Blackhawks at Calgary3-2 Win Recap

"The Flameout"

by Gatekeeper
Tweet to Gatekeeper

After laying a total turd of a game in Manitoba, Tuesday night, the Blackhawks continued their trek across the land of the snow Mexicans to the Alberta chapter. First on the list was the, now handicapped, Calgary Flames. They announced that Johnny Gaudreau would be out for 6 weeks, following surgery to repair a broken finger. That is what I'd call a real kick to the coconuts. The Blackhawks could use the help, though, to get back on track. They had a few days to rest and get their feet back underneath themselves, so there were no valid excuses coming in. This is one of those games that they needed to win.

The first period was pretty tame even though the Blackhawks were able to take a 1-0 lead. A couple of sloppy Blackhawks penalties gave the Flames an advantage in shots 11-9. Other than the two powerplays, You could have slept through the initial twenty minutes, and I'm pretty sure most of the Calgary crowd. The ones that actually showed up, that is.

The second period opened up pretty badly for the Hawks. They came out and game up 2 goals on 3 shots, to not only allow the Flames to tie the game, but take the lead. Eventually the Blackhawks extracted their heads out of their asses and were able to tie the game back up before the end of the period. Miraculously, the Hawks salvaged the game thus far with a 9-9 shot total.

The Blackhawks gave it a little gas in the third period, and that little additional gas was all they needed. It took just over 17 minutes to get that game winning goal, but they managed to make it happen. The Hawks weathered the Flames push and were out shot 10-6. Now they get to head to Vancouver to play the complete shit show they call the Canucks.

The Good

• Those classic red jerseys are gorgeous. They should never ever change them. Just look at these beauties:
  
• With about 8 minutes gone in the first period, the Blackhawks took advantage of a late change and Ryan Hartman gave them a 1-0 lead. Artem Anisimov found himself with the puck on his stick right in front of Corey Crawford and caught Hartman coming off the bench behind the Flames defense. Hartman out raced Dennis Wideman and was able to fend Wideman off long enough to beat Chad Johnson on the partial breakaway.
• Late in the second period the Blackhawks were able to tie the game back up on this new thing called the powerplay. Seemed like an innocent enough play, but the Flames PK never rotated to Seabrook, who blew the shot past Johnson.
• The makeshift line of Panarin, Toews, and Kane nearly took the lead early in the third but Chad Johnson and their captain, Mark Giordano, somehow kept the puck out of the net. Another thing, people; That will never be a full time line. Quenneville does that after penalty kill situations and has for a while. Control your erections.
• Very late in the third, the Blackhawks took the lead they needed to get out of Calgary with a win. Artemi Panarin game in 2-on-4 with Marian Hossa took a long shot from the top of the left circle. Chad Johnson had some problems hanging on to the puck and it dribbled down to the ice behind him. Hossa was driving the net, like the additional forward should (ALL YOU YOUNG HOCKEY PLAYERS), and was able to get enough of the puck for it to just barely get over the line.
• The penalty kill was pretty damn good, with their help of their goalie. They killed off all 5 pretty sloppy penalties.
• On the other hand, the power play scored on their only chance.
  
• I've been off the Flames bandwagon for quite a while, but I might have to re-adopt them as my second favorite team. Monahan, Bennett, Gaudreau, and Frolik are all really good players. If they could get a stud goalie, they'd be really dangerous.
• This seems like a broken record but Corey Crawford was excellent once again. He made several acrobatic saves that he simply would not have made 2 years ago. He still has his woofers, as any goalie will, but he's at the top of his game right now. Crawford saved 28 of 30 and could have easily given up 2 more, based on the Flames chances.

The Bad

• Three and a half minutes into the second period, right after Patrick Kane stopped what was a sure goal from going into the Flames net, he later turned over the puck in the offensive zone, which led to a Flames goal. After Kane turned the puck over he pouted just long enough to allow the Flames to get a 2-on-1. The initial shot/pass hit Duncan Keith and ended up in the corner. Sean Monahan threw the puck off Crawford and it laid in the crease between Patrick Kane's feet. Kane basically stood there and stared at the puck long enough for Sam Bennett to shuffle board it into the net.
• Four minutes after the Sam Bennett goal, Sean Monahan banked a puck off a slightly confused Gustav Forsling and past Corey Crawford. Until the goal horn went off, I'm pretty sure Forsling had no idea what was going on because he had his back to Bennett and was having a spot of tea with Troy Brouwer.

The Ugly

• Just when the Blackhawks seemed to have their stupid penalty problems figured out, Jordin Tootoo took a stupid momentum killing offensive zone penalty in the first period.
• I don't want to just single out Tootoo, because the Blackhawks took several lazy or sloppy penalties.

The #Fatrick Stankus Fatsy Stats

• The Blackhawks faceoff percentage was truly awful. They won only 42%
• As much as I like Michael Frolik, his possession numbers were awful. He was a -12 overall, and a -11 5v5.
• Speaking of terrible possession, Dennis Wideman and TJ Brodie just got eaten up.
• The Blackhawks weren't much better. The only line that wasn't under water was Panarin, Anisimov, Hossa, Kempny and Seabrook. That will happen, though, when your PK is out on the ice for 10 minutes.

The Lineblender
Left Wing - Center - Right Wing
Panik - Toews - Kane
Panarin - Anisimov - Hossa
Rasmussen - Kruger - Hartman
Desjardins - Schmaltz - Tootoo

Keith - Campbell
Kempny - Seabrook
Forsling - Hjalmarsson

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Blackhawks vs Flames5-1 Win Recap

"Smiling Like A Killer"

by Gatekeeper
Tweet to Gatekeeper

I cannot remember a time when the Calgary Flames came into Chicago so early and so close together, but here were the Blackhawks facing the Flames in the United Center for the second time in 2 weeks. This is all fine and well, because I have always had a soft spot for Calgary. They were my 1B of favorite teams from 86-94. Then they let Mike Vernon go, and I lost most of my fandom. There has always been a small part of me that has kept a warm spot in my heart for the city of Calgary and their team, so when they face the Blackhawks I pay special attention. They are team trending in the right direction, despite all the flack that President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke catches. That said, the Blackhawks had a game to play. Quenneville had the lineup blender on puree, sitting Michal Kempny and Ryan Hartman down, and bringing Gustav Forsling back into the lineup. The Blackhawks were coming off a pretty dominant 3-0 win over the Kings, so it's odd to see Quenneville make any changes. Normally he sticks with a winning lineup, to a fault.

The Blackhawks and Flames did nothing to take the attention of what was going on in Cleveland during the first period. A couple of powerplays both ways were hardly noticeable on the scale. The only sign of life from the Blackhawks point of view came with a minute left, and in an unlikely fashion. The Flames even out shot the Hawks 13-6, and had no business going into the intermission down 0-1. Luckily for the home team, that's exactly what the score was after twenty minutes. I mean, it was no 7-0 early lead, but the Blackhawks would take it.

The Blackhawks weren't able to sneak out of the second period as luckily, as they came away with a slightly better shot advantage but surrendered the game tying goal. To add insult to injury, the tying goal was scored shorthanded. The final shot count was 13-9, but this had the Blackhawks in pretty good position to finish with a strong third period.

Finish strong is exactly what the Blackhawks did. They opened up a comfortable lead and pretty easily finished off the Flames. All this happened before things got a little chippy, including a little conversation between the #AdequateVersteeg and Captain Serious. When all was said and done, the Blackhawks sent the Flames back to Calgary with a 5-1 loss.

