Blackhawks at Tampa Bay5-4 OT Loss Recap

"Disgustipated"

by Gatekeeper
Yell at Gatekeeper

I think we can all agree that Saturday night's game was forgettable? The final two periods of that game, to be more precise. As always, the meatballs poked their heads out from the rocks they have been hiding under for most of the last 2 months, which was fully expected. Coach Joel Quenneville hinted at a few changed for Monday night's game, but we never really know what will happen until the warmups. Ryan Hartman was hinted at, as the Coach Wizzo healthy scratch-a-palooza. Scott Darling made the start in net, which was scheduled, based on the tight schedule. Not like they could possibly play any better than they did in Sunrise this weekend.

The opening period was the polar opposite of Saturday night. Action was fast and furious as the teams combined for four goals between them, on 20 shots (11-9) in favor of the Blackhawks. That is how you rebound from a total ass whipping, well, if you can maintain that pressure for the final forty minutes. Two sloppy penalties left a bit to be desired, but the Hawks made some progress.

Not really sure what Jon Cooper was thinking but he started Andrei Vasilevskiy in the second period, but I suppose it worked out alright. Why go back to the well, though? The Blackhawks did put themselves up 4-1 but it was all downhill after that. The Bolts scored three straight goals, and had the Blackhawks on their heels for the entire last 2/3rds of the period, where the Lightning out shot the Hawks 14-10, but it might as well have been 14-2 the way the ice was slanted.

As full of scoring as the opening two period were, the third was much less eventful. In fact, there were no goals either way, which meant that each team was going to grab a standings point and go to overtime. The Hawks actually made a good showing in the period, out shooting the Bolts 10-3. I guess if you don't blow a three goal lead, you don;t need third period goals, but I digress.

Overtime action, at least in the beginning, was heavily in favor of the Lightning, and their fourth shot of the period ended up the game winner. I guess a single point isn't a total loss, but this was an opportunity blown.

The Good

• Just under 1:30 in, the Blackhawks already had more success than they did the entire previous game. Artemi Panarin found a blocked Tanner Kero shot on his blade and one timed it on Andrei Vasilevskiy. Vasilevskiy made the initial stop, but it squirted through him and dribbled just over the goal line.
• Patrick Kane grabbed back the lead for the Blackhawks just moments after the Ondrej Palat goal. Kane was in almost the identical position as Panarin was for his goal, but this time Kane beat Vasilevskiy clean to the stick side, through a Lightning screen.
• With Tomas Jurco in the lineup, he paid dividends right away. Jurco got his first goal of the year with just over six minutes remaining in the first period. Nick Schmaltz let a long shot go and Jurco chipped the rebound past Vasilevskiy for a 3-1 Blackhawks lead. This would be the end on Vasilevskiy's first period. In came Peter Budaj.
• #DickFuckingPanik put the Blackhawks up 4-1 about halfway through the second period, which was his 21st of the year. The Lightning couldn't get the puck out of the zone and Panik drove to the net poking his own rebound past Vasilevskiy. Panik's 41 points are 13 more than Andrew Shaw at a fraction of the price. It cannot go without mentioning that Panik also has half the penalty minutes.
  
• The speed that Jonathan Drouin skates around with in the 3-vs-3 overtime is terrifying. There was one point that I thought he was going to repeatedly skate around the Hawks zone with not a single player able to get a hand or stick on him, until they were all too tired to chase him anymore.
  
• I'm not exactly keen on the details of the mask, but the primary black colors on Scott Darling's mask are sexy.

The Bad

• It took the Lightning roughly seven seconds into their first powerplay, with some help from a lost Blackhawks faceoff, for them to tie the game about halfway through the first period. The powerplay was set up by a bad Brent Seabrook delay of game penalty, that resulted in Ondrej Palat tipping a long Victor Hedman clapper past Scott Darling
• About two minutes after the Panik goal, Jonathan Drouin tipped an Alex Killorn shot that pinballed past Scott Darling to cut the Blackhawks lead back down to two goals.
• Anton Stralman shaved the Blackhawks lead back down to one goal just about a minutes after the Drouin goal. At this point, Scott Darling was all over the fucking place. He was over sliding and forcing himself to make much more difficult stops than he needed to. This would have been a great time for a timeout to calm down their goaltender, as well as their defense, but Quenneville was fine watching his goalie flounder around.
• The next meatball savior, John Hayden played on the forth line all night and was only mentioned a couple of times. It's safe to say that Space Shuttle Hayden has safely landed back down on earth. Healthy scratchville, population him, isn't too far in the future, like I predicted.

The Ugly

• The Bolts' Brayden Point took a high clearing shot from Anton Stralman right in the side of the melon, while killing an early second period penalty, but was able to continue. Those are scary plays, for sure.
• To complete the collapse, the Blackhawks took their second delay of game penalty, late in the second period, where they also gave up their second powerplay goal of the game. Nothing special about this one, as Jonathan Drouin blew a long clapper through an Ondrej Palat screen and past Scott Darling. There was still twenty three minutes left to play and EIGHT damn goals had been scored.
  
• The Blackhawks Shitshow Petroleum powerplay was, as the name indicates, useless. They went 0-3 while the Bolts went 2-3. That's your game, folks.
• The anarchy that is 3-vs-3 overtime ended up with the Blackhawks, first of all, not getting the puck over the Bolts blue line and, secondly, getting caught in a slow lazy change. Duncan Keith was slow getting off the ice, which kept Trevor van Riemsdyk from getting back to help Darling but this would have been a non-factor if Artemi Panarin would have been able to get the puck into the offensive zone. Patrick Kane was cheating and off to the races as well, so this left Yanni Gourde a break-a-way, where he beat Scott Darling for the game winner.
• In the third period, the Trevor van Riemsdyk PR crew was in full lamentable form. Edzo had to point out that van Riemsdyk looked over his shoulder before he ate the puck behind his own net before his defensive partner had to come bail him out. This horseshit is so egregiously bad that is makes me want to vomit. How many player get this kind of unwarranted "spit-on-the-palm" hand job session?
  

The #Fatrick Stankus Fatsy Stats

• Did I mention I was filling in for #Fatrick tonight?
  

The Lineblender
Left Wing - Center - Right Wing
Nick Schmaltz - Jonathan Toews - Richard Panik
Artemi Panarin - Tanner Kero - Patrick Kane
Tomas Jurco - Marcus Kruger - Marian Hossa
John Hayden - Andrew Desjardins - Jordin Tootoo

Duncan Keith - Niklas Hjalmarsson
Johnny Oduya - Brent Seabrook
Brian Campbell - Trevor van Riemsdyk

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Blackhawks vs. Lightning 5-2 Loss Recap

"When I'm Down And Blue"

by Patrick Stankus
Send a McRib to #Fatrick

In their next to last game before the All-Star break, the Blackhawks played host to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night at The UC. The Hawks came into the game riding a three game win streak, while the Lightning came to town in last place in the Eastern Conference. From the looks of it, tonight's game had the potential to be one of those famous games where the Hawks play down to their opponent. If there's a team on the outside looking in that could make a run at a playoff spot, its the Lightning as long as they get healthy in time. Someone should have reminded the Hawks not to take Tampa lightly.

When the puck dropped to begin the game, it looked like it would be the same old song and dance for the Hawks. They were sluggish out of the gate, and pissed away an early power play chance. Midway through the period, The Captain put the Hawks on the board first, capping off a perfect passing play from Panik and Hartman. After controlling the pace of play from the midway mark of the period, the Hawks were guilty of taking their foot off the gas. In the waning minutes, Brian Boyle faked Crawford out of his jock, and tied the game at one.

In the early minutes of the second period, it looked as if the Hawks were actually going to give a shit, and try to win the game. Duncan Keith fired a bomb from the blueline just over a minute into the period to put the Hawks back up by one. Unfortunately that would be the high mark for Keith and the Hawks. Late in the first they would squander another power play, and leave the door open for the Lightning. While, Tampa failed to score down the stretch in the second period, they clearly had momentum going in their favor heading into the third, down by one.

The third period can be summed up perfectly like this. IT WAS A COMPLETE AND UTTER SHITSHOW. PERIOD. In the first three minutes, Tampa managed to tie the game at two, and from then on it was all Lightning the rest of the way. Just to rub salt in the wound, Tampa scored two goals in thirty seconds, to increase their lead to two. Oh, and since Q pulled his Patrick Roy shit, Tampa also added an empty netter, just to make sure the scoreboard looked every bit like the ass kicking the Hawks received tonight. After four unanswered goals in the third, the horn finally sounded, and the Hawks headed down the tunnel with their tails between their legs after a 5-2 defeat. Lovely wasn't it? I guess I should have let Norton recap this big old pile of shit game after all.


The Good

• The opening goal by Toews was nothing short of a brilliant tic-tac-toe play, Sadly that was the high point for that line on the night.
• Seriously, there's nothing else.

