My Top Ten Moments of 2010

It's NYE, so of course we've been inundated with year end lists for the last week or so. Let me add to it. After careful consideration (about 4.3 minutes), here are my Top 10 Blackhawks hockey moments of 2010. I limited this list to events that I personally witnessed or attended - this helped narrow down the choices quite a bit. The top five picks were pretty easy (and shouldn't be a surprise), but the bottom five took a little more thought.

Blackhawks' New Year's Resolutions

So the Christmas Holidays are over (and a happy belated one to all my readers), so all that's left to do is to get stinking drunk on NYE, nurse and bitch about the inevitable hangover on New Year's Day and make resolutions that are forgotten by Valentine's Day. Seeing as they are rather busy lately, and still a little shaken about losing their Captain for two weeks (MY CREYS), I'd like to do the Blackhawks a favor and make their 2011 New Year's Resolutions for them:

Bryan Bickell: To never use that I-Pass again.

Dave Bolland: Must remember to only pick your nose when you're safely in the locker room, *not* when being interviewed on camera between periods.

Nick Boynton: Don't make any stupid plays that everyone on Twitter blames you for.

Troy Brouwer: Make sure every goalie in the Western Conference knows that your ass smells much better than Buff's.

Brian Campbell: 3/13 - Spearing Penalty. MAKE IT COUNT!

Corey Crawford: Make everyone chant "Niemi Who?" Oh, and practice not being so damn emo in photographs.

Jassen Cullimore: Call Brent Sopel - ask how he became one of the most maligned athletes in Chicago to a folk hero in a matter of months.

Jake Dowell: Get some national attention for being the grinder with the biggest heart in the NHL.

Jordan Hendry: Use that Walgreen's gift card from Coach Q to buy some more butt salve for all that time sitting in the press box.

Niklas Hjalmarsson: Contemplate asking Bobby Hull for hairpiece advice. On second thought, just keep that head shaved.

Marian Hossa: Pick up the scoring pace - show Crosby how a God grows a mustache.

Ryan Johnson: Remember not to hide under the bench when "Chelsea Dagger" plays.

Patrick Kane: Use that voice recorder that Toews ordered off the TV for you, so you can remember those girls' names when you wake up the next morning. Oh and SCORE MOAR PLZ.

Duncan Keith: Stop putting in your dentures using the Norris Trophy's reflection.

Tomas Kopecky: Super Glue. Helmet. USE IT.

Jeremy Morin: Get a second gold medal for the US at the World Juniors. And be on the ice for playoff hockey come April.

Fernando Pisani: To play 60+ games this season.

John Scott: Fight BizNasty.

Brent Seabrook: Sign a contract extension before May. WITH THE BLACKHAWKS.

Patrick Sharp: Play in the All Star Game in Carolina. And have a Halloween costume in 2011 that doesn't involve tights.

Jack Skille: Limit crashing into the net and taking it off the moorings to once a game. Also read "Finish What You Start."

Viktor Stalberg: Remember to cuss under your breath in Swedish every time someone asks if you've gone to IKEA with Hjammer lately.

Jonathan Toews: Get better quickly. Then score a hattie against the Blues and moon Davis Payne.

Marty Turco: Find every person that used the #TurcoSucks Twitter hashtag and sign them up for free consultations with a bed wetting expert.

Coach Joel Quenneville: Ignore those phone calls from your wife post game when she tells you one day your face will be permanently purple if you keep getting so upset.

Oh yeah....

Chicago Blackhawks: SUCCESSFULLY DEFEND THE STANLEY CUP IN 2011!

I meant to do an amusing post about Blackhawks Xmas presents, but due to hinky internet connectivity and general holiday busyness, you're stuck with this lame attempt at humor. I have some time before the January doldrums hit full stride, so I hope to have a little more content up here in the coming days. In the meantime, EVERYBODY HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY NEW YEARS!

Recapping A Week Of Blackhawks: Or, How I Stopped Moping & Loved The Blog

Hi peeps!

First off, I'd like to take a moment to thank those who said some kind words or sent some good karma in the recent past for my dad and my family - it means a lot to me. He has been home from the hospital and is doing well, but he will have some major surgery mid-January. Until then, I'm just trying to keep a positive outlook so I don't have panic attacks every five minutes. Hockey is a great distractor.

Ok, onto the hockey.

Since I last posted, the Hawks have gone 1-2-1. Is this a coincidence? I'd like to think not, but being superstitious, I guess I'll have to attempt to post more than once a week. I won't go into each game into too much detail, since in all honesty my recall's a bit fuzzy on a couple. Or I could be just blocking them from my memory. In any case, since I've been on a kick I introduce the...

TRON RATING SYSTEM!

[humor me ok?]

Sometimes, Real Life Gets In The Way

I've made it a point not to talk much about my personal life on this particular blog. Indulge me for a second.

I will not be posting as much on here in the weeks and possibly months ahead. My dad is ill and at this point they're not really sure what's wrong with him. There are ideas, and it starts with the letter "C" and as it is to be expected, I'm rather upset about it. I'll know more within the next couple of days, but add this plus the holidays and the most stressful period of the year at work, and my brain and psyche is the consistency of Spaghetti-Os right now.

I believe in the power of karma and good thoughts, and any you can send my family's way at this time I would surely appreciate it.

I will not drop off the face of this earth. Hockey and photography and even this blog will be a welcome escape for me in the coming days, especially if things get really rough. I will try to keep things here light hearted and amusing for my own sanity and for yours.

Thanks for reading this. And giving me an opportunity to vent.

-mel

P.S. As not to be a total downer, here is a Toews-Face from the last game vs. Dallas. OOF.

