[A] Hawks Paw Panthers: CHI 3, FLA 1

[Ton]

The first line trio of Stalberg, Toews and Kane continued to blow up the NHL with 5 points combined on the night including a Patrick Kane goal that ripped through Jose Theodores legs.



It was only the 11th goal of the season for Patrick Kane, while teammate Jonathan Toews potted his 27th, but provided the superstar with some much needed confidence.



"It was a good feeling," Kane said of his goal. "I kind of forgot how to celebrate to be honest with you. I didn’t even know what I was doing, but it was good to put one in for sure."



His 2 point night fills hope in my heart that he will begin to heat up from here on out, especially with his connection to Toews and Stalberg. It seemed to put that pep back into his step after netting his first goal in 8 games. The look on his face was priceless when he scored and I don't think I've seen that big of a smile on his face since he won the Stanley Cup in 2010.



Ray Emery only had to make 18 saves in the win giving the Blackhawks an edge over the former division-leading Red Wings and placing the Blackhawks at the top of the Western Conference once again. He looked fairly confident in net and smothered a lot of pucks. The problem continues that his lateral movement needs work, but I may just have to accept the fact that he is a blocking-style goaltender that will never be efficient in that area.



Duncan Keith also removed his scoring slump of 29 games (was shutout all of December) with a slap shot from the point that was perfectly tucked in the lower right corner of the net.



Rookies Andrew Shaw and Jimmy Hayes could not find the score sheet, but still played well. Ben Smith is starting to look better and if he heats up the Blackhawks may find themselves with four productive rookies heading into the post-season (Kruger).



BLACKHAWKS THREE STARS OF THE GAME



1. Patrick Kane

2. Jonathan Toews

3. Duncan Keith



Click here to view the article

 

[howcho]

Anyone think it looked like Kane was near tears when interviewed by Sarah 'I love you you're beautiful' Kustock?

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

ALL BLAME DALE!



Oh well Hawks win.

 

[the canadian dream]

I really thought Dale would have traded for Bickell in the second period. oh well



everyone had a good game tonight in my eyes. Great team effort. Good defense tonight.



Florida looked like a team that has fallen down to earth also.



Kane....Kane..Kane. Could have had 5 points tonight.



Was a bit worried there about Toews as I sure everyone was.

 

[Pez68]

Florida sucks.



Good to see Kane back with some swagger. I haven't seen a more relieved, mellow celebration after a goal in a long time. Guy looked like he was going to cry. Sounded like he was going to cry after the game too. Come on Kane, we miss your craziness and fun! The slump might be serious if the Hawks weren't winning, but they are. Get your mojo going!



Did that serious girlfriend dump him?

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

Nice to see a selfish, lazy player get the #1 star.

 

[EspoForever]

Post game talk in here!



BLACKHAWKS THREE STARS OF THE GAME



1. Patrick Kane

2. Jonathan Toews

3. Duncan Keith



Click here to view the article

Kaner was looking like he was playing through an injury. He was falling in turns in a way that's not usual for him, and at his size it had to be scary being out there lacking mobility. That could get you killed. He seems to be getting closer to normal now...but I am quite concerned about Toews' situation. He was looking quite uncomfortable and not taking any draws after he was hurt. Hope he is winning some draws tonight.

 

[PuckPowWow]

Patrick Kane finally decided to shoot the puck, and on net (not aiming for the top corners and missing the net entirely) when he had the option to pass. I think Theodore was totally expecting the pass and wasn't even able to move that much before the puck was between his 5-hole. Does this mean the end to the scoring slump Kane has put together over the past 20 or so games? In my opinion it takes 2 within a game of each other to break the curse, and my sources say that just might happen as Kane has been known to score some goals against the Preds. Besides that goal, we saw a little too much of the same from Kaner. Such as, holding on too long, not displaying a great sense of urgency, and making that extra move when it was unnecessary. I can be hard on Kane sometimes, but I do believe he possesses an unparalleled talent with the puck and have also stood by him during other questionable times in his short career. If he wants to see more production, he has to simplify his game a bit, pure and simple. This analysis takes nothing away from the great work he creates in opposing zones.





Last point before moving on. The 1st line of Kane, Toews, and Stalberg is a beast of a line and I want to send a message to Q that if it ever gets changed that I will hunt him down and punch him right in the stache. This line is simply becoming the hardest line to play against in the league. Every cog in this machinery of a line is finding its perfect function and executing without hesitation. Great passing, quick movement, and the defensive sense to get the puck out of their own zone as soon as the puck enters it is just the start of the poetry this line is weaving and will continue to get better at weaving. 2 brilliant looking goals were scored last night by this dynamic trio, as Toews continues to make his campaign for the MVP of the season. His breakaway goal was beautiful, and the pass from Kane just as awesome, which was started by a great effort from Stalberg. Machine I say!

