Blackhawks vs. Devils4-3 OT Win Recap

"Fight Fire with Fire"

by Patrick Norton

@pdnorton3

Pregame

Jonathan Toews missed his fourth consecutive game with an upper-body injury, previously disclosed by the Chicago Tribune’s Chris Kuc as a non serious back injury. The offense had seemingly gone #IceCold, but the Blackhawks are still 2-0-1 without their captain. With the New Jersey Devils in town, the Blackhawks look to make it 3-0-1.

Game Time

We’ve seen some horrific beginnings to games this season, but none that resulted in the United Center crowd booing their own team. Horrific doesn’t even begin to explain it, so let’s break out the thesaurus: frightful, atrocious, unspeakable, nightmarish, sickening. All fit the description of that first period for the Blackhawks; except for Corey Crawford. Once again, the goaltender kept it close through one. Travis Zajac tallied the only goal of the first period on a mad scrum in front of Crawford in which Kyle Palmieri and Zajac each took whacks at the puck and Crawford until the puck crossed the line. At the end of one, it was the Devils 1, Blackhawks 0.

The second period came and the winds shifted. Marcus Kruger, yes #ScorelessMarcusKruger tied it up a minute into the period with a beautiful snipe shot from the slot. Then, in true Blackhawks fashion, Niklas Hjalmarsson turned the puck over in the defensive zone on the powerplay and Travis Zajac had just Crawford standing between the forward and the back of the net. Zajac did not miss and it just seemed like it would become one of those goals that would suck the life out of the Blackhawks. Instead, the exact opposite. Artem Anisimov crashed to the net and pocketed his tenth goal of the season just a minute and a half after Zajac had given his team the lead. After a failed powerplay, the Blackhawks didn’t let the missed opportunity haunt them and Nik Hjalmarsson made up for his previous turnover with a goal coming off of a Devil misplay. In the period, Brent Seabrook left for examination after hitting his head on the end boards due to an illegal check from John Quenneville.

The third period started with a bang. A drive to the net by Richard Panik that ended in a Brian Campbell goal was initially signaled a good goal, but some blatant goaltender interference had it waved off fairly quickly. The Blackhawks kept up the pressure after the fact. Marian Hossa found Ryan Hartman with a laser pass, but Schneider sent it aside. Then, a few pushes from the Devils eventually set up the equalizer, the finishing touch on a hat trick for Travis Zajac. At the ten minute mark, the game become heavily defensive and not who would score first, rather who would give up a goal first. A lot more dump and chases than aggressive charges from the forwards with defenseman jumping into the play. After Zajac’s third goal, the game went quickly. “No whistles for ten minutes” quickly. Anyways, Pat Foley sent this one into OT with a classic “tree-tree after tree” call. Third game in a row heading into OT for Chicago.

There were three moments when I doubted this Blackhawks team in the overtime period; when the puck dropped, when the Devils had an odd man rush, and when Mike Cammalleri drew iron. Marian Hossa quickly made me laugh at myself for believing the Devils had a fighting chance in OT with the Hawks. I held my breath for Schneider to let in a weak goal? My loss...but also, my win? Hmm… anyway, Blackhawks recover from the first and win in OT again, 4-3.

The Good

• Corey Schneider was excellent in the first period.
• The Devils forecheck was unsolvable in the first ten minutes of the game. The Blackhawks couldn’t even muster up a shot on goal until then.
• Corey Crawford’s first period play was the only reason the score wasn’t an eight goal lead in favor of New Jersey after the first period.
• Joel Quenneville’s first intermission locker room pep talk. Boy, I would’ve loved to have been a fly on the wall for that one.
• The centers for the Blackhawks really performed well with Kruger and Anisimov scoring in the absence of Toews. But it’s not like Toews has been some offensive magician this season, or any season for that matter.
• The pressure the Blackhawks were able to sustain through periods two and three gave little possession opportunities to the Devils.
• I didn’t notice too many puck possession issues after the first period from the Hawks. Monstrous improvement from the abysmal first frame.
• Travis Zajac had one hell of a game.
• Marian Hossa’s OT GWG had me smiling ear-to-ear. He perfected the whole skate left, shoot right move and he snuck it right by Schneider.

The Bad

• Corey Schneider was NOT excellent in the second period.
• The powerplay didn’t produce much more than a few wild attempts. Other than that, it was pretty rough. 0/4 is never good. This would be in “The Ugly”, but it’s a bit crowded down there.
• John Quenneville’s boarding call on Brent Seabrook looked painful to say the least. Seabrook was vulnerable and had his head slammed into the plexiglass. I hit my head on the top of a train car standing up too fast and had to fight to hold back tears, so I can’t imagine being hit by another human at near full speed.
• Vinny Hinostroza and Nick Schmaltz haven’t provided much in recent memory and it’s time they start to produce. Sure it’s not a switch you can flip, but they need to start seeing some consequences for their lack of assistance.

