Winter ClassicBlackhawks at St. Louis4-1 Loss Recap

“Wasting My Hate”

by Gatekeeper
Yell at Gatekeeper

As with everything in St. Louis, the Winter Classic turned into a complete shitshow, because of the weather. They could deal with almost anything; but rain. So that's exactly what the hockey gods brought us. This just goes to show that even the mythical beings look at St. Louis as a dark, gloomy, ugly, miserable city. Just like their fans and teams. The start time of the game was up in the air, until 7am Monday morning, when they decided that the game would be played at the original time. Also, two entire periods needed to be played to qualify as a "game". If the game was tied after 2 period, there would be a shootout prior to the February 26th game to decide the winner. What a joke. When you over-saturate the market and tempt fake, this was bound to happen. So, in other words, the Blackhawks were going to spend 2 1/2 hour slogging through sewer slush. Just another day in St. Louis, for most. They would have been better off, and safer, skating the Chicago River. Coming in, the Hawks were missing Marian Hossa and Marcus Kruger were out with injuries, and the ice conditions were about as healthy. So be it.

It only took the Blackhawks a minute and eight seconds into the game to take a lead, which was good, because the game slowed down after that. There were a few rushes but the first period was a total slopfest. There were only six shots a side for the entire period which tells you the amount of action we were treated to. Just a complete tire fire from top to bottom.

The NHL kept the silly charade moving in the second period so, of course, the Blackhawks blew their lead. Both teams got their bearings a little more and were able to throw many more shots at the net, which made for slightly more sloppy action, like an awkward Fatrick kiss goodnight in front of the Darling residence. The Blues were able to take advantage of their shots and tie the game up, almost halfway through the second period. I can't say I really saw 26 shots but that is precisely that the NHL claims that happened. The claim is that the Blues out shot the Hawks 15-11 overall.

The Blackhawks had a banner period in the third. Actually, it was a banner two minutes for the Hawks. The Blues only had twelve shots in the entire period and scored on 3 of them. Does this game even matter anyway?

It certainly shouldn't, based on the conditions.

People can get all high and mighty but this is a regular season game that won't mean and more or less than any other regular season game. The only benefit would have been making fun of Blues fans just a little extra for the next 2 weeks.

Remember what the Wild did after clowning the Blackhawks less than 12 months ago? NOTHING!

How about the mighty Capitals beating the Blackhawks in the waning minutes in 2015? Oh, THAT'S RIGHT, the Blackhawks won the cup that year.

Maybe we could go all the way back to the 2009 Detroit Red Wings, in Wrigley Field. No cup there either.

This game meant nothing special.

The Good

• Just a minute and eight seconds into the game, and the first shot on net, the Blackhawks had a 1-0 lead from my boy Michal Kempny. Artem Anisimov swung out from behind the net and hit Kempny for a one timer that was deflected by a Blues defender and beat Jake Allen high glove side. I'm so glad to see Kempny producing, after the shaft job he had gotten lately.
• The Blackhawks were out shoe 35-23 and one of the goals was an empty netter. You can't really fault your goalie for that. He was solid enough to win, and Jake Allen only needed to make 22 saves.
• Michal Kempny got his third start in and Gustav Forsling sat. I wouldn't mind seeing more Trevor van Riemsdyk healthy scratches, to be honest, but this is baby steps.
• Both Hawks goalies get 10s for their equipment were throwback sets and top notch. CCM and Brian's did a great job.
• I have be a huge grumpy gus about the Hawks uniforms, because are the ones they should have used last year in Minnesota, and they just slapped a better log on it this time around. That said, the black helmets looks slick as hell.

The Bad

• They trotted out noted shitbag Bobby Hull and his fat kid for the opening faceoff and someone forgot the whole "faceoff needs a puck" part. Way to start this shit off.
• About 8 minutes into the second period when Patrik Berglund slammed home a 3 foot putt from Jay Bouwmeester through Corey Crawford, to tie the game at 1.
• It's kind of hard to win a game when you only manage 6 shots in the third period. Boy, those score effects...
• Neither team had a clue on the powerplay, as they were a combined 0-7.

