Blackhawks at Sharks3-1 Loss Recap

"When Its All Gone Wrong"
by Patrick Stankus
Send a McRib to #Fatrick

Fresh off the All-Star break, the Blackhawks opened up the unofficial start of the second half of the season in San Jose on Tuesday night to take on the Sharks. Tuesday's game marks the beginning of the annual "Ice Show Trip" which means the Hawks won't be on home ice until the middle of February. The length of the delay in the return to The UC is exaggerated, thanks to the Blackhawks having their bye week at the conclusion of the six game road swing. With the trade winds starting to pick up, it will be interesting to see how the team responds to the recent rumors that have come out. Shameless plug alert, you can hear more on those rumors and other trade talk on the next Puckin' Hostile Shoutcast that records Wednesday night with guest John Jaeckel.

Once the puck finally dropped, because apparently a 9:30 start means 9:45, the Hawks and the Sharks looked like two teams that benefited from having four days off. Both teams had a little jump to their game, which had been something missing from the Hawks game prior to the All Star break. As the period went on, the Hawks got a little sloppy with their passing in their own end, but fortunately the mistakes didn't bite them. Despite taking two penalties in the opening frame, overall the Hawks looked pretty good, and went into the intermission scoreless after twenty minutes. Not a bad start to a long road trip.

When the second period got underway, most of us figured we'd get more of the same from the first period. Turns out we were wrong. It took both teams several minutes to find their legs and return to the form of the opening period. Midway through the period, Patrick Marleau appeared to put the Sharks up 1-0, but the Hawks challenged for offside, and in fact the play was offside, so the game was scoreless once again. It didn't remain that way for long though. A few minutes later, on the power play, Marleau struck again, and this time it counted. Credit to the Hawks, they didn't fold up. Crawford made a huge save on a breakaway, and with the momentum in their favor, Dennis Rasmussen fired a laser past Martin Jones, to tie the game at one. In the final seconds of the period, the Hawks turned the puck over twice, which led to two quality chances for the Sharks. Luckily for the Hawks, Crawford bailed them out, and kept the game tied at one after two periods.

At the start of the third period, we had reason to be optimistic at the possibility of the Hawks escaping San Jose with two points. That optimism quickly vanished. The Hawks had a golden opportunity to go ahead with a power play early in the third period, but of course they couldn't do anything with the man advantage. As the period went on, the momentum turned in favor of the Sharks, and it was only a matter of time before they cashed in. In the final minutes, the Sharks capitalized on a bounce off the end boards, and Tomas Hertl put the loose puck into the net to give San Jose the lead. In the final seconds, the Sharks added an empty netter, and went onto defeat the Hawks by the final of 3-1. Next up for the Hawks is a trip to GLENDALE, not Phoenix, (I've been told that's how we're supposed to drum up hype for the Arizona Coyotes) on Thursday night.


The Good

• Corey Crawford had an accidental, old school, stack of the pads save in the second period that any current or former goalie would appreciate. Its too bad Gate couldn't make it past the first intermission to see it.
• The Hawks caught a break after it appeared the Sharks took the lead, midway through the second period. Joel Quenneville challenged the play for offside, and actually won the challenge. Regardless of the outcome, replay still sucks.
• Dennis Rasmussen netted his fourth goal of the season in the second period. It was absolute perfect shot, off the post and all. Never hurts to shoot the puck.
• For a change, the Hawks dominated at the faceoff dot. Tonight they won 59% of the draws.
• Its no secret Corey Crawford has been fighting it of late, but tonight he had a solid performance. He gave the Hawks a chance to win, and made a few nice saves in the loss.

The Bad

• Ryan Hartman had a great chance to put the Hawks on the board first, with a breakaway early on, but Martin Jones was able to make the stop.
• Of course the beginning of the second period was delayed a couple of minutes due a problem with the ice in Crawford's crease. Anything to make a 9:30 game on a weeknight longer.
• The parade to the penalty box finally bit the Hawks in the ass in the second period. On their third power play of the game, the Sharks managed to open the scoring, thanks to noted ballbag Patrick Marleau.
• Corey Crawford was the victim of a bad bounce off the board, combined with bad defensive zone coverage by Keith and Hjalmarsson on the Tomas Hertl's game winning goal in the third period. It also didn't help that the fourth line got stuck on an extended shift.
• Hinostroza found himself with a team low 9:13 of ice time tonight. Guessing that lazy turnover at the end of the second period had something to do with. It also wouldn't surprise me if he sharing shrimp with Kempny in the press box on Thursday night.

The Ugly

• Maybe its because this is the first recap I'm doing of one of those "great 9:30 local starts" (said no one ever), or its the fact this is my first recap of a game this late in my 30s, but I'm gonna agree with Gate. They suck. The only person on the Hostile Crew that enjoyed this start time was Mr. Canada. Although I won't go as far as to say they should be banned. Regardless, the crabby shit hip has spoken.
• Big thanks to Comcast Sportsnet for giving us Steve Konroyd tonight on the telecast. I've never struggled to stay awake so hard in my life.
• Late in the second period, the Hawks were caught in a horrendous line change, but Crawford was able to deny Meier on a partial breakaway.
• The third period wasn't something to celebrate for the Hawks. Aside from a chance early on by Patrick Kane, that he was taken down on, I don't remember another quality chance.
• Special teams struggled for the Hawks tonight. The power play was 0 for 3, while the penalty kill allowed a goal.

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Blackhawks vs Sharks4-1 Win Recap

"Pleasure to Burn"

by Gatekeeper
Yell at Gatekeeper

As we all count down to Christmas, the Blackhawks were trying to continue their warm streak while also navigating a pretty busy December schedule. To complicate the situation, center Artem Anisimov was out with and upper body injury sustained in St. Louis. The Hawks had been relying heavily on goalie Scott Darling with Corey Crawford still out, which left many wondering if goalie Lars Johans-SON would make his NHL debut. Joel Quenneville confirmed shortly before game time that Scott Darling was going to start, though. The Sharks were coming in on a five game winning streak, four of which were on the road, and well rested. The Sharks also came into this game leading the pacific division which posed a serious threat to the Blackhawks. The threat was even greater because the Blackhawks had to return late from St. Louis very late the previous night, due to their game and bad weather.

You might have expected a slow start from the Blackhawks, but that wasn't so. They started off fairly competitive, compared to the Sharks. The best scoring chances were on a Blackhawks powerplay, and that was about it. They also out shot the visitors 10-6, and could call that period a win, for certain.

Of course, when the Blackhawks play a good period, they immediately come out the next period and give up a goal. This is exactly what happened a minute and thirteen seconds into the second period. Each team had powerplays in the middle of the period but neither could really generate anything substantial. After I proclaimed what a boring 34 minutes of hockey it had been, the Blackhawks spun some Shark pressure around and tied the game at the other end. San Jose led in shots 15-8, but it was tied where it counted.

Somehow the Sharks came out in the third period and laid an egg. The Blackhawks put up 3 third period goals, and which was more than enough to get them the "W". All this happened with the Blackhawks getting out shot 13-7 in the final period and 34-26 overall. if the Blackhawks have to work on anything, it's shot suppression. We'll take it though.

The Good

• The Blackhawks finally crawled out of the basement for the penalty kill, eclipsing the Buffalo Sabres.
• With 3:11 left in the second period, Duncan Keith made a really nice play to keep the play alive at the Sharks blue line, but missed the net with a shot. The Puck came around to Artemi Panarin on the half boards, and he fed Keith for a one timer that beat Martin Jones, and tying up the game.
• With thirteen minutes remaining in regulation the Blackhawks took the lead and never looked back. Vinny Hinostroza won an offensive zone faceoff, and Ryan Hartman quickly snapped it past Martin Jones. The puck was in and out before anyone knew it. All world D-man Chewbacca had a front row seat of Hartman picking his goalie apart.
• With about 2 minutes remaining, Vinny Hinostroza used Marian Hossa as a decoy on a 2-on-1 and beat Jones 5-hole to give the Blackhawks a 3-1 lead and Patrick Kane had an empty netter.
• Ryan Hartman had himself another good night. He has all the makings of the next meatball hero, and that's alright.
• Marian Hossa clowning the hell out of Schlemko and Braun.in the third period. I'm glad he's on the verge of LTIR.
• Can't leave out #Fatrick's future brother in law, Scotty Darling. He had yet another strong night, with 33 saves. At this point, the Blackhawks have the strongest goaltending duo in the NHL. The Rangers are not far behind but Lundqvist is playing pretty average.

The Bad

• Just over one minute into the second period, and innocent looking Brent Burns shot was redirected by Joe Pavelski just enough to beat Scott Darling, while Pat Foley was busy stroking Edzo off under the table because he worked 5 games in 7 days.
• What the fuck were Panik,Hinostroza and Motte thinking, leaving Brian Campbell without a stick for a good 35 seconds in their defensive zone. GIVE UP YOUR STICK, FOOLS!

The Ugly

• I've given up on any hope that Michal Kempny will get a fair shake from Coach Wizzo. I can't imagine he's going to spend the whole season playing every 10 days. Just fucking trade him, if you're going to play him as a number 8 guy.
• Melker Karlsson collided awkwardly with Tyler Motte and stayed down for quite a bit. The play looked innocent, but Karlsson's head hit Motte's arm and it sure ;looked like Karlsson had his bell rung.
• Fuck Lazarus and his stupid #PearlJamCounter. Alice In Chains was a better band.

