Blackhawks vs. Predators5-3 Win Recap

"I Bet You Got Me Wrong"

by Patrick Stankus
Tweet to #Fatrick

The Blackhawks traveled back home late last night in order to complete their home and home series against the Nashville Predators. Gate was so kind to give me the keys to Puckin' Hostile for this series while he's off playing with lizards at some sort of expo that you should definitely go check out. Shameless plug, my apologies. With the majority of Chicago busy watching people play catch, smart money is on the Hawks breaking their slump with no one seeing it, aside from the hockey addicts.

When the puck dropped the Predators came out looking like a team that was ready to play. The Hawks however weathered the storm and the momentum turned in their favor. With Scott Darling playing out of his mind at the other end, the Hawks offense came to live. The Hawks tallied 3 goals in just under 4 minutes, to give them a 3-0 lead just 10 minutes into the game. As the period wound down, Jordin Tootoo took a bad penalty, and the momentum turned in favor of the Predators. With the period winding down, the Preds would get on the board, and trail the Hawks 3-1 after 20 minutes.

The second began with the same tone of the first period. The teams traded momentum runs that resembled that of a playoff game. Midway through the period, the Hawks had a couple of good looks, but couldn't increase their lead. Late in the period, Artem Anisimov took a hooking penalty and put the Hawks shorthanded. Much like Seabrooks power play goal in the first, the Predators wasted little time in making the Hawks pay for it, as they cut the lead to 3-2. As time wound down in the period, Darling made a couple of saves to keep the lead in favor of the Hawks after 40 minutes.

The final period was full of entertainment, much the first two periods. The Hawks had an early power play that they were able to take advantage of. It looked as if Marian Hossa had scored his 500th career goal, but instead it was #DickPanik who hammered home a loose puck in the crease to give the Hawks a two goal lead again. That lead was short lived, as the Predators capitalized on Brian Campbell doing everything but play defense, and cut the lead to one. As the game wound down, the Hawks held off the Preds, and #Dick Panik added an empty netter to complete the hat trick and give the Hawks a 5-3 win.

The Good

• I think we need to change the #DickPanik name to #DickFuckingPanik. What a game for #14. Panik netted his first career hat trick tonight, and his first goal of the night was a thing of beauty. Keep telling me he won't get 15-20 goals this years.
• Nick Schmaltz scored his first career goal tonight. Aside from that, he was kind of 'meh' the rest of the night, but he deserves the mention for his memorable night.
• The power play was 2 for 3 tonight. That's not something we're used to. I'll take that.
• While the initial start wasn't ideal, the Hawks woke up early enough before they dug themselves into a hole. They simply blew the doors off Nashville in the middle part of the 1st period.
• Its amazing what winning a draw can do for you. On Seabrook's goal, Toews won the draw, the Hawks cycled the puck back to the point and magically the puck ended up in the back of the net.
• Scott Darling had a solid night in net. He saved 33 of 36 shots en route to the win. And I'll answer your question, NO.
• I guess only taking two penalties is a positive, especially when your PK is struggling.

The Bad

• Already there's people freaking out about Panarin's slow start. Relax people, its three games.
• Some have been impressed with Michal Kempny through three games, but I'm not one of them. I think he's been alright. He made an ill advised decision to go for a hit when he had no support and it led to a Predators goal. Its a work in process I guess.
• I'm still trying to figure out what the hell Brian Campbell was doing on Arvidsson's goal.
• Speaking of Campbell, he and Forsling certainly weren't the best duo on the ice tonight.
• Yielding 36 shots and getting a win is playing with fire. You'd like to see the defense clamp down a little more.

The Ugly

• With how bad the first two games were, let leave it with nothing in the ugly category. Lets be positive tonight.

