Blackhawks at Canadiens 4-2 Win Recap

"And It Ain't So Bad" 

by Patrick Stankus
Send a McRib to #Fatrick

With the dog days of the regular season for a playoff bound team fully upon us, the Blackhawks traveled north of the border on Tuesday night to take on the Montreal Canadiens. The Hawks were coming off a big win at home on Sunday against the division leading Minnesota Wild. With both teams in action, there was a possibility the Hawks could leapfrog the Wild with a win and a Wild loss tonight. Prior to the game, the Hawks got some good news from the injury department, as Scott Darling was cleared to return..... to the bench. Anyway, lets get this Eastern Canada trip underway.

The first few minutes of the game was nothing more than two teams getting their legs under them, with a couple of chances here and there. Thankfully the pace of the game picked up as the period went on, otherwise we were all going to fall asleep. While the Habs peppered the Hawks net, all the Hawks could do on the offensive side was throw four shots at Carey Price. Despite only registering four shots, it was the Hawks who found themselves on top at the end of the period. Unfortunately, it all wasn't positive for the Hawks. As time wound down, Artem Anisimov had his leg rolled up on, and left the game.

In the second period, the Hawks looked much better. For much of the period, it was end to end action at a brisk pace. It was much more enjoyable than the opening twenty minutes. The Hawks did try to make it interesting. During the middle stage of the period, the Hawks managed to kill off two penalties to keep the Canadiens off the scoreboard. Between the Canadiens' power plays, the Hawks did manage to increase their lead to two, thanks to a goal by Johnny Oduya. Down the stretch, the Canadiens had a few great chances, but Corey Crawford was unbelievable, and the Hawks went to the intermission up by two.

With a two goal lead in their pocket, the Hawks wasted little time in adding to their lead in the third period. Artemi Panarin scored forty-seven seconds into the period to give the Hawks a 3-0 lead, and basically put themselves on cruise control. That cruise control style of play came back to bite them in the ass, as the Canadiens scored two goals in under four minutes to cut the Hawks lead to 3-2. Luckily the Hawks finally woke up, with Toews adding an empty net goal to seal the deal, and the Hawks escaped from Montreal with a 4-2 win. Next up for the Hawks is a trip to Canada's capital, Ottawa, to take on the Senators.

The Good

• Patrick Kane opened the scoring in the first period, after a great set up by Artem Anisimov. The assist by Anisimov gave him a new career high in points at forty-five. Scary part is, there's still 3 1/2 weeks left in the regular season.
• Johnny Oduya tallied his first goal in his second stint with the Hawks after one timing a loose puck from the point. I've seen Oduya make this play before (when it comes to one timing a puck from the left point towards the net), except A LOT more was on the line, and it wasn't him who scored.
• With Anisimov injured, #DickSchmaltz took his place on the #AK72Line, and was excellent. He set up Panarin's goal in the third period with a nifty pass from along the boards, and Panarin did the rest.
• The final will say he gave up two goals, but Corey Crawford was outstanding tonight. He made several spectacular saves. In the end he made forty saves en route to the win and remains unbeaten in regulation against Montreal in his career.
• Who didn't enjoy Tanner Kero laying out Andrew Shaw?
• TVR played a team low 14:52 for all you TVR haters. Not to be outdone though, Michal Kempny's ass was in the press box again, so I win.
• Patrick Kane had himself a night. Not only did he have three points, but he also moved ahead in the league lead in scoring. Although as I am writing this, Connor McClavicle and Edmonton are still playing tonight, so it could change. Regardless, I'm sure Kane being in the scoring lead will get some committed bloggers upset. Isn't it McAwesome?

The Bad

• I love the heart of Ryan Hartman, but son you're going to get yourself killed laying out in front of a Shea Weber slap shot. Put that one in the memory bank next time you think that will be a good idea.
• Speaking of Shea Weber's slap shot, let's ask Corey Crawford's mask how it feels. In the second period, Crawford's mask was the victim of a Weber bomb that knocked him on his ass. 
• For the most part, the Hawks looked pretty good tonight, except for some sloppy play in the second period. During that stretch, they took two penalties, but did manage to kill both of them off. They were also guilty of taking their foot off the gas late in the third period, and the Canadiens managed to score two goals in under four minutes to make it interesting.
• CSN decided to put Adam Burish on during the intermissions, and post game tonight. Actually, he was a lot better than Jamal Mayers. Maybe this is like #DickSchmaltz. Baby steps into a bigger role with the team. Or it could just be because Burish is broke and will work for food.

The Ugly

• For reasons unknown, Pat Foley decided to say Corey Crawford is better goalie than Carey Price. His basis? Crawford has two Jennings Trophies to Price's one, and Crawford's two Stanley Cups to Price's zero. Jesus Christ, shut the hell up Pat. If we're going to judge players based on championships, then Colin Fraser is an all time great.
• What the hell were the Canadiens thinking on Kane's goal. Its like Moses' parted the Habs defenders to give Kane all the time and space he wanted.
• Remember when I said the Hawks got good news from the injury department before the game? Well that was the kiss of death, as Artem Anisimov went down with a lower body injury at the end of the first period. Anisimov had to be helped off the ice, and as Captain Obvious would say, it didn't look good. (Update) - Post game Quenneville said it wasn't as bad as originally feared, and Anisimov will be re-evaluated in a few days.
• Anisimov missing the last two periods of the game probably didn't help, but the Hawks were crushed at the dot 39%-61%. WOOF.

