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 vs. Sharks - Win Recap

"LandShark"


"Dude, How's the weather down there?"

Once again, no time for sitting around and feeling sorry for themselves. The Hawks returned home to face the Sharks, Sunday night. The Sharks came in just three points behind the Hawks, and were 7-1-2 in their last 10 games. The never ending saga of Antti Niemi was looming over their heads, as well. Nothing like more drama to complicate an already difficult situation. It looks like the Hawks were going to have to get right back up on the horse after getting bucked off against the Wings.

The first period of Sunday's game looked much more like a team that wants to win. They only out shot the Sharks 11-8, but hit 3 posts and scored 2 goals. It's nice to see them look focussed, but there was still a long ways to go. Just like clockwork, the Hawks opened up the second period giving up 2 goals to throw the lead away. They gained one back later in the period, but all the domination of the first was for naught. The third period started with the Hawks going up 4-2 early, and closed with the Sharks pulling within one goal. In the end, the Hawks held on to win the game 4-3 against a previously very hot team.

The Good

• As a goalie, I loved seeing Crawford flip the stick out of the hand of Logan Couture, early in the game. To follow that up, Lurch went at it with Winchester after HE took a whack at Crawford. Get off my goalie!
• The Hawks were on fire for the first half of the opening period, hitting the post 3 times, but they couldn't find the BACK of the net. The play of Niemi didn't help either. Niemi made 2 or 3 great saves to keep the Sharks in the game, including a save of the year candidate on a Toews/Kane 2-on-1.
• InvisiBolly put the Hawks up 1-0 in the final 2 minutes of the first period. Bruno did all the hard work behind the net, as he seems to do so often, and held onto the puck long enough for Purple Hazer to offer up some help. Hayer banked it back off the boards to Bolly, who had a wide open net, but was at a tight angle. Luckily, Niemi was looking for the puck to end up on the other post. Bolland showed some of his scoring prowess and nailed the top corner.
• About a minute and a half later, Pick-to-Click Vik was hit by El Capitan with a perfect pass, and Vik hit the open side. Thanks to Brett Burns for sleeping through that shift and allowing Vik to get in behind him.
• El Capitan put the Hawks back up, on a Niemi gaffe. Niemi tried to play the Kaner dump in behind the net, and wasn't able to get to it, leaving him trapped behind the net. Vik Stalberg pressured the puck and it ended up going back to Kaner, who quickly hit Toews in front of the open cage. 3-2 Hawks.
• Shock&Shaw put the Hawks up 4-2 in the third period from Hossa and Kruger. This kid just keeps doing things right. This was his 4th goal in 7 games. Tell me again what Dan Carcillo brought to this team that Shaw isn't. If you answered anything but "nothing", you're wrong. Carcillo could never play the PK, and Shaw has been doing it regularly. Five shots, a team leading 3 hits, and one goal in almost 17 minutes of time is good enough for me.
• I was happy to see MegaMayers get some extra time, up with Frolik and Bolland, late in the game. He deserves more important time.
• All the Hawks centers, but Dream Warrior, were over 50% at the dot. Shaw and Mayers were 13-15.

The Bad

• A redirected Vlasic shot, by Joe Pavelski, just a minute into the second period put the Sharks within one goal. Not really much Crawford can do on a shot like that.
• The first Powerplay unit is still Clown College. Nothing doing with that group.
• Some "Chicago boy" named Tommy Wiggles, or some shit, scored the 3rd Sharks goal of the game, with about 5 minutes to go. Crawford kicked a rebound out and it ended up on Wingels stick.
• One Trick Bick with only 6:35 of ice time. Tick Tock, Bick, Tick Tock.
  

The Ugly

• Jamie McGinn followed up the Pavelski goal with weak wrap around goal just 26 seconds later. Definitely a weak goal that Crawford should have had. McGinn had no angle and Crawford had the advantage. Nonetheless, 2 goals on 2 shots to open up the second period if unacceptable.
• The best way to describe Kaner's slump is this picture:
  

Here are your video highlights:

Blackhawks vs. SharksOT Win Recap

"Big Daddy"



On the heels of an OT win the other night, in Long Island, the Hawks headed back home to play the San Jose Sharks and former Cup winning teammate, Antti Niemi, along with other Former Hawks Havlat and Handzus. In addition, the Hawks made the announcement early Saturday to start Ray Emery. This team is NOT the Islanders, and they have plenty of firepower, so the Hawks were going to need to put on a better effort. On the night the Hawks announced Ed Belfour heritage night, the Hawks had a big game to make a statement. And did they!

