum following a better power play in 2nd period, Andrew Shaw takes his usual selfish, careless penalty to kill the momentum.
• The Hawks 1st two power plays that were essentially back to back yielded one fucking shot. With this amount of talent, that's beyond pathetic.
• Just when Kero and Kruger seemed to be developing some chemistry, Q decides to scratch Kero with Teuvo returning, but keeps The Manshitter in the lineup. I give up on trying to figure out this guy's "coaching" or developing of young players.

The Ugly

• 4pm local time start in Chicago + orange Ducks jersey + screaming of the National Anthem = the hat trick of shit to start this game.
• As good as Patrick Kane has been playing, his turnover on Cogliano's goal cannot happen. I don't care how good of a player you are.
• The first period was full of turnovers, and sloppy play by the Hawks. They're lucky their goalie was able to bail them out.
• Ryan Kesler is a fucking tool. Late in the first period, he and Toews got into a scuffle, in which Toews dropped his gloves, and Kesler waited until the linesmen jumped in before dropping his gloves. If you're gonna fight, fight. Then again different jersey, same old Kesler we know from his Vancouver days.
• There was a whole lotta suck on Anaheim's 2nd goal. A bad change, coupled with Seabrook going for a big hit on Kesler, led to a 3 on 1, and Anaheim increasing their lead to 2.
• The Hawks were hammered at the dot this afternoon 43-31.
• A big F-U to the people who made Ryan Kesler the 3rd star of the game.

A Very Hostile Thanksgiving

by Gatekeeper

I thought I would put together a little piece and share what we, at Puckin Hostile, are thankful for, so here goes:

I'll take the top of the first inning:

• I'm thankful for the San Jose Sharks and their annual reverse sweep choke job, so we can all wonder in amazement, each spring, how Doug Wilson maintains employment. (hint - dirty pictures of someone important)
• I'm thankful for Brandon Saad, bringing the Blackhawks Corey Tropp,
  
  as well as a couple of other slugs named Artem Anisimov and Marko Dano,
  
  Following a simply genius and precisely calculated move by the Blackhawks brass, in the 2011 draft, letting Saad fall ass backwards into their lap,
  
  After they passed on Saad not one; not two; but THREE times in 42 picks.
• I'm thankful for Don Sweeney, who is single-handedly and swiftly dismantling the once mighty WICKED GOOD BAWSTUHN FAHKIN BROONS, so we don't have to listen to that fan base yapping about winning DA STAAANLEY FAHKIN COP for another few years.
• I'm thankful for Stadium Series games, because we can can count on these games to incite the immense asshurt each year from the fanbases of all the embarrassingly shitty teams that don't and, quite frankly, shouldn't get selected.
• I'm thankful for #3CUPZ, so the drooling meatballs have their idiotic and painfully ignorant battle cry.
• I'm thankful for Corey Crawstink. I'm thankful that the Blackhawks could never win two Stanley Cups with that shitty loser. I'm thankful that his glove is the worst in the league. I'm thankful he didn't turn down the $6 million a year he was offered, like he was supposed to. I'm thankful for the multiple William Jennings trophies that the legendary Ray Emery, Scott Darling and Antti Raanta won for him.
  
• In all seriousness, I'm thankful for this Puckin Hostile team we have. It's really nice to have a crew to enjoy all this seething sarcasm with.

From our McRib spokesperson and likely candidate for dangerously high cholesterol Pat Stankus:

• I'm thankful for the fatness of Ken Hitchcock. As long as Hitchcock is around, the Fatrick jokes will continue to be lame and nothing but a lie when compared to that fat ass in St. Louis.
• I'm thankful for David Backes skating with his head down. If it weren't for Backes' shitty hockey skills, WAKEY, WAKEY would be around.
• I'm thankful for Joel Quenneville's ego. If it weren't for Q being a know it all and throwing out his bat shit fucking crazy lines, I'd, or all of us would have nothing to bitch about.
• I'm thankful for Mike Keenan and John Tortorella being fantastic hockey coaches. God forbid we have coaches that speak the truth. Speaking of that Ryan Johansen is still fat and out of shape. (editors note - Your dream is not still alive)
• I'm thankful for Artem Anisimov. Thanks for being a great translator of English to Artemi Panarin.
• I'm thankful for the Arizona Coyotes. Thanks for being the first NHL team to incorporate the future city they'll be relocated to in their jerseys. I mean we all want #MOARBLACK and so does Las Vegas.
• I'm thankful for Ville Pokka. Thanks for making me look like the manliest man possible. (editors note - which is a hard feat)
• I'm thankful for Daniel Carcillo retiring.

From our resident intarwebz troll and Photoshop guy Derek Harms:

• I'm thankful for The St. Louis Blues, for continuing to follow the same formula that has brought them so much success.
• I'm thankful for Chik-Fil-A and McRibs, for fueling Pat's poorly timed Konstantinov and Lokomotiv jokes
• I'm thankful for the amazing Dallas Stars goalie tandem, that will eventually lead them valiantly to a first round playoff exit
• I'm thankful for the Blackhawks and Joel Quenneville, for constantly playing young skilled players over the aging Vets they mysteriously sign just to reach the cap floor
• I'm thankful for the NHL implementing a cocaine policy so we don't have to play the Los Angeles Kings in anymore Western Conference Final

Blackhawks at Sharks5-2 Win Recap

"Vegas Vacation"
by Patrick Stankus

The Blackhawks continued their annual Circus Trip on Thanksgiving Eve with a stop in San Jose to visit the Sharks. This marked the first game for the Hawks since they shit the bed on Saturday night in Vancouver and followed it up with a much deserved trip to Las Vegas. With a difficult back to back in southern California looming this weekend, it was crucial the Hawks get the first game of the California portion of the Circus Trip started on the right foot.

The Blackhawks controlled play throughout the first period, although the Sharks did find their legs late in the period. Despite that, Hawks ended up outshooting the Sharks by a 11-5 margin. The Hawks would open the scoring midway through the first frame. The lead would not last, as 6 minutes later the Sharks would tie it up. As quick as the Hawks lead evaporated, the tie between the two teams would evaporate quicker. Just under 90 seconds later, the Hawks would take a 2-1 lead, and hang onto that lead as the first period ended.

The second period would see a shift in play in favor of the Sharks. The Sharks would end up outshooting the Hawks 12-6 in the period. However it was the Hawks, not the Sharks would end up getting on the scoreboard to increase their lead to 3-1. Even though both teams had opportunities in the second, that would be the only scoring of the period and the Hawks would 3-1 after two.

The third period would see the Sharks start out on the power play, but still couldn't solve Crawford. That would change midway through the period as the Sharks would cut the Hawks lead to 3-2. That's as close as the Sharks would get as the Hawks would add two goals in final eight minutes and cruised to a 5-2 win over the Sharks.