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Blackhawks vs. Wild 4-2 Win Recap

"Back From The Dead"

by Patrick Norton
Tweet at Norton

After Dr. Steve Konroyd projected the Blackhawks to take the division lead against Minnesota during the pregame report on Friday, the Blackhawks set out to make the doctor’s orders impossible. Dropping their last two games, a win against their rivals from the north had the possibility to springboard a nice run to cap off the regular season. Both teams were rested and healthy (except Martin Hanzal), so this was the ultimate match-up of who was the stronger team...in the regular season. Let’s get to the second round of the playoffs, already.

The first period started with a bang. A minute in, a deflection from a Minnesota defenseman from a Panarin pass found Kane in the slot. Kane doesn’t miss from the slot and Devan Dubnyk can’t save anything from the slot. Hot start for a team that usually produces a hot garbage start. Just a few minutes later, Panarin caught a pass from Kane and rifled another shot from the heart of the offensive zone and put the Hawks up by two. Then, in typical first period form, Chicago went back into their shell. Dubnyk was replaced five minutes in by Darcy Kuemper and momentum began to shift. Defense no longer stepping up and no offensive pressure allowed for the Wild to find their game. Offensive pressure paired with a horrendous clear-attempt turnover from yours truly, Brent Seabrook led to a gritty garbage goal off the stick of Eric Staal. Greaaaat. Can’t wait to hear about Staal’s growth with Minnesota for the rest of the game. After a late period penalty kill, the first came to a close. Momentum was back even, but the Hawks still held the tangible statistic on the scoreboard. Hawks held a 2-1 lead traveling into the second.

The second period started with lots of Wild pressure, but the tides quickly turned. Tootoo drew a penalty, but it never came into fruition. Kruger picked up the loose puck on the delayed penalty and shipped a one timer over to van Riemsdyk. TVR put it behind Kuemper and the Blackhawks had a two goal lead again. Then, it was pure mayhem. The final six minutes of the game provided end-to-end action. Relentless opportunities, but Crawford and Kuemper kept everything out of the twine. At the end of the second, the Hawks increased their lead for the third, 3-1.

The thir… ohp! Mikael Granlund unassisted past Crawford less than a minute into the third and it’s a one goal game again. Then Jonas Brodin cleared the puck over the boards and the increasing momentum came to a two minute halt. Some late PP pressure wasn’t enough for the Blackhawks and the extra man advantage was wasted. Once again, some more end-to-end play had both teams striving for a whistle, but nothing would do it. Crawford and Kuemper stayed strong and a whistle finally blew with just over eleven minutes remaining in the third. The Wild began to attack ferociously, but Crow held his own. Then a Keith pass to a springing Hossa resulted in a breakaway half-slapper. A lucky break for the Hawks and just like that, it was a two goal lead with just over five minutes remaining. Then, what a late period choke by the Wild. Desjardins drew a tripping minor with two minutes remaining and the Hawks just toyed with Minnesota playing keep away. Another penalty resulted in a 5-on-3 and that’s all she wrote. Hawks pull out the victory, 4-2. Crawford stole the show with forty-two saves on forty-four Wild shots. Now within a point of the Wild, the Hawks are close to striking.

The Good

• Kane’s goal had an element of luck on how it set up, but the shot was skill. He returns to the thirty goal category for the second straight season. To verify this fact, I searched his career stats and was reminded he scored FORTY-SIX goals last season. Dear God.
• Kane’s set up of Panarin’s goal was no luck. Another lightning pass and Panarin buried the puck. That duo is a thing of beauty.
• A solid penalty kill handed the Blackhawks back some of the momentum they had lost earlier. That’s a great way to finish of a period.
• TVR kept jumping into the play and it finally paid off. Two goals in two games. 
• Corey Crawford had another insane performance. Sure, the offense scored four goals, but this was a goalie victory. But we should’ve traded him, right?
• Andrew Desjardins had another solid day on the fourth line! Good for him.
• The final two minutes were hysterical. The Hawks just held the puck for the final 2:08. The Wild touched the puck once! And that resulted in a whistle to call a delayed penalty. Awesome. It was Chicago showing Minnesota who their daddy is.

The Bad

• Mike Milbury and Keith Jones called for a physical matchup. Physical and Blackhawks in the same sentence? Suuuure.
• When the Hawks score early, they tend to develop a shell around their play. They hardly capitalize off early momentum. They scored two quick goals, but quickly gave another one back.
• It looked like Nick Schmaltz was taking a breather on the shift while Granlund scored. His head was still in the locker room and had a crucial turnover. Not coincidentally, Andrew Desjardins took the next shift with Toews and Panik. Schmaltz didn’t return to the line until past the halfway mark of the frame.
• The offense wasn't great, but got it done when it mattered. Four goals on twenty-two shots is a good and bad thing. We'll take the victory and move on.

The Ugly

• Seabrook turned over a clearing-attempt and then was caught standing still in front of Crawford, leading to Staal’s first period goal. It’s becoming “Rinse. Wash. Repeat.” with him.
• Not the right way to start the third period with a two goal lead. Man, sometimes you just want to scream “WAKE UP” after intermissions.

Another fun game for the Hawks. What did the two previous losses have in common? I didn’t recap them. Hmm… Anyways, yesterday was Gate’s birthday, so head over to Twitter and wish the old man a good one… he may not have too many left. 