The first period went the Sharks way, as they put 17 shots on net, including one goal, and only surrendered 8 shots to the Hawks. The Hawks kept up early, but lost their luster and ended up down, going into the second. The Hawks and Sharks were both able to dent the net, in the second period, to keep the Sharks up by one as the teams hit the second break. The Sharks were also able to put 16 more shots on net to lead the Hawks 33-13. The Hawks came out with a little edge in the third period outshooting the Sharks 16-3 and tying up the game, with under two minutes to go in regulation. Just when all signs pointed to a shootout, the Hawks were able to poke a rebound into the net for a big 3-2 win.

The Good

• Marcus Kruger tied up the game at 1-1 almost halfway through the second period. The goal was set up by a long Hammer shot that was tipped in front of the net and by Niemi by Dream Warrior. Nice screen in front of the net by Shooter and Kruger.
• The Hawks came out after a time out, and Emery on the bench, and tied up the game with just over a minute left. The Hawks set up a faceoff play that started with El Capitan winning the faceoff to Shooter. Shooter sent it back to Deuce, who then threw it over to Hoss. Hoss dumped it off his back foot and Bruno tipped it in. Big goal to send the momentum in the Hawks favor.
• Shooter won the game with 30 seconds to go in OT, to sent the Hawks fans home happy campers. The play started with Hoss taking a half swing shot from the high slot and the rebound laid in the crease at the toe of Niemi. Shooter had position on Brent Burns and poked the puck into the net.
• Razor did noting to make the Hawks faithful doubt Quenneville's decision to start him. He saved 35 of 37 shots, and stood tall when the Hawks weren't looking hot at all. While I still think Crawford should be #1, the clock is ticking.
• Once again, all the Hawks forwards except Kruger were over 50% at the dot. This must be part of the reason we saw Dream Warrior play wing, later in the game.

The Bad

• Jamie McGinn put the Sharks up 1-0 late in the first period, after Hammer just let him stand there and poke at the puck long enough to put it in the net. Once again, Hammer refuses to use his body to his advantage. Is anyone surprised?
• Just a couple of minutes after the Hawks tied up the game, Justin Braun ripped a shot past Emery, from high in the slot, to put the Sharks back up 2-1. There was traffic in front, but a very savable shot.
• Pick to Click Vik had another glorious chance thwarted, or did he just shoot it into Niemi's pads? He looked like he had room to bury it, but pushed it back towards Niemi, and Niemi got a pad on it.
• Glad to see Jumbo Joe acting like a total juvenile after high sticking Tazer in the neck, he then proceeded to yap at the refs, and then follow the whole tantrum up by crosschecking Tazer. Same goes for Ryan Clowe at the end of the third period. Bunch of little sissy bitches. Way to keep it classy, San Diego.
• While Niemi played well, the Hawks had several chances to tie the game and couldn't lift the puck. It's pretty widely known that Niemi is very good, down low and the Hawks couldn't shoot a puck higher than 3" off the ice.
• Quenneville was clearly not happy with the play of the third line. Frolik played under 10 minutes, and Ben Smith only played 5:48. I'm sure we can expect some juggling on the bottom 6, and maybe a reappearance of Bickell sometime soon.

The Ugly

• The Sharks Andrew Desjardins put an extremely dangerous hit on Pistol, by pushing him into the boards face first, behind the Hawks net. Based on recent Shanaban experiences, he should be getting a look see from the league offices, for that one.

Here are your video highlights:

Blackhawks at San Jose - Loss Recap

"Zero Gravity"



The circus trip continued Wednesday night in San Jose. Who would have thought that circus trip would have been a good description of the Hawks actual play, rather than just the reason for the road trip. The Hawks used a couple of days off following whippings by the Flames and Oilers to clear their heads, before heading to sunny California. The Sharks were also coming of a break following a pair of 4-1 wins over the Stars and Avs. This game would answer whether the last two losses were merely just a ripple in the schedule, or whether it was time to start really worrying.

