Blackhawks vs. Maple Leafs - Win Recap

"Hero Of The Leap Day"



So, that trade deadline certainly was exciting wasn't it? I didn't think so, either. The Leafs came into the UC Wednesday night to face the Blackhawks in a rare matchup between these two clubs. Back in the day, Toronto was in the same division and there were many storied rivalry games, but since they were moved to the other conference the Hawks haven't seen much of them. This Leafs team was a pesky one that is as streaky as any team in the NHL. Some days they are world beaters and others, dick beaters. With a coach on the hot seat, and players that seem to be on the window ledge of "Don't Give a Fuck Tower", you never know what will light a flame under their ass. If I were a member of that team, and Brian Burke was the GM, I'd be afraid. He comes off like the Mike Ditka of NHL GM's. That being said, I'd love to have him at the helm of the Hawks. Anyhow, before even taking the ice, the Hawks were still majorly shorthanded, without El Capitan, Hammer, and Montador. Hossa and Keith didn't skate in the morning run through, so it was anyone's guess what was going on there, but it was announced that they would be on the ice for the game. In happier notes, Rookie Brandon Bollig was making his Hawks debut, as "The Enforcer". Anything is better than Big Slow, so I'm exited to see what he does in his predictable 8 minutes of ice time. By all accounts, EVERYONE loves this guy. I'm hoping for a smarter Ben Eager. That's not too much to ask for, is it? Especially since Eager has the IQ of a bucket of dirt. On to the game!

There wasn't a lick of defense played in the first period of the game last night. To be fair, There wasn't much goaltending, either, with the Leafs getting 3 goals on 10 shots, and the Hawks getting 2 goals on 11 shots. Brutally sloppy hockey for both teams. The second period looked much better for the Hawks. They scored 2 goals, to take the lead, on 11 shots, while holding the Leafs to no goals on 7 shots. Not pretty, but certainly better hockey. The third period was pretty tight, even though the Hawks scored an empty netter, and the Leafs scored one with only a couple of ticks left on the clock. The Hawks walked away with a 5-4 win to hat their latest losing streak, but it's not like they beat the Wings, here. Take it for what it's worth, a game the should have won.

The Good

• Andrew Shaw tied the game up for the Hawks on a pretty simple play, and an honestly weak goal. He dug the puck out of the corner, spun off his guy, and curled through the left circle. As he squared up to the net, he just ripped a shot past Gustavsson's stick side. At least the Hawks aren't the only team to be giving up weak goals. 1-1 Tie.
• Dream Warrior brought the Hawks back within one goal, with under 30 seconds to go in the first period. Nick Leddy picked up the remains of yet another Duncan Keith blocked shot and figured that he'd try and power one through the traffic himself. This one got to Kruger, who redirected it back to Gustavsson's left, and into the net. 3-2 Leafs.
• Kaner scored his second goal in two games, off a bad Leafs rebound and turnover. Lepisto took a long wide open point shot that Gustavsson saved. The rebound popped out to his left and Joey Crabb nonchalantly went after it. Kane snuck up behind Crabb and lifted his stick, and sending the puck towards the net. Brunette got a stick on the puck and held onto it long enough for Kane to get there and chip it up and over Gustavsson. Tie game 3-3.
• Hossa put the Hawks up for the first time of the night, about midway through the second period. He took a feed from a curling Kane and drove hard to the slot, and beat Gustavsson to the stick side, after powering through the Grabovski backpack he was wearing. At this point Gustavsson's glove side is a GLARING weakness. 4-3 Hawks.
• Hoss had what has to be one of the most determined empty net goals you'll ever see, from a very tight angle, to ice a 5-3 Blackhawks win. He ended up with 2 goal, and a plus 3 on the night. LIKE A BOSS! 5-3 Hawks.
• Sami Lepisto saved held the lead for the Hawks, late in the third period. How's that decision to sit him for 10s of games at a time, Joel? Was that REALLY necessary? He may not be Duncan Keith, but the guy is playing his ass off. Nice to see him get the nod over O'Donnell for a change.
• Razor was a beast, after coming in cold. He held the Hawks together long enough to come back. He deserves the #1 spot. No more dicking around.

The Bad

• Fifty nine seconds into the game, the Blackhawks were already fishing the puck out of their own net. Bolland got caught trying to beat the puck through a pair of shit guards, and turned it over. Bozak pulled it from behind the net and backhanded it on Crawford, of course, it ended up in the net. Oduya had to be looking at Seabrook wondering what possessed him to leave Bozak wide open and vacate what was the only place the Leafs could go. Fucking Brain Fart! Couple days rest did you boys some good, eh?
• The starting defensive pairs made no sense. Keith/Leddy, Seabrook/Oduya. Lepisto/Olsen. I can't understand, why Quenneville puts these stupid pairings out there knowing full well they will need to be adjusted. If he doesn't know this, he's not as talented a hockey mind as everyone makes him out to be.
• Just twenty eight seconds after the Hawks first goal, the Leafs scored on the powerplay. Lupul tipped a shot past Crawford, who was hung out to dry with two Leafs forwards in his grill, and no defenders. Oduya was on the ice for both early goals, for what that's worth. Apparently, he subscribes to the "not tying up opponent's sticks" school of thought, too. Lovely.
• Clarke MacArthur put the Leafs up 3-1 when he picked up a puck that was blocked by Seabrook and hit a virtually wide open net. Crawford was down way too early, and couldn't recover when the puck ended up going to his right. When I say down early, I mean down WAY early. The end of the period marked the end of Crawford's night.
• The Leafs Mike Brown ended Emery's scoreless streak, with 3 seconds to go in the game, as he tipped a pass from the corner up and over Razor's shoulder. Whatever, Emery was a beast nonetheless.
• Brandon Bollig got into his first Hawks fight, taking on Luke Schenn. The two of them pretty much hugged it out, but you had to know he would have fought ANYONE to make himself visible to the coaches. I was off on his TOI, though. I predicted 8 minutes of time for Bollig, and he got 5:34. In my defense, if he didn't get in that fight, he might have had another 45 seconds. He only saw the ice once after the fight. Mr. Bollig, welcome to Chateau Bow Wow, I'm your Maître d', Dr. Lineblender. While I like his spirit and hunger to contribute, that was an awful time to fight. He's going to have to pick his spots better. That was the very thing that plagued John Scott. The Hawks had just taken a 4-3 lead, and had the momentum.
• Seventeen shots against in the third period of a one goal game is bad news! You're not going to win many games getting peppered like that in your own end.

The Ugly

• I finally figured out why Dylan Olsen looks so FUCKING slow. He can't skate backwards from a stopped position, or when he has to transition from forward to backwards. If he's standing still and a forward breaks in on him fast, he is dead to rights. Just a huge pylon.
• The Blackhawks led one of the worst 4-on-2 rushes I've ever seen; in any league. It was just painful to watch them aimlessly throw the puck around the neutral zone like a live grenade.
• Stalberg took a nasty hit from behind from Franson late in the second period, that got no call, but Stalberg ended up in the locker room with what looked like a shoulder problem. That was a bad missed call, and thankfully Stalberg was back for the third period.
• Crawford was pulled in favor of Razor, after the first intermission, as he should have been. Honestly, the look on his face, as the period started, was one of sheer confusion. He is a beaten man and can't understand what is wrong. I've been there, and it's so fucking frustrating. Just another example of why the idea of trading Emery was asinine, unless they had given up on the season.

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Blackhawks at Anaheim - Loss Recap

"San Andreas Fault"



Hotel California was not been good to the Blackhawks, thus far. After a shutout loss the night before to the Kings, the Hawks limped the short trip to the Pond, aka The Honda Center, to take on the suddenly hot Ducks. This would be yet another game without Jonathan Toews, Steve Montador, and Nik Hjalmarsson. Ray Emery was in net, and this could be the last time we see a couple of these players in Hawks uniforms. If Stan grows a set of balls, that is.

The first period of the game, Sunday night, was pretty much all Blackhawks even though they were out shot 11-10. A very late unfortunate goal on a brain fart by the Hawks, tied up the game at 1-1. The second period was very much a Ducks period. They scored one goal on 13 shots, and the Hawks only had 5 shots the entire period. The third period was, again, all Ducks. The Ducks out shot the Hawks 13-4 and shut the Hawks down defensively. A 5-on-3 powerplay goal was all the Ducks needed to close the Hawks down.

The Good

• That Hawks scored the first goal of the game, about half way through the first period ON THE POWERPLAY! You read that right. I don't have the words to describe this actual goal, because I haven't seen such a site in in more than a dozen games. Anyhow, it was Kaner that snapped a long shot past Hiller on a screen by Mayers. 1-0 Hawks.

