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 vs. Avalanche - Loss Recap

"WHITEWASH"



Fresh off a highly disappointing loss in Philly Thursday night, the Blackhawks were back home to face the red hot Colorado Avalanche. The Avs were 4-1 in their last 5 games, 8-2 in their last 10, and won 3 previous games on the road which could spell trouble for the Hawks. The hot baby Blackhawks got another chance to show their skills, and Crawford was back in net for the Hawks. The Hawks faces this summers Avalanche free agent signing Semyon Varlamov.

Both the Hawks and Avs had chances in the first period, but the Hawks couldn't solve the Avs netminder. The Avs gave themselves a lead on a redirected goal, and also lead in shots 8-5 at the first intermission. The second period became a nightmare for the Hawks. Even though they outshot the Avs 12-8, they were outscored 2-0. The Avs seemed to capitalize on every single Hawks mistake. Unfortunately, the third period was just more of the same with the Avs putting the Hawks away, scoring the forth goal of the game on just half a dozen shots. The Hawks were victims of a team that just continued to be hot and capitalize on every good chance.

The Good

• I'm not anointing the kid a savior at all, but when Doctor Lineblender put Shaw out there at center with Bickell and Stalberg you could clearly see him deliberately jumping back as one of the first defenders in the Hawks zone. The kid is smart, and annoying. The comparison to Steve Ott was a good one. Anyhow, After just watching three veterans half ass it, he jumped out on the ice and showed that he's paying attention and willing to do the dirty work.
• You can't pin this loss completely on the Hawks, because they DID get some even strength chances, but Semyon Varlamov was just super man all night. The Avs were outshot 22-14 in the final two periods and didn't give up any goals.
• I'm not going all Ben Smith on these guys, but the baby Blackhawks earned extra time in important situations. Olsen was seen playing with the other top 4 guys, even though that was because Q had the brilliant idea to dress Big Slow for THREE FUCKING MINUTES of ice time. Olsen led the Hawks with 5 hits, and seemed to have a jump in his step. Hayes was pretty noticeable all night around the net, moving up to get some time with the top 6 guys, and getting almost 15 minutes of ice time. Shaw was a minus 1, but he centered the shutdown line for most of the second half of the game. His minus 1 was a casualty of the third Avs goal where 3 Hawks players let Landeskog put on a show.
• Hey, they didn't give up a powerplay goal, right?
• Pick-to-Click Vik was sent in on a break-away in the third period and beat Varlamov...but hit the post. Isn't that just what you would expect? Shooter had a similar chance a few minutes later, but Varlamov was better.
• Crawford didn't have a great night, but three of the 4 goals were tip-ins or back door goals. Only one of them could really be hung on Crawford's hook, but that one goal was an ugly one.

The Bad

• David Jones put the first goal of the game in on Crawford thirteen minutes in. He redirected an Erik Johnson shot into the upper corner while Leddy and Hammer allowed Jones set up camp in front of the net, like it was his job. Any time you two would love to defend your own zone is fine with us.
• The Avs went up 2-0 early in the second period when Kaner, Invisibolly, and Sharpie (All of whom have played center) coasted back on defense, and let the Avs TJ Galiardi freely sneak in on the back door. He took a slick little pass from Paul Stastny, and had a wide open net to shoot at. Fucking SLOP, I tell you!
• After being 1 out of their last 22 powerplays, they failed on their only one last night. Just to REALLY piss in everyone's fucking Wheaties, they followed up the Clown College powerplay with an awful goal against. Leddy half assed a pass to Keith behind the net that Landeskog got a piece of, a la Tazer's steal against the Flyers. Landeskog somehow dragged the puck in front with Leddy, Deuce and Stalberg all within 2 feet of him. It squirted off his stick and right to David Van Der Gulik, who was streaking to the net. Crawford went down on the initial Landeskog attempt and never recovered, leaving the corners open.
• The Avs Chuck Kobasew Put the cherry on top of the sundae with just 2 minutes to go in the game, sending the Hawks away with their tails between their legs. Whatever, thanks for the effort.
• It has to be pointed out, but all night you see the Avs tipping shots on Crawford, but how many shots did you see tipped on Varlamov? Very few if any. WHY?

