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Removing the elephant from the room: ‘Hawks hit Circus Trip on high note
Nov 15th
NOTE: Boxing with ‘Hawks/Not-so-Mighty Ducks is below
"We won! Yay! This is fun! Maybe we should do it more often!" (Chicago Tribune)
The not-so-hidden mishaps didn’t completely vanish with this victory, but the home losing streak sure did. Take it when you can.
Duncan Keith is still drunk, the ‘Hawks gave up yet another goal within a minute of scoring their own and Tomas Kopecky did his best Nick Boynton impression by taking a horrible penalty in the final minute of a tight game. Some things don’t change.
Thankfully, the result was more pleasant after Viktor Stalberg redirected a Keith shot in overtime to give the ‘Hawks a 3-2 victory against the Anaheim Ducks — their first win at home in five games.
I’m going to admit this right off the bat: When Kopecky went to the box, I figured the game was as good as over. Even if the ‘Hawks killed the remaining 53 seconds of the third — which I wasn’t confident about — no way were they going to kill the 4-on-3 to start overtime. I was just hoping to come away with two points for the weekend after the shootout loss to Nashville on Friday night.
Needless to say, I’m happy I was wrong.
Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane had a goal and an assist each, and it was a welcome sight to see those two on the scoresheet. Especially Hossa. Kid hadn’t scored in his last seven games.
I’m still having trouble getting over Keith’s turnover which led to Corey Perry’s first of two goals 57 seconds after Kane’s goal. To put into perspective how utterly poorly Keith has been playing lately, here’s the text I got from my Dad — who watches the ‘Hawks on and off, but isn’t invested — after Keith’s brain fart:
“Once a game, he falls asleep and costs his team a goal. This time less than a minute after we scored. I’m watching Andy Griffith.”
Can’t say I blame my Pops.
Other than Keith, Kopecky is off the hook after the ‘Hawks snatched the second point in overtime. Boynton was persecuted after his dipshit delay of game penalty cost the ‘Hawks earlier this season, and Kopecky was right in line to get a proverbial curb stomp if the Ducks netted one on the power play.
OK, OK. Yes, there’s some good. Corey Crawford played outstanding and made some key stops on point-blank chances, including a couple great saves in overtime. We’ve discussed Perry’s goal which Keith left Crawford out to dry, and Niklas Hjalmarsson was caught flat-footed as Perry skated right past him on his second goal. Crawford is going to get a couple of starts on the Circus Trip, and I’m hoping he shows more of what he did tonight.
The passing on the winning goal was fantastic, as Brian Campbell’s fake-shot-pass to Keith froze the Ducks on the far side of the ice, leaving Stalberg time to get into position for Keith’s slapper toward the net.
And speaking of the Circus Trip, this is a good time for all these assholes to get themselves some quality time together and quit telling us how it’s taking time to get the locker room acclimated with each other. I’ll be writing up a more detailed preview of the trip and what it’s done for the ‘Hawks the past couple of seasons, but if these guys come back liking each other more even if they go 2-4 I’ll be a happy man.
So, for now, that gigantic elephant with “YOU GUYS SUCK” written on the side of it that we didn’t want to look at anymore has left the locker room. There’s some tough road games coming up, and what a better way to hit the pavement than with a ‘W’ at home.
Without further ado, here’s a happier version of “Boxing.” As always, there’s two separate images — one for the game summary, and one for the actual box score. Click on the images to enlarge.
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Hoping It’s Not Wabbit Season: Chicago Hosts Anaheim
Nov 14th
Photo: Hanna Barbera
Last night’s game was a dramatic improvement over what we’ve seen lately from the Blackhawks. Yes, they let two leads slip away. Yes, they lost in a shootout. Yes, they only mustered four shots on goal in the 3rd.
But the team showed up. Jack Skille broke the jinx, twice. Viktor Stalberg lit the lamp. Defensively we were *far* more competent, only three players ended the night in the minus column. The Hawks were lining guys up, and standing up for their teammates. This was a good effort, and one hopes they can bring their first-period intensity into tonight’s game against Anaheim.
The big news from Duckville is that starting goaltender Jonas Hiller took a shot in the mask at practice on Saturday which resulted in a cut over his eyebrow that required four sutures. His status for tonight’s game has not been formally announced as of this writing, however one expects him to be in civvies for tonight’s tilt. That means Curtis McElhinny will likely be between the pipes tonight.