The Bad

• Of course, the Hawks had three chances to get the puck out of their own zone and failed miserably. Eventually, the puck ended up on net, and the rebound was poked in by Cogliano with 19 seconds to go in the first period. After a LONG look see from the folks in Toronto, it was decided that the kicking motion from Cogliano didn't lead directly to the goal, and that he got a stick on the puck. I agree with their call.
• Nick Leddy went and got his ass rocked by Ryan Getzlaf, in the second period. He might have needed use of the quiet room after that one.
• Leddy wasn't the only one to get rocked, with Marcus Kruger getting rocked twice. Always good for recently concussed players.
• Sheldon Brookbank put the Ducks up 2-1 with just over 7 minutes left in the second period. Hayes screened Emery on the long shot that hit Deuce in the leg and ended up in the net.
• Selanne put the Ducks up 3-1 on a 5-on-3 powerplay, 5 minutes into the third period. At that point the Hawks were out shot 6-0. The Hawks had no life.
• Father Time absolutely murdered the Hawks with a goal, an assist, and 8 shots on net. Some of the Hawks were half his age, and couldn't keep up.

The Ugly

• Towards the end of the second period, Razor took exception to Hagman pitchforking him and threw a few shots at him. I can't say I blame him, becasue I would have done the same thing. Glad to see someone actually had some fight in them, because the rest of the team resembled steaming dog shit.
• When you're out shot 38-19, you're not going to win many games.

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Blackhawks at Los Angeles KingsSHUTOUT Loss Recap

"King Nothing"



The Blackhawks winning streak wasn't going to last forever, but none of us thought that the streak would end at home, against Dallas. If the Hawks can put together four game winning streaks, we should all be happy fans. Saturday night, the Hawks traveled to LA to visit the Kings and their newest acquisition Jeff Carter. The Blackhawks, themselves, have been rumored to be making a deal, or deals before Monday's deadline. No one, but Stan Bowman, knows what will happen, but thank god the fans have games to keep their minds somewhat at ease. If they didn't, I would have to go on a machine gun killing spree. So, back to the Hawks and Kings before this turns into a tirade.

The first period of the game didn't go as planned, at all. The Hawks gave up two powerplay goals on two awful penalties, and they weren't able to generate much pressure on their own powerplays whatsoever. The second period was a complete and utter shit show. The Hawks gave up two more goals on 15 shots, including a shorthanded goal, to whimper into the third period down 4-0. So much for the hopes of a new winning streak starting in Los Angeles. The third period was a mere formality as the Hawks were a beaten team with no energy. When the final horn sounded, the Kings had sent the Hawks to Anaheim 4-0 losers.

The Good

• MegaMayers was the only Hawks highlight in the first two periods taking on Matt Greene in a little kerfuffle. That's it, a fight.
• Pat Foley had the quote of the night when the third period began, "Not a lot has been awesome here tonight". Ain't THAT the truth?
• The Kings took their foot off the gas, but Razor Emery had a nice night, making 20 saves. Look for him in net, in Anaheim.
• The Kings only out hit the Hawks 30-29, so that tells you how much that stat really matters.

The Bad

• Ten minutes into the first period, Big Slow took a stupid roughing penalty, and the Kings scored on the resulting powerplay. Frolik got caught forechecking extremely deep in the Kings end, and once Stoll beat Frolik, he was off to the races. When Stoll hit the Hawks blue line, he dished it off to a waiting Dustin Brown. Brown followed the pick set by Stoll and the Red Sea parted. He was able size up Crawford, and pick his spot, easily. 1-0 Kings
• For the second time in the first period, Nick Leddy was beaten by a Kings forward, but the Hawks caught a breaks when Kopitar was called for goaltender interference, even tough he never touched Crawford. STUPID RULE! Not like the Hawks could possibly score on the powerplay, anyway.
• Brown scored his second powerplay goal of the night on a bad Stalberg checking from behind penalty. Hossa lost the ensuing faceoff in the Hawks zone, and Martinez sent a clean shot on net. The rebound came off Crawford's pads, and Brown was left to whack the fuck out of the puck, by Lurch and Seabrook. Could SOMEONE on this penalty kill tie up an opponent's stick? Once? Please? 2-0 Kings.
• To make matters worse, the "shorthanded break-a-way of the game" went to Dustin Brown, and he ended up with his hat trick, only five minutes into the second period. Leddy and Keith couldn't get a clean entry into the Kings zone, and Hoss put in a half ass effort to drop off and help out. The effort just wasn't there. 3-0 Kings
• Nick Leddy started he shit show on the fourth Kings goal. He completely bailed on a Kings dump in and Stoll was able to control it. Stoll pushed it behind the net to Brown, who then fed it out to a wide open Willie Mitchell at the point. Mitchell had about 36 hours to set up and take his shot. Nonetheless, Crawford should have stopped the shot, but he didn't, and that was the end of his night. Four goals on 10 shots. That is terrible. For all those dopes out there calling for the Hawks to trade Emery last week, THIS is why they can't do that. GAME OVER FOLKS!

The Ugly

• In a minute stretch of the second period, Michael Frolik, and Vik Stalberg both missed break-a-ways. Stalberg's was a 2-on-0 with Sharp following up the play, in which he couldn't even hit the net so Sharp could get the rebound. This game just got more brutal by the second.
• THIS stupid shit is what really pisses me off about the "genius", Joel Quenneville. Big Slow was on the ice FOUR times in the first two periods. Two of those shifts ended in HIS penalties, the first of which ended up resulting in the first Kings goal. People like Stalberg, Smith, Shaw, Frolik, Bickell, and Lepisto get benched for one bad HOCKEY PLAY, and Big Slow is allowed to run around like a big stupid gorilla, taking uncontainable penalties that are either off the play or after the whistle. Tighten up the leash on that smelly beast, Dr Lineblender!
• Leddy showed why being forced to play top 4 minutes is above and beyond his current skillset. He was out muscled all night, and he constantly looked confused. He needs to be the #5 guy with a veteran stay at home guy that can cover for his short attention span, like Montador, unfortunately. If they don't pick a defenseman up by the deadline, this team does NOT make it past the second round, if even that far. I said it here, February 25th.

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Blackhawks vs. Stars - Loss Recap

"Finish What You Started"



Thursday night the Dallas Stars traveled from Texas for a tilt in Chicago, on the eve of DLR and Van Halen visiting the United Center, WHICH I WILL BE ATTENDING. There were many story lines that came with this game. The Stars were perceived as sellers at the deadline and the Hawks buying. Names like Mike Ribeiro, Adam Burish, Brenden Morrow, and Sheldon Souray have all been mentioned as available. I haven't been quiet about my desire for Souray, so I won't bore you with that, here. There was actual hockey to me played, so lets get to it.

When I said there was hockey to be played, I suppose I meant BORING hockey; at least boring in the first period. The Hawks out shot the Stars 6-5 in the period, but there weren't really many scoring chances either way. This play should benefit the Hawks, but they had to get something going. I interrupted my pregame nap for this? They got something going, as second period was slightly in the Hawks favor. They opened up the scoring and held the Stars scoreless. The Hawks began the third frame in pretty good shape, but then it all fell apart. Three late deflected Dallas goals put the Hawks down to bed unhappy losers.

The Good

• Imagine that! Bryan Bickell CAN hit people! My eyes didn't deceive me.
• Hossa and Frolik (yes, he's still on the team, #67 in your programs) worked to get the Hawks a 1-0 lead, half way through the first period. Frodo dug the puck out of the corner and made a bee-line to the front of the net. Just as Frolik's shot was stopped, and I was thinking to myself "Frolik will never score again", Hossa picked up the free puck and beat Bachman. 1-0 Hawks.
• The first Stars goal aside, Hossa was still the best forward on the ice for the Hawks. Quite a few chances and, of course, the goal.
• The Hawks centers were actually good at the dot, especially against anyone NOT named Steve Ott. Ott was 8 for 11 and the rest of the team were 19 for 36.

The Bad

• Dylan Olsen has looked fairly good, the more he's played, but the Stars Garbutt (yes that's really his name) skated by Olsen like he was standing still, after a bad Kruger offensive zone turnover (nice drop pass to the invisible man, Krugs!). When Olsen doesn't have time to compensate, he is sickeningly slow. For all the happy horn tootin going on about Olsen, no one seems to mention how horribly slow he is.
• Noted agitator Steve Ott tied up the game half way through the third, when Hossa made a couple of rare defensive mistake. He left his position early, before the puck could get out of the zone and the Stars held it in. Eventually, Hoss got a second chance to get it out and just nudged it right to Daley. Daley took a long shot that worked it's way to the stick of Ott, who redirected it past Crawford. Commence opening of flood gates.
• Five minutes after the Ott goal, Michael Ryder tipped a long Ribeiro shot past Crawford. Just too much traffic in front of the net with too many opposing sticks on the ice. Guys, that's basic defense. 2-1 Stars.
• Aaaaaaaand few minutes later, Brent Seabrook kicked an innocent looking Michael Ryder shot AT Crawford, to put the Stars up 3-1, with some assistance by Loui Eriksson. At this point the Hawks and Crawford have to be wondering what in the name of all that is evil, was going on. They could not catch a break. Crawford looked genuinely surprised that he had to save a Seabrook shot on his own net.
• Not the best of nights for Brent Seabrook. I'm a big Seabrook fan, but he was on the ice for all the goals for...and all the goals against, including the one he kicked on his own net to put the Stars up 3-1.
• I'm sure that I'm going to see some brainiac babbling about the absence of John Scott; oh wait, he actually PLAYED!
• The hit stats aren't really a telltale sign, but when you're out hit 41-15, you haven't given your best effort.