The Good

• With a minute left in the first period, and all hope looking slim, Patrick Kane threw on his cape and put the Blackhawks up 1-0. Corey Crawford made a few really nice saves back in the Blackhawks end and Kane rushed up the ice, by himself, while his line mates took off for a change. Kane hit the Flames blue line and it looked like three Flames defenders had him snuffed out. He cut towards the middle of the slot and gained a step on the defenders, but still had to beat Brian Elliott; from about 30 feet out. That is exactly what he did. I certainly don't enjoy glorifying this guy one bit, but that goal was impressive. He was one on four, at one point, and beat them all plus the goalie. Credit where it's due.
• Just when the powerplay was looking terrible, the Blackhawks answered the bell almost halfway through the third period. Panarin basically banked a shot right off Artem Anisimov's stick and into the net. I think this calls for an #ArtyParty.
  
• Tyler Motte had an absolute highlight goal, with about seven and half left in the game to put the Blackhawks up 3-1. He looked to be all alone and pushed to the outside when he suddenly took two steps and cut hard to the net. Motte then out muscled and got past Lance Bouma, who could only try and hang on for dear life. He lost the puck in his skates but kicked it forward to his stick, which was enough to wrap it around Brian Elliott's right pad. Methinks that we might start seeing more 64 jerseys around the UC and Blackhawks Land.
• Artemi Panarin looked to have closed out the scoring with an empty netter with three minutes remaining in the game, but there was still plenty of time for a #DickFuckingPanik to Hjalmarsson tops shelf clapper, ending the Flames night.
• Steve Konroyd might have had his broadcasting career highlight when he whipped out a "Wakey, Wakey" on Pat Boyle, when Boyle opened up the second intermission stating it was Wednesday.
• It's not something that gets pointed out often, but Corey Crawford played the puck several times very calm and smoothly to his defenders. We love to give the fat guys in the big pads shit when the misplay the puck, so I feel the need to give him some credit. It should not go without mentioning his 33 saves, as well. If not for his first period play, the Blackhawks would have had to
• I don't want to jinx it but the penalty kill seems to have somewhat righted itself. Not that it could have gotten much worse.
• Did I mention that Goldberg is back in the WWE? Hell, and YES!
  

The Bad

• The third line with Schmaltz and Motte at wing and the third pair of Forsling and Rozsival was scary in their own end during the first period together. Poor Marcus Kruger.
• Vinny Hinostroza is young Italian Viktor Stalberg
  

The Ugly

• Seven minutes into the second period, and with the Hawks on the powerplay, the Flames struck back. Duncan Keith avoided hitting defender right in the shin pads, as he resorted to his second favorite thing to do from the point which is shred his stick as the puck dribbles off like a bad case of Chlamydia. The Flames took the puck and turned around the other way. Artem Anisimov tried to catch Michal Frolik but just wasn't fast enough, and Keith's attempt to get a stick from the bench failed when he dropped it. This all contributed to the game tying shorthanded goal. Swell.
• Sam Bennett went knee to knee with Dennis Rasmussen in the third period, which could have been ugly. Thankfully for the Hawks, Moose was fine after and the Hawks took the lead on the powerplay.
• Stop interviewing the people for the "shoot the puck". It's painfully awkward, and useless. Joey the Now Adolescent reporter could do a much better job than any of these clowns.
• The Blackhawks came close to taking the lead back with 20 seconds left in the second period, but there were two problems. First, the whistle blew. Second, the puck didn't even come close to completely crossing the goal line, after sneaking through Elliot's pads. It won't stop some ball bag from spreading some grainy screenshot from a ridiculous angle to try and prove that it was in. Dumb asses.

The #Fatrick Stankus Fatsy Stats

• I think everyone one, including the hockeystats.ca people, closed up shop for the Cubs game, so I'll give them a rest

The Lineblender
Left Wing - Center - Right Wing
Panik - Toews - Kane
Panarin - Anisimov - Hossa
Motte - Kruger - Schmaltz
Hinostroza - Rasmussen - Tootoo

Keith - Campbell
Hjalmarsson - Seabrook
Forsling - Rozsival

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Blackhawks vs. Flames3-2 Shootout Loss Recap

"What I See Is Unreal"

 
by Patrick Stankus
Tweet to #Fatrick

The Blackhawks busy stretch of three games in four nights came to an end Monday night as the Hawks played host to the Calgary Flames at The UC. So far in the stretch, the Hawks have split the previous two games, with the last being an overtime win against the Maple Leafs on Saturday night. Tonight's matchup would mark the return of some familiar faces as, Michael Frolik, Kris Versteeg, and Troy Brouwer are members of the Flames now. Frankly, I could careless, but you know we'll get that overplayed by Pat and Eddie on the broadcast.

After the opening faceoff it was quite obvious that one team was ready to play, and one wasn't. The Flames absolutely dominated play early on, and the only reason the Hawks weren't in a huge hole was due to the play of their goaltender. As the game approached the five minute mark, Tyler Motte put the Hawks shorthanded, and the Flames made them pay with a power play goal. Despite being out shot 14-8 in the first period, and flat out dominated, the Hawks somehow only trailed by one after 20 minutes.

In the second period, the Hawks came out with a lot more energy than the first period, but that's really not saying much, considering how awful they were. Patrick Kane was able to tie the game at one just past the 90 second mark of the period, after one-timing a pass from Anisimov and into the Calgary net. The middle section of the period was a parade to the penalty box for the Hawks. The Flames would add another power play goal on one of those opportunities to give themselves a 2-1 lead. Even though the Hawks would have some good looks down the stretch, they couldn't solve Elliott, and would head into the second intermission down 2-1.

The third period turned out to be the complete opposite of the first period. In the final period of regulation, the Hawks dominated play, and peppered Brian Elliott with twelve shots, while holding the Flames to five. The Hawks got an early goal in the period when Brian Campbell tried to pass the puck to Artem Anisimov, but it was deflected into the net off a Calgary defenseman to tie the game at two. As time wound down, the Hawks had numerous chances, but Brian Elliott was able to stop all of them, and the game headed to overtime.

In overtime, had a great chance early on after getting a power play, thanks to a Michael Frolik penalty. While generating a couple of looks, the Hawks didn't do much with the opportunity, and for the second straight time the game headed to a shootout. Following thirteen straight saves by the goalies, Kris Versteeg put an end to the glorified skills competition, and Calgary skated away with the 3-2 shootout win.


The Good

• The Hockey Fights Cancer ceremony before the game was a nice touch. Stick taps to the NHL for starting this program. 
  
  
• The #AK72Line was the Hawks best line. They were on the ice for both of the Hawks goals. In recent games, this line has caught fire again, but much like last year, one line can't carry this team.
• Corey Crawford was outstanding tonight. He was the only reason the Hawks had any chance of earning a point in the game. He flat out stood on his head in the first period.
• Once again, the Hawks managed to find their game as the game went on, and stole a point when they really didn't deserve one. Unfortunately, this will get real tiresome, real quick.
• While he was on the ice for the opening goal, I really didn't think Rozsival was that bad tonight as some will say. He's just a guy people. I'd also say get used to seeing him since Forsling went down tonight.
• The Hawks best defenseman tonight was Duncan Keith. That's old news though. Maybe older than Rozsival.

The Bad

• Just when you want to give praise to a guy, they go out and do something stupid. Case in point, Tyler Motte's first period penalty that led to the Flames opening goal.
• Gustav Forsling left the game in the second period after taking a big hit. I'm glad hits mean nothing.
• I'm pretty sure the sun will rise tomorrow even though Kris Versteeg scored the shootout winner. Calm down people. 
• Speaking of the shootout, can we fucking stop with the baseball terms of  "extra innings," "top/bottom of the blank," and "lead off man?"