The Ugly

• I mentioned this briefly but seriously, WHAT THE FUCK, Q? You have a rookie in his second NHL game and you pair him up with JOHN SCOTT who isn't worthy of more than 3:25? Sami Lepisto isn't worth more than that? REALLY? He didn't see the ice after the first 5 minutes of the second period. FOUR TOTAL SHIFTS!
• Is Nick Leddy finally starting to crack under the pressure? He was absolutely brutal all night. His minus 4, with multiple turnovers were evidence of that. Hammer wasn't much better, tossing HIS minus 3 into the mix. Good thing the Hawks have a solid 3rd pair to pick up the slack...oh wait.
• Once again, the joke that is the NHL instigation penalty was mocked. TJ Galiardi chased down Invisibolly after he got a piece of Paul Stastny and jumped him. That's only an instigator when you're Big Slow. Fucking JOKE!

Here are your video highlights:

Blackhawks vs Avalanche - Loss Recap

"Try To Save Myself but Myself Keeps Slipping Away"



Last night was the ass end of the home-and-home series with the pesky Colorado Avalanche. The Hawks squeaked one out in Colorado the other night, and they were bringing the Headdress Circus back home. Add to the drama the unveiling of the Mikita and Hull sculptures, and you have an exciting saturday night in Chicago.

As far as the game goes, The Hawks had a majority of the action in the first period, yet went into the intermission down 1-0. You had to imagine the game would open up with the speed of these two teams. The Avs took a 3-2 lead into the second intermission on a lucky bounce and some determination, even though the Hawks scored on a late powerplay. The third period had some excitement but at the end of regulation the teams were tied 4-4. In OT, he Hawks had a failed powerplay and SUPPOSEDLY outshout the Avs, but it certainly didn't look that way. This game would end on a single shootout goal, and the Avs would return the favor of the home loss to the Hawks.

The Good

• The Hawks had a powerplay and a few really good rushes in the first, but just couldn't solve Avs netminder, Varlamov. Sharp seemed to be leading every rush, so it looks as though he's in regular season shape.
• The Frolik snakebitten streak finally ended one minute into the second period, after Quenneville was shown shaking the evil ju-ju off his stick in the first. Erik Johnson threw the puck through the middle of his own zone, trying to be cute, and Frolik was right there to snatch it and beat Varlamov. Total gift.
• Tazer had a great chance late in the second, as he went right up the gut, and made 3 Avs defenders look like mites, but couldn't finish the play.
• Cappy Serious took advantage of a late second period powerplay rebound and brought the Hawks back within one goal. Toews was CLEARLY pissed off after missing his partial breakaway a few moments earlier.
• A MegaMayers slapshot that was kicked out and then deflected off both of Ryan O'Byrne's skates ended up in the back of the net. The play, though, was set up by a pretty Nick Leddy rush up the gut. He dumped it off to MegaMayers, who just fired it at the net, and got a little luck, himself.
• Hossa gave the Hawks their first lead when he tipped a Duncan Keith point shot past Varlamov on a play that was started by some nice hustle from Sharpie to pick up a puck in the Avs corner. Sharpie took control, and it eventually found Keith, who threw it towards the net, and Hoss made a great play to get a stick on it.
• The Hawks took no penalties in the game, which is usually a bigger advantage, but it was not to be last night.
• Steve Montador officially looks like Will Ferrell. He has been anointed, Ricky Bobby.