The Bad

• The Hawks had a chance to feed off the crowd at The UC with an early power play, but once again a sluggish start doomed that potential.
• I'm pretty sure Corey Crawford is still looking for his jock after Brian Boyle's opening goal. It should be pointed out the play all started by Duncan Keith getting checked to the ice. I thought hits were meaningless?
• The Hawks and TVR caught a break at the end of the second period. TVR shot the puck over the glass as time expired, and the linesman signaled for a Delay Of Game penalty. However the officials huddled up and no penalty was called. I don't mind the officials getting together, but some sort of an announcement of what the discussion was would be nice.
• It was two minutes into the third period that I heard #DickSchmaltz 's name. Lord and Savior eh?
• In the third period, Jonathan Toews took a big open ice hit from Vladislav Namestnikov, and labored to the bench afterward. Luckily for Toews and the Hawks sake, Toews returned to the game. Regardless not a good sign for someone who's been battling injuries this season.

The Ugly

• Tonight is a night where +/- can be deceiving. If you look at the box score TVR was a -3, but he wasn't at direct fault for two of the goals. You should look to Norris Trophy winner Duncan Keith, who a -2 on the night, and was hands down worse than TVR. And did I mention that Kempny was a +1 on the night? He was flat out awful tonight. Late in the first, Kempny had a horrendous turnover that shifted the momentum in Tampa's favor. It took Tampa another shift to cash in on the momentum and tie the game. I should also point out his lazy high sticking penalty too. After his last game, one has to wonder why did Kempny even play tonight? Jesus, Rozsival can't be that bad of an option.
• The importance of defensive zone faceoffs was on full display tonight. Wait I thought someone said those were not important? If only he had time to explain that theory on the Shoutcast. Enough about him. Early in the third period, Toews lost a faceoff in which the Lightning scored immediately on. Even more painful was hearing Edzo make an excuse for Toews about an unfair drop. 
• During the span of thirty seconds in the third the Lightning managed to put the Hawks away with two goals.
• Who didn't enjoy seeing Killorn clown Keith like a rag doll on Tyler Johnson's second goal?
• #DickFuckingPanik and Ryan Hartman led the way for the forwards by being a -3 each tonight. It wasn't their best effort either.
• Watching Q pull a Patrick Roy and pulled Corey Crawford with over three minutes left. Glad that turned out for the good.

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Blackhawks at Tampa Bay2-1 Loss Recap

"The Thing That Should Not Be"

by Gatekeeper

The Blackhawks returned to sunny Tampa for the first time, Thursday night, to face their Stanley Cup Final foe from last spring. The Blackhawks came in with a whole bunch of news. First of all, they announced that they had traded Ryan Garbutt to Anaheim for Jiri Sekac, which should be a really good move. Following that news, Joel Quenneville announced that forward Richard Panik was going to be scratched because he overslept for the morning skate. Just perfect, when the team is riding a twelve game winning streak. Kind of gave you the feeling that they were doomed in this one before they even took the ice.

The first period was one of those period that are very misleading. The Blackhawks and Bolts were tied at one after the initial twenty minutes, but the Blackhawks grossly out shot 13-4, with two of those four shots coming in the last ten seconds of the period. There was no way they were going to maintain the lead with play that poor. Something had to change.

The second period was even worse for the Blackhawks. They came out and laid yet another egg. The Lightning out shot the Blackhawks once again 10-5, giving the Blackhawks a paltry total of nine shots for the first forty minutes. The Lightning also broke the deadlock after two generous powerplays in the final five minutes. The screwy lineup was looking like it effecting the Hawks energy for certain.

The third period didn't get any better for the Blackhawks. They came out of the locker room and just didn't have what it took to compete. The Lightning led in shots, for the third straight period, 10-9 and kept the Blackhawks off the board for the 59th straight minute. This was going to happen, eventually. I would rather see them play this bad on the road than see them piss themselves at home.

Anyhow, No time to pout, with the Blackhawks back in action tomorrow in Sunrise Florida against Uncle Dale Tallon's Panthers.

The Good

• Forty three seconds into the game, the temporary line of Kane-Anisimov-Rasmussen grabbed the Blackhawks a 1-0 lead. Rasmussen set up a rush over the blue line and dished off to Kane. Kane hit a wide open Anisimov, almost identical to his goal against Nashville. Just that quick, the Blackhawks were on their way. This was Hawks' first official shot of the game.
• Corey Crawford gave the Blackhawks a chance in this game. If not for his play, the Hawks would have lost 4 or 5 to 1. He deserved a better fate, but these games will happen

The Bad

• The Lightning tied up the game about half way through the first period on a long deflection. Viktor Hedman took a long point shot that looked as though it was going well wide. Anton Stralman was standing about three feet to Crawford's left and redirected the puck past him.
• Late in the second period, the Lightning were the fortunate recipients of back to back powerplays, to Patrick Kane no less, and finally cashed in late on the second one. You got the feeling that all the Bolts pressure was going to finally lead to something. Nikita Kucherov snapped a shot high over Crawford's glove after about 5 straight minutes of pressure.
• The Hawks faceoff number were putrid. They only won 16 of 48 faceoffs for a whopping 33%.
• Clearly the Blackhawks trading a 4th line player, who barely saw the ice lately, was the reason that the other 18 players looked like shit.
  

The Ugly

• How the fuck do you keep 2 Russian Nikitas (Kucherov/Nesterov), both wearing numbers in the 80's, straight? I defy you.
• The asshole Lightning fans kept booing Teuvo Teravainen because, I guess, they don't know the difference between a 6 and an 8. Stupid senile shitheads.
• I'm really sick and fucking tired of looking up and seeing the fourth line and third defensive pair all out o nthe ice together. You cannot let this happen. I don't care what you need to do.
• The makeshift line of Suckderi/Rasmussen/Mashinter was fucking awful. I never want to see this again without being put to death immediately after.
• As I mentioned before, which the Blackhawks down a forward due to the Ryan Garbutt trade, #DickPanik overslept through the morning skate and was punished by Quenneville. Not the best way to impress your brand new future Hall of Fame coach.

The #Fatrick Stankus Fatsy Stats

• The Shaw/Toews/Hossa line was worked pretty bad in possession, but you can adjust that for their high number of defensive zone starts.
• The #AK72 line, on the other hand, led the Blackhawks in positive possession numbers.
• Steven Stamkos is just floating out there. For a guy that's supposed to be such a dominating player, I noticed him on the ice twice. He was also one of the worst possession player for the Bolts despite favorable zone starts. Call me Mr. Miserable but here is my hot take. The team that gives Stamkos the max deal this summer is going to end up regretting it, in short order. He is a very good, but hardly great. I'll take Ovi, Toews, Kane, and Kopitar over Stamkos any day. He slays Eastern conference bums all season and then disappears in the playoffs, which is why Toronto will be perfect for him.
  

The Lineblender
Shaw - Toews - Hossa
Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Desjardins - Danault - Teravainen
Scuderi - Rasmussen - Mashinter

Keith - Hjalmarsson
Gustafsson - Seabrook
van Riemsdyk - Rozsival

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Blackhawks vs Lightning1-0 Overtime Shutout Win Recap

"Eleventh Hour"

by Gatekeeper

The Tampa Bay Lightning made their first trip back to Chicago, Saturday night, since surrendering the Stanley Cup championship to the Blackhawks, last June. Clearly they were going to be looking for a little revenge, but nothing they did Saturday would make up for the pain of falling short in cup final. There were also quite a few new faces that the Bolts would need to adjust to, as well, including rookie scoring leader Artemi Panarin, among others.

Thanks to a few Tampa Bay powerplays, a good majority of the play was down in the Blackhawks end of the ice. The official scorer must have been high or drunk, because the scoreboard said the shots were tied at 9. Either way, there was no score after the first, so no harm, no foul.

The second period was much more in favor of the home team, with a majority of the action in the visitors end. The official scorer finally sobered up, and gave an accurate count, showing the Blackhawks leading 10-4. Again, though, neither team scored, which gave one the feeling that any goal could be the only goal. On to the third frame.

The third period was, again, in favor of the Blackhawks but, again, yielded no goals. The Hawks led in shots 11-8. As a result, the Blackhawks faithful would get their first look at 3 vs 3.

It took seventeen seconds for the Blackhawks to win it in overtime, which sent everyone home happy.

The Good

• Both first period Lightning powerplays yielded very few shots and was killed off wonderfully by the Blackhawks.
• Ryan Garbutt finally showed some flashes of production. He had several nice chances early in the game and played well on the penalty kill.
• If Viktor Tikhonov is going to be the missing piece of the lottery line, I'm perfectly OK with that. He clearly knows how to play different role, albeit none of them extremely well, which is fine. He just needs to be adequate. Late in the third, though, Quenneville moved Teravainen up.
• After having a very mediocre game, Jonathan Toews took only seventeen seconds to split Valtteri Filppula and Anton Stralman, then knife towards the net. Toews was being hooked and hacked all the way to the net, but he was not only able to get his initial shot on net, but poke the rebound though the legs of Kristers Gudlevskis' legs.
• Corey Crawford stopped all 21 shots he faced, for a shutout.
• Can't take anything away from Bolts goalie Kristers Gudlevskis. He shut the Blackhawks out for 60 minutes and 16 seconds.
• The Hawks were solid in the faceoff circle, winning 56%.
• I still don't understand the hate for Viktor Svedberg. He's logged a lot of time and done nothing to show that he has been overmatched. Just wait until Michal Rozsival gets out there. You'll all be begging for Svedberg.