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Weekend Recap: The Good, The Bad & The Fugly

Game 28: Vancouver Canucks 3, Chicago Blackhawks 0
Box Score
Highlights

Game 29: Chicago Blackhawks 4, Calgary Flames 2
Box Score 
Highlights

Now that the Bulls have claimed the Saturday night slot at the UC (who decides that?), this is the end of the back-to-back games at home for the remainder of the season. Which is fine with me - I quite like the Friday night/Sunday evening home game combo. Coming off a heart attacking inducing win vs. the Blues on Wednesday, hopes were high that the Hawks would come out flying versus their #1 non-division rival, the Canucks. Um. not so much. But I will get into that....heeeerrrrreeeee:

The Good

- The Blackhawks outshot their opponents 32-18 & 32-26 on Friday and Sunday respectively. This is much better than earlier in the season and reminiscent of the way the Hawks dominated the shot sheet last season.
- The Hawks dominated long stretches of the game vs. the Canucks. That's all fine and dandy, unfortunately they had nothing on the board to show for it.
- Dave Bolland not only goaded a Sedin into a penalty on Friday (old habits die hard), he scored two on Friday and was 50% at the dot versus the Flames. Sure, one of the goals was a empty-netter, but BABY STEPS. I'll take what I can get at this point.
- Speaking of faceoffs, Captain Tazer was 29/45 (64%) at the dot in those two games. Solid, solid, SOLID.
- The Hawks were 4/9 on the power play versus the Flames. This included their first 5-on-3 goal of the season.
- While Turco didn't really get much help vs. the Canucks, he was just average, which isn't going to cut it when the opposition's goaltender is doing headstands. Crawford on the other hand, while a little shaky in the first vs. the Flames, stood tall in the third, stopping all 10 Calgary shots. His best sequence was backstopping those three straight Hawks penalties in the last frame. From all appearances Corey's going to get the start Wednesday versus Dallas.

The Bad

- While Mr. Luongo undoubtedly stood on his head versus the Hawks (I'll give him more credit when he can do that twice to us in the post season), it wasn't as if there weren't opportunities. Both Kane & Bolland IIRC had wide open nets that they just whiffed on, and I know there were several other excellent chances to put the puck behind Borat. On the flipside, the Canucks seemed to cash in on every opportunity afforded them. If you do that against a good team, you're going to lose 99 out of 100 times.
- Looks like the bad penalties at bad times bug have struck the Hawks again. Yay.
- John Scott's ice time TOTAL in these two games: 10:04. The fighting's a novelty, and I know we've been bit with the injury bug, but if Snuggles' isn't going to help take a little more of the load off our top players, he needs to sit. Plenty of kids in Rockford could give you some extra minutes for the same amount of a cap hit.
- On the flipside, Duncan Keith was back up to 29:39 against the Flames. DO NOT WANT.

The Ugly

- Our penalty kills sucks it right now. In two games we allowed the opponent to convert 3 of 13 opportunities (77% kill rate). Currently we're 25th in the league, only killing off 79% of our penalties - Montreal leads the league at 90.1% If we're going to continue to get penalized as we are wont to do as of late, this MUST improve. Yesterday, I actually cheered when the Hawks killed off their third penalty as they let the Flames convert on their first two opportunities.
- So Patrick Kane lasted all of 23 seconds versus Calgary before he was hit into the boards (it was clean) and his left leg twisted awkwardly. The reports are "it's not serious" but he'll be out "for a bit." In the land of Upper and Lower body injuries, who the fuck knows how long that will be. I'd hate to rush him, but Hossa needs to get healthy, stat. Sharpie and Toews are the only legitimate scoring threats we have on the ice right now, and at this point we can't let too many games slip away. I CRY.
- They're showing Sid vs. Ovi Winter Classic commercials on NBC already? I hope I'm too hungover on New Years Day to witness the mainstream media fellate those two.

TWO FOR TOEWS-FACES

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

I have to say, those are two of the best Toews-Faces of the season. Jebus.

So, tomorrow night I may be adventurous and go to a book signing attended by one Mr. Dave Bolland. If I do, I'll have PICTURES!

Game 27: Chicago Blackhawks 7, St Louis Blues 5

Box Score
Highlights

I'll just stop apologizing for these late ass recaps - it's just gonna be the norm around here, especially this time of year. Besides, I know the three of you who visit regularly come for my witty banter and Star Wars references and not for the up-to-the-minute analysis.

Lots of highlights in this one, mostly good. Let's forget about that 15 minute span in the late 2nd/first half of the third where I was ready to kick small children. For the second game in a row, we got an excellent fight out of John "Snuggles" Scott:



I dislike Cam Janssen on principle, he being a Blue and an annoying asswipe, but I'll give the man credit for hanging in there. I guess he was playing the waiting him out game, and it was nearly successful. What was more amusing to me, was the interview Scott gave after the game to WGN Radio. It's a bit long at 13 minutes, but worth a listen:



After listening to this, I appreciate Scott more for his obvious sense of humor and he sounds fairly intelligent to boot. So I'll try to limit the hatin' on little ol' Murdersaurus.

Awards...

The Han Solo Award (Best Overall Performance)
Tomas Kopecky
There's been a lot of angst and groaning directed at TomoKop as of late, because let's be honest, he hasn't done jackshit since about game ten of the season. Perhaps he showed up in this game to honor his fallen comrade, Marian Hossa. Whatever got into Kopecky worked as he scored the first goal of the game, had three assists and a team leading +3 in just 11 minutes of ice time. Do I expect this out of him every game? Hell no. I guess that's what made this performance most astounding - bravo!

The Wedge Antilles Award (Unsung Hero)
Jeremy Morin
Odd that I just saw this kid and his team get their ass kicked in the AHL over the weekend, and just a few days later play like he means never to go back there. On the scoresheet, it says he just potted an assist (his first NHL point), but he did so much more than that. His play along the boards and behind the net was the catalyst for the Hawks' first two goals. He also got into a scrap in the third, impressive for a 19 year old kid whom to look at, you wouldn't think would be one to drop the gloves. I really hope he sticks with the big kids this time around, because I think he's for reals. Plus it might shut everyone up on how badly the Hawks supposedly fucked up by trading away Byfuglien.

The Jar-Jar Binks Award (Most Annoying/Asinine Person or Object)
Nick Boynton
I know everyone's piling on the guy for colliding with Hossa in practice, causing Panda to miss the next couple of weeks - if you don't believe me, check out #BlameBoynton on Twitter. But I'm not even going to go there - it was an accident. The Hawks had the Blues on their heels, with a 5-1 lead, and Boynton decides to get into a fight with Crombeen midway through the 2nd. Why, I don't know. There was no reason to, and Nick can't fight to save his life as it is. That seemed to give the Blues a spark, and lookee, they score three straight goals to give myself and Hawks Nation heart palpitations. Add that to the usual bag of defensive gaffes, and I see no reason for Boynton to dress for the next game or two. Sadly though, I think we'll still see him on the ice on Friday.

TOEWS-FACE!

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

And now I must bid you all adieu. Sleep is important!

Game 26: Chicago Blackhawks 2, Los Angeles Kings 1

Box Score
Highlights

A two week, 6-game roadtrip and the Blackhawks came away with 8 of a possible 12 points. Going into the circus trip, I thought this should be a makable and desired goal of the team. Even though there were a few bumps in the road (Calgary, San Jose *barf*), I feel decidedly better about the Blackhawks upon their arrival home than I did when they left. Welcome home boys!