The Bad

• The Avs opened up the scoring late in the first on a nifty little Paul Stastny tip. The only chance the Hawks have on a play like that, is if Keith, O'Donnell, or Bolland can tie up the stick of Stastny or just get their asses in his way. He was streaking across the middle and pretty much had free reign. Sometimes when you dominate play and can't finish, these flukey goals end up surprising you.
• The Avs took the lead back in the second when David Jones just threw the puck in front of the net, from behind, and it bounced around like a superball. Seabrook got a piece of it, and Crow got several pieces as it was bouncing around. Two goals on two horeshit bounces.
• The Avs took a 3-1 lead in the second as the Hawks let the Rookie Landeskog walk to the net all by himself. He took a pass and just snapped it past Crow. Bruno had a prime chance to help out on the play and tie up Landeskog's stick before he got down low to Montador, but had no interest in any of that. As a result, the Hawks were picking the pick out of the back of their net.
• A major breakdown by the Blackhawks defense led to a Gabriel Lendeskog game tying goal with just under two minutes to go in the third. Nick Leddy got caught GROSSLY out of position and it left Landeskog wide open with the puck on his stick in the middle of the Hawks zone. Landeskog beat Crow cleanly and the Hawks comeback was for naught.
• Not really sure what the deal is, but Carbomb played the least of any Blackhawk. He didn't do anything that deserved a spot on the pine, yet there he sat. He was a plus 2 on the night, so he couldn't have been doing that much wrong. Fuck if I know.

The Ugly

• Colorado has to be kicking themselves in the ass for trading for Erik Johnson. That guy is garbage.
• For the first time this season Kaner was very average. Beast mode was not in effect, but I guess you can't expect that every night.
• Tazer goal or not, the powerplay is a clusterfuck.

The Shootout

• Stalberg missed the net
• Hejduk was stopped by Crawford
• Toews couldn't beat Varlamov
• Duchene was stopped on a nice save by Crow.
• Kaner ran out of room, and was denied
• Lindstrom beat Crawford

Here are your video highlights:

Blackhawks at Colorado - Win Recap

"Little Junior, He’s All In a Rage"



Nothing quite like a little early season home-and-home cooking. The Hawks made a little stopover in Colorado, Thursday, after paddling the Yotes in Phoenix. The Avalanche came in as one of the hotter teams in the NHL, and probably one of the faster teams in the NHL. No one will forget the season opening loss to them last season, where they ran ALL OVER the slower Hawks. They weren't going to sneak by so easily this time.

The first period was dominated, in shots, by the Avalanche 13-6, but the Hawks were the only ones to score. Call it dumb luck, but they cashed in on a prime chance. Things turned around in the shot category for the Hawks in the second, but THEY were the ones that suffered the unfortunate fate of giving up a goal. Tough team, close game on the road, and a crucial third period. The Hawks held it together long enough to score a late third period goal, and then finally an empty netter. Excellent road win. Bring it on home, boys!

The Good

• The Hawk opened up the scoring with just under 4 minutes left in the first period. Captain Serious sent a backhander up where mom keeps the peanut butter, blocker side on Varlamov. Leddy started the play, digging the puck out down low, and dumped it to Carbomb who was coming around the net. Bomb's vision was excellent, as he immediately hit Tazer on the stick and who set it up and put a perfect shot in the net. VERY difficult shot to stop when you're moving in the opposite direction.
• Varlamov absolutely stoned Seabrook on a one timer, after he took a feed from Cappy Serious. With no time to react, he made a ridiculous save.
• Speaking of ridiculous, That Varlamov save on Freddy Kruger is absolutely sickening. Now, Kruger helped by shooting it where Varlamov's glove was going to be, and Varlamov certainly embellished the save, but he deserves to embellish that. That's a save of the year candidate. I bow. Lets see that...in and instant replay:
• The Carcillo watch is still on Dr. Jekyll mode. How long can this last? We're all waiting for the switch to turn, and it's not. I'm glad to be wrong here, thus far. If he keeps this ridiculousness up, resign him!
• Sharpie put the Hawks up for good with just over 5 minutes left in the game, with a little snipe sauce, on the short side. All business, folks. It's about time the first line awoke from their haze.
• Super Serious was a plus 3. Much more of this please? Colorado's Eric Johnson was a minus 3. OUCH!
• Crawford stood on his head. Plain and simple. He held them in the game long enough to shake the rust off, and that's exactly what he's going to need to be able to do. He really deserved a shutout, because that goal was an awful bounce.

