Ton
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Niemi was spectacular for the Sharks, making all 34 saves the Blackhawks could throw at him. Not to downplay Corey Crawford and the effort of Chicago's defense, but it was simply a special night for the former Blackhawks goaltender.
It was a classic hockey battle, from the first period until late in the 2nd period the Sharks and Blackhawks were at a dead-lock with a 0-0 tie, but Jason Demers split the twine with his first goal of the season 17:08 into the 2nd period.
That was all Niemi needed to seal the deal against Crawford, his former teammate and rival for the back-up spot in Chicago just two years ago.
Chicago has skid into a three game losing streak with this loss. Unfortunately, there is still two games left to go before the Hawks finally return home and meet the Coyotes for the 2nd match this year. If the Blackhawks can't manage another win in these final two games, this Circus trip could rival 03-04, where they could not manage to get a win. Thankfully, it can't get much worse than that year and considering the Blackhawks already have at least one win to their credit, we won't have to worry about that.
Despite the loss, the Hawks played very well from the get-go. The defense played a fantastic game, from Keith to Scott. The offense generated countless chances, with Kane, Keith, Sharp and Hossa getting the majority of them.
CHICAGO RUNS ON DUNCAN
The Blackhawks go as Keith goes, the impact Duncan has on the game-plan is possibly unrivaled throughout the entire NHL. Sure, Sidney Crosby is important. So is Jonathan Toews, Tim Thomas, the Sedin sisters etc.. etc.. but if those players aren't playing well their teams have bailed them out before. Maybe I'm wrong here but it's hard to find a comparison in the NHL to what Keith means to the Blackhawks in a positive and negative way.
I have to say, tonight there was no negative. Keith performed at the Elite level we all know he can achieve. If he can just find middle-ground and consistency it would help the team in ways that are unmatched.
Easier said than done: If Keith can bring it every night this team will contend for the Stanley Cup.
POWERLESS PLAY
I don't want to spend much time on this section mainly because I might burst a blood vessel. One question, why change what worked?
The 2nd power-play unit played more like our first ever since they were placed together... "they" being Brunette/Kruger/Montador/Keith/Leddy. Instead Joel decided to change it up by putting Montador (our most productive player, as a winger) back on defense and placing Bolland between Kruger and Brunette.
Before I start shaking my head, I also understand that injuries may play a role in changing things up. But if something clicks, it should not be messed with.
Before last night's game, the Blackhawks power-play produced at a 9-for-24 clip which comes out to a 37.5% success rate; starting the day that our 2nd PP unit was put together. Yesterday, after being broken up: 0-for-4.
BLACKHAWKS STARS OF THE GAME
1. Duncan Keith
2. Patrick Kane
3. Patrick Sharp
Click here to view the article
It was a classic hockey battle, from the first period until late in the 2nd period the Sharks and Blackhawks were at a dead-lock with a 0-0 tie, but Jason Demers split the twine with his first goal of the season 17:08 into the 2nd period.
That was all Niemi needed to seal the deal against Crawford, his former teammate and rival for the back-up spot in Chicago just two years ago.
Chicago has skid into a three game losing streak with this loss. Unfortunately, there is still two games left to go before the Hawks finally return home and meet the Coyotes for the 2nd match this year. If the Blackhawks can't manage another win in these final two games, this Circus trip could rival 03-04, where they could not manage to get a win. Thankfully, it can't get much worse than that year and considering the Blackhawks already have at least one win to their credit, we won't have to worry about that.
Despite the loss, the Hawks played very well from the get-go. The defense played a fantastic game, from Keith to Scott. The offense generated countless chances, with Kane, Keith, Sharp and Hossa getting the majority of them.
CHICAGO RUNS ON DUNCAN
The Blackhawks go as Keith goes, the impact Duncan has on the game-plan is possibly unrivaled throughout the entire NHL. Sure, Sidney Crosby is important. So is Jonathan Toews, Tim Thomas, the Sedin sisters etc.. etc.. but if those players aren't playing well their teams have bailed them out before. Maybe I'm wrong here but it's hard to find a comparison in the NHL to what Keith means to the Blackhawks in a positive and negative way.
I have to say, tonight there was no negative. Keith performed at the Elite level we all know he can achieve. If he can just find middle-ground and consistency it would help the team in ways that are unmatched.
Easier said than done: If Keith can bring it every night this team will contend for the Stanley Cup.
POWERLESS PLAY
I don't want to spend much time on this section mainly because I might burst a blood vessel. One question, why change what worked?
The 2nd power-play unit played more like our first ever since they were placed together... "they" being Brunette/Kruger/Montador/Keith/Leddy. Instead Joel decided to change it up by putting Montador (our most productive player, as a winger) back on defense and placing Bolland between Kruger and Brunette.
Before I start shaking my head, I also understand that injuries may play a role in changing things up. But if something clicks, it should not be messed with.
Before last night's game, the Blackhawks power-play produced at a 9-for-24 clip which comes out to a 37.5% success rate; starting the day that our 2nd PP unit was put together. Yesterday, after being broken up: 0-for-4.
BLACKHAWKS STARS OF THE GAME
1. Duncan Keith
2. Patrick Kane
3. Patrick Sharp
Click here to view the article
