Blackhawks vs. Blues4-2 Win Recap

"Sick Puppies"

by Patrick Stankus
Send a McRib to #Fatrick

The Blackhawks returned to the ice on Sunday night following their last win on Thursday night. Tonight they welcomed the St. Louis Blues to town, who were coming off the dreaded bye week. Just as we were settling into the game, all hell broke loose in the NHL trade world. In under an hour we say Tampa trade Ben Bishop to Los Angeles, and Arizona ship Martin Hanzal to Minnesota. The Hanzal trade impacts the Hawks in more than one way, as a divisional foe gets stronger, and a name being tied to the Hawks is taken off the board. Oh yeah, back to the game at hand. Since the Blues sent Hitchcock packing to the local Arby's and brought Mike Yeo on board, the Blues have turned it around. They've turned it around so much, that they brought two, YES TWO, bus loads of season ticket holders to the game in Chicago. Too bad they weren't traveling first class with the Columbus Cottonmouths. (Google to understand the JOKE.)

In the first period, the Blackhawks picked up right where they left the other night. They simply dominated play, and dictated the pace of the game throughout the opening period. The Hawks didn't take long to get on the board. Just over the four minute mark, Jonathan Toews opened the scoring to put the Hawks on top. Midway through the period, the Hawks added another goal, this time on the power play, to increase the lead to two. If there was one complaint about the first period with the Hawks, they got caught taking their foot off the gas for a shift or two, and it bit them in the ass. St. Louis managed to cut the lead in half to 2-1 as the period came to a close.

The middle frame saw a much more evenly matched twenty minutes. Both teams were nearly even in the shot category with twelve for the Blues and eleven for the Hawks. After a failed power play for the Hawks, the Blues found themselves on their own power play just past the midway mark. Of course, since it was TVR who took the penalty, the Blues scored to tie the game at two. Down the stretch both teams traded chances, but neither could add another goal, and after two periods, the game was tied at two.

With both teams looking for the go ahead goal, there was a sense of urgency to start the third period. The Blues had some quality chances, but Scott Darling was there to keep the Blues off the board. While the Blues had their chances, the Hawks peppered the Blues net with eleven shots again. It wasn't until late in the period that the Hawks finally took the lead. Artem Anisimov added his twenty second goal of the season to put the Hawks up 3-2. Tanner Kero added an empty netter for good measure, to give the Hawks a 4-2 win, and send the Blues season ticket holders back home to St. Louis in their soiled jorts.

The Good

• The #STPLine is on fire right now. #DickSchmaltz had a nifty pass to Toews, who undressed Jake Allen to open the scoring. Our Governor @Wm_J_LePetomane offered this.
  
• Duncan Keith Keith recorded his 500th career point on Kane's goal. Just another milestone for the blueliner.
• Speaking of Kane's goal, that came on the power play in the first period. All in all, the Hawks power play was one of two tonight. Eh, can't complain I guess.
• Scott Darling was absolutely outstanding tonight after getting the late notice he was starting. Darling stopped thirty of thirty-two shots en route to the win.
• As much as I'd like to add Matt Duchene, I'm with Stan Bowman on this. No fucking way I am throwing Ryan Hartman in a deal. The kid just continues to impress.
• The #AK72Line struck again with Anisimov's goal, late in the third period. That line is simply unstoppable.
• The Hawks ended the game with forty-two shots, twenty of which came in the first period.
• The Blackhawks ended February 9-1-0. Yeah, I'll take that. But don't let that distract you that the Hawks still have two giant holes on this team. Not to mention that record also came with a bye week thrown in.

The Bad

• Tomas Jurco made his Blackhawks debut. He wasn't terrible, just had a so-so game. My issue is, when the Blackhawks acquire someone, can they give them a number they're not destine to fail in? Serious 13? Nice memories of..... Dan Carcillo there. And don't get me started on #17. That list is legendary. Ryan Johnson, Brendan Morrison, Sheldon Brookbank, Chris Simon, and on and on.
• Marcus Kruger played less than ten minutes tonight. Lets throw some gasoline on those trade rumors as the deadline approaches.
• TVR's bad night didn't get better as he took a bad high sticking penalty, that which of course, saw the Blues score on the power play.

The Ugly

• Corey Crawford was a late scratch tonight with the "flu." Which is code name for; he's going to be traded. Oh wait, this isn't the offseason, so we're good there. Maybe he's actually sick. Any way Lars Johansson was recalled to keep the bench warm.
• Niklas Hjalmarsson was out tonight with an upper body injury. All you need to do is follow our friend John Jaeckel (@jaeckel) to see exactly how worried the Hawks are about this.
• TVR had a horrendous turnover, that even I can't defend, on the Blues opening goal. How did Q punish him? He played him more than twenty minutes, which is six minutes more than Kempny. I'm sure that will sit well with a group of miserable bloggers not named Gate.
• Jaden Schwartz was a team worst -3 for the Blues tonight. This guy is the definition of overrated.

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Blackhawks at St. Louis2-1 OT Win Recap

"Sworn To A Great Divide"

by Gatekeeper
Tweet to Gatekeeper

Yesterday was the first day of the rest of your lives, people, or at least the next four years. After everyone watched the impossible happen Tuesday night/ early Wednesday morning, the world needed to go back to living their lives and enjoying SPORTZ, the Blackhawks and their fans certainly included. Enough about the red asses, though. With the Cubs done, and the election over, we're all sure to have to soon endure the return of the insufferable complaining vocal minority of this fanbase, in the coming days. Isn't that just more news to brighten your day?

Anyhow, the Hawks traveled down I-55 to that stinky hell hole, otherwise known as St. Louis, to face the Blues, on the heels of the big reveal of the thoughtless Winter Classic sweaters. Just another in the long line of terribly disappointing designs that shows how the Blackhawks design teams lack vision and creativity. Whoever wastes their money on those are simply morons.

That said, there was an actual hockey game to be played and the Blackhawks were pretty red hot coming in. They had won 6 in a row and were 8-1-1 in their last ten games, including the home-and-home sweep of the Stars. Not too shabby for a team that started out 0-2 and had the mouth breathing windbags in a panic.

The Blackhawks open the game pretty well, especially on the road, drawing two penalties and earning an early 2 man advantage. Of course, they completely pissed it away in short order. Not only that, but they turned right around and gave the Blues a powerplay of their own. The Hawks escaped unscathed but they were just tempting fate, once again. The first was definitely an "up and down" one, and the Blues held the shot lead 8-6.

The second period began with the Blackhawks grabbing a quick 1-0 lead but after that both teams locked down their back ends. The Blackhawks led the middle period in shots 9-8, and Corey Crawford held them in the game. He was the only reason that the Blues didn't actually tie and/or take the lead.

The third period became a goaltending clinic both ways, continuing what Crawford already had started. Both netminders were absolutely outstanding, but Allen held the slight edge after the Blues were finally able to solve Corey Crawford late in the game. The Blackhawks actually led in shots 14-12, as well, which just goes to show that "score effects" is bullshit. The game went into overtime, but a carry over powerplay led to a quick Blackhawks goal, and win.

The Good

• About a minute and a half into the second period, the Blackhawks finally opened the scoring. Gustav Forsling jumped off the bench and was immediately set up for a long shot on Jake Allen. Allen had a clean look but kicked a fat rebound to the stick of Marian Hossa, who just swept it into the wide open net.
• Usually, I'm extremely critical of skill players getting punched in the brain box, but little guy Artemi Panarin dropped the gloves with Scottie Upshall in the heat of the moment and Panarin BEAT UPSHALL'S ASS. To put salt in the wound, just as Panarin came out of the box, following his 5 minute major in overtime, he scored the game winning goal to completely the Gordie Howe hat trick.
• The Blackhawks held the Blues to under 30 shots and led 30-28 overall. On the road, that's about all you can ask for.

The Bad

• It only took Quenneville about 30 minutes to fire up the lineblender, swapping #DickFuckingPanik and Schmaltz.
• Gustav Forsling's footwork has shown to be less than adequate at times. With a Blues forward bearing down at the attacking blue line, he tried to cross over and tripped over his own feet. This isn't the first time we've seen that happen, either. That's no different than John Scott doing that in his first Blackhawks game.
• Patrick Kane had a pretty clear breakaway in the third period and wasn't able to get a clean shot off due to the defender zeroing in on him and a poke check by Jake Allen.
• With just over two minutes left in the game, the Blues were able to finally beat Crawford. This was a few mere minutes after Mark Lazarus had to proclaim this bit of snarkiness:
  

  Corey Crawford five minutes from his third shutout in five games, and jinxes aren't real. #Blackhawks

  — Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) November 10, 2016

  Don't be a dick about it. Goalies, and some players in general, take this shit seriously. You're talking about players that don't want you walking on their logo, and you're going to be a shithead on purpose? I like Laz, but he's just being a dope about this one.
• Tyler Motte missed his first game due to injury, just in time for Andrew Desjardins to return to the lineup.