Which is good news, because the Ducks bring with them a 6-game winning streak. Forwards Teemu Selanne, Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan all have a minimum of 6 goals and 17 points each. They have strong power-play conversion, they’re getting decent goal support from the blueline, and their goaltending has been solid. This is going to be a difficult test for the Blackhawks, even with Schmedley McLosermuffin in goal.
Doubtful that there will be any lineup changes for the Blackhawks, though the latest trade rumor concerning Corey Crawford and Tomas Kopecky might throw a wrench in things. Depends if they pull the trigger before the puck drops or not. Or at all. If anything happens before game time we’ll let you know via Twitter — follow us using the link below.
6:00pm start at the UC. WGN has the TV broadcast, WGN AM-720 for broadcast radio, and channel 204 for XM subscribers.
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Edzo, Get A Rule Book
Nov 13th
Photo: NHL
Sorry, Eddie, we all love you. But you’re wrong, and the tripping call by the official against Patrick Kane in overtime was complete and utter crap.
NHL 2010-11 Official Rule Book, Rule 57 – Tripping, Section 57.1, paragraph 3:
If, in the opinion of the Referee, a player makes contact with the puck first and subsequently trips the opponent in so doing, no penalty shall be assessed.
There was no “opinion of the referee” needed here. If Kane had not touched the puck first, it would not have been careening towards the boards and up the ice towards the ref who called the penalty!
So sorry, Mr. Olczyk, read the rule book. The ref was wrong, the call was crap, and that call could have cost the Blackhawks the game.
This extends the streak of badly called games by NHL officials to 35,466,907. These refs are pathetic, and the league risks the integrity of the game and the loyalty of its fans when it allows this kind of shit to go unpunished.
Sorry, had to get this up and make sure Blackhawks fans knew the truth. Jeff will have a more in-depth report on this game (plus Boxing!) later in the weekend.
Hawks have the Ducks at home on Sunday, we’ll preview that match-up right here for you, so check back and watch for our tweets!
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Picking The Carcass Clean: Blackhawks Hunted By Predators
Nov 13th
Those of you reading this are probably dreading tonight’s game. My comment to my wife yesterday was, every day the Blackhawks don’t play is a day they don’t lose. That’s what it’s come to.
How bad is it? In our last 10 games we are 3-7 including 5 losses on home ice. The losses are close, four of the seven are by one goal. Patrick Sharp in his last six games has no goals, two assists, and rates a -7. Marian Hossa is a -3 in his last six games with no points, period. Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook have totaled no goals, five assists and are a combined -10 in their last four games.
To call this a slump is like calling Megan Fox “cute.”
But this goes beyond statistics. When this team took the ice last year, they were intimidating. There was a confidence and a determination about them that elicited fear in opponents, and prepared crowds in other arenas for the inevitable reality that their beloved skate-monkeys were about to be treated like toilet paper.
This year, I don’t think they could instill fear into the hearts of an opposing squad of pee-wee girls. Their passing is the biggest giveaway. Last year it was no-look, tape-to-tape at full stride from the opening minute. Now it’s hard to get them to hit an open man standing still.
They’re skittish, they’re tentative, they’re trying to do too much, they’re trying for highlight-reel goals, and it’s making them look foolish. I hate to say it, but this team more closely resembles the Blackhawks of 10 years ago than team one that hoisted the Stanley Cup.
They’ll get the next chance to redeem themselves and show us that they *can* bring the intensity tonight when they take the ice in Nashville. The last time they faced the Predators it was on home ice, as they gave rookie goalie Anders Lindback his first *ever* win in his first *ever* start by letting a third-period lead slip away with two late goals. This was to become a trend, as the last two games showed us.
The significant change to the lineup for the Hawks is that Dave Bolland will be back at center between Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane. Bolland was activated from IR on Friday after sitting out the last two weeks with an upper-body injury. Bolland’s play prior to being placed on IR was arguably the worst of his career as a Blackhawk, so it’s unlikely that his return will spark anything more than uncomfortable sideways glances.
Nashville comes in at 6-5-3, having just broken a five-game losing losing streak by beating St. Louis in a shootout on Thursday. Lindback has actually been their more consistent goaltender this year, as starter Pekka Rinne has shown some chinks in his armor. No injuries of substance to the Predators, and they will come in eager to get the home-town crowd back on their side.