The Ugly

• Another game, and another power play goal given up by the penalty kill. Going into the game, the only thing that might have been worse than the Hawks penalty kill, was the Calgary power play. This time, both of the Hawks defenders got caught below the goal line. I don't think I've seen a penalty kill that is so out of position and not on the same page. In all, both goals the Hawks gave up came while the Flames were on the power play. Terrific.
• Once again, the Hawks came out flatter than a pancake. Thanks to their goalie, they were only down one after the first period.
• Late in the first period, a horrendous change by Brian Campbell led to a Kris Versteeg breakaway that Crawford was able to stop. I think I speak for everyone when I say the second go around with Campbell isn't going so well.
• The Hawks tried their best to piss away the game midway through the second period as #DickPanik and Panarin took inexcusable penalties.
• Start the broken record of the "power was 0 for.... tonight." Tonight they were 0 for 2 and pissed away a great chance in overtime.
• Hey Calgary, lets ditch this current jersey, and go back to the look of the 1980s. You know, the Mike Vernon look.
• Want to see something really ugly? Look at Derek's timeline during tonight's game. BARF.

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Blackhawks at Flames4-1 Win Recap

"Rejoice And Give Thanks"

by Patrick Stankus

I'm so sorry to start the recap on such a sad note. Tonight, was supposed to be a surprise with a recap by @UncleRozsival, but since he bailed like Ryan Kesler when it comes to fighting Jonathan Toews, you are all stuck with a #FatCap tonight. I'm sorry, I tried folks. While our beat writers were tweeting about the Saddledome catwalk, I was working the phone tirelessly trying to get a hold of our favorite diabetic guest.

Tonight saw the Blackhawks open a crucial four game road trip that begins with a tough back to back in Calgary and Sunday in Vancouver. Returning to the Hawks line up for the first time in 2016 was the true #16, but now #22 in your programs, Marcus Kruger. Oh how I have waited for this day to come. Stop kidding yourselves. You damn well know you have to with the way things have gone for the Hawks of late. Should I mention to that Scott Darling was getting the start for the Hawks? Frankly who cares about that. All we care about is, MARCUS KRUGER IS BACK!!!

Once the puck dropped it was clear the Hawks had seen the Central Division standings. The Hawks came out with a sense of urgency, and energy, something they have lacked of late. Early on, both teams traded shots, with few quality chances. That would change in the middle part of the period, as the Hawks dominated play, but Joni Ortio made a couple of terrific saves to keep the Hawks off the board. In the final minutes of the period, the Hawks seemed to take their foot off the gas, and it nearly bit them. Luckily for a change, Scott Darling made the saves he's supposed to make, and a couple of really good saves to keep the game scoreless after 20 minutes.

Early in the second period the Flames would pick up right where they left off in the first period. The Flames had multiple chances, but each time Darling was there to make the save. Just past the five minute mark, Andrew Ladd opened the scoring off a brutal turnover by T.J. Brodie to give the Hawks the lead. The lead didn't last long, as seven minutes later, Dougie Hamilton tied the game at one. The later stages of the period saw the game get a bit chippy with six penalties called in the final ten minutes of the period. In the final minute, Andrew Shaw put the Hawks back on top with a redirect from a Michal Rozsival shot, to give the Hawks a 2-1 lead after two periods.

The third period saw both teams rack up double digit shot totals, despite there only being one power play in the period. The Hawks were the team that had the opportunity on the power play, but nothing came of it. As time wound down, both teams would trade one and done chances, but none that really stood out as a prime scoring chance. In the final minutes, Calgary would pull Joni Ortio for the extra attacker. The Hawks added two empty netters from Ladd, and Teravainen to seal a 4-1 win on the start of the four game road trip. Up next is a stop to @atomicfroster 's land in Vancouver for an Easter match up with the Canucks.


The Good

• As mentioned earlier, Marcus Kruger returned to the Hawks line up. If you had listened to Brian Hedger from the start, you would have never thought you'd see this day this season. Thanks for being 100% wrong Mr. Hedger.
• Scott Darling was solid in net for the Hawks. He made some big saves when the Flames had a lot of momentum towards the end of the first period, and while the Hawks were parading to the penalty box in the second. In the end Darling made 31 saves. Lets see how he does in the back to back if he indeed gets the start in Vancouver.
• 2/3rds of the fourth line, and Andrew Ladd deserve a lot of credit for the go ahead go in the second period. Hard work down low by Shaw, Kruger, and Ladd saw them cycle the puck back to the point, where Rozsival put a shot on net, with traffic in front. The stunning result? The puck was in the back of the net.
• Kruger returns, and the Hawks PK kills off both of the Flames power plays. Lets hope this trend continues.
• The Hawks lost the face off battle 28-26, but based on how bad they've been at the dot of late, I'll take this.
• Andrew Ladd had himself a nice little three point night, with two goals, and an assist. Hey this is the guy the Hawks were supposed to get from Winnipeg right?
• Okay the tons of mentions of Kruger returning is part of the joke, but come on and admit it. The fourth line was outstanding tonight.

The Bad

• Artemi Panarin was caught napping on the Flames lone goal. Panarin completely lost his check in Dougie Hamilton, and allowed Hamilton beat him to the slot and to chip a loose puck past Darling.
• Noted Hawks enforcer Jonathan Toews decided to go after Dougie Hamilton, after Hamilton lit up Seabrook with a hit. I didn't have any problem with the hit. I'm guessing Toews wanted to show former teammate Brandon Bollig how to be an enforcer?
• A #FatCap wouldn't be complete with a bad Andrew Shaw penalty. This time it was an offensive zone slash because he was mad he got knocked down. I'm not going to miss these penalties.
• The feast or famine power play was a famine tonight. They were 0 for 2 in their chances.

The Ugly

• What the fuck is up with Calgary's third jersey? Its a complete disaster. What the hell was wrong with this jersey being your alternate from a few years ago?
  
• Speaking of disasters, when is Calgary going to find a starting goalie? My apologies, but Joni Ortio?? What is this, pick a random ass guy from Finland and see if he's the next Miikka Kiprusoff. Not to mention seeing a goalie in Calgary wearing #37 made me wonder if I was seeing Trevor Kidd in net again. How'd that 1990 draft go for you guys? (Do yourself a favor and look that up if you don't know what I'm referencing)
• What the hell was T.J. Brodie thinking with a cross ice pass while skating backwards?? Christ almighty that was a brutal turnover. Thankfully Ladd made Brodie pay for that mistake.
• Artem Anisimov was 25% at the dot tonight. Let us all say it together, WOOF.

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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.

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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

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Blackhawks vs Flames2-1 Win Recap

"Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good"


The Blackhawks had no time to lick their wounds after losing the previous night in NY. They rushed home and too kthe ice Sunday night for a tilt with the Calgary Flames. The not only had the chaos of a weekend back-to-back, but it was announced Sunday morning that the Blackhawks had traded Jeremy Morin to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Tim Erixon.

There were a few decent scoring chances in the first period but, overall, I felt like I was watching the Winnipeg game a few weeks back. Calgary out shot the Blackhawks 9-7, for the period. If you missed it, you didn't miss it.

The second period was slightly more eventful than the first. Each team had a goal, and the Blackhawks out shot the Flames 11-10. The Blackhawks also had a few very high quality scoring chances, only to be beaten by the Flames goaler.

The third period was all Blackhawks as they out shot the Flames 10-5 and scored the game winning goal late. Even when the Hawks aren't at the top of their game, they were able to squeak out a tough win. Two points are two points.

The Good

• About 5 minutes after the Flames goal, El Capitan drew a penalty deep in the Flames zone. Just nine seconds after the call, a quick Kane to Toews to Sharp bang-bang play resulted in a nice goal.
• With just under 7 minutes left in the game, Hjalmarsson stopped Johnny Hockey at the Hawks Blue line and fed El Capitan, who had snuck in behind the Flames defense. Toews led the rush with Brandon Saad, who had also gotten in behind the Flames defense. As soon as Saad cleared the Blue line, Toews hit him on the tape and he snapped a shot up and over Hiller's glove for a 2-1 Blackhawks lead.
• The Hawks were STELLAR at the faceoff dots at 61%
• Tim Erixon really didn't show much. He had just over 10 minutes in his debut. That's all they really need out of him.