The Ugly

• The Blackhawks had an early 5-on-3 and weren't able to generate more than a few initial shots, and had no rebound support whatsoever. Even worse, they almost gave up a shorthanded breakaway while attempting to throw Nick fucking Schmaltz out on the powerplay point. When has this kind of thing EVER worked, outside of Patrick Sharp? The answer is NEVER. Not even with Teravainen, who was a better player at the time.
• The Blues got a third period powerplay when Alex Steen completely embellished a trip, and got away with it. Jonathan Toews had his stick near Steen's feet and Steen took one of the slowest, most pathetic dives ever attempted.
• If you're not going to play Vinny Hinostroza, send him to Rockford. Whoever is responsible for this charade, knock the shit off.
• Artem Anisimov was hurt in the second period and did not come out for the third, ending his career high 11 game point streak. Nick Schmaltz filled in but really did nothing.
• The much ballyhooed about Nail Yakupov was a healthy scratch for the Blues, again. I guess the Blackhawks missing out wasn't such a disaster, eh?

The #Fatrick Stankus Fatsy Stats

• Panarin was a monster with a plus 14 Corsi.
• The 4th line took a beating in possession. Rasmussen, Desjardins and Tootoo were -15, -6, and -3 overall respectively. Rasmussen took a big hit because he spends so much time on the PK, but those guys were all still under water 5-on-5.

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

Keith - Campbell
Kempny - Seabrook
Forsling - Hjalmarsson

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Blackhawks vs Blues5-2 Loss Recap

"Lesson Learned"

by Gatekeeper
Tweet to Gatekeeper

The Blackhawks began what one could only predict as a tumultuous season, Wednesday night, against the same team that they ended last season as well as this preseason against. Those pesky and wretched St. Louis Blues. While I certainly hated the Red Wings (how can you not?), I had to respect their success. The Blues and their fans demand respect, but have earned none of it. Typical of this great unwashed Blues fan base we have been saddled with. All that said, we have been presented the freshest Blackhawks roster in recent memory. This is both a blessing and curse. We could be watching the next generation of Blackhawks regulars emerge, or we could be watching the next crop of colossal Blackhawks failures. Call it ignorance or blind faith, but I'm going to suggest that we all have an open outlook until given some concrete doom and gloom. That said, I'm not going to predict a certain dominant regular season followed by a cruise through the playoffs and sweep of the Stanley Cup final. We're going to see some struggling, especially early in the season. Just hang on to your asses, fans. It's not time to #DickPanik, just yet.

The Blackhawks opened up their play and looked fairly promising for most the first period, even though the Blues out shot them 9-6. Of course, it certainly doesn't hurt your chances to look good when you take quick 1-0 lead. The kids had a little spring in their step, and the vets looked happy to be back. I could have done without some of the big chances against but we'll take what we can get, right? Not so fast, Kemosabe.

The Blackhawks second period was a different story for the men in red. The Blues absolutely dominated the entire period, out shooting the Hawks an incredible (and embarrassing) 15-3. Luckily for the home team, they only surrendered one goal, and managed to score on one of their 3 shots. They certainly tried their damnedest to give the Blues the lead, though. Quite frankly, the Hawks play was embarrassing, save for their one goal. There is no excuse to be dominated like that, at home.

The embarrassment continued and rolled right on in to the third period for the Slackhawks. They gave up an early powerplay goal on the remaining penalty time which rolled over from the infraction filled second period, and then gave up two late empty net goals. Shots were actually only 10-10, because the Hawks actually mounted some late pressure but it did them no good. There is still a long way to go, but this game wasn't exactly the most memorable or promising season openers. Hell, they were out scored by some kid with Toronto that scored 4 goals in his NHL debut. We all need to forget about this one, in fact.

The Good

• First goal of the season was by my guy, #DickPanik! After I spent a good 10 minutes the night before, on the Shoutcast, talking about fans irrational hate of the guy, he opens up the 2016 season with the first goal. To reel this back in, lets not forget that players like Brandon Bollig have had the same distinction. The bar is low. Give the man his credit, though. Panik did exactly what I said he needed to do weeks ago, which is JUST NOT FUCK UP. He planted his as in the slot and picked up a Toews rebound with a gaping net in front of him. ON THE POWER PLAY, no less. Tell me, again, how he isn't going to be able to put in 30-35 points. He clearly has to work on those multiple, blind turnovers to opponents in the slot, but you can bet Quenneville won't let him forget those anytime soon.
• It was nice to see Brent Seabrook get called out for some good plays in the first period, rather just than his contract. He ended up with the most shifts and, consequently, led the Blackhawks in time on ice. Maybe the smarmy crabasses will lay off him for bit. I still love the guy, and I'm not afraid to admit it.
• This new third line gave the Blues fits, for a short time at least, with about 6 minutes left in the second period. Their hard work led to Ryan Hartman's first NHL goal and Tyler Motte's first NHL point. Hartman and Motte just used their youthful hustle to out work the Blues in their own zone. It needs to be pointed out, because scoreless narratives, that a timely #ScorelessMarcusKruger stick check was what led to Motte driving the puck in front of the net, and eventually to Ryan Hartman.
• Corey Crawford didn't have a terrible night. He saved 29 of 32, and kept the Blackhawks close until the final minutes.
• It took Quenneville all of 40 minutes into the new season to move Artemi Panarin up with Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa. I've been saying this should happen for 2 months, but lets all now act surprised.
• I did not hate the wing duo of Tyler Motte and Ryan Hartman. They seemed to have some good speed and a little agitation factor. I'm curious to see how this works itself out, because Hartman certainly has that ability to go full meatball, much like his predecessor Andrew Shaw. Again, I'm open minded. Ride it out for a few games.

The Bad

• A second period Trevor Van Riemsdyk penalty turned into the game tying goal, about 5 minutes in to the middle period. Kevin ShitInPants was given far too much time and space to unleash a wicked one timer, and Brian Campbell severely screened Corey Crawford. You could tell by Crawford's reaction that he didn't see it at all.
• The completely baffling need for Joel Quenneville to dress a hammer throwing bum, and then nail the guy to the bench in any important part of the game just makes you want to chuck a bud light from the 300 level into Joel Quenneville's general direction. Jordin Tutu barely saw the ice all night, and finished with a grand total of 4:26. Almost every second of those four minutes and twenty six seconds were in the first two periods. He played one 19 second shift in the third. WHY? What is the point?
• While we're talking about ice time, Nick Schmaltz, folks. May the Schmaltz be with you, right? He played a grand total of 8:51 with that "almost unplayable" 4th line. Vinny Hinostroza played 7:47. Ryan Hartman only played 8:33, but made the most of his limited time. I say "almost unplayable" because Jordin Tutu is useless, and you have 2 rookies that are trying to get their NHL footing. You're throwing 3 guys out there that all need some support, and none of them can support each other. Schmaltz and Hinostroza need to have talent with them. The 4th line is honestly just Quenneville saying, "Who's left? OK, the rest of you guys just get out there for 35 seconds". This is going to be the most painful part of the season.

The Ugly

• Right off the bat, they screwed up the mic level on the anthem. You had ONE JOB!
• This was not Trevor Van Riemsdyk's best night, to put it lightly. In all fairness, Joel Quenneville played him way out of position. Might as well put him at first line left wing, for fuck's sakes. How does everyone but Quenneville realize this guy is just a number 6 defenseman? That said, Van Riemsdyk did himself no favors by also taking a late penalty in the third. If Q plays Van Riemsdyk on the top pair again, someone needs to knock him out with a shovel and hope he ends up with amnesia. Put the guy where he belongs. Bottom pair, sheltered minutes and not too many defensive zone starts. Quantum physics this is not.
• The Blackhawks absolutely fell apart at the end of the second period. They put themselves down 5-on-3 with some sloppy play and were on yet another delayed penalty when Vlady Tarasenko beat Corey Crawford to tie the game. The worst part of the entire situation is that the Blues remained on the 2 man advantage because of the delayed penalty. The only saving grace was the fact that the intermission mercifully came. If you have a 5-on-3 and the goalie pulled for another delayed penalty and you don't score, it should be a shock.
• Just a minute into the third period, the Blues picked up where the second period ended. Paul Stastny whacked a rebound past Corey Crawford for a 3-2 Blues lead and they never lost the lead again. What do you really expect when you take three penalties in the matter of 3 minutes?
• Of all the bad, the worst might have been the final minute or so. The Blackhawks gave up not, but TWO empty net goals. That is not even the worst part of it. The last goal was Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith combining to score on their own net. Just perfect. Like a perfect horse's ass. This is another coaching decision I never bought into. If you give up an empty net goal, just throw the goalie back out there and admit defeat. Instead, Quenneville left Crawford on the bench and it turned into the Benny Hill show.
• This; just because:
  

The #Fatrick Stankus Fatsy Stats

• Not only did Jordin Tutu and Nick Schmaltz bring up the bottom or the Blackhawks CORSI, but there wasn't a single offensive shot created which them on the ice. Ten against. WOOF!
• As odd as this sounds, Campbell, Panarin, Hossa, Toews, Forsling, Panik and Kane all had CORSI over 56%. I guess it all evens out when you have numbers like 0%, 0%, 7%, 19% and 25% at the bottom. We all thought it was going to be a top heavy lineup, but yikes!