Game time is 7:00pm tonight. Comcast SportsNet for the TV broadcast, WGN AM-720 is the broadcast radio outlet, and XM subscribers look for the game on channel 238.
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It’s Not Time To Panic
Nov 12th
Photo: AP
What it’s time for is an intelligent, measured response that has a better chance of effecting positive results. Stan Bowman, I’m talking to you.
We need a trade before the Circus Trip begins. Plain and simple.
We’ve shuffled this deck as many times as possible, and let’s face it, nothing’s working. We need some fresh, experienced blood. We also need to send a message to the team that nobody’s job is safe as long as this lackadaisical attitude continues.
What do we need? A 20-goal-per-season forward, preferably a center, and preferably from an Eastern Conference Team.
Who gets the boot? Any and/or ALL of the following:
Troy Brouwer: He’s a relatively inexpensive utility forward who could be a top-six guy on a lesser-talented team. Plus, for whatever reason, Coach Quenneville doesn’t like him and won’t play him to the extent of his capabilities. He’s a million dollars of cap space that could be used on somebody who puts goals in the net.
Bryan Bickell, Jack Skille, Jake Dowell: All three of these guys are also underachieving. Yes, they’re cheap. Yes, they’re serviceable. But they have more value to a team that sees their potential than they do here.
Brian Campbell: Yeah, we sucked while he was out of the lineup. But if we’re going to shake things up, we have to consider all options, and he is the biggest financial suck on this team. Trading him means our options for adjustments to the roster expand by an order of magnitude. Target a team with a mountain of cap space that is letting in a lot of goals, and try to work a deal.
Kyle Beach: I know everyone in the blogosphere thinks this guy is the second coming. But the reality is, he could just as easily be the biggest bust since Ty Jones. He’s got a reputation as a head-case, and that is *not* what we need right now. And currently his perceived value exceeds his actual value, which is the perfect time to put together a trade.
Corey Crawford: It pains me to say this, but the kid is good, and that’s why we could include him in a deal if it becomes necessary. He’s been solid in a backup role, and he has the potential to be a starter down the road. If teams express interest, we should jump on that. Backup goaltenders are cheap and plentiful.
So who to pursue? I’ll forward one name: Carolina center Brandon Sutter. 6′ 3″, right handed shot, 21 goals last year and on a similar pace this season. The Canes have +$10 million in cap space, they don’t have a “franchise” defenseman, and they’re going to be struggling to make the playoffs with the blueline corps they’re fielding today.
Ship Campbell and either Brouwer or Beach to the Hurricanes for Sutter. Despite sucking up $8 million in cap dollars, they get the better of that deal by a mile. But we get what we need: a change of blood for a big, young pivot with the potential to be part of the young core that solidifies our position as an offensive powerhouse.
That’s my Monday Morning Quarterback idea. I’m sure there are many others. But it’s time. Enough screwing around, let’s get some offers on the table and move somebody quickly. Re-focusing the team’s attention and getting them out of their comfort zone before the Circus Trip might be just what the doctor ordered.
Umm, Stan? Stan? Talk to Daddy, there, Junior. And get your ass in gear. We’re bleeding here.
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Boxing with ‘Hawks/Coyotes, 11/10/10
Nov 11th
Well, this officially sucks. It’s not even fun to watch. I pulled the hood over my head a few minutes into the third period. As I type this, the NHL On the Fly crew is calling the Blackhawks “weak.”
That’s actually a very good word to describe this team. They’re avoiding contact, not playing with any physicality, and look like there’s nothing keeping them motivated. Boos showered the ‘Hawks at the end of the second period. And why not? They deserved it.
Beyond that, the Blackhawks lost their seventh home game in regulation. They lost eight all of last season. The entire 2009-10 hockey season, they lost eight. They’re already at seven.
Duncan Keith must have developed an alcohol problem, because he’s playing drunk. Patrick Kane might as well have not played tonight. It’s really, really painful to watch — and that’s probably because it’s so shocking that we have no idea what to do anymore. These are the defending Stanley Cup champions, and they probably couldn’t even win a Shinny Stick tournament right now.
Without further ado, here’s another depressing edition of “Boxing.” As always, there are two separate images — one for the summary, one for the actual box score. Click on the image to enlarge it.