The Ugly

• The NBC camera angles were fuc-king TER-I-BLE. They kept ramming that stupid camera-on-a-steek down our throats, and not only did it look bad, but the lens was rain covered. Talk about useless. Why in the fuck would anyone watch this game on HD when you can't even see clearly through the lens? The NBC and NHL people are a bunch of idiots.
  
  on-a-steek
  
  
• With just under eight minute remaining in regulation, a stupid blind backhand pass in the Blues zone turned around and ended up with Hjalmarsson kicking the puck in his own net. Just a minute and fifty three seconds later Vlad Tarasenko made it a 2 goal lead. Not the best two minutes for this team.
• Joel Quenneville threw up his hands with over three minutes remaining in the game and pulled Corey Crawford. We're talking about a team that generated low single digit shots in the period, so what might you expect from this? An empty net goal, of course. There was really no other outcome. The Hawks had basically given up before that, and I honestly can't fault them. He get hurt over this bullshit game?

The #Fatrick Stankus Fatsy Stats

• Not sure analytics mean anything in a game like this, but the #AK72Line were really the only line to drive any possession.
• Michal Kempny was the only Blackhawks defender that had a positive corsi

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Blackhawks at Blues6-4 Win Recap

"Animal House"

by Patrick Stankus
Tweet to #Fatrick

With the Winter Classic just over two weeks away, Saturday night was an appetizer of things to come as the Blackhawks traveled to St. Louis to take on the Blues. For the Hawks this marked the end of their three game road trip that saw them visit both New York teams earlier in the week. It was also the beginning of a back to back as the Hawks will host the San Jose Sharks tomorrow night. With the excitement of the Winter Classic looming for both teams, it will be interesting to see if any bad blood starts to boil tonight.

The Blackhawks didn't exactly get off to an ideal start tonight. In the opening minute, Scott Darling gave up an extremely soft goal on an unscreened, 45 foot slap shot to put the Hawks in an early hole. Five minutes into the game, the Hawks had a power play chance, but nothing materialized, and they still trailed. As time went on though, the Hawks found their legs and got numerous chances on Jake Allen. With time winding down in the period, the third line came through for the Hawks. Dennis Rasmussen was parked in front of the net and was able to beat Jake Allen to tie the game with 26 seconds remaining to tie the game at one.

If you're one of the people crying for more scoring in hockey, then the second period was for you. The Blues took a 2-1 lead just past the three minute mark of the middle frame, but from then it was hold onto your seat hockey. In the last ten minutes of the period, a total of four goals was scored and the lead flip flopped more than the couple from Flip or Flop's recent story. Patrick Kane and Brian Campbell were able to tally for the Hawks in the period, but it wasn't enough to keep the Hawks tied with the Blues. With twelve seconds remaining, Alex Pietrangelo scored to give the Blues a 4-3 lead after forty minutes of play.

In the third period, the Hawks finally woke up and realized what the hell they were supposed to be doing. Early in the period, Niklas Hjalmarsson fired a slapper that beat Jake Allen and tied the game at four. From that point on, it was all Blackhawks. The Blues tried to do their best to get under the Hawks skin, but it was to no avail. Its sad the Blues still think the Hawks will still stoop down to their level and play hockey in a dumpster. With four and a half minutes remaining, Vinnie Hinostroza scored to put the Hawks on top 5-4. Artemi Panarin added an empty netter, and probably another zero to his next contract, to give the Hawks a 6-4 win over the Blues.