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Blackhawks at Predators3-2 Loss Recap

"Scary's On His Way"

 
by Patrick Stankus
Tweet to #Fatrick

On Friday night the Blackhawks took to the road for the first time of the 2016-17 in the first of a home and home matchup with the Nashville Predators. The Hawks were coming off an opening night loss to the Blues in which their special teams, mainly the PK didn't look so special. Its hard to say that the first weekend of a season is important, but for the sake of all the new faces on this team, the Hawks can't afford to dig themselves too big of a hole early on. If that does happen, Lord only knows how bad Q's ulcers will flare up later in the season.

Once the puck dropped in Nashville, the Hawks did their best to silence the crowd. Just over two minutes in, Marcus Kruger put the Hawks on the board first, with his first goal of the season. Nashville however answered back 5 minutes later, as P.K. Subban added his first goal as a Predator, on the power play to tie the game at one. The blueline scoring theme continued in the first as Niklas Hjalmarsson and Roman Josi traded goals in the final 11 minutes of the period. Despite being out shot 11-5 in the period, the Hawks would head into the intermission tied at two.

The second period would take on a different tone than that of the first period. Instead of four goals, we were treated to two fights, one involving Captain Jonathan Toews. One theme that continued for the Hawks in the period was that of their parade to the penalty box. Anisimov took two penalties in the period, one of which the Preds cashed in on to take a 3-2 lead. After 40 minutes, the Predators held the lead in shots (21-11) and on the scoreboard, with the 3-2 lead.

In the final frame, the Hawks finally showed some sort of urgency in their game by peppering Pekka Rinne with 13 shots. Rinne however had the answer for all of them. His save of the game came on Vinnie Hinostroza late in the game. The defense finally clamped down on the Preds and held them to just 6 shots. However it was all for not as the Predators hung on for the 3-2 lead. Its a quick turnaround for both teams, as they'll travel to Chicago overnight to complete the home and home series on Saturday night.

The Good

• You're goddamn right Marcus Kruger scoring a goal for the first time since April of 2015 is going in the good category. I just hope Brian Hedger was able to see it.
• Kruger scoring wasn't the only shock on the scoresheet for the Hawks. Niklas Hjalmarsson also scored in his season debut, after being suspended for the opener.
• Everyone got their wish on defense, as TVR was a healthy scratch. Now if Q will just play him on the bottom pair where he belongs.

The Bad

• The second period saw two Blackhawks players drop the gloves. Jordin Tootoo being one wasn't surprising, but Jonathan Toews being the other was. I didn't have a problem with the Tootoo fight as it came after Anthony Bitetto took a run at Patrick Kane. I get that fight. The Toews fight however I could live without. Yes, we all know James Neal is a ballbag, but I don't need to see Toews drop the gloves because he got slashed. Let your face punchers on the team handle that.
• The Hawks tried their best to hand this game to the Preds in the first period. Nashville out shot the Hawks by a 11-5 margin and also had 3 power play opportunities.
• If we're going to take the Derek approach when it comes to judging a goalie (see his tweets about Rinne during World Cup of Hockey) then after tonight I have to say Pekka Rinne is the best goalie in the world. Okay, see how bat shit crazy that sounds? Nevertheless Rinne was great in net for the Preds tonight. Which if he can return to that solid form all season, that could spell trouble for the Central Division.
• Ryan Hartman left the game after getting his leg tangled up. After the game Q said Hartman "will miss some time". Would the next Andrew Shaw clone please stand up?

The Ugly

• Someone please inform the Predators they are not the Los Angeles Kings. Only one team is allowed in the NHL to rock the yellow lids, and its the Kings when they wear the throwbacks.
• After two games, its no time to panic, but holy shit the penalty kill is awful. Tonight they yielded three goals  to the Predators. Terrific. I guess the only positive is, it can only get better from here right?
• Seeing Ryan Johansen have 3 assists flat out made me want to vomit.
• The power play for the Hawks was just as bad as the penalty kill tonight. The power play ended the night a solid 0-4.
• THIS......
  