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Rising Beyond Mediocrity: Phoenix visits the UC Tonight
Nov 10th
Photo: AP
The Blackhawks take on the Phoenix Coyotes tonight at the United Center. After Sunday night’s disheartening loss to the Edmonton Oilers, I hope the concession stands are going to offer Maalox.
There have been some positives in the Blackhawks’ play. We are 3rd in the league in power play conversions, something that was a serious problem for us at this time last year. And our goaltending, originally thought to be our weak spot this season, has proved solid.
But that’s the end of the good news. Our penalty killing is so-so, our defense isn’t the impermeable fortress of last year, our veterans aren’t leading, our youngsters aren’t following, and the results show it. Above all, while we are showing flashes of brilliance here and there, our biggest problem is consistency.
The Oilers were a better team than the Blackhawks for about 45 seconds on Sunday. It cost the Blackhawks the game. They talk about a 60-minute effort, and that’s why. The Hawks didn’t play a bad game: decent number of shots, reduced their number of shots allowed, killed four penalties out of five, and kept the game at a defensive stale-mate against a speedy Edmonton squad. But one power play goal and a complete mental let-down on the following shift, and the visitors take home two points.
The mental lapse following the Oilers’ goal is not an isolated incident. Chicago Sun-Times reporter Adam Jahns scoured the box scores and found that the Blackhawks have allowed a goal against on the shift immediately following a goal no fewer than *seven* times this season. This is the kind of thing that makes coaches pull a Rumplestiltskin, and I would imagine it is the primary focus of Coach Joel Quenneville’s attention right now.
That, and shuffling the lines — AGAIN. Tuesday’s practice saw Patrick Kane moved to left wing (?!?!?) on a line with Marian Hossa and Dave Bolland. This can’t be a good sign, since both the Hossa/Bolland and Hossa/Kane combinations have been tried — with zero success — before. I see it as a sign that Q is simply throwing darts at a lineup sheet and seeing which ones land where.
There is something to be said for the definition of insanity here: doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results. When you shuffle a deck and expect to have it come up all aces, something’s wrong.
It may be time for some new cards. But we’ll address that another day.
The Phoenix Coyotes are a team without a city right now, as the ownership battle — and no-doubt relocation fight immediately to follow — has yet to be settled. They come into the United Center with more overtime/shootout losses than any team in the league. After regulation, they are a perfect 0-5. Their roster boasts plenty of names you’ll recognize, like Eric Belanger, Shane Doan, Ray Whitney, Ed Jovanovski, Derek Morris, and Adrian Aucoin. But the whole, in this case, is far less than the sum of its parts.
This is another Edmonton, a team that we should beat handily. They sit second-to-last in the Conference, and goaltending has not been their strong point to date. However, as we saw on Sunday, the Blackhawks have had trouble with teams meeting this description. Let’s hope that they come out swinging and bury this one quickly.
Look for tweets from us about injuries, starting lineups, and scratches later today.
Game time is 7:30pm: TV is Comcast SportsNet, broadcast radio WGN AM-720, and XM subscribers can look for the game on channel 208.
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I want to talk about how we have nothing to talk about
Nov 9th
NOTE: Sorry for no strict recap and/or Boxing. I was on vacation in Boston for a Bruins game and admittedly didn’t see much of either game this weekend. In fact, I still haven’t seen a highlight of the Thrashers game. It would be more of a disservice if I wrote about stuff I didn’t see. You’re alive, so you’ll be OK with that.
I really wanted to see Prognosis Negative with Jerry. Wanna go see Ponce de Leon? (Chicago Tribune)
Sunday night, it took a matter of 14 seconds for the Edmonton Oilers to relieve the Blackhawks of their lead and take their own.
The clock on when we’re going to see the defending Stanley Cup champions is still ticking.
What is it I’m hoping for? I don’t know. I can’t say I’m demanding to see every semblance of dominance we saw last season when the Blackhawks were the best team in the NHL. I’m not going to start crying if Marty Turco isn’t “The One” or if the departed ‘Hawks succeed. Business decisions had to be made.
I will say I may have been a bit too harsh on some of our star players to date. Stars alone don’t win titles. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane didn’t win that Cup alone last season. I’m guilty of saying I want to see more out of them and Duncan Keith and the other top-tier talent the ‘Hawks possess. There’s a lot of it. I understand the role of a star player is to play like a star all the time. But even Michael Jordan had off nights.