The Good

• Dennis Rasmussen's hard work of late finally paid off. He notched the Hawks first goal of the night with some net front presence. All in all, Moose had a very good game. One of his best games of the season.
• TVR had a great outlet pass that sprung Patrick Kane on a breakaway, in which Kane tied the game at two with. Of course though, since its TVR no one noticed or if they did, won't give him any sort of credit.
• Lack of depth has been an issue for the Hawks this season, but tonight that depth showed up. The Hawks got goals from Rasmussen, Campbell, Hinostroza, and Hjalmarsson, in addition to Kane and Panarin. That's a nice balance there.
• The third line of Panik-Kruger-Rasmussen was fan-fucking-tastic tonight. The fact they added scoring was icing on the cake...... which Hitchcock will gladly eat.
• Who didn't enjoy seeing Vinnie Hinostroza out-muscle Joel Edmundson on the game winning goal? 
• The Hawks had double digit shot totals in all three periods tonight, and ended the night with thirty-six. Not to mention a lot them were quality chances.
• The Hawks did a good job of keeping their composure tonight, as they never allowed the Blues power play to take to the ice.
• I'm enjoying all the games I've had to recap of late, because I haven't had to see Michal Kempny play.

The Bad

• #RandomPatFoleyStats made another appearance in the first period. Tonight it was Gustav Forsling has been a +3 over his last five games. Keep these coming Pat.
• Artem Anisimov left the game in the first period and didn't return.
• Five goals in the second period???!!! That's as bad as hearing nine Pearl Jam songs at The UC during a Hawks game.
• Gustav Forsling looked like a deer in the headlights tonight.
• Scott Darling certainly wasn't as good as he has been of late, but he was alright tonight. He did have a couple of soft goals, but a night like tonight was expected based on how well he's played of late.
• The power play wasn't exactly terrific tonight. They were 0 for 3, and one of the power plays they had trouble just entering the zone.

The Ugly

• That animal, Ryan Reaves proved once he's nothing more than Andrew Shaw with no scoring touch, skating around out there, acting like an asshole. 
• Forty one seconds into the game, Scott Darling got a piece of a Patrik Berglund slap shot from 45 feet, but it wasn't enough as it trickled past the goal line. Needless to say, an unscreened shot from that distance, that early into a road game needs to be stopped. No excuses.
• Kyle Brodziak's goal in the second period was nothing short of luck. The puck hit a broken stick laying on the ice and beat Scott Darling as a result. I know it bothers @UncleRozsival to no end when officials refuse to pick up broken sticks. I might be on board as well now.
• Colton Parayko was a -3 tonight. That's Michal Kempny bad.
• Joel Edmundson had three assists for the Blues tonight, but he also assisted on at least two of the Hawks goals with horrendous defense. (Not sure if this belongs in the ugly, but then again Joel Edmundson's face is ugly, so it stays here)

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Preseason: Blackhawks vs. Blues4-0 Shutout Win Recap

"Bleed The Freak"

 

by Patrick Stankus
Tweet to #Fatrick

Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiii everybody!!! (Bonus points if you get the reference)

Well Blackhawks fans, and Hostile Tribe, I'd personally like to welcome you back to another season of Blackhawks Hockey, instead of Gate speaking for me. While its still the preseason, its nice to be back, and get ready for another season. We have a lot of interesting story lines that could play out this year, so it looks to be an interesting season to say the least.

With 1/3rd of Puckin' Hostile in attendance for tonight's scrimmage, the Blackhawks actually dressed a roster that resembled an NHL team. Lucky me that my first recap of the season is also Kruger's preseason debut. But back to the opening sentence of the paragraph. Its unlucky for the Blackhawks, that Gate made his way down to the UC for this one. I'm fully expecting the #Slackhawks to show up instead of the Blackhawks. That's how the Puckin' Hostile curse works folks. Actually I'm surprised they let Gate in the 300 level since he barely meets the minimum height for the escalator. Alright enough of that "lets make the intro paragraph semi interesting" and lets get onto the the game.

The first period started out with the Hawks getting a number of quality chances, but couldn't find the back of the net. Their best chance early on was a pass from Seabrook that sprung #DickPanik on a mini breakaway, but Carter Hutton stoned him. Later in the period, the Hawks had an extended 5 on 3 power play, and despite a few good looks, again couldn't score. After 20 minutes, the Hawks out shot the Blues by a 13-5 margain, but the scoreless streak was extended to 7 periods, as both teams headed into the locker room deadlocked at zero.