The Bad

• Colorado tied up the game with four and a half minutes left in the second, off a ridiculous pinball goal, that Crawford had no chance on. That puck ricocheted of at least two players, one of then being Incredi-Bolly, who had his back to the puck carrier because he was taking his man. Those things happen, and no one can really be blamed. Let's forget that one ever happened.
• The Frodo Snake Bitten counter is still rolling. He's getting serious chances, but just CANNOT find the back of the net. When he DOES, I have a feeling it's going to be the start of a red hot scoring streak.

The Ugly

• This powerplay problem is beginning to become concerning. While the PK has been excellent, they NEED to be better on the PP to do well in the playoffs. It's early, but there is just TOO much talent on this team to not be scoring on the PP.
• The Hawks were bent over at the faceoff dot all night. The BEST was Bolly at 50%. Serious, and Kaner were both at 38%. OOGLY!

Here are your video highlights:

Craw-Valanche

The Hawks came out slow and even took an early penalty but they scored on two of their first four shots, to lead 2-0 going into the second. The Hawks added on another goal in the second to take a 3-0 lead into the third period. In the third, the Hawks held things together and put a forth goal in to hold the shutout for Crawdaddy. and a 4-0 win.

The Good

• Even though the Hawks were pretty much dominated early, Brouwer scored a bad rebound goal on the 3rd shot of the game. Budaj would like a restart after that one.
  
• When InvisiBolly scores a goal on you, you're having a bad night. Forty seconds after Brouwer scored, Bolland picked up a rebound on the back door, and couldn't miss. Two goals on four shots, Peter? That's a whole lotta suck.
  
• Brouwer has finally been consistently throwing that big body of his around and it's made a huge difference on how teams treat his line mates.
  
• I'm not sure what Bolland had for breakfast, but he needs to repeat. He gathered in a pass and put it right on Fernandog's stick, who needed to just be present for the goal. The Avalanche defense looked either tired or uninspired, I haven't decided which.
  
• I feel much more comfortable with Leddy and Hendry out there behind the forth line more than I ever did with Cullimore and Boynton. The speed alone gives me the warm fuzzies.
  
• On the second wide open goal of the night, Jack Skillington put the rebound of a Brent Seabrook shot into the net. The original shot was actually going wide, but Budaj wanted to make the play, and it burned him.
  
• I couldn't be happier for Corey Crawford and his second consecutive shutout. He deserves the attention it's bringing him.
  
• Call me a pig all you'd like, but the guy that is picking the talent for the intermission puck shoot deserves a handshake. Some of the most attractive women to wear the Hawks logo.
  

The Bad

• Hey, Bolly! You're behind the net, on your forehand, and no one is pressuring you. So you force yourself to your backhand and make a bad pass to the wrong team. See where I'm going with this? You had an excellent game otherwise, so I'll lay off.
  
• Pat Foley has been REALLY having issues with any player that has an "8" on their back. He's called Hossa Kane, Dowell Kane, and Kane Hossa.
  

The Ugly

• The only thing worse than the Hawks penalty kill is the Avs powerplay. OOOFA!
  

Here are the video highlights for your viewing pleasure:

Colorado Calamity

The Hawks were looking to avenge the loss the other night, but the Avalanche had other ideas. It started off much better last night, but the ending was, again, a shit show. After one period they were down one nothing, but tied it up early in the second. The second ended with a 1-1 tie and set up a very important third. Once again, the wheels fell off the cart, and the Hawks gave up 3 goals. This is getting old.

The Good

• One Trick Bickell was at it again. His goal was a great effort as he circled in and ripped a great shot over Anderson's glove. Like I said, the guy can shoot, and he's doing what he's good at. I wish more of the team would follow the example.
  
• Corey Crawford had another huge outting, and made several big saves, but fell short in the third, when the defense fell apart.
  