It’s the off-the-ice stuff that needs the attention. No more talking about how they miss the old guys. No more talking about the new locker room and how it’s taking time to jell.
What I’m hoping for is the Blackhawks new faces and role players to start proving they’re impressed by that brand new banner hanging at the United Center. I want them to think back to the home opener when they stayed on the bench secluded from the players from the title team, and they watched the ring bearers witness something they’ll never forget.
I want them to start imagining that they’re on the ice at the 2011 home opener standing in the same spot and watching a banner be raised. It’s not to say they’re talented enough to make it happen, but it sure as hell doesn’t seem like they’re playing up to what’s now expected in Chicago. And they really don’t seem to be playing with the purpose of getting to that point.
And most of all, I want last year’s team members to starting telling the new faces why that’s so important.
There was a different look about last year’s champs. There were a lot of times the role players didn’t do their jobs and we got on them. However, they still had the fire in their eyes and the determination to accomplish that goal of winning the Cup. They always talked like it. Maybe they just knew the media and what had to be said, but everyone constantly talked about winning the Cup. It never went away.
Do you see that from the new faces yet? Do you see Fernando Pisani or John Scott or Viktor Stalberg have that look like, “Whatever I have to do, whatever these guys want me to do, I’ll do it because I want what they have”…?
I sure haven’t. And beyond that, it’s happening at home — where that banner hangs right above them as a constant reminder of the expectations surrounding anyone in a Blackhawks sweater.
I refuse to believe these Blackhawks that take the ice every night don’t have what it takes to win another Cup. Maybe it’s the superfan in me, but we’ve all seen flashes of brilliance from lots of those new guys. It’s the consistency that’s lacking. Last year’s ‘Hawks team was consistently good, then got great when they needed to be great.
This team is consistently mediocre, and they’ve gotten good at times. The personalities are different, sure. Last year’s team had a closeness about them that even the players have acknowledged is lacking at this point. Well, what are they going to do to regain that? Last year’s team didn’t know each other until they met. Seems like a stupid thing to say, right?
However, these guys are all professionals and share a locker room, and a city. Figure something out. Remember in that Seinfeld episode when Elaine referred to her and George as friends-in-law? Elaine then sat down with George and told Jerry afterward, “I wanted to talk about how we have nothing to talk about.” Well, do that if you have to. Get your shit together, and get it together fast.
Toews knows what I’m talking about:
“That motivation should be coming within our own locker room … we’re adults and we’re mature hockey players and when it’s time to light that fire, you know where… “
While the ‘Hawks find some lighter fluid, the Detroit Red Wings continue to win. The St. Louis Blues, of all the goddamn teams, are playing phenominal. The ‘Hawks are currently staring up at both their naked asses being waved in their proverbial face. I know, it’s early. But how many times have teams had rough starts in a good division and simply can’t catch up because the other teams above them continued to play well? It’s not uncommon. More often than not, a solid start leads to long-term success.
So, what’s it going to take? Losing two games to a bottom-feeding Western Conference team at home within a week? I hope so. Maybe on Wednesday we can watch a team beginning to get things in order, beginning to play together rather than trying to do things in spite of each other.
The ‘Hawks still haven’t hit the opposition with their best shot.
Hopefully we won’t have to wait much longer.
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Committed Indian column: 10 Reasons Why the Blackhawks Can Repeat
Nov 7th
**** Sam Fels of Second City Hockey gave me some space in his wonderful creation, The Committed Indian, for tonight’s game against the Edmonton Oilers. Here’s my column. Don’t be cheap and purchase one outside the UC for $3 if you’re headed there tonight. GO ‘HAWKS!
Despite all the departures, I don’t think anyone believed the Blackhawks would be stumbling into November hovering around the .500 mark. Things sure as shit haven’t been ideal and right now, this isn’t a Stanley Cup contender.
Fortunately, the NHL doesn’t hand out the Stanley Cup in November. Through 16 games last season the Blackhawks were 9-5-2 – not much difference from this season — Antti Niemi’s balls hadn’t dropped yet and Cam Barker still skated on the third pairing.
Lots of things can change between now and June – and they have to. As much as we all sit and point farts in the direction of Stan Bowman, we know he knows, too. And we know the players know it.