The sandwich stanza started out with both teams looking a tad bit sluggish, but that would change in a big way as the period went on. While the Blues looked like their skates were cemented into place, the Hawks started skating circles around them. The Hawks would open up the scoring just past the midway part of the game, with Artemi Panarin one timing a sick pass from Patrick Kane to give them a 1-0 lead. As time wound down in the period, the Hawks would add two goals of the ugly variety, something they seemed to be allergic to last season. Michal Kempny and Tyler Motte both tallied their first goals of the preseason to give the Hawks a 3-0 lead after 40 minutes.

When the puck dropped for the start of the third period, one figured it was going to be a "lets wrap this up and end it" type of pace. For the first half of the period, that's how it went. In the final half of the period, all hell broke loose. Misconducts were handed out to Joel Edmundson and Ryan Hartman, while Niklas Hjalmarsson was handed a 5 minute major and match penalty for a hit on Ty Rattie. Hjalmarsson will probably be getting a phone call from the Dept of Player Safety, mainly because people skate into hits because they have their head down. Whatever. It just adds gasoline to the fire known as the Blues/Blackhawks rivalry. Before the final horn sounded, Tyler Motte added his second goal of the night, and Darling made 18 saves to give the Hawks a 4-0 win.

The Good

• While it was nice to see my brother #CountYeoCula in town, its still a slap in the face to the family he could take a job with the Blues. Shame on you. Enjoy your Thanksgiving in that pig slop city battling fat, lose 50 pounds and still fat Kelly Chase for the last of the spare ribs on the Thanksgiving pig.
• The Blackhawks dressed a lineup that rivaled that of Derek's Pizza Hut team on NHL 17, so this was a welcome change for a preseason game.
• The #AK72Line was no more, at least at the start of the game tonight. Bet your ass, the second the line blender reunites that line, I'll be all over it. But for the preseason's sake, it should be experiemented with, just to see what other line combinations can work to spread out the scoring.
• Speaking of the #AK72Line , we were treated to some, not all, of their magic in the second period. Patrick Kane had a ridiculous pass to Panarin, who one timed the puck past Hutton.
• Two of the Blackhawks three goals in the third period came by way of the ugly kind. Yes, that is nice to hear for a change. Kempny's goal was the result of great work down below the goal line by and along the boards by Hartman and Kruger. Motte's goal was from net-front presence and was able to knock down a point shot.
• Michal Kempny, well we know his status with the team.
• Tyler Motte had two goals, and likely earned a roster spot after his play tonight, and this preseason thus far. I'll take it, but I won't get too excited.
• Speaking of another bubble player, Gustav Forsling had another solid game, but I'm not getting my anointing oil out yet to call him a stud. Continue to improve and then we'll talk.
• Someone open up Brian Hedger's eyes so he can see what Marcus Kruger brings to the Blackhawks. For Christ sake, tell him there's a player named McKruger out there dressed like a hamburger. That'll open his eyes.
• Scott Darling was in net, and recorded the 18 save shutout. None of the saves were noteworthy, but what is noteworthy is, he's supposedly from Lemont.
• Well, David Backes may be gone, but we have a new Blues player emerging as the newest ballbag on the team. That title goes to Joel Edmundson.

The Bad

• It took less than two minutes for us to hear "big hit by Hartman." If this is all we hear about a former 1st round pick, that's a problem. How about working a little skill into those stone hands.
• Wasn't that second period "fight" between Tootoo and Edmundson adorable? Even Carcillo was laughing. Well, I'm assuming he knew what channel the game was on.
• For a preseason game, I could have done without all the stupidity there at the end. But that is expected when you play the Blues who have the same level of intelligence as their coach does when it comes to a diet.

