(Gate's pick from a good Canadian metal band)
By Puckin’ Hostile’s Canadian Correspondent Atomic Froster
With the Blackhawks being 0-2 at the UC in the month of February, Coach Q hoped #72 returning to the line-up would give the Hawks the boost they needed to put them over the top against the Ducks. It won’t be easy—the Ducks will bring their ‘A’ game after last year’s stinging defeat by the Hawks at the Western Conference Final.
Period 1:
The first period started out slowly with each team going through a feeling out process to find the pace of the game. The Hawks had a few chances early but could not cash in. Twelve minutes into the period the first penalty is called; Rozsival goes to the box for hooking. The Ducks put pressure on early but Crawford stands tall and the PKers do the rest—penalty killed, no damage done. Anaheim carries the momentum of their PP and finishes the period with the majority of the scoring chances.
Shots: Ducks, 13; Hawks, 7.
Period 2:
Five minutes into the second period, pressure by the first line leads to the Hawks first PP of the game, albeit a terrible one – zero shots on goal recorded. The teams trade a few solid chances through the first half of period 2. At the fourteen minute mark, Crawford stretches out to make two huge pad saves. The play moves to the other end with Hossa pursuing the puck. He is hip-checked by Lindholm and goes awkwardly into the end boards; the training staff rushes the ice and aids Hossa in leaving to the locker room. The Hawks regroup after this scary scene and Panik goes hard to the net drawing a hooking call. Early in the PP Seabs blasts one from the top of the circle and Gibson spits out a huge rebound; Seabs capitalizes on the opportunity and hammers it home from the dot, #88 and #2 credited with helpers. Sekac goes to the box at 18:30 for elbowing but the Hawks close the period holding onto the lead.
Shots: Ducks, 10; Hawks, 10.
Period 3:
The third period starts with a change in net for the Ducks: Anderson is in and an announcement that Hossa will not return. The Hawks kill the last 30 seconds of the Sekac minor. Perry and Panarin trade interference and slashing calls and both go to the box to create a 4 on 4. The Ducks Silfverberg takes advantage and scores after a scramble in front of the net. The Hawks try to carry the puck into the offensive end but Anaheim picks up the puck and dumps it in. They successfully recover and Getzlaf sets up Perron to put the Ducks one up on the Hawks. Seabrook evens the score 12 minutes in with his second goal of the game. The Blackhawks weather the storm with the Ducks controlling the gameplay for the remainder of the period, pushing this game into, Puckin’ Hostile’s own, Patrick Stankus’ favourite – 3 on 3 overtime.
Shots: Ducks, 18; Hawks, 5.
Overtime:
With a breakaway, Kane gets the Hawks best chance in OT but holds the puck too long and misses the net. Shortly after the Hawks take a penalty for too many men as a tired Seabrook glides to the bench. With the 4 on 3 advantage, Ryan Getzlaf scores the game winner 30 seconds into the penalty. Ducks win.
Shots: Ducks, 3; Hawks, 1.
Total Shots: Ducks, 44; Hawks, 23.
- Seabrook has a career high 10 goals so far this year (previous high 9);
- Panarin reunites with Kane;
- Zero coaches challenges; and
- Corey Crawford looks back to his old self.
- Hawks now 0-2-1 at the UC in February;
- Tying Dallas in points; and
- Seabs was the only one to show up for the Hawks Power Play.
- Hossa’s injury, with his history, has potential for him to miss a significant number of games;
- Being outshot 44-23 – it’s a miracle the Hawks squeaked out a point; and
- With the hits being 52-26 in favour of Anaheim it may be true that the Blackhawks are, indeed, human.
- A wrestling sound bite is played – one drink
- Fatrick talks about his first love, the Mc Rib – one drink
- Travel down the “Harms hole” – one drink
- Seinfeld reference – one drink
- Someone say fuck ‘em – one drink
- The rare event that Derek does a photo shop – finish your drink
Shaw - Toews - Hossa
Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Rasmussen - Danault - Desjardins
Sekac - Teravainen - Panik
Keith - Hjalmarsson
van Riemsdyk - Seabrook
Rozival - Svedberg