The Bad

• The second Lightning powerplay of the night was as a result of a terrible Vince Hinostroza grenade pass, that Hjalmarsson couldn't do anything with. Hjalmarsson tried to slow up the Lightning forechecker and ended up with a hooking infraction. Of course, Foley and Edzo blamed Hjalmarsson, with no mention of the live grenade Hinostroza lobbed at him.
• If I have one criticism of Panarin and Kane, it is that they pass TOO MUCH. There have been several times where they attempt that fancy pass, and the chance is squandered. Of course, this is being extremely critical, but it should be pointed out.
• While Rundblad and Daley looked better, I still get anxiety when they are out on the ice together.

The Ugly

• It pains me to say this, but Jonathan Toews is getting in the way of production on the powerplay. Something is off with him, and the first unit looked much better with Artem Anisimov against Florida. I feel guilty for even thinking it, but this is the harsh reality, at this point. Quenneville obviously felt the same way because when they had an important powerplay in the third period, Toews wasn't with the first unit.

The Lineblender
Tikhonov - Toews - Hossa
Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Garbutt - Hinostroza - Teravainen
Desjardins - Kruger - Shaw

Seabrook - Svedberg
van Reimsdyk - Hjalmarsson
Rundblad - Daley

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STANLEY CUP FINALBlackhawks vs LightningGame 6 2-0 Series Win Recap

"Hail The Apocalypse"

by Gatekeeper

Almost 5 years to the day, that this very site was created the Blackhawks were at home in the United Center, trying to hoist their third Stanley Cup in 6 seasons, Monday night in rainy Chicago. The city was buzzing with the fact that the Blackhawks could win this one at home, which was the only unfortunate thing about the previous cups. Tampa fans may not have wanted to hear it but most everybody, including yours truly, was sure that this was the night. So, without further ado, game 6.

The first period wasn't exactly what the Blackhawks could have hoped for, but a couple of powerplays helped them to a 13-4 shot advantage. Apparently a Tornado in the Kankakee/Manteno area had ideas of it's own too. Yikes. Anyhow, as usual, the Blackhawks big shot total yielded no goals, so both teams went into the first break scoreless.

It took the Blackhawks almost half the second period and a 4 shot head start by the Lightning for them to wake up. Just after the midway point we started seeing some Hawks pressure. That is when the momentum shifted heavily in the Hawks favor. When the horn sounded, the Blackhawks led in shots 10-7 for the period and led the scoring 1-0.

The Blackhawks went into the third period with a powerplay, but really didn't use it to their advantage. Just when the Lightning were pressuring, the Blackhawks answered the bell to take a 2-0 lead. A late Bolts powerplay put some serious pressure back on the Hawks and they even out shout the Blackhawks 14-9. When the final horn sounded, though, the Blackhawks were Stanley Cup Champions once again.

Third time in six seasons, Fans.
Please enjoy and share this Puckin Hostile Hawks Highlight Video!



The Good

• The power play looked dangerous early even though they didn't score. They controlled the puck and had the Bolts running around.
• Just a minute into the second period, a puck skipped past the Hawks defense and Stamkos was in all alone on Crawford. My heart stopped beating for a second while Stamkos waited for Crawford to bite. He didn't and kept the puck out of the net long enough his defense to get there. PHEW!
• With about three minutes remaining in the second period, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith made their presence known. Saad and Richards made two quick but effective passes across to Kane, who skated in over the blue line and waited for help. Keith was the help. He skated in wide open with the puck and let it go on Bishop. The rebound came right back out in the slot and Keith followed his shot up, putting the puck into the back of the net. 1-0 Blackhawks
• The Bolts were pressuring about 5 minutes left in the game. Brad Richards and Brandon Saad led a rush up the ice with Patrick Kane as the trailer. Richards waited just long enough for Kane to clear as well as the defender. He threaded a pass right to Kane's wheelhouse, where Kane hit the wide open net. 2-0 Blackhawks and the place went fucking BA-NA-NAS!
• Duncan Keith unanimously and easily won the Conn Smythe. DUH!
• Corey Crawford was outstanding. Biggest stage in the sport once again, and he shuts the Lightning out.
• In a game when faceoffs would be huge, the Blackhawks clowned the Lightning, winning 42 of 62. Utter domination.

The Bad

• The Hawks got an early powerplay chance and had a few really good opportunities. Unfortunately, they weren't able to finish. The best chance was a pass to Hossa at the side of the net. He had room to throw it behind Bishop, but chose to hang on and hit Teravainen with a pass. Turbo got a piece of the pass and Bishop was able to get enough to direct it wide.
• Kruger took a big hit early in the third period and was laboring pretty heavily. He missed a shift and was right back out on the ice.

The Ugly

• I don't remember the officials being this bad at any other point, but they missed a huge interference/too many men call five minutes into the game when Sustr re-entered the play just as he was changing and interfered with Versteeg.
• Stamkos in this series. Just like Getzlaf, and Parise before him. SHUT DOWN
• I know it's necessary but a full screen National Weather Service warning right in the middle of a Stanley Cup game 5 Blackhawks powerplay is seriously annoying
• FUCK IT. CHAMPS AGAIN!!!

The Lineblender
Sharp-Toews-Hossa
Saad-Richards-Kane
Teravainen-Vermette-Versteeg
Shaw-Kruger-Desjardins

Keith-Hjalmarsson
Oduya-Seabrook
Timonen-van Riemsdyk

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STANLEY CUP FINALBlackhawks at Tampa BayGame 5 2-1 Win Recap

Grind
by Patrick Stankus

With the series tied at two, the Stanley Cup Final shifted to Tampa for Game 5. There's no doubt the extra day off between games 4 and 5 was welcome for the Blackhawks, as it was very apparent after Game 4 that the gas in the tank was running low. The other glaring question leading into Game 5 was who would be in net for the Lightning. As they took to the ice for pregame warmups, the question was answered and Ben Bishop was in net.

Judging by the start of the game, the extra day off was clearly paying dividends for the Blackhawks. They came out with a sense of urgency, and energy to their game. It was quite obvious that this was their best start to any game this series. Despite the start, Corey Crawford tried his best to hand the Lightning an early lead. Crawford turned the puck over to Kucherov, but was able to scramble back in net and make the save as Kucherov got a mouthful of post. Just minutes later, Ben Bishop mirrored Crawford's idiotic play. Bishop came out to the top of the circle to play the puck, but Victor Hedman was also skating back to play the puck, and the two collided. The end result was Patrick Sharp skating in for an uncontested goal to put the Hawks up. As the period went on, the Lightning started gaining momentum as the Hawks looked like they took their foot off the gas. At the end of the period though, the score would remain 1-0 in favor of the Hawks.

The second period started out with the Blackhawks having some sustained pressure, but it was short lived. As play wore on, the Lightning started to gain momentum, and were able to sustain it throughout the period. With the ice tilted in their favor, the Lightning were able to capitalize midway through the second period. Jason Garrison found a loose put in the offensive zone, and flung a cross ice pass to a wide open Valterri Filppula who tied the game at one. With all the momentum on their side, Tampa also had a chance on a power play, but the Blackhawks penalty kill was able to come through. In the final minutes of the second period, the Hawks would have their biggest offensive surge, but they were unable to get a puck past Bishop and the score would remain tied at one after two periods.

The final twenty minutes can be summed up in four words, The Corey Crawford Show. Crawford simply stood on his head in the third period. Just two minutes into the third, Crawford made a huge save on Brenden Morrow which resulted in springing the Hawks up the ice. Kris Versteeg had a step on the Tampa defense, and was in on Bishop, but he whiffed on the shot attempt. All was not lost as Versteeg was able to get the loose puck to the center of the ice and a trailing Antoine Vermette hammered it home to give the Hawks a 2-1 lead. From there on out it was Corey Crawford all day in net, and the Hawks were able to hang on for the 2-1 win, and now lead the series 3-2.

The Good
- The fourth line of Shaw-Kruger-Desjardins was fucking phenomenal. They pressured the Lightning all night, and had numerous chances throughout the game. It sucks they didn't get on the score sheet because they worked their ass off all night and deserve a lot of praise.
- Corey Crawford was simply excellent. In the end he ended the night with 31 saves.
- Another individual performance that deserves praise is Niklas Hjalmarsson. Apparently Hjalmarsson mean "shot blocking machine" in Swedish. He had 7 in total tonight.
- This was by far the best start to any game of the series for the Blackhawks. While they were able to lead after one, Tampa Bay kept coming and coming as the Hawks looked to set back as the period went on.
- Patrick Sharp got a goal gift wrapped for him as a result of a lack of communication between Ben Bishop and Victor Hedman. Hopefully this will give Sharp some confidence despite the fact I could have probably scored that goal.


The Bad
- I'm nitpicking here, but Teuvo had a chance on a breakaway in the second period, and instead of trying skate in a make move, he decided to take a 30 foot wrist shot. You'd like to see someone with his skill make a little bit more of a move on a chance like that.
- The Blackhawks were given an early chance to put a huge dent in the Lightning with a power play opportunity in the first minute of the second period. To no one's surprise though, nothing came from it.

The Ugly
- Apparently Corey Crawford hasn't gotten the memo that he isn't a very good puck playing goalie. Once again he turned the puck over while playing the puck, but luckily he was able to stop Kucherov's shot. Nevertheless, you still think goalies should play the puck?
- Supposedly TVR played tonight. I honestly didn't even notice him. I noticed Timonen more, which should say a lot. TVR played 8:01 and Timonen 5:05.

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STANLEY CUP FINALTampa Bay at BlackhawksGame 4 2-1 Win Recap

Break Down The Wall
by Patrick Stankus

Coming into Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Blackhawks knew they were facing a must win situation. Going down in the series 3-1 is not an option. So coach Joel Quenneville did exactly what he likes to do in these situations, and hit the line blender button. The result, Kris Versteeg and Kimmo Timonen in, while Bryan Bickell and Kyle Cumiskey were out. Oh and did I mention that Ben Bishop was a late scratch for Game 4? So lets end the upset stomach talk when it comes to Bishop.

With the jumbled up lineup the Blackhawks threw out on the ice, you'd expect an energetic start. Unfortunately for the Hawks, the Lightning came out with pressure on the Hawks, and thus resulted in sloppy play that dictated the first period. It became quite obvious that the Hawks were not on the same page, and despite having two power play chances in the first, they could only muster two shots on Tampa's rookie goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. Yes, you heard me right, two shots. Despite the smoldering tire fire of a first period, the Hawks somehow managed to be scoreless with the Bolts after one.

As the second period got underway, the Blackhawks looked like they had a little, and I mean little bit more of a sense of urgency. While they weren't getting credit for shots on goal, they were getting pucks to the net. Johnny Oduya had a point shot go square off the post, and a few minutes later, Patrick Sharp, while on a breakaway found the iron. Later though, the Hawks were finally able to break through on Vasilevskiy as Jonathan Toews broke the scoreless drought to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead.  But just like the leads the Blackhawks have had throughout the playoffs, this one wouldn't last long, as 5 minutes later Tampa would tie the game at one. As the horn sounded, that's how the score would remain after two, tied at one.

The third period got underway continuing with the excellent pace and intensity its displayed throughout. Just over six minutes into the third, Brandon Saad put the Hawks ahead 2-1, but as we all know, no lead is safe with the Blackhawks. The Hawks defense was put to the test in the final five minutes of the game, as the Lightning mounted a furious attack. With all the garbage talk he's taken by certain people, Corey Crawford stood tall in net, denying the Lightning's numerous chances. It also helps when Steven Stamkos misses an open net. Nevertheless, the Hawks were able to hang on for the 2-1 win, and tie the series at two as the series heads back to Tampa Bay.

The Good

- Brandon Saad's play continued right where it left off in Game 3. He had another strong game, and scored the game winning goal in the third period. The more he performs in the Stanley Cup Final the more $$$ you can add.
- After the chances he stopped in those final minutes, Corey Crawford deserves a lot of praise. He rose to the occassion when the Hawks needed him most. He finished with 24 saves.
- Another player who was taking grief was Jonathan Toews. Well Toews silenced them by scoring the Hawks opening goal, and all around had an excellent game.
- The penalty kill came through once again. This time they killed off all 4 of Tampa's power plays.
- The Hawks dominated at the dot winning the face off battle 38-20.
- Memo to Yahoo Sports NHL writers, that wunderkind Vasilevskiy is beatable after all.

The Bad
- The Blackhawks did their best to look uninterested in playing during the first period. They took 3 penalties, and were careless with the puck. Turnovers were the name of the game in the first period.
- After being "alright" in Game 3, TVR was terrible tonight. He was caught standing around in the defensive zone and lost his man on Tampa's first goal. Its tough to learn on the fly like this, but if that was Rozsival, Rundblad, or Cumiskey they'd be getting tarred and feathered.
- This wasn't the greatest night for the zebras, as several soft penalties were called. In the end though, none of them had an affect on the outcome, but you'd still like to see some more consistency.
- Speaking of penalties, the Hawks were sent to the box four times. In such an important game, the Hawks need to cut down on the sloppiness.

The Ugly
- You'd think while facing a rookie goalie, the game plan would be get pucks to the net early and often. The Blackhawks had one shot on goal through 11 minutes of the first period, and ended the period with two. Way to give the young goalie some confidence. The two shots in that period would end up setting a franchise record for fewest shots in a Stanley Cup Final bench.
- The line juggling that went on were as Gate would famously say "bat shit fucking crazy." Seriously someone unplug the line blender, or replace the button on it with one that says panic. Because that's what it looks like Quenneville is doing out of desperation.
- Duncan Keith looked like he was completely out of gas after the game. He played 29:07, while TVR played 6:37 and Timonen 5:46. Tonight it was very evident that the speed of the Lightning is catching up with the Hawks defense. Can they dig down and suck it up for a best of 3 now? Its going to be very difficult task.
- If you didn't find the final 90 seconds nerve wracking/exciting, then you need to rethink what you think is exciting. That was playoff hockey at its finest.

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STANLEY CUP FINALTampa Bay at BlackhawksGame 3 3-2 Loss Recap

"Angry Chair"
by Patrick Stankus

With the Stanley Cup Final shifting to Chicago for Games 3 and 4, there were no shortage of story lines heading into Game 3. Much of them centered around would Ben Bishop be able to go for Tampa, and would Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville insert rookie Trevor van Riemsdyk into the lineup. As the pregame warmups took place, we got answers to both questions, Bishop and TVR were both in the lineup for their respective teams.

At the drop of the puck, the Blackhawks were lacking from a sluggish start. Tampa pounced on that early as they caught the Hawks in a slow, lazy change, coupled with a blowout by Johnny Oduya, and Ryan Callahan blew a slap shot past Crawford to give the Bolts an early lead. As the period wore on, the Hawks found their legs, and simply dominated play. All that puck possession would pay off as a point shot from Brad Richards, while on the power play, found its way past Bishop to tie the game at one. As the horn sounded to end the period, the game would remain tied at one.

As the second period got underway, it looked like the Hawks forgot some of that momentum they had in the first period back in the locker room. Tampa had a jump in their step that they were lacking in the first period, but were unable to solve Crawford early on. Meanwhile, the Hawks did have a nice opportunity from Antoine Vermette off a Lightning turnover, but Bishop was able to stone him. Following a Hawks power play, Tampa was able to spring Nikita Kucherov out of the box on a breakaway, but Crawford rose to the occasion and stopped him. As the period wound down, the Blackhawks got a little careless and reckless, and were forced to kill off an extended 5 on 3 power play for the Lightning. Much to the delight of the crowd, the Hawks did just that, and rode that momentum till the horn sounded and the score remained tied at one.

The opening minutes of the third period mirrored that of the later stages of the first period for the Blackhawks. Unlike the first though, the Hawks would strike much earlier. During a shift that saw Marian Hossa shift into beast mode, he found a wide open Brandon Saad in the slot, and Saad gave the Hawks a 2-1 lead. The lead wouldn't last long though, as just 13 seconds later, Tampa's Ondrej Palat tied the game at two. With 3 minutes remaining, Tampa would take advantage of soft defense by Brent Seabrook and Kyle Cumiskey, as Cedric Paquette redirected a puck past Crawford to give the Lightning a 3-2 lead. That would end up being the final as the Bolts held on for the 3-2 win, and now lead the series 2-1.

The Good
- Marian Hossa and Brandon Saad were absolute beasts in this game. It would have been nice to see some other guys answer the bell as well.
- Brad Richards power play goal was nice to see. Its amazing what happens when you shoot the puck on a power play isn't it?
- Speaking of that power play goal, I criticize Shaw all the time, but his work on that power play was outstanding. He won a board battle, and got the puck to the point, but he didn't stop there. He worked his way to the front of the net to disrupt Bishop enough to throw his timing off from Richards shot.
- The penalty kill came through big in the 2nd period as they killed off an extended 5 on 3 Tampa Bay power play.

The Bad
- Although his offensive prow less was evident, Brandon Saad did have a mental lapse in the 1st period. The Hawks were about to get a power play, but Saad felt the need to cross check Valtteri Filppula in the head, thus negating the Hawks power play.
- Tampa's first goal was just a collection of hot vomit in a garbage bag by the Hawks. Lazy, slow change, Oduya blows a tire, and while it was a bomb of a slap shot by Callahan, it was one that Crawford probably should have had if he was a little more aggressive in his positioning. He was a tad too deep in his crease.
- Johnny Oduya left the game in the second period with an undisclosed injury, but thankfully did return in the third period.
- Woof on Kyle Cumiskey's positioning on Cedric Paquette's goal. But there's more blame to be handed out. What exactly was Brent Seabrook doing on that play?
- The much hyped return of TVR produced 9:01 of ice time. Overall he was ok, but we don't have an ok category here.

The Ugly
- The Blackhawks peppered Ben Bishop with 19 shots, but could only get 1 past him. The Lightning had to be thrilled to escape at the end of that period being tied at one after being thoroughly outplayed.
- Also in that 1st period, Hossa and Teravainen both missed wide open nets that would have destroyed the confidence of the Lightning. In the end its all about missed opportunities.
- Bryan Bickell started out alright, but that was short lived. He took just an absolute brutal roughing penalty in the 3rd period. To make matters worse, Brandon Saad was nailed for goalie interference (it was the right call, get over it) and the Hawks were forced to kill off an extended 5 on 3.
- Nothing like taking your foot off the gas after a goal. Once again the Hawks did that, as Tampa responded to Saad's goal just 13 seconds later. But by all means continue to pat yourselves on the back for scoring.
- Is it just me or are the Blackhawks more like the Slackhawks when it comes to making line changes?
- Crickets have made more noise than Patrick Kane has so far in this series. Same can be said for Patrick Sharp.>

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STANLEY CUP FINALBlackhawks at TampaGame 2 4-3 Loss Recap

"A Good Day To Die"

by Gatekeeper

Game two of the Stanley Cup final was Saturday night in Tampa. The Blackhawks came in with a 1-0 series lead, after a late surge in game one that resulted in a stunning 2-1 win. The Hawks needed to come with a better effort if they expected to come home with a 2-0 lead. Playing a only a strong third period, or just final six minutes, was not going to do the job. The Lightning sounded like they regretted going into defense first mode and letting the Blackhawks claw their way back into the game. It was doubtful that they would allow the Blackhawks that much room to work, if given the opportunity again.

The Blackhawks opened the game much more solid than game 1. They kept the shots and chances pretty even, but the Lightning had the only goal. The shots were ever so slightly in favor of Tampa 12-11, and that was with the help of a late powerplay. Still plenty of things to build on for the Blackhawks.

The second period opened up a bit, with both teams scoring big goals. The Blackhawks scored 2 goals and the Lightning answered. The Bolts led in shots 10-8, and when all was said and done, the Blackhawks were still down by one. They were going to need another big 3rd period to come back to Chicago up 2-0.

The third period didn't exactly work out in the Hawks favor. They were able to tie the game, but then gave up a late powerplay goal to end up losing 4-3. The shots were 10-2 in favor of the Hawks, but they couldn't pull off another game of late magic.

Don't worry, folks. A split on the road is what you hope for. The Blackhawks still sit on a fine position.

The Good

• The Blackhawks opened the game much better than game 1. They had several chances and kept it even in shots.
• After killing off a Lightning powerplay the Blackhawks fourth line came up big. Desjardins had a nice little give and go with Johnny Oduya. Desjardins turned and threw a shot at the net with Kruger and Shaw screening Bishop. The shot squirted through
• Shortly after the Shaw goal, a Blackhawks powerplay came up big. Patrick Sharp chipped the puck to Teravainen and he played give-n-go with Hossa, who was in the corner. Teuvo used a Saad screen to beat Bishop to the stick side to go up 2-1.
• Brent Seabook came up big once again for the Blackhawks with about 4 minutes gone in the third period. The Hawks broke the forecheck of the Lightning and pushed deep into the Lightning zone after Q made the change to swap Kane and Hossa. The puck was dropped to Seabrook who loaded the howitzer and beat Bishop with Hossa in his grill.
• Teravainen was really good. He has slid in as a legit weapon, right behind the big names. Just wait until he's REALLY comfortable. It's too bad he's too small, and doesn't like to shoot enough.
• Believe it or not the Blackhawks were at 65% at the faceoff dots. If it weren't for Richards going 36%, they would have been up in the 70% range.

The Bad

• The Bolts took a 1-0 lead late in the first period. Ryan Callahan caught Kyle Cumiskey out on the ice and beat him on an icing call. The Lightning held possession and after a couple of stopped chances, then Cedric Paquette picked up an open puck in the slot and beat Crawford, using Toews as a screen.
• Just a minute and thirty seconds after the Teravainen goal, Nikita Kucherov redirected a long Garrison shot just enough to get past Crawford, and tie the game back up.
• During a Lightning powerplay in the third period, Bishop went to the locker room and Vasilevskiy went in. It looked like an equipment thing because Bishop came right back. The Lightning scored on the powerplay, though. Bishop went out again a few minutes later once again. If he is hurt, as it looks, the Blackhawks just gained another advantage.
• After his late game back to back penalties, Sharp was removed and Kane took his spot.
• Crawford. Not his solid self. You can't blame the game on him, but he needs to tighten up. Goalies have these games, and he'll come back fine.
• Again, the powerplay could have really bailed them out. One goal is nice, but those players are too good to not be clowning teams.
• Patrick Sharp was brutal. His two late game penalties ended up killing the Hawks.

The Ugly

• I understand that a triple crown is a big deal, but NBC could have started the game on NBCSN then. Can't tell me this was a surprise for them. God damn. You don't need to run the post race show on both.
• With about 6 minutes left in the second period, Crawford gave up his first softy of the series. Tyler Johnson walked out from the corner and caught Crawford cheating off the post. The puck hit Crawford in the arm and squirted into the net. He has to have that one.
• During the second of two Patrick Sharp penalties, the Lightning got yet another lucky bounce. Jason Garrison loaded up and released a shot from the point that went off Andrew Desjardins' stick, knuckled and into the net. Not Crawford's lucky day.
• After being out there for the first goal, we might have seen the last of Cumiskey. He only played one shift in the third period and 7 for the entire game. Trevor van Riemsdyk could be in our future.
• If you called for Scott darling at any point of this game, or after, Fuck you. You're a god damn idiot.
  

The Lineblender
Saad-Toews-Kane
Versteeg-Richards-Hossa
Teravainen-Vermette-Sharp
Shaw-Kruger-Desjardins

Keith-Hjalmarsson
Oduya-Seabrook
Rundblad-Cumiskey

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STANLEY CUP FINALBlackhawks at Tampa2-1 Game 1 Win Recap

"Monsters In The Ballroom"

by Gatekeeper

Well, here we are. The Blackhawks were in their third Stanley Cup Final, in 6 seasons. They made it look pretty easy, despite the usual things that would have most teams golfing long ago. Inconsistent powerplay? No problem. Thin on defense? Got it. Questionable lineup moves? Fuggetaboutit. All of this was behind them, and they were back on the big stage. The Lightning were no slouches, but either were the three teams that the Blackhawks sent packing.

Even though each cup run has some similarities this particular one would feature a type of team that the Blackhawks had not faced in the finals. A "run-n-gun" team is not something they have faced while in this position. The Bruins and Flyers were punishing physical teams, much like the Ducks. This should prove to be a very entertaining series, so let's get right to it.

The Blackhawks first period did not go how most thought it would. They came out and struggled for the first 15 minutes of the series. Thanks to a late power play they were able to get some late pressure and save face. In the end, the Hawks were only out shot 10-7 and out scored 1-0. This simply wasn't going to be good enough.

The second period was definitely better from the Blackhawks, but not entirely what that needed. The Lightning led in shots 8-6 and there were no goals either way. Holding a team like the Lightning scoreless was a positive, but they needed to break onto the scoreboard.

The Blackhawks did what they have done all playoffs, in the third period. They took over the game and out shot the Lightning 8-5 and in the biggest category, goals. Two late goals took the wind out of the Bolts and gave the Blackhawks a 1-0 series lead.

The Good

• Right before warmups it was announced that new daddy Kris Versteeg was going to replace Bryan Bickell in the lineup. Supposedly the injury from game 7 of the Ducks series was a little worse than initially indicated. Versteeg might have been the best forward on the Hawks for a majority of the game.
• It took the Blackhawks almost 55 minutes to finally get on the board, but we'll wait. Great plays by both Keith and Teravainen at the half boards to keep the puck in the zone ended up with a Teravainen seeing eye shot going through a Marcus Kruger screen and past Bishop.
• Just a few minutes after the Teravainen goal, he figured in the go ahead goal. A Lightning turnover in the middle of their own zone was pushed over by Teravainen to Vermette, who cleanly beat Bishop to take a 2-1 Blackhawks lead.
• Despite the one wonky goal, Corey Crawford was huge. A late Callahan breakaway could have opened up the game in favor of the Lightning and he shut the door.
• They weren't terrible nor were they great, but the Rundblad/Cumiskey need to roll. Rundblad had some tense moments deep in the Hawks zone but they were able to get out of it.
• Turbo Turtlepants (Thanks Jen O) with a goal and an assist, huge.
• I caught the Jay Zawaski after show on the Score and heard "Sasha From Houston". I then realized it was actually adult star Sasha Sean. Respect to her because I know she's a big Stars fan, but I think it's pretty clear that she's a closet Hawks fan, too. We have fun jousting back and forth about our teams but shout out to Houston TX!

The Bad

• The Blackhawks came out and had a rough first shift. They nearly gave up a Killorn goal, but he missed an open net. It took the Blackhawks a good 15 minutes to get any sustained zone time.
• The puck was bouncing everywhere. That ice had to be absolute shit.
• The powerplay was 0 for 3 and showed very little pressure. That has to be better. Tighter and quicker passes, boys.
• The Lightning actually beat the Hawks at the dots but it was by a small margin (30-27)

The Ugly

• The first goal of the series was a pretty terrible one. A long point shot from Anton Stralman was going well wide but Alex Killorn blindly redirected it behind himself and into the net. Kind of weak, because Crawford was down and out, for no apparent reason.
• Late in the second period the Blackhawks were caught with some very tired players on the ice but a bouncing puck got past Stralman. Kris Versteeg jumped off the bench and stole the puck from Stralman, heading towards the net. The puck was knocked away but Versteeg's momentum carried him towards Hedman, who tripped him up. Versteeg crashed head first into the net and was awarded a weak goaltender interference penalty for his effort. That is a terrible call. Apparently the meatball nation was screaming about concussion protocol. The only reason Versteeg grabbed his face was that he thought he was bleeding. Relax, all you WebMDs. Until they rule that every head hit needs to go to the locker room, you'll have judgement calls. He looked fine and the refs are no better doctors than we are.

The Lineblender
Saad-Toews-Kane
Versteeg-Richards-Hossa
Teravainen-Vermette-Sharp
Shaw-Kruger-Desjardins

Keith-Hjalmarsson
Oduya-Seabrook
Rundblad-Cumiskey

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Blackhawks at Lightning 4-0 Loss Recap / Kimmo Timonen Deal

Lightning Crashes

by Patrick Stankus

I had a bad feeling about this Friday right from the time the alarm went off this morning. As if battling a hangover wasn't bad enough, Gatekeeper decided to pull an Alexander Karpovtsev "my shoulder hurts" and asked if I would be kind of enough to fill in for the recap tonight. Since I am such a nice guy, I said yes. Boy did I pick a helluva a game/night to fill in on recap duty.

Despite playing the second game of a very, very, very difficult back to back series in Miami and Tampa (makes that Minnesota and Edmonton back to back sound like a cake walk), the Blackhawks came out with some jump to their step. At the end of the first period, the Blackhawks out shot the Bolts, 10 to 7, and Lemont native Scott Darling kept the Bolts off the board. After one the game was scoreless.

As the second period went on, this game went to hell in a hand basket quickly. The Blackhawks had an early power play, where they had some chances, but couldn't get one past Ben Bishop. Later in the period, the Hawks had another power play, that looked awful and got nothing accomplished. The Lightning used the momentum they built off of the two penalty kills, and got two pucks past Lemont native Scott Darling, to give the Bolts a 2-0 lead after two.

In the third period, the effort simply wasn't there, and the excuses of 3 games and 4 nights started to pile up by Steve Konroyd and Pat Foley. Boo friggin' hoo, it was a back to back of Miami and Tampa. Not that difficult. Anyway, the Bolts got two more goals past Darling, both of the power play kind, and ended up sealing a 4-0 win for the home team.

The Good
- Stan Bowman finally put on his big boy pants during the game, and made a trade. (More on that later)
- Wasn't it nice to see Teuvo get some power play time? Glad to see Q hit the stop button on the power play line blender.

The Bad
- Lemont native Scott Darling wasn't horrible, but he wasn't great either. He may have been adequate to an extent. With putrid defense in front of him, you can't pin the entire loss on him.
- Teuvo had a bad pass that went off the side of the net, right to a Lightning player, and eventually in the back of the net.
- Based on recent games, we'll say a 50/50 night at the dot, should be some sort of a win.

The Ugly
- Screw it, the ENTIRE defensive core is nothing less than hot vomit in a garbage bag. Everyone.
- Duncan Keith's sub par play continued, as he had a nice one man parade to the penalty box. Although Kris Versteeg tried to tag along with two penalties of his own.
- Words to describe the power play; 0 for 3 on the night. Keep it up boys.
- Oh good Lord, enough of the tired, poor us Blackhawks excuses. Too bad, every team plays 3 games in 4 nights during the season.
- This game, and the next bit of news may have made me turn into this:



Onto the trade news.......

Blackhawks acquire D Kimmo Timonen for 2015 2nd Round Pick and 2016 conditional 4th Round Pick

Jump for joy Blackhawks fans!!! Stan Bowman finally made that much anticipated trade we've all been waiting for. And the result was a resounding dud. Bowman acquired defenseman Kimmo Timonen from the Flyers for 2 drafts picks. What. The. Fuck Stan Bowman???!! Seriously this is the trade for the defenseman the team needs? A soon to be 40 year old, who's missed the entire season with blood clots. Did I mention Bowman gave up two of his prized draft picks?  Whatever. Its a trade we all wanted. I guess we should all be careful what we wish for. I honestly think this is Bowman giving Quenneville the two fingered salute for not playing his prized prospects. I can see the conversation of; "Okay Joel, you want veterans, I'll get you a veteran." And he goes out and makes this move for a veteran defenseman. If Q doesn't feel like he was just bitch slapped by a Mr. Know It All, well he should. It wouldn't surprise me if the feud between the two egos starts to boil over. Isn't it nice to know the window is shutting so fast on the Blackhawks, just as spring is approaching. It would be nice to get the smell of the feud out, but it doesn't look that is going to happen any time soon. Based on this move, and the overall chemistry between the entire organization, it wouldn't shock me if a coaching change comes to usher in the new core of players next season. Only time will tell. This is the first move of a likely second move that is coming, so we'll see whether or not if that second move involves Patrick Sharp.

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Blackhawks vs Lightning3-2 Shootout Win Recap

"Mouth For War"


After a weird day in Chicago, with the temperature dropping 30 degrees and the legendary Turano Bakery exploding into a ball of flames, the Blackhawks hosted the Tampa Bay Lightning for a frosty November tilt. The Bolts came in as one of the hotter teams in the NHL, and the Blackhawks could be best described as tepid.

The Blackhawks first period should have very well been at least 1-0 in their favor, but the Lightning took advantage of another poor Hawks line decision, and held a 1-0 lead after twenty minutes.

The second period was more successful for the Blackhawks. While they only out shot Bolts 12-7, they were able to tie the game and take a 1-1 tie into the third period.

THe Blackhawks came out and took a fast lead in the third period while getting out shot 11-7, but could not hold the lead. A late Lightning goal forced this game into extra time and, eventually, a shootout.

The Good

• Despite the goal results, the Blackhawks outshot the Lightning in the first period 19-6, which is what we should be happy with. Shooting percentage is another story altogether
• Halfway through the second period, Quenneville threw the defensive combination of Rozsival and Richards out on the powerplay, which might be the slowest combination ever imagined. Sure enough, Versteeg gets thrown into Bishop and Richards eventually gets a goal, which means Quenneville with beat us to death with his newest asinine Boggle combination. That said, the Blackhawks had tied the game. I suppose we were supposed to be happy about that.
• Just a minute and a half into the third period and Marcus Kruger tipped a long Hjalmarsson shot past Bishop to give the Blackhawks a 2-1 lead. The Blackhawks were due for a bounce and this was it.
• Crawford rebounded from giving up the first shot of the game to save 28 of 29, including the shootout. By the way, this was priceless:
  
• Even though he got the loss, Ben Bishop is the real deal. In the mold of a Pekka Rinne, I'm glad he is in the eastern conference.

The Bad

• The second period rolled around and Quenneville pulled out the Lineblender once again. The Defense was Keith/TVR, Oduya/Seabrook, Hjalmarsson/Rozsival. Not only that, but Richards was right back on the fourth line, which means his promotion lasted all of 20 minutes. Shaw was moved back to the second pivot.
• During two consecutive shifts, in the second period, Versteeg had 2-on-1 breaks with Toews and Kane. Both times he saucered the pass, and both should have been goals. Bishop robbed the Hawks on both plays, but I have to give Versteeg credit where it's due.
• Johnny Oduya blocked a Jason Garrison slapshot just previous to the second Bolts goal, and didn't return. Just previous to overtime Oduya was seen heading to the locker room and angerly threw something down the hallway. Not a good sign.
• The Blackhawks had 23 shot attempts blocked. Still an issue that needs to be addressed.

The Ugly

• If there is one thing everyone agrees about, it's that Brad Richards and Brent Seabrook are a terrible second powerplay pairing on defense. The only person that can't see this is, of course, Joel Quenneville. Not 5 minutes into the game, the Blackhawks earned a powerplay, and sure enough Dr. Lineblender throws his horrible nag out there. Sure enough, Richards makes a terrible play at the Bolts blue line and gives up a 2-on-1...WHICH ends up in the back of the Blackhawks net. What a stupid stubborn asshole, Quenneville is. Maybe Crawford should have made the save, but there is no way that he should have been put in that position.
• Late in the second period, after a play in front of Bishop, Jeremy Morin was slammed to the ice by JT Brown, and the only one to stick up for him was...Jeremy Morin. Bickell just stood there like Frankenstein staring at a flaming torch. Morin ended up in the box but drew the extra 2 minutes.
• Ben Smith got one of the worst goaltender interference penalties I have ever seen. He bumped Bishop just outside the crease and Bishop just gave him the Rock Bottom.
• Halfway through the third period the Blackhawks misfortunes started when Johnny Oduya blocked a shot. The Lightning pinned the Hawks deep in their zone, and a Deuce clearing attempt took a bad bounce off the official. All these circumstances totaled one thing, a Lightning goal. Nikita Kucherov took a Drouin pass on the back door and tied the game.
• I'm pretty sure that I've come to the end of my time as Bryan Bickell apologist. I watched him let a smaller teammate get pounded right in front of him, and then later he basically did a fly-by rather than actually doing a quick stop and fighting for the puck. I can't defend that. It's lazy and worthless.
• Fourth line wingers Regin and Morin played under 14 minutes total. I guess rolling 3 lines is part of "the plan". Can't wait for March, when all those well rested forwards will still be stapled to the bench, and Marian Hossa can barely stand up. Lets hear it for blind faith!

The Shootout

• Callahan ran out of room
• Toews stopped by Bishop'spad
• Crawford closed the 5-hole on Kucherov
• Kane backhand top shelfer
• Crawford stops Stamkos

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

Keith-Seabrook
Oduya-Hjalmarsson
van Reimsdyk-Roszival

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The Week That Was - 10/25/13

As with everything, life and family take precedence over hobbies and extracurricular activities. Especially when you write a blog in what little free time you have. I touched on this through Facebook and Twitter about a week and a half ago, but going forward my game recaps will change format. They will be more brief and consolidated into end of the week summaries. Thanks again for understanding and supporting my silly little dream.

All that being said, here goes:

10/19 - Blackhawks vs. the Maple Leafs

• Brandon Pirri scored his 2nd goal in as many games, on the powerplay, on a set up by Brandon Saad. These two youngsters are showing some great chemistry.
  
• Bryan Bickell and Michael Kostka scored their first goals of the season. Kind of poetic that Kostka scored his against his former team.
  
• The PK took another kit with Khadri's powerplay goal.
  
• The Hawks had 40 shots on net while only allowing 20. MOAR BETTER
  
• The Hawks won 56% of their faceoffs, which is about as much as you can ask. They particularly picked on Tyler Bozak all night.
  
• Nick Leddy quietly had a nice night with 2 assists.
  

Here are the video highlights: 10/22 - Blackhawks in South Florida

• The Hawks surrendered yet another third period lead, this time a 2 goal lead. This is unacceptable against a team that's struggling like the Panthers.
  
• Carter 7 and Deuce had a rough third period, each lugging a minus 2.
  
• Hawks centers actually had a second good night at the dots winning another 56%. This time Marcel Goc was their whipping boy
  
• Somehow, Ben Smith was credited with 4 blocked shots.
  
• Crawford had a really nice stop on a Huberdeau penalty shot.
  
• The Hawks powerplay continued to click with the Toews goal, on a feed from Keith.
  

10/24 - Blackhawks at Tampa Bay

• Khabibulin was simply just not good. Few more of these and the meatheads will be calling for his head on a stick. He faced 25 shots and let 6in. That's terrible.
  
• For the third game in a row, the Hawks were over 50% at the dots. Stamkos had his dick beat in at the dots, but with 4 points, who cares?
  
• Kane looked like a man on fire with a goal and an assist, but still managed a minus 3. Oduya joined Kane with his own minus 3.
  
• Seabrook had a quiet plus 4 night. Carter 7 on the case.
  
• El Capitan had a nice two point night.
  
• Stamkos was incredible. 4 points. That guy is a stud.
  

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Blackhawks vs. Lightning - Shootout Loss Recap

"Choke Sermon"

The Blackhawks came off a nice little three day rest and welcomed the Tampa Bay Lightning into the United Center, Saturday night, for a warm October tilt. The Hawks were coming off a big opening night win over the Caps. It wasn't what you'd call a tightly played contest. Both teams were sloppy, and it was very clear that they were rusty. The only change for the Blackhawks was that Ben Smith was made his debut as Jimmy Hayes took a seat. Live from the United Center in Chicago....it's the Hawks and Lightning

For all of us spoiled by the great action of last season, a first period like this one will lull you to sleep. The Hawks held the Bolts to a big goose egg in the shots on net department, while throwing 11 pucks at the Tampa Bay net. Not much to write home about.

The Blackhawks opened up a 2-0 lead while out shooting the Lightning 13-6 in the second period. I guess the Bolts should have been celebrating their six shots because the Hawks had a goal before the Lightning managed a single shot on Crawford.

The third period was a disaster for the Hawks. They gave up two goals to allow the Lightning to tie the game up, even though the Bolts only had 8 shots. A fairly boring game that was now going to overtime. Lovely.

When all was said and done the Lightning pulled out a 3-2 shootout win. I hate shootouts.

The Good

• Crazy 8s opened up a 1-0 Hawks lead just a minute into the second period. This was before the Bolts had a single shot on net. Hammer set the play up by driving up the right side and throwing the puck on net at a tight angle. Bickell whacked at the rebound and Kane chipped the third chance over Bishop.
• General Saad got one of the easiest goals he's ever going to get, on the powerplay. Leddy dumped the puck in deep and high off the glass. The puck took a ridiculous bounce off a partition right back in front of the net that had been vacated by Bishop, who was trying to meet it behind the net. Saad met it and poked it into the net. 2-0 Hawks.
• The Hawks weren't terrible at the dots. 50% should be considered a win for this group. Kruger was pretty bad, but the rest of the team had solid numbers.
• Even though the powerplay goal was a fluke, the pressure that the Hawks put on was pretty impressive. If the Hawks traded in the PK success for PP success, I might consider that a loss.
• Brandon Saad was probably the Hawks best player on the night. He was everywhere. Again, this was only game two, but this is promising.

The Bad

• A lost faceoff deep in the Hawks zone led to a fat rebound that Keith actually had decent coverage on, but Martin St. Louis chipped it up and over Crawford's glove half way through the third period.
• Teddy Purcell took advantage of a Toews penalty and tied the score up on their 11th shot of the game, just 2 minutes after the St. Louis goal. The goal was set up by a pass from St. Louis that went off the skate of Deuce and right into Purcell's wheelhouse.

The Ugly

• The penalty kill has now given up goals on 4 of 7 chances, which is fucking terrible. I understand it's a two game sample size, but they swapped out Nordstrom for Smith and ended up with the same result.

The Shootout

• Toews was stopped by Bishop
• Filppula beat Crawford
• Kane was bested by Bishop
• Hedman hit the post
• Hossa couldn't beat Bishop.

The Lineblender

Kane-Toews-Bickell
Sharp-Handzus-hossa
Saad-Shaw-Smith
Bollig-Kruger-Nordstrom

Keith-Seabrook
Oduya-Hjalmarsson
Kostka-Leddy
The Video Highlights

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Blackhawks at Tampa - OT Loss Recap

"Lightning McQueen"



Seeing as how the other night's SO win wasn't as easy as it should have been, this one was going to prove to be a bit tougher, on the ass end of a back-to-back road trip, no less. The Lightning are also 3-1 at home, which didn't bode well for the Hawks. The Hawks could ill afford to be sloppy on defense with the ringers this team has on offense, which is exactly what they got away with Thursday night. This time the Hawks were going with Razor Emery in net and without Deuce on defense again, so they needed to be extra careful on defense.

The Hawks came out fast and furious in the opening period and had a majority of the chances, along with 15 shots on net. Unfortunately, it yielded them no goals. No goals either way, in fact. The second period looked like a completely different game, in a completely different decade, with the teams putting up a total of EIGHT goals on the board. No defense allowed, here. Oddly enough, the game was still tied when the dust settled, though. The third period went back to the trend, and neither team was able to score. The Hawks then went into extra time for the second game in a row, and this one didn't turn out quite the same, as the Hawks broke down and gave up the OT winner late in the extra period.

The Good

• Between El Capitan and Vik Stalberg, the Hawks had all the momentum in the first 5 minutes of the game. Vik had the first 3 shots and a couple of steals. Tazer had a beautiful rush up the right side of the ice, making the defensemen look like they were standing still.
• Stalberg continued his solid first period by finishing with 4 shots on net, and 3 or 4 more that missed the cage. I have no problem with him throwing the puck at the net. It sure beats a turnover or no chance at all. People will be critical of his aim, but at least he was there to get the puck in the right general direction. Remember, he's still trying to figure out who he's heven going to be playing with on a nightly basis.
• The Hawks were FINALLY able to come though on the powerplay, after what seemed like a thousand chances. Kane dished it to Tazer, who let a quick blind backhand pass to Shooter, who was sitting wide open on the back door, with a gaping net. 1-1
• Kaner set up Boss to tie the game up again, just a few minutes after giving up the lead. The Hawks won the faceoff and worked a rotation play to perfection, with Boss finding himself wide open on the back door, and Kaner feeding him the puck. Situations don't get drawn up any better than that.
• CAR BOMB put the Hawks up 3-2 with his first Blackhawks goal, in the second. First, he made a beautiful defensive play to poke the puck off the Tampa defender, and then out ahead. He then outraced the defenders, controlled the puck, pulled the puck to his backhand and roofed it. All while running out of gas. Beautiful goal from beginning to end.
• Kaner quickly followed up the Car Bomb tally, 12 seconds later, with a great feed to Sharpie on a give-n-go, to put the Hawks up 4-2.

The Bad

• Seabrook and Hammer gave up a break-a-way to Stamkos in the middle of the first period, but Razor was able to follow him across the crease and keep the game 0-0. That Stamkos kid is decent, isn't he?
• The Lightning took a 1-0 lead, 15 seconds onto the second period on a rebound, that Razor couldn't control. Seabrook was slow tying Stamkos up, who was able to quickly poke it in the net.
• The Hawks gave up the lead on a complete cluster fuck of a play. Leddy and O'Donnell got caught flat footed on St. Louis. Bolland pushed the eventual goal scorer into the crease, where he was basically in Emery's way and was able to coral the puck off his skate and put it into the net.
• The third Tampa goal was a direct result of Nick Leddy not controlling the puck that was originally right on his stick. He knew he had it between his skates, he was wasn't able to gather himself enough to either kick it ahead, or move his feet to get his stick on it. So, he stood there with his head down like a dog chasing his tail, looking at his feet, Stamkos knocked his wiener in the dirt. Leddy then took his time getting back up as he pouted, and was late getting back into the play. When Purcell went around the net, Leddy had PLENTY of time to tie up Stamkos' stick and decided to try dry humping him from behind, instead. Stamkos had a clean chance to deposit it past Emery.
• Stammer got his hat trick goal on a powerplay. Hammer and Seabrook got caught up in front of the net, and Stamkos snuck out on the back door. St. Louis faked the shot, and hit Stammer for a one timer on an open net.