Not much of a recap here, as I missed the first 42 minutes of the game since I was on the way back from attending the game in Rockford, where the IceHogs got their asses handed to them 5-0 courtesy of the Peoria Rivermen. I'll have a post about the AHL squad up at some point during this week. But I do want to devote space to the much talked about John Scott/Kevin Westgarth fight, in which Snuggles mauled Westgarth. If you haven't seen it yet, sit back and enjoy:



If John Scott could do that every game and not make any stupid/egregious errors while actually skating on a line, I'd be ok with him dressing every game. Maybe.

Since the November circus trip is a tradition for as long as I can remember, I thought it would be nice to hand out my own personal three stars of the trip:

#3 Star: Troy Brouwer
3G 1A +1
TBrouw's been in and out of the doghouse all season, but seems to have broken out of his funk during the roadtrip. He had the game winner versus Vancouver (his hometown) and the goal he scored versus Anaheim was a beaut, considering he laid a hard check just moments earlier. He's been shuffled around all four lines. I'd like to see him stick to either the 2nd or 3rd line to give him a little continuity.

#2 Star: Patrick Sharp
5G 3A +5
After a blazing start, Sharpie had cooled off for a bit, as being a streaky player is his want. But he was the offensive star of the trip, and seemed to be scoring at will. He had the game winner in Anaheim, and is riding a two-game 2 PPG streak. Keep writing Sharpie's name in for the All-Star Game - he currently leads the team with 27 total points.

#1 Star: Corey Crawford
3-0-0, 3 GA, .961 SV%
Marty Turco left Chicago as the #1 goalie, but now he may be riding the bench for awhile. Corey's stats are phenomenal. 3 games started, 3 games won. Only allowed one goal in each of those starts. Stopped 74 of 77 shots that he saw, and looked pretty darn good doing it. I'd say keep starting him until he falters or needs a break. It appears Q agrees as rumor has it Crawford will be starting tomorrow vs. the Blues. I've never been a huge fan of Corey, but I was cool on Antti Niemi at first too - we all know how that ended up.

And now...a Toews-Face:

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

It'll be so nice to see the boys back on home ice again tomorrow - two-plus weeks is a long time away from home. I miss the home reds. Watch out St. Louis Blues for Snuggles!

Game 25: Chicago Blackhawks 4, Anaheim Ducks 1

Box Score
Highlights

I realize I never did a recap for game 24 vs. the Sharks. Sorry about that - I blame my fat ass and tryptophan. What could I say about that game anyway - I had a red mark on my forehead from all of the times I slapped it in reacting to waaaaay too many DOH moments by the Hawks. And while I'm glad Nemo did well, I just don't want him to do it *against* us. Sadly, he got torched tonight by the Canucks, 6-1. Whoops.

Anyway, onto the game at hand.

- Although the Hawks outshot the Ducks 13-6 and outplayed them in the first, all it took was one ill advised penalty by Pisani to give the Ducks the 1-0 lead going into the locker room. That left me with an icky feeling during the intermission, and no it wasn't the leftover turkey sandwich I had for lunch.
- With as bad as the PP had looked as of late for the Hawks, it was nice to see Dunc tie the game with a shortie. Makes me wonder if we should just decline penalties - we were 0-2 with the man advantage.
- Aside from the Ducks goal in the first, the Hawks PK was much better overall, killing 4 of 5. They've got to stop taking the stupid penalties though - it really doesn't help matters much.
- Who says karma doesn't exist? After taking a run at Cullimore in the second, Dan Sexton set up Patrick Sharp with a beautiful centering pass to give the Hawks a 2-1 lead in the early minutes of the third. It ended up being the GWG /manical laughter
- Yay for TOFTBO breaking his scoring drought! And Bolland assisted on the goal? BIZARRO WORLD!
- Was that not the best shift of the year for Troy Brouwer in the third? After delivering a clean bone crushing hit on the boards, he received a beautiful pass from Jake Dowell to pot his fourth of the season and put the game on ice. I am a big TBrouw fan, but I will be the first to admit his play this season has been less than stellar. He seems to have picked it up on the circus trip - let it continue.
- Huzzah for the reuniting of the Keith/Seabrook and Campbell/Hjalmarsson D-Pairings! I have no doubt the terrible showing by Boynton on Wednesday led to it. Actually I was quite surprised Boynton even dressed for the game. Hendry must have gotten a scratch on Q's car again when parking it.
- Excellent face-off percentages by Toews (56%), Dowell (56%) and Bolland (53%). Unfortunately Sharp was a putrid 25% (3 for 12).
- I kinda like the Ducks third jerseys. Then again I do like the color orange. Don't believe me? I drive an orange car.
- All five games the Hawks have played on the circus trip have been decided by at least 3 goals. If that doesn't tell you how bi-polar this team is, nothing will.

I'm only handing out one award for this game...

The Han Solo Award (Best Overall Performance)
Corey Crawford
With the offensive explosion by the Hawks in the third period, Corey's performance went mostly unnoticed. But let's not forget the big save made on the Ducks breakaway in the first when the game was still scoreless - if that goes in, it's a whole different ballgame. Crawford stopped 26 of 27, including all 12 SOG in the third. I wouldn't be surprised to see him in net tomorrow vs. the Kings. Is this the start of another Blackhawks goalie controversy? Honestly I could care less - the team's been so inconsistent, just play the hot hand and go with the flow.

TOEWS-FACE OF THE GAME

I'm always amused by the looks on fans' faces on the boards. These Anaheim fans look either asleep or like they're watching golf on TV.

So, with one game left on the circus trip, the Blackhawks are guaranteed to at least come home at .500. Personally, I won't call this trip a success unless the Hawks get at least one point versus the Kings tomorrow night. I will not see the game as I will be going to the IceHogs game in Rockford instead. It is Jack Skille Bobblehead Night - Y'ALL HAVE NO IDEA HOW EXCITED I AM FOR THIS!

The Scoreboard Videos of My Life

Like everything in this day and age, sporting events are becoming an all visceral experience. God forbid if you had ADD at a game 15 years ago - you watched the game and hoped there would be some interesting folks around you to keep your interest. Now you have jumbotrons, instant stats, replays, cheerleaders/ice girls, piped in music and effects. At times it's enough to make you twitchy.

