Regular Season OpenerBlackhawks vs Penguins10-1 Win Recap

"No One Gets Left Behind"

by Gatekeeper
Chirp at Gatekeeper

After all the circus-like hoopla and festivities ended Thursday afternoon, there was still an actual game to be played against the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Quite a way for the Blackhawks to test out their newly revamped roster in front of their home crowd. The Pens were coming in on the rear end of a back-to-back, which saw them raise their cup banner the night before and waste a third period comeback and lose to the St. Louis Blues in overtime. Talk about a real kick in the groin. The Blues got to see what an actual Stanley Cup banner looks like up close, though, so they had that going for them. The Blackhawks, on the other hand, certainly didn't go easy on the visiting Penguins in their home, and season, opener. In fact, they put on a real show for the United Center faithful. Not only did they put on a show during the game, but they really pulled at everyone's heartstrings by surprising us all with a Bryan Bickell One More Shift celebration before this one.




The first period could not have possibly gone any better. The Blackhawks scored FIVE goals and chased the starting goalie before the Pens knew what hit them. Five goals on twenty one shots was the tally as the Hawks finished the first period of their season. What more really needs to be said? This was about as perfect a period as we could expect. It would not have been all that surprising to see the Hawks put up at least another goal or two, with the pressure they had.
Officially, the Penguins had 12 shots on net, but I can not remember more than 7 or 8.

The Pens were able to get their only goal of the night, early in the second period, but the Blackhawks continued to steamroll over them with three more unanswered goals. The shots were even, at 14, but clearly the Blackhawks were in a zone.

The third period was just a formality, until the Pens pulled some meathead shenanigans in the waning moments. The Hawks did finally get to double digits, a franchise record for a season opener, which obviously didn't sit well with the champs. Phil Kessel and useless big dummy Ryan Reaves earned late misconducts, as a result. Anyhow, One down, 81 more to go.

The Good

• Just over six minutes into the game, with the Blackhawks buzzing the Pittsburgh net already, Patrick Kane set up Ryan Hartman with a fancy behind the back reverse pass that Hartman put into a wide open net. Antti Niemi was lost as to where the puck was, and was looking over the wrong shoulder. In his defense, they teach you to move to the other post once the player crosses the midpoint of the net. This one looked bad on Niemi at first glance but it was all defense, or lack thereof.
• Moments later, Brandon Saad then gave the Blackhawks a 2-0 off a 2-on-1 with Richard Panik. It must be pointed out that the rush began when league golden boy Sidney Crosby left a drop pass for no one in the Hawks zone, and Saad took the puck the other way. No mention on the broadcast, though. How shocking.
• Twenty eight seconds after the Saad goal, Nick Schmaltz jumped into the action and squeezed a backhand past Niemi, on the back door, after another fancy Patrick Kane setup. That was three goals in 1:13.
• Less than two minutes after that third goal, Brandon Saad notched his second goal of the night off a terrible Antti Niemi rebound. Niemi was absolutely flailing through a sea of bodies while Saad bore down with most of the net wide open. That said, Niemi got NO help, either. Four goals on thirteen shots and Niemi didn't make it ten minutes into the game before he was yanked. Supposed "elite" top 5 goalie according to NHL rankings, Matt Murray, did no better.
• With three minutes left in the first period, Patrick Sharp scored his first goal back with the Blackhawks and their fifth of the game. I was very hesitant about having the old guy back but he looks good enough to be well worth $800,000.
• After the Penguins ruined the shutout, it was Patrick Kane's turn to actually score a goal, after setting up two in the first period. He rushed up the right side past Brian Dumoulin and roofed a short side backhand over Murray's glove in highlight reel fashion.
• Richard Panik was the next in the long line of Blackhawks to get his name in the goal column when Nick Schmaltz picked up a rebound to Matt Murray's left and dished to Panik for a slam dunk.
• Speaking of Nick Schmaltz, he was the recipient of the 8th goal of the night, his first, on a one timer from Patrick Kane in the second period. This assist was Kane's 4th point of the game.
• Five minutes into the third period, Brandon Saad completed the hat trick on a nice feed from Jonathan Toews. At least the crowd threw more than 8 hats on the ice this time.
• The exclamation point, and tenth goal, was from Brent Seabrook late in the third period. He was, for some reason, down low in front of the Pittsburgh net and whacked a puck out of the air, past Matt Murray.
• Brandon Saad, right? This kid is something really special and he is just in a zone. He already has two hat tricks, including his preseason one against Detroit, in only a handful of games back. Think he's happy to be back? I sure am glad he is. Saad makes it much easier to stomach the loss of Artemi Panarin, for sure.
• The "improbable" Dick Panik looked like he is just carrying his career best season right into this second full season with the Blackhawks. He looks stronger and more confident, if you can believe that.
• John Hayden continues to make plays happen. If he keep this up, he will force Quenneville to move him up the lineup, which is a wonderful problem to have.
• It'll be lost in all the craziness, but Corey Crawford pretty quietly had a great night. His break-a-way save in the second period on Evgeni Malkin was a prime example of how well he played. He saved 28 of 29 and was perfect at even strength.
• I am not a big Jamal Mayers fan as an analyst but Adam Burish and Brian Campbell were pretty entertaining in the intermissions. Burish, especially, was pretty charismatic. We need to have these guys involved more, and less Konroyd/Mayers.

The Bad

• The only real Pens highlight of the night came on a 5-on-3 advantage. When you have to face Crosby, Kessel and Malkin all on the ice together for a powerplay, there isn't much you can do. Sid easily found Kessel on the back door which ruined the shutout for Corey Crawford.
• When you score 10 goals, there usually isn't much to complain about but the Hawks were 0-6 on the powerplay.

The Ugly

• The Pens played former Blackhawk Antti Niemi in net and the Hawks shelled him. I remember a "supposed" expert once telling me what a good goalie Niemi was before his first season in Dallas, and how good the Stars would be with the Niemi/Lehtonen combo. He has since put up .905 and .872 save percentages, and had to basically beg for a backup job with the Pens.
• I know I have been labelled the Alex Debrincat hater, so it is my duty to point out that the Blackhawks scored TEN goals and the dynamic golden boy didn't have a single point. the only other forwards that didn't end up with a point on the scoresheet were fourth liners Tanner Kero and Lance Bouma. His lone highlight was a hit on Ian Cole, at the whistle, in the second period.
• Olli Maata, Connor Sheary, and Kris Letang were all each minus five. YIKES!

The Lineblender
Left Wing - Center - Right Wing
Brandon Saad - Jonathan Toews - Richard Panik
Ryan Hartman - Nick Schmaltz - Patrick Kane
Patrick Sharp - Artem Anisimov - Alex Debrincat
John Hayden - Tanner Kero - Lance Bouma

Duncan Keith - Brent Seabrook
Michal Kempny - Connor Murphy
Gustav Forsling - Jan Rutta

Read More

Blackhawks vs. Penguins 5-1 Win Recap

"Empire of the Clouds"

by Patrick Norton
Tweet at Norton

After two straight losses in Florida earlier in the week, the Blackhawks had one chance remaining to make the best of their three game road trip. The Blackhawks occupied NBC’s Wednesday Night Rivalry timeslot with a possible Stanley Cup Final preview between the two previous Cup winners, Chicago and Pittsburgh. With Corey Crawford letting in four goals against the Florida Panthers and Scott Darling giving up another eight goals over a two game stretch, Coach Quenneville opted for soon-to-be-ex-Blackhawk Corey Crawford to guard the twine against the injury-laden Penguins.

The first period began with back-and-forth action highlighted by Jonathan Toews and Sidney Crosby. It took a few minutes to get settled, but the Blackhawks struck first on a nifty dish from Kane to Panarin. Minutes later, #DickF***ingPanik netted his twenty-second goal of the season off of a pass from Nick Schmaltz skating behind the blue line. Then, Panarin hit Kane with a pass who tapped it along to #ExpansionDrafteeMarcusKruger. Kruger shot the puck at Marc-Andre Fleury with hopes of Kane picking up his loose change, but instead got a nice surprise when Fleury lapsed and let through an easy wrister with just under one minute remaining in the first. While it was expected that Fleury could get the hook in the intermission, Penguins coach Mike Sullivan opted to let Fleury finish the first. Big mistake. Just thirty-nine seconds later, Marian Hossa rifled home a one-timer from Ryan Hartman. After a three minute offsides review, the goal was confirmed and an eventful first period finally came to an end with the Blackhawks leading the Penguins, 4-0.

The second period brought a whole lotta nothin’. The only eventful thing that happened was me setting up a brand new wireless keyboard after all the keys on my laptop became sticky. I swear to God, no Kleenex aided the stickiness of the keyboard.

The third period started with Tanner Kero scoring his sixth of the year, this one unassisted. While all hope seemed lost for the defending Cup champions, Bryan Rust tallied an unassisted goal to bring the deficit back down to four goals with fifteen minutes left on the clock. In the blink of an eye, the final buzzer sounded and that’s all she wrote for this one as the Blackhawks dismantle the Penguins, 5-1.

