Sharing contributions between 11 different players may have not been the most surprising statistic, but the interesting fact that Patrick Kane wasn't involved in any of the 6 goals scored and wasn't one of the 11 contributions. Maybe it isn't a surprise with his play lately, but one might think he would find his way when the team is flying on all cylinders.
It was clear that the Sabres were beat by a superior team, not due to talent alone but effort and determination. Neither of those definitions seem to epitomize Kanes game as of late and the fact that he couldn't pounce on the lowly Sabres is further proof that something is wrong with him.
The recent skid for the superstar has everyone wondering where in the world is Patrick Kane? Disinterested, lack of effort, low confidence, mentally checked out, unfocused, all seem to be definitions of his play lately. Its not just one game, but a full month of bad hockey portrayed by Kane, at this point it's impossible to blame his production on snakebites. At the same time, it's hard for me to believe that someone with Kanes pride would just simply stop trying on a nightly basis.
The fact is, there is no deep meaning behind Kanes lack of production. He's not injured, it's not a matter of effort and there is no snake. It's his head. No, not a concussion but a simple problem that many players manage to fall upon. Maybe you grip your stick too tightly or think twice about what you need to do during your shift. It's a head game.
Regardless of Kanes destruction and Patrick Sharp out of the line-up due to injury, the Blackhawks seem to be trucking along just fine lately.
Jonathan Toews continued his domination over the NHL with 2 goals and the rookies lit up the box score again. The Blackhawks had very little trouble running right over the struggling Sabres from the get-go despite surrendering the first goal and as the game went on, the Blackhawks continued to gain momentum.
Andrew Shaw got the ball rolling for the Blackhawks with his 5th goal of the year, a trend that many people are coming to expect from the young gun. Soon after, Shaw provided an effective screen in front for Brent Seabrook to blow the puck by Enroth, hit the post and allow Toews to pot his 1st of the game.
In the 2nd period, Pomminville struck again but it would stand as the last goal that Buffalo would score and the onslaught begun. Marian Hossa finally capitalized on his flurry of chances along with Jimmy Hayes netting his 4th of the year to give the Blackhawks a 4-2 advantage.
The 3rd period was more of the same, Dave Bolland hit the back of the net along with Jonathan Toews for his 2nd power-play goal of the game to put the nail in the coffin and hand the Sabres their 10th straight road loss. The Blackhawk win comes as their 4th straight at home, outscoring their opponents 20-to-9.
SHOULD THEY STAY OR SHOULD THEY GO?
The Blackhawks will need to come to a conclusion on the future of Jimmy Hayes and Andrew Shaw. Joel Quenneville continues to be impressed by the young duo so perhaps they may find a home in the NHL this season after all.
"They have been real good," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "Tonight was just one more real solid game from both of them.
"They made some nice individual plays. Shawsie continues to be effective in a lot of ways, and Hayes finished off one of the nicest passes we've seen this year."
Although Jimmy Hayes has seen limited ice-time he has still been incredibly productive. Meanwhile, Shaw is beginning to get an upwards of 18-20 minutes per night and has also seen success in producing for the Blackhawks.
No doubt these two players are important assets for the Blackhawks, not only right now but for the future as well. The question remains, will they stay or will they go?
BLACKHAWKS THREE STARS OF THE GAME
1. Jonathan Toews
2. Andrew Shaw
3. Jimmy Hayes
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