Having been to many Blackhawks games in the last several seasons, I almost don't even pay attention to the scoreboard videos anymore. That's not to say they're not cool - the production value on them is top notch. And I will admit I get excited whenever there's a new one. I do have a couple that I love love LOVE, which got me to thinking about which ones I could find and share on here for your enjoyment. So like sands through the hourglass, here are the scoreboard videos of my life.

Game 23: Chicago Blackhawks 7, Vancouver Canucks 1

Box Score
Highlights

See, I TOLD you! While I was enjoying drinks and reminiscing with some former co-workers, the Hawks were giving our B.C. friends a right spanking. I have no doubt if I was at home watching, it most likely would have been a repeat of the Calgary game. Therefore, I will be taking PayPal donations so I can go out drinking during every game ;)

Sorry about the delay, but since I only saw the highlights of this game anyway (which were glorious), I can't really add much commentary other than a big FUCK YEAH and laugh at how butt-hurt the 'Nucks were afterward. Warms my soul. Besides yesterday was actually a productive day of the not-so-fun variety (groceries, laundry, dishes) and I've been spending some time actually uploading some non-hockey photos on Flickr. Currently I'm sorting through the pictures I took on a jaunt down Route 66 all the way to southern Illinois over Labor Day weekend. Click on the Flickr link to the left if you're at all inclined.

Because this game was *extra-special* in a good way, our Captain was also very good as well - especially in the Toews-Face department. So as a treat, I present a quartet of Toews-Faces:

Toews apparently is trying to inhale the puck.

Captain appears to be attempting telepathy to light Corey Schneider's pads on fire.

It totally looks like Edler just farted in Toews' face. YES, I AM FIVE YEARS OLD.

Really, I've just run of adjectives to describe this.

So, the Hawks are halfway through the Circus Trip and have tallied 4 out of 6 possible points. I can't be too disappointed - I would be happy coming home with 8 of 12, and we're halfway there. It's interesting that all three games were barnburners. I'm just happy we came out on top in two of them, as getting one's arse kicked across the ice is never a fun experience. Let's just hope the guys can keep this momentum. It seems like every time they've played a really great game, we've followed it up with at least one turd in the punchbowl. It would appear that Antti Niemi will be facing his former 'mates when the Hawks roll into San Jose on Wednesday night. I have very mixed feelings about this, as I love Nemo, but I love the Blackhawks more. Ah well, I'll most likely be watching this game at a bar with other Hawks fans, so hopefully I'll be just buzzed enough not to be too emo about it all. 

Game 22: Calgary Flames 7, Chicago Blackhawks 2

Box Score

Highlights - only watch to induce vomiting

Congrats guys! You've earned the first WTF gif of the year. Well deserved too - how do you go from the perfection and ass-kicking of the Oilers just *two* nights ago to the utter shitstorm I had the unfortunate pleasure of witnessing last night? Did the Toledo Walleye suit up in the Blackhawks' sweaters? Notice I didn't mention the Rockford IceHogs there, because I'm sure they would have produced a much better on ice performance than the supposed big league team.

I'm so disgusted I don't even know where to start my rant. I fear it would take hours, and dammit I have better things to do than relive last night. Honestly, this game could be summed up in one picture:

This game was so horrid, the caption writer actually thought John Scott was playing. I don't blame him/her - you honestly could have fooled me.

I will single out one player for busting his ass last night:

Jack Skille - for playing every second of every shift and scoring his third goal of the season, something his teammates could learn from. And dammit, this picture makes me smile every time, and I need a bit of cheer. A stick tap as well to Jake Dowell for his hustle and well timed scrap in an attempt to pump his team up. Sadly, not only did that fail to get his teammates to show a pulse, it appears he also got the dreaded "upper body injury" for his trouble. Le sigh.

As for everybody else, y'all sucked. From the coaching staff, to even Corey Crawford on the bench, because he looks too damn emo. I really hope some folks start getting their butts planted in the press box as a wake up call and we bring up some kids from Rockford. I also hope that they cancel the trip to Vegas tomorrow for Kaner's birthday celebration. They don't deserve it - they need to start acting like professionals.

I won't be able to watch the game at Vancouver tonight as I am meeting some friends I haven't seen in quite awhile for drinks. This probably bodes well - the Hawks usually win when I can't watch. 

Get it together boys. The clock is ticking. 

Game 21: Chicago Blackhawks 5, Edmonton Oilers 0

Box Score
Highlights

WELL.

Let's just sit back and savor this one - it's been a long time coming. That my friends, was Vintage 2009-2010 Blackhawks. And it was GLORIOUS. God willing, this will become the norm.

Because this game was close to perfect, and I'm still battling bronchitis/a cold/the plague, we'll save the analysis for another game. Instead, I'm proud to present:

THE FIRST PRINCESS LEIA AWARD FOR BEING TREMENDOUSLY TREMENDOUS

...is awarded to our Captain, Jonathan Toews for completing a natural hat trick in the first 21 minutes of the game.

AND NOW...A TOEWS-FACE!

Thank you everybody. Have a nice evening!

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly - Crunching Numbers Through 20

I'm a numbers person by trade. One of the first things I like to do if I'm analyzing a game is take a look at the box score and/or event summary. Sure, the numbers won't tell you everything, but more often than not they'll give you an indication of which way the wind blew. I am however, not a stat geek to the point where I pour over every minute detail and can make pretty graphs detailing such things as how a certain player fares when they shoot glove vs. stick side against a particular goalie. I'll be honest - I stare at databases and spreadsheets for 8-10 hours a day at my job, so my attention span with numbers at home is a half hour, tops. 

With a short break before the dreaded annual circus trip, I thought this may be a good time to digest some stats through 20 games. They give a good summary of what's worked (not too much) and what's not (too much for comfort) thus far in the Blackhawks' season. I've picked out some interesting numbers via NHL.com - enjoy. Try not to cry too much...