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Blackhawks at Detroit4-2 Loss Recap

"Stabbing the Drama"

by Gatekeeper
Yell at Gatekeeper

No rest for the wicked, with the Blackhawks, Friday night. After a disappointing loss to the Ducks the previous night, they hopped a plane for a quick jaunt over to Detoilet and a tilt with the awful Redwings. It's only fitting that the Wings would wave goodbye to their legendary arena with a whimper and the end of their 25 season playoff streak. While the fat lady hasn't belted out her tune just yet, she's on deck and warming up in the vestibule.

(Let's hope a crack website doesn't google that in 5 years and make it #FakeNews for 30 seconds)

Anyhow, the Blackhawks were on a "3 games in 4 days" section of the schedule, after just having two 4+ day breaks in the last couple of weeks. After both breaks they came away with losses, their only two since January. Let it be said that they didn't play especially bad in either of those games either. They are, in fact, playing very well. With a little bit of a hiccup against the Ducks, this "should be" just what the doctor ordered.

The Blackhawks and Wings played a pretty even first period that seemed like it might end scoreless, but they combined for three goals in the final five minutes of the period. The Blackhawks opened the scoring in fairly easy fashion, but the Wings scored two in the final two and a half minutes to take a one goal lead into the second. The shots in the first period were 10 to 6 in favor of the Wing.

Action wasn't much different in the second period, especially for the Blackhawks. They were still stuck at 9 shots on net halfway through the game, which was a pretty solid indicator of what they did or didn't accomplish, but they were able to salvage some momentum with a very late goal of their own. The Blackhawks actually wound up leading the period with 11 shots to the Redwings' 10.

Not even the magic Quenneville line blender could save the Blackhawks, and the Wings padded their lead with a late third period goal. Quenneville also pulled his goalie with 3:44 left, but that was quickly negated by a penalty. Once again, not the most action packed period. We saw much more action in the previous night's shutout. If they put in an effort like this Sunday against the Wild the #HostileCurse will be alive and well.

The Good

• Five minutes into the first period, and the Redwings were staring into the face of the "Blues Brothers", Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin. They weaved back and forth in the neutral zone and Kane set the plate with a beautiful backhand saucer right in Panarin's wheelhouse. There isn't much doubt when the racist Ruskie* unleashes that one timer. Party time.
  
  *note heavy sarcasm
  
• The Blackhawks matched the Wings late first period goal with a late second period goal of their own. Of all people, it was Trevor van Riemsdyk. Forgive me if a long, half assed shot through a screen doesn't exactly light my fire. Might as well have been #Fatrick out there farting the puck at the net.
• Joel Quenneville rested Nik Hjalmarsson and Johnny Oduya, which was a good idea. Keep them fresh for the playoffs.
• I love the Wings young kids and Andreas Athanasiou might be my favorite of them all. His speed is just absolutely blinding, and this is with fastest skater record holder Dylan Larkin on the same team. I'd love to see him on the Blackhawks.

The Bad

• Just a couple of moments after TVR took an extended rest for acting like he knew how to fight, the Redwings tied the game. A long shot from Xavier Ouellet escaped Crawford after Patrick Kane and Michael Rozsival couldn't be bothered to properly clear the puck out of their own zone. Let it be noted that Rozsival was out there with Brian Campbell because van Riemsdyk was in the locker room serving his instigation penalty. Oh right, the puck actually clipped Rozsival on the way in, changing direction enough to get by Crawford.
• The Wings took a 2 goal lead with just under five minutes remaining in the second period on another bad Blackhawks turnover. Kane turned the puck over at the Wings blue line and Brian Campbell lost his man. Campbell's man, Tatar, picked up a deflected puck to Corey Crawford's left, and chipped it by Crawford.
• Pat and Eddie were harping on Tomas Jurco's invisible play before the game. While it's certainly annoying, they aren't wrong. If you don't show Quenneville something impressive quick, you're put on the "pay no mind" list. He ended up with a team low 8:13 which will, most likely, earn him a Sunday matinee healthy scratch.

The Ugly

• With under a minute remaining, EIGHT SECONDS TO BE EXACT, in the first period the Wings' Athanasiou trailed a 4-on-3 rush and was able to sneak a shot past Corey Crawford after Brian Campbell got stuck deep in the Wings zone. Artemi Panarin actually made a nice play to try and tie up Tomas Tatar but Tatar was able to fight through to feed Nick Jensen who dropped the puck to Athanasiou, who changed the angle, and scored. Quenneville then blew his timeout by attempting to challenge the goal, claiming it was offsides. It wasn't.
• The Wings took their 2 goal lead back with 5 minutes remaining in regulation. Patrick Kane turned the puck over at the half boards to Henrik Zetterberg who fed Tomas Tatar for his second goal of the night and 17th of the season. Kane had a rough night, overall.
• Both teams were brutal on the powerplay, going a combined 0-5.
• These stupid replays are out of hand. Why are they giving teams so long to examine replays before they are officially charged their challenge? The whole point of this challenge system is that it's basically left to chance, or a gamble. If they didn't want it to play out like that, then don't penalize teams their time-out if they challenge wrong.
• Trevor van Riemsdyk apparently decided he was a fighter in this contest, jumping Justin Abdelkader after Abdelkader laid a big hit on Brian Campbell. This play was where the Redwings turned the momentum around and scored two straight goals late at the end of the first period. Did I mention that van Riemsdyk took an instigation penalty and sat in the box until there were seven minutes remaining in the second period? Swell.
  