  

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Blackhawks vs Blues5-2 Loss Recap

"Lesson Learned"

by Gatekeeper
Tweet to Gatekeeper

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

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

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

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

The Good

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

The Bad

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

The Ugly

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

The #Fatrick Stankus Fatsy Stats

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

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

Keith - van Riemsdyk
Kempny - Seabrook
Forsling - Campbell

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Puckin Hostile ShoutcastEpisode 67

In this 67th Puckin Hostile Shoutcast (the Tanner Kero episode) Gatekeeper, Pat, and Derek are joined by Greg Boysen from LetsGoHawk.net (among others) to talk about the upcoming 2016-17 Blackhawks season.

The panel discuss the following:

-Apparently there was a baseball game on, somewhere.
-The joke that the department of player safety has reverted back into.
-Barret Jackman retires
-Injuries to Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Huberdeau, among others
-World Cup of Money finally ends
-Hoopla over Connor McClavicle becoming captain in Edmonton.
-Blackhawks signings, roster moves, opening night lineups
-The preseason comes and goes
-Dat Stan Bowman stinks, he couldn't get dat Nails guy.
-Hjalmarsson suspension
-6 Rookies make the opening night roster
-Stop the #DickPanik and TvR hate!
-And of course, as always, an abundance of extremely inappropriate references and jokes in incredibly bad taste

You can find the episode on iTunes by following this link: iTunes

Get the Shoutcast directly though Soundcloud here:


For all your custom jersey needs visit Black and Tan Sports at:

http://www.facebook.com/BlackAndTanSports

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Preseason: IceHawks at St. Louis2-1 Loss Recap

"Over Now"

by Gatekeeper
Tweet to Gatekeeper

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

The Blackhawks, of course.


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

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

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

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

The Good

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

The Bad

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

The Ugly

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

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

Kempny - Rozsival
Pokka - Forsling
Svedgroot - van Riemsdyk

Crawford

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Puckin HostileNHL 17 Blackhawks Roster Guide

Hello, NHL 17 fans. First of all, I'd like to take a second to plug the Special Puckin Hostile Shoutcast last week, where we discussed EA Sports NHL 17. Big Chris and I mentioned some Blackhawks roster issues, so I sat down with the latest roster update on 9/21 and tried to wade through the Blackhawks organization.

These are the most obvious roster moves and adjustments. These are just suggestions,

Blackhawks MovesErik Gustsafson - Blackhawks - Move to RFD
Jay Harrison - Rockford - Send to Winnipeg
Michal Kempny - Rockford - Change to 82 ovr and send to Blackhawks
Robin Norell - Djurgarden (SHL) - Move to RFD
Robin Press - Djurgarden (SHL) - Can Move to RFD
John Dahlstrom - Frolunda (SHL) - Can Move to RFD
Lars Johansson - Frolunda (SHL) - Increase from 70 to 75, move to RFD
Carl Dahlstrom - Linkoping (SHL) - Move to RFD
Gustav Forsling - Linkoping (SHL) - Increase to 75, move to RFD or CHI
Mathias From - Rogle (SHL) - Possible move to RFD
Martin Lundberg - Skelleftea (SHL) - Move to RFD
Joni Tuulola - Hameenlinna HPK (Liiga) - Possible move to RFD
Radovan Bondra - Vancouver Giants (WHL) - Possible move to RFD
Alex Debrincat - Erie Otters (OHL) - Possible move to RFD
Graham Knott - Niagra IceHogs (OHL) - Possible move to RFD
Nathan Noel - St Johns Seadogs (QMJHL) - Possible move to RFD
Roy Radke - Barrie Colts (OHL) - Possible move to RFD
Alexandre Fortin - Rouen-Normandy Huskies (QMJHL) - Increase to low 70s ovr, Possible move to RFD or Chi
Nick Schmaltz - NONE - Create possible 75 ovr, and to RFD or CHI
Tyler Motte - NONE - Create possible 75 ovr, and to RFD or CHI