The Ugly

• This was my first time navigating through the Blackhawks website since it was redesigned. (Back off, bloggers are allowed to take a summer break.) Anyway, holy shit, what a piece of shit that site has become. I guess Gate wasn't lying. See not all new technology is good. Well now we know what is really driving away all the Blackhawks bloggers.
• Who didn't enjoy seeing The Manshitter and Tootoo playing together on the same line? Uh, Gate and I didn't.
• Gate is convinced that Niklas Hjalmarsson is getting suspended for his hit on Ty Rattie in the third period. My guess is, he's probably right despite the fact the hit wasn't dirty. Its not Hjalmarsson's fault because Rattie had his head down and skated into his arm. If he's suspended, it just shows how much of a joke contact sports have become.

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PLAYOFFS: Blackhawks vs. Blues Game 4 - 4-3 Loss

"No Easy Way Out"

 
by Patrick Stankus

While Satan, I mean Gate, had other things to attend to tonight, the Blackhawks and Blues carried on without him with Game 4 of their Western Conference Quarterfinals match up at The UC. The Hawks were looking to avenge their Game 3 loss on home ice, and tie the series at two. As news broke during the day of a possible to return of David Rundblad to the Hawks lineup, Q decided he was gonna Q early, and went with Gus instead of Rundblad when it came to replacing Svedberg. With the line blending going early, who knows what combos we'll get during the game.

Once the puck dropped, it was clear the Hawks were looking to set the physical tone early. Andrew Ladd delivered a big body check to Alex Steen to get some more energy into the United Center crowd. With thirteen minutes remaining, Artem Anisimov looked as if he had given the Hawks an early lead, but the puck died on the goal line and we remained scoreless. As the period passed the midway mark, the Blues found their legs and of course Tarasenko would wind up giving St. Louis a 1-0 lead. In the final minutes of the period, following a Hawks turnover, Tarasenko had an opportunity to increase the Blues lead, but he mishandled the puck and the score remained 1-0. After a few chances in the waning seconds, the Hawks couldn't convert and found themselves in a 1-0 hole after the opening 20 minutes.

Before we could even take our seats for the start of the second period, the Hawks dug themselves a bit of a hole. #DickPanik took a penalty 39 seconds in, but luckily for him the PK and Crawford bailed his ass out. As the period went on, the Hawks were able to draw a penalty, and looked to build some momentum. While they didn't score on the man advantage, Andrew Shaw had a Marian Hossa shot redirect off his sweater and beat Brian Elliott to tie the game. After the Hawks got a gift power play from a scuffle that involved goalie Corey Crawford, they took advantage of the opportunity. Duncan Keith picked up a puck off a goal mouth scramble to put the Hawks up 2-1. Late in the period, after a bad penalty by Andrew Ladd, the Blues again found themselves on the power play. They didn't waste much time in tying the game as Tarasenko added his second of the night to make it a 2-2 game. After 40 minutes of play, that's how we would stand.

With the game up for grabs at the start of the third period, the Hawks again found themselves in a hole. This time it was Duncan Keith taking a penalty a minute in. Unlike the penalty at the start of the second period, the Hawks couldn't kill this one off and the Blues took a 3-2 lead. The night went from bad to worse for TVR. After Schwartz picked off a TVR clearing attempt on the previous goal, Alex Steen decided he wanted in on the party. Steen picked off a cross ice pass to Rozsival, and beat Crawford on a breakaway to put the Blues up 4-2. With the Hawks peppering the net, they finally broke through in the third period. A point shot from Duncan Keith hit Tarasenko's stick and beat Elliott to pull the Hawks within one with just over five minutes remaining. With the net empty, it appeared Steen had sealed the win for the Blues with an empty netter, but the play was reviewed and it was determined that Paul Stastny was offside, giving the Hawks hope in the final minute. Despite a flurry of chances in the final seconds, the Hawks couldn't tie the game, and the Blues would hang on for a 4-3 win, and now have a stranglehold 3-1 series lead. Next up is Game 5 in St. Louis on Thursday night with Gate returning for the recap. Oh, and don't forget, Episode 55 of the Shoutcast is on for later today I guess. So that is exciting. Isn't it?