• Pat Foley and these stupid stats he spews out, "Michael Kempny has been a plus 2 in the last seven games he's played". Could you rattle off a more generic and pointless stat line? That is that really best you can come up with?
  

The #Fatrick Stankus Fatsy Stats

• The Hawks were just absolutely slayed at the faceoff dots, winning only 40%
• Speaking of van Riemsdyk, he was a team worst -15 Corsi overall.
• Brian Campbell and the #AK72 line were all -3. Brutal!!

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

Keith - Seabrook
Campbell - van Riemsdyk
Kempny - Rozsival

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Blackhawks vs. Ducks 1-0 Loss Recap

"Let The Sun Never Blind Your Eyes"

by Patrick Stankus
Send a McRib to #Fatrick

After their second bye week in less than a month, okay maybe not an official bye, the Blackhawks returned to the ice Thursday night to face the Anaheim Ducks. The five day layoff was so long, it felt like it was five years, considering how things from five years ago surfaced due to the boredom amongst some fans. Coming into tonight's game, the Blackhawks were riding a seven game winning streak, that allowed them to catch the division leading Minnesota Wild. The long layoff between games wasn't the only potential doom facing the Blackhawks tonight. With Gate in attendance for the game, the #PuckinHostileCurse was staring the Blackhawks right in the face. Well, since Gate was at the game, Mr. Slurpee still in his powerless igloo, and Norton curled up in a ball in the corner crying over Kansas' loss this afternoon, you are all treated to a #FatCap for this one. Let's see if I actually remember how to write this things.

Any worries of a potential letdown by the Hawks following the extended break were put to rest early. The Hawks came out firing on all cylinders. They simply dominated the pace of the game, and kept the play in the Ducks end throughout the period. In the period, the Hawks had the benefit of two power plays, and tallied nineteen shots total. Despite the good start, the Hawks couldn't find the back of the net in the first period, and after twenty minutes the game was scoreless. Aside from the scoring chances by the Hawks, the highlight of the period was Ryan Getzlaf taking a page out of Ryan Kesler's book and fighting a guy who wasn't ready to fight. Nothing says "Mr. Tough Guy" like that.

In the second period, much of the story remained the same. The Hawks dominated stretches of play and clowned the Ducks defense. Even with the dominating play, you could sense the frustration was starting to set in. Late in the period, Marian Hossa hit the post, and while Tanner Kero started to celebrate, the Ducks came back the other way. Just like the hockey gods drew it up, the Ducks scored on the ensuing play, off the stick of Ebola Perry. Basically to sum up the second period for the Hawks, they threw everything but the kitchen sink at Jonathan Bernier, but couldn't get one past.

Facing a one goal deficit to start the third period, the Hawks once again came out of the intermission flying. They peppered the Ducks net with twelve shots, but once again, Jonathan Bernier had the answer to all of them. Late in the period, Edzo tried to fire up the meatballs by suggesting Bernier threw his stick across the crease to make a save on Panarin, but it was a stretch to say the least. Despite a flurry of chances in the waning minutes, the Hawks couldn't find the equalizer and were defeated by the Ducks 1-0. Next up for the Hawks is a quick turnaround, as they head to Joe Louis Arena for one final time to take on the Red Wings on Friday night.

The Good

• Corey Crawford was outstanding tonight. He made twenty-five saves in the loss. More impressive was his ability to stay sharp after the Hawks held the Ducks to two shots in the first period.
• Despite being terrible at the dot, Jonathan Toews had a pretty solid night. He led the Hawks with six shots on net.
• Johnny Oduya returned to the Hawks tonight, and its not shocking the defense as a whole had a solid night. They limited the Ducks to twenty-six shots, and blocked sixteen shots as a unit. I'll take that. 
• Speaking of the defense, its not surprising they had a good night while Michal Kempny sat his ass up in the press box...... where he belongs.

The Bad

• Ryan Getzlaf jumped #DickPanik and attempted to fight him in the first period. Knowing Panik, he probably told Mr. Baldy that Pearl Jam sucked and that's what set him off.
• Late in the second period, the Hawks thought they had taken the lead, but Marian Hossa's shot hit the post. As the Hawks were busy acting like they scored, Anaheim came back the other way and scored. Ah, yes, I love when you stop playing in the middle of a play.
• Jordin Tootoo's continued attempt to show off any fancy hockey skills near the net, warranted no more ice time for himself. Tonight he had a team low 7:22.
• Forty-three shots, and no goals for the Hawks tonight. A frustrating night at its finest.

The Ugly

• Its too bad Gate was at the game tonight and didn't here Pat Foley rave about how TVR has been a +9 over his last few games.
• The Blackhawks simply dominated play in the first period and ended up with nineteen shots on net. Despite those nineteen shots, and two power plays, at the end of the period, the Hawks were left with nothing to show for it.
• During the intermission, our favorite analysis #DrKonroyd decided to shit on Tomas Jurco saying he needed to "prove himself" and "show a little more." Perhaps Steve forgot Jurco is coming off an injury, and still adapting to a new system. I'll cut him a little slack. Its not like the Hawks gave up the farm for Jurco.
• The Hawks got crushed at the dot tonight, 59% to 41%. Noticeably bad was Jonathan Toews at 37%.
• Its bad enough that the Hawks lost to the Ducks, but its even worse than that disease carrying fleabag Corey Perry had to score the loan goal of the game.
• Oh Ryan Kesler, somethings never change apparently.