The Good

1) THE POWER PLAY: Currently our power play stands at 25.8% (17 for 66), good enough for 3rd in the league behind Minnesota (huh?) and Vancouver. Surprisingly we are about dead even with effectiveness at home (25.6%) and on the road (25.9%). Both Patricks, Sharp & Kane lead the team with four goals with the man advantage, with Jonathan Toews right behind them with three. Our power play was an achilles heel last year, so it's nice to see the improvement thus far. It does seem like though it's been feast or famine. The Hawks have had several games where we've scored at least two PP goals, while other games it looks as if we can't be bothered to try with a man up.
2) STAYING OUT OF THE BOX: The Blackhawks have the 5th least number of penalty minutes in the league with 194. Breaking that down further, 10 of those penalties have been majors and remember, we have currently played the most games in the league. What is more telling to me is that we're second in terms of least average penalty minutes per game with 9.7. This is key to our future success, especially considering the minutes our top D-men are averaging thus far. My only negative commenst in regards to penalties is the timing (stop taking them at the end of tied games, dammit) and the fact we've taken three bench minors - the Islanders lead the league with five. 
3) PHYSICALITY: The Hawks are third in the NHL with blocked shots (292) and fourth in hits (437). For a team that many believe to be one of the weaker in the league, it's obvious the guys are not afraid to put their body on the line when it matters most. We are also first in takeaways with 235. That's excellent until you consider the Blackhawks are also ninth in giveaways with 154. That's a perfect segue to...

The Bad

1) THE PENALTY KILL: For as well as the power play is clicking, the Blackhawks' penalty kill is mediocre at best. Currently the team is at a 80.6% (12 GA in 62PK) which is only good for 22nd in the league. Considering some of the teams we've played, this is unacceptable. This stat really tells how sub-par our defense has been thus far - with the limited number of penalties we've taken, this really needs to be tightened up. Perhaps even more disappointing is that we've only scored one shorthanded goal thus far, by one Mr. Sharp. Last year this was a particular strength for us, having scored 13, the only team in the league with double digits.
2) GOAL DIFFERENTIAL: Our average goals scored per game is only good for 18th in league at 2.75. That's depressing enough, but consider our average goals against: 2.90 - 17th in the league. The Hawks are too good a team to be middling with both of these stats. Last year our goals for was 3.20 while our goals against was 2.48. What's alarming to me is not only has our defense gone south, our offensive output also leaves much to be desired.
3) DIVISIONAL GAMES: The Hawks' record within the division currently stands at a pathetic 2-4-1, with the only two wins coming against Columbus and St. Louis. We still have 17 games left against the rivals, many of which come after the All-Star Game. That's a lot of games to make a marked improvement, but I hate that we've already dug a hole within the Central. These games will really matter if tiebreakers are going to be needed come playoff seeding time, so the Hawks need to put the petal to the metal when our "favorite" teams are on the schedule.

The Ugly

1) NO FINISH: All it would take is watching most of the Blackhawks' games in the last couple of weeks to realize that they have been putrid in closing out games. Looking at the stats makes it even more apparent. The Hawks are 29th in the league, winning only 60% of the games where they're leading heading into the third period. While they're first in the league having scored 22 goals in the first period, the production drops off significantly: 17 goals in the 2nd (12th) and only 14 tallies in the 3rd (20th). Meanwhile, our friends in Vancouver, having played three less games, lead the league with 25 goals scored in the final frame. On the flipside, the Hawks have allowed the third most goals in the 3rd period with 22 - that's a 8 goal differential for those of you without calculators. Are the Hawks' playing not to lose as the game closes? I think the team needs to block out the scoreboard, and play balls out for sixty, no matter what the score.
2) HOME ICE DISADVANTAGE: The Hawks lost a total of 8 games in regulation last year at the UC. Through 12 games in this young season? 5-7-0. Eww. Sure, the first six weeks have been front loaded with games, but the Hawks have supposedly had an advantage with 12 of the first 20 at home, many of those games, on paper, against much lesser opponents. This could really be a stat that bites the team right in the ass come April. While the Hawks have scored 29 goals on home ice, they've allowed the most in the NHL - 34. Our +/- for the year, which is an unaspiring -8 (24th in the league), is even worse considering we're a not too shabby +2 on the road. That's a -10 on home ice folks. That is really, really, bad. Let's just hope this bodes well for the circus trip.
3) TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT: Remember those games last season where'd we put the opponent over our knee and spank the shit out of them? When you could spend the third period relaxing instead of looking for the Rolaids and/or a bottle of whiskey? The closest we've had to a game like that was all the way back in game five with a 5-2 win over the woeful Blue Jackets. The Hawks have played 12 1-goal games and we only have a 6-6-2 record to show for it. 2-goal games? 2-2-0. Thus 16 of the 20 games played this far have been decided by 2 goals or less. I guess you could look at the glass half full and say the Blackhawks have been close in most of the games they've played. I'm going half empty here - too many games have been too close. I want to see some barnburners dammit - and I'm not talking about getting our asses kicked by fucking Edmonton.

I hope this post is interesting and not too depressing for Blackhawks fans. It definitely shows where the team needs improvement. The Hawks have 62 games left in the tank. Do I expect the team to be ready for the post-season come April? Hell yes. Does the team need to do a lot of work in the meantime? Well, I think the numbers can give you the answer to that question. 

Games 19 & 20 Recaps - Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun

Nashville Predators 4, Chicago Blackhawks 3 (SO)
Box Score
Highlights
Chicago Blackhawks 3, Anaheim (Mighty) Ducks 2 (OT)
Box Score
Highlights

I guess I really can't complain - picking up 3 of 4 points on a back-to-back with the circus road trip looming in the background is better than I could have hoped for the way things are going as of late. Still, we easily could have had all 4 points and not go into OT in either game. Baby steps I guess. There's a lot for the guys to work on, but it's nice to head out to the west coast on a positive note.

Game 19 Thoughts:
- You just knew once Jack Skille potted one, the floodgates would open. Way to go - Skillz!
- Shane O'Brien is still a turd sandwich. Still, Kane needs to stop dreaming of boobies while floating in the zone and cover him. Even Kopecky probably could have put that goal in. Probably.
- Nice of the Blackhawks to wait a whole 2:30+ to give up that second goal to the Preds. Good to see you got at least a line change or two in there before you shit the bed again.
- This game was quite chippy wasn't it? I guess the Preds are still a little butt-hurt over the playoffs last year huh? Speaking of which, I hope the Hawks sent Martin Erat a nice fruit basket at some point in the off-season for that gift of a turnover in Game Five.
- Bickell laid quite the nice hit at the end of the second. It sure got Shea Weber's knickers in a twist. That's the kind of effort that's needed out of Bryan if he wants to stay out of the press box.
- Patric Hornqvist is a bag of dicks.
- So the Hawks get 4 consecutive power plays, including a 5-on-3, and can't dent twine on any of them. That fourth PP in the third was terrible - it looked like none of the Hawks even had a pulse. You just saw the writing on the wall after that pitiful attempt. Have the Hawks successfully closed out a game with a lead in the third at any point in the last three weeks?
- While Turco has to have that point shot by Weber, he kept the Hawks in this game - especially considering the Preds outshot the Hawks 15-6 in the third & OT. Sheesh, that's horrible.
- Nice to see Bolland start getting under the skin of opponents again. Hopefully that's a small sign the Rat is on the way back.
- Toftbo blocked 9 shots in this game. Ouch. Think getting Campbell back has helped his game? He was paired up with Seabs again though - I guess having a competent partner with him does wonders. 
- What a horrible shootout - the Hawks were beating Rinne glove side all game, and none of the Hawks shooters even tried to shoot there. Toews uncharacteristically missed. Kane, for all of his talent, just sucks on the shootout - tries to get way too cute. And why is Sharpie out there with the game on the line instead of Hossa? Sharp is terrible on breakaways and terrible on the shootout. Le sigh.
- Turco got way too small on the O'Reilly game winner on the SO. In no way do I pin this loss on him though - without him, we would have probably lost in regulation.
- At least John Scott was *finally* scratched. PRAISE JEBUS!
- This loss brings the Hawks record in their division to 2-4-1. Ughhh - not good.