 

[PuckPowWow]

Yeah, great all around effort. The rolling of 4 lines, and more balanced ice-time is proving to be a huge factor.



Although, I thought Keith logged a bit too much with the game tonight having a greater value of importance. The Preds are on fire lately, heating up the Central Division even more.

 

[PatrickShart]

Kane's previous last goal was 14gms ago. In that time in between, he's had 42 shots on goal.



In the same span...

Hossa 43

Toews 45

Stalberg 47



Seems he's shooting at the pace every other top goal scorer/shooters on the Hawks were. And through his "refusal" to shoot...he's still 3rd on the team with SOG.



But I guess since the great Mike Milbury pointed out via video replay him not shooting on a chance - where maybe he saw all goalie actually on the ice and decided to pass - his laziness took over and selfishly decided he wanted an assist/tried to pass the puck.

 

[supraman]

Patrick Kane finally decided to shoot the puck, and on net (not aiming for the top corners and missing the net entirely) when he had the option to pass. I think Theodore was totally expecting the pass and wasn't even able to move that much before the puck was between his 5-hole. Does this mean the end to the scoring slump Kane has put together over the past 20 or so games? In my opinion it takes 2 within a game of each other to break the curse, and my sources say that just might happen as Kane has been known to score some goals against the Preds. Besides that goal, we saw a little too much of the same from Kaner. Such as, holding on too long, not displaying a great sense of urgency, and making that extra move when it was unnecessary. I can be hard on Kane sometimes, but I do believe he possesses an unparalleled talent with the puck and have also stood by him during other questionable times in his short career. If he wants to see more production, he has to simplify his game a bit, pure and simple. This analysis takes nothing away from the great work he creates in opposing zones.





Last point before moving on. The 1st line of Kane, Toews, and Stalberg is a beast of a line and I want to send a message to Q that if it ever gets changed that I will hunt him down and punch him right in the stache. This line is simply becoming the hardest line to play against in the league. Every cog in this machinery of a line is finding its perfect function and executing without hesitation. Great passing, quick movement, and the defensive sense to get the puck out of their own zone as soon as the puck enters it is just the start of the poetry this line is weaving and will continue to get better at weaving. 2 brilliant looking goals were scored last night by this dynamic trio, as Toews continues to make his campaign for the MVP of the season. His breakaway goal was beautiful, and the pass from Kane just as awesome, which was started by a great effort from Stalberg. Machine I say!

I think you are being a bit harsh on kaner. Kane when he holds the puck is showing patience and is looking for something to open up. I'd much rather have that than him trying to force the pass that would most likely result in a loss of possession. If your team possesses the puck the other team can't score, so I would much prefer him holding on to it forever than loss of possession. Also a lack of urgency shows confidence. Like "yeah we got this" swagger. That's cool, that's cool under pressure.

 

[Shoots_he_scores]

Kane is a playmaker, he's always going to look to set people up. Sure we'd love for him to score 40 goals a year but that's not gonna happen, not because he can't do it but because Kane's a guy who's going to look to set people up it's just the way it is. Kane's a point a game player and quite honestly I could give a shit if it's a goal or an assist because either way it means the Hawks scored a goal.

 

[PuckPowWow]

Overconfidence with the puck is also a bad thing, and while it might sound like I am being overly critical of Kane, I am also pointing out what he does do well, and why. Kane has a bunch of assists, yes. But, he is also playing with Toews and Sharp who finish. He made an outstanding pass to Toews last night, but Toews still had to finish. Kane has the puck more often than any other player, because he possesses a certain skill set. There are expectations that come along with that.



The only reason I even critique his play is because he is one of the best, and people/players deserve critiques, and should welcome them. It makes you/them better for it.



Kane is amazing at holding onto the puck, as I mentioned when I said, "he possesses unparalleled talent with the puck." That talent suggests more than he is currently giving, and yes, goal production has something to do with it. Honestly, I haven't even cared that much about his lack of goals, but the constant over-reactions to my suggestions on his game have given rise to further explanation and therefore, critiques.



There are far more than just one example of Kane holding onto the puck too long, and not shooting when he has the chance or missing the net entirely. I also celebrate his ability to make ridiculous passes, but the fact remains that he has also blown a ton of prime chances lately. Unfortunately, because of his certain skills, the power-play woes also fall on his shoulders a bit more than other players. I feel that if he would just simplify small aspects of his game that things would start rolling a little smoother for him.