The #Fatrick Stankus Fatsy Stats

• Vince Hinostroza had a goal and assist, but was just crushed with a team worst -14 corsi
• In fact, the only Blackhawks with positive corsi were Toews, Panarin, Kane, Keith and Hjalmarsson. Everyone else was negative.
• The broadcast crews can jerk off all over TVR all they want but him and Forsling started 60% of the time in the offensive zone. That's heavy sheltering.

The Lineblender
Left Wing - Center - Right Wing
Artemi Panarin - Jonathan Toews - Patrick Kane
Ryan Hartman - Andrew Desjardins - Marian Hossa
Dennis Rasmussen - Marcus Kruger - Richard Panik
Tyler Motte - Vinnie Hinostroza - Jordin Tootoo

Duncan Keith - Niklas Hjalmarsson
Brian Campbell - Brent Seabrook
Gustav Forsling - Trevor van Riemsdyk

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Blackhawks at Sharks 2-1 Loss Recap

"Hey, Feelin' So Down"

by Patrick Stankus
Tweet to #Fatrick

After finishing up the Western Canada portion of the final Circus Trip on Monday night, the Blackhawks traveled down the West Coast of the USA, for a Thanksgiving Eve match up with the San Jose Sharks. The Hawks were coming off a pathetic performance on Monday night in which they were handed a 5-0 defeat by the Oilers. Wednesday night's game also starts a stretch of three games in four days for the California portion of the trip.

The Blackhawks have had a troublesome theme on this road trip of starting out games stuck in neutral. Tonight was no different. Aside from a good chance from Panarin, the Sharks controlled the pace of the game for the majority of the period. Just past the midway point of the period, the Sharks added two goals in just over three minutes to give themselves a 2-0 lead in the opening period. Despite being outplayed, the Hawks did manage to throw 14 shots at the San Jose net, but none found the back of the net, and they would trail by two after the opening 20 minutes.

In the second period, the Hawks came out with more energy than the first period, and it showed early on. While the Hawks had less shots on net than the first period, the chances in the second were of more quality. In addition, Corey Crawford looked like the Corey Crawford were used to and made some spectacular saves. Finally just past the midway point of the game, Artemi Panarin one timed a pass from Anisimov into the Sharks net to cut the deficit to 2-1. As the period wound down, the Hawks would kill of an extended San Jose 5 on 3 power play to keep it a one goal game after two periods.

The final twenty minutes proved to be an entertaining period of hockey. Both teams had numerous chances, but both Corey Crawford and Martin Jones rose to the occasion and kept the score at 2-1. The lone power play of the period went to the Sharks, but the Hawks penalty kill had the answer for that. In an evenly matched period, both teams ended up with nine shots, and in the end it was the Sharks who skated away with the 2-1 win. Next up for the Hawks is a back to back in southern California that starts on Friday afternoon in Anaheim. Enjoy your Thanksgiving Hostile Tribe, and we'll see you Friday.

The Good

• After a shaky first period, Corey Crawford settled in nicely in the second and third period. In  the final 40 minutes, he made 22 saves, and gave the Hawks a chance to stay in the game.
• That Artemi Panarin one timer is a thing of beauty. I'm glad the honeymoon isn't over with him yet.
• While they gave up a power play goal in the first period, the penalty kill came through when needed in the second period by killing off a 5 on 3 power play. They followed it up in third period and killed off another to keep it a one goal game.

The Bad

• Artemi Panarin had a brutal pass that was read perfectly by Vlasic, luckily Seabrook bailed Panarin out by chasing down Vlasic.
• Vinnie Hinostroza had a great chance in the second period to put the Hawks on the board, but couldn't finish it. Hinostroza was in alone on Jones, and beat him, but ended up tucking the puck into the side of the net.
• Have you ever seen a team miss the net like the Hawks?
• While the final 40 minutes were good, once again the Hawks dug themselves a hole early. It'd be nice to see them play a complete 60 minute game.

The Ugly

• What the fuck was that horrendous camera angle we had to sit through in the first period. For fuck's sake AHL broadcasts have a better position. Just another swell WGN telecast.
• The Sharks first goal came on the power play. We'll go with "textbook Blackhawks penalty kill" for that one.
• The Hawks opening power play was a complete tire fire. Seabrook fell at the blue line and allowed Joel Ward to get in alone on Crawford, and Ward made it a 2-0 game.
• Speaking of the Ward goal. Corey Crawford gave us the latest example of why goalies should STAY IN THE FUCKING NET. As soon as Crawford hesitated on whether or not to come out and play the puck he was toast. All the evidence you need is seeing how Joel Ward turned him into a pylon.
• In the second period, Jonathan Toews left the game and didn't return. As if that wasn't bad enough, Marcus Kruger got destroyed along the boards, and left the game. Unlike Toews, Kruger did return. Last thing this team needs right now is to lose Toews for an extended period of time.
• The Hawks pissed away a power play chance by taking a "too many men on the ice" penalty. How did they follow that up? By taking another penalty while it was 4 on 4. 

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Blackhawks vs. Sharks2-0 Shutout Loss Recap

"Rotten Apple"

by Patrick Stankus

Tonight the Blackhawks returned home to The UC after a three game, post All-Star break road trip, to take on the San Jose Sharks. The Hawks were thrown a bit of a curveball, as Artemi Panarin was forced to miss this game due to an illness. Panarin wasn't the only late scratch tonight. Gate was supposed to recap tonight's game, but an upper body injury prevented him from typing tonight. I know you are all happy to have me recap a game between the two teams that made Jeremy Roenick most famous. You know the teams that saw JR score his 1st NHL goal, and his 500th career goal. Shit, no wonder why Gate pulled out of this recap. Before I get to the game, shameless plug, listen to the Roenick Life Podcast, its grrrrrrrrrreat. Alright, enough rambling, onto the game.

The first period got underway just as you'd expect from the Hawks in their first home game in some time. The Hawks were guilty of showcasing that famous "one too many passes" play style, but as the period went on, they simplified their game. Brandon Mashinter thought he had given the Hawks the lead late in the period, but after a coach's challenge by the Sharks, the call was overturned and the game remained scoreless. The Hawks would out shoot the Sharks 10-8, while also having two power plays in the first, but couldn't crack the back of the net. As the horn sounded ending the first period, the game would be scoreless.

In the second period, the Hawks would lack the same intensity they had in the first period. The Sharks pounced on the Hawks lazy approach, and dominated play for the first 15 minutes of the period. Midway through the period, the Sharks would capitalize on a Niklas Hjalmarsson slashing penalty, and gave themselves a 1-0 lead with a power play goal. In the final 5 minutes of the period, the Hawks would finally show some life, but couldn't tie the game. After 40 minutes of play, the Hawks would trail the Sharks 1-0.

As the third period got underway, the tone of the play was about as exciting as smashing your head against a wall. The Sharks clamped down on the Hawks, and made life difficult for them. The Hawks could rarely muster any sustained pressure, only generating a few one and done chances throughout the period. In the final two minutes with the Hawks net empty, the Sharks added another tally to seal a 2-0 win in Chicago.


The Good

• Michal Rozsival had himself quite the opening 10 minutes tonight. Rozsival had two great defensive plays, one in which broke up a Sharks 4 on 2 attempt, and also drew a penalty, giving the Hawks the first power play of the game. Overall Rozsival was actually really good. And if Michal Rozsival is your best player, well, you're fucked.
• Corey Crawford was again, Corey Crawford. Unlike Bickell, repeating Crawford's play in recaps is fun. Tonight he was good when called upon. He stopped 26 of 27 shots, and I hate to use the cliche, but he was good enough to win tonight.
• The Hawks dominated at the face off dot tonight, 33-22. I'm really stretching for things now.
• Anything else? No really anything else?

The Bad

• The second period was boring as hell. A lot of that was thanks to the Hawks playing like they didn't give a shit for the majority of the period. As a result it felt like it was the longest 20 minutes of my life.
• The power play was 0 for 3 tonight. Feast or famine with that bunch. Tonight nothing stuck out from any of the three power play chances.
• Safe to say the honeymoon with the #AK72Line isn't over. Tonight the lines were a jumbled mess that couldn't get any sustained pressure. Please get healthy Breadman.
• If there is one honeymoon that should be over, its the one with Phillip Danault. He's not Kruger's replacement, he's a poor man's Marcus Kruger. 
• Bryan Bickell was in the house tonight, at least in calendar form being sold behind Section 114 at The UC.

The Ugly

• The Breadman was moldy tonight, and missed the game due to an illness.
• The coach's challenge for goalie interference is getting out of hand. Again tonight, the Hawks had a goal overturned due to "goalie interference." Give me a break. Simply breathing on a goalie isn't goalie interference. Go back to the old skate in the crease rule if we want ZERO contact with the goalie. Just make sure you enforce it correctly.
  
• Of course Jumbo Jackass Joe Thornton would score an empty netter to make it 2-0. I can't stand that piece of shit.
• Jiri Sekac played tonight for the Hawks. Apparently he had 4 shots too. I don't remember any of them. He's starting to tap dance down jackass alley that leads to Tim Erixon's house.
• Since general soreness is a topic of discussion today because of the Bulls "star" player, I wouldn't be surprised if @UncleRozsival follows the lead by Derrick Rose, and calls in sick to work tomorrow due to general soreness after seeing how well Rozsival played tonight.