The Bad

• Five minutes into the second period, the Blackhawks got mesmerized by Johnny Gaudreau, and let former Red Wing Jiri Hudler slide into a kushy soft spot high in the slot area. Gaudreau fed Hulder, who snapped a half clapper past Raanta. Raanta didn't push over into position real strongly, but the shot was a lazer.

The Ugly

• Thank god, we didn't have to deal with the Brandon Bollig show.
• Not much more to complain about which is just fine by me.

The Lineblender
Saad-Toews-Hossa
Kane-Richards-Versteeg
Sharp-Shaw-Bickell
Carcillo-Kruger-Smith

Keith-Seabrook
Oduya-Hjalmarsson
Erixon-Roszival

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Blackhawks - Calgary 4-3 win recap

Circus World

Show of hands if you had Adam Clendening scoring on his second shift, on the power play, in his first NHL game. Alright liars, put your hands down.

However unlikely of a scenario that was, that's the way the Blackhawks got their annual "circus trip" started in Calgary. Clendening got the Blackhawks on the scoreboard first, and later on in the 1st period, another unsuspecting Blackhawk continued the scoring. A hard working shift by the "4th line" resulted in Gorilla Salad giving the Blackhawks a 2-0 lead. After that, the sloppy, careless play of the Blackhawks took over, and they yielded 2 power play goals to the Flames to end the 1st period tied at 2.

Just past the midway point of the 2nd period, Brent Seabrook fired the puck past Jonas Hiller to give the Blackhawks a 3-2 lead. That lead however, was short lived, as the Flames managed to tie it up at 3 just under 2 minutes later.

Its well documented on my feelings on a goalie that plays the puck. I believe they should stay in the damn net. Well Jonas Hiller backed up my opinion by coughing up the puck to Patrick Kane, and Kane made him pay. Kane's goal put the Hawks up for good, and in the end got the circus trip started off on the right foot with a 4-3 win.


The Great

- Thank the good Lord that Brandon Bollig didn't score

The Good

- It was nice to see Adam Clendening score in his 1st NHL game. Way to set the bar high, and become the newest star in the meatball world.
- The hard work of the "4th line" paid off on the Hawks 2nd goal. Dirty work along the boards resulted in a turnover, and Gorilla Salad of all people scoring a goal. That's the kind of effort you want to see out of the grinder line.
- Patrick Kane's first game as a 26 year old was stellar. His steal resulted in the game winning goal, and he also had a sweet centering pass to Seabrook on the Hawks 3rd goal.
- The power play was 1 of 2 on the night. For a change, I'll take that.

The Bad

- Once again the "physicality" of the Blackhawks showed. I am big proponent of the stat of hits in the game, and the Hawks were outhit 15-4. Time to toughen up, and throw the body around when needed.
- Duncan Keith and Brad Richards defensive "positioning"  on the Flames 3rd goal was horrendous. Nothing like being mesmerized by the puck guys.

The Ugly

- Anytime you take five straight penalties in a game, you deserve to lose. Luckily for the Hawks they were able to get away with this tonight.
- Ladislav Smid was a solid -3 on the night. I remember actually wanting the Hawks to take a run at him at the trade deadline a few years ago. See we're not perfect or experts.
- This wasn't one of Niklas Hjalmarsson's strongest games, as he took 2 penalties.

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Blackhawks vs. Flames2-1 OT Loss - Recap

The Return

For most of the meatball coalition, Wednesday night at the UC was the much anticipated return of Stanley Cup hero Brandon Bollig. Unfortunately for the meatballs, we did not see the overhyped, never going to happen bout between useless hockey players in Bollig, and new facepunching hero Dan Carcillo. Or are does he prefer the formal, Daniel? But we were treated to a sight Blackhawks fans are all too familiar. Bollig's highlight of the game occurred in the 1st period, when just like old times, he took a lazy, dumb penalty in the offensive zone. Luckily for Bollig he's with a team where there are no expectations, so the careless play warranted him more playing time, much to the delight of the puck bunnies in the 100 level.

Now onto more important things, like the actual game.

From the drop of the puck, it was clear that the Blackhawks were an NHL team and the Flames were an AHL team. The Blackhawks dominated the Flames in the offensive zone, outshooting the Flames 18-2 in the 1st period. However trouble seemed to be on the horizon as, despite the drastic difference in shots, and puck possession, we were scoreless after one. Furthermore, the real trouble started to brew as the Blackhawks went 0-3 on the Power Play in the 1st.

With the Blackhawks still dominating the play in the 2nd, it was the Flames who would strike first on the scoreboard. Dennis Wideman fired a slapshot, that was redirected off of Trevor Van Riemsdyk,  past Crawford. The Blackhawks found themselves with several scoring opportunities, and 2 more Power Plays, but were unable to solve Jonas Hiller.

In the 3rd period, the Blackhawks were finally able to beat Hiller. On their 7th, yes, 7th Power Play of the night Andrew Shaw redirected a slapper from Patrick Sharp, to tie the game at 1. Despite a few more chances, the Blackhawks couldn't beat Hiller, and the game headed to overtime.

Before we get to the overtime frame, I must say the dry scrape is a sight to see. You must see it for yourself.

The overtime period featured open end to end action, with both teams registering 3 shots. Unfortunately for the Blackhawks they found themselves on the short end of the stick as Mikael Backlund beat Corey Crawford with 24 seconds left, and the Flames went onto the 2-1 victory.

In the end, this is a game that the Blackhawks should have won. There's no excuse. Instead of grinding out a win, they tried their best to wow the home crowd with several fancy plays, that wound up biting them in the ass. Its a good thing this was only the 3rd game of the season, but then again you can look back and say this was a great opportunity at 2 points, and they pissed it away. Plain and simple.


The Good

- Giving credit where credit is due. Jonas Hiller was fantastic in net for the Flames. Regardless the Blackhawks didn't make it overly difficult, Hiller still faced 50 shots, and stopped 49.

-  Andrew Shaw once again made his presence felt in front of the net. Now if Bickell could only learn.

- Who didn't enjoy that penalty Bollig took?

The Bad

- Bickell's missed chance at an open net. Yes, there was a defender in the neighborhood, but no excuses, use your side to your advantage.

- Trevor Van Riemsdyk was alright. However if you're going to block a shot, block the shot. Don't stand there and allow the puck to redirect off your stick.

The Ugly

- Dan Carcillo. Period. Dan Carcillo. He somehow managed to miss two glorious scoring opportunities that any real hockey player would have scored. Hell the cardboard bubble hockey player would have scored both.

- The Power Play. 1 for 7 speaks for itself.

- Brad Richards playing the point on the Power Play. Once again a bobbled puck lead to a breakaway for the opposition. Richards is one rusty link on the chain closer to becoming the new boat anchor

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Blackhawks Week That Was - 1/31

1/27 - Blackhawks vs. Jets
3-1 Loss

• The only Blackhawks goal was a terrible misplay by Al Montoya just a minute and a half into the game. The worst part is that it was Bollig who threw the bad angle shot at the net. This goal along with the one against Rask last week are going to reinforce him taking shitty shots from bad angles. Just perfect.
  
• The big story was the Blackhawks $4 million power forward sitting in the cheap seats, wearing a suit. Bickell sat in favor of Michael Kostka, which is not something any of us expected to hear when this season began. This just reinforces that he's in Q's chateau bow wow. Milkbone underwear for you, Dog Boy. Kostka was credited with 4 hits in just over 7 minutes of time. The official scorer must have been tripping balls!
  
• Maybe Quenneville has finally realized that his 6'5", 400 year old security blanket just drags his team down. Handzus play a second lowest TOI total of 8:14.
  
• The third piece of the "Fourth Line Puzzle", Kris Versteeg not only missed a wide open net that would have put tied the game for the Blackhawks, but he turned the puck over at the Hawks blue line twice in one shift. I wasn't really excited to have him back, and I'm even less excited now. Jimmy Hayes wouldn't have hurt playing the same minutes, and would have been cheaper.
  