The Ugly

• I don’t even want to talk about it, but it’s my duty. The Blackhawks couldn’t even touch the puck for minutes at a time. The Devils were toying with the Blackhawks. I don’t know when the last time the Blackhawks faithful jeered their own team, but it was really f****** weird to hear.
• Steve Konroyd’s intermission report paired with his post game interview with Marian Hossa had me longing for Mr. Stt...t...uu...tt….ttt….er Jamal Mayers to be asking the post game questions to #81.
• Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. No, not apple turnovers, Fatrick. Turnovers, especially in the first period plagued the Blackhawks ability to go on the attack. When the Blackhawks were scoring, they were playing well on all facets of the game. When the Devils were scoring, the mistakes seemed to be highlighted. It didn’t help that Edzo actually highlighted them on the telestrator.
• The New Jersey Devils players. All of them. Hideous. I’m quoting my mom here. Oh yeah, did I tell you I live with my mom? My God, I am #FatrickJr. Kill me.
• The Devils offense was nonexistent after the first period besides Travis Zajac. The window for scoring was open in the first and after letting the opportunities slip away, the window slammed shut on their fingers.
• The penalty kill had it’s moments and performed well enough to make “The Bad” on most nights, but god dammit, I’m putting it here because of how gruesome the second period PK performed that resulted in Zajac’s second goal of the night.
• Here’s the thing. That first period was the worst period of hockey I’ve seen in a LOOOONG time. After that, the Hawks weren’t over the top trash again. The majority of Blackhawks errors came in those first twenty minutes, but once they passed, it was game on.
• You may throw stones at me for this, but it kind of seemed like Kane was half-assing everything tonight. I was the least bit impressed with his performance.

The Lineblender

Left Wing - Center - Right Wing

Panarin - Anisimov - Kane

Hartman - Hinostroza - Hossa

Rasmussen - Kruger - Panik

Desjardins - Schmaltz - Motte

Keith - Hjalmarsson

Campbell - Seabrook

Kempny - Rozsival

#Fatrick Stankus Fatsy Stats

• Patrick Kane finished with an astounding +15 corsi, even though I wasn’t impressed with his play.
• Meanwhile, Tyler Motte fell on the opposite side of the spectrum with a -15 corsi.
• The Blackhawks and Devils drew even in the shots department with thirty three apiece.
• The Blackhawks won 22/49 draws, good enough for a 44.9%.

I’m tired. Sorry if I missed something, but I’d love to know what you think I didn’t touch on enough.

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Blackhawks at New Jersey3-2 OT Win Recap

"Forever Lost In Vain"

Embed from Getty Images

by Gatekeeper
Tweet to Gatekeeper

The Blackhawks returned to action Friday night against Taylor Hall's shiny new Kingdom, the New Jersey Devils. Once again, they were competing with the Cubbies for attention, and let's be honest, they could have won 10 straight cups and still not been able to out draw the Cubs. This made it a lonely night in Blackhawks Land. That is all fine and well. It's been slightly less meatballish in our special little corner of the Chicago sports world, with the knuckleheads doing stupid things like showing up to line up for a evening game, at 5AM. When the Cubs season ends, it'll be back to full on irrational meatball idiocy. This isn't a Cubs site, though, thank god. More about OUR beloved. The Blackhawks. We all had far too many days to think about their abhorrent penalty kill. It was time to get out there and get Cooter to fix that busted ass hooptie. Hey at least the Blackhawks scored, which is more than you could say for the Cubs.

Well, not so fast on fixing that penalty kill. The Blackhawks gave up the lead about ten minutes through the first period on (you guessed it) the powerplay. It's getting comical at this point, because they just look awful. They started off with 2 powerplays of their own, but could barely manage a shot. The Blackhawks were out shot 12-7, which will happen when you can't even get sustained pressure with the man advantage.

The second period turned out a little better for the Blackhawks, even though they were out shot once again pretty badly, 16-5. That is just unacceptable, when you're coming off 3 days rest. Of course, the Blackhawks managed to tie the game roughly midway through, but it was generally a soft goal given up by a backup goalie.

The Blackhawks folded in the third period, and almost lost the game in regulation, as a result. They were not without their opportunities and it took a late double minor with the goalie pulled for the extra attacker to tie the score. Oddly enough, the Blackhawks actually dominated the third period in shots, which eventually worked itself out. Coming from behind on the road can't be a bad sign. This got the Blackhawks to overtime, and their offense just overmatched the Devils and they took home the extra point. The fact that the Hawks fought back to bring the shot differential to just 3.

The Good

• The Blackhawks powerplay finally came through and tied the game, about seven minutes into the second period. Artemi Panarin was left all alone to size up a leaning Keith Kincaid with the big ass of Artem Anisimov in his grill, and Panarin picked this up. He snapped a long lazer past Kincaid's glove, for the first sign of Blackhawks light through the clouds.
• Ryan Hartman actually had a pretty damn good game. He was physical and engaged in the Devils end of the ice.
• With the goalie pulled and the Hawks down 2-1, Marian Hossa found a garbage puck in the Devils crease and chipped it past Keith Kincaid to tie the game for his 501st goal.
• Artemi Panarin and Artem Anisimov hooked up with 3:45 left in OT to win the game for the Blackhawks. We'll take it.
• Corey Crawford played another excellent game. He got a little help, but held the Blackhawks close enough to get the win.

The Bad

• Nick Schmaltz on the point for the second powerplay unit with Brian Campbell. The terror in my mind, if I'm Corey Crawford. WOOF! Even Pat Foley was dumbfounded.
• Halfway through the first period, it looked as though Artemi Panarin looked to have gotten a lead for the Blackhawks off a little touch pass from Marian Hossa. The puck actually hit the post and then the crossbar, and came to rest between Kincaid's pads.
• Four minutes into the third period, a huge coverage mixup turned into a John Moore goal, and a 2-1 Devils lead. Brian Campbell got crossed up and Artem Anisimov was napping away for this shift. Crawford had no chance whatsoever.
• Don't you just love when your 5 minute a game meathead gets a stupid cross checking penalty in the offensive zone and your team is struggling to kill penalties?
• I can officially admit that I'm disappointed in Michal Kempny's contribution to this team, thus far. He should have been playing more than 14 minutes and should be playing a bigger role than 5th defenseman.

The Ugly

• The powerplay looked just as bad as the penalty kill to begin the game. They couldn't even manage a god damn shot on net.
• Speaking of the penalty kill, the Hawks game up yet another powerplay goal to give the Devils a 1-0 lead. Yohann Auvitu took a long shot that Crawford saved but the Hawks couldn't control the rebound, and former Blackhawk P.A. Parenteau whacked the puck into the net. How a team not named Arizona can be this fucking terrible on the penalty kill is beyond comprehension.
• Taylor Hall had a chance to give the Devils a lead with a minute gone in the third period, and put the puck off the outside of the net.
  
• Patrick Kane took a really fucking stupid and blatant slashing penalty in the third period. Just selfish and brainless with your team struggling to kill penalties.
• Pat was right about the WGN intermission show. It's brutal. I'm not sure how they hired someone more vanilla than Rich King, but it happened. Lauren Magiera and Steve Konroyd are about as interesting as lukewarm vanilla rice. If she said, "Goose Island, We don't want to be the only beer you drink, just the best beer you drink" I was going to put my foot through the TV.

The #Fatrick Stankus Fatsy Stats

• The 4th line, expectedly, got torn up possession wise, but they also started just about every shift in their own end.
• John Moore was a -21 and Ben Lovejoy was a -15 Corsi. Brutal.

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

Keith - Campbell
Hjalmarsson - Seabrook
Kempny - Rozsival

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Blackhawks vs. Devils3-2 Loss Recap

"Devil's Rejects"

by Gatekeeper

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

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

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

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

The Good

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

The Bad

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

The Ugly

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

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

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

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

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

Seabrook - Svedberg
van Reimsdyk - Hjalmarsson
Gustafsson - Daley

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Blackhawks at New Jersey4-2 Loss Recap

"Whirl of Pain"

by Gatekeeper

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

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

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

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

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

The Good

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

The Bad

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

The Ugly

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

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

Seabrook - Svedberg
van Reimsdyk - Hjalmarsson
Gustafsson - Daley

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Blackhawks vs Devils3-1 Win Recap

Hearts On Fire
by Patrick Stankus

On Friday night, the Blackhawks continued their home stand when the Martin Brodeur-less New Jersey Devils came to town. Friday also marked the debuts for two new Blackhawks; former 1st round draft pick Ryan Hartman, and journeyman defenseman Kyle Cumiskey. Unfortunately, David Puddy wasn't in attendance to keep us entertained, which we all could have needed.

Aside from a couple of thunderous hits by Ryan Hartman, there really wasn't much to get excited about with the Blackhawks. The Hawks looked flat again, and could only muster 8 shots on goal in the first. Despite the boring first period, the Devils would manage to get on the board first, after a soft goal was allowed by Corey Crawford. After one, the Devils would lead 1-0.

(Insert second period summary here) - SNORE. That is all.

Following a late 2nd period penalty, the Blackhawks would open up the 3rd period on the power play. Marian Hossa continued his hot streak, as he tied the game with a power play goal just over a minute into the period. Just over three minutes later, Toews would hammer home another to give the Blackhawks the lead for good. Corey Schneider gave the Devils a chance with some great saves late in the game, but it was all for not, as Versteeg added an empty netter and gave the Hawks a much needed 3-1 win. It wasn't perfect, but based on how things have gone lately, I'll take the two points.

The Good

• We'll give a call to West Dundee native Ryan Hartman, who had a solid NHL debut. He had a couple of notable hits early on, and kept his game simple.
  
• Marian Hossa and Jonathan Toews were absolute beasts in the third period.
  
• The Blackhawks finally woke up in the third period, following the lead of Hossa and Toews. I'd still like to see a complete game played by the Blackhawks on this home stand.
  
• Corey Crawford bounced back nicely after allowing that brutal goal in the first. That's how you'd like to see your goalie react in that situation.

The Bad

• Its a work in progress, but in the first period Patrick Kane was playing the point with Seabrook on the power play. Its an upgrade over Richards, but we'll see how long it lasts.
  
• The Hawks had a chance to put the game away on the power play in the third, but the man advantage was a disaster, just horrendous.
  
• Brandon Saad had a 2 on 1 with Hossa in the third, but instead of taking the shot, Saad waited, and waited some more, and the opportunity went for not. You'd like to see Saad be a little more selfish in that situation.

The Ugly

• The second period was about as exciting as a World Cup soccer game, which to us means; BORING.
  
• After watching the Devils, I have a suggestion for them. The ought to replace all the seats in the Prudential Center with cots, because they can put you to sleep with their thrilling play.
  
• Want to take a guess on who played a sweat drenching 4:03 tonight? Why the fuck is this guy on the bench?
  
• What can you say about the Devils roster? It looks like it was assembled from a not so clearance, clearance rack.

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Blackhawks At Devils3-2 Shootout Win Recap

Slowdown On The Turnpike

    
The Blackhawks continued their 4 game road trip Tuesday night with a visit to New Jersey. As expected, the game was full of the trap style, boring, "soccer" hockey as I call it. It also wasn't a marquee goalie matchup by any means. The Blackhawks started Lemont native, Scott Darling again, while the Devils went with Keith Kinkaid. Snore.

For much of the first period, both teams had several scoring chances, with both Darling and Kinkaid coming up big for their teams. However late in the first period, the Devils got on the scoreboard first by way of a Jordin Tootoo goal. (Excuse me while I vomit.) This was a goal that Darling probably should have had, but hey he's from Lemont, so I'll cut him some slack.

The second period saw the Blackhawks pepper Kinkaid with 17 shots, but only saw one of them beat the rookie netminder. Bryan Bickell finally got the 75 feet he needs to wind up his wrist shot, and beat Kinkaid to tie the game.

Early in the third period, with the game tied at one, the Devils managed to take the lead on a flukey bounce, which has become the norm when Darling, who is from Lemont, is in net. The Blackhawks to their credit didn't let down, and with just over three minutes remaining Duncan Keith tied the game at two.

After a scoreless overtime, the game went to the gimmick known as the shootout. After both Martin Havlat and Jaromir Jagr used their walking canes for their shootout attempts, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Kane made Keith Kinkaid look like an OHL goalie, and the Blackhawks escaped from New Jersey with a 3-2 shootout win.


The Good

- I'll give a stick tap to Keith Kinkaid for a job well done. He was good enough for the Devils to win, too bad the Devils just aren't good enough.
- Lemont native Scott Darling was just as good. Yes the first goal was softish, but overall we shouldn't nitpick on someone who's from Lemont. All that matters is the W in the win column.
- Bryan Bickell's goal was nice to see, too bad for him only one of his eyes could see the puck go in. Hopefully, much like Hossa the other night, this will build some confidence for #29.
- Patrick Sharp for the most part didn't show too many signs of rust. He had several bursts of speed, which was some what of a surprise to see.
- Ben Smith was solid at the dot, winning 70% of his draws.
- The Blackhawks outshot the Devils 39-24. That's a nice reversal for a change.

The Bad 

- Two Blackhawks turnovers led to both of the Devils goals. A bad reception of a Seabrook pass by Andrew Shaw led to Tootoo's goal, while a weak clearing attempt by Klas Dahlbeck led to Stephen Gionta's goal. All too often, sloppy play leads to mistakes, which in turn, end up in the back of the net.
- A 4 minute power play in the second period was, politely, an EMBARRASSMENT.
- Back to Dahlbeck, he couldn't crack 10 minutes in ice time. Perhaps he's a few steps away from the Q doghouse.
  
The Ugly

- The faces of Bryan Bickell, Daniel Carcillo, and Jonathan Toews should all be sports some swelling and multiple colors of purple for the next few days.
- Did I mention how bored I felt watching this game? Thank God the Blackhawks play in the Western Conference.
- Speaking of the conferences. Not only does the Eastern Conference suck, but so do the 6 pm starts. 
- As a former goalie, I feel the need to say this every time a game goes to a shootout. THE SHOOTOUT SUCKS.
- And finally, after reading this, you're probably tired of hearing about Lemont native Scott Darling, being from Lemont. Now you know how I feel when watching the game listening to Foley and Olczyk. Its old and tiresome. Now if you'll excuse me, I need some soft serve ice cream before I call it a night.

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Blackhawks Week That Was - 1/3

12/28 - Blackhawks at St. Louis
6-5 Shootout Loss

• The Hawks had two chances to put the Blues away, with a 3-1 lead and a 5-3 lead. They gave both up. They have no one to blame but themselves.
  
• At least half of the Blackhawks goals were pretty terrible. While Raanta wasn't stellar, Halak and Elliott were brutal. The Kane and Seabrook goals should have been elementry stops. The Saad goal wasn't much to shout about, either.
  
• How about that Patrick Sharp kid? Looks like the Hawks might have a player there, eh? Maybe he has a future in this league.
  
• The Berglund goal, to tie the game late in the third, was unacceptable. Seabrook looked gassed, and couldn't keep up with Berglund. Keith went for the pass block instead of trying to poke the puck off Berglund's blade. Raanta, well, I'm not too sure just what happened. He got handcuffed deep in his net. The play end up being a 1 on 3 plus Raanta. You don't score with those odds.
  
• The Hawks were back to winning the faceoff battle, beating the Blues 57% to 43%. El Capitan had a rare off night, but the rest of the center picked up the slack. Berglund won a whopping 3 of 12 faceoffs for St. Louis.
  
• Any game that Barrett Jackman and David Backes are a combined minus 2 with zero points, is fine with me.
  
• Sharp and Toews are a combined plus 10 in the past two games. #Clutch
  
• Shootouts suck. Every single one.
  

Here are the video highlights: 12/30 - Blackhawks vs Kings 1-0 Shutout Win

• There wasn't much as far as goals go, especially since the only goal was in the first period, but that didn't mean there wasn't action. There was Dustin Brown's unsuccessful penalty shot, break-a-ways, hits, and big saves. This game might have been one of the more exciting 1-0 games you're going to see.
  
• I truly thought that Antti Raanta is that goalie that will always give up that one goal to always elude the shutout. Just a few games ago he gave up 2 goals on 12 shots. Not a stellar night. Good for him though. The duo of Crawford and Raanta give the Hawks a serious team, better than even last year. I like Emery, but he's awkward and injury prone. Give me the 25 year old finnish guy with non plastic hips.
  
• As far as the penalty shots go the officials were very inconsistent. If Dustin Brown's chance was a penalty shot then the chance Jonny Toews had in the third period was as well, and vice versa. Neither was a clean breakaway chance, but both were similar. Since they made the statement and gave Brown the shot, El Capitan deserved one also. If they didn't give Brown that shot, I wouldn't have disagreed, and I wouldn't have been upset that Toews didn't get one either.
  
• The Hawks had a powerplay goal waved off in the third period and it was the right call. Andrew Shaw redirected a high Sharp slapshot down and into the net, but the redirection was a clear high stick. This one, the officials got right.
  
• Late in the third, the Hawks, specifically Duncan Keith, got caught napping and let Kyle Clifford get in on a break-a-way. Keith didn't pout and coast back, he turned in the burners and not only caught Clifford, but reached around and knocked the puck away without any hint of an infraction. This was as big of a play as the Sharp steal against Colorado.
  
• While the Hawks were out hit, as per usual, Andrew Shaw was credited with NINE hits. Merry Christmas Shawzer.
  
• The Hawks continued their dot dominance, winning the battle against the Kings, 60% to 40%. The only center under 50% was old man Zeus, with was at 45%. El Capitan and Dream Warrior won 25 of 36 faceoffs between them.
  
• Johnny Oduya didn't have his best night, being credited with 4 giveaways.
  

Here are the video highlights: 1/2 - Blackhawks at New York Islanders 3-2 Overtime Loss

• The Hawks came out with a nice pace, but their defense left something to be desired. The Cizikas breakaway goal was due to a lazy change and Bickell being fed a live grenade. The pass was not a great one, even though Bickell was not exactly hauling ass, but I believe it was either Seabrook or Hjalmarsson that pulled the pin and lobbed that live grenade off to Bickell. Bickell just looked like a fucking sloth after it was turned over, because Cizikas just whizzed right past him. The Vanek goal was just sloppy coverage in the Hawks end. A rebound popped out to Vanek, who had an open net. And Finally, the game willing goal was terrible over pursuit by Sharp, Keith and Hjalmarsson. They all flocked to Tavares like his hair was on fire, and left Okposo wide open to pick up the fat rebound.
  
• None of the goals could be plopped squarely on Crawford's shoulders, and he looked just fine. In fact he was less rusty than I had expected. I'm glad to see him back. Haters can eat a rather large bag of fecal matter.
  
• Ben Smith was probably the most noticeable Blackhawks player on the ice. He was rewarded for his hard work with game tying goal. Poetic justice.
  
• Seabrook's powerplay goal was a howitzer from the left circle on a nice feed from Versteeg. Nabokov had suck a slim chance of getting that puck, yet still just missed it.
  
• I have to give credit where it's due, and Evgeni Nabokov player an excellent game. He made 37 saves and neither of the goals were his fault. For a guy that is just short of 159 years old, he was on his game.
  
• Brandon Saad didn't show up on the score sheet, but he had a burst of speed that began as a 1 on 2, and almost ended up a breakaway, in the third period. This kid is so special. He would be a top 6 forward anywhere else in the league, and possibly, top 3. I love this kid's game.
  
• Deuce and Hammer didn't have their best games. They were each minus 2.
  
• The Hawks were credited with THREE hits. THREE! That stat category is utterly worthless. Matt Martin had 3 hits just stepping onto the ice.
  
• The Hawks were 1 for 1 on the powerplay, and didn't give up and powerplay goals. That is something to slide over to the "plus" category.
  

Here are the video highlights: 1/3 - Blackhawks at New Jersey Devils
5-3 Win

• Sharpie with yet another Hat Trick. He's playing on another level.
  
• Keith, Toews, and Sharp were all plus 4 on the night.
  
• The game was fairly tame until the third period came around and both teams came out and combined for 6 third period goals.
  
• Only 10 shifts in the entire game for Bickell. Welcome to Chateau Bow Wow.
  
• Henrique, Ryder and Clowe were all minus 4. WOOF!
  
• Ben Smith and Kruger were terrible at the dots, winning only 5 of 16.
  
• Raanta wasn't at his best, but he did enough to keep the Hawks into the game until they blew it open.
  

Here are the video highlights:

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Blackhawks Week That Was - 12/28

12/23 - Blackhawks vs Devils -

• Sharp continued his absolutely hot and consistent play, with 2 goals.
  
• Not Antti Raanta's best performance, but it was enough to get things done. He only had to make 10 saves on 12 shots.
  
• The Hawks absolutely dominated at the dots to the tune of 68%. For as quiet of a game as El Capitan had, he won 17 of 22 draws, and was a plus 3.
  
• Sharp (6) and Keith (7) combined for more shots than the entire Devils team.
  

Here are the video highlights: 12/27 - Blackhawks vs Avalanche - 7-2 Win

• Pat and Ed tried to blame it on the lack of skating for 3 days, but the Hawks opened up a can of whoop ass from the word "go".
  
• If Sharp was hot the previous game, he was a towering inferno against the Avs. Shooter had three goals and an assist before the halfway point of the game, but maybe the play of the year thus far was his strip from behind of a Matt Duchene breakaway, and then feed for a Toews breakaway goal back the other way.
  
• Overshadowed by the Sharp hat trick, El Capitan was right behind him with 4 points himself. He just missed his own hat trick late in the game.
  
• On the back end Keith added to his amazing assist pace, with three more.
  
• With all the hoopla and horseshit, the line of Shaw, Bickell, and Saad still managed minus 1's each.
  
• It turned out to be completely irrelevant but the Hawks were beaten at the dots, 46% to 54%.
  
• Eric Johnson and Jan Hejda were eaten alive by the Hawks forwards. They were a combined minus 8 on the night.
  
• I said it on twitter, but I don't care if you're a Hall of Fame goaltender or not. You don't leave your goalie in to eat 7 goals, and a puck to the yap. This is the same guy that cried his way out of Montreal because he was felt he was left in too long. Eat shit, Roy.
  