So, with that in mind, I present you with 10 Reasons Why the Blackhawks Can Repeat. I’m not saying they will repeat, so don’t come trying to chop my head off if the ‘Hawks are on their couches come June. Agree, disagree, whatever. Sam gave me the space for tonight, you paid for the damn thing, so you will listen to every single word I have to say.
John Scott and Nick Boynton
Total joke. These two worthless piles of shit hopefully won’t be around come March. I’m actually hoping Scott murders Boynton and is sent to jail for life. Then we won’t have to worry about either of them. Now that I have your attention…
Patrick Kane will start to give a shit
Partying with his best friend Jack Daniels and a summer of casual sex may still be on his mind, but Kaner isn’t far off his pace from last season. After 16 games, he had 16 points (4G, 12A). He’s behind, but not by much.
The problem is that his attitude seems to be different. He looks like he’s ready for the bar as soon as he steps on the ice. I personally think his “20 Cent” incident last offseason had him coming out of the gate with fire in his eyes. After winning the Cup and being loved for scoring the winner, he may seem a bit more casual. Rather than playing with something to prove on top of his ridiculous talent, he’s simply playing on talent.
Despite all of his nonsense, Kaner is a competitive SOB. He’s not happy where the team is right now, and his attitude will change. I’m certain of it. Last season’s, “I’m going to score on you, and there’s nothing you can do about it” attitude will come out – and soon.
Marian Hossa is, well, Marian Hossa
Hopefully while you’re reading this, Hossa is on the ice somewhere. Before he got hurt, Hossa was the best player in the NHL. He was doing everything right, scoring goals, finding teammates… it was beautiful to watch. The ‘Hawks haven’t been the same without him. They’ve looked like they’ve been missing something.
That something has been Hossa’s “Yeah, I’m doing this, you can watch if you’d like” style of play. The Blackhawks have Marian Hossa, the other teams don’t. Advantage: ‘Hawks.
Patrick Sharp is extremely handsome… and good
I remember saying at about the midway point of last season that Sharp has the offensive talent to be a 40-goal scorer. He just may accomplish the feat this season – and look good doing it.
I understand he can be better in his own zone, which his plus/minus proves. But his offense is what’s going to help the Blackhawks, and he hasn’t disappointed thus far.
Jonathan Toews won’t let this bullshit continue
I’m not talking about his performance on the ice – though the ‘Hawks could use some more offensive production from Tazer. I’m talking about that ‘C’ on his chest which he’s shown he’s well deserving of having. With all the new faces in the locker room, I’m assuming he’s simply waiting for the right time to start putting people in their place.
Duncan Keith recently said it’s taking some time for everyone to jell – both on and off the ice – and the Blackhawks are struggling because of it. Toews isn’t going to stand for much more of that excuse. This team is a bunch of professionals and they’re expected to mesh with whatever situation they’re thrust into. Tazer will do his job and right the ship.
Marty Turco may give you heart failure, but he’s a very serviceable goalie
The flailing, the flopping, the sometimes recklessness with the puck … I know, it can be taxing on blood pumper. His style is similar to Tim Thomas of Boston, which has been said to not but suitable for a playoff grind.
It’s true, Turco hasn’t had much playoff success. But Turco has come up with big saves while facing a lot more shots than he and any of us thought he’d be facing. Turco is far from the reason the Blackhawks are roughly mediocre right now. He’s kept some games closer than they should’ve been, and he has the talent, experience and determination to earn a ring to help the ‘Hawks through the season.
Brian Campbell is back
Without him, the Blackhawks were giving up an alarming amount of shots and changing up the defensive pairings seemingly every night. His absence was more than noticeable. Does anyone find it coincidental the ‘Hawks began rolling in the playoffs once Campbell came back last season? His return is the reason I believe …
Niklas Hjalmarsson will start playing up to his contract
Hammer’s left a lot to be desired since the ‘Hawks matched San Jose’s offer sheet, but I refuse to put all the blame on him. He hasn’t been able to play with the same cohesiveness with his defensive partner as he did nearly all of last season with Campbell.
Super Nintendo Hjalmers is a very heady player who is fundamentally sound and isn’t afraid to absorb contact in order to make the correct play. Though he hasn’t lived up to his new salary, look for Hammer to return to form with Campbell returning.
Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook will play like the best D tandem in the NHL
Campbell’s injury forced Keith and Seabrook to play ungodly amounts of minutes, mainly because the units behind them were simply far less talented. They even had to be split up at times to try and make up for the deficiency.
Keith is still the Norris Trophy winner for a reason, and he’s near the top of the league in assists. His decision-making has been questionable, and Seabrook has appeared to be a bit lazy and getting beat on plays he normally wouldn’t.
Fatigue can’t be ignored in this situation. They’re the best tandem in the league when they’re on top of their game, and I can’t see some of the sloppiness continuing much longer.
Everything will fall into place by mid-January.
The ‘Hawks basically wrapped up the Central with a 10-4-1 January last season with Hossa hitting full stride after returning from injury. Hopefully the Blackhawks can stay healthy and won’t have to worry about that sort of thing. However, the new faces should have meshed with the stars by this point, and everyone should understand their roles. There’s a reason the stars are the stars, and they make people better. We’re not seeing the immediate effects, but by January we should be seeing some solid results.
No matter what, this team will be dangerous come June.
Put a defending Stanley Cup champion in the playoffs and anything can happen. Last season, some wondered if the ‘Hawks were too young and inexperienced to win it all. Well, there went that idea.
Now think of a young team coming off a Cup win and hungry enough to want to repeat. Five of the last six President’s Trophy winners haven’t won gone all the way, so forget regular-season record.
I know it may seem harder than it sounds with the Central Division being as strong as it is this season. But if the Blackhawks can get in the playoffs, they’ll make some noise. They have the talent to win a finesse series, the ability to win a speed series and the toughness to win a physical series.
Stealing a quote, “Never underestimate the heart of a champion.”
Contact Bartl sits in Section 326. Go buy him a beer or contact him at Jeffrey.Bartl@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @BlackhawksUp
The Boss Returns, Hawks Look To Settle A Score
Nov 7th
SURPRISE!
After the 5-4 shootout win over the Thrashers on Saturday, Blackhawks Coach Joel Quenneville hinted in his easily-decodable way that Marian Hossa will be in the lineup tonight. The collective sign of relief from Hawks fans could be heard as far away as Peoria.
The Blackhawks were 2 – 3 during Hossa’s absence, scoring an average of 3.2 goals per game while allowing 4. We forget that, in addition to being one of the Blackhawks’ leading scorers, The Boss is also one of the premier two-way players in the game today. His return will improve not only our goal production, but also our goals against. Which brings us to tonight’s game.
The game most Blackhawks fans would like to forget from this young season was when the last-place Edmonton Oilers walked into town, chased our starting goaltender after the first period, and went on to a humiliating 7-4 victory. It should have been a walk in the park. It looked more like a walk through wet cement.
While the end result was emasculating, there were positive signs. Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp all tallied goals. We converted 2 out of 5 power plays, took only one penalty and killed that effortlessly. While Marty Turco was chased after one period, Corey Crawford allowed only two goals in relief. Additionally, the Hawks held the Oilers to only 10 shots in the final two periods combined, arguably the best defensive showing all year. Hindsight is 20/20, and it’s good to realize that there were good signs coming out of such a spectacular failure.
But make no mistake: they came into our house, drank our beer, insulted our girlfriend, and pissed on the carpet. It’s time for some payback.
So while Marian Hossa returns, there may be another absence. Rookie Jeremy Morin was called up from Rockford to make his NHL debut against the Thrashers. He looked good, showed a good amount of hustle, won some battles along the boards, and generally made a good impression in just under 10 minutes of ice time. Then, he made the painful mistake of turning away from the shooter when blocking a shot. The slap shot caught him on the back of the leg — where there is barely a millimeter of padding — and was left writhing in agony. He did return later in the game, but was limited to one shift, and one has to assume he will be a scratch tonight.
Dave Bolland will still be out; expect pathetic defenseman Jassen Cullimore to be back in the lineup to replace even-more-pathetic-defenseman Jordan Hendry; and assuming Hossa is back and Morin is out, we will probably have to suffer another night of seeing John Scott embarrass himself by playing left wing on the fourth line.
Game time is an unusual 6:00pm this evening at the United Center. WGN completes the second half of a back-to-back TV double-header; radio is WGN AM-720, and XM subscribers look for channel 207.
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