The Good

• Patrick Kane added 2 assists tonight and increased his points streak to 17 games.
• Corey Crawford was outstanding. When the Hawks needed a big save, Crow was there to back his teammates up tonight. It turned out being a nice bounce back game for Crawford after that debacle in Vancouver. In the end he stopped 27 of 29 shots.
• Another guy who had a nice bounce back game was The Bread Man. Panarin had 2 assists tonight and looked like his old self, not the tired one we saw Saturday.
• Duncan Keith led all the Hawks with 29:23 of ice time tonight. He was also a team high +3.
• Gotta give credit where credit is do. Michal Rozsival has been pretty solid since his return from a broken ankle.
• Much like TVR, the more I see Tanner Kero play, the more I like his game. Not to mention he's also turning into a reliable PK guy.
• The Hawks held the Sharks shotless for nearly the first 14 minutes of the game.
• Melker Karlsson. Seriously, next to Nail Yakupov, is there a better hockey name right now?

The Bad

• Marian Hossa was flat out robbed twice in the first period by Martin Jones.
• How much longer until Marko Dano becomes the next Brandon Pirri? Its pretty obvious he's lost in Q's system, which that never ends well for the player.
• As much as I complain about hearing Chelsea Dagger, the Sharks Jaws soundbite just might be more annoying than Chelsea Dagger.
• The Hawks were a little more careless than you'd like to see. Tonight they took 5 penalties. You'd like to see them clean that up a bit.

The Ugly

• I was looking forward to seeing Ben Smith play tonight. Now I'm sad. So sad that I might eat a shit ton of turkey and eat my way into a coma.
• Trevor Daley did his best Viktor Stalberg impression and missed the net by 50 ft on a 3 on 2 in the 3rd period. How's that trade value looking?
• So is Brandon Mashinter only playing because the Hawks equipment staff found a stash of old Khabibulin #53 jerseys and need to put them to use? The guy is completely useless. I didn't even notice him tonight.
• Brace yourselves, Steve Konroyd will be providing us with color commentary for Friday's game. I wonder if Gate will point something in his recap of that game on how awesome Konroyd is.

Blackhawks at Canucks6-3 Loss Recap

“Vanquished by Vancouver”

by guest recapper @AtomicFroster

After two lacklustre performances in rounds 1 and 2 of the circus trip, albeit getting three out of a possible 4 points, Coach Q opens game 3 by once again shuffling the lines in a BoggleTM style free for all. Anticipation was palpable in Vancouver with Daniel Sedin sitting on the cusp of 900 career points.

Pre-game festivities took slightly longer than usual as Vancouver anthem singer, Mark Donnelly, sang the usual duo of anthems and in addition the Canadian National Anthem en francais in tribute to the recent events in Paris.

First Period:
The puck drops with the first line of Toews, Shaw and Garbutt to start, followed by the third featuring Kruger and Hossa. The teams trade chances until things are interrupted by a fight between Rockford Captain Brandon Mashinter and Brandon Prust. Although Mashinter has an obvious size advantage, the fight ends with no cleanly landed punches and the two falling on each other. Fight seemed unprovoked other than both Prust and Mashinter trying to prove their worth to their respective coaches. Bartowski is sent to the box for tripping Toews 5.5min into the period. Toews makes them pay by taking matters into his own hands and scoring a short-side goal over the shoulder of Ryan Miller. This goal should not have happened for the fact that Tanev pinches up ice to Hossa and leaves #19 free to seize the opportunity and strike first. Niklas Hjalmarsson cross checks Jannik Hansen in front of Cory Crawford pushing him to the ice and making him the recipient of a slapshot to the head putting the Canucks on the Powerplay. 50 seconds later, Toews takes a penalty for tripping Burrows. With two of our three best penalty killers in the box the Canucks make the Hawks pay with Henrik Sedin wristing one past Crawford, with the assist to his twin who recognizes the 900 point career milestone. The Canucks score again 6 minutes later with Kero making a lazy play at the side of the net allowing Henrik’s set up of Hansen upfront. Luckily a minute later Garbutt evens the score with the helper coming from Toews. Kane gets a clean break away with 3min remaining but his attempt is foiled by Ryan Miller’s left pad. All is even at 2.

Second Period:
The second period starts with the Blackhawks controlling the majority of the gameplay and scoring chances. Any momentum gained is quickly halted by a Ryan Garbutt hooking minor 7 minutes in. The Canucks capitalize with a Daniel Sedin goal assisted by brother Henrik. From this point on, the Canucks were the better team for the remainder of the period. The Blackhawks get a powerplay curtesy of a Luca Sbisa hi-stick on Anisimov but the Hawks only register an abysmal one shot on net. Period ends with the Canucks up one, 3-2.

Third Period:
Both teams trade some minor scoring chances until the first notable play of the period is an Andrew Shaw hit on Canucks Dorsett 6min into the final period. It seemed like the gloves would be dropped for the second fight of the night but the refs forced gameplay to continue. Seabrook gives Burrows a breakaway and Crawford stands tall and shuts the door. Shaw stifles another odd-man rush with a great back-check. Blackhawks even up the score thanks to a fantastic play by Patrick Kane at the blue-line, shaking the defender and setting up an Anisimov wrist shot. The tie game was short-lived as the home team scored three successive goals to dash the Hawks hopes at putting the circus trip over 500. Final score 6-3 Vancouver. Blackhawks register 29 SOG; Canucks, 20.


The Good

• Coach Q’s BoggleTM approach seemed to work providing the best Blackhawk game this trip
• Jonathan Toews powerplay goal was highlight-reel worthy
• Patrick Kane’s point streak continues (16 games)
• Ryan Garbutt scores first goal as a Blackhawk (that’s a good thing, right?!).

The Bad

• 5 goals on 19 shots for Crawford, marking one of his worst performances this year
• Allowing the Canucks sisters to net 9 points collectively
• Did we mention 5 goals on 19 shots?!

The Ugly

• Mashinter’s fight against smaller Prust left us wondering if he’s capable of NHL level brawls
• Captain Serious needs to get serious about staying out of the box
• 3 unanswered goals, late in the third, is never going to win you a hockey game.

The Lineblender
Shaw - Toews - Garbutt
Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Desjardins - Kruger - Hossa
Mashinter - Kero - Dano

Keith - Hjalmarsson
van Riemsdyk - Seabrook
Rozsival - Daley

Blackhawks at Flames2-1 OT Loss Recap

"Shout It Out Loud"
by Patrick Stankus

The Blackhawks resumed their Circus Trip on Friday night in Calgary, about 3 south of where it began in Edmonton on Wednesday night. This is the 2nd time in 5 days the Hawks will have played the Flames as Calgary was in Chicago on Sunday night. The Alberta part of the Circus Trip used to be penciled in as losses, but in recent history, the trend has turned in the favor of the Hawks. This one wouldn't be easy as it also marked the beginning of a back to back which will see the Hawks visit Vancouver on Saturday.

The first period was definitely not one of my favorite times in hockey history. Both teams would end up scoring, and both goals were challenged by the each coach for goalie interference. Rightfully so, both goals stood. Therefore those all important timeouts that coaches' "covet" or so I'm told, were lost early in the game. Calgary dominated the play in the first period, but after one, the score would be tied at one.