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Blackhawks vs. Sharks4-3 OT Win Recap

"Who's The Boss"

by Patrick Stankus

On Sunday night, the Blackhawks hosted the San Jose Sharks in their final home game before the Christmas break. The Hawks were returning home from a visit to Buffalo on a Saturday afternoon snoozefest. Coach Q decided to ride the hot hand in net with Crawford, instead of playing local hero Scott Darling. Another curveball thrown at us late, was the late scratch of Marian Hossa with an upper body injury.

The scoring would be fast and furious in the first period. The Hawks would be the first to get on the scoreboard. The #AK72Line would strike first, with Artem Anisimov found a loose puck and hammered it home to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead. The lead would prove to be short lived for the Hawks. The Sharks would score on a breakaway 3 minutes later, and followed that up with a power play goal to take a 2-1 lead. Much like the Hawks lead, the Sharks lead would also prove to be short lived. Just under 2 minutes later, Patrick Kane would tie the game at 2, and that's where we'd stand after the opening 20 minutes.

In the second period, the scoring would calm down, but the scoring chances for both teams would be a plenty. The teams combined for a total of 25 shots in the second. Despite the Hawks having 13, it would be the Sharks that found the back of the net. With just over 5 minutes remaining in the period, Joel Pavelski would add his 16th goal of the season to give the Sharks a 3-2 lead. As the horn sounded ending the second, the score would remain 3-2 in favor of the Sharks.

In the opening minutes of the third period, the Hawks would try to hand the Sharks the win with some sloppy play. The Hawks were forced to kill off back to back power plays after penalties by TVR and Patrick Kane. The penalty kill would come through, and the Hawks would gain some momentum from it. Right after the second kill, Andrew Shaw would score to tie the game at three. Down the stretch the Sharks had some quality chances, but Corey Crawford would stand tall and after 60 minutes, we'd head to overtime.

Without #TeamMiserable watching together, we'd actually get to see the 3 on 3 gimmick, unlike yesterday during the #PuckinHostileRoadWatch. As is the case, the 3 on 3 didn't last long. The Hawks would get a 2 on 1 featuring Kane and Toews, which meant it was good night, and drive home safely. Toews buried a shot, and sent the UC crowd home happy with a 4-3 win for the Hawks.

The Good

• After being crushed at the dot in the 1st period, the Hawks bounced back to win the face off battle 36-35.
• Normally allowing 3 goals isn't a great performance, but Corey Crawford was huge in net for the Hawks. In the end he made 33 saves, but his best was a glove save on Joonas Donskoi in the 3rd period.
• Artem Anisimov had a solid night. He was all over the place in the first period, and netted the Hawks opening goal.
• Patrick Kane had a goal and an assist, to go with a team high +4 on the night.
• Phillip Danault had an assist tonight. Its only been 2 games, but so far so good. No complaints thus far, as much as that pains me to say as a Marcus Kruger fan.
• It was good to see the PK bounce back and kill off both of the Sharks power plays in the 3rd period, after yielding a PPG in the 1st period.

The Bad

• Marian Hossa was a late scratch tonight due to an upper body injury. It also looks like he won't be available on Tuesday night when the Hawks visit Dallas.
• Hossa's late absence meant we were treated to 4:38 of The Manshitter, to go along with a fight and a -2 on the night.
• Duncan Keith's positioning on Donskoi's breakaway goal in the 1st period was flat out awful. I can only imagine the outrage if that was Rozsival instead of Keith.
• Just as we say we're impressed with Dennis Rasmussen, he gets rewarded by Q with 6:59 of ice time. Welcome to Mooseport, or as we say Q' Doghouse.

The Ugly

• The Hawks tried to piss this game away in the opening minutes of the 3rd period with back to back penalties. Talk about bad timing for that.
• Remember the hype of "Hertl Power" because of 1 game by Tomas Hertl? First of all, how dare you spin the Ninja Turtles like that, but secondly, that lazy change by him in OT is what lead to the Kane and Toews 2 on 1. On second thought, thank you Tomas Hertl for being an average player.
• The Hawks yielded double digit shot totals to the Sharks in all 3 periods tonight. You'd like to see them tighten up the defense a tad bit.
• Brent Burns, shave your fucking beard. God only knows what the fuck is living in it.

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Blackhawks at Sharks5-2 Win Recap

"Vegas Vacation"
by Patrick Stankus

The Blackhawks continued their annual Circus Trip on Thanksgiving Eve with a stop in San Jose to visit the Sharks. This marked the first game for the Hawks since they shit the bed on Saturday night in Vancouver and followed it up with a much deserved trip to Las Vegas. With a difficult back to back in southern California looming this weekend, it was crucial the Hawks get the first game of the California portion of the Circus Trip started on the right foot.

The Blackhawks controlled play throughout the first period, although the Sharks did find their legs late in the period. Despite that, Hawks ended up outshooting the Sharks by a 11-5 margin. The Hawks would open the scoring midway through the first frame. The lead would not last, as 6 minutes later the Sharks would tie it up. As quick as the Hawks lead evaporated, the tie between the two teams would evaporate quicker. Just under 90 seconds later, the Hawks would take a 2-1 lead, and hang onto that lead as the first period ended.

The second period would see a shift in play in favor of the Sharks. The Sharks would end up outshooting the Hawks 12-6 in the period. However it was the Hawks, not the Sharks would end up getting on the scoreboard to increase their lead to 3-1. Even though both teams had opportunities in the second, that would be the only scoring of the period and the Hawks would 3-1 after two.

The third period would see the Sharks start out on the power play, but still couldn't solve Crawford. That would change midway through the period as the Sharks would cut the Hawks lead to 3-2. That's as close as the Sharks would get as the Hawks would add two goals in final eight minutes and cruised to a 5-2 win over the Sharks.


The Good

• Patrick Kane added 2 assists tonight and increased his points streak to 17 games.
• Corey Crawford was outstanding. When the Hawks needed a big save, Crow was there to back his teammates up tonight. It turned out being a nice bounce back game for Crawford after that debacle in Vancouver. In the end he stopped 27 of 29 shots.
• Another guy who had a nice bounce back game was The Bread Man. Panarin had 2 assists tonight and looked like his old self, not the tired one we saw Saturday.
• Duncan Keith led all the Hawks with 29:23 of ice time tonight. He was also a team high +3.
• Gotta give credit where credit is do. Michal Rozsival has been pretty solid since his return from a broken ankle.
• Much like TVR, the more I see Tanner Kero play, the more I like his game. Not to mention he's also turning into a reliable PK guy.
• The Hawks held the Sharks shotless for nearly the first 14 minutes of the game.
• Melker Karlsson. Seriously, next to Nail Yakupov, is there a better hockey name right now?

The Bad

• Marian Hossa was flat out robbed twice in the first period by Martin Jones.
• How much longer until Marko Dano becomes the next Brandon Pirri? Its pretty obvious he's lost in Q's system, which that never ends well for the player.
• As much as I complain about hearing Chelsea Dagger, the Sharks Jaws soundbite just might be more annoying than Chelsea Dagger.
• The Hawks were a little more careless than you'd like to see. Tonight they took 5 penalties. You'd like to see them clean that up a bit.

The Ugly

• I was looking forward to seeing Ben Smith play tonight. Now I'm sad. So sad that I might eat a shit ton of turkey and eat my way into a coma.
• Trevor Daley did his best Viktor Stalberg impression and missed the net by 50 ft on a 3 on 2 in the 3rd period. How's that trade value looking?
• So is Brandon Mashinter only playing because the Hawks equipment staff found a stash of old Khabibulin #53 jerseys and need to put them to use? The guy is completely useless. I didn't even notice him tonight.
• Brace yourselves, Steve Konroyd will be providing us with color commentary for Friday's game. I wonder if Gate will point something in his recap of that game on how awesome Konroyd is.

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Blackhawks at Sharks6-2 Win Recap

Sharks For Sale

by Patrick Stankus

 On Saturday afternoon, yes afternoon, the Blackhawks concluded their brief two games father's road trip in the now smoldering tire fire that is San Jose. While in the midst of battling for their playoff, Sharks "leader" Joe Thornton felt the need to tell his GM Doug Wilson to "shut his mouth" yesterday. Always a nice thing to see when teetering on the brink of a rebuild. Your thoughts on being part of a rebuild in San Jose, or dare I say it? Toronto, Joe?


Anyway, enough about the dirtiest center at the face off dot, we've got more important things to worry about. Like getting this 3pm (1pm San Jose) game under way so the Sharks can get a quick 9 holes in at the golf course and start practicing for their annual rounds played while the Stanley Cup Playoffs are going on.

At the start of the game, as been much of late, Corey Crawford bailed the Hawks out, as they were too busy sleepwalking early on. The Hawks did catch a break later in the period. A great touch pass by Antoine Vermette (or Brad Richards according to Steve Konroyd) sprung Patrick Sharp in on Niemi. Niemi stopped the initial shot, but couldn't stop Sharp on his rebound attempt to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead. Late in the period, you could see it coming from their dominant start, the Sharks were able to tie the game on a goal from Melker Karlsson. After one, the game would be tied at one.