• It is just plain pitiful that the only Blackhawks player that could generate offense was Brandon Bollig. Kudos to him for making it happen but with the talent on this team, someone else needs to produce.
  
• Not Crawford's best game, but he played well enough to win. Wheeler's goal was a fat rebound off a leg in front of the net with the fourth line on the ice, and Ladd's goal was a terrible turnover by Hossa that was redirected by Keith's leg. The easy meatball reaction is to blame the goalie.
  

Here are the video highlights: 1/29 - Blackhawks at Calgary 5-4 OT Loss

• Well, this was a fun game, wasn't it? The Blackhawks went down 1-0 just 1:13 in, and never held a lead. Both teams has shorthanded goals, and both starting goalies were eventually pulled. Poppycock. Even the box score of this game makes you think, "meh".
  
• Corey Crawford only gave up one goal on 14 shots, but the meatball nation will blame him for this loss. That couldn't be further from the truth. Raanta was slightly below average at best, and the defense looked tired.
  
• The fact that the Hawks went down 4-2 and fought back to tie the game can be looked at as a good thing. It's easy to pack the tent up in a road game where you clearly just don't have it, and zone out. The Hawks didn't. And that's the best thing I can say about this game.
  
• Bryan Bickell was back and didn't exactly look "rejuvenated". I'm not even sure what to suggest. He's a lost puppy, at this point.
  
• The first goal against was a direct result of "the phenom" Brandon Bollig and his attempt to be cutesy. He attempted a cute one touch pass to Ben Smith that was intercepted and it was off to the races the other way. Granted, Antti Raanta's 5-hole looked more like a combination of a 5th, 6th and 7th hole on that shot.
  
• Bouma's goal was ALL on Raanta. Bouma was forced to a bad angle and Raanta just muffed it. I will defend him a little, because those shots over the ear are difficult, but he had time and space to get the angle.
  
• The Stajan goal was a shitshow, as well. The Hawks turned the puck over in the Flames zone on a terrible pass by Andrew Shaw to Sharp, and the Hawks recovered terribly. Bickell was blazed around like he was standing still, and then just gave up like Bambi on ice. This left Seabrook all alone facing a 2-on-1 with Leddy having pinched deep into the Flames zone. Raanta was pretty much hung out to dry because Seabrook bit hard on the shooter. I'm not sure why he was so worried about David Jones, who was on his backhand. That's the ideal situation for that play. Que sera sera, right?
  
• The Backlund goal was brutal. When you allow a 3-on-1 shorthanded rush, you're doing it wrong. Keith and Raanta were the sacrificial lambs on that play. Sharp, a forward playing point, was the next closest Hawks, but he wasn't going to do much.
  
• The overtime goal was not Crawford's fault. He followed the shooter and recovered for the rebound well. Definitely not Nick Leddy's best shift. He was walked through and then didn't cover the far post for his goalie, once the play turned into the Shanghai Circus. Rozsival stood there like a clod. Sharp coasted back on the back check and eventually did a fly by. Hossa not only couldn't control the puck at center ice, which started the rush, but then was the last guy back and watched the entire play.
  

Here are the video highlights: 1/29 - Blackhawks at Vancouver 5-2 Win

• The Blackhawks spotted the Canucks an early 1-0 and, eventual, 2-0 lead. After that, the Hawks then turned on the jets scoring five straight goals. The Canucks have sure turned into a shit show, haven't they?
  
• The first Canucks goal was definitely a woofer, but Crawford followed up with at least three spectacular saves to keep the game 1-0.
  
• Saad drove the secondary scoring, with 2 goals and an assist on the night. This kid is just a stud.
  
• Bickell and Versteeg continued to be lightning rods. Versteeg was directly responsible for the second Canucks goal, when he tried to stickhandle through the Canucks deep in the Hawks end. As one might expect, it was stolen and eventually ended up in the back of the net. Bickell sat for the second game in the last three.
  
• The Blackhawks were awful at the faceoff dots. They won only 37% of their draws. El Capitan was at the top of the futility list, winning only 33% of his draws.
  
• Ryan Kesler was a beast for the Canucks. He won 80% of his faceoffs, 5 shots on net, 4 hits and an assist. Of course he had to sour that with a 10 minute misconduct in the third period. It's the Canuck way.
  
• It was nice to see the powerplay pull itself out of the slump it was in. The goal was disgustingly easy and leaving the final leg to Hossa is about as safe as you can get.
  

Here are the video highlights:

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Blackhawks Week That Was - 11/29

11/23 - Blackhawks at Vancouver - 2-1 Win

• Talk about a boring game. Other than the Kesler goal, there wasn't anything to stay awake for until late in the third.
  
• Speaking of Kesler's goal. Crawford did just about everything, but destroy his groin, to save that shot. Sometimes they just find that one small hole. It was a 5-on-3, for christ sakes. Aside from that, Crawford had an excellent night. 36 saves; one goal; in a hostile environment.
  
• The Shaw goal was vintage Shaw. He was in the right place at the right time, and made a play. He might be one of the dirtiest diggers in the league, but you have to love him. Kane tried to make, what seemed to be a stupid blind backhand pass across the slot to El Capitan, but Shaw stepped in front of the pass and redirected it past Sweaty Lu. Can't fault him in that play. Shaw just made a great play.
  
• How great is it that the Hawks player that Vancouver poached off waivers ends up being the person responsible for the bad pinch that led to the game winning 2-on-1? NINE SECONDS after the tying goal. I'm slyly looking in your direction, Ryan Stanton. I hope one of your old boys slipped you a couple hundies after the game. You made it look believable, kid. Somewhere Chelsea Daggar was ringing in heads of every Canuck.
  
• As shocking as this has become, the Hawks were above 50% at the dots again. It has gotten to a point that you should be surprised when they aren't. Shaw was the only Hawks center under 50%, but we'll let him slide thanks to his other contributions. He only took 5 faceoffs.
  
• In what might be one of the more surprising stats of the night, the Canucks were only credited with 16 hits. Usually they are throwing their bodies, in stupid fashion, at the Hawks players.
  
• After discovering a certain greasy haired goalie's twitter account what seems like a decade ago, I cannot hate the guy. If he was anywhere but Vancouver, he might be one of my favorite players.
  

Here are the video highlights:11/25 - Blackhawks at Edmonton - 5-1 Win

• El Capitan's single handed shorthanded goal set the tone for the night. He realized that the Erlers had a forward at the point and pressured him to cough up the puck. After that, it was vintage Jonny Serious. All business.
  
• After the Toews goal, it was time for Kane to tally on the powerplay. Nothing pretty, just found a loose puck in front and dunked it.
  
• Oduya was the fortunate recipient of some Erler shenanigans, when they put the rebound of Oduya's long shot into their own net.
  
• Jeremy Morin made a nice play to set up Andrew Shaw for another slam dunk not even half way through the second period, to end Dubnyk's night. Not that the goals were his fault. In comes the Russian Cosmonaut. Raise your hand if you had any idea Bryzgalov was on the Erlers.
  
• The Justin Schultz goal was a really nice one timer from the Hawks left dot and surprised Crawford. Meh!
  
• The Hawks only had 27 shots on net and scored on 5. Tell me again how bad Corey Crawford is, meatballs?
  
• The Hawks won their, now usual, 50% plus at the dots. Shaw was woofed, going only 1 of 8, but the rest picked up the slack. Hell he had 2 goals and an assist. I'll lay off his ass for the faceoffs.
  
• The only players to play less than Kris Versteeg were J-Mo and Bollig. Coach not happy already eh? Maybe all those with the happy pants should have watched his play in 2010, and not just his terrible rapping skills.
  