This is just the perspective of someone who gave a large portion of their life to the sport and who's talents were not enough for further exploration, resulting in a decision to focus on other areas of living, such as education. I am just pointing out what I see, and there are plenty of examples that provide evidence for such critiques. Isn't that why we are here?

 

[supraman]

Overconfidence with the puck is also a bad thing, and while it might sound like I am being overly critical of Kane, I am also pointing out what he does do well, and why. Kane has a bunch of assists, yes. But, he is also playing with Toews and Sharp who finish. He made an outstanding pass to Toews last night, but Toews still had to finish. Kane has the puck more often than any other player, because he possesses a certain skill set. There are expectations that come along with that.



The only reason I even critique his play is because he is one of the best, and people/players deserve critiques, and should welcome them. It makes you/them better for it.



Kane is amazing at holding onto the puck, as I mentioned when I said, "he possesses unparalleled talent with the puck." That talent suggests more than he is currently giving, and yes, goal production has something to do with it. Honestly, I haven't even cared that much about his lack of goals, but the constant over-reactions to my suggestions on his game have given rise to further explanation and therefore, critiques.



There are far more than just one example of Kane holding onto the puck too long, and not shooting when he has the chance or missing the net entirely. I also celebrate his ability to make ridiculous passes, but the fact remains that he has also blown a ton of prime chances lately. Unfortunately, because of his certain skills, the power-play woes also fall on his shoulders a bit more than other players. I feel that if he would just simplify small aspects of his game that things would start rolling a little smoother for him.



This is just the perspective of someone who gave a large portion of their life to the sport and who's talents were not enough for further exploration, resulting in a decision to focus on other areas of living, such as education. I am just pointing out what I see, and there are plenty of examples that provide evidence for such critiques. Isn't that why we are here?

Nah we are here to root for the wings

 

[the canadian dream]

Overconfidence with the puck is also a bad thing, and while it might sound like I am being overly critical of Kane, I am also pointing out what he does do well, and why. He has a bunch of assists, yes. But, he is also playing with Toews and Sharp who finish.

not really.



He's been playing with one here and one there. Certainly hasn't played with both at one time much at all this season. Sharp slumps hard too also. Toews has in the past and Kane picked up that slack...how soon we forget.



lucky we have a team full of character guys. Kane is one of those. We can really critique Kane when he starts bitching and complaining and calling out team mates. That's really when you critique millionare NHL players (aka Cammellari). Not when they are slumping. What gives us the right to tell a player like Kane how they should play, what shots to take and what passes to make? How many of us have scored cup winning goals? Won Calder trophies? Have eliminated teams in NHL playoffs? etc etc.



Millbury has done none of this also so he too can pipe down a little. It's as if we think Kane himself wasn't aware that he was in a slump. Jesus you can tell when a player is slumping and when it's in his head. They try everything in the world to try and snap it..BECAUSE THATS HOW YOU BREAK SLUMPS. It may not look pretty sometimes from the fans point of view but it is what it is. Players are told to take shots they normally wouldn't take to break slumps. Ask a NHL coach.

 

[Ton]

I think he turned the corner against the Panthers. We'll find out tonight against the Predators if he's got his legs back.



From what I've noticed, during his slump he was gripping his stick too tightly and second guessing himself (which leads to slower reaction times, not moving your feet, etc etc) Against the Panthers he seemed to gain that pep back into his step, I just hope it gives him that swagger back that he desperately needs.



Kane has always been a streaky player in his career. He has a flaw and it's about his emotions. This doesn't make him lazy, disinterested, or any shot to his work ethic that people commonly throw his way IMO, it's just important for him to get fired up and use that energy from his emotions if he wants to be a productive player and dominate.



Whatever he was going through before, I hope that has passed.

 

[Ton]

not really.



He's been playing with one here and one there. Certainly hasn't played with both at one time much at all this season. Sharp slumps hard too also.

Sharp has some major consistency issues, I agree.



Also agree on Kanes line-mates changing far too often, along with his position. Here's the proof:



VIKTOR STALBERG JONATHAN TOEWS PATRICK KANE 6.64%

DANIEL CARCILLO PATRICK SHARP PATRICK KANE 3.38%

PATRICK KANE PATRICK SHARP MARIAN HOSSA 3.07%

DANIEL CARCILLO MARIAN HOSSA PATRICK KANE 2.94%

PATRICK KANE JONATHAN TOEWS PATRICK SHARP 1.67%

DANIEL CARCILLO JONATHAN TOEWS PATRICK KANE 1.6%

ANDREW BRUNETTE JONATHAN TOEWS PATRICK KANE 1.4%

VIKTOR STALBERG PATRICK SHARP PATRICK KANE 1.37%





This is just even-strength.

 

[the canadian dream]

hes going to light it up again tonight