The Good

• After getting blanked by James Reimer and the Florida Panthers on Saturday night, the Blackhawks offense has been on fire. Four goals in a losing effort on Monday and five in tonight’s win.
• Goodness gracious, Patrick Kane is so freaking smooth. His behind-the-back assist to Panarin and his tap pass to Kruger were so sweet. 
• Marcus Kruger scored.
• MARCUS KRUGER SCORED!
• I don’t think you understand… #ScorelessExpansionDrafteeMarcusKruger scored.
• Richard Panik continues to prove his worth to the top line. Netting his 22nd goal of the season, Panik has already superseded expectations from Blackhawks faithful.
• Tanner Kero has fit with Kane and Panarin well in the absence of Artem Anisimov. The centerman picked up a goal and an assist tonight to bring his point total to fifteen in forty-two games this season.
• The Schmaltz-Toews-Panik line is scary good right now. Schmaltz and Toews picked up helpers on Panik’s goal and they just seem to click on the ice. It’s wonderful to feel comfortable with more than one steady line heading into the playoffs.
• I love Eddie Olczyk. All of his haters are Blues and Wild fans that are so committed to their team, they can’t see past the Indian head. Edzo truly is the color commentary standard in hockey; fun, knowledgeable, insightful, not Steve Konroyd. 
• Kane picked up assists 49 & 50 tonight. He won’t reach 100 points this year, but another strong showing from the reigning MVP.
• Corey Crawford had an outstanding night. Not only did he thwart any attempt at a Penguins comeback, but he bounced back in the crease after a rough outing in Florida.
• I love the yellow and black 100% more than the beige and black uniforms the Penguins sport. Much more crisp and sleek. If there was somebody I liked on the Pens, I’d consider purchasing one. Maybe I’ll get a customized “Ho-Sang #66” black and yellow jersey. I don’t think anybody would mind.

The Bad

• Maybe rest is an option, but for crying out loud, our defense is losing a step. Overall, it was a decent night from the blue-liners, but it’s difficult to turn blind eye when Brent Seabrook makes inexcusable turnovers and Duncan Keith just looks like he doesn’t care. There’s a good chance that this will all blow over in time for the playoffs, but there’s decent reasoning for concern.
• I kind of felt bad for him after his defense imploded and he ate all sixty minutes and took the bullet tonight, but Marc-Andre Fleury still sucked. The Kruger goal was awfully weak. I’ve never been a big fan, but the guy was dominant in the regular season just a few years ago. You take that away from him and he’s living in Tomas Vokoun’s shadow his whole life. Realistically, he’s got what? One? Two years left as a serviceable split-time starter?

The Ugly

• Really nothing comes to mind. This was a fun hockey game to watch. It’s always nice to show Pittsburgh where the real “City of Champions” is.

The Great

• I almost forgot to mention #SaviorJohnHayden picked up his first penalty of his NHL career tonight. #TemperExpectations *full disclosure, I think this kid might turn into something, but then again, what do I know?

If anybody is heading to the United Center for the Frozen Four on April 6th and 8th, let me know. I’d love to meet up with some listeners and readers.

Also, Episode 79 of the Blackhawks Shoutcast dropped on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. Unless you’d like to miss out on some inside jokes for the next week, I highly suggest downloading it through iTunes or Soundcloud. We record a new episode next week, so hop on that before Ep. 79 gets buried alive.

Read More

Blackhawks vs. Penguins 4-1 Win Recap

"The Four Horseman"

By Patrick Norton

@pdnorton3

Tonight’s tilt with the Pittsburgh Penguins followed two main storylines: One, what would Johnny Oduya’s return to the Chicago Blackhawks mean for a team lacking on the blue line, and two, could we see these two teams facing off against each other in June? They’re both valid questions to ask, but neither would be answered on the first night of the month. Oduya sat in a suite and soaked in the atmosphere he’d be returning to. Coach Joel Quenneville vowed to allow as much time to allow Oduya to get ready before he’d be thrown into game action. And for this game being a possible preview of the Stanley Cup Final? Well, let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. 

The first period started exactly how we all imagined it would: Sloppy. Wait, what’s that? It didn’t? We actually created sustained offensive pressure, held our own in front of Darling. Yet, the Hawks left the period. What killed the momentum, you ask? A powerplay. Not for the Penguins. For the Blackhawks. After getting just one shot on goal throughout the two minute tripping minor drawn by Nick Schmaltz, you could feel the energy shift from the home bench to the visitor pine. After a few  last second unsuccessful whacks on Darling, the buzzer rang and twenty minutes had expired. 

Period two brought a very similar synopsis to it’s predecessor. The Blackhawks held a stranglehold on puck possession for the first six minutes of the period, but one turnover in the defensive zone produced a swing in action. Then, a commercial break. It allowed the Hawks to regroup and settle their game. With 11:11 on the clock, Kane lead a two-on-one with Panarin, but the seasoned veteran wearing #88 kept it to himself and ripped a snapper past Marc-Andre Fleury for the game’s first goal. Meanwhile on the other end of the ice, Scott Darling resembled a brick wall in net. Until the seventeen minute mark of the period, the Penguins could only admire in awe as Darling made it look easy. Then Scott Wilson tucked a shot just below the cross to knot the match at one goal apiece. Luckily for Chicago, the tie didn’t last long as a great shift from the Toews line resulted in a forced turnover in Pittsburgh’s defensive zone. Panik took the puck, made a nifty toe drag and sniped a corner past Fleury to regain the lead. A few ticks later and forty minutes was in the books.

The Good

• The sustained pressure from the Blackhawks offense created scoring chance after scoring chance. Great night from the forecheck.
• #MinorLeagueDealDickPanik’s toe drag finished off with a snipe might go down as the sexiest goal of the season. It was “Go search it on YouTube” worthy. 
• Patrick Kane made a two-on-one look easy. Panarin drew the lone defender and Kane had a one-on-one with Fleury. Guess who won that battle? The reigning MVP, that’s who.
• Mike Milbury actually provided some great analysis during the first intermission. He criticized those that truthfully believed Toews wouldn’t be able to break the slump he suffered through for the first half of the season. 
• Here’s a wild thought that I don’t know if many of you will agree with: Jonathan Toews scoring in the All-Star Game provided the spark he needed. He had recovered from his back injury by then, but lacked that defining moment to jump start his season while past the halfway point. Not an easy thing to do, especially with the pressure placed upon his shoulders by the fanbase, but Toews made it look effortless. And now he’s the First Star of February.
• Scott Darling is going to make BANK this offseason. Probably not with the Blackhawks, but good for him. He’s got a pretty interesting story, so it’s nice to see the man so close to a big payday. 
• Marc-Andre Fleury was exceptional in net. No, this is not 2009.
• Tomas Jurco has a smooth move, but couldn’t finish. Nice move nonetheless.
• Patrick Kane completed a muscled out play from Nick Schmaltz. Beautifully developed play starting with a Panarin pass to Schmaltz. He’s really coming into his own. 
• Sure, it was an empty-netter, but Kane’s hat trick goal was not from an easy angle. His second hattie in three games. 
• It always feels great to beat a great team like the Penguins. Blackhawks are rolling. Ten victories in eleven games. Keep’er goin’ through March. You don’t want to be playing the Hawks right now.

The Bad 

• This was a fantastic game. Nothing was “bad.” If something stood out, you’ll find it down below in tonight’s “Ugly” section.

The Ugly

• Michal Rozsival had two noticeable turnovers. Only one resulted in a goal, but boy, it’s going to be another rough year with that man defending our goaltender. 
• Seriously, this was a great game. Michal Kempny got beat by Scott Wilson, but it happened due to the Rozsival turnover. Can’t expect Kempny to come to the rescue.

Good night, folks! Thanks for reading and don't forget to download the Shoutcast coming out later tonight. Jaeckel, Froster, #Fatrick, The Gatekeeper, myself, and no Harms. Couldn't get any better.

Read More

Preseason: Blackhawks at Pittsburgh1-0 Shutout Loss Recap

"Sober And Irrelevant"

Still no game photos from the broke ass Hawks site.
by Gatekeeper
Tweet to Gatekeeper

Preseason game two, everyone. Aren't we all excited?


::crickets::

With The World Cup of Money finally over we can actually get to the serious business at hand, which is the fantastic voyage to the 2017 Stanley Cup. Only roughly 9 months to go, so consider yourselves all recently knocked up in a very uncomfortable place, like in the back seat of a Volkswagen (name that reference). Drilling down to the more specific subject concerning us all, which is the Blackhawks and their roster uncertainty. Our windy city caped crusaders took their 60 minute scoreless streak into Pittsburgh, to attempt to avenge their flame out two nights previous, in front of their home fans. As I stated in that recap, I really don't care if they go 0-6 in the preseason as long as they hash out some of the holes in the roster. Play the hell out of the kids, which is exactly what they did Wednesday night. Just accept it for what it is, and enjoy seeing some future Blackhawks wearing their Halloween costumes a month early. Tonight they were trick or treating in Pittsburgh PA, to wrap up the ass end of a home-n-home against the Pens. On to the action...

Due to the Hawks getting in late to Pittsburgh, they were pretty sluggish to start the game. They didn't get a shot until almost half way through the period, but somehow ended up with 7. The Pens had the edge in chances and shots with 13. Other than that, there wasn't much excitement to speak of, which helped extend the Hawks scoreless streak to 80 minutes.

The Blackhawks barely stepped out of the locker room and they put themselves down 0-1. The rest of the period was back to boring vanilla hockey and 19 and a half minutes later, the score remained that way. This extended the Blackhawks scoreless streak, once again, to 100 minutes.

The Blackhawks third period was just more of the same anemic offense, leaving the Pens to win 1-0. What more can you say about 120 straight scoreless minutes of hockey? I was the sorry fucking sap that rushed home to watch this garbage on the DVR. See you all at the UC tomorrow...