Game 20 Thoughts:
- Well nice to see the Hawks PP bounce back - 2 for 4. Not too shabby.
- Jonas Hiller always stands on his head against us. I do like his Darth Vader-esque mask. He might want to get the cage on it adjusted, since a puck went through it in practice and clipped him.
- That was a vintage Patrick Kane goal. He seemed to be hustling tonight. This needs to happen more.
- And we barely got to enjoy said goal when Duncan Keith passed to Corey Perry to tie things up less than a minute later...AGAIN /facepalm. They really should have gave Dunc an assist on that - it was a beautiful pass - if you're a Ducks fan.
- This was the first game since coming back from injury that I really noticed Hossa on the ice. He was rewarded with a beautiful second chance shot from his own rebound to pot his first goal...in like forever. I still don't think he's a 100% yet. Hopefully whatever his issue was will get better over time.
- How many times did Toews miss the net tonight? Poor Tazer - I think he's just putting too much pressure on himself right now. If the Hawks could string a couple wins together, I think we're ripe for a Toews-Xplosion.
- Seabs was on the first powerplay unit which I approve of. Kopecky needs to get OFF the PP already.
- Brian Campbell has been our most consistent D-man since he's come back from injury. I don't know how long the Keith-Boynton, Seabs-Toftbo, & Campbell-Cullimore pairings are going to last. Not too much longer I hope - they make me itchy.
- That was a beautiful goal by Corey Perry in the third. The Hawks gave him waaaay too much space, and Hjalmarsson left his jock on the ice on that one.
- Dave Bolland is back to his usual terrible faceoff percentage - 29%. BARF. Jake Dowell was even worse at 17% - perhaps he was trying to make Bolland feel better. 
- A very serviceable effort in net by Corey Crawford. I would have liked to see him stop one of the two he let in, but he stood tall in the latter half of the third and in OT.
- Very unnecessary boarding penalty taken by Kopecky with less than a minute left in OT. If the Ducks score on the ensuing PP, I think he sits in the press box next game. Hell, he probably should anyway. What has he done lately except take dumb penalties and miss wide open nets? 
- Stalberg is making everyone forget Mr. Kris Versteeg. Just as the Twitterverse was wondering why he wasn't on the ice during OT, there he was, deflecting a Keith point shot in for the winner. So, so funny Brian Burke was in the stands, presumably scouting. Would have loved to see his face after Viktor won it.

I'm lazy, so I'll just hand out my three stars and three goats of these two games:

Three Stars: Jack Skille, Viktor Stalberg, Niklas Hjalmarsson
Three Goats: Tomas Kopecky, Duncan Keith, Patrick Sharp (Mr. Invisible as of late)

And oh yes, some Toews-Faces for you:

Oh, if you haven't seen that Streak Phone Commercial with Toews & Kane, Google it. It's *terrible*

I'll be back with a 20 game wrap at some point before the beginning of the circus trip on Wednesday. Hard to believe a quarter of the season's gone already...

From the Archives: The 1989-1990 Chicago Blackhawks Photo Album

I promised from time to time I'd put up some of my assorted hockey memorabilia up on the blog for youse to peruse. Sorry, it's taken so long, but I can't help if the Blackhawks seemingly play every other day (curse you scheduling gods!). In any case, here is a treat from the golden years of my hockey fandom.

This is a rather large (bigger than a binder) full color photo album that was a game giveaway during what I believe was one of the first home games of the 89-90 season. My folks took us to that game, and being in 8th grade at the time, I spent many an hour pouring over the pictures within. One copy I cut up - I have an assignment notebook with Jeremy Roenick's picture taped to one of the pages. I don't know whatever happened to my original (it's probably buried somewhere in a box at my parents like so many other things), but when I saw this on eBay a few months ago I snatched it up quicker than a cheese danish. I got it for under $10 too - score!

Let's explore, shall we?

Game Eighteen: Phoenix Coyotes 2, Chicago Blackhawks 1

Box Score
Highlights

As a fan, there's really only so much you can say. There's very little you can do.

There are 82 games in the NHL regular season. The Blackhawks have 64 games remaining to right the ship and get back to playing the way they should be playing. It's early, it's November. Still, I had the same mantra in October. I don't want to be saying this in December. Or January. The last several weeks the Hawks have had a string of home games against teams, who on paper, looked like they were ripe for the stockpiling of points. That hasn't happened. And I hope against hope in March & April we aren't looking at this string of games and wishing we could have picked up a point here, and a point there. It would suck if the aspiration of defending the Stanley Cup comes down to 49 seconds: 14 seconds vs. the Edmonton Oilers. 35 seconds vs. the Phoenix Coyotes.

There are a hundred theories as to why the Hawks haven't been playing well. I don't have the answers. Hell, I don't know if even the coaching staff does. What I know is this: every player, every coach needs to take a moment and look at themselves in the mirror. Are you playing up to your potential? Are you giving it your all? Do you have confidence in your teammates? Are you making sound decisions? The answers to all of these questions seem to be NO way too often as of late. It would appear to me that the issue with this team is in their heads. I think some of the guys still have too much of a chip on their shoulders that they're the defending champions. This is a whole new season - you're not entitled to *anything.* And you better believe that every single team you play this year is going to bring out their "A" game against you. The Oilers are terrible, and most likely won't make the playoffs again this year. But guess what - they'll be able to toot their horn and crow that they beat the Cup champs *twice* on their home ice. As of late, once the Hawks realize on the ice they can't just show up and win, they seem to shrivel up. No fight, no sense of urgency. Until it's too late.

Much was made about the booing of the Hawks as they left the ice last night at the UC. I'm not a big advocate of booing the home team. Folks booing Huet and Campbell last year irritated me to the point I wanted to stick my shoe in their mouths. And if the Hawks laid one stinker in the midst of a string of good games, I certainly would rail against anyone jeering the team. But the team's play of late really has brought on the ire of the fans, myself included, and I certainly might have joined in last night. I didn't boo the team on Sunday vs. the Oilers, although my groaning and swearing was probably just as bad. But look at it this way - the cheapest seat you can get at the UC with all of the fees included runs about $50. Add $20 for parking - although if you get there early like me you can very easily get free street parking. Add a drink or two, and perhaps some food, and you're looking at close to $200 for two people to sit in the nosebleeds. For some folks, that may be chump change, but for many of us, going to hockey games is an investment and a treat. So, at the very least, you expect the guys waaaaaay down on the ice to give their best efforts. After all, some of them make more money in one game then I'll make in 20 years. And when you see a performance like the Hawks put out there last night, after multiple previous lackadaisical efforts, a little grumbling and booing is to be expected. Don't worry, I'm sure their egos weren't harmed. But maybe it sends a message to them that some of their fanbase no longer thinks they walk on water and fart rainbows.

We have a back-to-back this weekend before the annual circus roadtrip. For all that is holy, the Hawks better get it together. This could very well turn ugly - a November to Dismember.

No awards, but a shout-out to...

JACK "LAA-LAA" SKILLE!

Sure the man hasn't scored yet this year, and his finishing move is dry humping the net and/or the opposing goaltender. But Skillz put his ass on the line every shift last night - which is more than I can say for many of his teammates. I guess the fear of going back to Rockford is a motivator for some people at least. Keep doing what you do Jack - the goals will come. I hope.

TOEWS-FACE OF THE GAME

Thank you Jonathan. Your expression conveys exactly what I was trying to say this entire post. 

Game Seventeen: Edmonton Oilers 2, Chicago Blackhawks ARGHARGHARGH

Box Score
"Highlights"


Look, I'm tired and don't feel very well, so you're not going to get a recap from me. At least not tonight - I'll try and do a recap in pictures tomorrow. I was in attendance at this debacle and all I got was a free fucking car flag, annoyed and pissy. ARF.


In the meantime, Sam from Second City Hockey sums up how I feel pretty well and says it better than I ever could. And if you're bored, you can check out my pictures. At least they turned out okay.


I've not given up on this team - far from it. I am just tired of them beating themselves. They're so much better than this.


G'night!

Game Sixteen: Chicago Blackhawks 5, Atlanta Thrashers 4 (SO)

Well, this game has to be the most over-hyped of the young season. If you haven't heard a bazillion times already, we'll be facing these guys tonight:

Poor Sopel - he looks more terrible than usual. Aside from the family reunion, I'm intrigued by this game for two reasons:

1) The Blackhawks have called up 19-year old Jeremy Morin, and he will be making his NHL debut tonight against the team who drafted him. He impressed in camp this year, and has been doing well in Rockford. I'd have to think that he would have been brought up sooner had he not had a minor injury. For the love of Baby Jesus I hope he does well so we don't have to see John Scott's pylon-esque skills when Hossa and Bolland are back.
2) The Hawks went through what was a reported as a tough practice yesterday, and apparently were lackluster today as Coach Q yanked them off the ice halfway through today's skate and was pissed. I hope the guys have gotten the message that the time for fucking around is over. We have to start playing good hockey now - we have several games in hand on many of the conference's top teams and it would suck if we have to play catch up for most of the season. Besides, the always enjoyable Circus Trip is right around the corner - it would be nice to get a streak together before we leave town for a couple of weeks.

I'm going to be live-blogging this game tonight. Because I can.

First Period 

- Judging by the amount of cheering during the National Anthem, there must be a lot of Hawks fans in Atlanta. I hate when fans do that on the road - it's a UNITED CENTER/CHICAGO STADIUM tradition people. Sheesh.
- That was a Niemi-esque rebound by Turco. Don't do that.
- Was that the first shot on net by Scott that made it on the goaltender? Sure seems like it.
- Nice, Skille. Why are you holding Byfuglien - it's not like he's a speedster.
- Oh yay, the Hawks are down already. Hello defense - DOES ANYONE WANT TO COVER THE FRONT OF THE NET???
- Mark my words - Skille's going to see less than 5 minutes TOI this game. That was a dumb penalty. He's already been in Q's doghouse this season - I'm sure he's already back in there.
- Now Stalberg's in the box - pretty soon there will be no room in the doghouse.
- God, I am so missing Andrew Ladd right now. 
- That lettering on the arms of the Thrashers' sweaters is FUGLY. The Wolves (their AHL affiliate) have the same thing on their jerseys.
- Good punch by TK-421 on Slater for slashing him. 
- PP time!
- TAZER! Nice touch on the rebound!
- Turco's been solid thus far. 11 of 12 just about halfway through the first.
- Another PK for the Hawks. Thanks TomoKop *sigh*
- Five minor penalties thus far. Teams not liking each other or sloppy play? I choose the latter.
- KANER! The boys are back! 1G 1A for my FHL team so far! w00t!
- Toews is making an excellent Toews-Face on the bench. Tee-hee-hee
- 2 PP goals on 2 tries for the Blackhawks. Think that burns Thrashers' Asst. Coach John Torchetti who ran the Hawks oft-terrible PP last year?
- Sloppy period for both teams. Blackhawks cashed in on the PP to take a 2-1 lead at the end of one. Now I have to get my clothes out of the dryer and figure out what's for dinner. :P

Second Period

- I fold my laundry, AND YOU LET THE THRASHERS SCORE TWO GOALS IN THE FIRST FOUR MINUTES? WTF!
- Atlanta goal two - for the love of God, get a body on the guys in front! Two Thrashers in front of TK-421 untouched. Bad luck with the puck bouncing off the back of Marty
- Atlanta goal three - bad change by the Hawks. They're really hanging Marty out to dry. And TK-421 isn't helping himself by flopping around like a dead fish again.
- Time out by Coach Q. Rip them a new one!
- TAZER on the BREAKAWAY! Thank you Captain! Thank you!
- Oh look, it's Jack Skille! I thought for sure Q would have had him warming up the team bus.
- Gotta get your stick on that Kane - good rush up the ice & pass from Stalberg.
- Good hustle by Morin - too bad the net went off the rails there.
- With Ladd, Buff, Sopel, Eager & Evander Kane on the Thrashers, I've been doing double takes all night during the game.
- Dinnertime! Therefore there will not be much liveblogging the rest of the period.
- This was not a game to attempt to eat dinner during - between the Hawks' undressing on Atlanta's fourth goal and Pavelec's foibles behind the net leading to Kane's tally, I nearly sprayed the living room with food from my mouth.
- Think there's a friendly wager between Kane & Toews right now to see if one of them could pot a hattie?
- If the Hawks would stop taking stupid penalties, they'd be winning this game.
- Thrashers lead the Hawks 26-24 in SOG through two. Hawks are a putrid 17/40 on faceoffs.