• Jonny B Goode got a real nice hard working goal. Nothing pretty about that one, but that was a huge play by the captain, at the time.
  
• Power Brouwer's goal was too little too late, but he has been on fire. Let's hope that continues. At least he's finally doing something useful.
  

The Bad

• The first Colorado goal was absolutely brutal. Boynton and Cullimore just backed their asses into Crawford, and let the Avs forwards shoot at will. C'mon, guys. What was that? Step up and hit someone
  
• The powerplay was completely ineffective. The Hawks kept control, but didn't get many shots to the net at all. You have to take the kill shot with all the powerplays in the first period. When you don't capitalize on prime chances, you're going to end up in trouble.
  
• The O'Byrne hit on Stalberg was bad. I can't say he was trying to be a complete asshat, but it ended up that way. That should have been more than two minutes, if Hendry got four later. Not that Stalberg has done anything of importance lately, but they could have used the extra legs.
  

The Ugly

• Jordan Hendry played one or two shifts in the first period, and disappeared. In the third he had some terrible luck as the Colorado player skated into his elbow, and he was tagged with a double minor. Funny how the call was a high stick and his stick was nowhere near Winnik. None of the refs made a call until they noticed Winnik was down and that cost the Hawks the game.
  
• Fleischmann continued to abuse Seabrook and Crawford with his two powerplay goals. The hat trick goal was simply the knife in the back of the Hawks. They just cannot catch a break, and it's getting old really fast.
  

Here are the video highlights for your viewing pleasure:

Colorado ClusterF&@K

After embarrassing the Hawks, Fleischmann does the funky running man?!?!

As CSN's Chuck Garfien said following the game, "That, did not...just happen". I don't know if ANY defensemen showed up for either team, because if they were on the ice they didn't do god damned thing. Six goals scored in the first 20 mins, and it was a 3-3 tie going into the second frame. Forty seconds into the second and the Hawks give up yet another wide open slot goal. The Hawks opened up a 5-4 lead with 2 and a half minutes to go, and the wheels fell off the cart. Three goals in the final two and a half minutes and it was over. Pathetic and embarrassing. Because that was 2 and a half hours of my life that I'll never recover, I dedicate this silly shit to the Hackhawks:



That clip should be looped on the monitors in the locker room to remind them of that atrocious waste of a game. On with the carnage...

The Good

• Leave it up to Brouwer Power to actually have himself an admirable game that gets wasted. First, He picked up a garbage powerplay goal, but it all counts. Kopecky muffed on the play, and he half ass kicked it to Brouwer, who just ripped it through Craig Anderson. The third goal, by Bickell, was pretty shady. Brouwer sent in a floater that banked off Bickell and into the net. Awful goal for Anderson to give up. Brouwer had a great tip for the Hawks fifth goal, off a Duncan Keith wrist shot from the point on the powerplay. Three minutes to go in the third and the Hawks are up 5-4. Game over right? Think again. The Hawks had other plans.
  
  
• Skillington's goal was really another fortunate bounce that ended up on his stick, and he snapped it home. Once again, I like seeing people rewarded for hard work and heart. Those are two things Jack has shown this year.
  
  
• Crawford looked good again, and the team responds better when he's in net. I think the team has decided that they want him as their netminder. Marty, it's over, man. Just too bad they didn't want to respond for more than 57 minutes. Really, most of the goals given up let the goalies hung out to dry. Crawford did make a nice save late in the game on yet ANOTHER one timer in the slot.
  
  
• The fight between Big Show and former Blackhawk for a minute David Koci was entertaining, but hardly effective. What else do you expect with two complete cement heads out there? I'd be shocked if they DIDN'T fight. I'd say Big Show took that one, but did ANYONE care?
  
  
• Jeremy Morin's second goal of the year was pretty weak, in and of itself, but no complaining here. Good job kiddo. Keep firing the biscuit.
  
  
• Jake the Snake moved up to third line center with Brouwer and Bickell, with Invisi-Bolly out. He didn't look out of place, and he certainly played better in the Avs end than Bolland has.