At first glance, the Hawks looked a little out of sorts for the opening moments of the first period, but after failing on 2 powerplay chances, they went into the first break still deadlocked at 0-0. The Sharks took a 1-0 lead in the second period, but the Hawks dominated play with 13 more shots, to the Sharks 6. THe Sharks opened up the third period with much more pressure but didn't manage any goals. Unfortunately, the Hawks could solve the Sharks, and wound up leaving San Jose 1-0 losers.

The Good

• Looks like Quenneville finally came around to pairing up Deuce/Hammer, which is something I've been clamoring for since Seabs got hurt. Unfortunately, he had to pair up Lurch/Leddy, and Frank the Tank/Big Slow. Off topic, with that moustache Montador looks exactly like Ron Burgundy.
• After a few foggy minutes in the open moments of the first period, the Hawks came back and dominated the frame, outshooting the Sharks 10-5. They outshot the Sharks 34-21 in the game, which is pretty much what you're looking for, from this team, other than the whole "not scoring any goals" thing.
• On their second period powerplay Bolly, Ron Burgundy, and Krugs had some brilliant backhand and between the legs passes between them, but again, couldn't score.
• Deuce looked a lot like the Deuce of old, last night. Might have something to do with the more dependable partner. Just a thought. Not like that idea hasn't been thrown around anywhere.
• Half of the Hawks centers went over 50% in the faceoff circle, with Kane and Bolland at 40% or below.

The Bad

• Both Bickell and Hossa had breakaways, on bad turnovers, in the first period and neither could beat Niemi.
• After a Jamie McGinn chance off the post in the second period, he laid the boom on Nick Leddy, who ended up on his young tuchus with his helmet slightly ajar.
• A lazy penalty in the second period led to the first goal of the game by Jason Demers. The faceoff was cleanly won back to Demers, who let a shot go that was deflected off Tazer's stick and then into the net. Really an unfortunate set of circumstances, and not Crawford's fault.

The Ugly

• I can't remember seeing an NHL player struggle with handling the puck, like Big Slow does. It's simply baffling. Later in the game, he took exception to a hustling Sharks player by two handing the guy in the ass while he was laying on the ice. What a complete stupid ass. He continues to make awful plays that would get ANY other player benched with no consequences.
• Holy hot shit sammich, Hammer's offensive play is just AWFUL. You really need more from a guy that's making over $3 million a year. Hey, Dougie Wilson, makes you sort of happy StanBo matched your offer, doesn't it?
• Dan Boyle had an awful game, turning the puck over multiple times and taking 6 minutes in penalties, the worst of which was a questionable cross check on Bryan Bickell after a good first period chance that will most likely result in a closer look from the Shana-hammer

Here are your video highlights:

Anyone for Fishing?

"Hello my baby, Hello my honey, Hello my ragtime gaaaaaaal"


Last night was a HUGE game for the Hawks against a hot division rival, and two former teammates, in Niemi and Eager. The other sub-plot was Niklas Hjalmarsson was probably looking to show the Sharks what they missed out on. They were going to have to do this one without Bolland, again, and Campbell. Ouchie! The Hawks HAD to gain points and end the losing streak, so someone besides Toews needed to flex their nuts, and someone did. Could the Hawks finally play a clutch game against a good opponent?

The first period was slanted in the Hawks favor but two bad situations left the Sharks up 2-1, but there was plenty to build on. What do you really have to say about a 5 goal second period? They were rolling, and the only question was if Boss could get the hatty and we could see those green hats on the ice. I've personally been to two games where that has happened, and would have loved to see it again. Unfortunately, it was not to be and both teams seemed to coast through the third period. Nevertheless, huge game, and BIG win.

The Good

• Niemi was just shell shocked after that first Sharks powerplay goal and I loved every second of it. The Blackhawks were throwing pucks at Niemi from every possible angle and he was struggling to control them. Each time he mishandled a puck or looked off-guard, I couldn't help but have a huge smirk on my face. His exit, in the second was the icing on top of the cake.
  
  "Screw these guys, they are HORRIBLE hosts"
  
  
• The first Stalberg goal was a thing of beauty. Stromboli jumped into the play hit the post. It somehow worked its way back around again, to Stromboli, whose shot popped up in the air. Pick-to-Click Vik smacked out of the air, belt level, right in front of Ben Eager, and into the net. How you like our new forth line, Ben? Don't miss you a bit, you slug!
  
• Boss 81 did just what a Boss does, and finally got the powerplay going, early in the second period. He played catch with Sharpie and put it in the net, back door. HUGE goal for momentum, and the place went bananas. A few minutes later, Boss scored his second 5-hole powerplay goal of the game off another feed from Sharpie. Nothing special, he just ate Niemi up. That's what NHL snipers do. He must break you!
  
• El Capitán set up his goal, earlier, when he drew his penalty, by forcing a bad pass to Kaner on the play. The next time up the ice Toews faked like he might pass to Kaner and sniped ANOTHER 5-hole goal. Three goals in just about four minutes, all 5-hole. In a side note, a terrible choice by Ben Eager led to the 2-on-1. Thanks for all THAT, Cement Head.
  
• Hammer had to throw an extra 10% on his goal, just to toss some salt in the wound. Little shimmy around the defender, to the center of the ice, and let'r rip! Niittymaki was screened by at least 6 players, on the shot. Now they were smiling; and rolling!
  
• Less than a minute after Couture's goal, El Capitán pulled his balls out once again, and fed a backhand pass from behind the net to Sharpie, who waited a second for Kaner to clear and then hit him for Kaner's 100th goal of his young career. That brought a close to the 5 goal second period for the Hawks. Well played, Sirs, Well played!
  
• Also, slightly overlooked was Shooter's 4 assist period, in the second. Consider HIS brass nuts flexed, as well.
  
• I would be letting down all goalies if I didn't point out Crow's glove save at the end of the second. Nice to see him do a little showboating, because after the year he's had, he deserves it. It shouldn't go without mentioning that if you're a goalie, sitting on the ice, and Ryan Clowe is crosschecking you in the neck, you might get a little pissed off. Good for Crow, fighting back. That is a horseshit play, and shame on Edzo for brushing that off.

The Bad

• Wow do the Hawks know how to start a game off horrible. Two bad penalties and a quick powerplay goal against. That is really a great idea against a team like the Sharks. Three minutes in and they are picking the puck out of the back of their net while sucking wind. Pisani's penalty was his SECOND cross check in that shift. If you don't get it right the first time, you might as well try again, eh Dog? Johnson's was a brutal call, but still, guys. Last of all, they HAVE to get the puck out of the zone. They turned it over at least half a dozen time on those powerplays.
  
• All that talk about how Niemi covers low well, and Toews tries shooting 5 hole on his first solid chance. Come on, Cobra Kai!
  
• If it isn't one thing, it's another. Joe Thornton scored a nice goal, that was a result of Stromboli and Brouwer dry humping a Sharks forward in the corner. The puck squirted loose and the Hawks were also caught in a bad line change. That is not a good combo when Jover-Rated Thornton is streaking in, all alone, on your netminder.
  
• Logan Couture's was a fat rebound by Crow, after Couture got behind Deuce. Whatever.

The Ugly

• I still LOATHE Pierre Fucking McGuire, and he looks even more stupid with that tan. A big tan penis!
  
• John Scott for Brian Campbell. I know they have no choice but I don't have to like it. I have to point out, though, that his pass to Kaner, that drew a penalty, was really pretty nice. Credit where it's due, Big Show. I'd give you a fist bump if I could reach your fist, ya fucking Neanderthal. And you should have pounded Ben Eager.
  
• Its ALWAYS nice to see a former player shit the bed when they return to play you. Even though Niemi was chased from the game in the second, Ben Eager, you get the SHIT THE BED award for this game. Just watching Eager whimper away when, Big Show worked him over, made me chuckle with glee, on top of his two defensive gaffes, and his stupid penalty.

Here are the video highlights for your viewing pleasure:

Shark Attack

So, the game against San Jose marks the first game without Captain Serious. With Seabrook gaining the additional "A" and Jake Dowell taking center of the first line. The Hawks started well with a powerplay goal but gave up a bad one on a slow line change, and finished the first twenty minutes tied 1-1. The second period was a complete shit show for the first 19 minutes, but Troy Brouwer and Brian Campbell tied it up at 3's. They weren't so fortunate in the third, as the Sharks scored on the powerplay and finished the Hawks off with an empty net goal.

The Good

• One of the biggest bright spots this year is Jake the Snake Dowell. I'm glad to see him getting a chance to center the first line.
  
• The powerplay cashed in the first time they were out there, with Kopecky feeding a wide open Sharpie, who gave Niemi a little top cheese. Maybe a night of powerplay feasting? Not so much.
  
• Duncan Kieth was dominant in his own zone. Simply dominant. Just too bad there was such a suckfest around him. Everyone else around him looked like they'd never seen a puck before.
  
• Gotta love Brouwer's powerplay goal that was banked off Niemi's stick. That made me laugh like Deniro in Cape Fear.
  
• Soupy, Soupy, Soupy! Campbell bit the hand that use to feed him, with an ENORMOUS goal to end the second period. That's what this team needed going into the third, because they were stinking up the joint before that. Of course it was right back to
  

The Bad

• It was a matter of time before Turco really turned it over, and tonight was that night. He shot it right into the chest of the Shark's Ferriero, and the panic alarm went off. Luckily Duncs was prepared to bail him out, and did. I understand you're confident Marty, but there is such a thing as too confident. Take it down a notch.
  
• The Hawks played with fire and had a bad line change in which Scott Nichol took a pass in behind the defense and just put the shot through Turco. That's one Marty will want back.
  
• The Hawks were bending and finally broke on the 5-on-3. Turco didnt exactly put a stellar effort in on that one. You'd like to see him stay somewhat upright on that one, not flopping around like a fish. Ferriero was left with the entire top half of the net, and didn't miss it.
  
• On the third goal, Hammer wanted nothing to do with tying up Dany Heatley. Another Goal that the Twatter and Facebook dopes will blame on Marty. That, folks, was a defensive breakdown goal.
  
• San Jose goal number four was another powerplay goal against. The Hawks penalty kill is simply atrocious. AWFUL! After yet another bad penalty, Joe-ver Rated Thornton tipped a point shot past Turco. That was all the Sharks needed.
  

The Ugly

• Hey Tomokop? Another offensive zone penalty? Dude, WHAT THE FUCK? Nice turnover on the powerplay, too. You're just batting 1.000 aren't you? BRUTAL mistakes. Where does it start and where does it end? He can't win a faceoff. The emply net goal was solely his fault. When does this end? Every time I jot down something he screws up on, he does it again or something worse.
  
• Nick Boynton. NICK FUCKING BOYNTON!!! He takes a stupid ass offensive zone penalty, and the resulting powerplay has the puck ending up in the back of the net. WHY must we endure this shit? He's a blockhead, that's average at best, and he's making Jassen Cullimore look like Bobby Orr. Why would you blatantly slash the stick out of a guys hand like that? Brainless twit!
  

Here are the video highlights for your viewing pleasure:

Shark Soup

So much for theory that the Hawks will know every nook and cranny that Antti Niemi is vulnerable. The ONLY team he's played excellent against is, yes, the Chicago Blackhawks. I guess if they keep him on the roster just to beat the Hawks in the playoffs, then he's worth it. Anyway, The first period had plenty of action, and a goal each way. No real domination either way, and both goalies played well. The second ended the same way the first did, with slightly less action, setting up a big third. The tgird was about the same as the second. A few chances but neither team scored. Overtime was as exciting as it could be, and Ryan Clowe put an end to the game with a changeup type onetimer.

The Good

• I'm liking what I see from the first line of Jonny B Goode, Skillington, and Pick-To-Click Vik. They have energy and LOADS of speed. It's just too bad that none of them could finish. Vik and Jack are going to end up being part of the core of this team.
  
  
• Just the other day I was saying how Jordan Hendry needs to play more, and he scores a goal. The only problem is that he BELONGS on defense. He's a defenseman. Let the guy do what he's best at, and that's not gathering frequent flyer miles and sitting in the press box. Nice to see him get a bit of glory though.
  
  
• Results aside, Corey Crawford played an EXCELLENT game. He whiffed on that game winner, but he was expecting it to come in higher and harder, and Clowe sent in a lower changeup. This loss cannot be hung on Crawford in any way.
  
  
• He didn't figure in the scoring and he took a bad penalty, but Skillington had a team high 7 shots on net. I love seeing him drive the net and shoot the puck. Sometimes simple is the way to go, and Jack Skillington has kept it simple.
  