NHL MovesJesse Puljujarvi - Oulun Karpat (Liiga) - Move to EDM
Patrick Laine - Tampereen Tappara (Liiga) - Move to WIN
Auston Mathews - ZCS Lions (National) - Move to TOR
Mitch Marner - London Knights (OHL) - Move to TOR

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Preseason: Blackhawks vs Red Wings6-1 Win Recap

"Your Decision"

by Patrick Stankus
Tweet to #Fatrick

The Blackhawks rolled into the home stretch of their preseason on the ass end of a Red Wings "home and home" series, Tuesday night. This lineup would look more like an NHL lineup than the collection of toddlers that they rolled out Sunday evening. Corey Crawford and Duncan Keith were in the lineup for the first time, which could only help the Blackhawks chances. Young phenoms Alexandre Fortin and Gustav Forsling were in the lineup, again, proving that the coaching staff really wants to take a long look at what the future holds for them. It's nice to see some young players show promise. More than we can say for most recent Hawks draft picks, eh?

The Blackhawks actually resembled an NHL team which made the game a lot easier to enjoy, and two first period goals were a big part of that. The Hawks lines had some new names sprinkled in, but plenty of familiar ones were involved in the action. Duncan Keith and Andrew Desjardins had primary assists in both of the goals. The Blackhawks also doubled up the Wings in shots 12-6, as well as powerplays 2-1. Funny how the team plays so much better when Kane, Keith, and Crawford are on the ice, eh?

When the puck dropped on the second period, the Puckin' Hostile Crew made a change on the recap. #Fatrick picked up his regularly scheduled recap duties from Gate, and thus the recap will probably go to hell in a hand basket. Can you tell the difference? Anyway early in the period, the Hawks would receive another power play courtesy of another Jonathan Ericsson penalty. While the first unit had some good looks, it was the second unit that cashed in to increase the lead to 3-0. Midway through the period, the Hawks would make a change in net, as Scott Darling would takeover for Corey Crawford. Darling would yield a goal to see the Wings cut the lead to 3-1, but Nick Schmaltz would add his first goal of the preseason, giving the Hawks a 4-1 lead after two periods.

The third period was, lets be honest, not entertaining. The Hawks completely dominated the play throughout the final frame. In the period, the Hawks out shot the Wings by a 10-3 margin. Following a nice chip n' chase by Ryan Hartman, Alexandre Fortin would tally his second goal of the preseason to give the Hawks a 5-1 lead. The Hawks however weren't done scoring. Late in the period, while on the power play, Gustav Forsling had a beautiful shot pass, that Artem Anisimov redirected past Jimmy Howard to give a 6-1 lead, which would prove to be the final score.

The Good

• Five minutes into the first period, and Duncan Keith was right in the middle of the Blackhawks first goal. A long Keith shot into traffic didn't make it to the net, but it did drop a few feet out. Ryan, or as Foley called him "Mike", Hartman spun around and smacked the loose puck past Jimmie Howard. After a pretty "Meh" camp, he finally had the spotlight. If I can have Hartman over Mashinter or Tootoo, I'm taking it. Otherwise, I don't see a use for him.
• Late in the first period, Andrew Desjardins found himself with the puck on his stick at the left circle. His shot changed direction when it went off the shin pad of Vinny Hinostroza and squirted right between Howards pads. Two early Hawks goals, by two young players looking to stick around.
• It was refreshing to see a defenseman rush the puck up the ice like Brian Campbell did on the Hawks power play goal in the second period. Fortin took the puck from Campbell, and made a slick pass to #DickPanik, who buried it. Please tell me this is a sign of things to come with the power play.
• Nick Schmaltz scored his first goal of the preseason off a redirect of an Artemi Panarin bomb. It was nice to see Schmaltz score, but I'm fearing all the meatballs will have their anointing oil out for him because of it.
• Well, I'm one who always likes to preach patience, but Gustav Forsling is looking like he could be a solid ole defenseman. The shot pass he had on Anisimov's goal was fantastic. He seems to have that hockey sense so many prospects wish they had. Granted it is preseason, but he's been impressive to say the least.
• Another interesting roster decision that looms is that for Alexandre Fortin. Fortin has been nothing short of impressive on the forward front. For a team that can lack speed at times, it'd be nice to see if he gets a fair shot with 9 games if he makes the final roster cut.
• Duncan Keith looked like his old self tonight, despite it being his first game. Keith ended the night with 2 assists and a +3. 
• Ryan Hartman had a solid game as well. Problem for him is, he needs to be effective like this on a more consistent basis.
• Corey Crawford made his preseason debut for the Hawks tonight. He didn't face much action, but at least the black gear is highly approved by the Hostile Crew.