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Comrade Circus Maximusand Russian Roulette

Now that the trade deadline is over, we have hit this hit this purgatory period otherwise known as March. While the Blackhawks seem to be playing every other day, minus this current 4 day mini bye week, there are certainly going to be more manufactured stories coming your way. Websites need clicks, right?

That said, there have been a few non-tabloid variety based subjects on the table and I'd like to address one of them:


I would normally start this off with "Maxim Shalunov will disappoint you all", and that will be coming once he is formally signed, but I'd like to offer some insight on the Russian Maximus. Scott Powers from The Athletic Chicago has been hot on this take for a few months. Yesterday he reported that Shalunov would not be able to get out of his KHL deal, which meant he isn't defecting to the NHL just yet. I'm not even getting into the wackiness of his agent, either.


Anyhow, first of all, Max Shalunov was not just going to waltz into the Blackhawks lineup and suddenly become Artemi Panarin 2.0. Bottom line. Shalunov is just not that kind of player, and honestly, who really is? How many times can you honestly say that Joel Quenneville has taken a brand new unfamiliar player, who has never played with the current Blackhawks players, given them a fair shake and regularly thrown them in the lineup? Especially late in the season. Rarely, at most. Shalunov would come over, play a couple of games, and then Quenneville would throw him on the bottom 6 healthy scratch carousel. He is not going to take time from any of the top 8-9 players. Without much effort whatsoever, he has already dropped to the Tomas Jurco level of the depth chart, and because he is a right wing, you already have Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa and Richard Panik ahead of him. I have seen him take draws, but even if he could play center with regularity, who is he pushing down the depth chart, there? The Blackhawks are pretty stacked with centers.


Also, often overlooked but needing to be addressed, as well, is that Shalunov already spent an entire season playing in North America in 2013-14, and he could not even keep up at the AHL level (0 points in 20 AHL games). Shalunov was then sent to the Toledo Walleye, who were the ECHL affiliate of the Blackhawks at the time. There, he was too talented for the ECHL, and put up 34 points in 43 games, but bolted to the KHL that summer. Now, he was only 21, dealing with ice size adjustments as well as culture changes. I'll give him that much.


This may seem like I'm trashing Max Shalunov, but I assure you, I'm not. He is now 24, and a big wing at 6'3" 212 lbs. It is no secret that he can quite clearly score, based on his KHL numbers. Watching him play reminds me of a "less hitty" Richard Panik. If the Blackhawks can get Panik type production (35-40 points) out of Shalunov, he is a wonderful and affordable weapon to have at your disposal. As with most players, I just want fans to have realistic expectations of what they are getting. Players like Artemi Panarin aren't the rule, they are the rare exception to the rule. Best case scenario, Stan Bowman is able to work something out this summer to get him into camp in September. Here are some recent highlights of his play in the KHL to give you more of an idea of what this kid has to offer:

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Blackhawks vs. Predators 5-3 Win Recap

"Locked In"

By Patrick Norton
Tweet at Norton

Tonight’s tango with the Nashville Predators wasn’t going to be easy. Riddled with injuries, traveling overnight after playing yesterday, and forcing the goaltender to string together two games, the excuses were in place in the event of a loss. Anisimov returned to the second line after missing last night’s victory against the New York Islanders, but Nick Schmaltz remained sidelined for both ends of the back-to-back. In an attempt to keep the six game win streak and seven game road win streak alive, Quenneville rode with Crow and kept Jeff “Glove Of” Glass far, far away from the ice.

In typical Blackhawks fashion, the first period did not provide the start Chicago hoped for. A Michal Rozsival penalty aided the soaring shot total for Nashville and halfway through the opener, the Predators led the shot column, 10-1… but they didn’t lead the game. Jordin Tootoo fought Cody McLeod at center ice venturing to spark the Blackhawks. Later in the frame, Anthony Bitetto high-sticked Tootoo leading to Chicago’s first powerplay. While Filip Forsberg did a dandy job killing off the first thirty seconds, a quick regroup and a pass from Seabrook gave Patrick Kane an opening near the left circle. Kane ripped it past rookie goaltender Juuse Saros for the PPG. Heading into the second, the Hawks trailed in shots, 14-11, but led in the goal column, 1-0.

The Blackhawks seemingly removed their head from behinds to begin the second period. Out of the gate, the Blackhawks came out shooting. Saros held his crease well, though. The best efforts of Kane and Anisimov to double the lead were unsuccessful. Instead, it was Jordin F***ing Tootoo who shipped the puck into the back of the net for the Blackhawks’ second goal of the night. The two goal lead only lasted a measly minute-thirty as Viktor Arvidsson put on past Crawford to bring the Preds within one. After a few minutes of back-and-forth skating, Jonathan Toews tallied seconds into a powerplay on a rebound with Panik shielding Saros. But once again, we can’t have nice things and a Seabrook defensive blunder paired with a lack of hustle allowed Jarnkrok to score the second goal of the period for the Preds. After a one goal first, four combined tallies made for an exciting, but mighty frustrating second period of hockey. Luckily, the Blackhawks escaped to the second intermission with a lead, 3-2. Unfortunately, it could’ve been 3-1 or even 3-0. No bueno.