The next 20 minutes were an absolute snoozefest. Both teams had a power play in the middle stanza, but neither could find the back of the net. Aside from what sounded like a shoutout to Gate from Eddie O over their Lemont Native vs. Chicago Native Twitter debate the other day, I damn near fell asleep during the 2nd period. After 2 periods, the game would remain tied at one.

Much like the 1st period, the Flames dominated the play in the 3rd period. The Flames ended up outshooting the Hawks by a 14 to 4 margin. The Hawks had no business being in this game down the stretch. If it wasn't for the play of Scott Darling, who may or may not be from Lemont or Chicago, the Hawks would have lost this game in regulation. The play of Darling earned the Hawks at least a point as after 60 minutes the game would remain tied at one.

In overtime, the Flames domination continued. They recorded 6 shots to the Hawks 0. Johnny Hockey ended things just over a minute and a half in after stealing the puck from Seabrook, and completely undressed Darling, giving the Flames a 2-1 win.

Saturday night the Hawks visit Vancouver, and we have a very special treat for the readers of Puckin' Hostile. Saturday's game will feature our guest recapper, and first International recap from our friend from North of Border, @atomicfroster . Hopefully its written in English.

The Good

• Scott Darling was outstanding in the 3rd period for the Hawks tonight. In total he made 35 saves, and deserved a better outcome than an overtime loss. Frankly the Hawks can thank Darling for the point they got tonight.
• Patrick Kane extended his point streak to a career high 15 games with an assist on Anisimov's 1st period goal.
• A big thanks to Edzo for making Gate's night by mentioning their spirited debate on whether or not Scott Darling is a Lemont or Chicago native. That is the only thing that made the 2nd period watchable.
• You can thank me later that I did this recap against the Flames, and saved all of you from the slobbering lovefest of Mike Vernon and Gate, had Gate recapped this game.

The Bad

• The Hawks looked tired and uninterested tonight. Which is concerning since they didn't play Thursday night, and do play Saturday night in Vancouver. I'm preparing for a shitshow tomorrow night.
• The Hawks yielded 27 shots to the Flames in the 1st and 3rd periods tonight. That is not a joke. Its actually embarrassing.
• Brent Seabrook was a -2 tonight, and coughed up the puck on Johnny Hockey's game winning goal. Definitely not Seabrook's best game. Maybe he should lose the shield he's rocking since taking that puck to the face on Sunday night.
• Brandon Bollig actually played more than The Manshitter. Granted it was only 29 seconds more, but still. The fact Brandon Bollig got more ice time than you should tell you that you are indeed a terrible hockey player.
• Throughout the whole game the Hawks were ineffective at getting the puck into the zone, and getting pucks to the net. They did have 2 shifts in a row where they had complete control of the puck in the 2nd period, but its nothing to wet your pants about when you have nothing to show for it.

The Ugly

• This game was fucking boring to watch. It was sloppy, careless hockey for the most part tonight. That's unwatchable hockey, not the fact the game was low scoring.
• Those "goalie interference" calls that were challenged were a complete joke. Neither one of those were close to being goalie interference. That was laughable. If people think those plays were goalie interference I pray to God.
• Why are Brandon Mashinter and Viktor Tikhonov on the Blackhawks?
• Trevor Daley played 12:09 tonight. That can only help his trade value.
• When the Calgary Flames outshoot you by 18 shots, you deserve to lose.
• That Seabrook turnover on Johnny Hockey's game winner, WOOF.
• I'm jumping on Derek's and Gate's bandwagon when it comes to the fact that Pat Boyle and Steve Konroyd are God awful. They are intolerable. Throw in Jamal Mayers and you complete the hat trick.

Blackhawks at Oilers4-3 Overtime Recap

"Confidence Vs. Consequence"

by Gatekeeper

After yet another successful Shoutcast, Tuesday night, it was time for the Blackhawks to make some big news. Nothing much happened during the day but we were expecting it. In other news, the Hawks had a circus trip to begin, in Edmonton. The one brutal part of the circus trip is the late games, and this one was no exception. That said, there was a game to watch and recap.

The first period was painfully boring and sloppy for both teams. The Blackhawks couldn't get anything going, and couldn't even manage to get to 5 shots on net. They yielded 11 shots to the Oilers but all was just fine, because there were no goals tallied. I would chalk this one up to the chaos of being on the road, I suppose.

The second period was slightly better, at least as far as action goes. The Blackhawks went up 2-0 and it looked like they may run away with the game, before giving a goal up towards the end of the period. They also made up for their brutal first period by out shooting the Oilers 12-9. A one goal lead after two period is, pretty much, exactly what we should reasonably expect in a late night November road game.

The Blackhawks third period left a lot to be desired, with the Oilers scoring twice, to counter the Blackhawks one goal, ending regulation 3-3. The Oilers had more overall pressure and the shot advantage 16-10. The Hawks play was enough to eventually get the game to overtime, and guarantee them at least one point. Yay right? Meh. With a little help from their goalie, the Blackhawks stole the game in OT and left Edmonton with the extra point.

The Good

• It took the Blackhawks almost half the game to break the scoreless tie. Right after the Oilers' Griffin Reinhart took a penalty for smoking Shaw from behind, the Blackhawks showed off a new powerplay configuration that worked pretty well. It was a 1-3-1 diamond setup with Duncan Keith in the center of the diamond. Patrick Kane found the blade of Keith, who redirected the puck past Nilsson for a 1-0 Blackhawks lead.
• With about 5 minutes remaining in the second period Artemi Panarin scored on his former KHL foe, Anders Nilsson. The #AK72 line forechecked the Oilers into thick gooey puddle of submission. Panarin force the puck back to Kane, who hit Anisimov at the top of the circle with quick pass. He got the puck back dwon low to Panarin who was in behind everyone, and the kid beat Nilsson easily for a 2-0 Blackhawks lead.
• Just past the halfway point of the third period, the makeshift line of Kero, Shaw, and Kruger put the Blackhawks up 3-2. The play began with Duncan Keith keeping the puck in the Oilers zone, which led to Kruger feeding Kero from a prone position. Kero found the tape of Shaw, who fanned on his initial shot, but the second chance beat a surprised Nilsson.
• Corey Crawford's glove save in overtime was ridiculous, and the next rush up the ice won the game. Brent Seabrook found Marian Hossa coming off the bench behind the Oilers defense from deep in his own end for a Hoss breakaway. Hossa pulled the half clapper and beat a helpless Anders Nilsson. Game, set, match.
• Speaking of Crawford, he saved 34 of 37 and the Blackhawks don't get that extra point without him.
• Getting out shot 37/27 on the road and winning. You can't complain about that one bit. That's pure theft.
• I keep waiting for Panarin to slump, and he he keeps doing things like putting up 3 point games. Doesn't mean I regret underestimating him for one second. Err on the side of caution every time.
• The mentioned how terrible Artem Anisimov has been at faceoffs all year. All he did was go out and win 13 of 18.