The Bad

• Eric Tangradi took a run at Patrick Kane in the third period. Luckily for Kane's sake, it was Eric Tangradi going after him. But it was nice to see our gritty enforcers Tootoo, and Desjardins send a mess...... oh wait, nevermind.
• Pat and Eddie O seemed really interested in the game tonight. Never too early to start the #DrunkPatFoley talk I guess.

The Ugly

• Apparently the Blackhawks aren't the only ones who need some fine tuning when it comes to the preseason. I pulled a #DickPanik and overslept past the start of the game, and Gate started the recap. That was until I informed him I signed up for tonight, and therefore properly drove this recap straight off a cliff after the first period. But hey they don't call us the best recap team for nothing.
• Move along, there's nothing else to add tonight. Seriously if you made if this far, have a beer. I am done.

The #Fatrick Stankus Fatsy Stats

• The corsi of this recap took a massive hit as #Fatrick took over after the first period

The Lineblender
Fortin - Anisimov - Kane
Panarin - Schmaltz - Panik
Motte - Kruger - Hartman
Hinostroza - Desjardins - Tootoo

Keith - van Riemsdyk
Kempny - Seabrook
Forsling - Campbell

Crawford
Darling

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Preseason: Blackhawks at Detroit6-3 Loss Recap

"We Die Young"

by Gatekeeper
Tweet to Gatekeeper

The Blackhawks headed to Detoilet Sunday afternoon, while their football counterparts played the Detoilet team back at home. Considering the lineup that the Blackhawks iced, they might as well have been playing football. The only legit NHL players on the ice for this game in a Blackhawks uniform were Trevor van Riemsdyk and Richard Panik. That said, "NHL player" is debatable, in this particular case. Talk about getting the short end of the recap stick. At least the Blackhawks broke their scoreless streak in games I recapped, after 130 minutes.

The Blackhawks, more specifically Ivan Nalimov, started out as bad as you possibly can. Nalimov gave up two goals on the first two NHL shots he faced. He later gave up another soft goal before the first period was even eleven minutes old, which left most fans feeling particularly uninspired. Alex Fortin finally gave the Blackhawks faithful a little hope with about four minutes remaining in the opening period. The fact that the Blackhawks managed only four shots on net and scored on one is a miracle. Detoilet, on the other hand, scored on three of their 10 shots.

The Blackhawks actually gathered themselves together enough to pull within one goal in the second period, but it was all downhill from there. After Rasmussen made the game 3-2, the Wings followed up with two goals in five minutes. The deck was stacked against this iteration of the Wings, and this was just not the Blackhawks night. If the Wings could actually keep from pissing themselves, they could have really run away with game.

The Blackhawks actually showed enough marbles to make this a game, in the third period.


They had some help from noted sniper Brandon Manshitter, though. A couple of powerplays could have really made the game closer, but the Hawks just couldn't put anything together. Eventually, the Wings sealed the game with a pretty hilarious empty net goal. The fact that this game was ever close, with the Hawks getting out shot 31-14, is pretty comical.