Here are the video highlights: 11/27 - Blackhawks at Calgary - 3-2 Win

• The Hawks were down 2-0 and looking like there was no life, halfway through the third period, and the Patricks decided to take over. Back to back Sharp and Kane goals, fifty six seconds apart, erased the Flames lead, and a Kane goal with eighteen seconds left won it for the Hawks. None of the three goals were stellar shots, but they all count.
  
• The second goal, by Sharp, was a herculean effort by Hossa, which left room for Sharp to find a soft spot and redirect it on net. Of course Edzo and Pat completely ignored the set up.
  
• For the first time in quite a while, the Hawks lost the faceoff battle, which still left them as the 8th best team in the league at the end of the night.
  
• Antti Raanta looks really composed in his first NHL start. He only had to make 20 saves and certainly didn't look out of place.
  
• Even though he's unconventional, and kind of overly aggressive, I like this Reto Berra kid. He's exciting.
  

Here are the video highlights: 11/22 - Blackhawks at Dallas - 2-1 Shootout Win

• Crawford made nice enough effort on the Alex Chiasson penalty shot was enough to force him to shoot off the far post.
  
• The only Dallas goal was a complete and utter shitshow. Crawford tried to play the puck but was too close to the ridiculous trapezoid and he coughed the puck up. It finally ended up on the stick of Peverley, who had a gaping net.
  
• Once again, Shooter to the rescue. He redirected a long Keith shot, that the Stars couldn't get out of the zone, and tied the game, which ultimately led to overtime and the shootout.
  
• For the second game in a row, the Hawks were beaten at the dots. Pirri was dicked at the dots for the second game in a row.
  
• The ELEVENTH shooter for the Blackhawks, Ben Smith, took the extra point for the Blackhawks. Sharpie was the only other Blackhawks player to score in the shootout, and Crawford only gave up one.
  
• Stars Jamie Benn had SEVEN shots and none beat Crawford.
  
• Yes, the Stars goal was ugly, but Crawford is the reason that the Hawks won. One goal, and 10 of 11 saved in the shootout.
  

Here are the video highlights:

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The Week That Was - 11/9

Sorry for the late recaps. I was playing a little puck myself in wonderful Grand Rapids Michigan, where the Detoilet fans are delusional as ever. 2008, guys. That's the last time the Wings were relevant. Since then, the Hawks have 2 cups. LET. IT. GO.

11/2 - Blackhawks at Winnipeg Jets - Win 5-1

• The Hawks went down 1-0 early in the first and never looked back, scoring 5 unanswered goals.
  
• the Hjalmarsson goal was a fucking laser beam, and it was all made possible by a nice Marcus Kruger offensive zone faceoff win. Funny how that works.
  
• Cleanly shaven Brandon Bollig put all us haters who said he has no talent to shame. He rushed up the ice on a 2-on-1 with Kruger and undressed Pavelec with a great snapshot. Even I can admit that it was impressive. Maybe he'll prove to be a worthy player after all. He later assisted on a nice deflection goal by Ben Smith. This 4th line is coming together. Bollig had a goal, an assist, a penalty and a plus 3. Almost a Gordie Howe Hatty.
  
• Crazy 8s was given a penalty shot against Montoya, and had him beat with a sweet backhand shot, but hit the iron.
  
• After the first goal, which wasn't his fault, Crawford was excellent. For all the hate directed his way, his good performances need to be pointed out.
  
• Barely, but the Hawks were over 50% at the dots. Kruger led the way with 73%, surprisingly, while Pirri and Shaw got pistol whipped into the 30s.
  

Here are the video highlights: 11/3 - Blackhawks vs Calgary Flames - 3-2 OT Loss

• Rookie Reto Berra made his NHL debut for the Flames, and was outstanding. This kid looks like he's going to be a player.
  
• for the second game in a row there was a penalty shot. This time it was TJ Galiardi against Crawford. Galiardi missed the net, but I can't ever remember back to back games with penalty shots.
  
• Kane put on a puckhandling clinic for his first goal. The kid is just plain dangerous with the puck on his stick.
  
• Of course, less than a minute after the Kane goal, Hjalmarsson left Mike Cammalleri in front of Crawford all alone. I'm not sure exactly just what the hell he was doing, because there was no one else anywhere near the Hawks half of the ice. He watched Cammalleri tip Wideman's long shot right past Crawford. Not much a goalie can do in that situation. Nice time to have a brain fart, Hammer.
  
• Curtis Glencross took advantage of Brookbank's lead skates and was able to separate himself enough to speed up the left wing after a long Bulter breakout pass, and beat Crawford cleanly, early in the third.
  
• Hossa and Kane tied the game up late, on a Blackhawks powerplay. Kane held onto the puck long enough for Hossa to set up for a one timer about 5 feet away. That was enough to get Berra off his angle and tie the game.
  
• The overtime winner was a TERRIBLE goal for Crawford to give up. Kris Russell just unleashed a 55 foot slapshot from the blue line, with no one in front of the net. Crawford just whiffed. Just bad timing for an awful goal.
  
• The Hawks were actually up of 60 percent at the dots; Yes SIXTY! This was with Pirri only winning 2 of 10 faceoffs. Kruger was big, again, winning 9 of 13. El Capitan and Shaw were both at 67%.
  
• The fact that J-Moe has been logging the least amount of ice time shows that Bollig has moved up the depth chart. Not sure what that means for Morin, though.
  
• The Hawks also out hit and out shot the Flames. Clearly the win was a fluke, but those nights happen. A point is a point.
  

Here are the video highlights: 11/6 - Blackhawks vs Winnipeg Jets - Win 4-1

• The entire shift of Toews, Kane and Sharp was dominating just previous to the first goal by El Capitan. They had the puck on a string, with behind the back passes and great stick work by Jonny B Goode. By the time the puck was in the net, it just wasn't fair. The play looked like a bunch of adults toying with a midget team.
  
• Kane followed up with another puck control clinic just two minutes after the Toews goal. When you leave Patrick Kane between the dots, deep in your zone, he's going to eat you alive. Dinner is served, Mr. Kane.
  
• Ben Smith made a nice steal in the neutral zone and fed Brandon Pirri for a breakaway goal, late in the second period. Credit Smith with getting his head up and finding Pirri across the ice, quickly.
  
• Shooter McSharpie found a loose puck deep in the Jets zone after a failed attempt to get the puck out, four minutes into the third, and snapped the puck over Montoya for a 4-0 Hawks lead.
  
• We couldn't count on the Hawks to pay attention long enough in a 4-0 game to get Crawford a shutout. Setoguchi stole it from him midway through the third period. Crawford kicked the rebound out to his right, and Setoguchi jumped on it, before Seabrook could get to him. MEH!
  
• Bollig continued to make himself get noticed for positive reasons. Late in the third he put Adam Pardy THROUGH the glass in the Jets zone.
  
• Two games in a row that the Hawks were 60% or better at the dots. Yanic Perreault is doing something right. Give that man a raise and an extension. Captain Serious was EIGHTY EIGHT percent.
  
• Buff, Ladd, Wheeler and Little were all minus THREE on the night. Woof!
  

Here are the video highlights: 11/6 - Blackhawks at Dallas Stars - Win 5-2

• The Stars actually went up 2-1 in the second after Jamie Benn hit Tyler Seguin, with a wide open net in front of him. Then the Hawks decided to show up.
  
• The Hawks took the lead, in the powerplay, very late in the second and never looked back. Shaw has proven to be a huge part of this team, and helped set up the goal with a nice touch pass to Kane for the goal. A few minutes later, he sent Kane in on a break-a-away.
  
• Shooter's persistence along the boards got the puck loose to Hoss for a break-a-way goal with a minute and a half left in the third period, which iced the game. Clutch.
  
• The Hawks continued to be at, or over, 50% at the dots.
  
• They Hawks were outshot on the road, by three, and won by 3. I'll take it.
  

Here are the video highlights:

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Blackhawks vs Flames - Win Recap

"Now Thy Death Day Come"

For the last home game of the 2013 season, the Hawks welcomed the Calgary Flames to the UC. No hiding the fact that the Flames came in with a pitiful record, and had nothing to play for. One of the few interesting facts was that this may be the last time the Blackhawks, or Chicago, ever see Miikka Kiprusoff. There is much speculation that he will retire after the end of the season, and that is unfortunate, because he's been the consumate warrior. He'll be missed. Unfortunately, the Flames announced that they were going to thrown former Red Wing Joey MacDonald in net as the sacrificial lamb. In addition to the Flames having nothing to play for, the Blackhawks had two blow off games before the playoffs begin next week. Would the real Blackhawks show up, or the ones looking ahead two games to the playoffs? How about half and half?

The Hawks came out relaxed and flying in the first period scoring two tow goals and out scoring the Flames 13-5. It almost looked like a men's league game between an "A" team and a "C" team. More of this and the Hawks were going to win 10-0.

Of course, the intensity of the first period didn't follow the Blackhawks into the second. They gave up a shorthanded goal and were out shot 13-12 by the Flames. A 2-1 lead was a tragedy against a team the Blackhawks were so much better than.

The third period was a little better, but not much better than watching pain dry. The Hawks out shot Calgary 13-8 and scored the insurance goal they needed. Other than that goal, it was really a snorefest for the Blackhawks. Calgary went down fighting, but it clearly wasn't enough and the Hawks walked away with a 3-1 won. Next, and last regular season victim...St. Louis.

The Good

• The Handzus/Kane/Sharp line was buzzing early. With Bolland out, the Handzus move may become a total steal and might make Bowman look like a savant.
• Of course, Sharp and Kane were involved in the first goal. Shooter took too long and couldn't finish, on a wide open net, but the Hawks smelled blood. Crazy 8s followed up by burying a tight angle shot to open the scoring for the Blackhawks.
• El Capitan picked up a fortunate Brandon Saad rebound, that dropped behind Ronald MacDonald, and tapped in one of his easiest goals to get the Hawks a 2-0 before 15 minutes had even been played.
• After a lackluster second period, Dream Warrior got a hold of a puck from the right dot and snapped a shot over MacDonald's blocker for a 3-1 Blackhawks lead.
• Crawford was outstanding all night, making several huge saves. The goal against was not his fault at all. He only had 26 shots, but there were more great chances than you'd like to see.
• If it weren't for Zus, all the Blackhawks centers would have been well over 50% at the dots. More please.
• Nick Leddy led the Blackhawks in ice time with 22:11. It was nice to see the load taken off the top 4, which is how it should be.

The Bad

• Halfway through the second period, the Hawks got complacent and gave up a 55 foot deflected shot, shorthanded. Part of the problem with coming out to a big lead in a game you don'r need to win is just not giving a fuck, and on this one, not a fuck was given.
• The Blackhawks powerplay couldn't have been much worse, but it really didn't matter. They gave up a shorthanded goal on the first PP, and a shorthanded break-a-way on the second one. Luckily, Crawford bailed them out on the second one.

The Ugly

• Maybe the most entertaining play of the game was Kane trying to set up Dullig with a pass for an empty netter, which he couldn't handle with his brick hands and cement head. Then, when he finally caught up to the puck, had his shot blocked. DOH!

Here are the video highlights:

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Blackhawks vs FlamesShutout Win Recap

"Boot Scrapers"

What is there to say about the prospect of the Flames coming into the UC on the second night of a back-to-back? They stink. They are a terrible team, that is on the verge of a complete fire sale and the Hawks had a chance to help nudge them over the cliff. They have played terrible, been bitten by injuries, and have the worst GM in the NHL. Don't worry, I won't sugar coat it. Live from the UC, it's the Blackhawks and the smoldering Flames.

The Flames looked pretty terrible in the first period, but I wouldn't exactly classify the Hawks play as anything other than "good". The shots favored the Hawks 11-6, and the Hawks had the only goal of the period, but the first period isn't where the Hawks have had their problems.

The Hawks continued their dominating play in the second, out shooting the Flames an embarrassing 16 to 3, also scoring the game's second goal late in the period.

The third period was much more even, probably due to four Blackhawks penalties. They still managed to out shoot the pathetic Flames 8-7 and preserve the shutout. A game the Hawks should have won, and did. Just another day at the office.


The Good

• The first Hawks goal, just 7 minutes into the game by Nick Leddy, was about as soft as baby shit. Leddy picked up the puck at the left dot, and despite having no real angle, threw the puck at the net. This is where the magic happened. The puck banked off the top of Kiprusoff's left pad, down through his 5-hole, and into the net. You could see the life drain out of him and into a puddle in the crease, after than goal.
• Lucky Number Sleven scored the second Hawks goal of the night in the late minutes of the second period. Mike Cammalleri ran off to get a new stick and left his team behind in the defensive zone, down a man, to defend the Hawks pressure. Kane camped out behind the net long enough for the odd man to get open, and that odd man was Lucky Sleven. Seabrook took the Kane pass, walked the puck around Iginla and took the shot. The shot changed speed because of an Iginla deflection and floated past Kiprusoff like a Gaylord Perry spitball. It looked embarrassing on TV, but speaking from experience, a shot like that is frustrating and extremely difficult, when you're set and ready for a laser beam. I felt for Kipper on that one. Nonetheless, it was 2-0 Hawks.
• Razor was big, when he had to be, in net for the Hawks. Granted, I fully believe that Crawford could have shut them out too, but props to Razor for another shutout. I really don't care which one wins the game, as long as they are winning. BUT, if anyone starts this "Ray Emery for Starter" horseshit I'm going to bludgeon them to death with a tire iron, simply because you're an idiot and need to be erased from this planet.
• Four more shot blocks for Hjalmarsson. I have come full circle on this guy. I was not a big fan, and called for his trade many time. The fact of the matter is that he has progressed and become a major part of the heart of the defense. He has his rough nights, but who doesn't? SO glad they kept him instead of Niemi, and that has never changed.
• It might not show up on the score sheet, but Brandon Saad just gets better and better. I have no shame in saying how much I like this kid. His drive to the net, speed, and confidence are SCARY. The goals will come, because he puts himself in the right areas to succeed. The way he blew through the Flames, late in the third period, was absolutely jaw dropping. I think it's safe to say Viktor Stalberg is watching his Blackhawks career flash before his eyes. How the Hawks got this kid, where they did, was total larceny.

The Bad

• Toews, Mayers and Carcillo all had great chances alone against Kiprusoff in the first, but none of them could put the puck in the net. The barrage continued throughout the game and Kiprusoff held his ground very well, but you can't win many game when you team doesn't score a single goal. He may want to rethink that threat to not report if he is traded. A trade may be his only saving grace.
• Dullig was out, and Carcillo replaced him. 7:02 of glory, and barely a blip on the radar.
• Kruger and Bolland were dogged at the dot something awful, going a combined 31%. Oh, but lookie here, MegaMayers won all 4 faceoffs he took. Good thing they are saving him for the playoffs with all those healthy scratches.

The Ugly

• Is it a league mandate that every Jackman needs to be a total ball bag. Yes, I thought so. Must be a clause in the new CBA.
• The powerplay was anemic against the league's #20 penalty kill unit. Now that the Hawks penalty kill has come back down to earth a little bit (dropped to #7 at 84.3%), the powerplay needs to step up. Yet, it's getting worse and worse as the season wears on. By no means am I preaching doom and gloom, but this is an important part of the game that needs to get UNFUCKED real soon. Top 10 is not too much to ask with this cast of characters, because the talent is there.
  
  They are on the verge of slipping into the league's bottom third, and that is just unacceptable. They were #16 (17.7%) the year of the cup, but were #5 in the playoffs at 22.5%. Strangely enough they currently have the same EXACT percentage they finished with, in the 2009/10 regular season. Needless to say, they will need to get better in the playoffs, if they want a repeat performance.