The Good

• Lars Johansson didn't get a lot of help in the first period, but showed some veteran poise. I was impressed. He has a very smooth feel to his style and doesn't waste a lot of movement. He looks bigger in net that the 6' he's listed at, and finished with 18 saves. Certainly and adequate starter for the IceHogs
• Tyler Motte showed some good offensive skill in this game. He was in on Marc-Andre Fleury one-on-one, twice in the second period alone.
• If Trevor van Riemsdyk is one of your top offensive weapons, you're having a rough night, and this was certainly the case. He channeled his inner Blackhawks Legend Bobby Orr, and was involved in several offensive rushes.

The Bad

• It took the Blackhawks almost 8 full minutes to finally get a shot on net in the first period. Not ideal. This may have had something to do with the late flight into Pittsburgh.
• After sneaking out of the first period unscathed, the Blackhawks gave up a 0-1 lead less than 30 seconds into the second period. Big dopey Carl Dahlstrom got caught chasing the puck and left Scott Wilson wide open in front of Johansson. Johansson actually got a piece Wilson's shot, but it had enough on it to get into the net.
• Marc-Andre Fleury only had to make 24 saves, which is a really easy night for him.

The Ugly

• The Pens Steven Oleksy turned out to be a real piece of shit, sticking his leg out and nearly maiming Graham Knott, after a bit of a cheap shot and fight earlier in the night involving Ryan Hartman. The only noticeable thing Kyle Baun did the entire game, was jump on Oleksy after the cheap shot on Knott.
• Speaking of Hartman, he's playing himself out of the lineup quickly. His first game was generally awful, and then he negated a Blackhawks powerplay in this one with a stupid interference penalty. He's got the Andrew Shaw stupidity down pat.
• Holy shit, the Blackhawks power play was atrocious.

The Lineblender
Motte - Hinostroza - Hartman
Fortin - Kero - Baun
DeBrincat - Knott - Schmaltz
Labrie - Desjardins - Lundberg

Forsling - Gustafsson
Kempny - Rozsival
Dahlstrom - van Reimsdyk

Lars Johansson
Mac "The Truth" Carruth

Read More

Preseason: Blackhawks vs Penguins2-0 Shutout Loss Recap

"THE FLAMEOUT"

Since the Hawks website is now a broken piece of shit, no game photos
by Gatekeeper
Tweet to Gatekeeper

Welcome back for another Blackhawks season, fans. This will be my sixth season doing the dirty work for this hockey team. Thanks to #Fatrick and Bryan for joining so that I can actually have a life during the season. Maybe my children will recognize me somewhere other than a police lineup. We have a busy first week so bear with me as we get the train a rollin again.

After a delightful 50 mile, 3 hour commute home, that is...

The Hawks opened up their preseason at home vs the Stanley Cup champs, and will be wrapping up a "Home and Home", Friday, in Pittsburgh. Nothing like stepping up to the plate and facing the old Ricky Vaughn heater, eh? The Blackhawks lineup resembled something like a pile of used band aids, in a pool of indiscernible bodily fluids. The reason for this was, of course, because some players still were competing in the World Cup of Money, as well as the ones who earned a break after just returning. Their coach was also absent, because he was tending to his duties behind the bench of Team Canada. This is really all fine and well, to be quite honest. We don't need to see Kane and Toews give it the ol "half ass". We all need to see what these kids can do against nearly NHL competition. I could not care less if they went 0-6. Just play the hell out of the new guys and kids. No more of this "Kyle Baun played well in 2 of 6 games, so welcome to the NHL roster, kid" junk. That said, we're off and running...or speed walking...possibly a brisk stroll.

I fully expected the Blackhawks to come out and crap their pants in this first period (they saved that for the 2nd and 3rd), but it was the Pens that started out slow. The Hawks out shot the Pens prospects 13-3 and could have easily taken a one or two goal lead. We got to see the brand new Tootoo sideshow; or more specifically shitshow. Other that that, we got a bunch of players wearing linebacker and fat linemen numbers, which left us all thinking, "Who the hell is that?".

A couple of sloppy penalties let to the Blackhawks taking the second period off and getting out shot an incredible 23-7 in the middle frame. Not ideal, but what can you expect from a bunch of really young inexperienced kids? The good news is that the Blackhawks went into the intermission scoreless. I'll take it, I guess.

The young Hawks finally broke in the third period, letting Chris Kunitz single handedly beat them. The gave up an early goal and then one about midway through the 3rd period, which was more than enough to beat the baby Blackhawks. In the end, the Blackhawks actually out shot the Pens in the 3rd period, 10-9. It's a preseason game, who cares?

The Good

• Vinny Hinostroza showed some really good speed, splitting the Pens defense with ease early in the first period, but he's definitely a puck carrying guy.
• #DickPanik was a man on a mission to begin this game. He was all over the ice and hitting everything that moved and looking like a competent wing. That's exactly what he needs to do, to possibly end up on the ice with 88 and 15 on opening night. He just needs to get his hands up to speed. I can see him getting undue shit, already, which is going to get old. The Hawks traded Jeremy Morin for this guy. They won the trade already. Just accept him.
• I can see why the Blackhawks are in love with Gustav Forsling. He's a pretty dynamic defenseman with a cannon of a shot. Dineen had him out there on the top pairing and on the top powerplay, and Forsling didn't look out of place at all. He unleashed a few real heavy one timers on the powerplay, and he is a very smooth skater. Not a bad return for Canucks/Ducks/Pens/Oilers legend Adam Clendening, eh?
• Scott Darling played more than adequately. He made 33 saves, and kept the game within reach for the entire night. I have zero issue with his night.
• Ville Pokka was alright. He actually looked a little slow to me, but he handles the puck ok and wasn't a total smoldering pile of dung in his own end. There is no double that Forsling is a better player though.
• I'm not going to go out of my way to praise Alex Fortin, but he was not out of place at all. He did nothing to really stand out, but he showed that he can hang with the best young players the Blackhawks have. That's really all I expect out of him, and that's all you should expect, as well.
• Michal Kempny was solid, and unspectacular. This is all we really need out of him, but I still predict more out of him in the future.

The Bad

• The sloppy preseason hockey showed up in the second period when the Blackhawks went down 2 men on a Svedberg double minor and a Darling tripping call. Veteran Chris Kunitz turned around and showed all the kids how it's done by immediately negating the two man advantage with a stupid penalty of his own. The Hawks, however, showed some promise in killing off all the infractions. Small victories, I suppose.
• Kunitz later made it 2-0 beating Campbell and Panik in front of the net and smacking his own rebound past Darling. Darling had made a really nice save on the initial shot, but the rebound had him dead to rights.
• Brian Campbell had an interesting game. He had a couple turnovers and got lit up by Tom Sestito with his head down. On the offensive end of the ice he was fine, but he certainly showed some rust. Also take into account that Campbell is not going to be taking the top matchups every night.
• I saw a lot of twitter praise for Nick Schmaltz, but I wasn't really all that impressed. He wasn't "bad", but he also wasn't great. Same goes for Tyler Motte. They were guys. That line was statistically great at suppressing shots but, other than that Hinostroza rush right up the middle, they were average.

The Ugly

• Jordin Tootoo's second shift resulted in several hammers to the dome before he could even get his gloves off, courtesy of Tom Sestito. To my surprise, the Hawks ended up with a power play, which was probably out of pity. This whole charade earned Sestito 17 penalty minutes. Somehow the official scorer gave him a game misconduct, but he stayed in the game. Explain that one. I can already see the meatballs poking their heads up to defend Tootoo and this circus. This is going to be a long year.
• Barely three minutes into the third period, the Pens finally scored the first goal of the game, on another 4-on-3 no less. Chris Kunitz made up for his stupid second period penalty by tipping a long Trevor Daley (yes, that Trevor Daley) point shot that Darling had no chance on. Daley sure massively out performed on that play, I'll tell ya.
• First rant of the season. The Blackhawks website. Whoever decided that this new league wide website template was acceptable is fucking terrible at their job. TERR-I-BLE. Fire them. Fire them into the sun. Shame their family. You cannot find anything, and simple features like game photos are gone. The video pages are a huge mess to navigate, and everything is blown up so big that a legally blind 80 year old could see it clearly. The old site was not perfect, but it was functional. You could follow game sheets, find stats, get to highlights, and see game photos. I also get that the NHL probably dictates this uniform format, but that doesn't mean we have to suffer through it. Get your shit together. There isn't one single thing that this new format improved. Someone needs to out the fool at SAP that sold the NHL this piece of fucking garbage. I'm going to apologize right now, because if I have to endure this utter piece of shit all season, you're all going to hear about it.

Here is a text I got post game from a guy whose opinion I greatly respect and has played with/against current NHL level players:
Hinostroza - selfish, shoot first mentality
Fortin - fast, good hands
Forsling - good skater
Campbell - nice to have Campbell back, I think he's going to be a good fit.
Schmaltz - good vision and passer

The Lineblender
Schmaltz - Hinostroza - Panik
Motte - Kero - Hartman
Fortin - Johnson - Tootoo
Lundberg - Rasmussen - McNeill

Forsling - Campbell
Kempny - Pokka
Svedberg - van Reimsdyk

Rostered but scratched:
PC Labrie
Sam Carrick
Carl Dahlstrom
Cameron Schilling

Blackhawks vs Penguins3-1 Win Recap

"Clouds Over California"

by Gatekeeper

I'm not exactly just how to top the overtime period that was played Tuesday night in Pittsburgh. "Sudden Death" style shootout?