The Bad

• Well under the radar, Invisi-Bolly apparently has an upper body injury, which I can only guess is a bruised ego, or mental deficiency. Ryan Potulny was called up to center the forth line.
  
  
• The Hawks all too often found Colorado forwards in behind their defensemen. Not a good sign, and you'd think after once or twice they'd stay a little more alert. It was like a carnival shooting gallery all game. The Hawks only gave up 30 shots, but every time you turn around, there is another Colorado player wide open in the slot.
  
  
• Potulny, Morin and Bickell isn't exactly the powerplay line other teams will piss themselves over. Stalberg and Skille are sitting the bench while Bickell and Potulny are out there? C'mon Joel, that's just moronic.
  
  
• Whoever was sitting near one of the open mics ringing a cowbell all game needs to be sodomized with a hot poker and buried alive. This isn't a youth game, cut the shit.
  
  
• Big Show and his 265 seconds of glory. This guy is really earning every dollar, and he REALLY skates like he shat his drawers. My two year old runs around like that when she fills hers.
  
  
• Just when the whole media is crowing about Keith being back in his Norris Trophy winning form, him and Seabrook went -4 EACH. That's our top defensive pairing. NEGATIVE FOUR!
  

The Ugly

• Eighteen seconds into the game and Colorado got things rolling against Turco. Toews, Stalberg and Keith all let Yip one time a shot in the slot, right into the back of the net. What a great way to start the game, and it was certainly a sign of things to come. People aren't even in their seats, and the home team is up 1-0.
  
  
• Colorado goal number two was also ridiculously stupid. Keith and Seabrook really showed a half assed effort and Stastny went right through the two of them and put a shot on net that flipped over Turco. Yes, #2 and #7 looked like they didn't want to be bothered, but Marty got a piece of it. It almost looked like, at that point, he had already given up. Thanks for making me look like an asshole, Marty. I'm glad I backed THAT horse. Fucking Mule!
  
  
• Twenty three seconds after the Hawks tie it, in the first, they give up another goal as Kopecky, Campbell, and Hjalmarsson let yet ANOTHER Colorado forward skate wide open in slot. Guys? Hello? Are you there? Anyone? The first period started and you look like dogshit. What happened to this great defense we've all heard so much about?
  
  
• Then it was Brent Seabrook's turn to really screw Turco by turning the puck over at the blue line and 40 seconds into the second, it was 4-3 Colorado. Make all the excuses you want, Steve Konroyd, but Seab's shit the bed on that one. Not that I don't agree with Turco being pulled, but the Hawks were absolutely fucking TERRIBLE on defense. Three wide open shots in the slot and a turnover which lead to a 2 on 2 and ends up in the back of their own net. Just BRUTAL!! Honestly, the Hawks should have come out of the first intermission with Crawford. Turco just didn't have it last night and his .600 save percentage made that clear.
  
  
• Goal number 5 was a simple wrist shot that beats Crawford, but why was Fleischmann allowed to put the brakes on and let it go like he did? Seabrook just backed off and almost did a bambi on ice reenactment. Fleischmann let the shot rip it at the net, and we have a tie game. Like the rest of the game, SLOPPY! So much for that 5-4 lead with two and a half minutes left. Oh it gets better.
  
  
• Aaaaaaaand the sixth goal less than a minute later, where Seabrook and Keith just let Douche-ene slide right between them and ONCE AGAIN one time a puck, in the slot, into the back of their net. It's a cliche but in this case it's true. There is NO "D" in Blackhawks. Bunch of fucking sad sacks. Throw an empty netter in for good measure. Assholes! That was disgusting.