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

Keith - van Riemsdyk
Kempny - Seabrook
Forsling - Campbell

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Preseason: IceHawks at St. Louis2-1 Loss Recap

"Over Now"

by Gatekeeper
Tweet to Gatekeeper

Game 2 of the the NLDS, or the final Blackhawks preseason game?

The Blackhawks, of course.


Speaking of the Blackhawks, they were in St. Louis to wrap up this year's preseason. They sent a young skeleton squad south, just in case the thug squad wanted to throw on their clown shoes and start taking cheap shots, so let's call them the IceHawks (because BlackHogs might bring up some unsavory comparisons). We all saw what happened a week ago, so it's not a reach to think it could happen again. After this one, the Blackhawks have about 3 days to get their roster straightened out. As insignificant as this game might seem, this may be what makes or breaks some of the kids for the start of the regular season.

The first period was, as expected, a snoozer. The IceHawks looked over matched right off the bat, but only went into the first intermission down 1-0. The tale of the shots told a better story, where the Blues out shot the IceHawks 11-6. This certainly looked like it was going to be a long boring game.

The only thing that made the second period any more interesting than the insufferable first, was the Blackhawks tying the game. That was basically the only interesting moment of this period. In fact, the second period was WORSE than the first. Both teams COMBINED for nine shots. NINE! If you say I'm salty because I had to sit through this one and recap it, you'd be completely right. I hate baseball, and I would have rather watched the Cubs. Anywho, one more period to go.

The third period, predictably, wasn't any better. The Blues took a 2-1 lead, and the game should have just ended right there. The game came to a merciful ending at 9:30 and it wasn't a second too soon. Now we have 3 days to get this roster straight.

The Good

• Three minutes into the second period, the Blackhawks scored in very similar fashion to the way the Blues did in the first. Dennis Rasmussen won a faceoff back to Trevor Van Riemsdyk let a long show go. Rasmussen slightly redirected the shot and it went off a Blues defender past Hutton. So, the 4th line avenges themselves.
  

The Bad

• I haven't a fucking clue why there is such irrational hate for #DickPanik. Guy has been Frolik v2.0. He plays in all situations, and he's cheap. He can move up and down the lineup, and could very reasonably contribute the 30 points that Yakupov has peaked at, for a fraction of the cap hit. Also, as I mentioned on Twitter, I loved Michael Frolik, but he played a max of 63 games and had a max of 15 points. That's not going to be hard for Panik to reach. He's a useful, affordable, and very versatile player. No one should expect him to become Artemi Panarin, but doing all the things Frolik did is important and something he can do. Embrace that, for fuck sakes.
• It didn't even take more than seven minutes for the Blues to finally take a lead. Quite frankly, I'm surprised that it took that long. Dennis Rasmussen lost a defensive zone faceoff cleanly, and Vlad Tarasenko snapped it over Crawford.
• Early in the second period, Alexandre Fortin was a little too non-chalant in his own zone and had his pocket picked, pretty embarrassingly. Thank god, Crawford bailed him out. The really nice part was that he turned around and hustled his ass off to get in position for a 2-on-1 with #DickPanik on the other end. If not for a nice Carter Hutton save, he would have had himself a nice back door goal and a two goal swing.
• With four minutes gone in the third period, Alex Pietrangelo squeezed a shot through Crawford on the powerplay. For the second time Gustav Forsling LOOKED like a 20 year old defenseman. He put in a half assed effort when faced with Pietrangelo and basically abandoned ship. This gave the Blues defenseman a clean look on Crawford. The very next shift he had his pocket picked deep in his own zone again. Later in the third he practically handed Tarasenko a breakaway.
  
• The Blues had 11 shots in the first period and 10 the rest of the way. Just goes to show that neither team really cared.
• Andrew Desjardins apparently hurt himself blocking a shot in the third period. No word on the extent of the injury.

The Ugly

• The game wasn't five minutes old and the trio of Van Riemsdyk, Pokka, and Forsling all got walked like they were standing still. There is your defensive youth movement.
• Jake Allen was hurt in the first period when his own player fell on his ankle and did not come out for the second. Carter Hutton finished the game.
• I know John Jaeckel was all about Mark McNeill but, personally, I just don't see it. To score like 25 goals in the AHL twice with his size and strength, and look so underwhelming in the NHL defies all logic. Just another wasted Blackhawks first round draft pick. Why couldn't they have sold Montreal on HIM? When you have a hard time beating out Brandon Manshitter and Jordin Tutu, you're a bad fucking player.
  

The Lineblender
Fortin - Schmaltz - Panik
Motte - Kruger - Hartman
Hinostroza - Desjardins - Tootoo
Mashinter - Rasmussen - McNeill

Kempny - Rozsival
Pokka - Forsling
Svedgroot - van Riemsdyk

Crawford

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PLAYOFFS: Blackhawks at St. LouisGame 7 3-2 LossSeason Ending Recap

"Killswitch Not Engaged"

by Gatekeeper

Who thought we'd be watching a game 7, Monday night in St. Louis. I certainly HOPED that the Blackhawks could pull off the comeback, but who could honestly EXPECT a team to look so terrible and then magically turn it around, again? It is not something that even seems to be a reasonable expectation. Here we were, though. Against the Blackhawks most hated rival. With a chance to drive a stake deep into their hearts. The question is, will they be able to finish their dastardly deed? Live from St. Louis, the Blackhawks and the Blues...

To say the Blackhawks came out a little flat in the first period was a bit of an understatement. The slow start may have had something to do with the actual FALSE start, due to some faulty glass that broke loose just seconds into the game and forced both teams to stand around yanking their cranks for over 5 minutes. We'll never really know, but it should not go without being noted. As far as play went, Once again, the official scorer was sniffing glue, because they claimed that the Blackhawks had no giveaway and they out shot the Blues 11-9, even though they were down 2-1.


The real Blackhawks came out for the second period and sent the cheap first period imitations home for the night. From the puck drop, the Hawks showed just why they were able come back from a 1-3 deficit to tie this series. The Blackhawks surgically drew a powerplay and then tied the game. This period, the "official" shots actually reflected the play, with the Blackhawks leading 13-12. How else would we go into the third period of game 7 than tied?

Looks like maybe half the imitations snuck their way back for the third period. The Blackhawks could not find a way to get that final goal they needed to move on. The Blues did score that goal, by none other than the guy brought in to be a Hawks killer, Troy Brouwer. That was the only goal and the proverbial dagger in the Blackhawks hearts. Final score, Blues 3 - Blackhawks 2. On to the golf course for the Indianhead.

I cannot finish this without thanking both the new fans and all the long time fans that take the time out to read our bullshit each game, and listen to our stupid potty mouthed podcast. Sincerely, without the fans, there is literally no reason for us to do these things. Have no fear, people, there will still be content and Shoutcasts all summer. As long as you keep coming back, we'll keep them coming. THANK YOU!

Lets also give a hearty thank you to the other stooges: Pat, Derek and Bryan. This site and team grows stronger every year. No matter what obstacles get dropped in our path.


The Good

• Very late in the first period, an innocent and patient neutral zone play by #DickPanik led to the first Blackhawks goal. Panik held the puck long enough for Marian Hossa to pick up steam coming off the bench and hit Hossa's tape with a rink wide pass. Hosss wasted no time crossing the blue line and lining up a half clapper. Brian Elliott, ye of stellar glove, whiffed on the shot and the Blackhawks were back in the game, just that easy.
• Shortly into the second period, the Blackhawks earned a penalty and wasted little time capitalizing. Andrew Shaw took the puck on the goal line extended, and threw the puck through the crease. The puck deflected off Jay Bouwmeester's leg and past Brian Elliott.
• Despite his 3rd period penalty, #DickPanik was a really nice surprise to this lineup all postseason.
• This Corey Crawford was the biggest reason this game wasn't 5-2, and these saves were incredible:
  

  Crawford save on Fabbri pic.twitter.com/mD7mUl2asT

  — Stephanie (@myregularface) April 26, 2016

  
  And don't forget this one:
  
  

  Crawford glove save on Tarasenko pic.twitter.com/sVJe5rQnAo

  — Stephanie (@myregularface) April 26, 2016

The Bad

• With about 6 minute remaining in the first period, the Blackhawks went down 2-0. The got trapped deep in their end, AGAIN. They tried to sneak a line change in, and ended up running around. Patrik Berglund set the table for big gun Colton Parayko, and Parayko unleashed a laser that beat Corey Crawford. David Rundblad was an enormous help as he not only stood and watched the shot beat Crawford, but he allowed Alex Steen to stand in front of his goalie to screen him and attempt to redirect the shot. I can totally see what he brings to the team.
  