The Ugly

• Fifty minutes does not a game make. Say it with me, Men of Four Feathers.
• Annnnnnd this time, Adam Burish was the lucky recipient of the season long regular feature, "Shorthanded Break-a-Way Of The Game". You're welcome, Bur, it's a once a game occurrence, so don't think you're special. If I hear another Burish trade scenario, or I'll jam a dull pencil into said idiot's thorax.
• I'm beyond ever expecting anything productive from the powerplay again...unless they pull off a trade for Sheldon Souray. No pressure, Stan.
• Third period shots: Dallas 15, Blackhawks 5. At home, nursing a one goal lead. No "rocket surgery" here, gents. Run out of gas much?

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Blackhawks vs. Red Wings - Win Recap

"Rookie Hayes-ing"



The hits just keep on coming for the Blackhawks. Facing the teams with the best records in the NHL is NOT a way to break out of a horrid losing streak, yet the Hawks have done just that. Coming into Tuesday night's game, they had won 3 in a row against two studs, and a dud. Not to take anything lightly, the Hawks were at home to play the ALWAYS tough Red Wings. News before the game surfaced that both Jon Toews and Pavel Datsyuk were out of action, so it was time for some secondary Hawks to take advantage, and show they as deep as any team in the NHL.

The first period of Tuesday night's game, started out heavily in the Wing's favor, but the Hawks found their legs and evened up the shots, even out shooting the Wings 10-9. The Wings still led after the first, but the Hawks weren't out of it. The Hawks came out fairly dominant, in the middle period, and tied the game. They were out shot 15-13, but they had much better and more chances. The Hawks opened up the lead early in the third period, and hung onto it for dear life, which lead them win their fourth in a row.

The Good

• It didn't take Crawford long to make up for the weak goal against bailing Deuce and Olsen, who had forgotten about the strikingly ugly, Jiri Hudler. Crawford was on point after the Filppula goal. For all the fucking harsh criticism he took, I'm going to beat the drum for him while he's kicking ass. Everyone is quick to jump on his ass when he's down.
• The second Hawks powerplay actually showed signs of life, but no goal. Hopefully that means something is finally clicking, not just an anomaly.
• Purple Hayes got a huge goal for the Hawks, picking up a Bickell tip on net, to tie up the game about eight minutes in. Hayes worked Kronwall over in front of the Wings net and spun off just in time for Bickell to tip Deuces long point shot right on to Jimmy the Kid's stick. Slam dunk, tie game, the place goes bananas.
• Dream Warrior put the Hawks up 2-1, just two minutes into the third period, on another great play by Jimmy the Kid. Hayes took the puck behind the net and shielded the puck with his body, trying to wrap it around. While it didn't really make it on net, the puck squirted out to Bruno, who chopped it towards the net. It dropped in behind Opie Howard and Kruger whacked it over the line.
• I don't see many people out there talking about how big Bryan Bickell has been for the Hawks during this winning streak. Like Crawford, he deserves his due credit. He may still be a big dumb animal, but he's finally added something to the mix. I still don't think he's long for this team, but if it means he's more valuable from now until Monday, so be it!
• Most of the Hawks centers, including Sharpie, did decent at the dot, but Kruger was clowned by Darren Helm all night, going 1-6 against him. MageMayers, Morrison, and Bolland were all at 50% or above, and Sharp was just a hair under 50%. If it weren't for facing Zetterberg, Sharp would have been over 50%.
• The Hawks out hit the Wings, 21-17. Maybe they've got something here.

The Bad

• Valtteri Filppula opened the scoring for the Wings, on an early WEAKpowerplay, just three minutes into the game. This was good for me, because he's on my fantasy team, but I digress. The penalty kill was out there FAR too long, and just ran out of gas. They simply couldn't get the puck out of the zone, and it turned into a hot mess really quick. Add a fairly weak shot to this mix which snuck by Crawford's stick side. From a goalie's prospective, it looked like a change-up, that he committed far too early on. Corey Crawford 2 weeks ago hangs his head, and gives up 3 more in the period. Not the new and improved Crow.
• Bolland had a break-a-way, and Kane had TWO in the second period, alone. Just too bad none of them could finish. The game could have easily been 4-1, had Opie Howard not sat on a horseshoe as part of his pregame ritual.
• Big Slow and Pistol strikes fear in ME, but I highly doubt that the Red Wings were shivering in their skates. More like licking their lips.

The Ugly

• Something I NEVER want to hear again, "John Scott getting some time on the penalty kill". Never, fucking, again! Over HALF of his playing time was in the PK. OVER HALF!
• Frolik got a break-a-way from the Hawks blue line in, and got in WAY too close. By the time he tried to get a shot off, he was half way up Howard's right nostril. He seriously has ZERO confidence now. Maybe he needs a pep talk from Bickell.

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Blackhawks vs. Blues - Win Recap

"Ride The Lightning"



Fresh off an ass whipping in Columbus, the Hawks FINALLY came home for a Sunday afternoon tilt with the St. Louis Blues. These weren't the same "display a bunch of stupid physical play and then roll over" Blues that everyone was used to. This team was on a mission, behind new head coach Slim Hitchcock. The Blues came in 10 points ahead of the Hawks and in second place, in the division. They don't score a lot of goals, but they were tied with the Rangers for fewest goals against in the league. The Hawks had a good test to show if they were truly back on track. If they could pull this one off, this is officially a winning streak.

The Hawks opened up slow and sloppy, getting out shot 15-4, despite having 2 powerplays. When the horn sounded for the first intermission, the Hawks had give up a late goal to go down 1-0. The Hawks played a better second period, out shooting the Blues 9-7, but neither team added to their score. The third period was owned by the Blackhawks, which is rare this year against the Blues. The Hawks out shot the Blues 14-8, and out scored them 3-0. Nothing pretty about this win, but it's a win. A WINNING STREAK!

The Good

• Deuce tied the game up, five minutes into the third period. The play started with Kane and Shooter breaking into the zone 2-on-3. Kane dished it off to Sharp, and Sharp just waited for help. Before dishing it off, Sharp faked a shot to freeze Elliot. As soon as Deuce hit the blue line, Sharpie dished the puck, and Keith beat Elliot.
• Douchebag David Backes put the Hawks up 2-1 with just under 7 minutes left in regulation play. Deuce had given up trying to hit the net, so he hit Bolland to the right of Elliot. Bolland was looking to hit Kane with a pass across the crease, but Backes kicked it towards the open net, and tried to stop it with his stick, but was unsuccessful. Couldn't have happened to a better guy.
• Hossa dotted the "i" in the win, with a 3/4 ice shot into the empty net. Solid win for the Hawks.
• With all the criticism he has taken lately, Corey Crawford deserves credit for keeping the Hawks in the game. When they weren't generating any pressure, Crawford kept it a one goal game. Welcome back. It's really nice to see him deeper in his net, where he's more comfortable.
• It shouldn't go without being pointed out that Duncan Keith is PLUS 7 this weekend, with a goal and 2 assists. Nice time to step up, Deuce!
• Just a sign of how much the Hawks dislike the Blues, they out hit then 30-26, with Dylan Olsen's 6 hits leading the Hawks.
• The Hawks were 52% at the dot, but El Capitan was only 8-18.

The Bad

• Early on, in the first period, Dr. Lineblender got the brilliant idea to put Big Slow out on the ice with El Capitan and Kaner. I'm not really sure why he thought that was a good idea, but that matchup led to the first Blues goal. Luckily, someone slapped some sense into Quenneville, and Scott only saw 2-45 second shifts the rest of the game.
• Jamie Langenbrunner found a loose puck behind a prone Crawford, and kicked it towards the goal line. Before it could cross the line, Andy MacDonald picked up the puck and pushed it over, with under a minute left in the first period. Just to point this out, Olsen, Leddy, and Scott were on the ice for that one. The Blues will take that matchup any time.
• I'm not entirely sure why, but Lurch only played 8:23. Stan needs to find his guy YESTERDAY, and make the move.

The Ugly

• Like clockwork, during the second Hawks powerplay, the Hawks broke down and gave up a shorthanded break-a-way to Andy MacDonald. Might not have that problem if you had 2 defensemen on the ice. I can't even begin to imagine how they are going to fix this. They can't even get the puck into the zone, much less get a solid scoring chance.
• Typical St. Louis Blues low class play, with Ryan Reaves punching Big Slow in the back of the head when he was down on the ice. That guy is a completely useless piece of shit. He was before this game, and he remains that way.