In the second period, the Sharks had an early power play, but the PK put in another great effort and were able to kill it off. Later in the period, the Hawks were able to cash in on a bad penalty by Brenden Dillon, as Duncan Keith, with an Andrew Shaw screen in front, blasted the puck past Niemi to give the Hawks a 2-1 lead. Following a Jonathan Toews penalty, the Sharks responded with a power play goal after a sweet redirect by Brent Seabrook past Crawford to tie the game at two.

Early in the third period, Crawford lead an outlet pass to Teravainen, who sprung Saad, and Saad did all the rest to give the Hawks a 3-2 lead. The secondary assist by Crawford was his first point of the season. Yes, you are correct that a former goalie would point that out. Later Brad Richards found a loose puck behind the net, and with 4 Sharks players focused on him, he centered it to a wide open Bickell who beat Niemi. It was a beautiful display of defense by San Jose. With just under 5 minutes to play, on the power play, the Hawks all but put this game away as Patrick Sharp added his second goal of the game to make it 5-2. As if the game wasn't over already, San Jose decided to pull Niemi for the extra attacker with almost 4 minutes remaining, and Hossa added salt to the wound with an empty netter and give the Blackhawks a 6-2 win.

The Good
- Again, it sounds like a broken record, but Corey Crawford was awesome in net. He weathered the storm by the Sharks in the 1st period, while the rest of the Blackhawks were sleepwalking.
- Sharp, and Keith both scored, and Richards scored in Arizona. Isn't it nice to see these guys on the scoresheet without a minus?
- Holy shit, the Blackhawks were 2 for 4 on the power play this afternoon!!! Stop the presses!
- I bad mouth Andrew Shaw a lot, but today I'll give him some credit. Parking himself in front of Niemi directly lead to both of the Hawks power play goals. Its not complicated. Move the puck to open shooting lanes, and get some traffic in front of the net. Its nice to see some greasy goals for a change by the Hawks.
- Thank God, this was the final game of the father's trip. While I think this is a great idea, I don't need to hear Pat Foley mention it during every stoppage.

The Bad
- Antoine Vermette had a rough day at the face off dot, as he was 32%.
- The decision by Marcus Kruger to go for a change instead of A. staying on the ice, or B. just grabbing a new stick from the bench, led to the Sharks first goal. It didn't help that Andrew Desjardins jumped over the boards and couldn't get his skates under him. He literally looked like a fish flopping out of water. Careful Andrew, I heard ice is slippery.
- Anyone else think there was a ridiculous amount of icings in this game?

The Ugly
- The start by the Blackhawks was lackluster to say the least. They're lucky their goalie bailed them out early on.
- The much anticipated return of Andrew Desjardins to San Jose turned out to be nothing more than a turd in a punch bowl. But hey he did have more ice time than John Scott.
- While Pavelski and Toews were slashing each other at the end of the first period, Jumbo Jack Ass Joe Thornton decided to come over and give a quick spear to Toews. This guy is a complete asshole.
- Seriously, does Steve Konroyd even look at a line up card? Who the fuck is Andrew Saad?? And Rich King is the perfect guy for that WGN intermission set, since both of them look like they're stuck in the '70s.

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Blackhawks at San Jose2-0 Shutout Loss Recap

"2 Minutes to Midnight"

by Gatekeeper

Not only were the Blackhawks back from their All Star break, but I was back from extended business travel in sunny F-L-A, as Morris "Mo" Wanchuk would say. After a big win in Anaheim the night before, the Blackhawks had to try and keep momentum on this Disney Ice trip.

The Blackhawks got caught up in some knuckle dragging shenanigans late in the first but, luckily, the final horn put it to an end. Even though the Blackhawks were down 1-0, they out shot the Sharks 8-7.

The second period, short of a couple of shots, was boring as all hell. This makes it even harder to stay up for, when Pat and Steve's monotone voices have zero emotion. The Blackhawks actually out shot the Sharks 15-9 for the period, but not many were that memorable.

The third period was again, more of the same. No goals by the Blackhawks on 7 shots, and the Sharks had an empty netter to "Finnish" the Hawks off.

The Good

• Credit where its due. Antti Niemi, with a 31 save shutout, is noteworthy.

The Bad

• This Rozsival and Oduya pairing has to end. They are the two worst Blackhawks defenders at this point.
• Teuvo Teravainen played only 6:54 in eight shifts, and I can't remember seeing him on the ice once. If this is the bullshit that he's going to be fed, then send him back to Rockford, for fuck's sakes.
• Speaking of not showing up, the adequate Rundblad was invisible too.
• The Hawks were schooled a the dots too, winning only 42%, with Shaw winning only 2 of 8.

The Ugly

• John Scott, who was actually in the lineup. Big stupid animal. Late in the third period, Bryan Bickell laid a big hit on Scott Hannan, and look who stumbles onto the ice for the next shift, The Big Slow.
• The Sharks opened the scoring about 5 minutes into the game. Melker Karlsson got the goal, but it was a flurry in the crease after Raanta lost his net, that led to Duncan Keith actually putting it into his own net.
• These 9:30 starts are simply fucking brutal. No reason a west coast game should be starting that late. Eat an enormous bag of dicks, San Jose.
• Blackhawks with no goals on 31 shots.
• El Capitan was robbed of a fifth solid shorthanded stop with about 5 minutes remaining in the second period. Niemi stopped a breakaway, and then four follow up rebounds, until the ref lost site and blew the play dead. Bad whistle. Quenneville says it all with 2 words:
  
• I've already spent more time on this recap than it is worth, especially for a game ending after midnight.

The Lineblender
Saad-Toews-Hossa
Sharp-Richard-Kane
Shaw-Teravainen-Bickell
Smith-Kruger-Nordstrom

Keith-Rundblad
Seabrook-Hjalmarsson
Oduya-Roszival

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Blackhawks vs. Sharks5-2 Win Recap

"Who We Are"


After a pretty lackluster loss to the Capitals on Friday night, the Blackhawks welcomed the San Jose Sharks into the House of Ill Repute Sunday night. The Sharks came in on a bit of a down slide, after starting the season off red hot, but also have a 6-2-2 road record. The Blackhawks weren't much better, with a 4-5-1 record coming into the game. The Sharks PP came in at 26% but their PK was a pretty paltry 80%. This could be the key to the game, as the Sharks also take almost 13 minutes in penalties a game. This was the ass end of a back to back for the Sharks, which means they should be ripe for the picking.

The first period was like the wild west. There was wide open play, mistakes and plenty of goals. When all was sad and done, the Blackhawks had 3 goals on 20 shots, while the Sharks had a goal of their own on 9 shots.

As happens often, the second period was quite the different story. The Blackhawks were out shot 13-6 and thanks to a four minutes Sharks powerplay, outscored 1-0. This mean that the Blackhawks, who seemed to be in control early, had to nurse a third period one goal lead.

Even though the Blackhawks won the third period, on the score sheet, the Sharks had a majority of the chances. The Blackhawks were able to score a fourth goal, and a fifth empty netter to sent the Sharks away losers. Next up, the Lightning on Tuesday.

The Good

• With eight minutes left in the first period Trevor van Riemsdyk wound up on a Toews faceoff win and blew it past Niemi for a 1-0 Blackhawks lead. The play looked innocent and Niemi should have made the stop. The Hawks and TVR will take it.
• Roughly two minutes after the TVR goal, the Blackhawks were swarming the net and the puck worked it's way around to Seabrook, who blew a one timer past an awkwardly sliding Niemi.
• Twenty four seconds after the Seabrook goal, Nik Hjalmarsson snuck right up the gut, taking a feed from Marian Hossa, and used a screen to surgically dissected Niemi. At this point I was sure that Niemi was getting pulled, but it was not so.
• With under 5 minutes remaining in the third period, Bryan Bickell dragged Mirco Müller around the Sharks zone for a bit like a pesky knat. Once Bickell cleared the net, Bickell spun around and snapped a shot over Niemi
• With the Sharks pulling the goalie Patrick Roy style, Jonathan Toews said "Thank you very much", and deposited it into the open cage. Sharks defenseman Marc-Édouard Vlasic had been taking shots at Versteeg previous to the goal and Versteeg decided to throw some hooks at Vlasic following the horn.
• The Blackhawks won the battle of the draws, winning 52%, even though Ben Smith was worked over. Joe Pavelski won only 1 of 7.

The Bad

• Early in the first period, Versteeg had to primo chances and thought one actually went in, but after the play, the replay showed that the puck hit the post.
• Shortly after the Hjalmarsson goal, Joe Pavelski slickly redirected a Braun shot past Crawford, to break the Blackhawks momentum. It was briefly reviewed, but it was pretty clear to everyone that the goal was a good one. Nothing Crawford could really do to stop it.
• While these lines worked for a game, this is a short term solution. These combinations cannot say together long term.

The Ugly

• Niemi looked really uncomfortable for the entire first period. He was tracking the puck awkwardly, and just reacting very strangly overall.
• Great googly moogly, Adam Burish is still apparently skulking around the league. Worthless.
• Not even 2 minutes into a Blackhawks four minutes PK, thanks to a careless Adrew Shaw high stick, the Sharks found Joe Pavelski on the back door and he beat a moving Corey Crawford to cut the Blackhawks lead in half.
• In a RARE Jonathan Toews blue line turnover, the Sharks Goodrow ended up with a breakaway about halfway through the second period, and Crawford made the stop.
• The end of the game turned into a sloppy meatball festival, with penalties left and right. Thirty minutes in penalties in the final two minutes of the game, including 2 fights.