• Halfway through the the third period, the Blackhawks got spun around and ended up leaving Troy Brouwer wide open in their crease. He was able to take two whacks at the puck before he finally cashed in on the third chance.
• Brent Seabrook had a prime chance to tie the game with around 3 minutes remaining and blasted a shot off both posts.
  

  are you kidding me pic.twitter.com/DvN25dOPsE

  — Chicago Sports Gifs (@ChiSportsGifs) April 26, 2016

The Ugly

• After St. Louis Blues took a solid 5 minutes to fix some glass problems, just 26 seconds into the game, the Blackhawks got pinned deep. Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook failed more than a few times to clear the puck out. Eventually, the puck made its way to Jay Bouwmeester who uncorked a long clapper. Jori Lehtera got a piece of the shot about 10 feet in front of Crawford, and it was 1-0 with only a minute gone in the game. Swell.
• Whoever told me that David Rundblad played good in game 6 because we didn't notice him, needed to watch this game. Rundblad took an absolute physical beating, was taken advantage of badly nearly every other shift, and was a total rotten apple.

The Lineblender
Panik - Toews - Kane
Panarin - Anisimov - Teravainen
Ladd - Kruger - Hossa
Desjardins - Shaw - Weise

Keith - Rundblad
Gustafsson - Seabrook
Hjalmarsson - van Riemsdyk

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PLAYOFFS: Blackhawks vs BluesGame 6 6-3 Win Recap

"Controlled Demolition"

by Gatekeeper

It seems like just a few hours ago that Patrick Kane ended game 5 in double overtime, and the series was pushed to a game 6 back in Chicago. I cannot say that I was much more confident going into this game 6 than I was two nights previous. The Blues were still dominating the Blackhawks in most significant categories and the Blackhawks simply could not hold a damn lead. If they were going to win games 6 and 7 it was going to be on a wing and a prayer, and if they were going to go down, it damn well better be fighting and clawing.

So, about that fighting and clawing thing. The Blackhawks must have missed that in the pregame meeting. Even though they came out early and took a quick 1-0 lead, they then proceeded to cough up 3 straight goals which sucked every bit of air out of the United Center. After those three goals, the Blackhawks looked completely lost and emotionless, which really didn't leave room for much hope. Shots were 11-9 in favor of the Blues, but I'd be shocked if the Blackhawks truly had 9. They finished the period like a team with no heart.

As disgusted as we all were after the first period, the Blackhawks reeled us all back in second period. They actually looked like they cared about continuing their playoff run, and came out like their beards were on fire. They not only tied the game but took the lead before all was said and done. I'll be the first one to admit that I was sure they were done after the way they opened up, but here was sat, up 4-3. The shot were also heavily in favor of the Blackhawks 19-6.


The third period was certainly not without its worrisome moments. The Blues actually put up a bit of a fight, but Corey Crawford and the Blackhawks defense held tight. The Blues had an 11-8 shot advantage but the Blackhawks scored the only two goals. When all was wrapped up with a pretty red bow, the Blackhawks were heading back to St. Louis, Monday, for game 7. Excellent...


The Good

• The new third line of Ladd/Kruger/Hossa gave the Blackhawks just under four minutes into the game. Marian Hossa played the forecheck perfectly, and the puck squirted off the boards to Andrew Ladd, who beat Elliott. The United Center was hopping, but it wouldn't last for long.
• Just over four minutes into the second period a Kyle Brodziak penalty gave the Blackhawks the chance they needed to get back into the game. Marian Hossa tried to beat Elliott on a high danger chance in the middle but Elliott made the save. The puck, though, went straight up in the air and Artem Anisimov bunted it out of the air, past Elliott. Life? Life!
• Just over halfway through the second period the previously cast off #DickPanik, who was moved back up to the top line, showed great composure. Panik led the rush all by himself and waited for Jonathan Toews to catch the play. Panik then dropped the puck to Toews, and Jonny blew around Panik to the net. As soon as Toews hit the corner he spotted Trevor van Riemsdyk on the back door. Despite El Capitan getting hooked worse than Peter Pan, he got the puck to van Riemsdyk and it was in the net.
• Late in the second, the Blackhawks completed their comeback from an unlikely hero, Dale Weise. The Blackhawks caught Kevin Shattenkirk without a stick behind the net and Weise laid him out. This left Weise wide open in front of the net and Panarin hit him for the one timer. Like Eddie Vedder once said......
  
• Late in the third period, #DickPanik out raced the Blues defense which got him in on a partial breakaway. He didn't get much of a shot off but he DID draw a penalty. On the ensuing powerplay, Patrick Kane found Andrew Shaw wide open in front of the net, and...
  
• The Marian Hossa empty net goal sealed the deal.
• I said it during the game, and I'm saying it again. #DickPanik is turning into the new version of Michael Frolik. Thanks Toronto, enjoy your pouty Morin.

The Bad

• The Blackhawks only held their first period lead for less than three minutes. Roughly 10 seconds after Andrew Desjardins missed on what should have been an open net goal, the Blues turned the play back over the other way. Scottie Upshall's shot hit Brent Seabrooks stick and beat Corey Crawford.
• Just over 2 minutes after the Pietrangelo goal, Vladimir Tarasenko made it 3-1 Blues. The Blues simply took advantage of their odd man breaks, and you can't leave NHL players 5-8 feet from your goalie, especially 40 goal scorers named Tarasenko. He'll eat up any goalie in the league.
• I didn't think this was physically possible, but Erik Gustafsson played less than anyone on the blackhawks, including David Rundblad. I cannot recall seeing David Rundblad touch the ice once. I call bullshit.

The Ugly

• Just over 2 minutes after the Upshall goal, Alex Pietrangelo used a very handy Nik Hjalmarsson screen to give the Blues a 2-1 lead.
• Six minutes into the third period, a Hossa/Ladd 2-on-1 left Ladd with a wide open look on the back door and he put the puck off the crossbar.
• Late in the final seconds of the second period, Corey Crawford took a high shot in the ribcage/arm pit area from Colton Parayko and went down hard. For a minute or so, it looked like he was in serious trouble. He eventually shook it off and finished the game.
• Kevin Shitinpants...minus 3.
• Frustrated with your pudgy coach a little, Vlad?
  

  #StlBlues Vladimir Tarasenko not happy with his lack of pp time in the 2nd pic.twitter.com/U7GYZATwYu

  — Dhiren Mahiban (@dcmahiban) April 24, 2016

• Dave Lozo perfectly summed up this game for the Blues on the Twittarz:
  

  The St. Louis Blues in big moments pic.twitter.com/RUc6C4esLY

  — Davril Lavignezo (@davelozo) April 24, 2016

The #Fatrick Stankus Fatsy Stats

• The Blackhawks actually led in posession by the smallest of margins, 54-52.
• Hjalmarsson and Trevor van Riemsdyk got eaten alive in possession, but part of Hjalmarsson's issue is that he was WITH TVR
• As you might expect with his horrible +/-, Kevin Shitinpants was the worst possession player on the Blues. Troy Brouwe, of all people, led the Blues with a plus 11 overall corsi.

The Lineblender
Shaw - Toews - Kane
Panarin - Anisimov - Teravainen
Ladd - Kruger - Hossa
Panik - Desjardins - Weise

Keith - Rundblad
Gustafsson - Seabrook
van Riemsdyk - Hjalmarsson

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PLAYOFFS: Blackhawks at St. LouisGame 5 4-3 OT Win Recap

"SOUL HACKER"

by Gatekeeper

For the first time in the 2016 playoffs, the Chicago Blackhawks were on the verge of elimination, Thursday night. Watching them play, we probably shouldn't have been surprised by this situation, either. The Blackhawks and their counterparts had essentially switched position in the world of ass hattery. The Blues had been the more composed team, while the Blackhawks continually shot themselves in the foot. The Blues goaltending was rock solid, while the Blackhawks were just getting average goaltending. The Blues were rolling 4 lines and 3 defensive pairings effectively, while the Blackhawks were the team that weren't quite deep enough. Hey, we're not #TeamMiserable around here for nothing.

Speaking of shooting themselves in the foot, Andrew Shaw was suspended for this game, after getting caught on camera muttering a homophobic slur to the refs. This was following a play where he took a terrible late game cross checking penalty, Tuesday night. The same punishment, mind you, that players get for almost paralyzing other defenseless players by pushing them head first into the boards. More punishment, mind you, than one would get for cracking an opposing player in the head/neck, if your name isn't Duncan Keith. I digress, though, because it's St. Louis that is still pumping the "It's a league conspiracy against the poor innocent Blues" hot air filled tires.

By the way, in the "beating the dead horse segment", I'm posting this video every day to the NHL.


For a league that claims to be so paranoid about the fans and their experience that they want to rig the game for things like more goals with glorified skills competitions, one would think that reasonable start times, in the middle of the week, would be a slam dunk.

Anyway, the first period started out with a little bit of a "feeling out" vibe to it. The Blues tried to come out and show their physical play (big surprise) while the Blackhawks needed time to feel out this Quenneville adjusted line up. As a result, the two teams only managed a total of 10 shots in twenty minutes. There were certainly scoring chances, but nothing that you could consider high danger. At this point, if they didn't lose any ground, perfect.

The second period was much the opposite of the first period, more specifically the second half of he second period. The Blackhawks opened the scoring shorthanded, but were almost immediately answered by a Blues power play goal. That was when the Hawks snatched some serious momentum. Two late goals gave them a 3-1 lead, heading into the final twenty, with an unusually high 16-14 shot advantage.