Here are the video highlights:

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Blackhawks at CalgaryShootout Win Recap

"Grand Larceny"

On to Calgary the Blackhawks go, after two straight shootout losses with little offense to speak of. Facing a team that came in with a 1-3-1 record should have been just what the doctor ordered. The Blackhawks were beginning to look like a team that started hot and had the rest of the league finally catch up with them. Stagnant offense was beginning to bite them in the ass, and things needed to change quickly or this road trip was going to turn into a disaster.

The Hawks actually came out of the box on the hot side but period of uncertainty in the middle of the period peppered the Hawks with shots, and the remainder of the period was pretty much spent in the Hawk end. There were bad turnovers and generally sloppy play, which supports my theory that the rest of the league is catching up to the Hawks level of play. The final shot tally was 10-6 in favor of the Flames.

When play in the second resumed, the Flames continued their hot play and pressure by testing the Hawks from every angle. Once again, the Flames out shot the Hawks 10-6 to lead 20-12 after 40 minutes. It could have easily been 2-0, if it hadn't been for the Hawks goaltending.

The third period was a Blackhawks dogshit circus, with the Flames dominating the entire period like a Harlem Globetrotters game. Somehow, someway, the Hawks took the lead, but that didn't last long. Calgary even took a lead with 30 seconds to play. In a game they had no business getting a point out of, they found themselves going to overtime, with a game tying goal very late. This is not a typo when I tell you that Calgary out shot the Hawks 24-6 in the third.

The Hawks did their best to give the game away in overtime as well, but Calgary couldn't finish. There were officially only 3 shots on net for Calgary in the overtime, but that was nowhere close to the truth of the matter. Ultimately, this game was decided in a shootout.

The Good

• Razor is the only real bright light in the first period as far as the Blackhawks go, and he continued in the second. He was faced an Iginla breakaway in the second, and closed the 5-hole. The third period, overtime and shootout were all stellar by Emery, too. None of the goals were his fault.
• Hossa had a shorthanded breakaway chance after a great shot block at the point, and tried to blast it through the 5-hole. Kiprusoff was one better, though.
• Crazy 8's finally scored the first goal of the game after almost 44 minutes of scoreless hockey. Sharp wheeled behind the net and took a bad angle shot that surprised Kiprusoff, and the rebound ricocheted out into the slot where Kane launched it Kiprusoff who was down on his side. The shot was hard enough to sneak through and dribble in the net.
• After the Bouwmeester goal everyone, including myself, figured the game was over. Calgary called a timeout, and the Hawks pulled Emery. With 2.1 seconds to play in the game, Hossa picked up a rebound in the slot and beat Kiprusoff, who was down and out. The Hawks had no business taking this game to overtime, and yet here they were.
• Toews, Shaw and Mayers were all at, or around, 50% at the faceoff dots. Kruger only managed to win 3 out of 17.

The Bad

• I can't say I'm overly enthused about the shift of Shaw to the second line, and Kruger only to the third. Kruger is much more suited for the second line than Shaw.
• Dull-ig was back to his usual horseshit fighting Tim Jackman three and a half minutes into the game. Cementhead got a few shots in and cut Jackman's face, but was there really a reason for that, just 210 seconds into the game? I'm tired of repeating the waste of a roster spot that he is.
• It was only a matter of time before the Emery's mastery and the penalty kill streak ended, and the third period was that time. Wideman took advantage of a Hawks late third period penalty, and banked it off Seabrook's skate and into the net. Absolutely nothing Ray Emery could do to stop that puck.

The Ugly

• The Hawks offense, after the first few minutes of the first period was utterly pitiful. They could barely manage bad shots, much less a solid scoring chance. In reality, the goals they did manage in the third were really lucky.
• Watching Kruger get thrown out of a faceoff and then Frolik earning a delay of game for also getting thrown out was just sad and pathetic.
• As one would expect when you out shoot a team by 20 shots in a single period, the Flames used a Kane neutral zone turnover to take the lead with thirty seconds to go in the game. Everyone in the rink was sure that Calgary had won; but Marian Hossa...
• There is no excuse to get dominated the way they were, by a very average team, and San Jose will shove it right up their ass Tuesday night.

The Shootout

• Tanguay was bested by Emery across the crease
• El Capitan ran out of real estate
• Hudler was stoned by the glove of Emery
• Crazy 8's beat Kiprusoff through the 5-Hole
• Cervenka shot it over the net. Game...set...match

Here are the video highlights:

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Blackhawks at Calgary - Loss Recap

"And I'm Free...Free Fallin"



That Oiler game sure what painful, wasn't it? I watched Thursday's game on the DVR, which was even more painful. There are two good things Hawks fans can all say about this game against Calgary. It's not against the Oilers, and Sam Gagner is not on their roster. Other than that, the Hawks situation is concerning. YES, there are still almost 4 weeks until the trade deadline, and roughly 30 games until the playoffs, but sliding down this slope, on a 3 week road trip, can be a season killer. In the words of R. Lee Ermey, "You had best UN FUCK yourself". That's the best I can say to Bowman, Quenneville and the rest of the organization. It needed to start in Calgary, but obviously the Hawks had other plans.

As we've all seen quite a few times this year, the Hawks had a majority of the early chances in this game, but gave up an early goal. The Hawks didn't let that keep them down, and tied the game back up late in the frame. Keeping the game close was what they had to do. The second period was all Flames as they out shot the Hawks 16-6 thanks to some Flames powerplays, and the Flames were able to take the lead on a 4 minute powerplay. Was this a hangover from the beating they took the night before? That may have been the case, because the Hawks weren't able to score in the third either. Calgary took advantage of a defensive gaffe and put the Hawks away, 3-1.

The Good

• After 2 pretty uneventful games centering the second line, Tommy Gunn was moved to a slot a little more fit for his skills, the fourth line, and the Dream Warrior was moved back to the second line. Hammer was moved to the third pairing with Lurch, and Frank the Tank was moved up with Leddy. I still would have preferred Frolik playing with Bolland and Shaw, instead of Bickell, but beggars can't be choosers, I suppose.
• Kaner might not be scoring, but he's passing his ass off. Shooter and Toews got the puck to Kane deep in the Flames zone and left him with enough time to find Seabrook sneaking in on the back door. Kane was able to hit Seabs with a pin point perfect pass, who was able to beat Kiprusoff from a tight angle, to tie up the game at 1-1.
• MegaMayers has been on fire around the net. He's not scoring every night, but he just knows where to go and goes to those spots hard. Very consistant. You don't usually see that much action from a 4th line winger around the net.

The Bad

• Oli Jokinen put the Flames up 1-0 on a goal that was originally waved off, and on just their 4th shot of the first period. He chirped in the ear of the center ice ref and got the call he wanted. The play looked innocent enough, but letting a guy like Jokinen tee up a shot from that distance isn't the best of plans.
• Deuce got caught looking for some offense, and Jarome Iginla snuck in behind him. Tanguay saw this and hit him on the tape with a pass for a break-a-way goal. That one is all on Deuce. It shouldn't need to be pointed out that Jarome Fucking Iginla can't be in behind you waiting for a clean pass, and you can't count on your baseball skills to pick that pass off either. Just too fucking risky.
• Goals aside, When you're out shot in the final two frames of a game, you're not going to win many of them.
• Frolik and Bickell were the only two Hawks to play under 10 minutes, which is what you'd you'd expect from those two at this point.

The Ugly

• It seems to be the case lately, but one of the defining moments of the game was the Frodo double minor at the close of the second period. Sloppy sticks! Bouwmeester and Jones got in behind Seabrook and Keith pretty much having their way with a helpless Ray Emery. Razor made the first save through a screen but didn't have such luck with the rebound.

Here are your video highlights:

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