by Patrick Stankus
The Blackhawks returned home on Friday night to take on the Winnipeg Jets for the second time in five days. After a pathetic effort on Thursday night, the Hawks would be looking to bounce back, and frankly any kind of effort would be more than what they displayed in Nashville. The one thing the Hawks had going against them is the HUGE news of the day. Did you hear that the Cubs signed Jason Heyward? Oh my God! Why continue with this recap? No one is going to care. All that matters is the Cubs won the 2016 World Series on December 11, 2015. Alright enough of this boring ass baseball shit, onto more important things.
Right from the drop of the puck, the tone of the game would be set. Just over 3:30 into the game, the Jets took a penalty, and the feature of special teams was on. The Hawks wasted little time in cashing in on the power play. Jonathan Toews score just over a minute into the man advantage to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead. The rest of the period the teams would trade power play chances, with a total of three more penalties, but when the horn sounded, the score would still be 1-0 in favor of the Hawks.
The parade to the penalty box would continue in the second period. The Hawks would end up being shorthanded three times, with the Jets shorthanded two times. The lone goal of the period would come at the midway part of the game. While on the power play, Patrick Kane extended his points streak to 25 games with a power play goal. The remainder of the penalties would be killed off and after 40 minutes, the Hawks would lead the Jets 2-0.
In the third period, the penalties would tail off with the Hawks taking the lone penalty. For the majority of the period, the Jets had the momentum, but couldn't get a shot past Crawford. Actually that was it. Aside from an Andrew Shaw breakaway, I damn near fell asleep. In the end the Hawks would hang on for the 2-0 shutout win over the Jets.
- The Blackhawks power play ended the night 2 for 5. I'll take that after knowing how awful they can be at times.
- Patrick Kane extended his points streak to 25 games with a power play tally in the 2nd period.
- Jonathan Toews had the opening goal in the 1st period, and was 65% at the dot. For someone who has struggled for the majority of the season, there are no complaints with that line.
- The Hawks blocked 23 shots tonight. Can't complain when guys are willing to sacrifice themselves and block a shot.
- Unlike Thursday night, the effort for a full 60 minutes was there for the Hawks. It was a great bounce back performance.
- Corey Crawford recorded 25 save shutout tonight. That's back to back performances where he has been stellar.
- See what happens when the Puckin' Hostile Crew doesn't go to games when the Jets are in town? We will no longer attend games against the Jets.
- Trevor Daley "massively outperformed" Brent Seabrook tonight. Daley had 8:44 of ice time, while Seabrook had 25:09 of ice time. By all means Daley is the heart and soul of the Hawks defense. That's why he's out there at critical points of the game.
- The Hawks took 5 penalties tonight. FIVE. Luckily the PK came through and killed off all five. Seriously how terrible is the Jets power play???
- Artem Anisimov was crushed at the dot again. Tonight he was 39%.
- If I wanted to nit pick, I'd say the Hawks could have been better in the third period. After Thursday's performance though, lets just enjoy this win.
- Dustin Byfuglien is a joke. If there is anyone out there who misses this gigantic marshmellow, go get checked for a concussion.
- Bryan Bickell's presence was felt again, mainly on the bench. He was a team low at 6:45 of ice time.
- Did you guys hear the Cubs signed Jason Heyward???!! Seriously enough. Its December.