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Blackhawks at Columbus - Win Recap

"Colossal Slump Buster"


With a weekend of matinee games on the agenda, the Hawks rolled into Columbus to face the Blue Jackets and a player they WON'T be acquiring, Rick Nash. Even though Columbus is warming up, they aren't a good team. Last in the NHL, and working with an interm head coach. Injuries and drama have crippled them. Before the other nights game, this was the game all Hawks fans were expecting the team to end their losing streak in. Lets just hope for 2 in a row, with a win in Ohio.

The Hawks came out slow and sloppy in the first period, yielding the lead on a bad turnover. They woke up and scored two of their own, outscoring the Jackets 11-10 in the opening period. The Jackets out shot the Hawks 14-12, in the middle period, but the Hawks out scored the Jackets 2-0 to take a 4-1 lead into the third. The third period was a joke. The Hawks scored two more goals to put the Blue Jackets to bed.

The Good

• El Capitan threw the team on his back and his balls on the table, going end to end and driving right around Jeff Carter to tie the game up at 1-1. Really no excuse to let a player go right around you like that, Mr. Carter, but we'll take that gift.
• Pick-to-Click Vik put the Hawks up 2-0 on a nice feed from One-Trick-Bick. Bickell out raced the Jackets defender and quickly found Stalberg wide open in front of the net. Stalberg one timed it on Mason, who was out of position in the first place, and it bounced up and flipped over the goaltender, into the net. I can't imagine what it must be like to be a Columbus fan, and watch this. Makes you appreciate the Hawks much more when you think of it that way, doesn't it?
• Kaner dished a sweet cross ice pass to a WIDE open Shooter, who took a tight angle one timer from Mason's right side, and beat him for a Blackhawks 3-1 lead. The Kane pass was the highlight of the play, threading the needle between two Columbus players right to Sharpie's tape. I don't know what the media or fans were thinking, suggesting trading Kane, but this is one of many examples why that is an asinine idea.
• Kane followed up his nice pass to Shooter, by using former Hawk James Wisniewski as a tool. Kane put his shot between his legs and beat Steve Mason for a 4-1 Blackhawks lead, ending Mason's afternoon in net. After he was pulled, CSN caught Steve Mason bitching at coach Todd Richards in a pretty animated manner. And people think we have goaltending problems in Chicago. OOOFA!
• Bruno and Dream Warrior hooked up with 5 minutes gone in the third, to expand the Hawks lead to 5-1. Bruno saucered a pass across to Kruger who was actually tied up. Kruger was still able to get a stick on the pass and chip it past York.
• Less than a minute after the Kruger goal, Lepisto scored his first Blackhawks goal, off the back of John Moore. When it rains, it pours. How did that one feel, Columbus? That was a guy that couldn't trip onto the ice, and he's putting the exclamation point on a home ice loss.
• Nick Leddy was set up by Kaner late in the second period, and skated right past three Jackets players. Leddy made a slick little move on York, but he didn't score. That play was a nice preview of what is to come with this kid. He's still green and wet behind the ears, but he's going to be a good player for this team.
• Nice to see Purple Hayes come out punching. Even though he didn't really get many shots in, he went toe to toe with MacKenzie. Welcome back, Kiddo.
• I have to completely honest. I haven't really missed Hammer. Lepisto's early turnover aside, him and Olsen have been alright. Might this show the Hawks that Hammer is expendable?
• Deuce was a plus 4 and had an assist on the day.

The Bad

• Sami Lepisto didn't make a good argument for more playing time by hitting the Blue Jackets Derrick Brassard right on the tape, at the Hawks blue line. Brassard took the gift and blew it past Crawford's glove for a 1-0 Jackets lead. There is really no excuse for that turnover. He wasn't pressured and had plenty time. I can't defend you on that one, Pistol.
• Not that it really means anything, but the Haws were outhit 29-7.
• Did Rick Nash even suit up? The guy was invisible. THAT'S a guy the Hawks definitely need.

The Ugly

• Derek Dorsett absolutely made my afternoon when he went after Big Slow, following the Lepisto goal, and Columbus time out. Dorsett looked like a toddler playing with his big Uncle John going straight for Scott after the puck was dropped. Dorsett got one shot in on Scott, and Scott proceeded to beat the SNOT out of him. I was crying because I was laughing so hard. There is NO way Scott could have made a bigger mockery of Dorsett. Beat the piss out of the guy, and then laugh at him and dress him down while he's tossed from the game. Watch it here, enjoy and laugh your ass off:
  
  

Here are your video highlights:

Blackhawks at NY Ranger - Win Recap

"So Long And Thanks For The Fish!"


How do you start off a preview of a game against the best team in the Eastern Conference that is towards the end of a 9 game road trip, which also includes a 9 game winless streak? Doom and gloom? We've seen plenty of that. Trade everyone? Lots of that, too. Fire the Coach and GM. Check! The streak has to come to an end some time, right? Why not against the best team they were going to face on this trip? No one will admit it, but I honestly thing John Tortorella threw Quenneville and crew a solid by playing Marty Biron in net. Biron in a good back up, but lets face it, he is no King Henrik. With 10 days left until the trade deadline, Hawks fans have enough to deal with as far as personnel goes. Lets put this to rest and start a more positive streak, Gentlemen.

Well, the Hawks came out of the blocks on absolute FIRE! Four goals on 10 shots, and the Rangers were left to scratch their heads during the first intermission. Of course this kind of pace can't be kept up the whole game against a team like the Rangers, but that is a hell of a head start. The second period was much more even, as the Rangers finally put a goal on the board. The Hawks still out shot the Rangers but only 9-7. The first place Rangers finally showed up in the third period, but it was too little too late. That Hawks held off a 12-3 Rangers shot advantage, and only yielded one late goal. Nice road game for the Hawks, and thank god that god forsaken losing streak is over. So long and thanks for the fish, Torts!

The Good

• Nice of you to pay attention to the refs, Foley. Yes, it's a penalty shot that the play-by-play guy was the last to notice. Just over a minute into the game, and El Capitan was rucking in on a penalty shot because the Rangers Dan Girardi covered the puck in the crease behind Biron. El Capitan did what he does, in that situation, scoring 5-hole on Biron. 1-0 Hawks.
• A minute after the penalty shot goal, the Hawks used a delayed penalty to go up 2-0. Nick Leddy used Big Slow for something useful; as a screen, and blasted a shot past Biron. Just 2 minutes into the game and the Hawks are up 2-0.
• Just two minutes after the Leddy goal, El Capitan found Shooter behind the Rangers defense, and hit him, in stride, for a break-a-way. Shooter wasted no time sizing up Biron, and powered a 5-hole shot through.
• After killing off the stupid Shaw/Scott penalties, Kaner played a little deja vu and found Boss 81 right up the gut, behind the Rangers defense, hitting HIM for a break-a-way. Hoss followed Shooter's example, just picking a spot and nailing Biron's 5-hole. 4-0 Hawks not even 10 minutes into the game.
• The Hawks were on the good end of some luck when the puck got lodged under Crawford's left skate ON THE GOAL LINE. The refs used the "intent to blow" rule, which never gets old.
• I don't want to take anything away from a Hawks penalty kill, that did a great job, but the horrible Rangers powerplay helped their cause.

The Bad

• Three minutes into the second period, Marc Staal was left to rattle off a few shots from the point by the fourth line wingers, and finally put the second one right through the wickets of Crawford. Scott and Shaw couldn't figure out which guy was which, and Staal was the odd man out. Can we please put that fourth line out of its misery? Morrison, Frolik, ANYONE! Edzo can blame Shaw all he wants, but Big Slow was roaming around he zone aimlessly, like a big gorilla.
• Ryan McDonagh bulled right through Bolland, Olsen and Shaw setting up Carl Hagelin for the second Rangers goal of the game, late in the third period. Luckily, that was it for the Ranger offense on the night. Holding this team to only two goals at home is acceptable.
• With all that went well, Toews and Kruger were even or better at the dot, but Mayers and Bolland were mushroom stamped all night, going a combined 35%.
• Mike Rupp has some mitts of stone, holy christ. That guy could have singlehandedly tied the game up for the Rangers but just shanked and missed every puck near his stick. He was better off carrying a club around.
• Again, someone tell me what is SO fucking bad about Sami Lepisto? He's a #6 defenseman, and has more skill than Big Slow, which doesn't take much. Why did he sit for 15 straight games again?