Third Period

- With his 2G and 2A thus far, Toews has scored four points in a regular season game for the first time in his career. ADD TO IT TAZER!!!
- Think we can trade John Scott for Brent Sopel? Make it happen StanBow!
- Byfuglien just put Stalberg on his ass - he was doing his Patrick Kane impression. Oduya will never live down that he got knocked down by Kaner.
- OH NOES MORIN! Help the BB! Puck in the midsection. OWOWOWOW
- Actually on the replay it looked like Morin took the puck in the back of the knee. Let's hope it's nothing but a bad bruise? Please?
- GODDAMMIT Kopecky! FINISH FOR ONCE!
- I am using a lot of caps during this game. That is not a good sign.
- Morin's back on the bench. Go Kid! He has more heart than many of his teammates have shown of late.
- Kane just missed the hattie. Oof.
- Morin went back to the dressing room. At least he was able to skate on it a bit. Give him a big-ass ice pack and he can go get them tomorrow night.
- Someone just mentioned John Scott is moving at the speed of fart. LOL.
- Buff just flicked the back of Toews helmet after a whistle. What are you, in fifth grade Dustin? Tazer just ignored him.
- Well I guess Skille's just gonna bowl over the goalie to try to pot his first goal of the season. Didn't work - better luck next time.
- Kane just deked a Thrasher out of his shorts - only a Pavelec gem prevented the hats from hitting the ice.
- The Thrashers net seems to come off the moorings way too easily. Or maybe Pavelec has gas?
- Tie game with 2 minutes left - never good for the nerves.
- Nice icing with 40 seconds left Hawks.
- TURCO. Flash that glove!
- OVERTIME. At least we get a point.

Overtime

- Pisani's out on the 4-on-4? Really?
- Duncan Keith just made the Baby Jesus cry with that bad pass
- Oh Tazer - SO CLOSE
- "Kaner looking for Johnny back door" -Edzo. Heh.
- Lots of quality chances in OT but Pavelec shut the door.
- Skills competition. Barf.

Shootout

- #1 Thrashers - Antropov: TURCO STOP!
- #1 Hawks - Toews: just MONEY. OMG THAT WAS SWEET!
- #2 Thrashers - Ladd: Five hole. *sigh*
- #2 Hawks - Sharp: Glove by Pavelec. Sharpie just isn't good on the shootout
- #3 Thrashers - Peverley: Turco with the pad save
- WIN IT WIN IT WIN IT
- #3 Hawks - Kane; Wide on the backhand. DAMMIT
- #4 Thrashers - Kane, Evander: Turco with the blocker!
- #4 Hawks - TBrouw: Tried to go five hole - Pavelec with the stop
- #5 Buff (sheesh) - POKE-CHECK! LOL!
- #5 Hawks - Stalberg - SPEEDY SCORE! GO VIKTOR! GO VIKTOR!

Gee, the last time I live-blogged, the Blackhawks also won in the shootout - the only other time they've gone to the skills competition this season. I'd do it every game but it gets too exhausting. Ok, I'll wrap this up in a few - gotta finish folding laundry...

Box Score
Highlights

That game was pretty wild through the first two wasn't it? Both teams buckled in down in the third: No penalties on either team and better D by far. Penalties killed both teams - the Hawks were 2 for 2 with the man advantage while the Thrashers were 3 of 5. Both goalies, Turco & Pavelec bailed their teams out at times - Pavelec especially in the third and OT. I liked the intensity the Blackhawks came out with - although they seemed to have a bit of head up their ass until Q called the time out. Not a perfect game by any means, but considering they were on the road in a game with some emotional attachment I'll take it. Two points is two points.

The Han Solo Award (Best Overall Performance)
Jonathan Toews
It looks like Captain Serious has had enough of the piss poor play. He put this team on his back and carried it. His four points (2G & 2A) was the most he's had in a regular season game. His breakaway goal was sick, and his shootout tally was even sicker. He was winning board battles all night - just watch Kane's second goal to see how that hard work pays off. Kane gets a honorable mention with two goals of his own and an assist. He played with a chip on his shoulder all night, perhaps for the first time all season. If these two guys start getting hot watch out - this could get fun again.

The Wedge Antilles Award (Unsung Hero)
Viktor Stalberg
Stalberg finally got his chance to play on the top line and played very well. He'll get his accolades for the shootout winner (his speed on that rush to the net is incredible), but he showed a lot more physicality tonight. He potted an assist on Toews breakaway, helping spring him on the rush. He also had a nice break and pass to Kane, but the puck jumped over Kane's skate. Viktor might get bumped off the top line with Hossa's return tomorrow (woo-hoo!) but deserves top-six minutes. And more time on the power play, please and thank you.

The Jar-Jar Binks Award (Most Annoying/Asinine Person Or Object)
(tie) John Scott & Tomas Kopecky
This is not even going to be a rant about how Scott should have been sent to Rockford a couple of weeks ago. I'm done wasting my breath - it's obvious he's got pictures of Stan Bowman at Heavenly Bodies or something. Rather, I'm dogging both of these guys for missed wide open nets. If one of these goofs buries the puck, we probably don't waste energy in OT and the shootout. Scott I almost expect it from. TomoKop just frustrates me.

I don't think there were any photographers at this game because I can find nary a Toews-Face anywhere on the internets. But enjoy this gem of Bryan Bickell instead...

Goofus.

I will be at tomorrow night's Blackhawks/Oilers tilt which will the include the deity of one Marian Hossa on the ice for the first time in a couple of weeks. Expect photos as usual - but probably not until Monday. I really wish I was rich so I could just sit around and blog and tweet all day :P