Blackhawks Week That Was - 1/24

1/18 - Blackhawks vs. Bruins
3-2 Shootout Win

• Brad Marchand is such a little pain in the ass. He had two goals, neither of which were things of beauty, but he gets the job done. He seemed to eat Crawford up. If you count the shootout goal, he actually had a hat trick. At least the Hawks didn't get worked like the Kings did the following night.
  
• The Brandon Bollig goal was a sign from above, because he made a terrible decision from a terrible angle and was rewarded. There is no way Rask would have expected a bum like Bollig to shoot from that angle and get that kind of favorable bounce. Not only the goal, but he was creditted with another 7 hits. The UC scorekeeper must be giving him hits for just stepping on the ice.
  
• El Capitan definitely made the bonehead play of the night, after missing a shot and breaking his stick he proceeded to throw half of the stick into the crowd. As a result, he was assessed a 10 minute misconduct. Just drop it, kid.
  
• The Hawks had one of their few off nights at the dots, falling down into the 47% range. #TruckNutz got eaten alive, winning only 5 of 15.
  
• Toews and Kane finally stepped up in a shootout, and made it look easy. Quite frankly they should be doing this more often than not. These guys aren't rookies.
  
• Another assist for Duncan Keith, who just plows along towards his second Norris Trophy.
  
• Bickell was back in the doghouse/morgue playing a team low 8:36. I've given up trying to figure out what the hell is going on there. If Quenneville wants to play his $4 million power forward for only 14 shifts a game, so be it. He didn't see the ice the entire last four minutes of the game and one of his 4 third period shifts was only 9 seconds.
  

Here are the video highlights: 1/22 - Blackhawks vs Red Wings 5-4 Shootout Loss

• The Hawks had their boots on the throats of the Wings, in the first period, and let them off the hook, surrendering a fast 2-0 lead with sloppy defensive play. Johnny Oduya was terrible for a majority of the night. He followed up each terrible decision with an even more stupid followup.
  
• Neither goalie was "great" but Jonas Gustavsson was swatting at flies all night. He fought the puck HARD, and the Hawks simply didn't cause enough chaos in his kitchen.
  
• The Shootout was a joke after El Capitan and Shooter. Hossa's move is now old, Kruger was pathetic, and Shaw was basic. The only real nice save Gustavsson was on Kane. People might not realize just how hard that secondary toe save was. Maybe the Hawks can now hire a shootout consultant, since their faceoff futility seems to be fixed.
  
• Speaking of faceoffs, the Hawks were excellent at the dots, winning an amazing 65% of their draws. This was with #TruckNutz winning only 45%. Toews and Kruger won a clownish 26 of 36 draws, and Shaw was just slightly over 50%.
  
• Bickell AGAIN played a team low 9:31. Something is amiss here. Even if his knees are sore, just plant his big ass in front of Gustavsson to cause some chaos.
  
• Has anyone put an APB out on the artist formerly known as Kris Versteeg? Between him and Bickell, they had a COMBINED nineteen and a half minutes. I can't honestly remember a single shift from either of them.
  
• The story of the night was that Helm, Cleary and Bertuzzi were each minus three, and the Hawks still lost the extra point.
  

Here are the video highlights: 1/23 - Blackhawks at Minnesota 2-1 Loss

• Duncan Keith unexpectedly missed the game with an illness, and the lack of puck movement on the back end showed.
  
• The "dynamic duo" of Oduya and Rozsival were minus 2. Take it for what it's worth. While the Hawks defense was absolutely walked through on the first Wild goal, Raanta misjudged the second goal, by Matt Cooke.
  
• The Hawks looked completely uninterested and anemic. They only managed 17 shots in the first two periods and then tried to turn it on in the third with 17 more. Kane's very late goal was too little too late.
  
• Bickell and Versteeg were still in the 8 minute range of ice time. WHATEVER! That's $6.2 million of forth line glory right there, not counting Handzus' million.
  

Here are the video highlights:

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Blackhawks Week That Was - 1/17

1/11 - Blackhawks at Montreal
2-1 Overtime Loss

• Leave it up to Truck Nutz (Handzus) to screw up what would have been the game winning goal. First he falls down behind the net with absolutely no one around then he gets caught in the crease, which ended up resulting in a waved off goal.
  