The third period started with a resounding Crawford chant. Doesn't get much more Nashville than that. Each team got their fair share of opportunities throughout the first few minutes of the period, but nobody could get anything through. Finally, Arvidsson had Crawford down early and tied it up from a horrible angle. Cue the Crawford chants after the soft, soft goal. It seemed inevitable after the defense seemingly went into a shell, but the style of goal had absolutely nothing to do with the defense. Crawford just went down too early, simple as that. Then, a whole lot of nothing. Finally with sixty-five seconds remaining, Brian Campbell jumped into the play and rifled a shot past Saros. Kane added an empty-netter for his second of the night and twenty-ninth of the season and that's all she wrote. Hawks win, 5-3. "Crawford" this, you dumbass Nashville fans

The Good

• Corey Crawford was phenomenal. It’s not easy playing both games on a back-to-back, but Crow made it look easy. The first period was a true test for #50, but he stood on his head and stopped everything. Hat tip to the man with thirty-two saves.
• Patrick Kane saved a powerplay quickly sliding downhill. The Blackhawks’ point leader ripped a wrister from the left circle and gave the Blackhawks the first period lead.
• It pains me to say this, but Michal Rozsival actually had a decent game. Even the penalty that he committed was a weak call. Uncle Rozsival can put the candy bar down, no need to panic.
• No, I’m not sucking up to Gate for a raise, but #KempGod played a few solid shifts. Couldn’t complain about him. And I really haven’t been able to for quite awhile, either.
• The fourth line doesn’t get a whole heck of a lot of ice time, but when they skated together tonight, they held great sustained pressure in the offensive zone.
• TOOTOO, #22, born on 2/2! He scored! The ol’ son of a bitch did it! Drinks (of water) on me!
• Traffic in front. It’s what always seems to work. This time on the second powerplay, Toews’ goal. That trade value just keeps climbing.
• Brian Campbell jumps into the play and good things happen. Good on ya!
• The Bread Man to Kane is beautiful. Even if it's just an empty-netter, it's still magnificent.

The Bad

• Corey Crawford was tested early and often. The defense played very lackadaisical for the first ten minutes of the night. No days off, boys.
• The Blackhawks had a lot of trouble clearing their end, which led to far too many unnecessary opportunities and chances for the Preds.
• After Tootoo tallied his first goal of the season, the Blackhawks couldn’t wait to give it right back. Can we please just have a comfortable lead? Anybody?
• Wash. Rinse. Repeat. Seabrook standing still. 14 seconds after Toews’ second period goal, Calle Jarnkrok brings it back within one. Tighten up. Jeez.
• Crawford wasn't receiving great help from his defense, but Arvidsson's second tally was soft and inexcusable for the netminder. Sad!
• Don't you just love it when there's that one guy who never ceases banging the boards. Quick fact about those types of people: The boards are the only thing they've ever banged.

The Ugly

• Oh, Sweet Eddie-O, please don’t go. Intermissions aren’t getting better. I’d rather listen to Eddie Vedder.
• TVR got absolutely ROCKED by Cody McLeod (which eventually led to the Tootoo/McLeod fight), so yeah, it was clean and a hockey hit, but it was ugly. I laughed, though…
• Predators fans insist on chanting Crawford for no damn reason. How stupid must they all be? Chant “defense” if you want to scream who gave up that first Preds goal.
• I'd be willing to bet that Rozsival with a backwards ankle could beat TVR in a forty yard dash. He's so slow, it's unbearable to watch.

I’d like to send a quick shoutout to recap reader and shoutcast listener, Beth Sweeney and her son Ryan. Ryan dropped the puck at the Icehogs game tonight for Autism Awareness Night in Rock Vegas. Follow Beth (@beth_sweeney4) on Twitter to see the photo.

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Blackhawks vs New York Islanders2-1 SO Win Recap

"You don't have to call me Darling, Darling"


by Gatekeeper
Yell at Gatekeeper

Friday was officially "the rest of your life" for the Blackhawks. No more trade rumors. No more speculation. This was the team the Blackhawks were "going to battle" with. That said, they were also nursing several injuries:

• Niklas Hjalmarsson was having a bit of a back issue (which might have something to do with carrying his teammates on it for the previous five months)
• Artem Anisimov left the Pens game early in the second period and missed practice Thursday with an undisclosed injury.
• Artemi Panarin missed the Thursday practice with an upper body injury
• New old Blackhawk Johnny Oduya was still nursing an ankle issue.
• Nick Schmaltz missed two days of practices with an undisclosed illness.
• Goalie Jeff "glove of" Glass was recalled before the game because Scott Darling injured himself in the morning skate. Word is that it's a hand/finger injury and Quenneville said he'll be out about 3 weeks.

So, the mood was not all "flowers and butterflies" even though the Blackhawks were the hottest team in the entire NHL for the last month, winning 10 of their last 11 (The only loss coming in the return after the stupid 5 day bye week). They had also just come off a pretty convincing and impressive slaying of the eastern conference powerhouse Pittsburgh Penguins. Not much to complain about in Blackhawks land, these days.

The Islanders, on the other hand, were just "OK" in their last 10 games, going 6-4-0. The Isles were also coming off a 5-4 win in Dallas after THEIR stupid bye week. Much maligned rookie Josh Ho-Sang (god forbid you wear the fucking number 66) made his NHL debut, but didn't record a point.

With all the injuries and the wonky lineup, the first period was a little bit of an adventure. Fans were treated to a partial breakaway for, and a shorthanded breakaway against, but neither resulted in a goal. Even a powerplay each way could not boost the shots any higher than 13 total. That was really all there was to report in the opening twenty minutes.


The second period wasn't much better for the Blackhawks. Kind of made you feel bad for the fans that dished out top dollar for a Friday night at the United Center for the slop they saw. The only good thing about sloppy hockey is the inevitable penalties. Unfortunately, though, the penalties turned into shorthanded chances against for the home team. There were quite a few more shots on net but it was the Islanders that led 12-7 in shots and scored the only goal. Thirteen shots in 40 minutes of play isn't exactly the way to win a hockey game.

As the third period opened, the Hawks had several really good chances in the Isles end but, again, none tied the game. The Isles regrouped briefly on the back end of the period, which settled the action for the middle portion of the period. With the goalie pulled very late, the Blackhawks unleashed a flurry of action on the Islanders net. Their pressure paid off as they tied the game with just over a minute remaining, sending this game to overtime and eventually a shootout.

Even though I'm not a huge fan of 3-on-3 overtime, it was really entertaining as hell. I would much rather see them just play seven or ten minutes of 3-on-3 than ever go to a shootout, if the NHL really must have a winner. Somehow neither team scored in the overtime, to the shock of all watching, which meant we were going to see the first Blackhawks shootout since November. Two of the three Blackhawks shooters scored in the shootout and the Blackhawks netminder held the Isles scoreless for a big come from behind win.

The Good

• With under two minutes, Coach Wizzo pulled his netminder and used his timeout to gather the troops. Jonathan Toews won the ensuing faceoff which eventually resulted in Duncan Keith feeding Artemi Panarin for one of his patented one timers. Finally, the United Center had something to truly cheer for, and the Blackhawks were able to guarantee at least one point.
• Corey Crawford saved the Blackhawks asses by saving a few breakaways and kept the Islanders off the board in the overtime and shootout. This will be huge with Scott Darling injured down the stretch.
• It sure seemed like Tomas Jurco was out on the ice for more than the official 11:04.
• Toews, Kane and Panarin logged heavy ice time. All three played over 22 minutes.

The Bad

• Marcus Kruger blocked a first period powerplay shot with his hand was was in some extreme discomfort on the bench into the first intermission. He returned and toughed out the rest of the game.
• The teams were a combined 0-5 on the powerplay with one, basically, shorthanded goal. Patrick Kane played an amazing 3:23 of the Blackhawks 4:00 of powerplay time.

The Ugly

• The first legit chance of the game was by Jordin Tootoo, who got a partial breakaway and shot it right into Greiss' armpit.
• During the first Blackhawks powerplay, Artemi Panarin tried to force a bad pass at the Isles blue line and it turned into a John Tavares shorthanded breakaway. Corey Crawford bailed them out but it'll surely be overlooked by the idiot meatballs.
• Late in the second period, as a Blackhawks powerplay was about to expire, the Isles jumped all over a bad Brian Campbell pinch which resulted in a shorthanded 2-on-1 against the Hawks netminder. This time Corey Crawford wasn't able to bail out his defense, and the score was 1-0.
• Brent Seabrook had a brutal turnover late in the second period, which left Andrew Ladd all alone in on Corey Crawford. Crawford made the initial save and then flashed the glove on the second.
• I love Marian Hossa, but his turnover in overtime was just awful. The Blackhawks were about to have a 3-on-2 and Hossa ran into the defenseman and the puck was sent back for a breakaway. Once again, Corey Crawford was the hero.

The #Fatrick Stankus Fatsy Stats

• The faceoffs were shaded slightly in favor of the Islanders, but the Blackhawks won the one that counted before the game winner.
• According to the official scorer, the Blackhawks had SEVEN giveaways.
• Not only did the big 3 forwards all play huge minutes, but their possession numbers were all over 15.
• Michal Kempny had a good possession night as well, with a +15 Corsi.

The Shootout

• Jonathan Toews took his time and beat Greiss
• Corey Crawford stops the rookie Ho-Sang
• Patrick Kane kicked away by Greiss
• Kulemin beat Crawford but hit the post
• Artemi Panarin beat the Isles for the win

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

Keith - Seabrook
Campbell - TVR
Kempny - Rozsival

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Puckin Hostile ShoutcastEpisode 77

In this 77th Puckin Hostile Shoutcast (the Blackhawks Legend Paul Coffey episode) Gatekeeper, Fatrick, Bryan, Norton and Shoutcast favorite John Jaeckel from HockeyBuzz.com discuss the highly uninspiring and disappointing Trade Deadline.


The, now famous, jagtastic asshattery includes:

-#HesOurPresident is born
-The team does their first post Hawks game podcast following the Pens game.
-Bill Paxton passes away, and Gate pulls some clips as a tribute.
-A trip back in time with Prehistoric Spongebob, aka Pavel Vorobiev, and Mikhail Yakubov
-Blackhawks sign goalie Jeff Glass, and re-sign the dopey duo of Rozsival and Tootoo
-Blackhawks acquire Tomas Jurco and Johnny Oduya.
-We discuss some of the league wide trades.
-Hawks played some games vs the Oilers, Sabres, Wild, Coyotes, Blues and, of course, the Penguins
-Some late listener questions
-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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Blackhawks vs. Penguins 4-1 Win Recap

"The Four Horseman"

By Patrick Norton

@pdnorton3

Tonight’s tilt with the Pittsburgh Penguins followed two main storylines: One, what would Johnny Oduya’s return to the Chicago Blackhawks mean for a team lacking on the blue line, and two, could we see these two teams facing off against each other in June? They’re both valid questions to ask, but neither would be answered on the first night of the month. Oduya sat in a suite and soaked in the atmosphere he’d be returning to. Coach Joel Quenneville vowed to allow as much time to allow Oduya to get ready before he’d be thrown into game action. And for this game being a possible preview of the Stanley Cup Final? Well, let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. 

The first period started exactly how we all imagined it would: Sloppy. Wait, what’s that? It didn’t? We actually created sustained offensive pressure, held our own in front of Darling. Yet, the Hawks left the period. What killed the momentum, you ask? A powerplay. Not for the Penguins. For the Blackhawks. After getting just one shot on goal throughout the two minute tripping minor drawn by Nick Schmaltz, you could feel the energy shift from the home bench to the visitor pine. After a few  last second unsuccessful whacks on Darling, the buzzer rang and twenty minutes had expired. 

Period two brought a very similar synopsis to it’s predecessor. The Blackhawks held a stranglehold on puck possession for the first six minutes of the period, but one turnover in the defensive zone produced a swing in action. Then, a commercial break. It allowed the Hawks to regroup and settle their game. With 11:11 on the clock, Kane lead a two-on-one with Panarin, but the seasoned veteran wearing #88 kept it to himself and ripped a snapper past Marc-Andre Fleury for the game’s first goal. Meanwhile on the other end of the ice, Scott Darling resembled a brick wall in net. Until the seventeen minute mark of the period, the Penguins could only admire in awe as Darling made it look easy. Then Scott Wilson tucked a shot just below the cross to knot the match at one goal apiece. Luckily for Chicago, the tie didn’t last long as a great shift from the Toews line resulted in a forced turnover in Pittsburgh’s defensive zone. Panik took the puck, made a nifty toe drag and sniped a corner past Fleury to regain the lead. A few ticks later and forty minutes was in the books.

The Good

• The sustained pressure from the Blackhawks offense created scoring chance after scoring chance. Great night from the forecheck.
• #MinorLeagueDealDickPanik’s toe drag finished off with a snipe might go down as the sexiest goal of the season. It was “Go search it on YouTube” worthy. 
• Patrick Kane made a two-on-one look easy. Panarin drew the lone defender and Kane had a one-on-one with Fleury. Guess who won that battle? The reigning MVP, that’s who.
• Mike Milbury actually provided some great analysis during the first intermission. He criticized those that truthfully believed Toews wouldn’t be able to break the slump he suffered through for the first half of the season. 
• Here’s a wild thought that I don’t know if many of you will agree with: Jonathan Toews scoring in the All-Star Game provided the spark he needed. He had recovered from his back injury by then, but lacked that defining moment to jump start his season while past the halfway point. Not an easy thing to do, especially with the pressure placed upon his shoulders by the fanbase, but Toews made it look effortless. And now he’s the First Star of February.
• Scott Darling is going to make BANK this offseason. Probably not with the Blackhawks, but good for him. He’s got a pretty interesting story, so it’s nice to see the man so close to a big payday. 
• Marc-Andre Fleury was exceptional in net. No, this is not 2009.
• Tomas Jurco has a smooth move, but couldn’t finish. Nice move nonetheless.
• Patrick Kane completed a muscled out play from Nick Schmaltz. Beautifully developed play starting with a Panarin pass to Schmaltz. He’s really coming into his own. 
• Sure, it was an empty-netter, but Kane’s hat trick goal was not from an easy angle. His second hattie in three games. 
• It always feels great to beat a great team like the Penguins. Blackhawks are rolling. Ten victories in eleven games. Keep’er goin’ through March. You don’t want to be playing the Hawks right now.

The Bad 

• This was a fantastic game. Nothing was “bad.” If something stood out, you’ll find it down below in tonight’s “Ugly” section.

The Ugly

• Michal Rozsival had two noticeable turnovers. Only one resulted in a goal, but boy, it’s going to be another rough year with that man defending our goaltender. 
• Seriously, this was a great game. Michal Kempny got beat by Scott Wilson, but it happened due to the Rozsival turnover. Can’t expect Kempny to come to the rescue.

Good night, folks! Thanks for reading and don't forget to download the Shoutcast coming out later tonight. Jaeckel, Froster, #Fatrick, The Gatekeeper, myself, and no Harms. Couldn't get any better.

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Puckin Hostile2017 Blackhawks Trade Tracker

All the Blackhawks trades from this year's trade deadline period are as follows:

• Blackhawks acquired Right Wing and pending RFA Tomas Jurco from the Detroit Redwings for a 2017 3rd round draft pick.

• Blackhawks re-acquire D-man Johnny Oduya from the Dallas Stars in exchange for Mark McNeill and a 2018 conditional draft pick

When/if the Blackhawks make any trades on deadline day, they will be listed below:

• Blackhawks traded AHL forwards Spencer Abbott and Sam Carrick to the Anaheim Ducks for prospect Kenton Helgesen and a seventh-round pick

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