The Lineblender

Versteeg-Toews-Kane
Bickell-Shaw-Saad
Smith-Kruger-Hossa
Morin-Richards-Regin

Keith-van Reimsdyk
Oduya-Hjalmarsson
Seabrook-Rundblad

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Blackhawks Week That Was - 2/7

2/1 - Blackhawks at San Jose
2-1 Shootout Loss

• Blaming Corey Crawford for this loss, is idiotic. He held one of the more powerful teams in the West to just one goal in 65 minutes and had 38 saves. For those that are slow, that's a .974 save percentage. How anyone can complain about that is beyond my comprehension. Shootouts are stupid.
  
• The Pavelski goal was a marvel of physics. You can't expect Crawford to expect Pevelski to roof that shot from 5 feet, with two defenders all over him.
  
• Scoring a powerplay goal after giving up shorthanded goal kind of renders both irrelevant.
  
• The Hawks were "OK" at the dots, but Toews was a paltry 6 of 19 (32%). Since he takes a majority of the draws, it's safe to say he drags the rest of the team down with him.
  
• The Sharks' Mike Brown only played 9 shifts and allegedly had 4 hits. I call shenanigans.
  

Here are the video highlights: 2/3 - Blackhawks at LA Kings 5-3 Win

• I'm not really sure what go into the Kings, but they were extra "Blues-y" in this game. The game started off with Drew Dough-Boy charging Patrick Sharp from behind, and the shenanigans just continued from there. In one shift, I watched Matt Greene cross check and punch Versteeg in the small of the back at least half a dozed times, putting him on the ice for at least half of those. Are we condoning this, NHL, because it wasn't exactly behind the play.
  
• The big story of this game was that Patrick Kane lost his grandfather shortly before the game began, and he did what great athletes do; he took care of business. Two goals and an assist, are more than anyone should ask for from a young man who just lost an important figure in his life. We can all return to poking fun at the phenom later, because our hearts should all go out to him right now. We're lucky to have a player like this in Chicago, and anyone who thinks otherwise is a complete moron.
  
• Bryan Bickell returned to the lineup and sunk a 2 foot putt, on a 3-on-1 feed from Pat Kane. Quenneville still had him on a short leash though, with only 8:10.
  
• The win will overshadow the fact that the Hawks were terrible at the faceoff dots. Toews only won 5 of 24 faceoffs. FIVE OF TWENTY FOUR! That's two games in a row that El Capitan was dicked at the dot
  
• I wouldn't call any of the goaltender stupendous, but it was servicable. Quick had a few really nice saves, and Crawford did as well. The Hawks were actually outshot 34-30, so you can call this a Crawford win.
  
• The Kings line of Williams/Richards/Brown was a combined -6. Woof! So much for running around the ice like a bunch of coked up henchmen.
  

Here are the video highlights: 2/5 - Blackhawks at Anaheim 2-0 Shutout Win

• This is exactly what Corey Crawford needed going into the Olympics. With the haters piling on, he was able to quiet them with just one performance.
  
• The Hossa goal was an extremely impressive example of patience. He waited Hiller out for what seemed like 3 days, and tucked it around the goalie. We are so lucky to have talent like this, because he isn't flashy, but he is just so good.
  
• How Hampus Lindholm got the third star, with Hossa having a part in both Hawks goals, is beyond me. Stars of the game are stupid.
  
• Andrew Shaw was pretty much stuck on stupid. His second penalty was just stupid. A kneeing penalty against everyone's favorite 100 year old Fin, Teemu Selanne. This is probably why he played less than only Bryan Bickell.
  

Here are the video highlights: 2/7 - Blackhawks at Phoenix 2-0 Shutout Loss

• New acquisition Peter Regan opened his first Blackhawks game at #2 center. Of course this was without Patrick Kane, who was with his family in Buffalo for the funeral of his Grandfather, but it's still not a bad place to be.
  
• What can you really say about a team that is shut out? Both Coyotes goals were on the power play which were as a result of stupid Blackhawks penalties. Bollig opened the game with a dumb slew foot of Shane Doan, and later Brandon Saad was a little less than vigilant about avoiding Mike Smith as he plowed through the crease. Michael Rozsival followed up the Saad penalty with an additional 2 minutes for yapping at the officials.
  
• The team had no jump. Whether it was the Olympic break or the loss of Kane, the Blackhawks were not on top of their game.
  
• I don't want to harp on the officiating, but I'm going to. The Officials called Bryan Bickell for picking up a teammate's perfectly fine stick and using it, and later on missed a call that would have negated the second Coyotes goal.
  
• After Bollig's dumbs penalty led to the very early Coyotes lead, he was basically stapled to the bench, playing only 5:22. Rozsival, on the other hand, took a stupid penalty, and was rewarded with a team high 30 shifts.
  

Here are the video highlights:

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Blackhawks Week That was 1/10

1/5/14 - Blackhawks vs Sharks
3-2 Shootout Loss

• The first Sharks goal was a nice pinch by Demers, but bad coverage by Leddy/Shaw/Roszival. Before Crawford could turn his head, he had Demers blasting a one time in the slot at him. The second Sharks goal was a breakdown after some initially decent coverage. The puck squeeked out to Burns who was on the back door all alone.
  
• It looks like the Blackhawks are in the business of making goalie look like all-stars, lately. Alex Stalock is no world class goalie, but he sure looked good against the Blackhawks.
  
• The Hawks were slightly under 50% at the dots thanks to Kruger's 35% and Shaw's 33%. The Hawks will never be over 50% every game, but if they are close on those off nights, I'll take it.
  
• 5 Blocked shots and a goal for Hjalmarsson. He was overlooked as a star of the game.
  
• Nine shifts to the tune of 5:20 for Bickell, including ZERO third period shifts. Either he's still more hurt than they are leading on, or he's firmly in the doghouse. If he's hurt, sit him and give a kid a chance. Not like he was lighting the league on fire anyway.
  
• This was not Crawford's best shootout, by any means. The Sharks were 2-2, and the Hawks 0-2. That pretty much says it. That being said, he faced 42 shots in the game and looks great. Holy hell I hate everything about shootouts.
  

Here are the video highlights: 1/8/14 - Blackhawks vs Rangers
3-2 Loss

• The Blackhawks only really played half a game, and still had a chance to win. The first period and the first half of the third were TERRIBLE. Imagine what they could have done if they played the entire game like they cared.
  
• Crawford's play mirrored the rest of the team. the two goal he gave up early in the first were pretty soft. The first goal, he never got set and was caught in an uncomfortable position. This is evident by the way he dropped two one knee. When a goalie does that, you know he wasn't prepared. On the second goal Rangers goal, Crawford was beaten back to the far post on a wrap around. As far as the third goal goes, its really the only one that you can give him. The puck dipped and deflected off Shaw. Crawford made the initial save, but Leddy, Roszival and Shaw all let Hagelin stand in front of Crawford all alone. That one was on the defense. I suppose when you're facing one of the most revered goalies in the world, any mistake is going to looks glaring.
  
• Bollig was both the goat and the prince against the Rangers. Early on he tried to start a kerfuffle with Gorilla Salad and ended up in the box. Of course the ensuing powerplay ended up being the Rangers first goal. WHY are you jawing at Gorilla Salad? It's pointless. Anyhow, Bollig later made up for his idiocy with the Hawks second goal, which was a nice snipe from the circle.
  
• The Hawks were looking good once again sat the dots. None of the Hawks centers were under 50%.
  
• Bollig goal aside, Henrik Lundqvist was outstanding. He made 35 or 37 stops, and several flurries when the Hawks actually showed a desire to play.
  
• I have no idea why Quenneville is riding Roszival this hard, but he was out there way too often. I know it's petty when you're scrutinizing the 6th defensemen, but if Quenneville is going to put him out there this much, he needs to be better. He has been dragging the third pair down for a few games now.
  

Here are the video highlights:

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Blackhawks vs. Sharks - Win Recap

"Lonely at the Top"

Just when I think it's all going to come crashing down, the Hawks find a way to pull it out. On Eddie Olczyk heritage night, The next target for the Hawks on their streak was the recently very familiar San Jose Sharks. Each time the Hawks have seen the Sharks, they have fallen further and further down the power rankings. This is a team that is going to hit the panic button real soon. They opened up red hot and then instantly went as cold as ice. Even though their last game was a win against the Blues, they have issues scoring. This is something the Hawks feast on, so hopefully they could jump out to a lead early. Live from Chicago, it's the Blackhawks and the Sharks...

The Hawks came out a little flat but dominated the meat of the first period, with 11 shot to the Sharks 8 shots. Even though the Hawks had a majority of the chances, the Sharks had the only goal, with under a minute to go in play.

The second period started off just like a majority of the first period went, with the Hawks controlling most of the play. Even though they had to kill a couple of penalties, they still out shot the Sharks 10-6, and scored the only goal of the period.

The Hawks opened up a quick third period lead on a shorthanded goal, and shut down the Sharks for the rest of the period. There were 13 shots either way, but the Hawks played their "bend and not break" defense to perfection. When the final horn sounded, the Hawks had set a new record for best start in NHL history. Amazing.