The Ugly

• Well, as with this streak, all good things have to come to an end. The braintrust combination of Andrew Shaw, and John Scott temporarily took the wind out of the Hawks sails with a couple of really stupid fucking penalties in the first period. Shaw took a lazy offensive zone holding penalty, and then Big Slow decided that finishing the play by throwing an elbow into the throat of John Mitchell, about 2 seconds after the whistle, was a swell idea. Those guys acquire some Carcillo-itis or what?? C'mon guys, really? Thank Lord Stanley that Scott only saw the ice for 56 seconds the entire rest of the game, and none at all in the third period. Shaw was out there for both Rangers goals, and only saw 5 minutes of ice time all night. #Shawfacts: Andrew Shaw doesn't hit the wall, the wall hits him like a puck to the forehead.
• Sweet Jesus, I thought the Hawks powerplay was bad, but the Rangers powerplay was just as bad, if not worse. How does a team get a record like they have with a powerplay THAT bad? Not to be outdone, The Hawks 5-on-3 looked like the Bozo fucking Circus. Actually, the word I'm looking for is repugnant. I can't remember ever seeing two teams with such collectively ineffective powerplays.
• I have to finally agree with Edzo on something, regarding the Stalberg goalie interference call. There is no way that he can stop without making contact with the goaltender, especially when Del Zotto is pushing him in that direction. That rule HAS to change. One of the dumbest interpretations of a rule I've ever seen.
• I don't think of the Rangers as a particularly dirty team, but what the hell is up with Brandon Dubinsky? Take a stupid penalty at one end and then take a cheap shot on a defenseless player on the delayed penalty. Dumb Asshole!

Here are your video highlights:

Blackhawks at Nashville - Loss Recap

"Luck Ain't Even Lucky"



I honestly don't think my brain is going to stay intact, until the trade deadline. The delusions of grandeur are just stupid, and every "Tom, Dick, and Harry" thinks they are an NHL GM. This isn't even entertaining. Anyhow, the Hawks had more immediate problems to deal with, in Music City. Eight losses in a row, and a tough Preds defense didn't exactly spell "slump buster". While the Preds were 1-2-2 in their previous 5 games, they haven't been as bad as the Hawks. If you remember correctly, the Avalanche were just as cold before THEY beat the Hawks. Nothing is a sure thing, as things sit, and the opening two losses of this streak were against Nashville. Would the third time be a charm for the Hawks?

The Hawks opened up the game at a fever pitch, which was nice to see after such mediocre efforts, lately. The game was tied at one after the first period, but the Hawks out shot Nashville 10-4. A bad turnover ended up in the Hawks net, but they rebounded and tied the game back up just a few moments later. As the Hawks luck would have it, even though they out shot the Preds after two periods, they were still outscored 1-0 in the second frame, to go into the third down by a goal, on the road. The Hawks tied the game in the third period, but, once again, the Hawks were on that wrong end of some luck, as the Preds scored a late deflected game winning goal. Third time was, in fact, a charm; for Nashville.

The Good

• MegaMayers made a smart shorthanded play to open the first Preds powerplay of the night. He rushed up on a 2-on-2 with Lurch, and sent a laser beam at the Preds goaltender. He didn't score, but it took time off the clock and he didn't force a bad pass, which is the Hawks M.O. as of late.
• One Trick Bick tied the game up shortly after Suter put the Preds ahead, and continued his slight resurgence. Ryan Suter allowed him to get off his "worlds longest set up", and backed his ass right into his own goalie. So not only to do let BRYAN BICKELL get his three day long shot off, but you screen your goalie. Major fail by Suter, after scoring the first Preds goal, he truly dicked-the-dog on that one, but finally something promising for the Hawks.
• The Hawks defense looked extremely aggressive through the first half of the game, pinching early and often, to keep the plays alive. I can't say I wasn't enjoying it either. Nashville didn't know quite how to handle the pressure.
• Boss 81 answered my pick to click by scoring a huge third period goal to tied the game back up at 2. Deuce threw him a chest high grenade, at the Preds blue line, and he was able to cradle the puck in his body, spin, and drop it on his stick while keeping it away from the Preds defender. He headed for the net and snapped it past Rinne's stick side.
• The Hawks didn't score any powerplay goals, but they DID have serious pressure. They also didn't give up and power play goals against, so those are both promising.

The Bad

• El Capitan cost his team the first goal of the game, late in the first period. He had possession of the puck at the red line, and couldn't control it. The Preds knocked it free and carried it into the Hawks zone, clowning the Hawks defense in the process. You could just feel the panic when the Preds took possession of the puck. I'm not really sure just what Razor was doing, but he was shuffling around the crease on his knees, and just wasn't in great position to make the stop. Id I question any of the three goals, this is the one. He had a good look and wasn't in position.
• Nick Spaling put the Preds up 2-1, with two and a half minutes left in the second period, on a redirect of a Ryan Ellis point shot. Again, not a whole lot a goalie can do when an 85mph shot is redirected 10 feet in front of you. As usual, the play started with the Hawks not controlling the puck after a Bolland faceoff loss.
• Ryan Ellis got another deflection goal, but this time it was off a Hawks defenseman, with 5 minutes left to go in the third period. What originally looked like a bad long range goal turned out to be another deflection. The Hawks couldn't clear the puck when they had possession with Dylan Olsen blindly backhanding it up the boards. The puck worked its way around and across the zone to Ellis, who played the carom off the boards and one timed it towards the net. About half way to the net, Deuce's stick got a piece of the puck, and ever so slightly, changed the direction and speed of the shot. More bad luck, and that kind of stuff isn't helping your already shaky goalies. 3-2 Preds.
• When you out shoot a team 32-19 in their own rink, you win that game 98% of the time. This was one of those games in the 2%.
• El Capitan was the only Hawks Center with a faceoff percentage over 50%, and the second goal was as a result of a faceoff loss in the Hawks zone. They need to get better in this area, too.

The Ugly

• The usually level headed El Capitan took a questionable penalty in the first period, running over Pekka Rinne to negate the first Hawks powerplay of the game. While he was pushed a little, I fail to understand just what he was doing. He looked confused. I'm dumbfounded on that one.

Here are your video highlights:

Blackhawks at PhoenixSHUTOUT Loss Recap

"Harvesters of Sorrow"



The thing about a slide like the one the Hawks are riding is that it's bittersweet for us blog writers. When they are playing back, it gives us MUCH more material, but we want nothing more but for them to win. Screwy, I know. Anyhow, the Hawks are o-fer their last 7 and they are just simply making far too many mistakes. This trip could very well be the end of the Hawks hopes for a rebound season. We just don't know, but it's not looking good at all. After giving Crawford another shot, against the Sharks, Razor was back in net. The rest of the lineup was almost the same as the one that Quenneville trotted out against San Jose, with only Frolik being scratched for Morrison.

The Hawks simply didn't show up for the first period, they were only out shot 12-10, but they couldn't have seemed less interested and it could have easily been 4-0 early on. The second frame was much like the second the night before, with the Hawks out shooting the Yotes 12-5 but not scoring a goal, while giving another one up. While the Hawks came out shooting in the third period as well, but couldn't solve he Phoenix goalie, to send the Hawks away with an eighth loss in a row.

The Good

• Nice to see Deuce throw a big hit, but I have to play devils advocate. Wasn't that hit extremely similar to the one that got Carcillo suspended? Eerily similar, but Keith won't be hearing from Shanaban.
• For a team that was shut out, they had plenty of shots on net. The problem is that most of them were from the perimeter. Is this hitting rock bottom? The answer is YES.

The Bad

• Some things just never change, apparently. Former Hawk Radim Vrbata scored the first goal of the game, banking a shot off Sami Lepisto and into the net. If the Hawks didn't have bad luck, they wouldn't have any at all. It looked as though Razor has been watching too many Corey Crawford plays, because he was caught being too aggressive, and wasn't able to get back to the far post before the Vrbata bank shot.
• The Coyotes went up 2-0 with just 6 minutes gone in the game. Boyd Gordon found a dribbling puck in the crease and helped it across the goal line. There was just too much wrong to even begin to describe on this play. Play like you give a shit, Gents!
• Shaw decided it was a good idea to light a flame under his teammates with a fight early on, but all it did was light a flame under the Coyotes asses. MegaMayers looks like the only Hawks player that understand when the right time for a fight is.
• Dylan Olsen showed why he's an AHL defenseman as Kyle Chipchura to head in on a break-a-way. Olsen made Chipchura look like Mike Gartner just letting him skate right by, and in on Emery. The case of windburn he acquired on that play must be awfully painful. 3-0 Yotes.
• Brendan Morrison only saw just over 8 minutes of ice time and only saw 2 shifts in the third period. So much for THAT brilliant trade.
• The prodigal defensive son, Olsen for those who are dense, was minus 2 on the night with the third goal of the game hung solely on his hook.

The Ugly

• I still can't figure out why Dr. Lineblender even bothers to do things like move Stalberg to the fourth line, when everyone knows damn well that when things go shitty, he'll be moved up. What does this fucking accomplish? Enough with the childish games. Either he's a first liner or a fourth liner. Make a decision!
• I'm sorry, but I see nothing in Lepisto's play that tells me he should be sitting in the press box for 15 straight games. I've just about had enough of these silly personel moves, because the excuse of "Well, it's working" isn't valid anymore. "It" is NOT working. He's not Bobby Orr, but he is not a terrible fill in and certainly no worse than John Scott.
• I can't even find the words to describe the Hawks powerplay, anymore. They can't even manage the most basic of tasks, like simply entering the zone. They DO realize that a powerplay means they are only facing 4 opposing player, right?
• In case you were wondering, Adrian Aucoin still has the "Boy Named Sue" syndrome, and he is still a complete fucking clown. Life ain't easy for a boy named Adrian.