• I'm not really sure what the hell Kane and Seabrook were doing in OT, but it was a complete clusterfuck.
  
• Crawford made some outstanding saves, none of which were better than the one he made without his stick and while the Hawks were on the powerplay.
  
• The Hawks were terrible at the dots. Shaw was the best Hawks center at 50%. Kruger and Handzus were in the 30 percentile range.
  
• Kane was a minus 2, with no points. Off night.
  
• Carey Price has definitely benefitted from the arrival of Stephane Waite.
  

Here are the video highlights: 1/12 - Blackhawks vs Oilers 5-3 Win

• Lets not beat around the bush. The talk of the game, and the league, was the goal that Patrick Kane scored on his own empty net during a delayed penalty. At least it didn't cost them anything but some embarrassment and a little schmutz on their faces. Click the link to enjoy the hilarity.
  
• While I've seen a lot of talk about how Raanta should have challenged Hemsky more on his goal there is much more to it. Deuce, Carter Seven and Truck Nutz all left enough room for Hemsky to not only drive the net, but drive through the crease. Of all three, I would have liked to see Seabrook drill Hemsky before he was even able to get to the net. It was clear that Mr Norris Trophy was beaten, and Seabrook had a beat on Hemsky.
  
• It was nice to see Shaw get some time with some talent again, and score. Funny how you put a guy with some wheels out there with Saad and Kane, and things happen.
  
• The Toews goal was just FILTHY. He made Dubnyk turn into putty.
  
• The Hawks were back to dominating the faceoff dots. They were 61% as a team and El Capitan led the way, winning 17 of 23 faceoffs (75%).
  
• The birthday boy, Marian Hossa, had a goal and an assist. Not too shabby for being 35.
  
• Former first overall pick Nail Yakupov was a minus 3, and so was Nick Schultz. Not going to impress the coaching staff that way.
  

Here are the video highlights: 1/14 - Blackhawks vs Avalanche 3-2 Overtime Loss

• The SOLE reason the Blackhawks lost was one person, Semyon Varlamov. The guy made 46 saves, including 13 while shorthanded.
  
• While Varlamov was huge in net, the Hawks defense wasn't exactly stellar. You can put the first Avs goal on Crawford because it was pretty shady but the second Avs goal, 61 seconds later, was all on the Hawks PK. The overtime goal was again on the Hawks defense. Hjalmarsson had a chance to clear the puck and didn't. The defense turned into a complete shit show after that, leaving Barrie wide open to snipe Crawford on the back door.
  
• Shock&Shaw had another strong game, tying up the score in the third period and having an assist on the Oduya goal. That's 2 goals and three points in the two game since he was demoted.
  
• The Hawks were really strong at the dots once again, winning 58% of their draws. El Capitan was insanely good, again, winning 21 of 29 faceoffs (72%).
  
• The Hawks going 0-5 on the powerplay certainly didn't help their woes. If they convert just one of those, which would be below their average, we're not even discussing overtime.
  
• The Blackhawks prized power forward played only 9 shifts for 6:34 and was a minus 1. Either he's really still hurt, or Q just despises him. If he's hurt, then sit him and get someone that is capable of playing more than 3 shifts a period. If he's in the Chateau Bow Wow, then throw him on the 4th line of scratch him.
  
• Versteeg has gone Vercold, once again. He hasn't had a point in six games and is a minus 3 with 7 PIMs in those games. He hasn't had a goal in 9 games.
  

Here are the video highlights: 1/17 - Blackhawks vs Ducks 4-2 Win

• Well, Well, Well. Looks like the cold stiff corpse of Bryan Bickell made an appearance when it counted. His third period breakaway goal, with a guy draped all over him, ended up being the game winner. Back to the casket for you, sir.
  
• Speaking of cold stiff corpses, who is that number 23 guy? Versteeg's goal was a little flukey, especially because he barreled into three Ducks players and still managed to eventually poke the puck by Hiller. He was rewarded by getting hit at teh end of the second by Bryan Bickell and never returned.
  