The Bad

• Reports surfaced, during the day, that Trevor Daley was on the block, which delighted many. Reports also claimed that teams like Ottawa and Lumbus were looking for that type of defenseman. Take that $3 million off the Blackhawks books, please.
• It needs to be pointed out because it is hilarious but the Oilers now former captain has been pulling his best Adrian Aucoin impression with a streak of healthy scratches. Almost as bad as Bickell in the AHL. Almost.
• Marko Dano now definitely knows what the Quenneville doghouse smells like.
• In the second period Teuvo Teravainen left for the locker room and never returned. Perfect way to start an extended road trip. Just when they gave him a competent center with some experience.
• Young Darnell Nurse put on a bit of a show to set up Benoit Pouliot for the game tying goal, with 5 minutes gone in the third period. He was able to stickhandle around Marian Hossa, which is no easy feat. He also drew 2 other defenders, including Trevor Daley. Once he got an open lane, he was able to send a nice backhand pass to the blade of Pouliot, who redirected the pass through Crawford.
• With just under 3 minutes remaining in the third period Trevor van Riemsdyk had a rough shift, getting worked hard off the puck which was immediately snapped over Crawford's shoulder from a tight angle by Leon Draisaitl.
• We're going to continue this Shaw / Garbutt #HITZ charade on the road too, eh? They were credited with 3 each. Stupid stat, period. Meatball spokesman Pat Boyle didn't talk important numbers in the intermission, but he was sure quick to bang out the #HITZ stats.
• Brandon Manshitter played 6:59 and I can't tell you one thing he did on the ice.

The Ugly

• I've come to fucking loathe Steve Konroyd. He say some of the most boring and stupid thing. He proclaimed Anders Nilson a "shot blocker". Well NO FUCKING SHIT, Steve. Isn't every goalie a shot blocker? Prior to that, immediately after Ryan Garbutt mentioned that he grew up in Edmonton, Steve says, "You grew up in Edmonton, until you were 12, I think". I expected Garbutt to say, "Yeah, that's what I just said, Stevie two times". The WORST.
• With just over 3 minutes remaining in the second period the Blackhawks were caught in a terrible long change in which 3 Blackhawks stepped off the ice all at once, and left Brent Seabrook out on and island and Jordan Eberle in on a breakaway. You can't fault Crawford when a sniper like Eberle has that much time to size you up. Just a brutal play from top to bottom.
• What the fuck is wrong with Eberle's baby grill?
  

The Lineblender
Dano - Toews - Hossa
Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Shaw - Kruger - Teravainen
Mashinter - Kero - Garbutt

Keith - Hjalmarsson
van Riemsdyk - Seabrook
Rozsival - Daley

Puckin Hostile Shoutcast - Episode 43

In this Puckin Hostile Shoutcast number 43, the Viktor Svedberg episode, the Puckin Hostile clowns go "hostful" style

The group discuss the following:

-Fatrick's family trip to Rockford, where he disappointingly skipped the Olive Garden
-Debates on goalie equipment size over enlarging the nets
-A split vs Blues, two losses to the Devils, and big wins vs both the Oilers and Flames
-Martin Havlat hates the Blues like, just about, everyone else.
-Justin Abdel-Bickell extension
-G8's fanboying of the Flames
-Returns of Keith and Rozsival
-Enforcer Jonathan Toews, and the meatballs who love him.
-Some Blackhawks roster moves.
-Hockey Hall of Fame talk.
-More talk about the debacle that is replay
-Twittarz loudmouths
-Falling down the #HarmsHole
-Puckin Hostile Holiday gathering / Roadwatch
-And as always, several inappropriate references and jokes in bad taste.

More importantly, Make sure to support our friend, and fellow goaler herself, Ali Lawrence at www.puckandgrind.com

You can find the episode on iTunes by following this link: iTunes

Puckin Hostile Shoutcast - Episode 43 MP3 Download
You can listen below on the Talkshoe player:

Get the Shoutcast on Soundcloud here:




Also, Please check out and share the Puckin Hostile Stanley Cup Highlight video:


Music by "The Bloodline"


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http://www.facebook.com/BlackAndTanSports

Blackhawks vs. Flames4-1 Win Recap

"IN FLAMES"
by Gatekeeper

Nothing like a back to back weekend night games for the Blackhawks, in early November. Weather in Chicago was absolutely gorgeous, even more so for a Sunday night in November. The Blackhawks were coming off an immensely emotional win the previous night in St. Louis against the rival Blues. Both Duncan Keith and Michal Rozsival made their returns to the lineup in St. Louis as well. Something that only those close to me really knows is that I was a huge Calgary Flames fan in the 80s and early 90s. I'll always have a bit of a soft spot for them, but that is a distant second to the Blackhawk nation. This was going to be an entertaining one because, despite their record, the Flames have a lot of talent and a very good defensive corp.

The Blackhawks certainly didn't shot the effects of playing a road game just 24 hours earlier. The controlled a majority of the play in the first period with 10 shots on net, to the Flames 3 shots. Clearly the Hawks had all of the premium scoring chances bu, as often happens with this team, neither team was able to open the scoring.

The second period was fairly boring for about 15 minutes but, luckily for the Blackhawks, there were another 5 minutes that needed to be played. There were 4 goals scored in 4:51, three of which were from the Blackhawks. Not only did they score three goals, but they were three unanswered goals, after going down 1-0. The Hawks also led in shots once again, but by a much more slim margin 15-12.

The third period was more eventful than the first, but not much. There were a couple of scoring chances both ways, but the only goal was an empty netter. The Hawks out shot the Flames for another period, 16-10 and closed out their last home game in a few week, with a 4-1 win. On to the circus trip....

The Good

• I know there is no way they could have paid for him, but I miss me some Michael Frolik.
• As has happened pretty often this season, Patrick Kane brought the Blackhawks back into the game with a backhander from a tight angle.
• A minute and three seconds after the Kane goal, Marian Hossa followed up with a 45 foot one timer that handcuffed Ramo. For some reason Ramo tried to reach completely across his body instead of just using his blocker, and it cost him.
• Artemi Panarin didn't want to be left out of the excitement, so he completed the hat trick of goals in 1:55, putting the Blackhawks up 3-1. Patrick Kane threaded the needled from behind the net to a wide open Panarin who snapped a shot over Ramo's left shoulder.
• I really like Kruger playing a third line role like he did in this one. It's time, especially with his pending free agency next season.
• The Hawks were good at the faceoff dots once again, winning 56%. Anisimov was the low man, winning only 5 of 14.
• #LemontNativeScottDarling rebounded from a few very average starts to have a really solid 25 save win, even though Eddie wanted to switch it up to #ChicagoNativeScottDarling.
  
• I will give Michal Rozsival some credit. You know exactly what you're going to get. Solid positional defense. Other than that, you're on your own. He IS slow as all shit, and it showed right before the Jones goal. He just can't win a race to the puck, unless that race is with John Scott.
  

The Bad

• Even thought the Blackhawks were severely out shooting the Flames, it was the Flames that opened the scoring. Just a couple of minutes into the second period, David Jones was able to poke a Joe Colborne rebound around the left leg of Scott Darling on just their 6th shot of the game.
• According to the drunken official scorer, Ryan Garbutt had 8 "hitz" and Andrew Shaw had 7 "hitz". In what fucking parallel dimension did these stats come from? I'd like to know because I'd hold the NHL record in shutouts in this fantasy land.

The Ugly

• Brent Seabrook took a redirected Michael Frolik shot above the right eye at the end of the second period which required him to go to the locker room early for some cosmetic work. My quess would be about a dozen stitches. (Picture via @SarahLauch)
  
• Just over a minute into the third period, the usually solid as a block of ice Niklas Hjalmarsson tried one of the most stupid plays I've seen in a long long time. He was in his own corner and tried a blind backhand pass which was right to the stick of streaking Flames forward, Matt Stajan. Lucky for Hjalmarssson, Darling bailed him out with a huge save.
• The one criticism I have of Artemi Panarin is that he doesn't always shoot enough. It was most evident at the end, when he fucked around too long and blew a chance at an open net goal. Just bury it and be done. Fuck!
• Greg Boysen from Let's Go Hawks.net had to point out that meatball hero Brandon Bollig actually played in this game. I am as surprised as you all are. USE-LESS.
• Speaking of utterly useless, Brandon Manshitter played a team low 8:05 and I can't remember a single shift he was out there.
• Remember all those meatball idiots claiming the end of the world, and the Blackhawks not making the playoffs? Yeah, that was a thing.

The Lineblender
Dano - Toews - Hossa
Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Shaw - Kruger - Teravainen
Garbutt - Kero - Mashinter

Keith - Hjalmarsson
van Riemsdyk - Seabrook
Rozsival - Daley

Blackhawks at Blues4-2 Win Recap

"Rozy Is Red, Backes Is Blue"

by Patrick Stankus

On Saturday night, the Blackhawks made the trip down I-55 to the smoldering tire fire of the Midwest known as St. Louis to take on the Blues. This marks the second meeting of the year between the two, with the Blues taking the first game in Chicago. Although judging by the crowd in St. Louis, you could argue this game was also taking place in Chicago.

The Blackhawks got off to a slow start, despite having an early power play. The sloppy play by the Hawks was bailed out by some big saves by Corey Crawford. Just before the 5 minute mark, Duncan Keith, or Andrew Shaw, its still being debated, would get the Hawks on the board first. As the period continued, the play turned into what we expected between the Blues and Hawks. The Hawks would hold their own despite all the hits being thrown, and after 20 minutes would lead the Blues 1-0.

The second period would get underway the same way the first period ended, with a lot of nastiness. This played right into the hands of the Blues, and they capitalized. Tarasenko would score 2 goals in less than 2 minutes, the 2nd being a power play goal, and put the Blues in the lead. The Hawks though, would not back down despite the physicality from the Blues. With the period coming to a close, TVR would tie the game at 2. In the final minutes, Marko Dano thought he had put the Hawks up, but was absolutely robbed by Jake Allen with a goal line glove save, that was reviewed. Nevertheless, the Hawks got a late power play, and Patrick Kane extended his point streak to 12, and put the Hawks up 3-2 after 40 minutes.

The final 20 minutes of the game was dominated by the Blues. Duncan Keith took an early penalty, which turned the momentum in favor of St. Louis. Luckily for the Hawks, Corey Crawford was on his game, and make some huge saves down the stretch to preserve the lead. With just under a minute remaining, Artem Anisimov would seal the win by adding an empty netter and give the Hawks a 4-2 over the Blues.

The Hawks are right back at it on Sunday night at home against Calgary. The biggest Mike Vernon fan in the world will have your recap on that one to close out the weekend.

The Good

• Welcome back Duncan Keith. Whether or not that was his or Andrew Shaw's goal, its nice to have a defenseman on the point who won't second guess a chance to shoot the puck on net when there's a lane.
• Speaking of Duncan Keith, he had a fantastic defensive play during a Blues 3 on 1 1/2 (since it was Rozsival skating back.) Keith made a sprawling sweep check on his stomach to break up a cross ice pass.
• Come on people, jump on board. The AK72Line is the real deal. Whether they're at even strength or on the power play, they are a force. See Kane's power play goal.
• Corey Crawford was huge in net for the Hawks in the 3rd period. In the end he made 29 saves en route to the win.
• After some recent struggles at the dot, it was nice to see the Hawks win the faceoff battle tonight 35-28.
• TVR had another solid night on defense, while adding his 2nd goal of the season. This kid keeps getting better and better.
• I thought this was by far Marcus Kruger's best game of the season. In fact this was the "fourth" line's best game of the season. For the most part it consisted of Shaw-Kruger-Teravainen.

The Bad

• Early in the game, Teuvo took an illegal check to head from Joel Edmundson. Thankfully, Teravainen popped back up after the hit. The last thing the Hawks now is an injury that would probably result in a Bickell call up.
• Jonathan Toews leveled David Backes with a "hit to the head" late in the 1st period. What irritates me the most is, could someone please tell Backes to skate with his head up? Of course he's going to be hit in the head when he's constantly skating with his head down.
• This is why I hate replay. The save Allen made on Dano was ridiculous, but it warranted a review. I like the rule of you need visual evidence the puck is completely across the goal line. The other night the Red Wings had a goal taken away even though Braden Holtby's glove was completely across the line, but there was no visual of the puck whatsoever. I get why that is not a goal. On the Allen play however, on the overhead, you can see the puck in the webbing of Allen's glove, and the puck is across the line. The problem is how quick the War Room in Toronto was to call that a no goal. I wish they would have spent more time looking at it, because isn't the argument for replay to "get calls correct" ? I find it hard to believe the War Room was able to made a decision with 100% certainty in 30 seconds.
• The entire 3rd period was basically played in the Hawks defensive zone. The Hawks were playing with fire, luckily this time they didn't get burned and blow the lead.
• Sadly for everyone but @UncleRozsival , Michal Rozsival returned for the Hawks tonight.

The Ugly

• That opening power play by the Hawks was just brutal to way.
• David Backes left the game in the final minute of 1st period after the Toews hit, so how does a guy who was thought to have a concussion respond? He comes out, levels Hammer with a hit from behind, and the drops the gloves with Toews. Yep, classic pig vomit David Backes there. How's that concussion going?
• The Trevor Daley - Michal Rozsival pairing is a disaster waiting to happen. We were treated to that disaster on the Blues first goal, with Rozsival overplaying to one side of the ice, and Daley allowing Tarasenko all the time in the world he wanted.
• Marko Dano took a bad boarding penalty, that of course resulted in the Blues scoring on the power play that ensued. That clearly didn't go over well with Quenneville as Dano only played a team low 5:58.