Here are your video highlights:

Blackhawks at San Jose - Loss Recap

"Down in a Hole"



The road trip carries on; This time to San Jose California. As this trip continues, the Hawks are playing worse, and the fans are getting restless. From top to bottom they just aren't getting the job done. Corey Crawford returned to net, after 2 starts by Razor Emery. Not only that, but Hammer and Montador were sent home with injuries. Dylan Olsen and Sami Lepisto were in the lineup last night, to replace them. The Sharks had to be licking their lips at this news, with a short losing streak of their own going on. I'm sure former Hawk Antti Niemi was.

The first period was pretty much what you'd expect from a team that is seriously struggling and in the middle of a long road trip. Two powerplay goals from the Sharks put the Hawks in an early hole. The Sharks out shot the the Hawks 12-7 in the period, and sent them into the intermission scratching their heads. The second period was ALL Blackhawks, as they outshot the Sharks 17-3 and out scored them 2-1, but the two first period goals still left them down, going into the third frame. The Hawks tied the game again in the third, but then, again, fell apart, giving up 2 third period goals. When all was said and done, the Hawks were sent to Phoenix winless in their last 7.

The Good

• Bryan Bickell seems to have found his set of balls. He laid a couple of nice nits and engaged in a little scuffle with Jamie McGinn. Of course, his wrist shot still takes half a decade to release, but there was some sign of life, but there has to be a silver lining, somewhere. Bickell made a few nice plays to set up his game tying goal, in the third period. He forechecked hard and kept the Hawks possession alive, and then kept moving to get himself open. On a side note, regarding the fight with McGinn, where was the instigator and extra penalty for the shield on THAT play, NHL REFS???? Could have been a huge swing.
• My current soft spot has to be for MegaMayers. The guy just knows his place, and embraces it. The way he hunted down Ryane Clowe, and took exception to the treatment given to Toews earlier was a great teammate play. He just "gets it". I'd love to see him back for another year.
• Hello, Dream Warrior, so nice of you to join us on this road trip. Kruger picked up a Nick Leddy shot off the post, and outworked Joe Pavelski to poke the loose puck into the net. Shooter set the whole play up, by floating into the zone and controlling the puck long enough for the rest of the troops to catch up. He dumped it off the Leddy, and you know the rest of the story.
• Kruger's second goal of the period tied the game back up for the Hawks exactly three minutes after the first goal. Nothing pretty, but certainly effective. He was screening Niemi and absorbed a Seabrook shot. The shot dropped in front of Kruger, and was was able to turn around and get a couple of whacks at it, the second of which resulted in the goal. Dream Warrior stepping up a little bit!
• Dylan Olsen looked promising in his 19 minutes of ice time. He played some PK, and nicely chased down Patrick Marleau, resulting in no shot on net. You can't fault him for the Thornton goal. Just an unfortunate play.

The Bad

• Not even a minute into the game, and Frodo takes a trip to the box with a 4 minute high sticking infraction. That led to a 1-0 lead just a minute into the powerplay. Crawford got stuck out of his net with a rebound in front of him. Couture picked it up and took it around the net, feeding a pinching and wide open Justin Braun. Braun had a wide open net, and got a pretty easy goal. 1-0 Sharks.
• For the life of me, I could not understand what Stalberg did to deserve a demotion to the 4th line. He was one of the hottest Hawks previous, and Quenneville single handedly put him on ice, by demoting him to the bottom of the lineup. Good Job Dr. Lineblender. Thank god someone knocked a sliver of sense into Quenneville between the first and second periods, and he moved Stalberg back up. Seriously, though, why the wasted period? When all was said and done, Stalberg ended up with only eight minutes of ice time after his turnover led to the 3rd Sharks goal. He didn't see the ice again.
• Of course, the resulting powerplay of Joe Thornton's dickhead move yields a goal to put the Sharks up 2-0. Dan Boyle was the lucky recipient of a fat rebound and his OWN gaping net. Hey, Joe Thornton, do me a favor. When you win ANYTHING significant in your career, let me know. Otherwise get your head out of your ass. He got away with two rabbit punches to the face of Toews without much punishment. As you would expect, Ryane Clowe had to butt into the fracas as well. When all was sorted out, the Hawks were left shorthanded.
• The Sharks took the lead back late in the second when Stalberg threw a live grenade to Deuce, resulting in a turnover for Pavelski and Thornton. The puck ended up on the stick of Thornton who was trying to pass it out in front of the net, and it defected off Olsen's stick and past Crawford. Unfortunate is a word that's being used far too much this road trip.
• Just after the Bickell goal and fight, the Sharks took the lead again, for good. Benn Ferriero out muscled Leddy and was able to push the puck past Crawford. The play started with Frolik, who is not a great faceoff man, being kicked out of the draw. Kane came in to take it, and proceeded to lose the draw. The puck ended up in behind the net, and Crawford got caught out of his net for what seemed like the 10th time in the game. He was late recovering, which gave Ferriero the advantage. Leddy HAS to man up on that guy, and not allow him to get a stick on that pass.
• The Sharks put the Hawks to bed with a late powerplay goal, that really shouldn't have been a powerplay. While Shaw's penalty was a bad one, Douglas Murray got up and dropped his gloves. That's a penalty, folks, yet he wasn't given anything. That's twice in the third period that the Hawks were screwed out of San Jose penalties. Regardless, Jamie McGinn was left to sit in front of Crawford, all by himself, by Leddy and Seabrook. Crawford's move on the play didn't exactly look stellar either. He just laid the paddle down, and left the whole top half of the net open.
• All the Hawks centers, were at or below 50% at the faceoff dot.

The Ugly

• I'm getting really fucking tired of seeing opposing players beat the PISS out of Toews. He's constantly taking fists to the yap, and he looks like a rape victim after almost every whistle. This is your captain, fellas!
• 50% on the penalty kill isn't going to win you ANY games, in ANY league.

Here are your video highlights:

Blackhawks at Colorado - Loss Recap

"I'm Mister Icicle, I'm Mister Ten Below"



Well, wasn't THAT a relaxing 3 day break? ::Note Sarcasm:: What better do Hawks fans have to do in the midst of a dismal 3 week long road trip, and after 3 painful losses, but shout for the heads of everyone from GM on down to the Zamboni driver? I'm pretty sure it's Stanbo's fault that Wes Welker dropped that pass Sunday night, too. It's getting crazy in the Blackhawks Twatterverse, as well as in the media. Corey Crawford's re-acquisition of the yips isn't helping matters any, either, which led to second Razor Emery start in a row. Those of us with more sane outlooks, are just begging for a Blackhawks game to break the idiotic drama up. That is all contingent on the Hawks actually winning a game in the near future. Luckily, the Hawks rolled into Denver Tuesday night against a team that's been equally as cold in their last 5 games (0-4-1). If ever there was a night to stop the insanity, Tuesday February 7th was it. The Hawks had other ideas.

The game was pretty even for both teams, in the first period. Both teams had 9 shots on net, but the Avs had more scoring chances. The score could have easily been 1-0 or 2-1 Avs, but both goalies held their creases for a scoreless frame. Even though there were 4 goals scored in the second period, the Avs still held the scoring chance advantage. The Hawks goaltending was the only thing holding them in the game through the first two periods, and they were playing with fire. That all came to an end in the third period as the Hawks shit the bed just 38 seconds in and gave up 2 more, including an empty netter, on just 5 shots against. That is RARELY going to win you a game.

The Good

• I felt that the lines Dr. Lineblender threw out in the first period were as they should be given the players dressed. 88-19-65, 81-36-10, 67-16-25, 15-17-22 with 2-7, 5-8, 4-6. I might like Stalberg and Shaw flipped, but I'm not going to raise hell about this setup. Of course, Quenneville can't keep the lines together for more than 20 minutes, so keeping track is pointless.
• Seabs scored his second bad angle goal in a row, after a Deuce shot went off Stalberg, an Avs player, and then graciously appeared in Lucky Number Sleven's wheelhouse. Seabrook made no mistake, drilling it home, while Giguere roamed around in no man's land, looking for the puck. 1-0 Hawks.
• Kaner made up for hanging out Toews out to dry on the first Avs goal, with a sweet backhand snipe of Giguere. Seabrook, Keith, Sharp and Kane played tic-tack-toe through the neutral zone, and that ended up with Kane having a step on David Jones. He drove hard to the net and looked like he surprised Giguere by sticking to his backhand. 2-2
• Vik Stalberg made a BEAUTY of a move to undress two Avs late in the second but, you guessed it, couldn't finish.

The Bad

• Don't mind us, folks. Just the Blackhawks and their usual shorthanded chances against. This is embarrassing. Another game, still the same old fucked up powerplay. There were THREE serious 2-on-1 chances against while they were on the powerplay. How can you honestly be THAT bad?
• Maybe, just maybe, Leddy wasn't the one fucking up the second pairing, because Hammer looked just as flaky with Lurch.
• A RARE Jonny Toews turnover led to the Avs first goal just three minutes after the Hawks goal. Peter Mueller was the recipient of an O'Reilly pass, for an easy tap in 2-on-1 goal. The play was initially set up, when Kane dumped the puck off to Toews, who was heavily covered, and really had no chance. Of course, that led to El Capitan turning it over, and eventually, a goal. Lay that one on Kanes hook for hanging Toews out like that. 1-1.
• The Avs opened up the third period scoring just 38 seconds into play. Apparently, Seabrook and Keith weren't informed the put dropped, because they basically let Landeskog and Stastny have their way with Emery. In their defense, Emery should have been able to cut that angle down a little better too, but that entire play was one hot mess, and the Hawks looked like they couldn't have cared less. 3-2 Avs.
• David Jones pretty much closed out the Hawks night with eight minutes to go in the game. The rookies (16/65) and Frodo got caught watching the puck and deep in the Avs zone, when they should have been covering for the pinching defenders, and Jones was left to outrace Lurch. Long story short, Emery ended up picking the puck out of the net. When it rains, it pours, and stupid mistakes lead to ugly goals. 4-2 Avs.
• Montador didn't finish the game, and it wasn't because he was in the doghouse. Apparently, he was injured somewhere in the bedlam.
• It only took 3 games for Brandon Morrison to completely lose his luster. File that one away in the Fail File.
• The Hawks centers were all average to below average at the dot, with El Capitan winning only 38% of his draws.
• I might finally be done with Frolik. He just looks void of any confidence. It's a damn shame, because the kid has talent and I like his willingness to throw himself around recklessly, but it's just NOT working.

The Ugly

• Thirty five seconds after the Mueller goal, Milan Hejduk took advantage of a sloppy, flat footed Deuce turnover at the Hawks blue line, and used the 3-on-1 to his advantage. The puck ended up on the stick of new Hawks killer, David Jones, and then in the net. There are just too many brutal goals against immediately following goals either way, this season.
• I said it on Twatter last night and I'm saying it again; If Brendan Morrison is on your powerplay, your powerplay is absolutely fucking TERRIBLE.
• The empty netter was the epitome of the Blackhawks night. A bank shot from center ice, that wasn't even intended for the net. Bullshit. Three goals on 5 shots in the third period. I'm Paul Harvey, And THAT'S the rest of the story.
• When an opposing team blocks 21 shots and you only block 8, that's not a good sign.

Here are your video highlights:

Blackhawks at Calgary - Loss Recap

"And I'm Free...Free Fallin"



That Oiler game sure what painful, wasn't it? I watched Thursday's game on the DVR, which was even more painful. There are two good things Hawks fans can all say about this game against Calgary. It's not against the Oilers, and Sam Gagner is not on their roster. Other than that, the Hawks situation is concerning. YES, there are still almost 4 weeks until the trade deadline, and roughly 30 games until the playoffs, but sliding down this slope, on a 3 week road trip, can be a season killer. In the words of R. Lee Ermey, "You had best UN FUCK yourself". That's the best I can say to Bowman, Quenneville and the rest of the organization. It needed to start in Calgary, but obviously the Hawks had other plans.

As we've all seen quite a few times this year, the Hawks had a majority of the early chances in this game, but gave up an early goal. The Hawks didn't let that keep them down, and tied the game back up late in the frame. Keeping the game close was what they had to do. The second period was all Flames as they out shot the Hawks 16-6 thanks to some Flames powerplays, and the Flames were able to take the lead on a 4 minute powerplay. Was this a hangover from the beating they took the night before? That may have been the case, because the Hawks weren't able to score in the third either. Calgary took advantage of a defensive gaffe and put the Hawks away, 3-1.

The Good

• After 2 pretty uneventful games centering the second line, Tommy Gunn was moved to a slot a little more fit for his skills, the fourth line, and the Dream Warrior was moved back to the second line. Hammer was moved to the third pairing with Lurch, and Frank the Tank was moved up with Leddy. I still would have preferred Frolik playing with Bolland and Shaw, instead of Bickell, but beggars can't be choosers, I suppose.
• Kaner might not be scoring, but he's passing his ass off. Shooter and Toews got the puck to Kane deep in the Flames zone and left him with enough time to find Seabrook sneaking in on the back door. Kane was able to hit Seabs with a pin point perfect pass, who was able to beat Kiprusoff from a tight angle, to tie up the game at 1-1.
• MegaMayers has been on fire around the net. He's not scoring every night, but he just knows where to go and goes to those spots hard. Very consistant. You don't usually see that much action from a 4th line winger around the net.

The Bad

• Oli Jokinen put the Flames up 1-0 on a goal that was originally waved off, and on just their 4th shot of the first period. He chirped in the ear of the center ice ref and got the call he wanted. The play looked innocent enough, but letting a guy like Jokinen tee up a shot from that distance isn't the best of plans.
• Deuce got caught looking for some offense, and Jarome Iginla snuck in behind him. Tanguay saw this and hit him on the tape with a pass for a break-a-way goal. That one is all on Deuce. It shouldn't need to be pointed out that Jarome Fucking Iginla can't be in behind you waiting for a clean pass, and you can't count on your baseball skills to pick that pass off either. Just too fucking risky.
• Goals aside, When you're out shot in the final two frames of a game, you're not going to win many of them.
• Frolik and Bickell were the only two Hawks to play under 10 minutes, which is what you'd you'd expect from those two at this point.

The Ugly

• It seems to be the case lately, but one of the defining moments of the game was the Frodo double minor at the close of the second period. Sloppy sticks! Bouwmeester and Jones got in behind Seabrook and Keith pretty much having their way with a helpless Ray Emery. Razor made the first save through a screen but didn't have such luck with the rebound.

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Blackhawks at Edmonton - Loss Recap

"Play It Again, and Again, and Again, and Again, Sam"


"Tebow will now rename his move The Gagner"

Deja vu all over again. The Last time the Hawks played in in Edmonton, they were completely embarrassed and blown out of the building. They were out played and out classed. Then the Hawks hosted the Oilers, and though the game was closer they still weren't able to beat them. Would the third time be a charm or would the Oilers continue to dominance of the Hawks? Another Hawks loss would draw come concern, because no team should be dominating the Hawks. NONE!

The Hawks looked like a team that wanted to win, in the first period, at least. They had a majority of the chances, despite two powerplays against, and they out shot the Oilers 14-9. Good start, right? It wouldn't last. The Oilers got back in the game with a three goal second period, but a shorthander by the Hawks tied it back up, before the intermission. Even though it looked like the Oilers spend most of the second period trying to give the Hawks the game, they just would take it. And that is when the the sky fell. The third period was, well...BAD. The Hawks were outscored FIVE to one, which sent the Hawks to Calgary with their tails between their legs, following an embarrassing collapse that ended up 8-4.

The Good

• The Hawks came out of the gates with some great pressure, especially the first line. Only cashing in once proved to bite them in the ass. When you have the opportunity to put a team away, DO IT!
• Megamayers took advantage of a napping Devan Dubnyk about five minutes into the first period with the Hawks changing he just threw it at the net, and it ended up past Dubnyk. Awful goal, but hey, they'll take it.
• Watching Cam Barker trip over his own feet and the blue line, letting Bolland and Shaw in on a 2-on-1 was absolutely fucking HILARIOUS! Thank you Minnesota! I guess he had the last laugh, with a ridiculously horrible goal that chased Crawford from net and opened up the flood gates, eh?
• Kaner had a great forechecking sequence to start the second period with two beautiful steals. After the second one, he fed Shooter for a 5-hole, one timer goal, just 40 seconds into the period.
• Hey, folks! Nik Hjalmarsson actually hit someone! Never you mind that it was a rookie playing his second NHL game. He has to start somewhere, amirite?
• Shooter and El Capitan hooked up, shorthanded, late in the second period, to tie the game up 3-3. Toews was all business, taking the low hard shot off Dubnyk's pads and Shooter had a big rebound land on his stick. An easy one for him to putt into the net, and the Hawks have some life.
• Bolland brought the Hawks within one goal off an Andrew Shaw rebound that he was able to sneak past Dubnyk. Unfortunately, that momentum wouldn't last more than a brief moment. Twenty eight seconds, to be exact.
• Oddly enough, all the Hawks centers were over 50% at the dot, except Bolland, who was just a shade under.