• It amazes me that with talent like Hossa and Toews on the penalty kill, they are still 29th in the league. The Hossa shorthanded goal, in the first period, was mastery. Three one touch passes and Hoss was off to the races on a really nice 2-on-1.
  
• While the first Ducks goal was a really nice effort from Getzlaf, Hammer started it off with a needless blind backhand pass, and Johnny Oduya completely overcommitted to the slide. The second Ducks goal was a woof fest. Crawford just got eaten up by a fairly easy shot. This is just more fuel to the meatballs call for Raanta, which will be about as fun and entertaining as chewing on a bucket full of broken glass.
  
• The only Hawks center that wasn't great at the dots was Andrew Shaw, who was only 4 of 11. The overall they were at 56%.
  
• I know this is really getting picky, but Brandon Bollig on the ice late in a one goal game, just makes me want to drench puppies in gasoline and set them on fire. Why tempt fate? Also, how he was credited with seven hits, is beyond my comprehension.
  
• Nick Bonino and Nick Beleskey were minus 3 each for the Ducks.
  
• Patrick Sharp had six shots on net and a minus one. It is safe to say he has cooled off a bit.
  
• Remember when the Ducks fans and media wanted to trade Hiller because twenty nine year old Viktor Fasth was their future?
  

Here are the video highlights:

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Blackhawks Week That was 1/10

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

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

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

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

Here are the video highlights:

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Blackhawks Week That Was - 1/3

12/28 - Blackhawks at St. Louis
6-5 Shootout Loss

• The Hawks had two chances to put the Blues away, with a 3-1 lead and a 5-3 lead. They gave both up. They have no one to blame but themselves.
  
• At least half of the Blackhawks goals were pretty terrible. While Raanta wasn't stellar, Halak and Elliott were brutal. The Kane and Seabrook goals should have been elementry stops. The Saad goal wasn't much to shout about, either.
  
• How about that Patrick Sharp kid? Looks like the Hawks might have a player there, eh? Maybe he has a future in this league.
  
• The Berglund goal, to tie the game late in the third, was unacceptable. Seabrook looked gassed, and couldn't keep up with Berglund. Keith went for the pass block instead of trying to poke the puck off Berglund's blade. Raanta, well, I'm not too sure just what happened. He got handcuffed deep in his net. The play end up being a 1 on 3 plus Raanta. You don't score with those odds.
  
• The Hawks were back to winning the faceoff battle, beating the Blues 57% to 43%. El Capitan had a rare off night, but the rest of the center picked up the slack. Berglund won a whopping 3 of 12 faceoffs for St. Louis.
  
• Any game that Barrett Jackman and David Backes are a combined minus 2 with zero points, is fine with me.
  
• Sharp and Toews are a combined plus 10 in the past two games. #Clutch
  
• Shootouts suck. Every single one.
  

Here are the video highlights: 12/30 - Blackhawks vs Kings 1-0 Shutout Win

• There wasn't much as far as goals go, especially since the only goal was in the first period, but that didn't mean there wasn't action. There was Dustin Brown's unsuccessful penalty shot, break-a-ways, hits, and big saves. This game might have been one of the more exciting 1-0 games you're going to see.
  
• I truly thought that Antti Raanta is that goalie that will always give up that one goal to always elude the shutout. Just a few games ago he gave up 2 goals on 12 shots. Not a stellar night. Good for him though. The duo of Crawford and Raanta give the Hawks a serious team, better than even last year. I like Emery, but he's awkward and injury prone. Give me the 25 year old finnish guy with non plastic hips.
  
• As far as the penalty shots go the officials were very inconsistent. If Dustin Brown's chance was a penalty shot then the chance Jonny Toews had in the third period was as well, and vice versa. Neither was a clean breakaway chance, but both were similar. Since they made the statement and gave Brown the shot, El Capitan deserved one also. If they didn't give Brown that shot, I wouldn't have disagreed, and I wouldn't have been upset that Toews didn't get one either.
  
• The Hawks had a powerplay goal waved off in the third period and it was the right call. Andrew Shaw redirected a high Sharp slapshot down and into the net, but the redirection was a clear high stick. This one, the officials got right.
  