The Good

• Seriously, who didn't enjoy seeing Ladd lay out that ballbag Alex Steen?? That's what you get for sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. Ask Brad Marchand.
• #DickPanik redeemed himself later in the second period by drawing a much needed power play. While the Hawks didn't score on it, they did generate some momentum and score immediately after the power play expired.
• We did see a power play goal tonight from the Hawks. That is some thing positive.
• For someone who's been brutal at the dot all season, Anisimov had a good night tonight. He won 61% of his draws.

The Bad

• Anisimov had the Hawks best chance of the first period for the Hawks, but couldn't find enough mustard to have the puck completely cross the line. Therefore it was no goal. Kudos to referee Chris Lee for making the correct call on the ice. It sucks he lost sight of the puck, but he did what he was supposed to do.
• #DickPanik took a penalty 39 seconds into the second period. Nothing like starting 20 minutes in the hole.
• Corey Crawford decided he had enough of watching his defensemen do nothing when the Blues crash the net after a whistle. In the second period, Robby Fabbri ran over Crawford (with a little help from Toews), and Crawford went after him. I know people will freak out and say settle down to Crawford, but there comes a time when you've had enough of the bullshit. Frankly it sparked the Hawks for a bit, so calm down.
• TVR had a bad break on the Blues third goal. He was in the right position and everything, but had an unfortunate bounce on his clearing attempt go right to Jaden Schwartz who buried it.
• Well he was going to go in the good category, because normally a three point night is good, but then Andrew Shaw decided to meltdown Chernobyl style in the 3rd period.

The Ugly

• I'm still trying to figure out what the hell Brent Seabrook was doing by screening Crawford on Tarasenko's first goal.
• A bad defensive zone turnover on a Kane to Keith pass nearly bit the Hawks in the ass in the first period. Enough with the let be cute passes. Just get the puck out of the zone.
• After Tarasenko netted his second goal of the night, it'd be nice if someone would fucking cover him. Please. Thank you.
• Once again the Hawks had two bad penalties comeback and bite them in the ass. Tonight it was Ladd and Keith's turn to take the skate of shame to the penalty box and see the Blues score.
• WOOF at that ill-advised pass by TVR that Steen picked off and put in the back of the Hawks net.
• All that garbage at the end of the game. Seriously show some of that fight during the game, then maybe your goalie wouldn't have to.
• I really hope this wasn't my last game to recap for the season. This is way too much fun, and all of you readers and listeners are the best. If there's a team that can pull this comeback off, I'm confident its the Hawks. Lets hope it happens.
• I don't blame Gate for skipping this game. At time's I was jealous of him for being at a Taylor Swift concert tonight.

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PLAYOFFS: Blackhawks vs BluesGame 3 - 3-2 Loss

"Closer to the Heart"

by Atomic Froster

After trading victories in St Louis the Blackhawks and Blues head to Chicago knotted at a game a piece. Both of the previous games were extremely close and with a couple calls that the Blues didn't think went their way you knew they were going to come in with a chip on their shoulder. A small change in the Hawks lineup as Desjardins is out and Weise is in.

The United Centre was electric despite the 2:00 local start time as the home crowd was ready for its first taste of playoff hockey in 2016. They would not have to wait long after the anthem for their first opportunity to cheer. The Hawks would go on the power play, courtesy of a Brokziak roughing call on Svedberg that in the end saw them both going to the box but Brodziak getting an extra two. Seabrook would take advantage from the point blasting one past Elliott; assists credited to Toews and Kane. St Louis was given two more penalties early on in the game--basically back to back--but the Hawks power play came up short. With eight minutes left in the period Svedberg would take his second penalty of the frame and go off for high sticking, Parayko would take advantage and tie up the game. With a total of seven penalties called in the first it was clear the officiating crew wanted to keep control of this one.  