The Bad

• Tommy Gunn on the point of the powerplay? Are you fucking KIDDING me, Q? That's REALLY showing some serious desperation. HE is not the answer.
• Taylor Hall put the Oilers on the board just a few minutes after Sharpie's goal. The 100 foot breakout pass from Sam Gagner deep in the Oilers end hit Hall in stride after he had gotten in behind Seabrook. Hall raced in and even though Seabrook recovered and caught him, the puck somehow found it's way past Crawford, who seemed surprised. Soft goal. Gagner ticker: 0g-1a
• Sam Gagner brought the score to back even at 2-2, just about half way through the second period. Crawford was too aggressive on Gagner driving tight to the net, and got tied up with Leddy. Once Gagner decided to go around the net, there was a gaping net waiting for him. Gagner ticker: 1g-1a
• The Oilers scored their third goal of the second period on the powerplay, when Ryan Whitney beat Crawford on a long shot that he really should have had. Either way, Thanks for the power play against, Bickell. Let us know how the doghouse is, and tell Sami Lepisto that was all said "Hi". Gagner ticker: 1g-2a
• Gagner continued his scorching play, while the Hawks continued to play like a hot mess in their own zone. Crow was WAY too far out of his net and the puck came out hard off the glass to Gagner, who had another gaping net. 4-3 Oilers. Gagner ticker: 2g-2a
• Cam Fucking Barker put the Oilers up 5-3 that Crawford just completely fucking missed. WOW, and HOLY SHIT! God Fucking Awful, Crow! You HAVE to make that. I've defended him all year, and I just can't defend that. Good night, Corey. Gagner ticker: 2g-3a
• Gagner got his 6th point and 3rd goal of the game just a few brief moments after the Bolland goal, to end all comeback that the Hawks had in mind. Taylor Hall beat Shaw and Hammer into the Hawks zone for the puck. He turned around and fed it to Gagner, who was towing a Marcus Kruger trailer behind him. Too bad that trailer couldn't bother to tie up his stick or something. Nick Leddy was standing in front of the fucking net covering NO ONE so THAT helped a lot. 6-4 Oilers. Gagner ticker: 3g-3a
• Gagner's 7th point and 4th goal of the night...ah whatever! Seriously, Fuck off! 7-4 Oilers. Gagner ticker: 4g-3a
• Jordan Eberle put the exclamation point on the night, and Gagner got his 8th point with about three and a half minutes left. Eddie and Pat actually got into a fucking argument, on the air, about the Oilers not taking their foot off the gas. Fuck it, run the god damn score up! If the Hawks are going to do dumb shit like dress horrible players and force themselves to roll a short lineup on the road, make them pay. Don't let them off the hook. The Oilers scored 9 earlier in the season, what makes this ANY different, Edzo? You're just butt-hurt, and as angry as the fans are. Gagner ticker: 4g-4a

The Ugly

• O'Donnell was dressed for warmups and then sat for the game, with Big Slow playing two games in a row. Ugh, great personnel move. Great team to have to roll 4 D-men against for most of the game, Joel. Can we ask Chris Kuc about that Hall of Fame coaching decision, now? (Hint: click the link to see what he said when questioned about Scott playing in Vancouver) Worked out brilliantly, didn't it? Not only that, but with the Brunette injury and Bickell sucking the fat bung hole while hanging out in the doghouse, the Hawks were rolling 3 lines of Offense and 2 lines of Defense. Way to ride the hell out of your horses, Joel! I'm sure THAT wont show tonight on the second night of the back-to-back.
• Only Bryan Bickell would hit himself in the face with his own stick. What a dope. Anyone tell you to keep two hands on your stick? They tell you that from day one of mites. Two dumb ass penalties SHOULD make him a perma-scratch for the rest of the season, because he's just a useless sack of rotten meat.
• I feel the need to point out a few things. Sam Gagner's 8 points, is the most by and NHL player in almost 25 year, and the last one to do it was Mario Lemieux. It also tied an Oilers record which is owned by The Great One, and Paul Coffey. This is Sam Gagner we are talking about. The same Sam Gagner that came into the game with 22 points in 43 games. We're not talking about Crosby, Malkin, or even Datsyuk, here.

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Blackhawks at Vancouver - Loss Recap

"One Day At A Time"



Wasn't that refreshing? A nice little break is just what I needed, I know that. Back to hockey, and shenanigans aside, the Hawks needed that break to let some banged up players heal. If you were going to write this story, you would have arranged the injuries of the Captain and Alternate Captain around a week long break. Thank you Hockey Gods! The Hawks also made a move to add a little depth at Center, for Brendan "Tommy Gunn" Morrison. He was made his Hawks debut in Vancouver, against his former team. NHL story line writers, this is where you insert game winning goal by Tommy Gunn. Just a suggestion. I guess it was a little too late.

For those of you that aren't old as dirt, like I am, the title and picture refer to a popular late 70's/early 80's sitcom, in which a creepy apartment maintenance guy, named "Schneider", befriends a single mom and her kids. How's that for a sign of the times? Moving on, The first period of last night's game definitely showed a little rust with both teams, but especially by the Hawks. They were out shot 12-9, but luckily only surrendered one goal. They did a nice job of coming back after the Canucks opened the scoring, though. The Hawks started out the second giving up a big chance, but came back and out shot the Canuck 14-6 in the frame. Unfortunately, they weren't able to beat the Canucks goaltender. The third period was a fairly even with the Hawks outshooting the Canucks 12-10, and each team getting a goal, but this one was going to need extra time to decide who was going to get the extra point. The Hawks had excellent chances in OT, but in the end, the Canucks took advantage of some soft coverage and won the game.

The Good

• MegaMayers tied the game up for the Hawks, after they lost momentum, in the first period. He took a pass that was intended for Kaner and drove it back into the slot, beating Schneider. Nice to see his hard work paying off.
• Stalberg had 3 excellent chances in the second period along, and was stopped on all three. He reminds me of the Blonde Playboy tramps; All that talent and nothing upstairs.
• On what seemed like his 50th chance of the night, Vik Stalberg scored his 15th goal of the year off Alex Edler's ass, and past Schneider. The first line was all over the Canucks at that point, but Toews and Kane just couldn't finsh.
• El Capitan made a move that was absolutely undressed Edler, in OT, with a little Shake-n-Bake move, but wasn't able to finish.
• Not to take away from Schneider's play, but Crawford had a very good night, himself. None of the three goals could be hung on his hook. He faced a deflection, a break-a-way, and piss poor coverage in OT. For all those calling for his head on a stake, you have to give him his due when he plays well, and the point blank stop on Sedin, in OT was a total theft.
• All in all, the Hawks played a fairly solid game, after a week off, on the road, in Vancouver. They got a point, right? Let's not panic, but we can expect better.

The Bad

• Hammer picked up where he left off last week, opening the game by not handling Hossa's tweener pass, which Crawford had to bail him out.
• The Hawks failed Crawford miserably when the top line couldn't get the puck out of the zone, and it ended up on the stick of Kesler. Keith got caught in no mans land, and redirected the shot off the shaft of his stick. Great job backing your goalie up after he just made 3 or 4 big stops. The Hawks wingers were guilty of heading out of the zone before they had full control of the puck and it bit them in the ass.
• Tommy Gunn's first few Blackhawks shifts were pretty awful. He iced the puck badly on the powerplay, and then turned over the puck a few times in the Hawks zone. He is, by no means, a bust, but he was looking a little rough around the edges, early.
• Cody Hodgson tied the game back up, for the Canucks, when the Hawks all got mesmerized by Vik Stalberg's bad stickhandling and eventual turnover at the Vancouver blue line, and let Hodgson sneak in behind them for the break-a-way goal. You have to point the finger at Seabrook and Keith, because they were certainly napping, or admiring Vik's stunning good looks.

The Ugly

• The guy that sung the national anthems was brutal. I don't know WHO he was, or what his qualifications were, but he couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. That was the most flat version of those songs that I've ever heard. I guess it was better than the "Fat Gallagher" that usually does the Canadian one.
• The Hawks lost 19 of 23 face-offs in the first period. OUCH! Overall, they were absolutely gang raped at the dot with the top 3 centers all turning in a 35%, or below, performance for the game.
• Hey, Powerplay? YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG! It's still fucked in a bad way.
• Keith, Seabrook, Bolland, and Kane all left Daniel Sedin wide open, 3 feet in front of Crawford, IN OT, and he took a pass from his brother to win the game. How do you NOT cover that creepy ginger? Was Bolland trying to cover him with The Force?
• You wouldn't know he even played, but Big Slow WAS on the ice for his 5 minutes of fame. Five minutes and twenty one seconds, to be exact. What you DID notice, though, was the fact that other D-Men had to rotate in to cover for Scott, because he doesn't have enough talent to be on the ice in a tight game. He didn't see the ice after the middle of the second period. And Sami Lepisto still sits in the press box. Don't give me any of that "toughness" bullshit, either, because the Hawks were outhit 33-16 and Andrew Shaw was ragdolled all night long.

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