• Late in the third, the Hawks, specifically Duncan Keith, got caught napping and let Kyle Clifford get in on a break-a-way. Keith didn't pout and coast back, he turned in the burners and not only caught Clifford, but reached around and knocked the puck away without any hint of an infraction. This was as big of a play as the Sharp steal against Colorado.
  
• While the Hawks were out hit, as per usual, Andrew Shaw was credited with NINE hits. Merry Christmas Shawzer.
  
• The Hawks continued their dot dominance, winning the battle against the Kings, 60% to 40%. The only center under 50% was old man Zeus, with was at 45%. El Capitan and Dream Warrior won 25 of 36 faceoffs between them.
  
• Johnny Oduya didn't have his best night, being credited with 4 giveaways.
  

Here are the video highlights: 1/2 - Blackhawks at New York Islanders 3-2 Overtime Loss

• The Hawks came out with a nice pace, but their defense left something to be desired. The Cizikas breakaway goal was due to a lazy change and Bickell being fed a live grenade. The pass was not a great one, even though Bickell was not exactly hauling ass, but I believe it was either Seabrook or Hjalmarsson that pulled the pin and lobbed that live grenade off to Bickell. Bickell just looked like a fucking sloth after it was turned over, because Cizikas just whizzed right past him. The Vanek goal was just sloppy coverage in the Hawks end. A rebound popped out to Vanek, who had an open net. And Finally, the game willing goal was terrible over pursuit by Sharp, Keith and Hjalmarsson. They all flocked to Tavares like his hair was on fire, and left Okposo wide open to pick up the fat rebound.
  
• None of the goals could be plopped squarely on Crawford's shoulders, and he looked just fine. In fact he was less rusty than I had expected. I'm glad to see him back. Haters can eat a rather large bag of fecal matter.
  
• Ben Smith was probably the most noticeable Blackhawks player on the ice. He was rewarded for his hard work with game tying goal. Poetic justice.
  
• Seabrook's powerplay goal was a howitzer from the left circle on a nice feed from Versteeg. Nabokov had suck a slim chance of getting that puck, yet still just missed it.
  
• I have to give credit where it's due, and Evgeni Nabokov player an excellent game. He made 37 saves and neither of the goals were his fault. For a guy that is just short of 159 years old, he was on his game.
  
• Brandon Saad didn't show up on the score sheet, but he had a burst of speed that began as a 1 on 2, and almost ended up a breakaway, in the third period. This kid is so special. He would be a top 6 forward anywhere else in the league, and possibly, top 3. I love this kid's game.
  
• Deuce and Hammer didn't have their best games. They were each minus 2.
  
• The Hawks were credited with THREE hits. THREE! That stat category is utterly worthless. Matt Martin had 3 hits just stepping onto the ice.
  
• The Hawks were 1 for 1 on the powerplay, and didn't give up and powerplay goals. That is something to slide over to the "plus" category.
  

Here are the video highlights: 1/3 - Blackhawks at New Jersey Devils
5-3 Win

• Sharpie with yet another Hat Trick. He's playing on another level.
  
• Keith, Toews, and Sharp were all plus 4 on the night.
  
• The game was fairly tame until the third period came around and both teams came out and combined for 6 third period goals.
  
• Only 10 shifts in the entire game for Bickell. Welcome to Chateau Bow Wow.
  
• Henrique, Ryder and Clowe were all minus 4. WOOF!
  
• Ben Smith and Kruger were terrible at the dots, winning only 5 of 16.
  
• Raanta wasn't at his best, but he did enough to keep the Hawks into the game until they blew it open.
  

Here are the video highlights:

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When We Have Nothing Else To Complain About:The Blackhawks Goalie Controversy

Now that I have all of your attention, it is time for a little education, so lets get a few things out in the air. There is no controversy in the net, for the Chicago Blackhawks. The only controversy is firmly planted in meatball heads. The same types of meatballs that wanted Henry Burris, PT Willis, or Will Furrer to start for the Chicago Bears.