The Blackhawks couldn't hold the momentum in the third period, after repeated mental breakdowns from the coaches on down. The Blues jumped on the opportunities and tied the game, while out shooting the Blackhawks 14-6. Look! #ScibityDibity! Not exactly ideal, eh? The Blackhawks 2015/16 season had just come down sudden death overtime.

The first overtime seemed a lot like a Blues powerplay for a steady portion of the play. The Blackhawks had a few glowing spurts but there were several times when you could just feel a Blues goal coming on. I know i wasn't the only person that was certain that the game would end in the Blues favor. The shots were only 11-7 in favor of the Blues, but if you actually watched the game, it told a different tale.

The second overtime only lasted three minutes and three shots, at just after midnight the game was finally and the Blackhawks had forced a game 6 in Chicago, Saturday night.

The Good

• In the first period, Andrew Ladd gave David Backes a little of the wakey wakey treatment, which is never disappointing.
• The Blackhawks couldn't manage many shots even strength, or on the powerplay for that matter, so they opened up the scoring least expected way, shorthanded. Nik Hjalmarsson made one of his, now patented, blind clearing passes that magically ended up on the stick of Marian Hossa. Hossa quickly turned and raced up the rink with Duncan Keith. Keith wasn't needed for anything more than a diversion, as Hossa picked his spot on Elliott with a little help from Alex Steen's stick.
• With four and a half minutes remaining in the second period, Artemi Panarin did his best Patrick Kane /Denis Savard offensive zone puck control impression behind the Blues net. The makeshift line of Panarin, Teravainen and Anisimov finally paid some dividends. Panarin wheeled around the net, reversed, turned around and found himself with with a clean look at the net. He let the shot go, and it glanced off Elliott's shoulder, eventually hitting the post. Anisimov fought his way through a tie up to the loose puck in the crease and jammed it by Elliott like #Fatrick jamming a handful of Timbits into his gaping gullet.
• Jonathan Toews, Artemi Panarin, and Patrick Kane hooked up for the Blackhawks 3rd goal of the night, his time with 0.4 seconds remaining in the second period. Kane took a fairly harmless pass from Toews in the corner and somehow found his little Russian buddy wide open on the back door. Panarin one timed the puck past Elliott and the Blackhawks had their first comfortable lead in quite a while. Comfortable, now? Don't be.
• Richard Panik was nothing but engaged and dangerous all game. Why it took so long for him to be consistently in the line up is beyond comprehension. The funny part is that Bowman got Panik for two time Blackhawks legend Jeremy Morin.
• Three minutes into overtime number 2, Patrick Kane decided he had had enough. Panik held the puck long enough coming around the net to find Kane knifing through the slot, with momentum. Kane gave Troy Brouwer a little "how's your father" toe drag, and put a shot on Elliott. The rebound rolled to Elliott's right with only a wide open net facing it. Kane squirted behind the net and smacked the rebound into the net. Game over. That didn't stop Elliott from immediately jumping to his feet, palms in the air, no doubt looking for the obligatory goalie interference call. He changed his tune real fast when the referee informed him that the interference was, in fact, because his stick was trapped under the skate of his own defender, Jay Bouwmeester.
  This is what we're relegated to. Every goal will now be automatically blamed on goalie interference. That rule is fucking dumb. Period. And this is coming from a goalie.
• Hey, there is going to be at least one more game, eh?
  

The Bad

• The Blackhawks blew yet another clear breakaway chance, this time it was Richard Panik in the first period. This has been a reoccurring theme the entire series.
• Seven minutes into the third period, after the Blackhawks forwards got caught flying the zone early several times and had to struggle to eventually get off the ice, leaving them with only 4 players. Robbie Fabbri used this advantage to cut the Hawks lead to 1. Funny how this highly respected and often lauded Blackhawks coaching staff just can't seem to figure out how to execute consistent clean changes. Lets all ignore it and have out "#3CUPZ" pajama parties. God forbid we point out any mistakes. More on this later.
• With five minutes remaining in the third period, the Blackhawks ONCE AGAIN could not clear their own zone. I'll bet you can all guess what happened next, right? The puck ended up in the back of their net. Alex Pietrangelo let a long shot go that David Backes redirected enough the throw Crawford off the scent, as the puck slowly and sadly slid by him into the net.
• Seeing the Manshitter on the ice in overtime is absolutely frightening. The stat line said he had 7 hits in 9 minutes of playing time. He's so slow and terrible that it couldn't possibly be right. If he had seven hits, it's because he bumped into 7 players getting on and off the bench. In a game when the Blackhawks played 23 extra minutes, Rundblad, Weise and Manshitter all touched the ice for less than 10, each.

The Ugly

• David Rundblad looked like classic David Rundblad with a questionable turnover at the Hawks blue line very early, then plowing his own, then maskless, goalie over. Short of one very early third period shift, He finished the game with his ass stapled to the bench. What was the point of even dressing him? DRESS CHRISTIAN EHRHOFF! He can skate and has at least one redeeming skill, which is that he can move the puck from the back end. Just to show you how little Quenneville thinks of Rundblad, his only 3 zone starts were in the offensive zone, and he didn't touch the ice in the final THIRTY THREE minutes of the game. WHY is this happening, or even a thing?
• Sixty three seconds after the Blackhawks took the lead, the Blues Jaden Schwartz surprised Corey Crawford with an innocent looking enough 55 foot clapper, while still on the powerplay. Not innocent enough, though, as it beat Crawford. You could tell by Crawford's reaction that he knew it was a bad one right away.
• So, when is someone going to hold the bench coaches accountable for the repeated issues with line changes? ANYONE! One screw up blatantly led to a goal, and he other led to a late game Blues powerplay. No outcry. Just heads stuffed in the sand. It's been happening for YEARS, and now it's just accepted that the Blackhawks are a calamity of errors when it comes to line changes? It's very conceivable that the Blues could have ended the Hawks season on that asinine late game powerplay. Just a state of love and trust, I suppose.
• Anisimov and Desjardins combined to win just 6 of 24 faceoffs. WOOF!

The #Fatrick Stankus Fatsy Stats

• Anisimov was just whooped in overall Corsi, with a -19. On defense? You guessed it, Trevor van Riemsdyk tied with Hjalmarsson with -11.
• Robby Fabbri and my mancrush, Colton Payayko, led the Blues in possession.
• Jay Bouwmeester was literally an anchor on defense, with a Blues low -8 Corsi. Why does this guy get some much credit? He's average.

The Lineblender
Panik - Toews - Kane
Panarin - Anisimov - Teravainen
Ladd - Kruger - Hossa
Mashinter - Desjardins - Weise

Keith - Hjalmarsson
van Riemsdyk - Seabrook
Gustafsson - Rundblad

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PLAYOFFS: Blackhawks at St. LouisGame 2 - 3-2 Win

"Indestructible"

 
by Patrick Stankus

After a day off, the Blackhawks and Blues resumed their best of seven, opening round playoffs series on Friday night in that hell hole of a city called St. Louis. The Hawks were looking to break into the win column, and scoring column for that matter, after their 1-0 loss on Wednesday night in Game 1. Returning to the Hawks lineup tonight after serving his six game suspension, was that "no big deal, just another guy" defenseman named Duncan Keith. Thanks for insight Hitch. Continue to lead by example when it comes to wanting your team to get 70 hits per game by hitting 70 ribs at the all you can eat buffet.

When the puck finally dropped, the Hawks were victims of sleepwalking right from the start. Just over six minutes in, the Hawks were rewarded with the first power play of the game. Aside from a couple of decent chances from Hossa, they couldn't get much going and the game remained scoreless. That proved to be the tone of the period for the Hawks, as they couldn't get good looks at the net, and their passing was quite sloppy. Finally just over thirteen minutes in, the Hawks recorded their first shot on net, and ended the period with a whopping two for the opening frame. Luckily at the other end of the ice, Corey Crawford came up with a few big saves to keep the game scoreless after twenty minutes.

In the second period, it was a completely different Hawks team that took the ice. Within the first minute of the period, Patrick Kane had a breakaway, but a slash from Jay Bouwmeester prevented Kane from getting a quality chance. The Hawks received their second power play of the game just over five minutes in to the period. For the majority of the time, they couldn't get much generated and the game remained scoreless. After the Blues killed off the penalty, all hell broke loose, and the game turned into a goddamn track meet. The final ten minutes of the period featured end to end action, and both goalies making huge saves. Tarasenko opened the scoring with four minutes and change remaining. Just as it appeared the Hawks would go into the intermission down one, they managed to tie the game with four seconds left in the period off a point shot by Duncan Keith. Finally after catching your breath, the game was tied at one heading into the second intermission.