Blackhawks vs. Devils3-2 Loss Recap

"Devil's Rejects"

by Gatekeeper

After what seems like a week off, the Blackhawks were back at the United Center, Thursday night, to try and carry out some revenge on the pesky New Jersey Devils. Just 6 days previous, the Hawks were curb stomped but the unassuming Devils 4-2. With plenty of rest, it was a perfect time for the Blackhawks to come out with some jump int their step. The Devils were coming off a 2-0 loss to the Blues on Tuesday night.

The home team looked much better in this first period than they did the entire game in New Jersey. An early 2 man powerplay certainly helped their cause, but the other 18 minutes were pretty positive, as well. It seemed like the Hawks ran away with the pressure and shots, early on, but the shots only totaled 9-7 in their favor when the intermission horn sounded. Unfortunately, it was all downhill from there.

The second period was, quite simply, painfully boring as all hell. The Devils tied the score under a minute into the period, and then we were all treated to about 15 minutes of completely boring garbage hockey. That is, until the Devils grabbed a 2-1 lead on a pretty atrocious matchup snafu. Looking at the box score of that period is worthy of tears. The Blackhawks out shot the Devils 10-6 and the Devils had 2 goals. WOOF.

The third period wasn't any better for the Blackhawks fortunes. The Blackhawks fought enough to tie the game late, took a lazy penalty, and then gave up a late powerplay goal. Shots were 9-9 but, in the end, the Blackhawks could not generate enough offense to pull this one out. I think we are all glad that they don't have to see the Devils again.

The Good

• Marko Dano was noticeable a few times, at least early in the game.
• With just under 7 minutes remaining in the third period a Patrick Kane solo rush, turned into an Artemi Panarin goal. Kane carried the mail into the Devils zone all alone, waiting for the Hawks to catch up to the play. Once they did change Kane hit Erik Gustafsson who made a nice move and attempted a shot. The shot was blocked, but went right to the stick of Panarin who sniped Schneider.
• Seriously, there is nothing more.

The Bad

• The Devils took a 5-on-3 disadvantage with some sloppy play, 5 minutes into the first period. The Blackhawks looked terrible for the first 1:40 of the powerplay but, eventually, the two man advantage was just too much and they fell "bass ackwards" into the lead. You can't have Hossa, Seabrook, Kane, Toews and Teravainen out on the ice at the same time, on a 2 man advantage, and hope they won't score. That's exactly what happened. Just too much talent with that line.
• At the end of the second period, Andy Greene got away with a pretty egregious slew foot on Andrew Shaw. Shaw was not happy, and he had good reason. No one on the broadcast even mentioned it.
• As I said before, I think Viktor Svedberg's time might be up, very soon. The only guy he's been really noticeably "better" than, is David Rundblad. Gustafsson is a much better all around player and has much more composure.
• The Blackhawks were 1-5 on the powerplay, only scoring on their 5-on-3. This cannot continue.
• The Hawks were even clowned at the dots, losing 26 of 46.

The Ugly

• Not even a minute into the second period and Adam Henrique sniped Corey Crawford with a long, innocent looking wrist shot, from about 45 feet out.
• With about three minutes left in the second period. The Manshitter started off the play by turning the puck over, and it was "off to the races" by the Devils. Sergei Kalinin put a knuckle puck on net and Crawford fought it off. Unfortunately, the rebound ended up on the stick of Kyle Palmieri, who had escaped the clutches of Viktor Svedberg. I forgot to mention that the only thing he had in front of him was a wide open net?
• Brandon Mashinter is pretty fucking terrible. What he's doing on this team is beyond comprehension. He's a slightly better skating John Scott, that doesn't fight. He stood around on the ice for 5:37, and was out on the ice for the second NJ goal.
• Slinging some smoking hot takes right here on the twitterz:
  

  yo, aside from a handful of players the #Blackhawks really suck this season and are prob not going to make the playoffs if they keep it up

  — LOUIS x LEWIS (@kericksen80free) November 13, 2015

  
  Little fucking coward was harassing Tracey Myers, and the second I call him out...blocked. Real set of balls on ya, there, slick.

The Lineblender
Shaw - Toews - Hossa
Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Dano - Kero - Teravainen
Desjardins - Kruger - Mashinter

Seabrook - Svedberg
van Reimsdyk - Hjalmarsson
Gustafsson - Daley

"Pump Up The Volume"Blackhawks Featured Podcasts

by Gatekeeper

With the Blackhawks season in full swing, I thought I would take a moment to provide some links for you folks that enjoy podcasts. These are some Blackhawks featured podcasts that I listen to and you should certainly take a moment to check out. This is knowing full well the time and effort it takes to put a podcast together. Please support them.

Please enjoy and share:

Puckin Hostile ShoutcastI can't go without plugging our own material. Pat Stankus, and I have record this bi-weekly podcast since spring of 2014, adding in Derek Harms to the mix, in early 2015. Plenty of guests, vulgarity, special segments, and inappropriate references.

Find on iTunes: Puckin Hostile Blackhawks Shoutcast
Direct Downloads hosted on Talkshoe
Latest Episode on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/puckinhostile
Shoutcast intros on the Puckin Hostile YouTube channel intros playlist

The Committed Indian "Live from the Five Hole" PodcastThe original unofficial Blackhawks podcast, from the guys that bring you the unofficial Blackhawks fans program. Episodes are few and far between, but well worth the listen.

It's not always easy to find, so you'll have to search on www.TheCommittedIndian.com

HockeeNight.com PuckcastProbably the biggest inspiration behind our Shoutcast. Plenty of dong jokes, and mid 90s Rangers references with some Hockey sprinkled in on this weekly podcast, hosted by former Shoutcast guests Forklift and CT.

Find on iTunes: Hockeenight Puckcast
Available for direct downloads on TalkShoe

Cheer The Anthem "CheerThePodcast" PodcastThis semi regular podcast hosted by Adam, Thom, Jim and Jeff is a roundtable style. Very entertaining.

Find on iTunes: Cheer The Anthem
Available for direct download at: http://cheertheanthem.com/cheer-the-podcast/

Scott Powers and Brian Hedger PodcastAnother semi-regular podcast hosted by ESPN's Scott Powers and NHL.com writer Brian Hedger.

Can be found on the ESPN Podcast page

"The Big Nevawski" featuring Jay Zawaski and James NeveauNewer Podcast co-hosted by another former Shoutcast guest, the SCORE 670's Jay Zawaski and NBC's Madhouse Enforcer, James Neveau

Find on iTunes at: 670 The Score Interviews Page
The Big Nevawski Podcast Facebook Page
Available for direct download on the Score 670 Big Nevawski page

"Blackhawks Crazy" with Scott King and Mike JacobsenAlso a newer podcast co-hosted Scott King from the Red Eye, and the silky pipes of Mike Jacobsen from WGN

Blackhawks Crazy Facebook Page
Find on iTunes at: WGN 720 Blackhawks Central

"The Point Shot Podcast" with Garrett and SeanAnother Chicago based weekly podcast featuring Sean Fitzgerald from Blackhawk Up, and Garrett.