This is, in fact, what you all look and sound like:

The Chicago Blackhawks are Corey Crawford's team, and it will stay that way unless he gets more severely injured or he has an epic collapse. Crawford has done nothing for the Hawks but win a Stanley Cup, and rack up a solid record. In fact, he had the most wins of any NHL goaltender, until he hurt his groin. While Anttio Raanta's save percentage is a bit better, Corey Crawford has been far and above better in shootouts. Corey Crawford is 4-2 on Shootouts with an excellent .833 save percentage, while Raanta is 0-3 with a rather paltry .533 save percentage. This would lead any rational (and labeling some of you as rational is QUITE a stretch) person to believe that the Blackhawks defense helps cushion both goalies, but it benefits Raanta much more. When the game is solely left up to him, he's still green, as far as experience and production goes. Just a few mere games ago, Raanta only faced 12 shots and gave up 2 goals. That's FOUR shots a period. FOUR! If that was Corey Crawford, the meatball nation would be marching the streets of Chicago with pitchforks and torches. Why? Because they are meatballs.


Being slightly green goalie is not bad. Raanta has only played 29 games on the smaller US ice surfaces. His total numbers (Rockford and Chicago) are 17-6-3, with a .913 save percentage, 1 shutout, and a 2.49 GAA. These are all very admirable, but not worth pinning your hopes on, just yet. Corey Crawford, at the time of his injury, was 17-6-3 with a .907 save percentage, no shutouts, and a 2.47 GAA. Those are facts. Other than save percentage, the numbers are almost identical. For Joel Quenneville to bench his Stanley Cup winning goalie, at this point, would be absolutely ludicrous and you should all be tarred and feathered for suggesting it. Fans should be more upset if, by some miracle of science, Khabibulin comes back and Raanta is sent back to Rockford, which he would.

Stop, just STOP!

I will agree that the Hawks signing Crawford through the 2020 season was a little excessive, and I won't dispute that one bit. The chance that Crawford is going anywhere, including the bench, is highly unlikely. Basically, miniscule. The Blackhawks COULD trade him now, but would be stupid in doing so and the number of takers, with that contract, are going to be few. He's been solid in net, won them a Stanley Cup last June, his ego is not fragile, and he has done nothing to lose his job. His numbers support this argument and stack up with the top goalies in the NHL.

There are a few young back up goalies in the league putting up great numbers. The Blackhawks just saw Martin Jones from Los Angeles, who is putting up far better numbers than Jonathan Quick, Ben Scrivens, Antti Raanta OR Corey Crawford, but you're not going to see him start in the NHL, on a regular basis, over any of them at this time. When Jonathan Quick returns from injury, he will be the starter in LA and Scrivens will be the backup. Period. Martin Jones will then return to being an AHL goalie. This is because Jonathan Quick has done nothing to lose his position, and neither has Scrivens. If it isn't broken, don't fix it.

Those of you running around the intarwebz tooting your Antti Raanta vuvuzelas (look it up and learn something instead of being a dumb shit meatball), just pipe down. The Blackhawks have stumbled upon a nice backup goalie, and he will continue to be a backup goalie. Enjoy it, and relish the luxury the Blackhawks have fallen into.

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Blackhawks Week That Was - 12/28

12/23 - Blackhawks vs Devils -

• Sharp continued his absolutely hot and consistent play, with 2 goals.
  
• Not Antti Raanta's best performance, but it was enough to get things done. He only had to make 10 saves on 12 shots.
  
• The Hawks absolutely dominated at the dots to the tune of 68%. For as quiet of a game as El Capitan had, he won 17 of 22 draws, and was a plus 3.
  
• Sharp (6) and Keith (7) combined for more shots than the entire Devils team.
  

Here are the video highlights: 12/27 - Blackhawks vs Avalanche - 7-2 Win

• Pat and Ed tried to blame it on the lack of skating for 3 days, but the Hawks opened up a can of whoop ass from the word "go".
  
• If Sharp was hot the previous game, he was a towering inferno against the Avs. Shooter had three goals and an assist before the halfway point of the game, but maybe the play of the year thus far was his strip from behind of a Matt Duchene breakaway, and then feed for a Toews breakaway goal back the other way.
  
• Overshadowed by the Sharp hat trick, El Capitan was right behind him with 4 points himself. He just missed his own hat trick late in the game.
  
• On the back end Keith added to his amazing assist pace, with three more.
  
• With all the hoopla and horseshit, the line of Shaw, Bickell, and Saad still managed minus 1's each.
  
• It turned out to be completely irrelevant but the Hawks were beaten at the dots, 46% to 54%.
  
• Eric Johnson and Jan Hejda were eaten alive by the Hawks forwards. They were a combined minus 8 on the night.
  
• I said it on twitter, but I don't care if you're a Hall of Fame goaltender or not. You don't leave your goalie in to eat 7 goals, and a puck to the yap. This is the same guy that cried his way out of Montreal because he was felt he was left in too long. Eat shit, Roy.
  

Here are the video highlights:

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Blackhawks Week That Was - 12/20

12/14 - Blackhawks at Toronto - 7-2 Loss

• Two more powerplay goals against in this one. The Hawks bit themselves in the ass, in the first period, with three straight first period penalties.
  
• Joffrey Lupul and Mason Raymond each had four points, which should just about tell the story
  
• Antti Raanta didn't get much help, but he didn't help himself either. Kent Simpson came in and gave up a goal on his first shot against, just 28 seconds into his first NHL period.
  
• Duncan Keith had a rough night. He was a minus four and looked completely uninterested, at times.
  
• As bad as the Hawks played, they won 53% of their faceoffs.
  
• The Toronto official scorer claims there were 75 (30 to 45) total hits, which I cannot fathom.
  
• Under the radar, Pat Kane had 2 goals on 8 shots while playing the second most TOI for the entire Blackhawks team.
  

Here are the video highlights:

12/15 - Blackhawks vs Kings - 12/15

• The Hawks had an excellent first period, opening up a 3-0 lead with a shorthanded goal, a power play goal, and an even strength goal. Three first period goals would have told the story of a possible rout, but that wasn't to be. The Hawks were shutout the rest of the way.
  
• Sheldon Brookbank at forward makes me very stabby.
  
• Raanta rebounded nicely from the thrashing he took in Toronto, the previous night, with 21 saves. He had an excellent save in the second period on Kopitar that made the highlight reels. Unfortunately the kid is snake bitten as far as shutouts go. He may just be that guy that will always give up at least one, but he's not too shabby, otherwise.
  
• Dan Carcillo was a plus 1 in his 11:53 of TOI. So there is that, LA.
  
• The Hossa shorthanded goal was all Toews. He pressured Jake Muzzin, who coughed the puck up, and dished to Hossa for an easy one timer. Nice to see Kopitar getting back to cover Hossa...oh wait.
  
• The Sharp powerplay stroke was set up by some great patience from Toews. He drew 3 defenders, and dished to a wide open Shooter. Two apples and 77% at the dots for El Capitan.
  

Here are the video highlights:

12/17 - Blackhawks at Nashville -

• How in the hell do the Hawks get some many faceoff violation penalties? A minute and a half into the game, no less. Literally TWO SECONDS after taking a 1-0 lead. Consequently, the Blackhawks had their worst game of the season at the dots. THIRTY SIX percent. OVERALL! Everyone, but Kruger, was cock whipped at the faecoff dots.
  
• If Shea Weber DOESN'T score from that spot, on the powerplay...well...yeah.
  
• Kane's roof shot on Hutton was just absolutely sickening. He was less than ten feet from Hutton and roofed a backhand over Hutton's left shoulder. How do you even prepare for that? As a goalie, you have to just shrug your shoulders, because it's impossible to see that coming.
  
• Raanta continued to show that he's capable of, at least, the backup position. He saw as many powerplay shots as he did even strength ones. Let's hope they can somehow bury Khabibulin on long term IR.
  
• As "clown shoes" as the powerplay was all last year, the Hawks role reversal has been unexplainable. The penalty kill has been absolutely horrid, and the penalty kill has been money in the bank. Third in the entire league behind the Pens and Caps. The PK, well, third worst behind the Panthers and Isles. Quite honestly, I'd rather it be the other way around.
  

Here are the video highlights:

12/20 - Blackhawks vs Canucks - 3-2 Shootout Loss

• Antti Raanta and Eddie Lack both had tremendous games. Even though the shot totals were low, there were several quality chances. Both deserved the win, and none of the goals cleanly beat the goalies. When it looked like the Canucks were going to eat Raanta alive, in the shootout, he shut the door for six straight shooters.
  
• Crazy 8s continues his red hot play, with a goal and assist, leaving him three points behind Sid for the league lead.
  
• The Hawks opened up a 2 goal lead in the second period, and proceeded to blow it.
  
• Both teams were 0-4 on the powerplay, which was a little surprising.
  
• The Canucks Zac Dalpe played a game low 3:14 but still got a chance in the shootout.
  
• Henrick Sedin absolutely sucks in shootouts.
  
• The Hawks were 49% at the dots which isn't terrible, but isn't great either.
  
• The Blackhawks absolutely HAVE to score more than one in eight shootout chances.
  
• It won't show on the score sheet, but Ben Smith had a great night. His drive to the net late in the second was really nice.
  

Here are the video highlights:

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A Brief Look IntoThe William W. Wirtz Era

Recently, reader Frank Klenck shared a letter with me, that he had found stashed away somewhere. The letter was from William W. Wirtz to Blackhawks season ticket holders, on July 24th 1972. In this letter, they not only provide the bill for season tickets, but proceed to specifically badmouth Bobby Hull for, as they call it, "jumping" his contract and joining the WHA. This is just a little insight into just what a deplorable snake William Wirtz was. I hope you all get a kick out of this as much as I did:









Thank you again to Frank, for sharing this very interesting piece of Blackhawks History.

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Blackhawks Week That Was - 12/13

11/16 - Blackhawks vs Panthers - 6-2 Win

• The big news was losing Corey Crawford with an apparent groin injury. Antti Raanta came in and filled in great, with 29 saves.
  
• Three of the Hawks goals ere on the powerplay, which propelled them to a top 5 position. I'll take that. The firt one was 1:10 into the game and they never looked back.
  
• Shooter (1G, 2A) and Kaner (3A) each had 3 points. Money players, earning that cabbage.
  
• Former Hawk Dylan Olsen bit his former team in the ass, with a goal to break the shutout, in the second period. The other most recent former Blackhawk, Jimmy Hayes, led the Panthers with 4 hits.
  
• The Hawks were over 50% at the dots. Good stuff.
  

Here are the video highlights: 11/17 - Blackhawks at Dallas - 6-2 Win

• Like their previous game, the Hawks came out Paul Walker style. Fast and Furious (too soon?). Thor, Michael Kostka, scored in his first shift back from injury.
  
• Sharp and Saad each had two goals; IN THE SECOND PERIOD.
  
• J-Mo had a hell of a third period, earning himself 16 minutes in penalties.
  
• How the Hawks let noted dick cheese, Antoine Roussel, get two goals is beyond me. Fuck that guy, seriously.
  
• After 4 goals, the Hawks chased Kari Lehtonen from the game. Dan Ellis didn't fare much better.
  
• Deuce and Carter Seven were each plus 3. That's what you want from your top pair.
  

Here are the video highlights: 11/19 - Blackhawks vs Flyers - 7-2 win

• The Flyers are just a bunch of dumb asses several times they took cheep shots behind the play. I hope they rot in futility like St. Louis. The Hawks gave up a 1-0 first period deficit and opened up the flood gates in the second, with 5 goals.
  
• Even though the Hawks won by such a large margin, they still managed to give up two powerplay goals. Second worst penalty kill in the league. How does this happen after having one of the best last season?
  
• Sharp had a goal and two assists, while Hossa had 3 apples himself. Even though he didn't have any points, Hjalmarsson was a plus 3 to lead the Hawks
  
• The Hawks were at 58% as far as faceoffs go. Kruger took the most faceoffs of any Hawks center and won 11 of 14 (79%). None of the Flyers centers were over 50%
  
• The Hawks scored two powerplay goals (Keith, Sharp) and a shorthanded goal (Handzus) themselves.
  
• Ray Emery was pretty terrible. He didn't exactly have much help in front of him but some of the goals, specifically the Seabrook one, were awful.
  

Here are the video highlights:

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Blackhawks Week That Was - 12/6

11/30 - Blackhawks at Phoenix - 5-2 Win

• Before the fans even had time to settle in, the Hawks had opened up a 3-0 lead. It looked like they may run away with the game, but they let the Yotes back in the game.
  
• Just when it looked like the Hawks were poised to let the Yotes tie up the game, who blows the game back open? Brandon Fucking Bollig. If you would have told me that he would have three times as many goals, as fights, I would have told you you lay off the sauce.
  
• Brandon Pirri has officially been moved from Le Penthouse to Chateau Bow Wow. Seven minutes of ice time is indicative of that.
  
• The Hawks seem to be in a bit of a faceoff rut, losing the battle again to the Yotes. Toews and Handzus were raped.
  
• Antti Raanta had a successful second start for the Blackhawks. Thirty two saves on thirty four shots is very respectable.
  

Here are the video highlights: 11/17 - Blackhawks vs Stars - 4-3 Loss

• Opposite of the previous game, the Blackhawks spotted the Stars a 3-0 lead. They fought back to tie the game in the second, but ran out of gas in the third.
  
• Fuck Antoine Roussel for taunting the crowd. Where is that drunken 100 level trixie to throw beer on a player now? Who names their kid Antoine anymore, anyway? The call was weak in the first place. I'm glad Shaw slapped his ass around earlier in the game.
  
• No one on the Hawks really turned their "give a shit" on, until the second half of the game. The second Dallas goal was a double tip while shorthanded, so expecting Crawford to stop that, is just silly. When you out shoot a team 50-18, you need to win said contest. FIFTY to EIGHTEEN!
  
• The Hawks were above water at the dots, and if Brandon Pirri could win a faceoff, they would have worked Dallas. Pirri won only 3 of 14 faceoffs. The only thing Rich Peverley did for the Stars was win faceoffs.
  
• Leddy was the Q's Doghouse member for this tilt. He sat for a majority of the second period, and scored the game tying goal in his first shift back. I'm sure Quenneville will tell you it's because of the tough love.
  
• Dallas blocked 25 shots, to the Hawks 7.
  

Here are the video highlights: 11/19 - Blackhawks at Minnesota - 4-3 Loss

• Nice to see J-Mo pot a goal in his first game back up, by going hard to the net. Sadly he'll still end up back on Rockford, shortly.
  
• Saad's goal was a thing of absolute beauty. His ferocious forecheck led to a great strip of Mr Defense, Ryan Suter. Saad then drove to the net and beat Harding high on the short side with a ridiculous snipe!
  
• Crawford did not have the best game, but far from the worst.
  
• The Hawks were victimized at the dots again, with Ben Smith and Joakim Nordstrom taking the worst beating.
  
• All that trouble for the Hawks to come back from an 0-2 deficit and then take the lead, but once again, they ran out of steam.
  

Here are the video highlights: 11/22 - Blackhawks vs Ducks - 3-2 Shootout Loss

• Corey Perry is such an annoying little bitch. He went down trying to draw a call, and then popped right back up once he didn't get the call, and tipped the puck past Raanta for the first Ducks goal. Dramatic little girl.
  
• Forty five seconds after the little bitch show, Ben Smith found the puck on his stick and some room to beat Hiller 5-hole and tie the game up.
  
• The Getzlaf goal and the first shootout goal went 5-hole on Raanta, which he needs to fix. If he had just kept his stick in front of him, the Getzlaf goal would have been an easy save. He pulled some crazy splits in the shootout, but still gave up a goal through the gaping 5-hole. He needs work, especially in shootouts, but he is going to be pretty good.
  
• It's about time Versteeg finally did something worthy of giving up two young prospects. His goal is what eventually sent the game to OT and a shootout.
  
• The Hawks dodged a bullet in OT, when Seabrook cross checked Koivu into his own goaltender, leaving the Ducks an opportunity to win the game, but the refs blew the call, and the game went on. The Hawks got away with that one, but squandered the chance later.
  
• Morin only played 7:40 but he tied for the team high with 3 shots. He's creating chances.
  
• Believe it or not, but Marcus Kruger led all Hawks centers with 78% at the dots.
  

Here are the video highlights:

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