Here are the video highlights:

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Blackhawks at New JerseyShootout Loss Recap

"Diabolus in Musica"



So, we're all in agreement that we're glad the Blackhawks got the stinker out of their system against Nashville on Sunday, right? I thought so. Now it's back to business, with the Hawks traveling to "beautiful" New Jersey for a roll in the sewer sludge. The good news for the Hawks is that "Frank the Tank" Montador was back in the lineup, as well as Marcus "Dream Warrior" Kruger. The Brendan Morrison Experience is thankfully over, because he just proved how worthless he is to this team, the last two games. If Ray Emery didn't get hurt Sunday, he MAY have seen the net last night, but Carter Hutton was recalled to backup Crawford, so Corey got a reprieve. As far as records go, the Devils have crawled up from the depths of hell, and were only 2 points behind the Hawks overall. In their previous 5 games, the Devils were 1-3-1 though. This could be one of the last times that the Blackhawks see Marty Brodeur, so as an NHL fan, I will enjoy this one. The guy is a legend and goes right up with the Roy and the other top netminders of all time. This picture of Marty cracks me up:



On to the actual game action. The Hawks opened up with some serious butter fingers, and some big time brain farts. Luckily, only one of them ended up in the net even though the Hawks out shot the Devils 13-11 in the first period. The Hawks played much better in the second period and even out shot the Devils 10-4, but completely blew some important powerplay chances. The Hawks tied the game up in the third period, outshooting the Devils 12-4, but couldn't take the lead, which led to overtime. They killed an overtime powerplay but, again, couldn't solve the Devils netminder, which eventually led to a shootout loss.


The Good

• Something that wasn't advertised with Andrew Shaw, was his hands. He has picked several pucks out of the air in his games with the Hawks, and did so again in the first period, on Brodeur. The kid's hand/eye coordination is actually stellar.
• Brent Seabrook scored an enormous goal about halfway through the third period, off a Kovalchuk defensive zone turnover. Seabs was left virtually wide open and Bolland hit him with a pass. Lucky Number Sleven took advantage by beating Brodeur, and tying up the game.
• This was a game the Meatball's nightmare, with both teams combining for 21 total hits. They must be grunting and snorting in their caves, after this one.
• The Hawks actually out blocked the Devils, 16-15. Funny how much more pressure the Hawks have when the numbers are just even, eh?
• Seven shots on net for Pick-to-click Vik. That guy sure loves to flick the biscuit, it's just too bad he has a hard time finishing, or he'd have 40 goals. He gave the Devils "D" fits, more than once. Teams underestimate his speed, and before they know it, they are blinded by his tail lights. If he EVER polishes his finishing, the guy will be a 40-45 goal scorer. That's a huge "if" though, right Joe Murphy?
• Just keep telling yourself, "It's a point; on the road; without #19 and #2". In past years, that may not have been possible, but the Hawks are making this happen.
• Again overshadowed, was Corey Crawford, who rebounded from a soft performance against Nashville to only allow a 3-on-1 tap in goal. Not his fault at all. He's battling out there, and I will rarely hang a SO loss on a goalie. Those fucking things are stupid! Play a stellar game in net and have one bad bounce or rut in the ice, in the SO, turn into a loss. FUCK OFF!

The Bad

• The Hawks had a seriously rough time getting the puck outside the blue line in the first half of the first period, particularly Johnny Oduya. They were able to shake the "yips" after the first 10 minutes, thankfully.
• The Hawks got caught in a god awful shorthanded line change that left Hjalmarsson back all by himself with three Devils forwards attacking. Adam Henrique was able to hit Peter Sykora, for an easy tap in goal. The way they were treating the puck like a hand grenade, it's not a big surprise that they got caught in a vulnerable position. No excuse for that amateurish line change.
• While the Hawks out shot the Devils 38-22, they wasted SO many chances. They were just a Seabrook finish, a functional powerplay, or a Brodeur turnover from winning the game.
• Montador played 3 shifts in each of the first two periods, and only one shift in the third. Let's hope that had nothing to do with the elbow he took to the dome in the first period.
• Was it me, or was Kaner virtually invisible for a majority of the game? He had some decent entries, but then just basically handed the puck over.
• Without fighting, Brandon Bollig is completely worthless to this team, and even THAT is in question (queue up highlight of sad, staged, pointless fight against Nashville). At least Frolik has scoring touch, can forecheck, and is good on the PK.

The Ugly

• The powerplay. That's all I really have to say. It is a pitiful display from a professional team. Simply fucking atrocious. From A to Z. They blew a big second period 5-on-3 without even getting a shot. Not only that, but a very late third period powerplay was negated by an offensive zone penalty, which led to an overtime powerplay. I've watched other teams, with much less talent, run a powerplay with some success. The coaching staff should be embarrassed.
• During the second period, Pat Foley called the 6'3", 210lb, lefthanded, number 25, shield wearing Victor Stalberg; The nonshield wearing Andrew Shaw, who is 5'10" (wearing platforms), 180lb (soaking wet), right handed, and number 65. And did so for an entire shift. Drinking early, Pat?
• The Hawks hit their normal 45% at the dots, with Kaner taking his lumps again at 38%.

The Shootout

• Kovalchuck was stopped by a Crawford leg save
• Kaner missed the net
• Crawford shut the 5-hole on Parise
• Stalberg was beaten by Marty's glove hand
• Elias waited Crawford out, glove hand
• Sharpie beat Brodeur low glove
• Clarkson couldn't beat Crawford's right leg
• Brodeur stacked the pads on Hossa.
• Zajac beat Crawford glove side
• Shaw hit the post

Here are your video highlights:

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Devil's Advocate

"HIGH FIVE!"

It's official, I'm thoroughly annoyed. It took 15 games to do it, but the taste in my mouth resembles the mixture of piss and murky pond water. Blame the injuries (New Jersey has more), blame the trades (only Buff and Ladd are even on the radar), blame Obama (why not everyone else is?), but it's time they start looking in the fucking mirror; starting with the Coach. I've been pretty level headed and patient, but this is simply ridiculous. I've made it through roughly 20% of the regular season without getting annoyed, which might be a new high for me. Lets lay out this dogshit circus, and I'm starting with the ugly, because it's only fitting.

The Ugly
Duncan, Duncan, Duncan; sit down, and let's talk for a few minutes. The second and third goals looked like carbon copies of each other. Puck ends up at Keith's feet, he jerks around with it for a second or two, the opponent just takes a whack, and it ends up in the back of the net. The third one, Turco was VERY lazy getting back to his post, but his NORRIS TROPHY WINNING D-MAN had the puck in a not so threatening position. You might understand why he might have let up for a second.

I love Sharpie to death, but as of this morning he is a -10. Yes, a fucking MINUS 10! Let me remind you that he leads the league in goals, powerplay goals, game winning goals, and shots on net. So, it's not that he's not on the ice for Blackhawks goals. He was a MINUS 5 last night ALONE! Not good, not good at all. No one should be leading the league in goals and a -10.

This is a misleading subject, but the forth line...wow. Just WOW! Granted they did not play a bad game, considering Moustachio dressed two defensemen as forwards, and a winger as their center. I'm going to ask the one question everyone else was thinking, Mr. Joel Norman Quenneville; ARE YOU HIGH?!?! With the group of talent this organization has laying around, the best forth line you can put together is Jordan Hendry, Fernando Pisani, and John Fucking Frankenscott? PLEASE! Don't insult my intelligence. That is the bottom of the barrel, my friends. Not only this, but if you think this line is a viable NHL fourth line, why was Fernando Pisani the only one of the three to play in the entire second half of the game? Now we're playing with 3 lines. AWESOME!

The Bad
I've pretty much laid out the shitshow that went on last night, but here are a few more thoughts.

On the first goal, Sharp (of course because he was on the ice for EVERY goal) and Kopecky took a break to adjust their g-strings, or something, and let Jason Arnott trot right in, like a show horse, for the first goal. Of course, all this is following Brian Campbell blindly turning it over behind his net with an NHL quality beautiful no look pass to Patrick Elias, because he was worried about a little contact. Aaaaaand, Arnott made no mistake, by parking it in the back of the net. Just how we drew it up, right guys?

This is bad for a different reason but, Martin Brodeur left the game at 14:12 of the second, with some kind of right flipper injury. Why is this bad for the Hawks? Because 105 year old Johan Hedberg not only played great, but kept the Devils in the game. Originally, the injury seemed to give the Hawks some fresh energy, but that was spent fairly quick.

The Good
I have half a mind to just leave this part blank, but, being the professional I am, here is the "not bad".

Brian Campbell had a good hit on Elias in the second, but that doesn't make up for the gift he gave Elias for that first goal.

Jack Skillington continues to show energy and had another breakaway, but Hedberg made a better save. Jack, dear, you need to work on finishing, now. THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID! ZIIIIIING!

Bickell was back, and rusty, but still didn't look as bad as Frankenscott, which is like saying Sopel wasn't as ugly as Medusa. You get the point.

Once again, Turco did not play bad. He nice save on a Kovalchuk breakaway, after Keith's shot missed the net and everyone watched it ricochet around the boards like a super ball. He had no chance on the Arnott goal, and like I said about the other two, they were freak plays where Keith sort of froze, allowing the opponent to get some kind of half ass shot towards the net. And Justin Bourne can kiss my ass regarding Turco..

Now that I've mentioned him, let me break off onto a slight tangent. Ilya Kovalchuk is a good player, but from all that I've seen, he's not GREAT. CERTAINLY not worth that bloated contract. Ten out of ten times, I will take Marian Hossa over Kovachuk. I have not seen Kovy control the puck like Boss does, I certainly have not seen him play defense like Boss does, and I have not seen him single-handedly control the play like Boss does. So every time someone bitches about Boss's contract, just remember; we could be paying and annual cap hit of $6,666,666 (666; Devils; get it? Real clever, Lou Lam) until 2025, for Ilya Kover-rated's defenseless ass instead.

Here are the video highlights:

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