With all the momentum on the Hawks side, the third period would open up with four skaters aside after some post whistle penalties carrying over from the end of the second period. Both teams traded chances back and forth throughout the period, but neither team found the back of the net in the first ten minutes. With about eight minutes remaining, it appeared Tarasenko put the Blues up 2-1, but Joel Quenneville challenged the play for offsides. After a lengthy review, the it was determined that Jori Lehtera's skate was above the blueline and he was indeed offside by a toenail, and the call on the ice was overturned. The Blues and their fans followed up the call by acting like a bunch of six year olds who shit their pants, and showed their hand of cracking under the pressure. Not long after, Tarasenko took a slashing penalty that Paul Bunyan would be proud of, and handed the Hawks a late third period power play. As is the case with most of these selfish penalties, the Hawks made them pay after Andrew Shaw scored on a goal crease scramble. Following a review by The War Room in Toronto, it was deemed a good goal, but Hitchcock then challenged for goaltender interference. After two reviews the call on the ice of a good goal stood, and the Hawks were on top 2-1. In the final minutes Artemi Panarin added an empty netter, and Kevin Shattenkirk scored a meaningless goal with one second remaining, to make it a 3-2 final score. The series now heads to Chicago for Games 3 and 4 with the series tied at one. Our favourite Canadian will have the recap for Game 3.

The Good

• In a last minute change, Q FINALLY scratched Mashinter and inserted #DickPanik into the lineup. Its about fucking time.
• The Hawks first goal of the game was a textbook playoff goal, and shows the importance of offensive zone draws. Faceoff won, chip the puck to the point, get a shot on net.
• That second period was a thing of beauty. You can't ask for a more entertaining 20 minutes of playoff hockey. When is the last time you saw two teams combine for 32 shots, and the majority of them be quality? Dear God, that was fun to watch.
• Andrew Shaw's goal was the exact type of ugly goal you want to see scored at this time of the year. Nothing fancy, just be willing to go to the net and pay a price.
• Duncan Keith had a two point night with a goal and an assist in his return to the lineup. On top of it, I really enjoyed those boos every time he touched the puck from the "Oh my GAWD Kelly Chase is so awesome" crowd.
• The Hawks won the face off battle 36-28, and had the edge in the blocked shots department. Its the little things this time of the year.
• The Hawks made Vlad Tarasenko and the Blues pay for that slashing penalty in the third period. There is nothing more enjoyable than seeing that happen.
• Corey Crawford was excellent in net tonight. He stopped 29 of 31 shots, and survived a 15 shot second period en route to the victory. Oh and with the win tonight, he set the Blackhawks franchise record for playoff wins.

                                                                 The Bad

• Artemi Panarin had a chance to open the scoring for the Hawks in the second period. He beat Elliott with a twisted wrister, but drew iron.
• Even though the goal was taken away, Artem Anisimov was caught staring at the puck behind the net, while the Hawks already had two defensemen beneath the goalline. This allowed Tarasenko to become wide open in the slot for the pass. You'd like to see some better positioning in Game 3 if this scenario occurs again.
• Teravainen for some reason had 7:24 in ice time. Can't shelter him for his entire career.
• Everyone enjoy seeing Ryan Reaves skate around like an asshole for 5:49 tonight?

The Ugly

• The Hawks waited almost fourteen minutes to record their first shot on net. They would end the first period with two total shots. That's playing with fire to say the least.
• I've been a big supporter of Michal Rozsival this year saying he hasn't been as bad as the majority of you think he has been, but that turnover that lead to Tarasenko's goal was brutal. To be fair, it wasn't 100% on Rozsival. He had some help with a bad change, but he has to realize that in that situation he can't bring the puck up along the boards where all the traffic is. You're asking for trouble and he got it.
• Yes, the Hawks came out on the good end both times, but the replay/challenges are ridiculous. All they did tonight was kill the momentum of the game.
• You're welcome for the nightmares this face will give you......
  

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Blackhawks vs. Blues2-1 OT Loss Recap

"Blue Moon"

by Patrick Stankus

The Blackhawks took to United Center ice for the final time during the regular season on Thursday night for a meeting with their division rivals, the St. Louis Blues. Both teams were coming into the contest banged up, so the lineups were a bit screwy, especially for the Hawks. As a result, playoff performer Bryan Bickell found his way back down I-90 to Chicago, and into the Hawks lineup. Its safe to say, if both teams meet in the first round of the playoffs beginning next week, the lineups will look differently than tonight.

Despite the lineup changes, once the puck dropped, the play dictated that of a traditional Hawks/Blues game. Both teams traded hits, (I know how much everyone loves hits) with the Hawks actually outhitting the Blues 13-11 in the period. Aside from a late first period penalty to the Blues, the first period was pretty ho hum with Scott Darling making a couple of good stops to keep the game scoreless. When the horn sounded ending the period, the Hawks held lead in shots 9-7, but neither team could find the back of the net.

The Hawks opened the second period by taking back to back penalties within the first eight minutes of the period. Fortunately for the Hawks, the red hot penalty kill came through and killed off both penalties, generating some momentum for the home team. With both teams at four skaters a side, Jonathan Toews opened the scoring for the Hawks to give them a 1-0 lead with just over seven minutes remaining. In the closing minutes of the sandwich stanza, we were treated to a Reaves/Mashinter scrap, which will warrant another game for Mashinter to be in the lineup. Despite a late power play in the second, the Hawks couldn't convert and they took a 1-0 lead into the second intermission.

The third period was a colossal shit show for the first sixteen minutes of the period. Aside from a few decent hits, which again, everyone loves to hate, the period was a complete bore. That changed when Andrew Ladd was awarded a penalty shot, and had a chance to seal the win for the Hawks. Elliott managed to come up with the stop, and gave the Blues some life. With just over a minute to go, Scott Darling kicked out a rebound to right Vladimir Tarasenko, and well you can figure out what he can do with a wide open net. On to overtime we would go, and seal the Hawks fate as the three seed in the Central Division for the playoffs.

Once again the overtime would look like a video game gone bat shit crazy, and not in a good way. After a couple of chances by Patrick Kane that were denied, the Blues came back the other way, but a sliding play by TVR kept the Blues from winning the game. Luckily Tarasenko ended this gimmick shortly thereafter with his second goal of the game, and made Saturday's game in Lumbus absolutely meaningless. #DRINK
The Good

• TVR had a real strong game. He had an assist, and had a great sprawling play to keep a loose puck out of the net in overtime. For someone who's struggled of late, it looks like TVR might be gaining some confidence again.
• Jonathan Toews tallied the lone Hawks goal, and was 79% at the dot. A strong effort by the captain.
• The penalty kill continues to roll. Tonight they killed off both of the Blues power plays.
• Aside from the rebound goal, Scott Darling was good in net for the Hawks. He made 33 saves on 35 shots.

The Bad

• Who didn't enjoy that scrap between Reaves and Mashinter? Glad they both enjoyed their limited ice time.
• The Blues out shot the Hawks by a 35-25 margin. This just continues to hammer home how suspect this defense is.
• Scott Darling's rebound control, or lack thereof was on full display on Tarasenko's game tying goal.
• By allowing St. Louis to tie the game and get it to overtime, meant the Hawks are locked into the three seed in the Central.
• David Backes didn't play. Therefore there would be no chance at "Wakey, Wakey, Part  II" tonight.
• I wasn't going to recap the game tonight, but Gate was under the weather, and looked like this, so I decided to help him out;
  

The Ugly

• Between his "effort" on the penalty shot, and the fact he was the only Hawk that was a -2, Andrew Ladd had a forgetful game.
• Anisimov, Crawford, Hossa, Keith, and Shaw all didn't play. That was fun. (Sarcasm)
• The power play was 0 for 2 on the night. We're familiar with that kind of a night.
• God, I hate the fact that Vladimir Tarasenko is on the Blues. Such a good player, but such a horseshit city and team.
• Pat Foley was brutally honest when it came to describing Saturday's game as he said "it means nothing." Way to at least try and get some sort of viewers for hockey. Lets be honest though, Saturday's game does mean something. I'll at least get to say #NowDerek right to Derek's face in Lumbus.
• Bryan Bickell played. No seriously, he did. GOOD RIDDANCE. I'm done with this song and dance. Apparently the Rockford Olive Garden's bread sticks aren't what it takes to shape him back into a respectable hockey player.

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Blackhawks vs. Blues2-0 Shutout Win Recap

"Black Gives Way To Blue"

by Patrick Stankus

With Gate still attempting to get back from Nashville, the Blackhawks decided the show must go on, and on Sunday night they played hosts to the St. Louis Blues. The Blackhawks were looking to bounce back from a rough trip to Florida where they lost both games to Tampa Bay and Florida. With the Blues in town, it should be safe to say the Hawks should have more effort, and energy tonight, something they lacked in those Florida games.

Once the puck dropped, all eyes would be on the Blackhawks to see if they could put an end to the recent trend of sluggish starts. Early on, that trend continued, as the Hawks could only muster two shots in the opening eight minutes. That would be the story of the first period. Corey Crawford bailed out the Hawks, and kept the game scoreless while the offense did a little more than us that were watching the game.

The second period was much better for the Blackhawks, not that it could get much worse. Overall, the play in second was still boring. That was the case until the #AK72Line got the Blackhawks on the boards, by way of an Artemi Panarin snipe. In the end, the Blackhawks turned the table on the Blues, and out shot them by an 11-6 margin in the period, and took the one goal lead into the second intermission.