If you really want to watch this embarrassment here you go:

That John Denver is Full of Sh*t

A funny thing happened this morning as I walked up Madison street. The sun was rising over the lake. Imagine that; the sun is going to rise today, after the Hawks lost their season opener, and, as it turns out, the Rocky Mountains ARE a bit rockier than we'd hoped. Of course, I'm speaking of the 4-3 overtime loss late last night to the Avalanche. Opening on the road, against what could be one of the fastest teams in the conference wasn't going to be easy. The Hawks battled back from a 3-1 deficit to tie up the game in the 3rd period and eventually lose on a shot that snuck through Turco and dribbled in. Where does one start? I'm going to get the bad out of the way first, and end on a high note, because it's not all gloom and doom.

Natually, losing your opener is never "good", but they played a team that is very talented, and certainly faster. That can't be said about many other teams in the NHL, because the Hawks are a young, quick team, themselves. It's nothing to be worried about. The first issue I need to address, or in this person's case get undressed, is Nick Friggin Leddy. On the north side of the center line he looks like an NHL defensman, but south of that line, he's not even a bad stand-in. It's painful to watch, at times. The first goal was a direct result of Leddy not being able to take a pass that was in his feet. Stewart then blazed by Leddy, as he mentally pouted because it was a difficult pass, undressed Hjalmarsson, and sat Turco on his ass with a pretty move. Grantite, Hjalmarsson sent over a pass that was perfect for a right handed shot, but you have to know how to coral a less than perfect feed, in the NHL. Leddy is very talented, but he's green as goose shit, and looks confused and overmatched on the back end. He should be a #5 guy, at this point in his career. Talk about trial by fire. I really believe that Brian Connelly would have been a better selection to log NHL minutes, because he's played against professionals. Hammer is going to have a LONG 4 or 5 weeks if Leddy is going to continue to be his partner, until Soupy gets back. Hammer was a team worst -3 last night, but it's not all his fault, when he's basically alone in his own zone. Goal #2 he was out there with Keith, who let Duchene keep his stick on the ice and redirect Foote's pass into the net, and Goal #3 Leddy and Hammer just stood there and watched Stastny pick up a loose puck and fire it through Turco. Sloppy, to say the least. The powerplay looked relatively good , but the penalty kill took a few steps back. As far as the rest go:

-Stalberg looked uninspired

-Brouwer was up-and-down

-Kane looked a little tentative, and maybe a tad rusty

-Seabrook looked slow at times, and must have wind burn from those fast little bastards skating by him.

-Scott just IS slow, all of the time, and he skates like he had a load in his pants.

-I was shocked to see Pisani playing with Shooter and Kane early on. That's CLEARLY not where he belongs. Lets end that experiment real soon.

-Skille was back in the lineup, but really didn't do anything of note. Unless, of course, you consider a hooking penalty something of note.

Now for the good, or at least the "not bad". First is the subject I'm going to have to debate 400 times in the coming months; Marty the Midget. I have no problem with his performance last night, and I promise you 3 or 4 of those high shots would have beaten Niemi and certainly would have beaten Huet. More specifically this save. Marty looked quick and confident in net. He single handedly kept the Hawks in the game, in that first period. He might like one or two of those goals back, but what goalie doesn't want a few back. I'm going to write a note that says "It's not Marty's fault", and tack it to the forehead of any douche that tries to blame these things on him. The team gave up 41 shots! That's 16 more than they AVERAGED last year. If they only yielded 25 shots, the Hawks win that game 3-1. If it weren't for Marty, they would have lost that game 7-3. I'm moving on before this gives me a migraine.

-Shooter was the Hawks best player with a goal and an assist.

-In typical Hossa style, he played a great game with a pretty redirection.

-Bickell had an excellent goal, but he still carries the puck like my 2 year old. He passes and shoots like a big boy, but if he tries carrying the puck, someone needs to just take it away from him, because it's brutal.

-Kopecky seemed to be everywhere, and didn't disappoint. Looks like he took a few lessons from the big fluff on how to annoy opponents, and I thoroughly enjoy watching him do it. It literally makes me laugh out loud.

-Keith was average.

-Jake Dowell showed some flashes of talent especially with that nice drive to the net.

-They were only credited with two shots in OT, but they pretty much dominated it.

Here are the highlights, have a look for yourselves: