Patrick Kane scored a goal against his hometown Buffalo Sabres tonight as the Blackhawks played the second of their back-to-back games at the United Center, winning a surprisingly tight game against the points-wise worst team in the NHL.
Brandon Pirri made his first appearance for the Hawks this season. The long-time Rockford star was due for a chance and it came tonight. He was on the fourth line with Brandon Bollig and Ben Smith.
Part of the reason for the tight score was because of the work of Ryan Miller, the 2010 Olympic MVP, making 38 saves but his team failed to provide any offense until the third period. The Hawks slipped two past Miller though, the first salvo coming from Winston-Salem, NC product Ben Smith, who deflected a Brent Seabrook shot for his first of the season.
The second goal came from Patrick Kane in the second period on a Power Play goal with an assist from Patrick Sharp (who was playing in his 600th NHL game). Drew Stafford got the Sabres closer, but it wasn't enough and the Hawks held off the Sabres for the rest of the game despite a flurry of shots from the Sabres.
We mentioned Ryan Miller earlier, but we cannot ignore the Hawks netminder Corey Crawford. Crow saved 28 shots,showing he's starting to get comfortable in net again. The Hawks also dominated possession and out-shot the Sabres 20-6 in the first period.
The only reason the game was as close as it was, was because of the stellar play of Ryan Miller. And yet for Ryan Miller, it's becoming obvious he's not fitting in at Buffalo anymore. Their lack off offense is not helping him at all. It's a shame, since he's a former Vezina Trophy winner and as I mentioned earlier, Olympic MVP. There was once a (horrible) rumor that the Hawks might trade Patrick Kane for Miller, but it's looking less likely, especially since the Hawks have every intention of keeping the Buffalo native.
As for the Hawks play, I have few complaints. After the bad two-game losing streak, it's good to see the Hawks starting to really gel and come together as a team. This should have been an easy win, but Buffalo is better than their record really indicates, since they do have an exceptional goalie. I want to see how the Hawks build on this two-game winning streak as they head to Raleigh to take on the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday.
Showing posts with label Blackhawks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blackhawks. Show all posts
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Friday, October 11, 2013
Blackhawks Vs Isles Recap: About Time!
After two bad wins, the Blackhawks welcomed the New York Islanders to the United Center for the first of two games in two days at the UC. On the night the US Soccer team beat Jamaica and clinched first place in the CONCACAF qualifiers, the Blackhawks recovered from their two-game losing streak to beat the Islanders 3-2.
There was a change in the line-up tonight. One-time Hawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin was placed in goal, presumably to give Corey Crawford some time to rest. Given how Crawford's had a rough couple of games, I can believe that Crawford appreciated the time off. Quenneville also played with the lines, putting Bryan Bickell on the third line and put Andrew Shaw on the second line. Michal Handzus was also placed on the fourth line at center. Brandon Saad joined Kane and Toews on the first line.
The Blackhawks struck first as rookie Joakim Nordstrom put the Hawks up at 9:32 in the first period. It was the first NHL goal for the Swedish Hawk Mafia's newest member. Then the Captain, Jonathan Toews, put the Hawks up 2-0 a couple minutes later.
But the Islanders took advantage of the Hawks' defensive weakness and scored two unanswered goals near the end of the first period. Josh Bailey and Kyle Okposo both scored 2 minutes and 56 seconds apart and Okposo's goal came with 4.8 ticks remaining in the first period.
Thankfully, the Hawks regrouped and prevented any more goals. Khabibulin stopped 17 of 19 shots total in the game. Michal Handzus put the Hawks up for good at 6:45 in the second period. This time, the Hawks killed every penalty that came afterwards after three games of a bad penalty kill.
This was the game I had been waiting for! The Hawks did not panic after giving up those two goals in the first period. But, they need to stop giving up goals in bulk, so there's plenty to work on. As for Khabibulin, he's still the Bulin Wall of old, and tonight was win t'ree t'irdy t'ree for him. I think this win was a small, but important step towards repeating a Cup championship. They felt like they'd been robbed of three points in the last two games, so to get both points was big. They play the Buffalo Sabers tomorrow night at 7:00.
In other updates, the Hawks have recalled Brandon Pirri from Rockford and sent Jimmy Hayes down to Rockford. Pirri should play tomorrow night.
There was a change in the line-up tonight. One-time Hawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin was placed in goal, presumably to give Corey Crawford some time to rest. Given how Crawford's had a rough couple of games, I can believe that Crawford appreciated the time off. Quenneville also played with the lines, putting Bryan Bickell on the third line and put Andrew Shaw on the second line. Michal Handzus was also placed on the fourth line at center. Brandon Saad joined Kane and Toews on the first line.
The Blackhawks struck first as rookie Joakim Nordstrom put the Hawks up at 9:32 in the first period. It was the first NHL goal for the Swedish Hawk Mafia's newest member. Then the Captain, Jonathan Toews, put the Hawks up 2-0 a couple minutes later.
But the Islanders took advantage of the Hawks' defensive weakness and scored two unanswered goals near the end of the first period. Josh Bailey and Kyle Okposo both scored 2 minutes and 56 seconds apart and Okposo's goal came with 4.8 ticks remaining in the first period.
Thankfully, the Hawks regrouped and prevented any more goals. Khabibulin stopped 17 of 19 shots total in the game. Michal Handzus put the Hawks up for good at 6:45 in the second period. This time, the Hawks killed every penalty that came afterwards after three games of a bad penalty kill.
This was the game I had been waiting for! The Hawks did not panic after giving up those two goals in the first period. But, they need to stop giving up goals in bulk, so there's plenty to work on. As for Khabibulin, he's still the Bulin Wall of old, and tonight was win t'ree t'irdy t'ree for him. I think this win was a small, but important step towards repeating a Cup championship. They felt like they'd been robbed of three points in the last two games, so to get both points was big. They play the Buffalo Sabers tomorrow night at 7:00.
In other updates, the Hawks have recalled Brandon Pirri from Rockford and sent Jimmy Hayes down to Rockford. Pirri should play tomorrow night.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
NHL: Game 2: What Was That?
I'm beginning to wonder if these Hawks really are suffering from Stanley Cup Hangover, or maybe I'm just overreacting. Either way, I am not happy with that third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Or that performance, for that matter. At the same time, you may just have to give the Lightning credit.
The first period between the Hawks and Lightning went completely scoreless, even though the Hawks completely outshot the Bolts 11-0 in that first period. Lightning goalie Ben Bishop kept the Hawks off the score sheet rather well.
But come the second period, the Hawks seemed to find their offense. Patrick Kane jumped on a loose puck about a minute into the period and flipped it into the goal mouth to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead. About ten minutes later, the Hawks went on the Power Play for hooking. Nick Leddy tried to get the puck on goal with Bishop out of the net, but Brandon Saad took advantage of the empty net to knock it in from the left side.
But the Tampa Bay defense and Bishop ended up tightening their grip after that. Despite a horrid offensive performance, Tampa Bay were able to stay in the game and eventually, Tampa Bay captain Martin St. Louis beat Corey Crawford with a backhander with 9:52 left in the game on a Power Play... seems to be familiar. Then Teddy Purcell scored almost 2 minutes later to tie the game.
The Hawks could not find a way past Bishop and a late rush on goal turned up empty for the Hawks. They could not break through in overtime and in a horrid show, did not score once on Bishop in the shoot-out. The only goal in that shootout came from a former enemy in Valterri Filppula.
Honestly, I'm not sure what happened here. I understand that in a long season, losses are inevitable. Still, if you're gonna lose, I'd rather it be because the opponent were simply better that night instead of you just being bad. The Hawks gave up both goals on the power play and then failed to score in the shoot-out. Look, I know there will be losses, but come on. I'm holding this team to a fairly high standard and the penalty kill needs to be improved and fast.
Of course, on the other hand, I do have to give credit to Tampa Bay. They have a good defensive team and even though they were 0-1-0 coming into this game, they didn't play like a bad team. I expect them to be contenders in the new Atlantic Division in the NHL.
So tonight it was a combination of bad play by the Hawks and good play by the Lightning. The Hawks will need to fix the penalty kill soon, otherwise defending that Stanley Cup will be hard. The Hawks next game is this coming Wednesday at the St. Louis Blues.
The first period between the Hawks and Lightning went completely scoreless, even though the Hawks completely outshot the Bolts 11-0 in that first period. Lightning goalie Ben Bishop kept the Hawks off the score sheet rather well.
But come the second period, the Hawks seemed to find their offense. Patrick Kane jumped on a loose puck about a minute into the period and flipped it into the goal mouth to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead. About ten minutes later, the Hawks went on the Power Play for hooking. Nick Leddy tried to get the puck on goal with Bishop out of the net, but Brandon Saad took advantage of the empty net to knock it in from the left side.
But the Tampa Bay defense and Bishop ended up tightening their grip after that. Despite a horrid offensive performance, Tampa Bay were able to stay in the game and eventually, Tampa Bay captain Martin St. Louis beat Corey Crawford with a backhander with 9:52 left in the game on a Power Play... seems to be familiar. Then Teddy Purcell scored almost 2 minutes later to tie the game.
The Hawks could not find a way past Bishop and a late rush on goal turned up empty for the Hawks. They could not break through in overtime and in a horrid show, did not score once on Bishop in the shoot-out. The only goal in that shootout came from a former enemy in Valterri Filppula.
Honestly, I'm not sure what happened here. I understand that in a long season, losses are inevitable. Still, if you're gonna lose, I'd rather it be because the opponent were simply better that night instead of you just being bad. The Hawks gave up both goals on the power play and then failed to score in the shoot-out. Look, I know there will be losses, but come on. I'm holding this team to a fairly high standard and the penalty kill needs to be improved and fast.
Of course, on the other hand, I do have to give credit to Tampa Bay. They have a good defensive team and even though they were 0-1-0 coming into this game, they didn't play like a bad team. I expect them to be contenders in the new Atlantic Division in the NHL.
So tonight it was a combination of bad play by the Hawks and good play by the Lightning. The Hawks will need to fix the penalty kill soon, otherwise defending that Stanley Cup will be hard. The Hawks next game is this coming Wednesday at the St. Louis Blues.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
NHL Game 1: Hawks Win!
It seems like just yesterday that the Hawks stunned the crowd in Boston to win the Stanley Cup. My, how time flies when you're waiting for hockey to come back. The Hawks opened their season against an always-stacked Washington Capitals club looking to continue the streak of Stanley Cup champions who lose on the day of their banner-raising. The result was a heck of a game.
While the ceremony itself was beautiful, the game itself was pretty intense. It was a tight, back-and forth game for much of the game. In the end, the score read 6-4, but that was a very indicative scoreline. At one point, the Caps lead 4-3 over the Hawks before three third-period goals saved the team.
Brandon Bollig opened the scoring for the game, season and his career in the first period, before Alexander Ovechkin evened the score showing just how good he is. But Patrick Kane scored an equally-impressive goal that put the Hawks up 2-1 just 24 seconds later. Michael Grabovski took advantage of an out-of-place Duncan Keith to pull the Caps even, but Brent Seabrook, who was left all alone, put the Blackhawks back ahead.
The Caps tied the game again on the PP (seems to be a pattern) but Brandon Saad scored on the Power Play to keep the Hawks in the lead. The Caps eventually took a 4-3 lead, but the Hawks came back and won. Johnny Oduya scored what would be the winning goal on his 32nd birthday!
As for the Hawks play, I thought it was impressive considering how emotionally jacked up they must have been. Considering how the NHL is trying to increase scoring, I thought they responded well each time the Caps scored. Heck, they had a comeback, for cryin' out loud!
The Power Play seems to have improved. Saad's PP goal came on fantastic pass from Marian Hossa. Heck, their Penalty Kill was pretty impressive, aside from the PP goals the Caps (who are the best PP team in the league) scored. The Hawks managed to kill a 5-on-3 Penalty late in the third period and Corey Crawford stood on his head to stop the Caps.
The offense of course, was phenomenal. Brandon Bollig is not known for scoring, but the St. Louis native scored his first NHL goal in a most-fitting way. Patrick Kane, Brandon Saad, Brent Seabrook and everyone who scored did their part.
It's only the first game, but I like what I saw. This is still very much the team that won the Stanley Cup in June and they're looking for a chance to repeat. Whether or not they will is in question, but judging from what I saw tonight, they'll be pretty good this year.
While the ceremony itself was beautiful, the game itself was pretty intense. It was a tight, back-and forth game for much of the game. In the end, the score read 6-4, but that was a very indicative scoreline. At one point, the Caps lead 4-3 over the Hawks before three third-period goals saved the team.
Brandon Bollig opened the scoring for the game, season and his career in the first period, before Alexander Ovechkin evened the score showing just how good he is. But Patrick Kane scored an equally-impressive goal that put the Hawks up 2-1 just 24 seconds later. Michael Grabovski took advantage of an out-of-place Duncan Keith to pull the Caps even, but Brent Seabrook, who was left all alone, put the Blackhawks back ahead.
The Caps tied the game again on the PP (seems to be a pattern) but Brandon Saad scored on the Power Play to keep the Hawks in the lead. The Caps eventually took a 4-3 lead, but the Hawks came back and won. Johnny Oduya scored what would be the winning goal on his 32nd birthday!
As for the Hawks play, I thought it was impressive considering how emotionally jacked up they must have been. Considering how the NHL is trying to increase scoring, I thought they responded well each time the Caps scored. Heck, they had a comeback, for cryin' out loud!
The Power Play seems to have improved. Saad's PP goal came on fantastic pass from Marian Hossa. Heck, their Penalty Kill was pretty impressive, aside from the PP goals the Caps (who are the best PP team in the league) scored. The Hawks managed to kill a 5-on-3 Penalty late in the third period and Corey Crawford stood on his head to stop the Caps.
The offense of course, was phenomenal. Brandon Bollig is not known for scoring, but the St. Louis native scored his first NHL goal in a most-fitting way. Patrick Kane, Brandon Saad, Brent Seabrook and everyone who scored did their part.
It's only the first game, but I like what I saw. This is still very much the team that won the Stanley Cup in June and they're looking for a chance to repeat. Whether or not they will is in question, but judging from what I saw tonight, they'll be pretty good this year.
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