Scratch that...

I don't want to tempt fate after Cheer the Anthem's recent interaction with ISIS. I'm not even joking, either. Just click that link.

ANY-WHO, The Blackhawks dragged the carcasses of the Pittsburgh Penguins back with them Wednesday night to play the ass end of a home-and-home. No doubt the Penguins were going to be fired up, after missing several wide open chances the previous night. Sidney Crosby was going to be out to prove that his all-star snub was just that. I'm sure the Blackhawks were absolutely thrilled about that on WEDNESDAY NIGHT RIVALRY NIGHT.

The Blackhawks came out and played like we all hoped they would, out shooting the Pens 9-3 in the first half of the period. This isn't to say that there weren't scoring chances, either. There were plenty of defensive lapses, but most were by the Penguins. The Blackhawks finally took a lead late in the period. The final shot total was pretty embarrassing for Pittsburgh at 15-3, but they were luckily only down 1-0.

The Blackhawks held the momentum for the beginning of the second period as well, with the help of a powerplay. This didn't stop the Penguins from taking advantage of their powerplay and tying the game up. The second was certainly a more boring period than the first and the shots were much more even than the first, with the Blackhawks leading 10-8.

The third period looked like it was shaping up to be a real woofer, with the Blackhawks grossly out shooting the Pens but still locked in a tie game. Artemi Panarin took care off all that. Throw in an empty netter and the Blackhawks have themselves a season best 5 game winning streak.

This sucker is off to California....

The Good

• Artemi Panarin picked up where he left off Tuesday night, giving the Blackhawks a 1-0 lead, his 14th goal, with about 4 minutes remaining in the first period. The #AK72 line held the puck in the Pens zone for almost a full minute where the Pens never even touched the puck. Eventually Panarin circled the zone and made a very Kane-esque play with a nice deke to shed a defender, and cut to the net. Once he cut to the net, he had Fleury dead to rights.
• Panarin made it 2-1 with eleven minutes remaining in regulation. It was a simple 50/50 faceoff that Panarin just stepped over to and snapped through the legs of Pens defenseman Brian Dumoulin, beating Marc-Andre Fleury to the glove side.
• Teuvo Teravainen was able to get one of his easiest NHL goals, an empty netter, when Ben Lovejoy basically handed the puck to Teravainen on a silver platter.
• Scott Darling only had to make a handful of tough saves, but he made them, saving 17 overall.
• Across the ice, Marc-Andre Frenchy had himself a helluva game too. He saved 34 of 36 and deserved a better fate.
• With the way Panarin played the Blackhawks #AK72 line had some cartoonish Corsi numbers, which was the complete opposite of last night in Pittsburgh, but same result.
• The Hawks not only dominated in possession, but they won 53% of faceoffs, too, with Danault winning 8 of 11.

The Bad

• Patric Hornqvist is an annoying little punk, who probably needs to have his teeth put down his god damned throat.
• Jonathan Toews was not at all happy with Kris Letang trying to take a shot at Artemi Panarin very late in the game. And Letang wonders why everyone tries to ring his fucking bell.
  

The Ugly

• After a failed Blackhawks powerplay that was partly negated by a Jonathan Toews high sticking call, the Penguins were able to take advantage of their own powerplay. Phil Kessel set up Evgeni Malkin for a long one timer that seemed to beat Scott Darling pretty cleanly. Hornqvist WAS in front screening Darling, but Darling has 6 inches on Hornqvist, so you'd like to think he could see over the little skid mark.
• No one on the 4th line could manager over 6:30. The Hawks NEED more from these three and Quenneville needs to put them out on the ice more.

The Lineblender
Shaw - Toews - Hossa
Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Teravainen - Danault - Desjardins
Bickell - Rasmussen - Garbutt

Keith - Hjalmarsson
Gustafsson - Seabrook
van Riemsdyk - Rozsival

Read More

Blackhawks at Penguins3-2 OT Win Recap

"The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh"
by Patrick Stankus

The Blackhawks took to the road on Tuesday night to pay a visit to Pittsburgh to take on the Penguins. Tuesday marked the beginning of a home and home, back to back against the Penguins. It also marked a rematch of the 1995 Stanley Cup Final in which no one won, in addition to the 1992 Stanley Cup Final which saw the Penguins sweep the Blackhawks. As if that wasn't enough with the storylines, Tuesday's game also saw the Blackhawks face their former "analytics darling Trevor Daley."

The first period started out slow, but as the period went on, the pace of the game picked up. After a few minutes of getting the legs going the scoring chances picked. Both goalies were on their game, making key saves in the period, especially Crawford. With just under 5 minutes remaining, the Hawks would go on the power play, but nothing would come of it. After 20 minutes, both teams would end up with 7 shots each, but the game would be scoreless.

After the puck dropped for the second period, it seemed for some reason the Hawks took their foot off the gas, and nearly got caught because of it. The Penguins dominated play early on, and it looked a lot worse do to the sloppy play and turnovers by the Hawks. Just prior to the midway mark of the game though, the #AK72Line would bail the Hawks out. Kane and Panarin would be in on a two on one, and Panarin buried it to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead. After that goal however, the Penguins would continue to keep the pressure on the Hawks. The Hawks would catch another break late in the period, after a Brent Seabrook slapper hit Jonathan Toews in the back and trickled past Fleury to increase the Hawks lead to 2-0. Thanks to a huge period from Corey Crawford in net, the score would stay that way after 40 minutes.

The third period continued right where the second period for the Penguins. The Hawks were able to muster a handful of shots early, but couldn't add to their lead. Just over 5 minutes into the period, the Penguins would cut the Hawks lead in half after a perfectly placed wrist shot by Crosby. With the Penguins continuing to dominate play, you could sense a goal was coming for Pittsburgh. After a lost defensive zone draw by Anisimov, Kris Letang fired a wrister past Crawford to tie the game at two. As time wound down, neither team would be able to break the tie, and we'd head to overtime.

I'll go with the popular opinion that the overtime was exciting, but I'm not on board. Both team would have countless chances to end the game, but both goalies stood tall for all goalies in saying 3 on 3 is ridiculous. Nevertheless, Panarin would end the shenanigans with a twisted wrister, and send the Hawks home with a 3-2 overtime win.

The Good

• Niklas Hjalmarsson made a great play in the first period to break up a prime scoring opportunity for the Penguins. Hammer tied up the stick of Phil Kessel and prevented him from getting to a loose hamburger and avoided a penalty.
• Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin in on a two on one. Need I say more? Yes, I do. #AK72Line
• Its never a bad idea to shoot the puck on net. Brent Seabrook's slap shot late in the second period, that hit Jonathan Toews was more evidence that its not complicated. Pucks on net, and traffic in front. Its hockey's version of peanut butter and jelly. They just go together.
• Artemi Panarin had two goals tonight, including the game winner. I'm glad the honeymoon with him and the #AK72Line is over.
• Corey Crawford stood on his head tonight, despite allowing two goals. Anyone who disagrees, well then I give up on explaining what good goaltending is.

The Bad

• Yes the Blackhawks scored two goals and capitalized on their chances in the second period, but overall they were severely outplayed in the middle stanza. They can thank their goaler for bailing them out.
• Seriously, how bad was the second period? The Hawks yielded 14 shots to the Penguins.
• The Hawks lost the faceoff battle 28-22. (See ugly on Anisimov's lost draw)
• Phil Kessel was a -2 tonight. On the positive side, he might have dropped a few pounds after skating around for 22 minutes.
• Apparently Bryan Bickell played tonight. He was on the ice for 5:39 tonight, and had his presence felt with one hit. TALK ABOUT USELESS.

The Ugly

• These 6 o'clock starts absolutely suck when you're trying to get home from work.
• Late in the third period, Artem Anisimov lost a defensive zone draw, and Kris Letang tied the game. I don't recall if Anisimov got the Danault treatment for losing a defensive zone draw that led to a goal.
• For the most part, the Penguins out played the Blackhawks for the majority of the game. Thankfully Corey Crawford was on his game, and gave the Hawks the chance to win the game.
• As exciting as that 3 on 3 overtime was to people, it should have never gotten to overtime. Need I remind you the Hawks blew a 2-0 lead in the third period?
• Jonathan Toews left the game in overtime. I'm sure that won't go in the "3 on 3 overtime is soooooo exciting" category. According to Q's post game press conference, Toews is fine, but still. Just wait until a star player is lost for the season from an injury as a result of the pace of 3 on 3. I'm sure that will change some people's opinion on it.
• Trevor Daley clearly #MassivelyOutperformed Brent Seabrook tonight. By that I mean he had nearly 6 minutes less of ice time than Seabrook. Two less assists than Seabrook. Two less blocks than Seabrook. And 1:14 less of power play ice time than Seabrook. If that doesn't scream #MassivelyOutperforming, than I don't know what does.

Read More

Blackhawks vs Penguins2-1 Shootout Win Recap

Crosby's Cryin'
by Patrick Stankus

The Blackhawks continued their home stretch on Sunday with a matinee match up with the Pittsburgh Penguins at The UC. As much as NBC wants to make this a nasty rivalry between the Hawks and Pens, it really isn't. Sure we hate Crosby, who doesn't unless you're a Pens fan? The fact of the matter is, this is nothing more than a great match up between two of the better teams in the NHL. If the Pens were in the Hawks division, or conference, then I'd say rivalry, but that's never going to happen, so with out further ado, onto the game.

Much like some of us, who struggle to get out of bed on a Sunday, like this guy, the Blackhawks looked like they lacked some energy at the start. The Pens out shot the Hawks 15-8 in the opening frame. Thankfully for the Hawks, Corey Crawford was on his game, and kept the game scoreless when the horn sounded at the end of the first period.

In the second period, the Blackhawks got off to a much better start. Just over three minutes in, off of a faceoff win by Toews, Saad got the puck to the point and Hjalmarsson let a bomb go that beat Fleury to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead. That's the way the score would stay after two periods of play.

The third period would open up with Patrick Kane getting called for his second penalty of the game, something we haven't seen all year long. Where's that conspiracy clown that Gatekeeper was taking about on the last shoutcast? Anyways, the Pens would cash in early in the third after Nick Spaling hammered home a rebound to tie the game at 1. Despite a few chances for both teams down the stretch, that's where we would stand at the end of the third, and the game headed to overtime.

The overtime frame had its moments, but aside from a Marian Hossa chance, (in which everyone seated behind the net thought it went in) the game would remain scoreless and head to a shootout. For the Pens both David Perron and Sidney Crosby would score, Crosby's goal was one Mike Smith would be proud of. (See Mike Smith ass goal on youtube.) For the Hawks Toews and Kane would absolutely clown Fleury, while Sharp didn't screw around and blew a wrister past to give the Hawks goals in all three attempts, thus giving the Hawks a 2-1 shootout win. Next up for the Hawks is a couple of days off followed by a visit from the Red Wings on NBCSN's "Rivalry Night." Hey, congrats, a legit rivalry.

The Good

• Both Corey Crawford and Marc-Andre Fleury were excellent this afternoon. Unlike Friday's game, this low scoring affair, had its exciting moments, but both goalies were simply on their game.
  
• I've been very critical of Andrew Shaw of late, but today I thought he had a very solid game. It looks as if he may have gotten the message to look over his shoulder now that West Dundee native Ryan Hartman is here.
  
• Ben Smith also had a very effective, bounce back game after his benching on Friday night. Credit to him, he didn't pout about it, instead he worked hard in this game to show he got the message. This is the response you want to see, from he and Shaw.
  
• The Hossa-Toews-Saad line, enough said. It seems like out of all the line blending that has gone on, Q has finally got a bread and peanut butter line.

The Bad

• To my vision, I didn't see any reason as to why Ryan Hartman could only get 7:35 of ice time today, but hey I haven't won two Stanley Cups as a coach, so I'm an asshole, and should just shut up.
  
• I heard this quote from my old man why watching the game "I haven't seen Bickell out there, have you? Is he a healthy scratch today." My point exactly about Bickell, but I'm not going to bash my dad, its his birthday, he's allowed to be right every once in awhile.
  
• Not too sure I like the Cumiskey-Seabrook pairing as, Cumiskey was caught chasing the puck, and Seabrook was cemented to the ice in front of Crawford on the Pens goal. But the Q-Cummer is a Quenneville guy, so he'll get ample opportunities to keep playing.
  
• Have you ever seen such a feast or famine power play like the Blackhawks? Today 0 for 2.

The Ugly

• Of those referees. Just as we praised the hell out them for their call in Monday's game, today was a different story. I've never seen the officials all huddle up and retract a penalty after its called, and the player is sitting in the box. Unless of course, they heard Pierre McGuire whining about how Crosby can do no wrong. Stick with the call on the ice when it comes to penalties. Its a different story when Toronto buzzes down to look over a goal. As for the Pierre's idea of a "coach's challenge," lets just hope and pray A. This never happens, and B. Pierre NEVER becomes the NHL Commissioner.
  
• Patrick Kane had 2 minor penalties today. I'm not ripping him for them, but if you want to piss away the Lady Byng Trophy, you're off to a good start.
  
• While today's win was good, just remember folks, come playoff time for seeding, these shootout wins don't count towards the tiebreaker. You'd like to see the Hawks win games in regulation or in overtime, not the shootout.

We end today's recap on a sad note, as former Blackhawks defenseman Steve Montador was found dead this morning at his home. While Montador wasn't a member of the Blackhawks for long, he was still a member of the Blackhawks. Our thoughts are with Montador's family and friends.

Read More

Blackhawks at Penguins3-2 SO Win Recap

Sudden Death

by Patrick Stankus


Did you honestly expect anything less from me when the Blackhawks and Penguins meet in Pittsburgh? Of course I'm going to reference my favorite good/bad movie of all time. Its probably only going to get worse with the references, but I just wish the Blackhawks had a goaler that could kick that high in full equipment. 

If you were hoping for a Gatekeeper recap, I'm sorry, but he's getting the Antti Raanta treatment. You know he's sitting on the bench while Puckin' Hostile rides the hot hand. Okay, enjoy bullshit, onto the "Rivalry Night" matchup. Who knew you could have a rival who swept your ass in the '92 Finals, and then had to rely on a fire marshal in Game 7 of the '95 Finals to save your ass? I guess after all you can have a rival from a movie. Told you, it was going to get worse.

The Blackhawks picked up right where they left off the previous night against the Coyotes as David Rundblad, yes, Adequate Rundblad opened the scoring for the Hawks. However unlike last night when they faced an AHL team in Arizona, it was a much more evenly matched opening frame, and in the end the Hawks were up 1-0 on the Penguins after one.

The second period saw the Hawks increase their lead early on after Marian Hossa fired home a Power Play goal. Then the game went to hell in a hand basket pretty quickly. The Hawks managed to blow that two goal lead, following goals by Zach Sill (who?) and perennially dickbag Steve Downie. After two the game was tied at two. Fire up a bad Pat Foley tone there.

The highlight of the third period belonged to Corey Crawford. Well its not the highlight you're thinking of. As Crawford left the net to play the puck on a dump in, the puck took one of those crazy bounces, and wound up on the tape of David Perron. Luckily for Crawford, Seabrook pressured Perron, and Perron missed a wide open net. Crisis averted. After an evenly matched third period, that produced no scoring, we headed to sudden death. Yes, this shit writes itself sometimes.

After a scoreless overtime, the game headed to shootout. El Captain, and Kane scored for the Hawks, while Perron and Crosby went 0 for, and the Hawks skated away with a 3-2 shootout win. Thank you for not counting on Jean-Claude Van Damme to save the day this time.




The Good

- Rundblad now adequate instead of serviceable
-  With all the line blending that goes on, the Hossa - Toews - Saad line is very strong, and one that should not be blended anytime soon.
- Speaking of Hossa, wasn't it nice to have a sighting of him again?
- Crawford was big net for the Hawks, recording 33 saves.
- It was nice to see the Hawks play a clean game against a legitimate NHL opponent.

The Bad

- Two times in the 1st period the clock stopped working. I speak for everyone when I say, fix your clock Pittsburgh.
- As much as we enjoyed seeing Downie take a stick to the chops, I'm still in awe that it was by way of a Crawford high stick. At least he bailed himself out on the penalty kill.
- Again, I have to repeat myself to all goalies. STAY IN THE NET. Once again a bad bounce just about cost the Blackhawks the game. Someone please inform Crawford that he does have defenseman to play the puck.

The Ugly

- Michal Rozsival had a very nice Michal Rozsival type of night. He was on the ice for both of the Penguins 2nd period goals. On the second goal he managed to let Downie beat him to front of net, and since we like to live in the past, it reminded me of how Chara let Bickell beat him to front of net in game 6. Brutal, just brutal. Easily the worst contract on the Blackhawks.
- Continuing with Rozsival, the Oduya-Rozsival pairing is hot vomit in a garbage bag. How this pairing has stayed intact is beyond me.
- Oh the coaching of Q showed again why I don't think its a good idea for Teuvo to learn on the fly. Turbo got a team low of 8:26 of ice time.
- In the battle of the "worst announcer for a Blackhawks/Penguins game" I'll give the award to Pierre McGuire, only because we at least got a "Holy Shit" out of Paul Steigerwald.

Read More

Chicago Stadium Series GameBlackhawks vs Penguins at Soldier Field5-1 Win

"Better Than You"

The Hawks took on the Penguins in one of the last two Stadium Series games Saturday night. Due to the weather, the game was about as slow as any hockey game I've ever seen. Not only the foot speed, but the game itself. There were several extra stoppages for the shovelers to clear off the ice, which was saturated with snow. The game was sloppy, hokey and commercialized but it helped fans forget about the last Hawks outdoor game.

The Good

• The first goal was just a scrum in front of Fleury and Sharp smartly just threw the puck at the net. It looked like that the puck went off either Saad, or the defenseman, but either way, it was in the net.
• The second goal, by Toews, was a highlight goal. He went in one-on-one with Orpik, spun Orpik like a top, and went right around him. Fleury did his best to shut the 5-hole down, and the puck dribbled into the net.
• Late in the second period the Hawks were fortunate to get a couple of odd man breaks in a row, the final one was led by Pat Kane. He waited...and waited...and waited, until Versteeg got to the far post and hit Versteeg right on the tape. 3-0 Blackhawks at this point.
• With just about 6 minutes left in the third, Saad squeezed past the Pens D and got in 2-on-1 with Bryan Bickell. Saad then fed Bickell, who got about 4 whacks at the puck right in front of Fleury, eventually slamming it past the Pens goalie for a 4-1 Blackhawks lead.
• The final goal was a fluke off the Pens defense, following a rush by Toews. He put a shot off Fleury's pads and the rebound popped out and off Despres and into the Pens net. After the Neal goal, the Hawks will certainly take that slop.
• Crawford didn't need to do much early, but the Pens came on late. He was as good as could be expected, and the only goal he gave up was off the stick of his teammate.
• The big names were huge. Toews had 2 goals and an apple, Sharp had a goal and an apple, Kane had really pretty feed to Versteeg, and Saad was a plus 4. These are the guys that need to get hot for the stretch run.

The Bad

• Hossa took some contact in the first period and didn't return. Hopefully it's not another concussion issue. Word has it that he actually had a shoulder issue.
• The snow slowed a little in the second period and the powerplays ruled the first half.

The Ugly

• The ice. The snow made the ice almost impossible to make a pass longer than 5 feet. The Hawks overcame, but it was some of the worst conditions I've ever seen for a game. The first Winter Classic is the only one that can compare, and that was only sloppy at the end.
• Poor Crawford has his shutout broken by his own defenseman. James Neal tried to feed the puck in front of the net and Seabrook buried the feed right into his own net. Not entirely sure what he was trying to do, but it looked TERRIBLE

Here are the video highlights:

Read More

Preseason: Blackhawks vs. PenguinsShootout Loss Recap

"For Those About to Rot"

Just like that, Blackhawks hockey is back. Honestly it's kind of hard to get excited for a preseason game. Even though the first game against Detroit, on Tuesday, was not on TV or proper radio, I'm TOLD it was played. It still amazes me that in this digital age, they can't even manage even an internet video feed. That's not why we're here though. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (because these rosters very vaguely resemble the NHL rosters) made their way to Chicago for an early preseason tilt. Chances of seeing the big name players was pretty slim, especially with the more recent injuries putting players at risk. This was a good chance to see some young and future Blackhawks stars in action. Live from the stadium formerly known as the Madhouse on Madison, it's baby Blackhawks and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pens.

The Blackhawks took a pretty fast 1-0 lead in the first but surrendered two goals, which left them down 2-1 going into middle frame.

Each team scored goals in the second period, which took a 3-2 score into the final 20 minutes.

The Hawks were able to tie the game up late in the third period, and the game ended up going into extra time.

Fans were able to snore through an uneventful overtime, which then led to the ever exciting preseason shootout. The Pens pulled out the extra point, with a 4-3 win, as no Hawks scored on the shootout.

The Good

• With just 5 minutes gone in the first period, Drew BlahBlah picked up a turnover, created by Ben Smith deep in the Pens zone, and dished it off to Shooter for a 1-0 Hawks lead. The goal was a result of some terribly sloppy hockey in the Pens end. The Hawks were buzzing in the Pens end for the entire first 5 minutes, and it was just a matter of time before they opened up a lead.
• Adam Clendening looked pretty good quarterbacking the powerplay with Sharp, Kane, Saad, and Bickell. Then again, when you have those guys out out on the ice with you, they can make you look really good.
• Teravainen made a couple of beautiful moves that left the Pens players swiping at air. He is going to be really good some day. Even his shootout move was really nice.
• Agent Smith woke up the UC crowd picking Derrick Pouliot's pocket in the Pens zone, while the Hawks were shorthanded. Smith cut straight to the net and put a nice little move on Vokoun. This brought the Hawks back within one goal, about half way through the second period.
• Once again, I love seeing the Jolly Swede Giant, Viktor Svedberg, playing out there. He didn't look over matched, but Rockford is the best place for him. Nice depth guy with great size.
• With just under 7 minutes left in the game, Brandon Bollig continued his hot play on a feed from this year's first rounder, Ryan Hartman. There was a scrum in front of the net and Vokoun was stuck on the ice. Hartman dug the puck out and shoveled it over to Bollig, who had a fairly open net.
• Ben Smith looks like the new Frolik, as he was thrown out there with Kruger for the PK, and looked very comfortable doing so.
• The Hawks out shot the Pens 33-30, but that's still more shots than they should be allowing. Preseason...meh.

The Bad

• The Pens took advantage of the Brookbank instigation penalty, and tied the game back up, about halfway through the first period. The Pouliot shot was deflected by the Hawks Svedberg and past Khabibulin. Not much Khabby can really do on that one.
• The Pens took a 2-1 lead with just over 3 minute remaining in the first period. Deryk Engelland rushed up the ice and took a long shot on Khabibulin, but Khabibulin left a juicy rebound. Joe Vitale knocked the rebound into the net, to put the Pens up.
• I'm not going to rag on the powerplay too much, because the lineup was a fraction of the actual players you're going to see on the season opening powerplay.
• Sid Crosby took a Kunitz feed, after a bad Marcus Kruger turnover, and didn't miss a gaping net. Sid's goal gave the Pens a 3-1 lead just a couple of minutes into the second period.
• Johnny Oduya was a Blackhawks low, minus 2, on the night.

The Ugly

• Sheldon Brookbank took exception to a big Robert Bortuzzo hit on Pat Kane, and took few hammers to the dome. Wake me up when it's over.
• Teravainen was the only Hawks center that had a faceoff percentage over 50%. Same old, same old. The Pens Zach Sill clowned the Hawks centers, going 8 of 11 at the dots.

The Shootout

• Kane never really got a shot off, with his slow approach
• Bennett beat Khabby glove side.
• Teuvo was beaten by Vokoun's glove
• Sid Crosby waited too long, and Khabby made the save
• Drew BlahBlah missed the net.

The Lines

Kane-Teravainen-Bickell
Sharp-Leblanc-Smith
Broadhurst-Saad-Hayes
Bollig-Kruger-Hartman

Oduya-Hjalmarsson
Stanton-Brookbank
Clendening-Svedberg

Read More

Blackhawks at Pittsburgh - Loss Recap

"March Of The Penguins"



Not much has to be said about the Pittsburgh Penguins. They came with some big time scorers, even though two of their more important players were injured and not playing, in Crosby and Letang. Malkin, Neal, Dupuis, and Staal are just a few of the big names on this team, and Marc-Andre Fleury in net is always tough. This was going to be a VERY tough one for the Hawks, playing a team that is very similar.

The first period started off in the Hawks favor early, but a dirty hit turned the tide in the Pens favor. From that moment on, it was all Pens for a period and half. They scored one in the first, and two in the second to go into the third period up 3-0. The Hawks finally showed signs of life, dominating the third, but it was too little, too late and they eventually fell 3-2. Makes you wonder what they could have done had they even played 2 worthwhile periods.

The Good

• Big Slow finally found a way to get on my good side, coming to the aid of Dream Warrior, after Deryk Engelland left his feet AND went for the head of Krugs. Big Slow grabbed Engelland and beat the absolute piss out of him. How Engelland got nothing for the hit to the head, but Scott got 2+5+10 for instigating, is a flat out bunch of horseshit. Complete home cookin, and the complete opposite of what the NHL claims to be targeting. If he was knocked out, would it have been a penalty? Krugs didn't play after the first period, so we have THAT injury to now deal with.
• It wasn't pretty, but El Capitan was finally able to put the Hawks on the board early in the third period. He drove hard to the net and tried to feed Vik across the crease, but the pass went off the Pens defender and into the net. They needed a bounce, and this was it.
• Vik, Hoss, and Kaner zig-zagged their way through the Pens zone and Vik finished the play to put the Hawks within one goal, with 13:30 left in the game. This was the last of the Hawks scoring, but it was a pretty one.

The Bad

• Kunitz took advantage of the napping Leddy and Hammer, on the powerplay following Scott's fight. Kunitz weaved right through the two of them along the Hawks blue line, took a pass from Malkin, and went in on Razor. 1-0 Pens.
• Neal put the Pens up 2-0 on an oddman rush that was a result of a Deuce turnover deep in the Pens zone. After he turned it over Deuce then fell down, and teh Pens were off to the races. Seabs was left to defend a 2-on-1 of Kunitz and Neal. You can imagine how that ended, with the red hot Neal bearing down. Razor didn't stand a chance, and the Hawks were getting dominated.
• Halfway through the game, Quenneville had seen enough of a few of the opening combinations. Montador was moved to play with Hammer for a while, and Leddy was given the leash to Big Slow. Morin was swapped from first to the fourth line with Stalberg, which became a huge move. Some of this had to do with Kruger's injury and some didn't. They basically rolled 9 forwards for the third period, with Morin, Bickell, and obviously Kruger all playing under 10 mins. On D they rolled 5 because of Big Slow's 17 PIM's. I have to honestly say that I'd rather eat the 17 mins with him at forward. It's palatable, but rolling 4 1/2 D-men on Sunday, and 5 last night just doesn't work.
• FUCK! Bryan Bickell can annoy the HELL out of a fan. He had a clear chance to cleanly blaze through Malkin, and slowed down to hugged him. Then, when Malkin skates past him, Bickell lazy ass high sticks him. What the fuck, really, WHAT THE FUCK, Bickell? FUCKING HIT SOMEONE! Do something, ANYTHING!
• It's anyone's guess what the FUCK was going on with the third Pittsburgh goal. The teams were even at 4-on-4, but the Hawks had other ideas. Toews, Tank, Kaner, and Leddy completely ignored the stunningly ugly Tyler Kennedy, who skated right up the gut and took a pass from behind the net from the always dangerous Ben Lovejoy, and put it in the gaping net. 3-0 Pens. While I did not make this picture, it couldn't be more true:
  
  Credit to PuckPassion
  
• Nothing really of note at the dot, other than Jordan Staal donkey punching the Hawks all night to the tune of 70%.

The Ugly

• Pierre McGuire is a Professor of the Obvious, and he points out some of the dumbest things. That's clearly one of the biggest reasons that EVERYONE hates him. Can we nominate him for the Habs job so he can babble his worthless bullshit to the French, IN FRENCH? Please?
• Booing Hoss every time he touches the puck, Pittsburgh? Who are you, San Jose? Toothless Morons.
• It's true. There is a slower person that Big Slow. Aaron Asham lost a footrace for a break-a-way to Scott, who he had half a step on. Asham, you Sir, should be EMBARRASSED! When I saw the puck head back, and #32 was the only one back, I screamed "NO!!!!", because it was clear this was trouble. All I could do is laugh, when Scott recovered and knocked the puck away.
• Efforts like this are increasingly frustrating. As terrible as they played in the first two period, they played that GOOD in the third. This begs to question just why they come out like hungover sailors and it took them 2 period, and probably a Quenneville shoe in their asses, to get it going.
• I've been angry at games this year, but I was FURIOUS at the Hawks during this one. The Pens were skating up and down the ice like the '08 Red Wings, and the Hawks were suppose to be the best team in the league. Not only this, but the Pens were making a mockery of the Hawks by plastering them all over the rink with no answer.

Here are your video highlights:

Read More

Blackhawks vs Penguins - Preseason Recap

Last day of September in Chicago, and one of the last exhibition games of the 11-12 NHL season for the Blackhawks. To add to the drama, the Pittsburgh Penguins were in town, and Razor Emery was fighting for a contract with the Hawks. This was enough to fill the house that Tazer built. Just who would be the hero or goat this game?

In what has become a reoccurring theme for the Hawks, they came out fast and furious, but couldn't put anything in the net. Of course, the first decent chance the Pens had ended up in the net. Not what the team or management were looking for in the opening frame, and now they were behind the 8-ball. If they were behind the 8-ball going into the second, they were behind three 8-balls going into the third. The Hawks play in the second period could best be explained at "luckluster". The Pens scored 2 pretty ugly goals to put the Hawks down 3-0. The only saving grace was the late goal the Hawks scored on the powerplay. It took the Hawks 40 minutes to finally show up and look like an NHL team. It's too bad that they put themselves in such a brutal hole that it was too much to come back from, and an empty net goal finished off the Hawks.
The Good

• The chemistry of the Hossa-Kane-Brunette line is undeniable. They seem to dominate possession of the puck every time they are out there. This will prove to be interesting if Quenneville decides to end this "Kane at Center" experiment.
• We finally saw some powerplay brilliance on the Hawks second one. Tazer-Kaner-Brunette-Keith-Seabrook put an absolute clinic on, that only ended when Brunner heeled an easy tap in, that very well should have been a goal on principle alone.
• From here on out, Sean O'Donnell's nickname will be... Frankenstein. All he needs are the bolts in his neck.
• It took 3 goals against, and 3 failed powerplays for the Hawks to finally get on the board. Rusty Olesz took the puck around the net, on a delayed penalty, and tried to wrap it around. His chance failed but the rebound popped right in front to Brandon Pirri shoveled it into the gaping net. Nice to see the kids make something happen.
• Pirri got his second goal of the game and forth of the preseason, as Bickell drew two defenders high in the slot area and dumped it off to Pirri, who was as wide open as a player can get. Tell me again how this kid has played himself into anything but an opening day roster spot, and I'll laugh in your face.
• Overshadowed by Pirri's great game was General Saad's hustling and getting an assist on Pirri's forst goal. He also drew a penalty in the third period with his hustle. Saad combined with Hossa and Pirri on that powerplay to totally dominate the Pens. It was almost unfair how those three worked together.
• Hossa looks to have taken the youngest Hawks under his wings. That's priceless. The line of Hoss, General Saad, and Pirri dominated a late powerplay. Like many other Blackhawks powerplays they couldn't finish, but the puck control and pressure were there.

The Bad

• The Hawks continued to have problems killing penalties, with the Pens scoring 5 seconds into their first powerplay for a delay of game infraction. Former Hawk, and current Hawk killer Steve Sullivan took the faceoff win and powered it past Emery. You can't really put the blame onto anyone but Razor on that one. The Hawks would sure love to be able to get that kind of productivity.
• Pens goal number 3 was another lazy play on a shift that was FAR too long. The puck was simply dumped into the middle of the Hawks ice and kicked off Montador's skate. Joe Vitale was coming from behind the net and O'Donnell just watched him backhand it past Razor. The Hawks just looked slow, and disinterested.
• Leddy showed a little youngster inexperience getting beat in the third period, which led to a Pens 2-on-1. Luckily, the shot, by Pugface Kennedy, went solidly off the post.
• Argue with me all you'd like, but Brandon Pirri has been TWICE the player that Marcus Kruger has. It's a fact. If either of them deserves to be in Rockford, it's Kruger. There is NO mistaking that.
• Frolik has been all ove the ice this preseason and has been completely snake bitten. He can't seem to find a way to finish his chances. Lets hope he works out those demons in enough time for the real games.
• Three goals is not a lot, but based on the fact that he only faced 18 shots, Razor Emery probably played himself OUT of the backup spot. That's just not good enough to win a competition. All he really had to do was play DECENT and he didn't. It's not like the team really played all that way in front of him either, but that will get lost in the abyss.
• Rusty Olesz was the Hawk with the least amount of playing time with 9:21. I'm not really sure if he deserved any less than the other players, but that's the way it played out.
• Tazer, Kaner, and Megamind were all over 50% in the faceoff circle. Kruger, and Pirri were under, with Kruger going a dismal 29%. That's not going to keep you off the Rockford express kid.

The Ugly

• I said it last year year, and I still stand by it. Tyler Kennedy is one UGLY, pug looking, sucker
• Holy Dog Dung! The Pen's second goal was an abortion. Pittsburgh cleared the puck about 3/4 down the rink and Seabrook was CLEARLY calling for Razor to come play the puck. Emery did just that, right the the Pens Matt Cooke who had time to fire it 100 feet into the net, shorthanded no less. If you're going call for your goalie to come play the puck 65 feet from his net, you better damn well cover for him OR give him somewhere safe to pass to. The Hawks did neither. 2-0 Pens. Emery will be crucified for the end result, but that goal was a team effort.
• The line of Montador and O'Donnell looked pretty awful. We need to avoid that combination at all costs, and we're all hoping that Quenneville saw this too.

Here are the video highlights for your viewing pleasure:

Read More

Blackhawks vs Penguins - Preseason Recap

The first period started very slow in this game, but the teams picked it up in the later minutes of the period. Powerplays for both teams yielded no goals, and they were held scoreless after one period. The Hawks managed a goal in the second, and held the Pens scoreless once again, heading into the third. Things fell completely apart in the third period, as the Hawks gave up 4 straight goals. You really can't put much into a game where MAYBE 3 regulars were playing. Way to work with that lead, gents. Seriously, though, This is a nothing game that is more about seeing what the young players can do individually, rather than the team outcome.

The Good

• My pick to click, Brandon Saad, was all over the place, especially in the second period. His play is going to really put some heat on other players in the organization like, say, Kyle Beach. He's not the same kind of player, but that doesn't mean much. The organization can adjust. This kid is going to be an absolute STUD, and the Blackhawks are going to be forced to play him in the very near future. He's THAT good.
• Brandon Pirri was very noticeable, all game long. His speed and forechecking made a big difference. At one point, he took the puck right through the middle of the ice and went end to end. He's a keeper.
• Even though he can get out muscled at times, Nick Leddy seemed to be everywhere, as well. His confidence has grown considerably, and he's going to be fun to watch this year.
• "Standing him up nicely is John Scott" - That is a comment that NONE of us thought we'd ever hear, especially while defending against a player the caliber of Jordan Staal. Every dog has his day, I guess.
• Frolik opened up the scoring with a nice little deke that caught the defender reaching. Frodo cut into the slot and snapped one that slipped through Brent Johnson. It was clear that Frodo was one of the better players on the ice last night, and skated with Bryan Bickell, and Brett McLean. If we can get this kind of play all year, we could see the kid get 30 goals.
• Alex Salak played a period and a half of shutout hockey, which can only help his chances of becoming the backup. He was the more composed of the two netminders, but Emery really didn't have much help.

The Bad

• Enduring John Scott for 2 full games on defense is PAINFULLY annoying. The guy skates like he's wearing a full diaper. If he's not tenderizing someone's face, I have no use for him. Give some more of the kids time, PLEASE. We know what the Big Slow is going to give us, which isn't much.
• Bickell, Frolik, McLean with LaLonde and Lepisto on the powerplay had a few chances, but nothing got to show for it. It's not really worth complaining about the powerplay with guys that won't be seeing the NHL, much less the powerplay, in a few weeks.
• Two minutes into the third, the Pens tied up the game after a shot that was redirected off the post popped out to, of all people, Jordan Staal. Brett McLean was mesmerized by the loose puck and failed to tie up Staal, who easily put the puck in the back of the net. Emery had no chance.
• Emery gave up his second goal of the game on a deflection that ended up in the top corner of the net. It's really hard to expect him to be able to made that adjustment, so close. The part that bothers me is that Matt Cooke is the person that got the goal.
• Tyler Kennedy put the Pens up 3-1 after picking up a pass that went through the slot untouched, as Brian Connelly fell asleep, letting Kennedy in behind him. That's all she wrote, folks.
• Razor's rebound control left a bit to be desired, especially on the third goal. Granted, Brian Connelly just stood there and watched the rebound slide right past him, and be put in the net by Tyler Kennedy, but that was a pretty lazy shot in the first place.

The Ugly

• Listening to the announcers stick their tongues up Matt Cooke's hind end for a good two minutes made me want to regurgitate my Taco Bell. The guy has made a mockery of the NHL with his douchebag plays, and they are trying to tell us that the reason that the Pens didn't get past Tampa was that they were missing Cooke. Really, boys? That conversation ends after you mention Crosby and Malkin.
• Jordan Staal finished the night by making Lalonde fall on his ass from sheer fear, and maneuvered right around him. Not really sure what angle Emery was going for, but it was a bad one. With only 8 seconds left, it was really a moot point, but still ugly

Here are the video highlights of the game:

Read More

Steal One from Steeltown

Hockey Day in America and the Hawks had a tough one here. Even though Pittsburgh is missing some big stars, the Hawks were missing Joel Quenneville for the third straight game. Haviland switched up the line a little and it seemed to light a flame under the Blackhawks asses. The first period was all about the Hawks as they out shot the Pens 13-7 and came away with the only goal of the period. The second period was a little shift in momentum as the Pens out shot the Hawks 11-8 and also scored a shorthanded goal to tie the game. As we've watched all year long, the Hawks blew yet ANOTHER third period lead late in the game and were forced into overtime. The overtime was eventful but no one scored and the Hawks won in the shootout with the only goal being scored by Kaner. We'll take it.

The Good

• At first look you would have noticed that Haviland juggled the bottom 3 lines a little. The lines were: Bickell-Bolland-Hossa, Frolik-Dowell-Brouwer, Stalberg-Johnson-Kopecky. They make sense too, with Frolik struggling and Bickell playing well. I never thought I'd like to Ryan Johnson out there, but they needed another actual Center on the ice, and ANYONE is better than John Scott out there.
  
• The Hawks first goal was a thing of beauty. Kane fed Hjalmarsson, who fed Toews, who fed a wide open Sharpie in the slot. Not like there wasn't a Penguins d-man standing there with his nuts in his hand, so the reason he was allowed to be that open is beyond me.
  
• Toews, Dowell, and Ryan Johnson were dominant in the faceoff circle, and Bolland was 56%, which is not terrible at all.
  

The Bad

• Tyler Kennedy looks like a pug, and in a scary mutant swine way, as opposed to the cute cuddly way.
  
• I'm SO tired of hearing Pierre McGuire's voice. Everything about him makes me dry heave, and he is such a kiss ass. He stands there and tells everyone that Bylsma should take a timeout and then crows "That's good coaching right there" when he used the timeout. Way to pat yourself on the back Pierre. You're still a complete tool. I loved how Pierre was jerking off Fleury, in the shootout, about how unbeatable he was and Kaner proceeded school him. Dumb shit!
  
• Pierre McGuire, and Eddie O need to shut their yaps about the hit by Shooter on Paul Martin. It was really a harmless fight for position, and you can't penalize a player every time someone gets hurt. It's hockey. Sharp nudged Martin a little and Martin wasn't really braced for it.
  
• The Hawks had a complete defensive breakdown on the second Pens goal. Keith and Campbell just looked lost, and Crawford was down and out after going committing to the initial shot.
  
• Not only does Hossa miss the net with under a minute to go in the game, but then he takes a penalty to negate the powerplay. That's clutch, Hoss.
  

The Ugly

• Bryan Bickell came out quick in the third period and scored a "soft as baby shit" goal. He just lightly wristed a shot at the net and Fleury whiffed on it. That was a gift of immense proportions.
  
• Of all people to let score a shorthanded goal to tie up the game. MATT COOKE? Yes, noted league wide ball sack, Matt Cooke. Come ON, guys. That's sloppy.
  

The Shootout

• Toews was stopped by Fleury
  
• Dupius hit the post
  
• Shooter was stopped by Fleury
  
• Letang was stopped by Crawford
  
• Kaner scored on Fleury
  
• Kennedy was stuffed by Crawford
  

Here are the video highlights for your viewing pleasure:

Read More

Carnac the Magnificent : 2010/11 Blackhawks Predictions

The day of reckoning is finally here. Opening night in the NHL, and the first Blackhawks title defense in almost half a century. All summer long, whether it was the dopey bandwagon fans or the idiot interweb wise asses with their "haterade", not many people have given the team a chance to repeat. Lets face it, repeating in ANY sport is difficult, and with roughly 30% of your roster playing elsewhere this year, it will be a battle. Since every other person with a keyboard or a 3G phone is giving their prediction, I figure that I'd be the odd asshole out, if I didn't give mine. So without further ado, drumroll please...

The answer is: 45-28-9...45-28-9
The question is: What will the Blackhawks record be on April 11th, 2011?
The view is that the team had an excellent year last year, but there will be many more periods of struggling this season. They open up without the person that was their best powerplay quarterback, Brian Campbell. There will be chemistry problems, and more lineup shifting than we're accustomed to, but Quenneville will find a way to make things work. Making the playoffs is the goal, and they will do that easily.

The answer is: 69 minus 10...69 minus 10
The question is: How many games will Marty Turco start?
The view is that Turco is the old, and by old I do still mean younger than me, mule that "Q" will ride into the sunset. Age or injuries aside, that's what Marty the Midget is use to. He took his benching last year in stride, but he knew he was leaving. He didn't sign a one year deal at a highly discounted rate here to watch Corey Crawford eat up minutes, and because Turco the anti-Huet, Crawford will be required to play less.

The answer is: 33-20-6...33...20...and 6
The question is: What will Marty the Midget's record, at season's end?
The view is that Marty is the man, and there is no need to crowbar Corey Crawford in there. Marty will be fine, and he will set the regular season assist record for Blackhawks goaltenders.

The answer is: Shooter's McDreamy understudy, The Swedish Rocket
The question is: Who is Carnac's pick as biggest surprise Blackhawk player?
The view is that there is a new gunfighter in town ,and his name is Victor Stalberg. By gunfighter I don't mean sniper, although I have a sneaking suspicion that he'll score quite a few. I mean resident panty dropper. Once the puck bunnies get a load of this guy, Sharpie's woman can finally breathe a sigh of relief. On the ice, he has all the tools to be a solid power forward, he just needs to apply himself. He had a slow preseason, but showed flashes of blazing speed and soft hands. I'm sticking by my pre-preseason pick.

The answer is: Big Hoss, and Patrick the Pimp
The question is: Who will lead the team in goals, and points?
The view is that Hossa has looked, far and away, the most dominant Hawk since February of last season. When he has the puck, it doesn't leave his stick until he wants someone else to have it. Chuck Norris will be wearing a Marian Hossa costume for Halloween. The Hoss, not to be confused with the Hoff, will probably eclipse 40 goals, and could net somewhere in the high 40's. Not a bold prediction, I know, but a safe one. Kaner will lead the team in points, because he is simply a point producing dynamo, as well as a drunken bar slut magnet. The only thing that will slow him down is the women hanging on his pant legs. When Kaner is done beating the women off with his Stanley Cup ring wearing pimp hand, he'll be a scoring and passing machine. Look for 35 goals and 60 assists. He's improved his goal scoring every year, and not even hot tubs full of champagne and Wrigleyville hussies can slow him down.

The answer is: Drew "Dont You" Doughty
The question is: Who will unseat Keith as the Norris Trophy winner?
The view is that the NHL has been hyping Doughty since the day after Keith won it. If it were up to me, Keith would get a 5 year lease of it, but the league is pushing younger stars to bring in the youth. It's quite amusing that at 27, anyone would be considered old, but Keith will continue to be a candidate for years to come. Keith would gladly let Doughty borrow it for a year while he wins another cup, I'm sure.

The answer is: Vancouver CaFucks
The question is: Who is Carnac's pick to win the Western Conference?
The view is that I hope I'm proven wrong, but I see the CaFucks finally making a move to the next level. They stocked up on defense and Luongo doesn't have to deal with the Big Fluff this year. Tomax and Xamot are a fierce ginger duo with some crazy telepathic powers. The LA Kings are also going to make a run, but they are a few years away. The popular pick is Detoilet, but they are another year older, and more fragile, and I refuse to believe that they defy nature. I hope I'm proven wrong, and the Hawks repeat, but it's a competitive league.

The answer is: Philly Cheesesteaks and Pittsburgh Black Lung
The question is: What teams will be teams to beat in the East?
The view is that the two Pennsylvania teams are powerhouses. Philly's defense got BETTER, if you can imagine that, and Pittsburgh is an offensive juggernaut. If Philly can figure out their goaltending sitiation, they'll be just fine. War-shing-ton and Bawston will have something to say, but the road to the Eastern Conf is Route 76, and it goes from Philly to Pittsburgh. With the Capitals goaltending situation, they are better playing without one and putting an extra defenseman out there. Boston has some promise, and a talented young goalie, but I still don't see a great deal of offense from them.


There you have it. Those are my random predictions. If anyone wants my opinion on other subjects, feel free to email them to me at PuckinHostile@gmail.com.

Read More