The Good

• With about four minutes left in the first period, the Blackhawks finally showed some signs of life. Sam Carrick found Alexandre Fortin cutting straight up the ice, between the Detoilet defenders, and sent Fortin in on a breakaway. Fortin gave Petr Mrazek a little head fake, and deked Mrazek out of his tiny little walnut shell jock. All that was left for Fortin to do was to tuck the puck into the now open net, and he made no mistake.
• Midway through the second period, Dennis Rasmussen pulled the Blackhawks within one goal, after Petr Mrazek did his best Jonathan Quick impression, finding himself seriously out of position. All Rasmussen had to do was gather the puck and backhand it into a gaping net.
• This may seem like I'm fucking with you, but I'm 100% serious. Brandon Manshitter scored on a breakaway with a couple of minutes gone in the third period.
  I know right? I cannot believe my own eyes, either. Shit, problem solved. Put that man next to Toews and Hossa for game 1. Clearly he's had us all fooled, and he's a god damn sniper.

The Bad

• I have not been particularly impressed with the object of Derek's irrational obsession, and female impersonator, Ville Pokka. Pokka has made a play or two, but his feet have look very slow and he's gotten caught several times cheating towards the wrong end of the ice. Gustav Forsling had looks far more composed and talented.
• Late in the second period, Lars Johansson entered the game and immediately found the first shot he faced end up in the back of the net, giving the Wings a 4-2 lead. Even though the goal pinballed off his blocker, it was from a very tight angle and should have never ended up in the net.
• A few minutes later, the Blackhawks gave up the 5th of the game, on the PK. Johansson made a save on a long one timer and the rebound bounced around in the crease. Svedberg swung and missed the puck, leaving Anthony Mantha a chip shot off the post and in. Johansson was clearly visibly unhappy with Svedberg on the play.
• Hey, look at that! The Blackhawks beat a team in HITZ. That means they must have won the game, right? I mean, I've been told that those HITZ play a huge part in WINZ. Don't they?
  
• The Blackhawks had one guy with faceoff percentage over 50%, the other 3 were all below 40%. Jake Dowell won 27%.

The Ugly

• Not even two minutes into the game and it was 2-0. KHLer Ivan Nalimov did himself absolutely no favors, especially if you saw the scowl on Joel Quenneville's face after the second goal. You could say his Blackhawks career is heading in the direction of a Yak service airliner. I'm not even going to break the goals down, because I've seen midget goalies play better than that. I feel bad for the guy, because he's got size and could really make a name for himself. I was hoping for more out of him.
• With about nine minutes left in the first period, the Blackhawks were down 0-3. Danny Dekeyser just blew a 40' slapshot past Nalimov that may or may not have be redirected. I had high hopes for this Russian kid, but holy dogshit, he was NOT ready for this.
• Just in case anyone cares (and you shouldn't) Chris Desousa followed up stellar preseason scraps by noted heavyweight sluggers Jordin Tutu and Ryan ScissorhandsMan, with a silly staged scrap of his own following the 5th Detoilet goal.
• The only thing worse that the matching save percentages of Nalimov and Johansson (.813), was Detoilet's number one goalie's save percentage (.786). This was our 7th and 3rd goalies on the depth chart, respective, Wings fans. Mrazek is your best.
  

The #Fatrick Stankus Fatsy Stats

• The line of Mashinter/Dowell/Desousa led the Hawks in Corsi. I give up.
  
• Every player on the Wings was basically at 55% Corsi for except Drew Miller.

The Lineblender
McNeill - Rasmussen - Abbott
Fortin - Kero - Panik
Lundberg - Johnson - Carrick
Mashinter - Dowell - Desousa

Svedberg - Pokka
Norell - van Reimsdyk
Schilling - Gustafsson

Ivan Nalimov
Lars Johansson

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Preseason: Blackhawks vs. Blues4-0 Shutout Win Recap

"Bleed The Freak"

 

by Patrick Stankus
Tweet to #Fatrick

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Good

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

The Bad

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

The Ugly

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

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Preseason: Blackhawks at Pittsburgh1-0 Shutout Loss Recap

"Sober And Irrelevant"

Still no game photos from the broke ass Hawks site.
by Gatekeeper
Tweet to Gatekeeper

Preseason game two, everyone. Aren't we all excited?


::crickets::

With The World Cup of Money finally over we can actually get to the serious business at hand, which is the fantastic voyage to the 2017 Stanley Cup. Only roughly 9 months to go, so consider yourselves all recently knocked up in a very uncomfortable place, like in the back seat of a Volkswagen (name that reference). Drilling down to the more specific subject concerning us all, which is the Blackhawks and their roster uncertainty. Our windy city caped crusaders took their 60 minute scoreless streak into Pittsburgh, to attempt to avenge their flame out two nights previous, in front of their home fans. As I stated in that recap, I really don't care if they go 0-6 in the preseason as long as they hash out some of the holes in the roster. Play the hell out of the kids, which is exactly what they did Wednesday night. Just accept it for what it is, and enjoy seeing some future Blackhawks wearing their Halloween costumes a month early. Tonight they were trick or treating in Pittsburgh PA, to wrap up the ass end of a home-n-home against the Pens. On to the action...

Due to the Hawks getting in late to Pittsburgh, they were pretty sluggish to start the game. They didn't get a shot until almost half way through the period, but somehow ended up with 7. The Pens had the edge in chances and shots with 13. Other than that, there wasn't much excitement to speak of, which helped extend the Hawks scoreless streak to 80 minutes.

The Blackhawks barely stepped out of the locker room and they put themselves down 0-1. The rest of the period was back to boring vanilla hockey and 19 and a half minutes later, the score remained that way. This extended the Blackhawks scoreless streak, once again, to 100 minutes.

The Blackhawks third period was just more of the same anemic offense, leaving the Pens to win 1-0. What more can you say about 120 straight scoreless minutes of hockey? I was the sorry fucking sap that rushed home to watch this garbage on the DVR. See you all at the UC tomorrow...

The Good

• Lars Johansson didn't get a lot of help in the first period, but showed some veteran poise. I was impressed. He has a very smooth feel to his style and doesn't waste a lot of movement. He looks bigger in net that the 6' he's listed at, and finished with 18 saves. Certainly and adequate starter for the IceHogs
• Tyler Motte showed some good offensive skill in this game. He was in on Marc-Andre Fleury one-on-one, twice in the second period alone.
• If Trevor van Riemsdyk is one of your top offensive weapons, you're having a rough night, and this was certainly the case. He channeled his inner Blackhawks Legend Bobby Orr, and was involved in several offensive rushes.

The Bad

• It took the Blackhawks almost 8 full minutes to finally get a shot on net in the first period. Not ideal. This may have had something to do with the late flight into Pittsburgh.
• After sneaking out of the first period unscathed, the Blackhawks gave up a 0-1 lead less than 30 seconds into the second period. Big dopey Carl Dahlstrom got caught chasing the puck and left Scott Wilson wide open in front of Johansson. Johansson actually got a piece Wilson's shot, but it had enough on it to get into the net.
• Marc-Andre Fleury only had to make 24 saves, which is a really easy night for him.

The Ugly

• The Pens Steven Oleksy turned out to be a real piece of shit, sticking his leg out and nearly maiming Graham Knott, after a bit of a cheap shot and fight earlier in the night involving Ryan Hartman. The only noticeable thing Kyle Baun did the entire game, was jump on Oleksy after the cheap shot on Knott.
• Speaking of Hartman, he's playing himself out of the lineup quickly. His first game was generally awful, and then he negated a Blackhawks powerplay in this one with a stupid interference penalty. He's got the Andrew Shaw stupidity down pat.
• Holy shit, the Blackhawks power play was atrocious.

The Lineblender
Motte - Hinostroza - Hartman
Fortin - Kero - Baun
DeBrincat - Knott - Schmaltz
Labrie - Desjardins - Lundberg

Forsling - Gustafsson
Kempny - Rozsival
Dahlstrom - van Reimsdyk

Lars Johansson
Mac "The Truth" Carruth

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