Find on iTunes at: The Point Shot Podcast

Blackhawks vs. Oilers4-2 Win Recap

"From Russia With Love"

by Patrick Stankus

On Sunday night, the Connor McDavid-less Edmonton Oilers made their first visit to the United Center to take on the Hawks. Frankly with McDavid out of the lineup, why bother even doing a recap? I mean, who wants to watch a hockey game if Jesus is out of the lineup? Well I do. Speaking of injuries, the Hawks had Marian Hossa return tonight, while Artem Anisimov returned after missing part of Friday's game in New Jersey.

As the first period go underway, it was clear that the Hawks were ready to go. Artemi Panarin got the Hawks on the board just 58 seconds into the game on an odorous goal allowed by Cam Talbot from just above the goal line. The Hawks dominated play throughout the period, outshooting the Oilers 9-5 for the period. Panarin however wasn't done scoring. With just over 2 minutes remaining, he fired a wrister from the slot that beat Talbot to increase the Hawks lead to 2-0 after 20 minutes.

The second period turned out to be the polar opposite of the first period for the Hawks. The Hawks were guilty of taking their foot off the gas pedal and it nearly bit them in the ass. If it wasn't for Corey Crawford's play in net, the Hawks could have very well ended up being tied or down after the second period. However Crawford withstood 22 shots from the Oilers, and kept the Hawks lead at 2-0 after 40 minutes.

The final frame got underway with the Oilers continuing with the momentum. Following a bad penalty by Viktor Tikhonov, the Jordan Eberle cashed in to cut the Hawks lead in half in the opening minutes. The Hawks would bend, but wouldn't break. Patrick Kane increased the Hawks lead to 3-1 on a sick backhand that with just over 6 minutes remaining. Andrej Sekera would cut the Hawks lead to 3-2 on a bomb from the point in the final minutes, but the Hawks lead would prove to be too much. Artem Anisimov added a power play goal with 6 seconds remaining, and would seal a 4-2 Hawks win.
The Good

• This #AK72Line is pretty fun to watch. Panarin (2G, 1A), Kane (1G, 3A), and Anisimov (1G, 1A). That's a pretty good night in my book.
• Corey Crawford was outstanding in the second period. He fought off 22 shots in the second period alone. For the game he stopped 34 of 36. His highlight save may have been a toe save on Jordan Eberle in the second.
• Late in the game, Marian Hossa had a great hustle play for a loose puck while going for an empty netter. It resulted in the Oilers taking a penalty, in which Anisimov scored on in the waning seconds.
• Patrick Kane's backhand goal in the third period was filthy. I hope Roberto Luongo doesn't see the highlights of that goal. It might bring back some memories.
• Quietly again, TVR had another solid night. Here's hoping this guy can stay healthy for the whole season. I like what I've seen from him thus far.

The Bad

• Viktor Tikhonov took a bad penalty to start the third period, in which the Oilers scored on the ensuing power play. You maybe able to get away with that interference in the KHL, but not here. In addition, Tikhonov played a team low 5:54.
• The Hawks were lucky to escape the second period with the lead. The Oilers were all over the Hawks, firing 22 shots, and had at least 5 partial breakaways. You don't get away with that often.
• Pretty much everyone thought Marko Dano had a solid game. Except for Joel Quenneville apparently. Dano played 9:24 on the night. Seriously Q, what the hell? This "Iron Fist Act" is getting old. I don't care how many Cups you have.
• The Hawks were holding their breath for a few minutes in the second period. Niklas Hjalmarsson took a hard hit from Taylor Hall and looked to be in some difficulty in trying to get off the ice. As is always the case with Hammer, he was back out there for his next shift.

The Ugly

• Good Lord, can the Oilers get solid goaltending? On Panarin's first goal, Talbot was lazy going from post to post. Regardless of the deflection off of his defender, it was one that still should have been stopped. Then on Panarin's second and on Kane's goal, Talbot was way too deep in his crease. As a former goalie, and I'm sure Gate would agree, this was an embarrassing display of goaltending.
• I lost a bet with Uncle Rozsival, and had to dawn a Chinese knockoff Rozsival jersey. Check Twitter for proof.

AHL - Rockford vs. Milwaukee3-2 OT Loss Report

"Down On The Farm Report"
by Patrick Stankus

Last night I made the 2 hour drive down I-90 out to Rock Vegas to take in the Rockford IceHogs vs. Milwaukee Admirals game. While I was looking forward to seeing Marko Dano when I first bought the tickets, I was thrown a curve ball earlier in the week and was instead treated Bryan Bickell making an appearance for the Hogs. Nevertheless, there was still hockey to be played, and some prospects to keep an eye on. Instead of a traditional Puckin' Hostile recap, I'm going to do brief summaries on the players I had an eye on. And if you guessed Bickell would be one, you win.

Brian Bickell - Without a doubt, Bickell was the one I had my eye on the most last night. Bickell had a superb shift in the first period which included; a missed check that sent him into the boards at 100mph, a swing and a miss on a slap shot attempt (I felt the breeze all the way up in the last row), and a lazy backcheck in which his guy beat him up the ice, and you guessed it, ended up scoring. Bickell did have a nice assist on Pokka's goal in the third period, but overall I wasn't impressed. He looked completely lost out there. If its true that there were NHL scouts looking at him in Rockford last night, then good luck convincing them that he's worthy of making a deal right now. I don't know if its his knee or the vertigo, but whatever it is, something isn't right with Bickell.

Kyle Baun - This is the first time I got to see Baun play in person and all I have to say is, "how the hell did this guy make the Blackhawks roster coming out of camp?" Baun had a wide open shot in the slot, and missed the net by 10 feet. Even Viktor Stalberg was laughing at that "attempt." In addition to that, Baun spent the majority of the game skating around like a chicken with his head cut off. What Quenneville saw in his game that he liked so much is beyond me.

Brandon Mashinter -The Manshitter opened up the scoring for the IceHogs with a goal scored right in front of the crease. Are you paying attention Bryan Bickell? Mashinter had a solid game overall. In addition to the goal, he had another good opportunity to score and a few good, quality hits, that actually caused separation of the puck and created turnovers. I'll gladly take those kinds of hits.

Vinnie Hinostroza - As was the case with Baun, this was the first time I got to see Hinostroza play in person. Overall, not bad, but nothing spectacular as well. He generated some chances, and actually looked like he was trying to improve his 200 foot game. That will go over well with Quenneville. He kind of reminded me of a Martin St. Pierre type of player. The good news for Hinostroza is, he's young and will hopefully continue to improve.

Ville Pokka - Pokka had an up and down game. His goal in the third period tied the game, but he also took two bad penalties. Not to mention, I also counted two times where he made a bad pinch at the blue line and nearly got bitten by them as a result. Clean some of the mistakes, fine tune the offense, and Pokka might be ready to challenge for a roster spot next season. How's that @Hostile_Derek?

Cameron Schilling - I liked what I saw out of Schilling last night. He kept his game simple, and aside from a late first period penalty had a solid night overall. He and Pokka were the only IceHogs that were a +2 on the night. Depending on the situation with the Hawk blue line, it wouldn't surprise me if Schilling gets a call up once during the season. But as for now, I don't have a problem with him playing in Rockford getting regular ice time.