The Ugly

• Nick Leddy was a sign of futility in the second period going MINUS 3! No mater how you slice that, it's not good, in fact it's TERRIBLE Slice it up, and make excuses all you'd like, but the fact is that if you're out there for 3 even strength goals against in one period, something is wrong.
• Not only was Leddy pretty undesirable in the second, but Lurch, Bolly, Frodo, and Bick were all minus 2.
• The Lightning won the game on a play that went bad fast. Bolly lost his stick and the play broke down fast. The Lightning were able to keep the puck in the zone, and it ended up on the stick of St. Louis who make a great pass over Leddy's stick to a wide open Lecavalier, and that's as good as money.

Here are your video highlights:

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Shooting Blanks

Tonight the Hawks hosted the Tampa Bay Lighting and it was another game you would think they could win. The Lightning were playing their backup netminder, and were missing Ryan Malone. They certainly have talent with Lecavalier, St. Louis, and Stamkos, but the Hawks were suppose to be playing with some urgency. So much for that theory. More like urgently heading for tee time.

The game opened up with a very boring first period. Even though the Hawks outshot the Lightning 7-4, the Lightning scored the lone goal of the period on a powerplay tally. The second was more of the same for both squads. The Hawks outshot the Lightning 11-4 in the the period, but still went into the second intermission down 1-0. And in what was probably the most BORING game of the year, the Hawks didn't manage to score in the third either, with Tampa scoring an empty netter.

I'm quickly losing interest in this uninspiring trip to Vanillatown. For a while the big dogs were carrying this team, but with the loss of Sharpie, this team has sunk to the depths of mediocrity. It is, what it is, I guess. Just don't make plans for another June parade, or a second round playoff appearance.

The Good

• I am really becoming a fan of Ryan Johnson, and I was one of his most harsh critics, at the time of the signing. He is a hustler that does all the little things very well. On the second period kill of Frolik's four minute high sticking infraction, he dove head first to clear the puck out of the zone and then followed it up by drawing a penalty against St. Louis. Those are HUGE plays. Not to be overshadowed, night after night he has also been the team leader in faceoff wins as well. He's won my admiration, and he's played Jake Dowell out of a job.
  
• I mentioned 3 games ago, about how Stalberg was unfairly removed from the first line, and replaced with Brouwer. The second period rolled around, and guess who was back, helping cause chances? Pick-to-Click Vik. Why we needed to endure this needless flip-flopping is beyond me. Yes, Bickell scored a lame game tying goal, but that was by fault of his own. Garon virtually threw that puck in his own net.
  
• Faceoffs weren't all to bad. Johnson was his normally freakish 70%, and the rest of the normal centers were around 50%. Nothing to complain about here.

The Bad

• An early Hammer delay game penalty resulted in a quick, as in 8 seconds, Vinny Lecavalier tap in powerplay goal, with Seabs getting outmuscled in front of the net.
  
• The second period slashing call on Ryan Johnson was atrocious. He made a great play to get back and interrupt the shot. That was in no way an infraction.

The Ugly

• Steve Downie is in the same category as Matt Cooke, Steve Ott, and Steve Avery. A card carrying member of the Douche Bag Club of America. Seabrook, probably a little charged up by a big hit from Stamkos a few moments earlier, laid out Downie like a crash test dummy, with the stress on DUMMY. Of course, he took exception to the hit, first trying to initiate a fight, and finally spearing Seabrook in the gut. Props to Seabs for not reacting, because most people would have gone bananas.
  
• Well, it's all the obvious here. Can't do much when you can't score any goals. With Lecavalier out for most of the game, Ryan Malone out altogether and playing a rusty netminder, the Hawks still can't manage a single goal. Oh the playoffs are going to be fun; and short

Here are the video highlights for your viewing pleasure:

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The Lightning Thief

After Tuesday's hiccup, the Hawks traveled across the state of Florida to face the Lightning, and this is a very different team from the Panthers. The Ice Rays have plenty of scoring talent, so the Hawks would need to play much better than they did in the first, Tuesday night. In a bit of a surprise move, Quenneville announced that Corey Crawford would be playing again, so it looks like Quenneville isn't going to leave anything to chance. It was also announced that Brian Campbell and Viktor Stalberg would be replaced by Dog Pisani and Big Show Scott...YIKES.

The Hawks didn't look especially good in the first period, but they didn't look especially bad either. One slight gaffe, and one pretty big Gaffe both ended up in their own net, but they also managed one themselves. Each team had a goal in the middle period to set up yet ANOTHER crucial third period. Can't they set themselves up for ANYTHING easy? The Hawks came back and tied the game on the sheer will of their Captain, and send the game into overtime. The overtime was fast and furious with huge chances either way, but no one could finish the game. This game would be decided by a single shootout goal, by Tampa.

The Good

• For the first time in weeks, someone other than Brent Seabrook actually hit and opponent on defense, and that was Chris Campoli on Bergenheim. This kid has looked really good.
  
• Frodo made two great defensive plays on Vinny Lecavalier, first lifting his stick to steam the puck and then blocking a turnaround shot. You will NEVER gain haters by making smart plays in your own zone, especially as a forward.
  
• Kaner continued his hot play, sniping D-wayne Roloson to wake the Hawks bench up. He just circled around and snapped it top shelf.
  
• Sharpie finally worked out of his little slump, picking up El Capitán's garbage and bringing the Hawks within one goal. Tazer dug in and took a pass off the skate which Rolly kicked back out, and made a second save on Toews, but Shooter picked up the loose puck on the third rebound and sent it home.
  
• In the last two minutes of the second, Stamkos and St. Louis came in on a 2-on-1, and as soon as Stamkos received the pass, Pat Foley said, "open ne-CRAWWWWFORD!!". He clearly felt that puck was going in the net, and I had to laugh at his premature reaction.
  
• Leave it up to Edzo to point out a big faceoff win by El Capitán, that ended up in the net. Tazer ended up finishing the play by redirecting a Hammer shot past Roloson. Watching Toews play is a real treat, folks, so cherish it. He is a rare and special player.
  
• The Hawks were extremely lucky on the St. Louis chance in OT, because it went off Hossa's stick, then Seabrook's stick and then the crossbar. My stomach literally dropped when I saw it hit Seabrook's stick.

The Bad

• Kopecky has been relegated to the forth line and leave it up to him to take a bad offensive zone penalty, in one of his few shifts, that the Lightning turned into several good scoring chances.
  
• You can't let Stevie Stamkos skate in and take a clean shot on your goalie. He's the league leader in scoring, for christ sakes. Bolland didn't keep his feet moving and Seabrook got caught deciding what he wanted to do. Granted the Hawks weren't grossly out of position, but he is leading the league for a reason. Stamkos just cut to the middle of the ice and snapped it past Crow. Lovely.
  
• Deuce and Seabrook must really miss each other because in one of their first shifts together, they got caught holding hands and chasing Stamkos. The puck squirted out and St. Louis sniped Crow. I know Stamkos hurt them earlier, but three guys on his back is a little excessive. Happy medium, maybe?
  
• Crow just didn't follow the puck on the third Lightning goal. Hedman took a shot off the skate of Teddy Purcell, who backhanded it into a gaping net. That is just sloppy.
  
• Bick had the game on his stick, with an OT breakaway, and you can imagine how that turned out. NOT the guy you want with the game on his stick in OT.
  
• For the first time Ryan Johnson was ineffective at the faceoff dot, going 3-9.

The Ugly

• I know that Bryan Bickell THINKS he is some kind of fleet footed, 180lb sniper, but he needs to start using that big body to plant opponents on their asses. I've seen Sharpie and Kaner hit more people, and that is sad. As I typed that out, Bickell crushed two Lightning players in the same shift, but I still stand by my comment. He was still a -3 on the night.
  
• Obviously, Big Show and the Dog are no Soupie and Pick-to-Click Vik. Dog can hold his own, but Big Show is overmatched, so the Hawks were rolling 5 D-men, in all reality. To make matters worse, Bolland wasn't seen again after an elbow to the back of the head by Pavel Kubina, in the first period. Lets hope it isn't a concussion, because then he might be out a while.
  
• With three and a half minutes left, in a tie game, Sharpie made a horribly selfish play, trying to stickhandle out of his own zone. It was picked off and sent towards the Hawks net, where there was a wide open Lightning forward. Luckily, Crow snuffed it out.
  
• You HAVE to score in the shootout. All three moves were average at best.
  
• Bitch about the St.Louis goal all you would like, and for the record I hate everything about shootouts, but he made that same backhand move twice in the All-Star Game skills competition. It's no secret.

The Shootout

• Lecavalier missed the net.
  
• Toews had the door shut by Roloson.
  
• Stamkos's spin-o-rama hit the post.
  
• Kaner copied Toews and was stopped.
  
• St. Louis used a spin-o-rama to beat Crawford.
  
• Hossa was stopped by Roloson.

Here are the video highlights for your viewing pleasure:

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