Shots: Blackhawks - 10 Blues - 9

The second period would start with Shaw and Edmundson in the box due to some extracurricular activities carried over from the first. The offsetting minors would create a 4 on 4 situation that, you'd think, would play into the strengths of the more skilled guys. Despite losing a offensive zone face-off, Panarin would chase the puck into the corner and come out on top; he sent the pass in front of the net to an all alone Anisimov. The shot by #15 was anything but pretty as he flubs it and sends a knuckler Elliots way. Lucky this seemed to handcuff the Blues 'tender and the puck ends up in the back of the net. The remainder of the period would see chances at both ends but none would finish.

Shots: Blackhawks - 24 Blues - 13

The final period is a period the Hawks would like to forget. Patrick Berglund would carry the puck over the blue line and send a snap wrister towards Crawford. It bounces off Rosival and takes a second hop off the ice, changing trajectory, now opposite of what Crow was anticipating. The puck goes up and over Crawford's glove and ties the game 5 minutes in. Just when you start to think we may see another overtime tilt, Kane gets a double minor for high sticking. With eight minutes left in the third Kane takes a seat. The Blues would take advantage, with a tic-tac-toe play Tarasenk and Backes set up Shwartz to send the second goal of the period past Crawford. This goal would stick as the GWG as the Hawks fail to capitalize on a small section of time with the extra attacker. Repeatedly failing to get the puck into the offensive end left the Hawks 'tender on the ice far too long and left little time to get any sustained pressure.

Shots: Blackhawks - 12 Blues - 14

Total Shots: Blackhawks -  46 Blues - 36

The Good:

• The Blackhawks send 46 shots in on Elliot, if they can continue that pace I would like our chances. 
• Seabrook's goal from the point was classic playoff Seabs and hopefully we continue to see more. 
• Crawford's save on Lehtera in the second was HUGE!

The Bad:

• After a couple of early penalties by Svedberg, he would see a total of 5 minutes of ice time, call me crazy but I wouldn't be surprised to see a change back there. "By Gawd King, IS THAT THE GUSTAFSSONS MUSIC?!?!" Or maybe Rundblad, he did play last year and did win the cup after all. Just please not Ehrhoff and Rosival at the same time. 
• 24 shots for in the second period and one goal to show for it, need to cash in on at least one more. 
• Teravainen spent much of his time on the ice in his own end, his line constantly had trouble getting it out of the zone. 

The Ugly:

• I was certain Ladd had a goal, but hitting it off two posts! Talk about rotten luck. 
• Backes laid a huge hit on Toews half way through the second and I know I was sure nervous until the next time the camera showed him skating. The way he fell down to the ice it could have caused some serious damage. 
• Ken Hitchcock has one of the most punchable faces behind an NHL bench (besides when Pierre McGuire does his coaches interviews) Why does he always have that stupid look on his face?!
• The Hawks are now 6 and 15 in game 3's with Coach Q. 

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PLAYOFFS: Blackhawks at St. LouisGame 1 - 1-0 OT Loss

"We Carry On"

by Gatekeeper

First of all, I'm never going to stop bitching about 8:30 central starts. They are asinine. If you don't want to hear it, tough shit. Minimum 11:15 to 11:45 PM for game end times is completely unacceptable for two teams that call the central time zone home. Lick my ballbag, NHL.


Wednesday night the NHL playoffs began, with the Blackhawks travelling 5 hours south to that disgusting butthole of America, St. Louis. We are all very familiar with the history of this insufferably entitled team and fanbase, and their history with the Blackhawks. Not only are they entitled, they are completely undeserving of praise or respect on top of it all. They have earned nothing relevant in their entire existence. If the Blackhawks can beat them, it will be colossal asshurt circus for months upon months. If the B-Lose actually win the series, we can look forward to a "first round win / finally beat the Blackhawks" banner raising, in the fall, because they won't make it much farther than that. On to subjects that don't incite extreme nausea or violent diarrhea...

The Blackhawks came in nursing some injuries and the had a significant forward that had to rush from a Chicago delivery room to St. Louis for the game, in Andrew Ladd. Corey Crawford was coming in having played a grand total of 60 minutes in the last month. Artem Anisimov, Marian Hossa, and Andrew Shaw all spent significant time with the team doctors resting their injuries, over the last few weeks as well. Duncan Keith was also off the menu, while serving the final game of his suspension for swinging his battleaxe in the face of Charlie Coyle. This could be two weeks of pure hell.