Other notables

Jake Dowell - I liked Dowell when he was with the Hawks, but at this point in his career, he's a career AHLer. There's nothing wrong with that.


Ryan Hartman - Hartman had a great chance on a breakaway, but couldn't convert. Other than that, I thought I was watching Andrew Shaw last night.

Kyle Cumiskey - Much like the Blackhawks Stanley Cup championship ring photo, I didn't notice Cumiskey at all last night. I'm sure Quenneville saw something he liked though.

Dennis Rasmussen - Not bad last night. Got a bullshit goalie interference call against him the second period, but I liked what I saw. Definitely a work in progress. 

Jeremy Morin - Apparently he played last night.

Power Play - The trick to seeing an effective power play involving the Blackhawks is traveling to Rockford. I haven't seen a power play with this much sustained pressured in years. It was a joy to see.

3 on 3 OT - I'm glad the AHL stopped with the horrendous 7 min OT, which had 4 on 4 to start, then revert to 3 on 3 after the first whistle past the 4 minute mark. That was a joke. 3 on 3 OT in person is like watching a bad game of NHL 95. 

Perhaps though the highlight of the night belonged to @UncleRozsival who dropped this line after seeing Ville Pokka wearing #29 and Bryan Bickell wearing #44; "Jeez, how bad is it when you get sent down and you can't even have your number?"

That will conclude this Rockford report. As I said before on the Shoutcast, I plan on making more trips out to Rockford when I can this season, in addition to a couple of times they play the Wolves at the Allstate Arena. If you have any prospects you'd like to get reports on when I'm at a game, drop us a line @PuckinHostile or @Patrick_Stankus. Finally, if you haven't been to a game in Rockford, I suggest you go. Its a great time. Its almost as fun as a trip to Lumbus. 

Blackhawks at New Jersey4-2 Loss Recap

"Whirl of Pain"

by Gatekeeper

The Blackhawks were in New Jersey Friday night, to face the Devils, in the first of a rare "two time in one week" tilt versus an eastern conference opponent scenario. This was very similar to the Isles series in the opening week, the Blackhawks face the Devils twice in six days, then don't see them again this season. Not only that, but the game started at 6PM locally which had them in the first intermission before they are used to even starting. It showed.

The first period was a rollover from the colossal Blues disappointment two days prior, as they coughed up a three goal deficit before most people were even home from work. The Blackhawks had pressure, but every turnover or bounce seemed to end up in the Hawks net. Shots were only 13-8 in favor of the home team, which is not alarming, in and of itself, but the score was.

The Blackhawks came out in the second period with a different goalie, but their play and luck really didn't change at all. The Hawks gave up a fourth goal, and nearly surrendered a fifth later. As shocking as it was, the Blackhawks actually finished the period breaking the shutout. The shots were 8-7 in favor of the Devils but to the naked eye, it was much worse than that.

The third period was pretty much just a formality, as far as the game and score went. So much so, that Quenneville just threw up the white flag and pulled his goalie with just under seven minutes remaining. Even then, it took the Blackhawks five full minutes to capitalize. When the game finally mercifully ended, the Blackhawks had out shot the Devils 14-5 in the final 20 minutes, but not many were actual dangerous scoring chances.

Lets hope that the dejected Connor McSavior-less Oilers are just what the Blackhawks need, on Sunday.

The Good

• With about a minute left in the second period, the Blackhawks actually finally found something positive. Patrick Kane threw a long forty foot "seeing eye" shot towards the New Jersey net and, thanks to an Andrew Shaw screen, it ended up floating past Cory Schneider.
  
• After the Blackhawks had their goalie pulled for FIVE full minutes without much sustained pressure whatsoever, rookie Tanner Kero used an absurd amount of time and space in front of Cory Schneider to get his first NHL goal. Awesome for Kero, but excuse me if I'm not the least bit fucking impressed with the team's effort.
• Hey, Bryan Bickell scored in his first Icehogs game. Well worth the $4 million, if you ask them.
• The best part of this game and night, is that is was over before 9PM.

The Bad

• Hindsight is always 20/20 but a missed Ryan Garbutt breakaway, early in the first period, could have changed the momentum some. Instead, the Devils ran away with the game.
• Quenneville didn't even take a full period to fire up that line blender. Ryan Garbutt was sent to the 4th line, and Andrew Shaw to the first. The lines were up for fucking grabs after the first intermission.
• I'm not sure what exactly sparked this, but after the second Devils goal, Jonathan Toews took issue with Adam Henrique, and the two came to blows. Blah, blah, blah...fart....leadership. Guess what happened with Toews in the box? Lost defensive zone penalty, and a goal. Not fan of this stunt. Not the time to remove yourself from the ice for 5 minutes.
• To add to a terrible first period, Corey Crawford found himself riding the pine for the remainder of the game.
• Seven minutes into the second period, and following a thoroughly shitty Blackhawks powerplay, the Devils took a four goal lead thanks to Mike Cammallari. There wasn't much more to say at that point.
• Piling on to an already terrible night, Artem Anisimov went out of the game in the second period with a lower body injury.
• Minus 4 for Niklas Hjalmarsson. OOF
• It might be time for Andrew Desjardins to take a seat. He is getting sloppy and played a team low 10:40.

The Ugly

• A huge Hjalmarsson turnover early in the first period with almost 4 minutes gone in the first, ended up with Lee Stempniak in all alone on Crawford, and slipping the puck into the net. Hjalmarsson got stuck on the half boards after he had plenty of time to clear the zone. Teuvo Teravainen did Hjalmarsson no favors, when Teravainen lobbed a live grenade back at him, and forced Hjalmarsson to react quickly with Stempniak closing quickly.
• A late lost first period faceoff by Andrew Shaw, deep in the Blackhawks zone, was quickly thrown on net and beat Crawford. A set faceoff play with Kyle Palmieri curling around the circle to pick up the puck worked perfectly.
• Just 26 seconds after the Palmieri goal, and with Jonathan Toews in the box serving a fighting penalty, Travis Zajac picked up his own blocked shot and be an already committed Crawford for a 3-0 first period lead.
• The Blackhawks nearly gave up the 5th goal of the game, halfway through the second period, when Kyle Palmieri followed up a Sergei Kalinin rebound, after Kalinin beat Trevor Daley. The rush left Scott Darling prone and helpless but, luckily, there was a goalie interference call made.
• Because when I think of coaching geniuses, I think of Patrick Roy. Joel Quenneville pulled a Roy by yanking his goalie with almost seven minutes left in the third period. I mean I understand the Blackhawks are so fucking good with the man advantage. Right? Fucking STUPID.

The Lineblender
Panarin - Toews - Garbutt
Teravainen - Anisimov - Kane
Dano - Kero - Tikhonov
Desjardins - Kruger - Shaw

Seabrook - Svedberg
van Reimsdyk - Hjalmarsson
Gustafsson - Daley