The final twenty minutes got underway, the same way the second period ended, with the Hawks in control. Early on, the Hawks got the game's first power play of the game, and wasted little time in making the most of it. Andrew Shaw redirected a Marian Hossa bomb right in front of the net, past Elliott to increase the Hawks lead to 2-0. Down the stretch the Blues had some chances to put a dent in the Hawks lead, but ultimately could not. As a result, Corey Crawford recorded his league leading 7th shutout, with the Blackhawks 2-0 win over the Blues.

Gate returns to the recap world on Tuesday, and will take you to the NHL All-Star break.

The Good

• Corey Crawford once again was the only Blackhawk to show up in the first period. Crawford withstood a flurry of shots, 12 in total, by the Blues.
• As the game went on, the Blackhawks got significantly better. That not saying much though, because anything was better than that lifeless opening frame tonight. This trend cannot continue for much longer.
• Whatever language barrier there is between Kane and Panarin, I hope it doesn't change, because its not bothering them. Once again, the #AK72Line put on a show, with a beauty of a pass by Kane to Panarin for the game's opening goal.
• The power play got back on track tonight, with Andrew Shaw tallying a power play goal in the third period. This was nice to see after a couple of rough games for the units in Florida.
• The Hawks allowed 12 shots to the Blues in the first period, but after that, the defense clamped down, and limited the Blues to 13 shots the rest of the way.
• You like your fancy stats, well, I like my block shots stat. Tonight the Hawks were willing to pay the price, and get in the shooting lanes, and blocked 22 shots. Grab some ice packs fellas.
• As mentioned earlier, Corey Crawford had a huge opening period for the Hawks. In the end he was able to stop all 25 shots he faced, and recorded his 7th shutout.
• Midway through the third period, the PK came through and killed off a bad Artemi Panarin penalty.

The Bad

• The #GusBus got a little too cute with a backhand pass in his own zone that wound up going on net, instead of going to Seabrook. The turnover resulted in giving the Blues sustained pressure for the rest of the shift, when it really didn't need to happen.
• Artemi Panarin can't take a penalty like he did in the third period. That was a perfect opportunity for the Blues to get back in the game.
• On Shaw's goal, you saw how important face off wins are. Tonight the Hawks were beaten at the dot 31-26. Still some work to do there.

The Ugly

• Same old broken record showed up again for the Blackhawks tonight. Slow start, which sees them only record three shots in the opening ten minutes. Do that really miss Ryan Garbutt when it comes to starting a hockey game?
• Tonight was David Backes' 700th career game with the Blues. Someone should tell him to wakey, wakey, because he was un-fucking-noticeable tonight.
• Steve Konroyd dipped his toe into the advanced stats water during the first intermission. If this isn't enough to kill this sick fade/obsession with these fancy numbers, then I don't know what is. Remember when our parents joined Facebook? It killed Facebook. My prediction is Konroyd kills the slobbering love affair with fancy stats by the end of March.

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Blackhawks at Blues4-2 Win Recap

"Rozy Is Red, Backes Is Blue"

by Patrick Stankus

On Saturday night, the Blackhawks made the trip down I-55 to the smoldering tire fire of the Midwest known as St. Louis to take on the Blues. This marks the second meeting of the year between the two, with the Blues taking the first game in Chicago. Although judging by the crowd in St. Louis, you could argue this game was also taking place in Chicago.

The Blackhawks got off to a slow start, despite having an early power play. The sloppy play by the Hawks was bailed out by some big saves by Corey Crawford. Just before the 5 minute mark, Duncan Keith, or Andrew Shaw, its still being debated, would get the Hawks on the board first. As the period continued, the play turned into what we expected between the Blues and Hawks. The Hawks would hold their own despite all the hits being thrown, and after 20 minutes would lead the Blues 1-0.

The second period would get underway the same way the first period ended, with a lot of nastiness. This played right into the hands of the Blues, and they capitalized. Tarasenko would score 2 goals in less than 2 minutes, the 2nd being a power play goal, and put the Blues in the lead. The Hawks though, would not back down despite the physicality from the Blues. With the period coming to a close, TVR would tie the game at 2. In the final minutes, Marko Dano thought he had put the Hawks up, but was absolutely robbed by Jake Allen with a goal line glove save, that was reviewed. Nevertheless, the Hawks got a late power play, and Patrick Kane extended his point streak to 12, and put the Hawks up 3-2 after 40 minutes.

The final 20 minutes of the game was dominated by the Blues. Duncan Keith took an early penalty, which turned the momentum in favor of St. Louis. Luckily for the Hawks, Corey Crawford was on his game, and make some huge saves down the stretch to preserve the lead. With just under a minute remaining, Artem Anisimov would seal the win by adding an empty netter and give the Hawks a 4-2 over the Blues.

The Hawks are right back at it on Sunday night at home against Calgary. The biggest Mike Vernon fan in the world will have your recap on that one to close out the weekend.

The Good

• Welcome back Duncan Keith. Whether or not that was his or Andrew Shaw's goal, its nice to have a defenseman on the point who won't second guess a chance to shoot the puck on net when there's a lane.
• Speaking of Duncan Keith, he had a fantastic defensive play during a Blues 3 on 1 1/2 (since it was Rozsival skating back.) Keith made a sprawling sweep check on his stomach to break up a cross ice pass.
• Come on people, jump on board. The AK72Line is the real deal. Whether they're at even strength or on the power play, they are a force. See Kane's power play goal.
• Corey Crawford was huge in net for the Hawks in the 3rd period. In the end he made 29 saves en route to the win.
• After some recent struggles at the dot, it was nice to see the Hawks win the faceoff battle tonight 35-28.
• TVR had another solid night on defense, while adding his 2nd goal of the season. This kid keeps getting better and better.
• I thought this was by far Marcus Kruger's best game of the season. In fact this was the "fourth" line's best game of the season. For the most part it consisted of Shaw-Kruger-Teravainen.

The Bad

• Early in the game, Teuvo took an illegal check to head from Joel Edmundson. Thankfully, Teravainen popped back up after the hit. The last thing the Hawks now is an injury that would probably result in a Bickell call up.
• Jonathan Toews leveled David Backes with a "hit to the head" late in the 1st period. What irritates me the most is, could someone please tell Backes to skate with his head up? Of course he's going to be hit in the head when he's constantly skating with his head down.
• This is why I hate replay. The save Allen made on Dano was ridiculous, but it warranted a review. I like the rule of you need visual evidence the puck is completely across the goal line. The other night the Red Wings had a goal taken away even though Braden Holtby's glove was completely across the line, but there was no visual of the puck whatsoever. I get why that is not a goal. On the Allen play however, on the overhead, you can see the puck in the webbing of Allen's glove, and the puck is across the line. The problem is how quick the War Room in Toronto was to call that a no goal. I wish they would have spent more time looking at it, because isn't the argument for replay to "get calls correct" ? I find it hard to believe the War Room was able to made a decision with 100% certainty in 30 seconds.
• The entire 3rd period was basically played in the Hawks defensive zone. The Hawks were playing with fire, luckily this time they didn't get burned and blow the lead.
• Sadly for everyone but @UncleRozsival , Michal Rozsival returned for the Hawks tonight.

The Ugly

• That opening power play by the Hawks was just brutal to way.
• David Backes left the game in the final minute of 1st period after the Toews hit, so how does a guy who was thought to have a concussion respond? He comes out, levels Hammer with a hit from behind, and the drops the gloves with Toews. Yep, classic pig vomit David Backes there. How's that concussion going?
• The Trevor Daley - Michal Rozsival pairing is a disaster waiting to happen. We were treated to that disaster on the Blues first goal, with Rozsival overplaying to one side of the ice, and Daley allowing Tarasenko all the time in the world he wanted.
• Marko Dano took a bad boarding penalty, that of course resulted in the Blues scoring on the power play that ensued. That clearly didn't go over well with Quenneville as Dano only played a team low 5:58.

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Blackhawks vs Blues6-5 OT Loss Recap

"IMPLODE"

by Gatekeeper

Before I get to the shenanigans, I want to point out how touching it was to have the Blackhawks each bring out a young cancer patient. If you have anything shitty to say about that, you're a scumbag.

After yet another successful Shoutcast, Tuesday night, it was back to hockey. Who better to jump back into action with than the St. Louis Blues? They were delayed coming in when we all woke up in the morning to some incredibly dense fog, in Chicago. Personally, I think it was the cloud of stench coming off the Blues players and their recently fined dopey meatball, Ryan Reaves. It wouldn't be a Blues game without an inappropriate David Backes reference, so here we go:

A little gif for tonight's hockey festivities. @PuckinHostile @Patrick_Stankus pic.twitter.com/LwKCLP2qFT

— Pokka Fan Club (@Hostile_Derek) November 4, 2015

As far as the Blackhawks are concerned, this game couldn't have started out much better. While they gave up two goals, their offensive problems were on display for everyone to see...by scoring FIVE goals. They chased the Blues starting goalie, Brian Elliott, from the game TWICE, and even scored on a penalty shot. If we wanted to get picky, we could complain about the two Blues goals, but it was much more fun imagining the mental meltdown going on in the peanut brains of Blues fans. The Hawks out shot the Blues 18-8, out scored them 5-2, won 18 of 20 faceoffs, and just flat out dominated the #BLOLues. Why did this period have to end?