The first period was somewhat the pace you might expect from these two teams. The Blackhawks looked extremely sluggish while the Blues threw their bodies around like a bunch of clowns. Unfortunately, the Blackhawks weren't able to take advantage of the three gift powerplays they were handed. That cannot continue to happen. The Blackhawks out shot the Blues 11-4 and, if I was a betting man, I would say there were a few missed shots on net by the home scorer in favor of his team. Miraculously, the Blackhawks and Blues were still scoreless, when the horn sounded.

The second period was less physical, and saw the puck handlers showcased much more often. This let to a more even shot total, as well as a few really tense moments. The Blues actually led the middle frame in shots by a slim 10-9 margin. This time, the Blackhawks were the team taking brainless penalties, but they magically avoided any harm done. There was no way that Quenneville didn't have smoke coming out of his ears in the locker room.


The third period was a little cleaner, but the rest of the action was business as usual. THe Blackhawks out shot the home team, once again, 8-2. Without their top defender. That's amazing. Other than that, it was a pretty pedestrian period, ending up 0-0, and sending this one into overtime. The OT lasted about 8 minutes and the Blues got a fluke goal to win the game. Morally and emotionally, this was a win for the Blackhawks. Back at it, Friday, with Duncan Keith back.

The Good

• Andrew Ladd was just all over the ice. Maybe he needed to just not think about what was going on back in Chicago, but he was as physical as any Blackhawks player without doing stupid things. He had some nice looks on net as well.
• Corey Crawford did everything he could, to win this game. He deserved a better fate.
• The Blackhawks held a team to 18 total shots and 1 goal, in their own building. Oh, right, without their best defender. Nothing at all to complain about there.

The Bad

• The Hawks didn't learn their lesson from the Blues first period ass hattery, and came out in the second and Rozsival quickly took a poor penalty.
• The few times that Erik Gustafsson was pressured by the Blues, he completely pissed right down his leg. Welcome to the NHL, kiddo.
• The Blues came back out in the third period with their usual physical goonery, laying big hits on Rozsival and Svedberg, which left open spaces elsewhere.
• Seven seconds into overtime, the Blues took a delay of game penalty. Should be game over, right? The Hawks had a chance or two, but spent a majority of the powerplay was spent chasing the in their own zone.

The Ugly

• Watching the Blues players take whacks at the Hawks players after the play is just maddening. Bunch of cheap shot artists. Patrik Berglund is a prime example. Complete bag of douche.
• The Blackhawks moved the puck with urgency during their first period power plays, but could not get their shots through to the net.
• The Manshitter took a late second period, lazy, offensive zone penalty. He is completely overmatched on the ice. Joel Quenneville will continue to put him out there to do everything badly, without any logic. Clearly he's on the "does no wrong" list, in Q's eyes. Weise, and Ehrhoff would like answers as to why. For example, late in the third period Ryan Reaves hit Erik Gustafsson pretty heavily with Mashinter on the ice, without a worry in the world. Seeing Q throw this meathead out on the ice in OT is both baffling and frightening.
• The game winning goal was as ugly as most of the Blues fans' family trees. Backes was deep along the Blackhawks goal line and tied to send a pass across the crease to a Blues player, but the puck went off Trevor van Riemsdyk's skate and between Crawford's legs. Super weak.

The #Fatrick Stankus Fatsy Stats

• The overall Blackhawks corsi was at 54%. I'll take that every game
• Hjalmarsson was a team worst -22 overall corsi, but a lot of that had to do with the Blues powerplays.
• Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin were the best overall Blackhawks possession player, each having a +19 overall corsi

The Lineblender
Ladd - Toews - Hossa
Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Mashinter - Teravainen - Fleischmann
Desjardins - Kruger - Shaw

Svedberg - Hjalmarsson
van Riemsdyk - Seabrook
Gustafsson - Rozsival

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