by Gatekeeper
Yell at Gatekeeper
As we all count down to Christmas, the Blackhawks were trying to continue their warm streak while also navigating a pretty busy December schedule. To complicate the situation, center Artem Anisimov was out with and upper body injury sustained in St. Louis. The Hawks had been relying heavily on goalie Scott Darling with Corey Crawford still out, which left many wondering if goalie Lars Johans-SON would make his NHL debut. Joel Quenneville confirmed shortly before game time that Scott Darling was going to start, though. The Sharks were coming in on a five game winning streak, four of which were on the road, and well rested. The Sharks also came into this game leading the pacific division which posed a serious threat to the Blackhawks. The threat was even greater because the Blackhawks had to return late from St. Louis very late the previous night, due to their game and bad weather.
You might have expected a slow start from the Blackhawks, but that wasn't so. They started off fairly competitive, compared to the Sharks. The best scoring chances were on a Blackhawks powerplay, and that was about it. They also out shot the visitors 10-6, and could call that period a win, for certain.
Of course, when the Blackhawks play a good period, they immediately come out the next period and give up a goal. This is exactly what happened a minute and thirteen seconds into the second period. Each team had powerplays in the middle of the period but neither could really generate anything substantial. After I proclaimed what a boring 34 minutes of hockey it had been, the Blackhawks spun some Shark pressure around and tied the game at the other end. San Jose led in shots 15-8, but it was tied where it counted.
Somehow the Sharks came out in the third period and laid an egg. The Blackhawks put up 3 third period goals, and which was more than enough to get them the "W". All this happened with the Blackhawks getting out shot 13-7 in the final period and 34-26 overall. if the Blackhawks have to work on anything, it's shot suppression. We'll take it though.
- The Blackhawks finally crawled out of the basement for the penalty kill, eclipsing the Buffalo Sabres.
- With 3:11 left in the second period, Duncan Keith made a really nice play to keep the play alive at the Sharks blue line, but missed the net with a shot. The Puck came around to Artemi Panarin on the half boards, and he fed Keith for a one timer that beat Martin Jones, and tying up the game.
- With thirteen minutes remaining in regulation the Blackhawks took the lead and never looked back. Vinny Hinostroza won an offensive zone faceoff, and Ryan Hartman quickly snapped it past Martin Jones. The puck was in and out before anyone knew it. All world D-man Chewbacca had a front row seat of Hartman picking his goalie apart.
- With about 2 minutes remaining, Vinny Hinostroza used Marian Hossa as a decoy on a 2-on-1 and beat Jones 5-hole to give the Blackhawks a 3-1 lead and Patrick Kane had an empty netter.
- Ryan Hartman had himself another good night. He has all the makings of the next meatball hero, and that's alright.
- Marian Hossa clowning the hell out of Schlemko and Braun.in the third period. I'm glad he's on the verge of LTIR.
- Can't leave out #Fatrick's future brother in law, Scotty Darling. He had yet another strong night, with 33 saves. At this point, the Blackhawks have the strongest goaltending duo in the NHL. The Rangers are not far behind but Lundqvist is playing pretty average.
- Just over one minute into the second period, and innocent looking Brent Burns shot was redirected by Joe Pavelski just enough to beat Scott Darling, while Pat Foley was busy stroking Edzo off under the table because he worked 5 games in 7 days.
- What the fuck were Panik,Hinostroza and Motte thinking, leaving Brian Campbell without a stick for a good 35 seconds in their defensive zone. GIVE UP YOUR STICK, FOOLS!
- I've given up on any hope that Michal Kempny will get a fair shake from Coach Wizzo. I can't imagine he's going to spend the whole season playing every 10 days. Just fucking trade him, if you're going to play him as a number 8 guy.
- Melker Karlsson collided awkwardly with Tyler Motte and stayed down for quite a bit. The play looked innocent, but Karlsson's head hit Motte's arm and it sure ;looked like Karlsson had his bell rung.
- Fuck Lazarus and his stupid #PearlJamCounter. Alice In Chains was a better band.
- Vince Hinostroza had a goal and assist, but was just crushed with a team worst -14 corsi
- In fact, the only Blackhawks with positive corsi were Toews, Panarin, Kane, Keith and Hjalmarsson. Everyone else was negative.
- The broadcast crews can jerk off all over TVR all they want but him and Forsling started 60% of the time in the offensive zone. That's heavy sheltering.
Left Wing - Center - Right Wing
Artemi Panarin - Jonathan Toews - Patrick Kane
Ryan Hartman - Andrew Desjardins - Marian Hossa
Dennis Rasmussen - Marcus Kruger - Richard Panik
Tyler Motte - Vinnie Hinostroza - Jordin Tootoo
Duncan Keith - Niklas Hjalmarsson
Brian Campbell - Brent Seabrook
Gustav Forsling - Trevor van Riemsdyk