Of course everything fell apart in the second period for our heroes. The Blackhawks gave up 3 goals on 12 shots, completely blowing their big lead and losing all momentum. Sprinkle in a bad penalty, lazy defense and just general complacency. That best describes the Blackhawks performance in the second period. Nothing good to speak of, and just a tale of two completely teams.

The Blackhawks regained some of their lost momentum in the third period, but it was nothing like the first 20 minutes. In the end, that's what cost them the extra point. The shot differential was 14-7 in favor of the Blackhawks but there were no goals, which eventually led these two teams to the always exciting 3vs3 overtime. The Blackhawks had several chances in the overtime but could not finish, and eventually the Blues did finish.

The Good

• Just two minutes and ten seconds into the game, a Ryan Hartman forecheck on Carl Gunnarsson led to a puck spitting out into the slot for Marko Dano. #FreeDano pumped the shot through Elliott for a quick Blackhawks lead, and his first Blackhawks goal.
• Not to be out done, a minute and thirty five seconds after the Alex Steen goal, Andrew Shaw decided it was a fine time to score his first goal of the year. For the "drama" multiplier, he did it on a penalty shot. Andrew Squared, Shaw and Desjardins, came in on an unusual 2-on-0 but Colton Parayko was able to catch up and get enough of a piece of Shaw to throw him off, but it was also enough to earn an infraction. Less egregious than the non call on Shaw the other night, but I digress. Shaw was all business on the penalty shot, beating Elliott low to the stick side. 2-1 Blackhawks.
• Teuvo Teravainen decided to jump in on the Blackhawks action while the iron was hot. He was standing in all alone behind the Blues defense, for some odd reason, and was able to pick up a Trevor Daley rebound. Teravainen had a pretty easy time tucking the puck in around Elliott's leg, which earned Elliott a shift on the bench.
• Two minutes after the Fabbri goal, Patrick Kane set up Brent Seabrook for what looked like a pretty innocent long point shot. Somehow, the long howitzer from Seabrook cleanly beat Elliott for a 4-2 Blackhawks lead.
• Less than a minute after the Seabrook goal, Captain Caveman pulled some of his usual caveman crap. Toews had a step on Backes and was able to get a clean shot off. Backes then cross checked Toews in the back, and into his own goalie. Elliott had to leave the game injured, in what some speculated as a concussion. Jake Allen came back in the game, and ended up finishing. Patrick Kane used an Andrew Shaw screen, among others, to beat Allen on the first shot he faced, giving the Blackhawks a 5-2 lead. Gotta love that leadership. Take a penalty, injure your goalie, and eventually give up a powerplay goal while you're sitting in the box. Fuck David Backes. Enjoy your President's Trophy banners, loser.

The Bad

• Late in the first period, young Robby Fabbri rushed up ice, curled in behind a streaking Blues forward and Andrew Desjardins, using both players as a screen. Once both players passed in front of Crawford, Fabbri sniped a shot to Crawford's stick side.
• Just over three minutes into the second period, a lost faceoff deep in the Blackhawks zone led to a long Colton Parayko rebound being poked in by Alex Steen. Trevor van Riemsdyk was covering Steen and made a weak attempt. You have to tie up Steen's stick on that play. That is your sole job in that scenario. That is not a time to be half-assing it.
• After the Blackhawks played their fancy overtime passing drill, the Blues hung in long enough to get their best goal scorer, Vlad Tarasenko, with a wide open look. He'd been invisible all game, but when it counted most, he delivered.
• Artem Anisimov was brutal at the dots, winning only 7 of 21.
• Elliott wasn't the only Blues player to go out injured. Ball bag, Steve "The Pirate" Ott went out after a get together with Brent Seabrook, and didn't return.
• Only Marko Dano and Ryan Hartman played less shifts than Trevor Daley. Sign of the doghouse in the near future.

The Ugly

• Less than a minute after the Dano goal, Blues stud D-Man Colton Parayko took a long shot that hit Alexander Steen in the leg and floated over Crawford like a fluttering injured bird. Ugly.
• After the Teravainen goal, Paul Bearer Hitchcock pulled Brian Elliott and put Jake Allen in for a total of 41 seconds and no saves, before putting Elliott back in the game.
• Late in the second period, a Teuvo Teravainen interference penalty turned into a Jay Bouwmeester powerplay goal, cutting the Blackhawks lead to just one goal. Definitely not the Blackhawks best effort in that second period.
• The Blackhawks weren't finished with their collapse just yet, though. Captain Caveman gathered a weird carom off the UC boards, along the goal line and snapped a tight angle shot past a helpless Crawford, to successfully complete blowing their 3 goal lead.
• The Toews, Garbutt, Panarin line were each -2, and Panarin was on the ice for the OT goal, so he ended up -3. They didn't look that bad, but overall they weren't all that great, either.

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

Seabrook - Svedberg
van Reimsdyk - Hjalmarsson
Gustafsson - Daley

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Preseason: Blackhawks At Blues5-2 Loss Recap

Living In America

by Patrick Stankus


On Thursday night, the Blackhawks traveled to the tire fire capital of the USA, St. Louis, MO, to take on the Blues in the second to last preseason game of the year. Thursday's game also marked the most anticipated return in Chicago sports history since Brandon Bollig's last year, when Marcus Kruger took to the ice in his preseason debut. Aside from Kruger the Blackhawks roster of NHL players was as much of a stretch as the seems on Ken Hitchcock's suit jacket. Meanwhile, the Blues assembled their roster as if it was a meaningful game, trying to prove their scrubs could beat the Blackhawks C squad.

The opening frame was a complete shit show. Bad goaltending, lots of penalties, goals a plenty, and bad defense. It was all on display. The Blues opened the scoring just over 3 minutes in. Their lead didn't last long, as the Hawks answered back with 2 goals in just under 2 minutes. That was the last of the lead the majority of the soon to be bagging grocery lineup would see. The Blues added 2 more goals in the 1st period to take a 3-2 lead into the locker room.

The sloppy play carried over into the 2nd period, with the Blues handing the Hawks 4 power plays. It doesn't matter who is in the lineup for the Hawks because the power play sucks. The Hawks failed to convert on any of the chances, while yielding a shorthanded goal to the Blues. After 2, the Blues led the Hawks 4-2.

In the 3rd period, the Blues took 2 more penalties to try and hand the Hawks the game, but again, the Hawks couldn't convert on either 2 opportunities. The Blues added another shorthanded goal on the Hawks 1st power play to give them a 5-2 lead, in which would wind up being the final score.


The Good

• Hey did you guys hear? Marcus Kruger got his visa issues solved, and played in his 1st game of the preseason.
• Ville Pokka led the Hawks in ice time, and aside from a Svedberg lapse on the 1st Blues goal that made them both look silly, I thought he looked alright. I still don't think he's ready for the jump to the NHL. Sorry Derek. My guess is tomorrow he leads the line to the bus back to Rockford.
• Another Hog that I thought looked alright was Ryan Hartman. We saw a glimpse of him last year, and I would expect either he or Kyle Baun could lead the Rockford Shuttle of forwards this season.

The Bad

• I don't know what to make of Viktor Tikhonov. On one hand I really want him to make the team because I like the idea of adding a Tikhonov shirsey to my collection. On the other hand I see him being a very frustrating player. I wouldn't be shocked if he was on a one way ticket back to Russia soon.
  
• Scott Darling looked sub par tonight. What do you expect though when you're facing a team with 90% of their NHL lineup while your team is made up of AHLers. Regardless, I did not like the first goal he allowed. If Crawford had given that up, dear God.

The Ugly

• Its hard to pick on the power play when the team is basically a C squad, but nevertheless, 0 for 7 on the power play is an eye sore. Oh and did I mention the 2 shorthanded goals they allowed?
• Bryan Bickell was sporting an "A" on his jersey tonight. My guess is this was the Blackhawks idea of showcasing his "Cup leadership" as a marketable trade tool. Too bad everyone in the NHL knows he's completely useless at $4 million dollars a year. He also managed to be a -2 tonight. Really looking forward to this for the upcoming season.
• Speaking of things to look forward to, ladies and gentlemen, David Rundblad. Rundblad had a nice swing and a miss to a bouncing puck that led to the Blues 2nd goal. For overall a million bucks, it looks to be a fun year of Rundblad.
• Whoever had the idea to make Troy Brouwer the #1 star of the game can go to hell.
• If you haven't listened to the Puckin' Hostile Shoutcast, then here are my feelings about 3 on 3 OT. It sucks. PERIOD. Check back in 5 years, I guarantee people will be talking about how much they hate it, just like they talk about how much they hate the shootout now. Remember that slobbering love affair everyone had with the shootout when it first debuted?

And finally because its almost time to wakey, wakey on a new season.........

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