The Good

• Pick To Click Vik tied the game up for the Hawks with just over three minutes left to play in the second. He streaked up the left side on a 3-on-3 rush, and just as he got over the goal line extended, he fired it towards the net. Niemi tried to make the save and it went off the inside of his left pad and into the net. Soft goal for Niemi, but Swedeberg will take it, and so will us fans.
• General Saad took a lead for the Hawks just as a Sharks powerplay ended. He lugged the puck up the ice himself, and just as he cleared Brett Burns, he caught Niemi leading the wrong way, snapped a shot off the far post and in. Huge, huge goal to open the third period.
• Once the Hawks took the lead, they suffocated the Sharks pretty impressively with penalty kills and swarming defense. This team has far exceeded any expectations I could have had for them. I'm just amazed.
• For the first time this year, the Hawks out hit an opponent. I didn't see it that way, but the "official numbers" were 29-27 in favor of the Hawks.

The Bad

• Emery began the night getting draw grossly out of position two or three times. This might have been nerves, or had something to do with the fact that it was his first game wearing his new Brian's G-Netik pads. He's been wearing them in practice to break them in, but this is the first game he has worn them in.
• Marleau followed up a very late first period Sharks flurry by beating Emery to open the scoring. Pavelski tipped a long shot on Razor, and the rebound ricocheted into the slot. Marleau took a shot that was stopped by Emery, but it squired out from under his pad and into the net. Sloppy last minute goal for the Hawks.
• Carcillo made his return, and Quenneville made a smart decision by putting him on the 4th line where he belongs. Of course when the Hawks went down 1-0, Carcillo started the second period with Toews and Hossa. Christ on a cracker, Quenneville!!!
• Bolland disappeared for a majority of the third period, and there was no word on just why. He had under 10 minutes of ice time and didn't see the ice after the last 1/4 of the second period. After the game, the only thing Quenneville had to say was that he was "day-to-day", which tells us nothing. NHL injury report are a fucking joke.
• Kruger and Shaw were both dicked at the dot, both going dragging a -40% at the faceoff circles.

The Ugly

• Foley was having issues with Niemi and Emery all night. He called each one the other's names quite a few times. Not the Pat Foley all of us old timers are use to from the 80's and 90s.
• Ryan Clowe ended up getting a misconduct at the end of the game for jumping off the bench and retaliating against a Shaw on Pavelski borderline hit. While Shaw's hit was questionable, Clowe showed just what a dumb shit he is.

Here are the video highlights:

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Blackhawks vs. Sharks - Win Recap

"Shark Fishing"

The San Jose Sharks were in town Friday night to take another shot at the Blackhawks, but this time it was in the Hawks territory. After losing to the Hawks on Feb 5th, the Sharks continued the cold streak, losing the next three games (1-ot, 1-so, 1-reg) while only scoring 2 goals in that span. This should be prime fishing season against a struggling team.

Ray Emery was slated to start the game, even before it was announced that Crawford had sustained an injury in practice Thursday. Newly acquired Henrik Karlsson was recalled friday morning to take Crawford's place backing up Emery. Other than that development, the Hawks were in tact, and still riding that regulation undefeated streak. Live from the United Center, in Chicago, it's the Blackhawks and the Sharks.

The Hawks opened up the game with dominance in the Sharks zone, but that ended about half way in, when the game slowed down as a result of a plethora of whistles. With a late goal, and 9 shots on net, the Hawks out worked the Sharks on top of out scoring them.

The Second was more domination by the Hawks. They scored two goals and yielded one, but they out shot the Sharks by a wide margin, 17-8 in the period. The Sharks looked exactly like the team that everyone expected before the season began. Tired and over the hill. It'll be entertaining to watch everyone abandon ship in the very near future.

The Sharks put a feeble fight up in the third, but the game was pretty much out of hand with a terrible fourth Hawks goal, which put the Sharks on the slab. The final shot totals heavily favored the Hawks at 37-28. The Sharks continue to fall and the Hawks continue to roll.

The Good

• After killing off most of a 4 minute powerplay courtesy of the El Capitan and drawing a penalty of their own, Dave Bolland and Crazy 8's scored the first goal of the game. Bolland drew the penalty on the previous play, and followed up the next shift scoring the goal on his own rebound with Kaner driving the net. Niemi lost site of the rebound on Bolland's initial shot and he easily stuffed it into the net.
• Just a few minutes into the second Antti Niemi looked like a three year old chasing a puppy, trying to handle a soft Kruger dump in on net. The puck jumped up over Niemi's glove, hit the post, and skipped around behind him. Kruger followed up his rebound in enough time to find a puck and a wide open net. UC terrible Ice 1, Niemi 0.
• Shock-N-Shaw put the Hawks up 3-1 on the powerplay, after a patient play by Deuce at the point, with 5 minutes remaining in the second period. Deuce drove up the slot with the puck and put a relatively unopposed shot on Niemi. Shaw whacked away at the rebound, and the puck flipped up and over Niemi, ending up in the net.
• Hjalmarsson put the Hawks up 4-1 on yet another terrible goal in the third period. Hammer let a 55 foot shot go that looked harmless, but ended up floating over a lazy Niemi.
• Crazy 8's spun Brent Burns around like a top after a tremendous rush that ended up drawing a penalty in the middle of the second period. It's scary how dominant Kane is controlling the puck. That's what you call some silky mitts, folks.
• Everyone but Kruger was over 50% at the dots, including Bolland. I like!
• When your fourth line is a combined plus 6 with 4 points, you're doing something right.

The Bad

• The Sharks got back in the game with a goal by Tim Kennedy after him and Logan Couture were able to get in 2-on-1 against Seabrook and Emery. Kennedy caught Emery over pursuing, reversed back through the crease and around Emery. 2-1 Hawks

The Ugly

• In probably the only time I've ever seen such a display, El Capitan instigated a fight with Jumbo Joverated Thornton in the first period. Must be some hard feelings after Thornton sucker punched Toews last year, and likely cause his concussion. This was immediately after Thornton's knees buckled like a child when Toews nudged him from behind in the corner. Thornton is such a big soft pussy that it's sickening, but this doesn't explain Jonny's actions. I'm not really sure what inspired him to, not only get into a fight, but instigate the fracas by chasing Thornton down. Bizarro world. Honestly, I would have loved to see Toews knock his teeth out.
• Swedeberg had an awful turnover in the second period, that resulted in a great Sharks 1-on-Emery chance, and was followed up by about a good minute of threatening San Jose pressure. Terribly selfish and brainless play. He only saw about 9 minutes of ice time but, honestly, none of the forth line broke 10 minutes. That being said, Kruger had a goal and an assist on HIS 9 minutes.
• Just when you think the Hawks powerplay is ass, the Sharks show up. That was one terribly awful powerplay. I can't honestly say I remember one solid powerplay chance.

Here are the video highlights:

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Blackhawks at San Jose - Win Recap

"One Blackhawks Nation Under Saad"

Sorry for the late recap, but some of us have lives and late rink time, so eat it!

With a little help from Anaheim Ducks, this was not a matchup of teams with no regulation losses, but it was still a matchup of two of the hottest, or maybe luckiest, teams in the NHL. Between the two of them, the Hawks and Sharks had 1 regulation loss, with the Sharks losing in Anaheim Monday night. Not much different on this Sharks team than years past. You have Jeremy Roenick's favorite Shark, Pat Marleau; former Blackhawks Martin Havlat, Michal Handzus, Antti Niemi, and Adam Burish; as well as Jumbo/Gentile Joe Thornton. If the Hawks came out like the team that gave up 40-something shots to the pitiful Flames, then they were going to have a drastically different turnout in San Jose. This one almost got out of hand in a hurry. Live from San Jose, California, it's the Shark and Blackhawks...

I probably wasn't the only one that watched the first 10 minutes of the first period and thought the Hawks were going to be whaloped. They were certainly due for a whaloping, and based on their play against Calgary, it looked like that bullet was coming down the chamber. Luckily, that never happened. The Hawks reached down, whipped out their coconuts, and they fought back mere seconds after the Sharks took a 3-1 lead, and eventually evened up the score. The first ended up a track meet, and that usually favors the Hawks. They out shot the Sharks 16-10 and took that 3-3 tie into the second period.

After that wide open first period the game settles down, and the Sharks regained a little composure, doubling up the Hawks in shots 12-6. The Hawks scored the only goal of the middle 20 minutes, during a 4-on-4, and took that one goal lead into the final frame.

The Hawks stood tall in the third, even though they were out shot once again. They eventually scored a late open net goal to ice the game, and leave San Jose with all their vital organs intact. It wasn't pretty but it was effective, and the Hawks maintained their regulation undefeated streak. Next up, Southwestern Quebec, aka Phoenix, in the desert.

The Good

• Brandon Saad finally broke his NHL scoreless streak, getting his first goal in a huge way. The Hawks were on their heels and the fire was stirring when Lucky Number Sleven and El Capitan worked a nice give-n-go high in the Sharks zone. Seabrook knifed up the middle of the Sharks zone and dished to The Saadfather, on the back door, for a one timer past Niemi. Huge goal for a number of reasons, not the least of which being that the whole team is pulling for this kid, and they all seem to love him. A #20 jersey might be in my future, because I share the love for him. 2-1 Sharks.
• Eight seconds after the Handzus goal, Swedeberg carried the puck into the Sharks zone and dumped it around the boards. Bickell picked it up and reversed it back around the net, feeding a wide open Shawfacts right on Niemi's front porch, to immediately grab the momentum back. I'm not sure what the hell the Sharks were doing, but it had nothing to do with playing defense. That fast, the Hawks were back in the game. 3-2 Sharks.
• Less than a minute after the Shaw goal another kid, Marcus Kruger, tied the game back up on a bad Sharks turnover. Frolik picked up a free puck and fired it off Niemi from a tight angle, but Kruger picked up the rebound and deposited it into the net around Niemi, completing the comeback. The first period wasn't even complete, there were 6 goals on the board, and both Coaches had used their timeouts.
• Crawford settled down, after the three initial goals, and regained his composure. At one point, He was one-on-one with Marleau's hot, dog breath in his grill. Crawford stuffed him, and the rest is history.
• After the Mayers/Keith/Desjardins fracas (more on this below) the Hawks, more specifically El Capitan and Crazy 8's, used the open ice to clown the Sharks deep in their own zone and take the lead. Toews led the rush, 2-on-3, and dropped it to Kane, who never really got anything on a shot. Murray ended up with the puck and Niemi went down in the confusion. Murray tried to control the puck, so he could send the Sharks back the other way, but Toews picked his pocket in disgusting fashion. Instead of forcing a shot that Niemi would likely eat up, Toews fed Crazy 8's, who had curled back at the dot, and Kane beat Niemi. Just not fair. Lets trade that Kane kid. He's a lazy alcoholic bum, who has no heart. Dumb Meatballs! 4-3 Hawks.
• Kane closed out the Sharks night with an open netter, to complete a 2 goal night. Clutch from Crazy 8's. 5-3 Hawks
• Three shots on net for Frolik in under 9 minutes of ice time and a vital part in the game tying goal. The kid just keeps doing his job. I'm loving it.
• Faceoffs were fairly even for both teams, even though Scott Gomez was 10 and 1 at the dots. No need to investigate him, Stan. Bolland and Kruger are doing just fine getting dong smacked at the dots, nightly.
• El Capitan was a forechecking beast with 4 takeaways. Just ask Douglas Murray what he thinks of that.

The Bad

• It didn't take long for the Hawks to pick the puck out of their own net. About three minutes in, Dan Boyle took a long point shot that Crawford fought off, but the rebound plopped down right in front of a disturbingly wide open Joe Pavelski who easily shoveled it into a gaping net. How Pavelski was able to sit between Brookbank, Oduya, and Kruger without anyone picking him up is beyond me. 1-0 Sharks.
• Havlat and Murray took a combined minus six for the night. Good job, boys! Doug Murray is a tank, though. I'd still take him on my blue line. He tossed Shawfacts around like a rag doll. I give Shaw credit though, because he doesn't know the word quit and comes back for more punishment each time.
• The Hawk were out hit again, but this is nothing new. Pretty much par for the course here, but the Meatballs will cry foul and scream for people like Kane to "hit someone", which is asinine, because the guy is basically 140lbs. Fools.

The Ugly

• Just over two minutes after the Pavelski tally, Sheldon Brookbank did his best Chris Campoli impression in the neutral zone, and Tommy Wingels beat Crawford up the left wing, on a pretty marginal goal. Yes, Pat, we understand Wingels is from the Chicago area, and reminding me every shift gets old, very fast. He's not the first or last player to come out of Chicago, so let's say you drop it, capisce? Anyhow, Quenneville wisely used his timeout to call in someone with a fire extinguisher, because the Sharks looked like they were going to run away with this game. 2-0 Sharks, but smart move be Q to stop the bleeding.
• Under a minute after the Saad goal, the Sharks regained their 2 goal lead, when Tommy Wingels, whom I've heard is from the Chicago area, got his second point of the night. Wingels took advantage of an odd man situation and fed the trailer, Handzus, for another fairly soft goal. I'll be honest, I probably would have pulled Crawford at that point, but Quenneville stuck with his guy, and it eventually payed off. 3-1 Sharks.
• I might be in the minority, but I didn't have a big problem with the Desjardins hit on MegaMayers. It was more shoulder to shoulder, but the jolt rattled the cobwebs in Jamal's head. Maybe it was interference, but as far as hits go, it was fairly clean. Furthermore, I'm usually against the retaliation to big hits, but I kind of like to see the usually level headed Keith stand up for his teammate. He jumped in and stuck up for a fourth liner that is highly respected in the locker room. I still think Keith was a little wonky from the elbow to the ribs that he had taken, because he was a little "on edge", similar to the Sedin saga from last season. This may be a turning point in the brotherhood of this team. Now, the 19 minutes in penalties Keith earned is another subject altogether. The "Instigator with a shield" penalties is a stupid fucking rule. You're not deterring players from starting a fight, you're dettering players from wearing shields. Just plain moronic. Either way, I think it was a hockey play, and the Sharks should cry foul if there is any follow up punishment to the hit. Mayers was left hung out to dry on a suicide pass by Keith and got caught with his head down. Maybe Keith was feeling guilty for the pass, adnthat's why he jumped Desjardins.
• Hjalmarsson didn't have his most productive game, turning the puck over a team high 5 times. Considering the level of play he's been hovering at, he was bound to have an off night. Hey, Doug Wilson, still want him?

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Blackhawks at San Jose - Loss Recap

"Down in a Hole"



The road trip carries on; This time to San Jose California. As this trip continues, the Hawks are playing worse, and the fans are getting restless. From top to bottom they just aren't getting the job done. Corey Crawford returned to net, after 2 starts by Razor Emery. Not only that, but Hammer and Montador were sent home with injuries. Dylan Olsen and Sami Lepisto were in the lineup last night, to replace them. The Sharks had to be licking their lips at this news, with a short losing streak of their own going on. I'm sure former Hawk Antti Niemi was.

The first period was pretty much what you'd expect from a team that is seriously struggling and in the middle of a long road trip. Two powerplay goals from the Sharks put the Hawks in an early hole. The Sharks out shot the the Hawks 12-7 in the period, and sent them into the intermission scratching their heads. The second period was ALL Blackhawks, as they outshot the Sharks 17-3 and out scored them 2-1, but the two first period goals still left them down, going into the third frame. The Hawks tied the game again in the third, but then, again, fell apart, giving up 2 third period goals. When all was said and done, the Hawks were sent to Phoenix winless in their last 7.

The Good

• Bryan Bickell seems to have found his set of balls. He laid a couple of nice nits and engaged in a little scuffle with Jamie McGinn. Of course, his wrist shot still takes half a decade to release, but there was some sign of life, but there has to be a silver lining, somewhere. Bickell made a few nice plays to set up his game tying goal, in the third period. He forechecked hard and kept the Hawks possession alive, and then kept moving to get himself open. On a side note, regarding the fight with McGinn, where was the instigator and extra penalty for the shield on THAT play, NHL REFS???? Could have been a huge swing.
• My current soft spot has to be for MegaMayers. The guy just knows his place, and embraces it. The way he hunted down Ryane Clowe, and took exception to the treatment given to Toews earlier was a great teammate play. He just "gets it". I'd love to see him back for another year.
• Hello, Dream Warrior, so nice of you to join us on this road trip. Kruger picked up a Nick Leddy shot off the post, and outworked Joe Pavelski to poke the loose puck into the net. Shooter set the whole play up, by floating into the zone and controlling the puck long enough for the rest of the troops to catch up. He dumped it off the Leddy, and you know the rest of the story.
• Kruger's second goal of the period tied the game back up for the Hawks exactly three minutes after the first goal. Nothing pretty, but certainly effective. He was screening Niemi and absorbed a Seabrook shot. The shot dropped in front of Kruger, and was was able to turn around and get a couple of whacks at it, the second of which resulted in the goal. Dream Warrior stepping up a little bit!
• Dylan Olsen looked promising in his 19 minutes of ice time. He played some PK, and nicely chased down Patrick Marleau, resulting in no shot on net. You can't fault him for the Thornton goal. Just an unfortunate play.

The Bad

• Not even a minute into the game, and Frodo takes a trip to the box with a 4 minute high sticking infraction. That led to a 1-0 lead just a minute into the powerplay. Crawford got stuck out of his net with a rebound in front of him. Couture picked it up and took it around the net, feeding a pinching and wide open Justin Braun. Braun had a wide open net, and got a pretty easy goal. 1-0 Sharks.
• For the life of me, I could not understand what Stalberg did to deserve a demotion to the 4th line. He was one of the hottest Hawks previous, and Quenneville single handedly put him on ice, by demoting him to the bottom of the lineup. Good Job Dr. Lineblender. Thank god someone knocked a sliver of sense into Quenneville between the first and second periods, and he moved Stalberg back up. Seriously, though, why the wasted period? When all was said and done, Stalberg ended up with only eight minutes of ice time after his turnover led to the 3rd Sharks goal. He didn't see the ice again.
• Of course, the resulting powerplay of Joe Thornton's dickhead move yields a goal to put the Sharks up 2-0. Dan Boyle was the lucky recipient of a fat rebound and his OWN gaping net. Hey, Joe Thornton, do me a favor. When you win ANYTHING significant in your career, let me know. Otherwise get your head out of your ass. He got away with two rabbit punches to the face of Toews without much punishment. As you would expect, Ryane Clowe had to butt into the fracas as well. When all was sorted out, the Hawks were left shorthanded.
• The Sharks took the lead back late in the second when Stalberg threw a live grenade to Deuce, resulting in a turnover for Pavelski and Thornton. The puck ended up on the stick of Thornton who was trying to pass it out in front of the net, and it defected off Olsen's stick and past Crawford. Unfortunate is a word that's being used far too much this road trip.
• Just after the Bickell goal and fight, the Sharks took the lead again, for good. Benn Ferriero out muscled Leddy and was able to push the puck past Crawford. The play started with Frolik, who is not a great faceoff man, being kicked out of the draw. Kane came in to take it, and proceeded to lose the draw. The puck ended up in behind the net, and Crawford got caught out of his net for what seemed like the 10th time in the game. He was late recovering, which gave Ferriero the advantage. Leddy HAS to man up on that guy, and not allow him to get a stick on that pass.
• The Sharks put the Hawks to bed with a late powerplay goal, that really shouldn't have been a powerplay. While Shaw's penalty was a bad one, Douglas Murray got up and dropped his gloves. That's a penalty, folks, yet he wasn't given anything. That's twice in the third period that the Hawks were screwed out of San Jose penalties. Regardless, Jamie McGinn was left to sit in front of Crawford, all by himself, by Leddy and Seabrook. Crawford's move on the play didn't exactly look stellar either. He just laid the paddle down, and left the whole top half of the net open.
• All the Hawks centers, were at or below 50% at the faceoff dot.

The Ugly

• I'm getting really fucking tired of seeing opposing players beat the PISS out of Toews. He's constantly taking fists to the yap, and he looks like a rape victim after almost every whistle. This is your captain, fellas!
• 50% on the penalty kill isn't going to win you ANY games, in ANY league.

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Blackhawks vs. Sharks - Win Recap

"LandShark"


"Dude, How's the weather down there?"

Once again, no time for sitting around and feeling sorry for themselves. The Hawks returned home to face the Sharks, Sunday night. The Sharks came in just three points behind the Hawks, and were 7-1-2 in their last 10 games. The never ending saga of Antti Niemi was looming over their heads, as well. Nothing like more drama to complicate an already difficult situation. It looks like the Hawks were going to have to get right back up on the horse after getting bucked off against the Wings.

The first period of Sunday's game looked much more like a team that wants to win. They only out shot the Sharks 11-8, but hit 3 posts and scored 2 goals. It's nice to see them look focussed, but there was still a long ways to go. Just like clockwork, the Hawks opened up the second period giving up 2 goals to throw the lead away. They gained one back later in the period, but all the domination of the first was for naught. The third period started with the Hawks going up 4-2 early, and closed with the Sharks pulling within one goal. In the end, the Hawks held on to win the game 4-3 against a previously very hot team.

The Good

• As a goalie, I loved seeing Crawford flip the stick out of the hand of Logan Couture, early in the game. To follow that up, Lurch went at it with Winchester after HE took a whack at Crawford. Get off my goalie!
• The Hawks were on fire for the first half of the opening period, hitting the post 3 times, but they couldn't find the BACK of the net. The play of Niemi didn't help either. Niemi made 2 or 3 great saves to keep the Sharks in the game, including a save of the year candidate on a Toews/Kane 2-on-1.
• InvisiBolly put the Hawks up 1-0 in the final 2 minutes of the first period. Bruno did all the hard work behind the net, as he seems to do so often, and held onto the puck long enough for Purple Hazer to offer up some help. Hayer banked it back off the boards to Bolly, who had a wide open net, but was at a tight angle. Luckily, Niemi was looking for the puck to end up on the other post. Bolland showed some of his scoring prowess and nailed the top corner.
• About a minute and a half later, Pick-to-Click Vik was hit by El Capitan with a perfect pass, and Vik hit the open side. Thanks to Brett Burns for sleeping through that shift and allowing Vik to get in behind him.
• El Capitan put the Hawks back up, on a Niemi gaffe. Niemi tried to play the Kaner dump in behind the net, and wasn't able to get to it, leaving him trapped behind the net. Vik Stalberg pressured the puck and it ended up going back to Kaner, who quickly hit Toews in front of the open cage. 3-2 Hawks.
• Shock&Shaw put the Hawks up 4-2 in the third period from Hossa and Kruger. This kid just keeps doing things right. This was his 4th goal in 7 games. Tell me again what Dan Carcillo brought to this team that Shaw isn't. If you answered anything but "nothing", you're wrong. Carcillo could never play the PK, and Shaw has been doing it regularly. Five shots, a team leading 3 hits, and one goal in almost 17 minutes of time is good enough for me.
• I was happy to see MegaMayers get some extra time, up with Frolik and Bolland, late in the game. He deserves more important time.
• All the Hawks centers, but Dream Warrior, were over 50% at the dot. Shaw and Mayers were 13-15.

The Bad

• A redirected Vlasic shot, by Joe Pavelski, just a minute into the second period put the Sharks within one goal. Not really much Crawford can do on a shot like that.
• The first Powerplay unit is still Clown College. Nothing doing with that group.
• Some "Chicago boy" named Tommy Wiggles, or some shit, scored the 3rd Sharks goal of the game, with about 5 minutes to go. Crawford kicked a rebound out and it ended up on Wingels stick.
• One Trick Bick with only 6:35 of ice time. Tick Tock, Bick, Tick Tock.
  

The Ugly

• Jamie McGinn followed up the Pavelski goal with weak wrap around goal just 26 seconds later. Definitely a weak goal that Crawford should have had. McGinn had no angle and Crawford had the advantage. Nonetheless, 2 goals on 2 shots to open up the second period if unacceptable.
• The best way to describe Kaner's slump is this picture:
  

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Blackhawks vs. SharksOT Win Recap

"Big Daddy"



On the heels of an OT win the other night, in Long Island, the Hawks headed back home to play the San Jose Sharks and former Cup winning teammate, Antti Niemi, along with other Former Hawks Havlat and Handzus. In addition, the Hawks made the announcement early Saturday to start Ray Emery. This team is NOT the Islanders, and they have plenty of firepower, so the Hawks were going to need to put on a better effort. On the night the Hawks announced Ed Belfour heritage night, the Hawks had a big game to make a statement. And did they!

The first period went the Sharks way, as they put 17 shots on net, including one goal, and only surrendered 8 shots to the Hawks. The Hawks kept up early, but lost their luster and ended up down, going into the second. The Hawks and Sharks were both able to dent the net, in the second period, to keep the Sharks up by one as the teams hit the second break. The Sharks were also able to put 16 more shots on net to lead the Hawks 33-13. The Hawks came out with a little edge in the third period outshooting the Sharks 16-3 and tying up the game, with under two minutes to go in regulation. Just when all signs pointed to a shootout, the Hawks were able to poke a rebound into the net for a big 3-2 win.

The Good

• Marcus Kruger tied up the game at 1-1 almost halfway through the second period. The goal was set up by a long Hammer shot that was tipped in front of the net and by Niemi by Dream Warrior. Nice screen in front of the net by Shooter and Kruger.
• The Hawks came out after a time out, and Emery on the bench, and tied up the game with just over a minute left. The Hawks set up a faceoff play that started with El Capitan winning the faceoff to Shooter. Shooter sent it back to Deuce, who then threw it over to Hoss. Hoss dumped it off his back foot and Bruno tipped it in. Big goal to send the momentum in the Hawks favor.
• Shooter won the game with 30 seconds to go in OT, to sent the Hawks fans home happy campers. The play started with Hoss taking a half swing shot from the high slot and the rebound laid in the crease at the toe of Niemi. Shooter had position on Brent Burns and poked the puck into the net.
• Razor did noting to make the Hawks faithful doubt Quenneville's decision to start him. He saved 35 of 37 shots, and stood tall when the Hawks weren't looking hot at all. While I still think Crawford should be #1, the clock is ticking.
• Once again, all the Hawks forwards except Kruger were over 50% at the dot. This must be part of the reason we saw Dream Warrior play wing, later in the game.

The Bad

• Jamie McGinn put the Sharks up 1-0 late in the first period, after Hammer just let him stand there and poke at the puck long enough to put it in the net. Once again, Hammer refuses to use his body to his advantage. Is anyone surprised?
• Just a couple of minutes after the Hawks tied up the game, Justin Braun ripped a shot past Emery, from high in the slot, to put the Sharks back up 2-1. There was traffic in front, but a very savable shot.
• Pick to Click Vik had another glorious chance thwarted, or did he just shoot it into Niemi's pads? He looked like he had room to bury it, but pushed it back towards Niemi, and Niemi got a pad on it.
• Glad to see Jumbo Joe acting like a total juvenile after high sticking Tazer in the neck, he then proceeded to yap at the refs, and then follow the whole tantrum up by crosschecking Tazer. Same goes for Ryan Clowe at the end of the third period. Bunch of little sissy bitches. Way to keep it classy, San Diego.
• While Niemi played well, the Hawks had several chances to tie the game and couldn't lift the puck. It's pretty widely known that Niemi is very good, down low and the Hawks couldn't shoot a puck higher than 3" off the ice.
• Quenneville was clearly not happy with the play of the third line. Frolik played under 10 minutes, and Ben Smith only played 5:48. I'm sure we can expect some juggling on the bottom 6, and maybe a reappearance of Bickell sometime soon.

The Ugly

• The Sharks Andrew Desjardins put an extremely dangerous hit on Pistol, by pushing him into the boards face first, behind the Hawks net. Based on recent Shanaban experiences, he should be getting a look see from the league offices, for that one.

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