The Bad

• I know desperate times call for desperate measures, but that Scott, Hendry, and Dowell line is brutal. Yes, Scott and Hendry CAN play wing, but really, who cant? Just because you're in the kitchen doesn't mean you're a chef. Yes, Hendry scored a goal, but that doesn't change anything.
  
  
• Goal number one by the Sharks was sort of a breakdown as the trailing forward wasn't picked up. Absolutely nothing Crawford could do on that. It was a perfect tip.

The Ugly

• That waved off goal was just brutal. The Ref completely blew that call. Stalberg can't buy a break. That would have won the game for the Hawks.
  
  
• The game winning goal looked fairly harmless, but Clowe put it in the one spot Crawford would whiff on it, which made it look very weak. It's an ugly way to lose a game after playing as solid defensively as the Blackhawks did.
  
  
• In a game where Jordan Hendry scores the only goal, and The Big Show gets an assist, you HAVE to get some results from the big money people.
  

Here are the video highlights for your viewing pleasure:

Sharkfin Beat Down

Well, it looks like the Sharks decided that throwing their bodies around was the best redemption for getting swept last spring. I generally think the Sharks are a bunch of overrated crybaby little girls, but there is one Shark I'd love to see paroling the Hawks blue line. Doug Murray. The guy is an absolute TANK! Tell me that Murray wouldn't look nice blasting a shoulder into Pavel Datsyuk. Anyway, the game...and the schmutz on the Hawks face.

The Good
For the first time this year it was the Hawks that scored a few seconds after being scored on. Of course it was the "fourth line", AGAIN. Excellent job by Dowell and Skille just going to the net and making something happen. Too bad it, once again, got them zero reward.

Boss 81 showed the entire Hawks team how to use your body to take the puck. He was really the only consistently aggressive forward, which is no big surprise because he is the best puck control player on the ice most nights.

The Bad
The Hawks pretty much got their asses kicked for the entire game, which is the reason they went into the second period down 0-1, into the third down 1-3, and into the locker room losing 2-5. I know that they were probably still hung over from that $35K bottle of bubbly in Vegas. You can hit something in a Teal and White jersey at some point in the game, fellas. Calling Bryan Bickell and Troy Brouwer. HIT SOMETHING! They made Antti Niemi look good for a change this season, which is quite a feat. I'm just going to love hearing the Turco/Niemi chatter from the bandwagon brigade, after this.

I think there was an official Dave Bolland sighting. Too bad it was taking a crosschecking penalty, which is the only thing he's done right this season. Of course, the Sharks ended up scoring on the powerplay. Atta boy, Davey. He added to the suckfest by hanging onto the puck during the 5-on-3 to screw that up, and finished off by not converting on what looked to be a sure wraparound goal. Lookin good, Davey.

Troy Brouwer showed up for the game. Just too bad it was to have his sissy ass kicked by Ryan Clowe. He might be eating soft foods for Thanksgiving, after the beating his jaw took.

When Toews was unavailable for a powerplay in the second, Quenneville put Tomas Kopecky out on the ice with the first PP group, which literally made me laugh outloud. Stupid.

Jassen Cullimore was simply outmatched on the last PPG by Marleau. He's just not a good player. No matter who you hide him with, he's going to be big, slow and BAD. Hell, Jordan Hendry can pull that. He only player 6 minutes and 49 seconds, so the played with 5 defensemen all night. That worked well.

Jack Skille got his usual second least amount of ice time, right after Cullimore. I guess he's just a wind up toy that Quenneville expects to be able to throw out there and be in top form. The good and bad of it is that he usually is in top form.

The Ugly
I love watching Nick Boynton pass up open shot, while he waits for defensman's shin pads to shoot into and then fall down when it gets turned back the other way. Who really wants an open shot from 20 feet out anyway, Nick? Cementhead. Thank god Keith bailed his dumb ass out. Not to be outdone the next shift, Boynton turned it over in his own zone, and it ended up in the back of the net. This love affair with Nick Boynton needs to end NOW, because if he's not going to hit someone, he's useless. As I yelled to myself, "FUCKING BOYNTON!". Nick the Dick did it again by turning over the puck that lead to the Sharks powerplay goal. Thats the wrong kind of hat trick, dude.

Here are the video highlights: