Box Score
Highlights
There are games where it's a win on the scoreboard, but in reality, it's really more of a loss. Last night versus LA was one of those games. For two reasons in particular:
- The Hawks were vastly outplayed for most of the game - to the point I was rather disgusted watching them. The opening period was fairly even - the Hawks seemed to have the upper hand the first half while the Kings got stronger as the period went on. The best hockey the Hawks played all night was in the first half of the second period while on two power plays. The puck movement was a sight for sore eyes - they did everything on those man advantages *but* score. I don't know if the Hawks got tired/discouraged on those power plays, or if they lit a fire under LA's ass, but the Blackhawks played like dog doo-doo for the rest of the game. Poor passing, inability to clear the zone. It really was painful to watch and they're lucky Turco had a great performance for them. Sure, Sharpie had a beautiful goal to put the game away at the end of the third, but don't let that fool you. I wasn't happy with the way the guys responded and I'm sure the players and coaches aren't either. At least they better be.
- The bigger and more pressing reason this game was a loss was because Jesus Marian Hossa was injured at some point early in the second. It's a "lower body injury" and "not serious" but he will be out for at least a couple of weeks. Word is it's not a concussion, so that leads me to believe it's perhaps a shoulder or arm issue. I just hope he didn't re-injure the shoulder he had surgery on last year. Luckily it's still early in the season and the next stretch of games are against supposedly "lesser" opponents. Hossa has carried this team in the early going, and if other players don't pick up their games quick, we could be in for a couple of awful weeks.
Other thoughts...
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Game Ten Brief Recap & Season Check-In
As you can see from my previous post, I was in Rockford for the Blackhawks-Blue Jackets tilt at the UC Saturday night. I wasn't completely in the dark as I was checking scores on my phone and had the in-person perspective from my brother via text. His texts began joyous and upbeat but quickly turned angry and upset. Oh well, at least *I* saw a good hockey game. And got a magnetic schedule to boot.
Here's a lame attempt at a Game Ten Recap: Blue Jackets 3, Blackhawks 2
Box Score
Highlights
- From the reports, it looks like it was a tale of two halves - the Blackhawks dominated the first half and the BJ's the second. Last one up wins I guess.
- Tomas Kopecky was out with the flu - Evan Brophey was brought up from the Hogs in his stead. Because of this, Q had to understandably juggle the lines.
- Sharp-Toews-Kane was the top line and really seemed to click at the beginning, with Sharp and Tazer scoring the Hawks only two goals in the first. I'm not sure what happened after that, but apparently Kane was benched for parts of the third period. Not Good.
- It all went to shit when Nick Boynton gave the puck right to Derick Brassard in front of Crawford. Giving up a goal with 36 seconds left in the period is never good, but Boynton had good form when he broke his stick over the crossbar.
- Even less good - taking a 5 minute boarding major with less than a minute left in the period. Troy Brouwer, you probably have a permanent front row seat in Q's doghouse now. Stupid penalty and probably affected the outcome of the game as the BJs tied the game on the ensuing PP.
- Other than the Brouwer major, there weren't a lot of power plays - just three minors for the BJs, two for the Hawks
- When your D gives up 40 SOG to the BJs, you know they played like shit. I don't even have to have seen the game to know that. They had 20 SOG in the third alone - *20*!!1! Poor Corey Crawford.
That's all I got for ya - except for this of course:
Yeah, that's kinda how I looked when I watched the highlights.
Taking a look at the Blackhawks ten games in - if you had said we'd be 5-4-1 without Soupy, Toftbo suspended for two games, a D that looks god-awful at least half a game, and with Toews and Kane both in slumps, I'd be pretty happy. Still, I can't help but have a bad taste in my mouth, especially after the last two losses. In all of the losses thus far, the Hawks either blew a lead or could have very easily taken the game. I have to think with Soupy healthy and some of our core playing better, we'd have won at least two of those games. You also have to consider the Hawks played an insane 10 games in 16 days to start the season. This will pay dividends in the latter half of the year, but it sucks for now. Hopefully the guys will have gotten a day or two of rest and have a few good practices to work out some of the kinks.
Let's take a look at some of the notable players at this early stage of the season:
Marian Hossa: 7G-4A-11P, +4
Patrick Sharp: 8G-3A-11P, 3 PP Goals, 3 GWG
With Toews, Kane and pretty much everybody else not performing as they are capable of offensively, Hoss and Sharpie have carried the team on their back. I'm not sure if either can keep up the over point-per-game pace (if any of the two can, it's Hossa), but it's good to know we have enough depth up front that can take over when our two stars are struggling
Tomas Kopecky: 1G-7A-8P, +3
I'm hard on TomoKop, but here's a man who has taken his opportunity on the top line and run with it. Sure, most players would bank points on a line with Toews & Hossa, but Tomas would probably have a few more points on top of his total if he'd hit the net a little more accurately.
Marty Turco: 4-2-1, 2.65 GAA, .921 SV%
TK-421's guaranteed to give you one minor heart attack per game with either his crazy puck movement or flopping in the crease, but think about how inconsistent our D's been thus far. That makes his play even more impressive - he has flat out bailed this team out on several occasions. Corey Crawford has also proven thus far to be a very capable backup.
Here's a lame attempt at a Game Ten Recap: Blue Jackets 3, Blackhawks 2
Box Score
Highlights
- From the reports, it looks like it was a tale of two halves - the Blackhawks dominated the first half and the BJ's the second. Last one up wins I guess.
- Tomas Kopecky was out with the flu - Evan Brophey was brought up from the Hogs in his stead. Because of this, Q had to understandably juggle the lines.
- Sharp-Toews-Kane was the top line and really seemed to click at the beginning, with Sharp and Tazer scoring the Hawks only two goals in the first. I'm not sure what happened after that, but apparently Kane was benched for parts of the third period. Not Good.
- It all went to shit when Nick Boynton gave the puck right to Derick Brassard in front of Crawford. Giving up a goal with 36 seconds left in the period is never good, but Boynton had good form when he broke his stick over the crossbar.
- Even less good - taking a 5 minute boarding major with less than a minute left in the period. Troy Brouwer, you probably have a permanent front row seat in Q's doghouse now. Stupid penalty and probably affected the outcome of the game as the BJs tied the game on the ensuing PP.
- Other than the Brouwer major, there weren't a lot of power plays - just three minors for the BJs, two for the Hawks
- When your D gives up 40 SOG to the BJs, you know they played like shit. I don't even have to have seen the game to know that. They had 20 SOG in the third alone - *20*!!1! Poor Corey Crawford.
That's all I got for ya - except for this of course:
Yeah, that's kinda how I looked when I watched the highlights.
Taking a look at the Blackhawks ten games in - if you had said we'd be 5-4-1 without Soupy, Toftbo suspended for two games, a D that looks god-awful at least half a game, and with Toews and Kane both in slumps, I'd be pretty happy. Still, I can't help but have a bad taste in my mouth, especially after the last two losses. In all of the losses thus far, the Hawks either blew a lead or could have very easily taken the game. I have to think with Soupy healthy and some of our core playing better, we'd have won at least two of those games. You also have to consider the Hawks played an insane 10 games in 16 days to start the season. This will pay dividends in the latter half of the year, but it sucks for now. Hopefully the guys will have gotten a day or two of rest and have a few good practices to work out some of the kinks.
Let's take a look at some of the notable players at this early stage of the season:
The Rebels (The Good)
Marian Hossa: 7G-4A-11P, +4
Patrick Sharp: 8G-3A-11P, 3 PP Goals, 3 GWG
With Toews, Kane and pretty much everybody else not performing as they are capable of offensively, Hoss and Sharpie have carried the team on their back. I'm not sure if either can keep up the over point-per-game pace (if any of the two can, it's Hossa), but it's good to know we have enough depth up front that can take over when our two stars are struggling
Tomas Kopecky: 1G-7A-8P, +3
I'm hard on TomoKop, but here's a man who has taken his opportunity on the top line and run with it. Sure, most players would bank points on a line with Toews & Hossa, but Tomas would probably have a few more points on top of his total if he'd hit the net a little more accurately.
Marty Turco: 4-2-1, 2.65 GAA, .921 SV%
TK-421's guaranteed to give you one minor heart attack per game with either his crazy puck movement or flopping in the crease, but think about how inconsistent our D's been thus far. That makes his play even more impressive - he has flat out bailed this team out on several occasions. Corey Crawford has also proven thus far to be a very capable backup.
The Ewoks (The Bad)
Sorry, I couldn't resist - this image was *too* funny!
The Defense
I can't single out one player - every single defenseman on this team has had a bad giveaway, an awful pass, or flat out missed an assignment on the ice. The injury/suspension situation hasn't helped, but at some point you have to go out and play your game and not use it as a reason for poor play. The Hawks are allowing 2.8 goals per game (20th), 34.1 shots per game (24th), and as a team is a -2. This needs to be cleaned up toot-suite.
Dave Bolland - 1G-1A-2P, 14 SOG
The man who excelled as "The Rat" in the Cup run is non-existent. Wha Happen? Maybe he hasn't adjusted to his new linemates. Is his back bothering him? He was a slow starter in last year's playoffs too, so here's hoping he finds his game again. Fast.
Fernando Pisani - 0G-0A-0P, -3
Excuse me Fernando, have you really played in all ten games? "Don't call my name, don't call my name...from the pressbox."
The mini-break for the Hawks ends Wednesday with a game at home versus the Kings sans Drew Doughty. Then the Oilers come into town on Friday. I will probably not be able to see that game either as I will be in Minnesota - I'll be at Saturday night's game at the Wild. WOOOO ROADTRIP!
Rockford IceHogs Recap & Farm Report
Hopefully later tonight I'll have some brief thoughts on the Blackhawks' last game (which I did not see) and some overall musings on the season, ten games in. It's nice that there's finally a little break between games for the first time this season. I've felt rushed trying to get recaps up before the next game and haven't really had much time to post much else.
I bought tickets to five Rockford Icehogs games this season. For those not in the know, the IceHogs have been the Blackhawks' AHL affiliate since the 2007-2008 season. Rockford is about an hour to 90 minute drive northwest of the city. In all honesty there's not too much to do there unless you want to go to the Magic Waters water park or shop, since State Street is a miles long stretch of big box retailers and strip malls. They do have a lot of old signage and buildings I like to gawk at, but this is not the proper blog for that. In any case, I went up there Saturday night with my friend and fellow hockey-nut KofC from a little chippy. I always forget how long it takes to get up to Rockford and we didn't to the MetroCentre until about six when the doors opened. So I had a "cup of fries" (which were tasty, considering) and a bottle of water to hold me over until game's end. We got our free magnetic schedule upon entering, which really was a wipe board with magnets on the back. Not super conducive for my desk at work. We watched warmups and by the time we got settled, the game was about to begin. I really appreciate the fact that the United Center always opens 90 minutes before puck drop as I don't feel rushed after taking pictures of warmups. Anyway, onto the game itself:
Box Score
The IceHogs played the Chicago Wolves, the Atlanta Thrashers' AHL team. I used to be a pretty big Wolves fan back when they were still in the now defunct IHL. In fact, I was at the game that they clinched the Turner Cup back in the late 90s. The Wolves were really the only hockey games I went to in the dead period for me in my Hawks fandom - the tickets were cheap, the games were fun and god forbid, the Wolves actually put a winning team on the ice. But that was then, this is now. I will say it was incredibly odd to be rooting against a Chicago team (not counting the White Sox). Every time the PA said something about Chicago, I'd get excited for a moment before I remembered I was rooting for Rockford. The scoreboard even confused me as I'd gravitate toward the Chicago side of it. Both teams came in with a four-way tie for fourth place in the West Division with six points. Due to their proximity, the teams have a bit of a rivalry going on, as evidenced by the 80 minutes in penalties doled out during the game.
Period One
The game got out to a pretty rip-roaring start. Kyle Beach, the Hawks first round draft pick in 2008 and "shining star" in many people's eyes (I'll believe it when I see it), took a delay of game penalty a mere 1:15 into the game. 30 seconds later, Wolves' Captain Jason Krog put one past Hannu Toivonen to make the score 1-0. This was only the third game for Hannu as Alec Richards has taken the role of #1 for the Hogs. Less 45 seconds after the goal, the IceHogs' Kyle Hagel and the Wolves' Adam Huxley got into a scrap, with Hagel getting the takedown. As you can see above, he was pretty pumped. Less than a minute after that, Beach and Spencer Machacek got into it. Needless to say, the crowd was jumping - you really don't see fights where the refs just let them go until they fall to the ice or someone poops out much anymore in the NHL. At the five minute mark, Brandon Bollig took a elbowing call and the Hogs' penalty box was a bit tight with three men squeezed in there. Overall the IceHogs were shorthanded three times in that first period, and aside for the first goal, did a good job on the PK. The IceHogs still managed to get 14 SOG in the opening period, but Wolves' goalie Drew MacIntyre turned them all away to end the period 1-0, Wolves.
During the intermission they had human bowling. They bungee corded fans on a toboggan across the ice toward huge inflatable bowling pins. I guess you had to be there.
Period Two
The IceHogs had a power play early in the period and failed to capitalize. Beach went to the box again 6 minutes in, 2 of his 11 PIM for the game. In his defense, he was absolutely clotheslined by Mike Siklenka and went after him. Both Beach & Siklenka went off for roughing. The chippy play continued as Adam Huxley was again involved in a fight, this time with Hogs' defenseman Ryan Stanton. Ryan took exception to Huxley's hard hit on a teammate and got 2 for instigating, 5 for fighting and a 10 minute misconduct for his trouble. The Hogs killed off that penalty but was victimized a short time afterward by Andrew Kozek to make the score 2-0. Ben Smith got the dejected crowd back into the game with less than four minutes left on a beautiful shorthanded breakaway goal. The period ended with the Hogs still with the edge on SOG, 21 to 15.
I was eagerly anticipating the second intermission as it was chuck-a-puck time. You can purchase rubber pucks before the game and write your name on them. At the prescribed time, everyone throws their pucks on the ice - the object is to get your puck closest to the centre ice faceoff dot. I think you win cash if you do. My attempts were not so successful. I was standing too far away for my first throw and ended up beaning some kid in the front row in the back. I got closer for my other ones and maybe got past the blueline. And to top it off, I can't count and left one in my bag. Oh well, I guess it's a souvenir. After the dejection, I managed to score an autograph from Jeremy Morin - he was injured in the Hogs' last game and was signing in the lobby. Morin was acquired from Atlanta in the Buff/Eager/Sopel trade and very nearly made the Hawks out of camp. I expect great things from this kid.
Period Three
The Wolves again silenced the crowd with an early goal from Nigel Dawes to make the score 3-1. At this point the sense of urgency finally kicked in for the Hogs' and Rob Klinkhammer (I love that name) narrowed the gap again to one, two minutes after the Wolves tally. The IceHogs had three consecutive power plays in the middle of the period, finally tying the game with eight minutes left on a blast from the point from defenseman Ivan Visnevskiy. The Wolves had one last chance to take the game with a late power play, but Hannu shut the door, stopping 10 of 11 Wolves shots in the final period of regulation.
Overtime
As with most 4-on-4 overtimes, the action was fast and furious. The Wolves would end up making a fatal mistake though, as defenseman Mike Siklenka took a hooking call on a potential Hogs' break, giving Rockford a man advantage with a little more than a minute in the OT. The Hogs wasted no time, and Igor Makarov tapped in the winner with a mere 47 seconds left in the extra frame.
Overall it was an exciting game and of course I enjoyed the outcome. Afterward, the Hogs came out to the ice to sign autographs for the fans which was a nice gesture. I got a few of them to sign a mini goalie stick I had purchased - see below.
Taking a quick look at the numbers on the season for the IceHogs...
The Hogs currently stand at eight points in seven games (4-3-0) which is good enough to be tied for fourth in the West Division. Defenseman Brian Connelly leads the team in points with 7, all assists. Both Rob Klinkhammer and Ryan Potulny have six points and Klinkhammer & Morin lead the team in goals with three. Klinkhammer also leads the team in +/- at 5, but it is encouraging to note that young defenseman Shawn Lalonde is right behind him with a +4. Kyle Hagel leads the team in PIM with 27, which is not surprising to me as he got into a scrap in one of the other two Hogs games I've attended. As for other future Hawks, Beach is a 1-2-3 with 17 PIM, Igor Makarov is 2-1-3 with an abysmal -4, and Nick Leddy is -2 with only two games in the AHL. Neither goalie is setting the world on fire - Alec Richards is the better of the two with a 3-1 record, 2.94 GAA and .888 SV% (eep). But he has a really bitchin' mask.
It's really hard to gauge how the team will do over the course of the season with only seven games under their belt - especially since several players (Cullimore, Pirri, Leddy & Brophey) have already had their cup of coffee with the Hawks in the young season. With good output from the scorers (Morin, Makarov, Klinkhammer) a little brute force (Beach, Hagel) and some consistent goaltending, I think the IceHogs will be in the AHL playoffs come spring. From there, it's anybody's guess.
I bought tickets to five Rockford Icehogs games this season. For those not in the know, the IceHogs have been the Blackhawks' AHL affiliate since the 2007-2008 season. Rockford is about an hour to 90 minute drive northwest of the city. In all honesty there's not too much to do there unless you want to go to the Magic Waters water park or shop, since State Street is a miles long stretch of big box retailers and strip malls. They do have a lot of old signage and buildings I like to gawk at, but this is not the proper blog for that. In any case, I went up there Saturday night with my friend and fellow hockey-nut KofC from a little chippy. I always forget how long it takes to get up to Rockford and we didn't to the MetroCentre until about six when the doors opened. So I had a "cup of fries" (which were tasty, considering) and a bottle of water to hold me over until game's end. We got our free magnetic schedule upon entering, which really was a wipe board with magnets on the back. Not super conducive for my desk at work. We watched warmups and by the time we got settled, the game was about to begin. I really appreciate the fact that the United Center always opens 90 minutes before puck drop as I don't feel rushed after taking pictures of warmups. Anyway, onto the game itself:
Box Score
The IceHogs played the Chicago Wolves, the Atlanta Thrashers' AHL team. I used to be a pretty big Wolves fan back when they were still in the now defunct IHL. In fact, I was at the game that they clinched the Turner Cup back in the late 90s. The Wolves were really the only hockey games I went to in the dead period for me in my Hawks fandom - the tickets were cheap, the games were fun and god forbid, the Wolves actually put a winning team on the ice. But that was then, this is now. I will say it was incredibly odd to be rooting against a Chicago team (not counting the White Sox). Every time the PA said something about Chicago, I'd get excited for a moment before I remembered I was rooting for Rockford. The scoreboard even confused me as I'd gravitate toward the Chicago side of it. Both teams came in with a four-way tie for fourth place in the West Division with six points. Due to their proximity, the teams have a bit of a rivalry going on, as evidenced by the 80 minutes in penalties doled out during the game.
Period One
The game got out to a pretty rip-roaring start. Kyle Beach, the Hawks first round draft pick in 2008 and "shining star" in many people's eyes (I'll believe it when I see it), took a delay of game penalty a mere 1:15 into the game. 30 seconds later, Wolves' Captain Jason Krog put one past Hannu Toivonen to make the score 1-0. This was only the third game for Hannu as Alec Richards has taken the role of #1 for the Hogs. Less 45 seconds after the goal, the IceHogs' Kyle Hagel and the Wolves' Adam Huxley got into a scrap, with Hagel getting the takedown. As you can see above, he was pretty pumped. Less than a minute after that, Beach and Spencer Machacek got into it. Needless to say, the crowd was jumping - you really don't see fights where the refs just let them go until they fall to the ice or someone poops out much anymore in the NHL. At the five minute mark, Brandon Bollig took a elbowing call and the Hogs' penalty box was a bit tight with three men squeezed in there. Overall the IceHogs were shorthanded three times in that first period, and aside for the first goal, did a good job on the PK. The IceHogs still managed to get 14 SOG in the opening period, but Wolves' goalie Drew MacIntyre turned them all away to end the period 1-0, Wolves.
During the intermission they had human bowling. They bungee corded fans on a toboggan across the ice toward huge inflatable bowling pins. I guess you had to be there.
Period Two
The IceHogs had a power play early in the period and failed to capitalize. Beach went to the box again 6 minutes in, 2 of his 11 PIM for the game. In his defense, he was absolutely clotheslined by Mike Siklenka and went after him. Both Beach & Siklenka went off for roughing. The chippy play continued as Adam Huxley was again involved in a fight, this time with Hogs' defenseman Ryan Stanton. Ryan took exception to Huxley's hard hit on a teammate and got 2 for instigating, 5 for fighting and a 10 minute misconduct for his trouble. The Hogs killed off that penalty but was victimized a short time afterward by Andrew Kozek to make the score 2-0. Ben Smith got the dejected crowd back into the game with less than four minutes left on a beautiful shorthanded breakaway goal. The period ended with the Hogs still with the edge on SOG, 21 to 15.
I was eagerly anticipating the second intermission as it was chuck-a-puck time. You can purchase rubber pucks before the game and write your name on them. At the prescribed time, everyone throws their pucks on the ice - the object is to get your puck closest to the centre ice faceoff dot. I think you win cash if you do. My attempts were not so successful. I was standing too far away for my first throw and ended up beaning some kid in the front row in the back. I got closer for my other ones and maybe got past the blueline. And to top it off, I can't count and left one in my bag. Oh well, I guess it's a souvenir. After the dejection, I managed to score an autograph from Jeremy Morin - he was injured in the Hogs' last game and was signing in the lobby. Morin was acquired from Atlanta in the Buff/Eager/Sopel trade and very nearly made the Hawks out of camp. I expect great things from this kid.
Period Three
The Wolves again silenced the crowd with an early goal from Nigel Dawes to make the score 3-1. At this point the sense of urgency finally kicked in for the Hogs' and Rob Klinkhammer (I love that name) narrowed the gap again to one, two minutes after the Wolves tally. The IceHogs had three consecutive power plays in the middle of the period, finally tying the game with eight minutes left on a blast from the point from defenseman Ivan Visnevskiy. The Wolves had one last chance to take the game with a late power play, but Hannu shut the door, stopping 10 of 11 Wolves shots in the final period of regulation.
Overtime
As with most 4-on-4 overtimes, the action was fast and furious. The Wolves would end up making a fatal mistake though, as defenseman Mike Siklenka took a hooking call on a potential Hogs' break, giving Rockford a man advantage with a little more than a minute in the OT. The Hogs wasted no time, and Igor Makarov tapped in the winner with a mere 47 seconds left in the extra frame.
Overall it was an exciting game and of course I enjoyed the outcome. Afterward, the Hogs came out to the ice to sign autographs for the fans which was a nice gesture. I got a few of them to sign a mini goalie stick I had purchased - see below.
Taking a quick look at the numbers on the season for the IceHogs...
The Hogs currently stand at eight points in seven games (4-3-0) which is good enough to be tied for fourth in the West Division. Defenseman Brian Connelly leads the team in points with 7, all assists. Both Rob Klinkhammer and Ryan Potulny have six points and Klinkhammer & Morin lead the team in goals with three. Klinkhammer also leads the team in +/- at 5, but it is encouraging to note that young defenseman Shawn Lalonde is right behind him with a +4. Kyle Hagel leads the team in PIM with 27, which is not surprising to me as he got into a scrap in one of the other two Hogs games I've attended. As for other future Hawks, Beach is a 1-2-3 with 17 PIM, Igor Makarov is 2-1-3 with an abysmal -4, and Nick Leddy is -2 with only two games in the AHL. Neither goalie is setting the world on fire - Alec Richards is the better of the two with a 3-1 record, 2.94 GAA and .888 SV% (eep). But he has a really bitchin' mask.
It's really hard to gauge how the team will do over the course of the season with only seven games under their belt - especially since several players (Cullimore, Pirri, Leddy & Brophey) have already had their cup of coffee with the Hawks in the young season. With good output from the scorers (Morin, Makarov, Klinkhammer) a little brute force (Beach, Hagel) and some consistent goaltending, I think the IceHogs will be in the AHL playoffs come spring. From there, it's anybody's guess.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Game Nine: St. Louis Blues 4, Chicago Blackhawks 2
Box Score
Highlights
Ugh.
I figured this game would give us trouble. You knew the Blues were going to come out intense after we held them over our knee and spanked them in the third period and OT last Monday. Add to that being on the road and in the midst of an insane 8 games in 13 days schedule, and you saw the results. Stinky.
- The first five minutes of this game was heart attack inducing. End to end non-stop action. My BBQ pork fried rice hadn't even been delivered yet and I had heartburn.
- David Perron has four goals on the season, all of which he's scored against the Hawks. I see we now have another player who kills us, but is mediocre the other 76 games of the season.
- Both Sharpie's & Seabs goals came when there was traffic was in front of Halak. Why they didn't try this more I have no idea.
- There was also a distinct lack of presence in the front of the net, which is a shame since Halak had a bunch of juicy rebounds. A few bodies in the slot and this would have been a much more interesting game.
- Turco gets beat five-hole more often than I'd like. He really couldn't do much on the first two goals as his D shit the bed in front of him, but he has to have that third trickler of a goal. I know it hit something in front, but if his stick was covering the five hole, the worst that happens is it gets in on the rebound. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big Turco fan - I guess this is the type of play that comes with the territory.
- I would expect Corey Crawford to get the start against the hapless BJ's tonight. Really, giving up a hat trick to Rene Bourque last night Jackets? Pathetic.
- I could fill up an entire post about how bad the D played last night, so let me just say this. Duncan Keith, he of the Norris Trophy and +21 last season, is a -2 thus far. Get well quicker Soupy!
- So we waited nine games to see "Murdersaurus" John Scott fight. And that is what we got - one uppercut on a guy he of course greatly outsized. Really? I think this disproves the notion that Scott is necessary as an enforcer on the ice. His play is terrible, he eats up hardly any minutes (9:38 last night), and I witnessed him unsuccessfully attempt to clear the Blues zone three times in one shift. Of course he'll be in the lineup until Campbell is back as Q has already purchased tickets for Jordan Hendry to sit in the press box all season.
- I know you get off to a slow start historically Toews, but this is getting ridiculous. You can tell Tazer is getting frustrated - I think he puts so much pressure on himself that it makes things worse.
- Fernando Pisani - yeah, I think a couple of healthy scratches need to be in your future. He had a SOG in the first period and I swear that was the first time I've heard him hit the net. He has 0 points, is a -3 and has a total of 9 SOG in 9 games. The only forward with worse numbers than Pisani is Brandon Pirri and he was only brought up from Rock-Vegas when Sharpie was hurt for the home opener.
- Every time I see the Scottrade center, it brings back bad memories. If you don't know what I'm referring to, read this post about my visit there last February. I have a permanent reminder of that place on my right shin.
No one on the Hawks really deserves an award for their "meh" play last night, but I do have an honor to bestow on someone...
The Jar-Jar Binks Award (Most Annoying/Asinine Person or Object)
Roman Polak
Not only does he have an unfortunate name that would probably get his ass kicked in several neighborhoods in Chicago, he's a big old pile of chickenshit. Real manly of you to punch TomoKop several times in the back of the head as he's being held by the refs and can't even get his gloves off. If you're going to act like a tough guy, at least do it right and let the other player drop the gloves so you can go toe-to-toe. That's what annoys me about the Blues - at least Jackman & Janssen fight and get under your skin the right way. A bunch of these other assbags take cheap shots and then become wiener tuckers when it's time to put up or shut up. Polak would have gotten his ass handed a game misconduct if I were a ref.
Ah, nothing like a good rivalry to get the blood pumping!
Just lounging on the ice, looking like Halak just cut a big one.
I will not be viewing the Hawks/BJs game tonight as I will be heading up to Rockford to watch the first IceHogs game I will be attending this season. I'm very excited to see what the little Hawks have to offer. And dammit, I will get there early enough to buy some pucks to chuck between the second & third periods!
Highlights
Ugh.
I figured this game would give us trouble. You knew the Blues were going to come out intense after we held them over our knee and spanked them in the third period and OT last Monday. Add to that being on the road and in the midst of an insane 8 games in 13 days schedule, and you saw the results. Stinky.
- The first five minutes of this game was heart attack inducing. End to end non-stop action. My BBQ pork fried rice hadn't even been delivered yet and I had heartburn.
- David Perron has four goals on the season, all of which he's scored against the Hawks. I see we now have another player who kills us, but is mediocre the other 76 games of the season.
- Both Sharpie's & Seabs goals came when there was traffic was in front of Halak. Why they didn't try this more I have no idea.
- There was also a distinct lack of presence in the front of the net, which is a shame since Halak had a bunch of juicy rebounds. A few bodies in the slot and this would have been a much more interesting game.
- Turco gets beat five-hole more often than I'd like. He really couldn't do much on the first two goals as his D shit the bed in front of him, but he has to have that third trickler of a goal. I know it hit something in front, but if his stick was covering the five hole, the worst that happens is it gets in on the rebound. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big Turco fan - I guess this is the type of play that comes with the territory.
- I would expect Corey Crawford to get the start against the hapless BJ's tonight. Really, giving up a hat trick to Rene Bourque last night Jackets? Pathetic.
- I could fill up an entire post about how bad the D played last night, so let me just say this. Duncan Keith, he of the Norris Trophy and +21 last season, is a -2 thus far. Get well quicker Soupy!
- So we waited nine games to see "Murdersaurus" John Scott fight. And that is what we got - one uppercut on a guy he of course greatly outsized. Really? I think this disproves the notion that Scott is necessary as an enforcer on the ice. His play is terrible, he eats up hardly any minutes (9:38 last night), and I witnessed him unsuccessfully attempt to clear the Blues zone three times in one shift. Of course he'll be in the lineup until Campbell is back as Q has already purchased tickets for Jordan Hendry to sit in the press box all season.
- I know you get off to a slow start historically Toews, but this is getting ridiculous. You can tell Tazer is getting frustrated - I think he puts so much pressure on himself that it makes things worse.
- Fernando Pisani - yeah, I think a couple of healthy scratches need to be in your future. He had a SOG in the first period and I swear that was the first time I've heard him hit the net. He has 0 points, is a -3 and has a total of 9 SOG in 9 games. The only forward with worse numbers than Pisani is Brandon Pirri and he was only brought up from Rock-Vegas when Sharpie was hurt for the home opener.
- Every time I see the Scottrade center, it brings back bad memories. If you don't know what I'm referring to, read this post about my visit there last February. I have a permanent reminder of that place on my right shin.
No one on the Hawks really deserves an award for their "meh" play last night, but I do have an honor to bestow on someone...
Roman Polak
Not only does he have an unfortunate name that would probably get his ass kicked in several neighborhoods in Chicago, he's a big old pile of chickenshit. Real manly of you to punch TomoKop several times in the back of the head as he's being held by the refs and can't even get his gloves off. If you're going to act like a tough guy, at least do it right and let the other player drop the gloves so you can go toe-to-toe. That's what annoys me about the Blues - at least Jackman & Janssen fight and get under your skin the right way. A bunch of these other assbags take cheap shots and then become wiener tuckers when it's time to put up or shut up. Polak would have gotten his ass handed a game misconduct if I were a ref.
Ah, nothing like a good rivalry to get the blood pumping!
TOEWS-FACE OF THE GAME
Just lounging on the ice, looking like Halak just cut a big one.
I will not be viewing the Hawks/BJs game tonight as I will be heading up to Rockford to watch the first IceHogs game I will be attending this season. I'm very excited to see what the little Hawks have to offer. And dammit, I will get there early enough to buy some pucks to chuck between the second & third periods!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Game Eight: Chicago Blackhawks 2, Vancouver Canucks 1 (SO)
Well let's try something new shall we? Instead of recapping after the game, let's do some live blogging during what promises to be, if nothing else, an amusing game of hockey. Of course, this isn't *real* live blogging as I won't post this until the game is over. But you'll get my uncensored thoughts on the game as it happened - all three of you who read this blog anyway.
Let the game begin...
Period One
- Ooh, Troy Brouwer's going to be mic'ed for sound during the game. Too bad we'll only get to hear about 10 seconds of sound bites as most everything TBrouw and the rest of the guys on the ice will say is strictly TV-MA.
- Oh how sweet - Tazer gave the poor kid with cancer who did the ceremonial puck drop his stick. You are a good man Mr. Toews.
- TV never captures how loud it is in the UC during the National Anthem. During the playoffs, you really can't hear Jimmy sing at all.
- A Sedin twin really shouldn't be wearing the "C" for the 'Nucks. My vote would have gone to Ryan Kesler - a guy you hate but you'd love to have on your team. I guess a Swede is better than Bobby-Lu.
- Haaaaa...Bieska got an elbow from Bickell. Karma.
- POST. DO NOT WANT.
- Turco! Actually I'm going to refer to him as TK-421 (as in "TK-421, why aren't you at your post?"). I can't take credit for that bit of geekery - one of the posters at Second City Hockey came up with that. I was gleeful in my nerdiness when I read it.
- Cullimore and Scott is the third D-Pairing. Can they install an industrial fan at one end of the ice to give them a bit of speed?
- Look - Scott hit someone! Too bad he couldn't dislodge the fucking puck.
- TBrouw is shaken up. Great.
- Nevermind, Troy didn't miss a shift. I love hockey players.
- Some folks at the UC are annoyed they played Lady Gaga during a break for the Ice Girls. SECREET CONFESSION TIME: I love Lady Gaga. Don't Hate.
- This "Questions Will Be Answers" commercial with Ovechkin and the jump rope is the stuff nightmares are made of. Gross.
- Nice speed and wrap around attempt by Skille. Remind me why he was a healthy scratch the other night?
- Luongo's team picture makes me feel greasy. I feel like I need an SOS pad to get the scuzz off my TV screen.
- STALBERG! What a nice shot from the kid! So glad he was a healthy scratch last game.
- LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
- I love when we score in the last minute of the period. What a great way to go into the locker room!
- Stats through one: Shots 12-9 in favor of the Hawks. 'Nucks outhitting the Hawks 18-11. Takeaways - Hawks 9 to 1 (!!!). Hawks have a slight edge in faceoffs - 52% which I'll take. Nick Boynton has three shots and four shot blocks. Wha Happen?
- Overall a good period - the first ten minutes were great for the Hawks but they seemed to tail off a bit. TK-421 is on so far. Lu looked pretty good considering the Wild only missed the extra point against him last night. Let's see what that late goal does for his confidence. And shockingly, no penalties. I think Kesler really misses his buddy Andrew Ladd.
Period Two
- Ozzie Guilllen on my TV screen now. GTFO Asshole! DO NOT WANT!
- Coach Q is sporting a purple tie tonight. Fuzzy bunny feeling!
- Lu is creeping deeper into his net. Hopefully this bodes well.
- Great chances for the Hawks in the first five of the period. Lu's shut the door thus far.
- John Scott sighting! He tried to shoot on goal. It hit someone. Typical.
- Skille draws the first penalty of the game. Please don't write your game notes in invisible ink Q. S&S need to be in the lineup, thank you.
- Good poke check by TK-421 but results in a tripping call. Bah. Bad, bad giveaway by TomoKop on the blue line - fitting he serves the penalty. Turco was too hesitant or he would have been able to poke check cleanly.
- Hossa-God stumped on the odd man 4-on-4 break. Boo.
- TomoKop with the phantom interference call. I think he actually went a game without a penalty being called on him.
- Hawks had the better chances on that 'Nucks PP. Too bad Sharpie got shoved down on that break. Good back check by Bolland on the ensuing rush.
- I always giggle when Pat Foley says someone has a "blowout." I keep expecting to see that someone split his pants.
- OMG what a move by Skille! Almost kid, almost!
- Bickell-Bolland-Pisani line just does not impress. I'm rooting for you Pisani, but you really haven't done anything thus far.
- Bad giveaway by Boynton in his own zone. Toftbo was back to help clean it up.
- I need a screenshot of Turco flat on his back in his crease, feet straight up in the air. It looked like he was doing goalie yoga.
- 'Nucks have picked it up quite a bit in the waning minutes of the second. Hawks doing quite a bit of running around- they're lucky Vancouver's missed the net a couple of times.
- Keith/Seabrook looks markedly better tonight. Let it continue.
- TBrouw mic'ed up = funny.
- And one minute after I compliment Duncs, he commits a penalty. 3JIKSFJKSDJFKLJTRE09I!
- Dammit, five more seconds and Bolland would have been in on that break! POO!
- Goalie game thus far - who would have thunk it? Of course watch each team tally 3 apiece in the third.
- I love the Kia Hip-Hop Hamsters commercial!
- Quick Stats: Hawks have the edge in shots, 24-19, blocked shots 12-5, 'Nucks have edge in hits, 25-17. Faceoff wins pretty much dead even - I'll take it!
Period Three
- LET'S GO HAWKS
- Jeez, it's 10pm already? Another sleepy day at work is in my future.
- WTF was that? Clear the front out D! Je-BUS!
- Thanks Pisani for sitting on TK-421! Asshat.
- We need to stuff one of these breakaways in - too many without a positive result. Nice try though Hossa.
- Seeing John Scott try to race after a puck gives me hemmoroids.
- And Duncs & Seabs are back to playing the turnover game. I knew I shouldn't have said anything last period.
- Kesler and Toftbo to the box. Is Hjalmarsson a coward?
- Hey, Luongo - remember Bolland on the breakaway? Lucky for him Bolly got slashed on the break. Power Play!
- Ouch - Sharpie's shot from the point got Tazer - looks like he's going to get sewn up. NOT THE FACE!
- Did not care for that power play - ick.
- How many shot blocks does Boynton have? Are we sure Sopel didn't sneak in the game and put on #24?
- Hossa is just unbelievable - He did an entire a loop on the ice with the puck. Just missed another highlight goal.
- Bolland - why did you drop pass that?!? Get the damn puck on NET!
- Toews back on the ice - must have a Singer sewing machine in the locker room.
- Kevin Bieska cross checks Tazer into the boards. Nice to see he's still a bag of dicks. GO POWER PLAY!
- Why is Bickell on the second PP unit? Only 4 SOG for the Hawks thus far this period.
- Today has been one big power play failure. Shades of last year.
- Stalberg! Almost! So many close calls tonight - Hawks easily could have 3 or 4 if not for some bad bounces and timely saves by Luongo.
- Well Bolland actually got the shot off at the end of this period. OVERTIME!
OT
- Shots almost even at the end of regulation - 30-29 in favor of the Hawks.
- ARGH! SO CLOSE HOSSA! I WOULD HAVE SPONTANEOUSLY HAD A BABY!
- Nice save for TK-421 with a minute left!
- I think every game that goes to OT takes a month off my life. Two during the playoffs.
- Hey Dunc & Seabs - how about getting a body on Malhotra in front? Thank you Turco for the save!
- Everyone on the Hawks bench should buy TK-421 a nice bottle of wine or some flowers. He saved their asses in OT.
- Oh yay, SKILLS COMPETITION (Barf).
Shootout
- It's 10:37. If this goes past four rounds I'm gonna be annoyed tomorrow when my alarm goes off.
- Toews: MONEY!
- Thing #1: BOO!
- Sharpie: Leaker! LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
- Kesler: MOTHER FUCKER
- Kaner: HAHAHAHAHAHA! LUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
- COME ON TK-421!
- Ex-Red Wing: YOU SUCK!
- HAWKS WIN!!!!
- #3 Star: LU? BOO!
- #2 Star: Kaner!
- #1 Star - TK-421! Well deserved Turco - good job crazy legs!
- CSN named Kane player of the game. They should have named Luongo for kicking the puck into his own net on Kaner's shootout goal.
Well that was fun!
Let the game begin...
Period One
- Ooh, Troy Brouwer's going to be mic'ed for sound during the game. Too bad we'll only get to hear about 10 seconds of sound bites as most everything TBrouw and the rest of the guys on the ice will say is strictly TV-MA.
- Oh how sweet - Tazer gave the poor kid with cancer who did the ceremonial puck drop his stick. You are a good man Mr. Toews.
- TV never captures how loud it is in the UC during the National Anthem. During the playoffs, you really can't hear Jimmy sing at all.
- A Sedin twin really shouldn't be wearing the "C" for the 'Nucks. My vote would have gone to Ryan Kesler - a guy you hate but you'd love to have on your team. I guess a Swede is better than Bobby-Lu.
- Haaaaa...Bieska got an elbow from Bickell. Karma.
- POST. DO NOT WANT.
- Turco! Actually I'm going to refer to him as TK-421 (as in "TK-421, why aren't you at your post?"). I can't take credit for that bit of geekery - one of the posters at Second City Hockey came up with that. I was gleeful in my nerdiness when I read it.
- Cullimore and Scott is the third D-Pairing. Can they install an industrial fan at one end of the ice to give them a bit of speed?
- Look - Scott hit someone! Too bad he couldn't dislodge the fucking puck.
- TBrouw is shaken up. Great.
- Nevermind, Troy didn't miss a shift. I love hockey players.
- Some folks at the UC are annoyed they played Lady Gaga during a break for the Ice Girls. SECREET CONFESSION TIME: I love Lady Gaga. Don't Hate.
- This "Questions Will Be Answers" commercial with Ovechkin and the jump rope is the stuff nightmares are made of. Gross.
- Nice speed and wrap around attempt by Skille. Remind me why he was a healthy scratch the other night?
- Luongo's team picture makes me feel greasy. I feel like I need an SOS pad to get the scuzz off my TV screen.
- STALBERG! What a nice shot from the kid! So glad he was a healthy scratch last game.
- LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
- I love when we score in the last minute of the period. What a great way to go into the locker room!
- Stats through one: Shots 12-9 in favor of the Hawks. 'Nucks outhitting the Hawks 18-11. Takeaways - Hawks 9 to 1 (!!!). Hawks have a slight edge in faceoffs - 52% which I'll take. Nick Boynton has three shots and four shot blocks. Wha Happen?
- Overall a good period - the first ten minutes were great for the Hawks but they seemed to tail off a bit. TK-421 is on so far. Lu looked pretty good considering the Wild only missed the extra point against him last night. Let's see what that late goal does for his confidence. And shockingly, no penalties. I think Kesler really misses his buddy Andrew Ladd.
Period Two
- Ozzie Guilllen on my TV screen now. GTFO Asshole! DO NOT WANT!
- Coach Q is sporting a purple tie tonight. Fuzzy bunny feeling!
- Lu is creeping deeper into his net. Hopefully this bodes well.
- Great chances for the Hawks in the first five of the period. Lu's shut the door thus far.
- John Scott sighting! He tried to shoot on goal. It hit someone. Typical.
- Skille draws the first penalty of the game. Please don't write your game notes in invisible ink Q. S&S need to be in the lineup, thank you.
- Good poke check by TK-421 but results in a tripping call. Bah. Bad, bad giveaway by TomoKop on the blue line - fitting he serves the penalty. Turco was too hesitant or he would have been able to poke check cleanly.
- Hossa-God stumped on the odd man 4-on-4 break. Boo.
- TomoKop with the phantom interference call. I think he actually went a game without a penalty being called on him.
- Hawks had the better chances on that 'Nucks PP. Too bad Sharpie got shoved down on that break. Good back check by Bolland on the ensuing rush.
- I always giggle when Pat Foley says someone has a "blowout." I keep expecting to see that someone split his pants.
- OMG what a move by Skille! Almost kid, almost!
- Bickell-Bolland-Pisani line just does not impress. I'm rooting for you Pisani, but you really haven't done anything thus far.
- Bad giveaway by Boynton in his own zone. Toftbo was back to help clean it up.
- I need a screenshot of Turco flat on his back in his crease, feet straight up in the air. It looked like he was doing goalie yoga.
- 'Nucks have picked it up quite a bit in the waning minutes of the second. Hawks doing quite a bit of running around- they're lucky Vancouver's missed the net a couple of times.
- Keith/Seabrook looks markedly better tonight. Let it continue.
- TBrouw mic'ed up = funny.
- And one minute after I compliment Duncs, he commits a penalty. 3JIKSFJKSDJFKLJTRE09I!
- Dammit, five more seconds and Bolland would have been in on that break! POO!
- Goalie game thus far - who would have thunk it? Of course watch each team tally 3 apiece in the third.
- I love the Kia Hip-Hop Hamsters commercial!
- Quick Stats: Hawks have the edge in shots, 24-19, blocked shots 12-5, 'Nucks have edge in hits, 25-17. Faceoff wins pretty much dead even - I'll take it!
Period Three
- LET'S GO HAWKS
- Jeez, it's 10pm already? Another sleepy day at work is in my future.
- WTF was that? Clear the front out D! Je-BUS!
- Thanks Pisani for sitting on TK-421! Asshat.
- We need to stuff one of these breakaways in - too many without a positive result. Nice try though Hossa.
- Seeing John Scott try to race after a puck gives me hemmoroids.
- And Duncs & Seabs are back to playing the turnover game. I knew I shouldn't have said anything last period.
- Kesler and Toftbo to the box. Is Hjalmarsson a coward?
- Hey, Luongo - remember Bolland on the breakaway? Lucky for him Bolly got slashed on the break. Power Play!
- Ouch - Sharpie's shot from the point got Tazer - looks like he's going to get sewn up. NOT THE FACE!
- Did not care for that power play - ick.
- How many shot blocks does Boynton have? Are we sure Sopel didn't sneak in the game and put on #24?
- Hossa is just unbelievable - He did an entire a loop on the ice with the puck. Just missed another highlight goal.
- Bolland - why did you drop pass that?!? Get the damn puck on NET!
- Toews back on the ice - must have a Singer sewing machine in the locker room.
- Kevin Bieska cross checks Tazer into the boards. Nice to see he's still a bag of dicks. GO POWER PLAY!
- Why is Bickell on the second PP unit? Only 4 SOG for the Hawks thus far this period.
- Today has been one big power play failure. Shades of last year.
- Stalberg! Almost! So many close calls tonight - Hawks easily could have 3 or 4 if not for some bad bounces and timely saves by Luongo.
- Well Bolland actually got the shot off at the end of this period. OVERTIME!
OT
- Shots almost even at the end of regulation - 30-29 in favor of the Hawks.
- ARGH! SO CLOSE HOSSA! I WOULD HAVE SPONTANEOUSLY HAD A BABY!
- Nice save for TK-421 with a minute left!
- I think every game that goes to OT takes a month off my life. Two during the playoffs.
- Hey Dunc & Seabs - how about getting a body on Malhotra in front? Thank you Turco for the save!
- Everyone on the Hawks bench should buy TK-421 a nice bottle of wine or some flowers. He saved their asses in OT.
- Oh yay, SKILLS COMPETITION (Barf).
Shootout
- It's 10:37. If this goes past four rounds I'm gonna be annoyed tomorrow when my alarm goes off.
- Toews: MONEY!
- Thing #1: BOO!
- Sharpie: Leaker! LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
- Kesler: MOTHER FUCKER
- Kaner: HAHAHAHAHAHA! LUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
- COME ON TK-421!
- Ex-Red Wing: YOU SUCK!
- HAWKS WIN!!!!
- #3 Star: LU? BOO!
- #2 Star: Kaner!
- #1 Star - TK-421! Well deserved Turco - good job crazy legs!
- CSN named Kane player of the game. They should have named Luongo for kicking the puck into his own net on Kaner's shootout goal.
Well that was fun!
TOEWS FACE OF THE GAME
I can't tell if this was after Toews took the puck to the face. Still, a classic.
BONUS!
TURCO-YOGA!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Game Seven: Chicago Blackhawks 3, St. Louis Blues 2 (OT)
Box Score
Highlights (just skip to the third period)
This was a game about midway through the third period I had doubts creeping in about going out on a school night. Oh ye of little faith. Jesus. Marian. Hossa. That was definitely the best hockey game I've been to since game four vs. the Sharks last May.
Let's try a different approach - a recap in pictures taken by yours truly. Mostly because I'm tired and don't feel like writing much.
Well that was a fun one, no doubt. I'm sure Friday's rematch in St. Louis will be a treat. Speaking of which, our friend Bobby Lu got pulled after two periods after treating the *Wild* to a six spot. And Rick Rypien went after a fan who, get this, clapped. Stay classy Vancouver - see you guys tomorrow night!
Highlights (just skip to the third period)
This was a game about midway through the third period I had doubts creeping in about going out on a school night. Oh ye of little faith. Jesus. Marian. Hossa. That was definitely the best hockey game I've been to since game four vs. the Sharks last May.
Let's try a different approach - a recap in pictures taken by yours truly. Mostly because I'm tired and don't feel like writing much.
 |
| I'll never get sick of gazing up at this |
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| I'm sure Turco would love to have that first goal back (what was Seabrook doing - swimming?), but he kept the Hawks in this game. He stopped 32 of 34 and should have been the third star for his play in OT alone. |
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| I'm a big queer and honestly I want to have this man's babies. Think winning the Cup took a lot of weight off of Hossa's shoulders? He took this game over. Period. |
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| Kopecky lost his helmet during play. At this point that's the only bad thing I'll say about him - he had another damn assist. |
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| Don't worry Tazer - soon it will be November and you can play catch up with Sharpie and Hoss with a point per game clip. Seriously though - why u have slow start always? Too excited for Halloween? |
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| Bickell did well in a scrap with Backes - although Backes was a puss and didn't take his helmet with a visor off. Hey Q, we already have someone who is willing to scrap. So sit John Scott and his 2 minutes of TOI and put someone in who isn't a traffic cone! COME ON! |
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| Duncs is sad because he realizes he is playing terrible as of late. I lost count of how many times he and Seabs made a poor pass or turned the puck over. I had more confidence in Toftbo & Boynton by far. Make this stop, Dunc, make it stop. |
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| Nothing like putting a wrestling hold on our captain after you just shit the bed and let us tie you up in the third. Fuck these guys. |
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| Jaroslav Halak was seven minutes away from a shutout - then he took a stupid interference penalty and Marian Hossa decided he had had enough. I'd almost feel bad for him if he wasn't on the Blues. |
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| AAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! SHARPIE!!!!1!! |
Well that was a fun one, no doubt. I'm sure Friday's rematch in St. Louis will be a treat. Speaking of which, our friend Bobby Lu got pulled after two periods after treating the *Wild* to a six spot. And Rick Rypien went after a fan who, get this, clapped. Stay classy Vancouver - see you guys tomorrow night!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Game Six: Chicago Blackhawks 4, Buffalo Sabres 3
Box Score
Highlights
Well this was one of those games where you look at the stat sheets, and then look at the final score and start singing "one of these things is not like the others." I'll take it - good teams find ways to win, and this was definitely a game we stole.
- It took three tries, but this was our first win on home ice. Thank god, I was beginning to think it was the championship banner.
- Looks like Hossa and Sharp are having a friendly goal scoring competition, as both lead the team with five goals.
- Digging a bit into our offensive stats: Hossa is tied for the league lead in points (9), and is tied with Sharpie and two others with the lead in goals scored. Tomas Kopecky is second in the league with 6 assists - Food For Thought: Neither Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews have hit their offensive stride yet. Kaner has 2G 3A, while Toews is off to his usual slow start to the season with only 1G, 2A. When these guys start clicking, opponents' netminders are going to start to shake a little in their skates.
- For as much as Marty Turco flops around in the crease, there's little doubt that when he's sharp, he's on. He stopped 38 of 41 shots - you can't argue with a performance like that.
- I will say it seems that the communication between Turco and the D seems to fall apart at times. The third Buffalo goal was the direct result of the D not telling Turco that a Sabre was heading for the puck he left behind the net. I've never played hockey, but isn't that something they should be teaching you in mites? Perhaps the D isn't used to Marty's puck handling style, or Turco forgets he's not in Dallas, where he knew his players much better. Whatever the case, with the defense as shaky as it is right now, they need to over communicate to a fault right now.
- Well hello Dave Bolland, how are you? That was vintage Rat on his breakaway goal. Hopefully that cleared the cobwebs for him, and we'll see the Bolland we all know and love from last spring.
- Down by a goal, and with the team being outshot and outplayed, Coach Q did what he is known for - he changed the lines going into the third period. I will say I approved of this switch as he went back to two successful lines from last season: Kane-Toews-Brouwer (my personal favorite), and Hossa-Sharp-Kopecky (aka "Sharpie & the Slovaks"). Needless to say, it worked. Please keep these lines for at least another game or two please.
- I did not agree with healthy-scratching Jack Skille in place of John Scott at forward. The logic being since there was a chance for retaliatory measures for the Hjalmarsson hit, Scott was put in to strike the fear of god in the Sabres. This logic is flawed because a) Scott really hasn't mixed it up as much as advertised b) Scott would have to be *on* the ice to do anything - with the limited minutes he's getting, chances are he'd still be on the bench if something happened and lastly c) Scott is horrible, and while Skille has his moments, he is a much, much better option at forward. I guess Mr. Brouwer made room for Mr. Skille in Coach Q's doghouse.
- Word came down today that Nick Leddy was shipped down to Rockford. This caught everyone off guard, myself included. With all of the problems we have on D, Leddy was proving himself as a much more capable puck moving defenseman than our current traffic cones on the roster - Cullimore, Boynton & Scott. It's believed Nick was moved down due to cap issues and also to keep him under the 9 game maximum before his NHL contract is vested. Ok, I guess, but with Keith/Seabrook having been run through the wringer thus far and Toftbo being shaky as shit, a bottom three of either Boynton, Scott, Cullimore & Hendry makes me want to bite someone. Can we get Campbell a Harry Potter potion to heal faster? UGH.
- So Mr. Ryan Miller, please tell us what you thought of that lovely late hit Patrick Kaleta put on Jonathan Toews. Or how about those parting cheap shots your teammates gave to the Hawks after the final horn sounded? I'm waiting Ryan for your answer.
- Both Dustin Byfuglien & Andrew Ladd scored on Antti Niemi in the Sharks/ThrasHawks game last night. Sorry Nemo, I had to LOL.
The Han Solo Award (Best Overall Performance)
Patrick Sharp
Sharpie gets the nod for the second game in a row. Is it a coincidence that the handsomest man on the Hawks wins the award named for the most ruggedly handsome man in a galaxy far, far away? Sharpie had the first and last goals of the night - four goals in two games is not to be sniffed at. Honorable Mention to Marian Hossa for just being a beast.
The Wedge Antilles Award (Unsung Hero)
Tomas Kopecky
He has six assists on the season - he's doing something right. I really do want TomoKop to do well - and at this point he's done all he's been asked of and more. I guess part of his play will always frustrate me, but as long as he's setting up his linemates to score, I can't complain too much. I do wish he would stop taking so many stupid penalties - he already has three delay of game calls against him for the year. And please don't check Sharpie so hard the next time he scores - save that for the opponent. Stick taps also to Dave Bolland & Brent Seabrook for arguably having their best games of the season.
The Darth Vader Award (Evil Beyond All Words)
The Officiating Crew
So let me get this straight. Kopecky is pushed into the goaltender by Buffalo D-man Montador, TomoKop has time to get up, circle completely around the net and come out to the faceoff dot to deflect in the net a point shot by Duncs. Meanwhile, Lalime & Montador are still playing footsie in the crease and it's goaltender incidental contact on the *Hawks*? WTF?!? I thought Q's head was going to launch off his neck and land in the 300 level. They also missed the questionable hit on Toews by asshat Kaleta (at least he didn't go for the headbutt), and at least two calls on Bolland that I saw. Thankfully the Hawks still won despite these atrocities, but pardon me if I sound like a Red Wings fan if I say, REFS, YOU SUCK!
What amuses me in this shot, is the stare on Lalime's face. He appears to be saying "What the hell is this guy grimacing at?"
Well, it appears I will be at tomorrow night's game vs. the Blues as my brother needs a seatmate, and I happily obligied. Should be a good way to wind down from what promises to be a difficult day at work. Here's hoping the Hawks can keep the winning streak going - or at least kick a Blues player in the rear-end.
Highlights
Well this was one of those games where you look at the stat sheets, and then look at the final score and start singing "one of these things is not like the others." I'll take it - good teams find ways to win, and this was definitely a game we stole.
- It took three tries, but this was our first win on home ice. Thank god, I was beginning to think it was the championship banner.
- Looks like Hossa and Sharp are having a friendly goal scoring competition, as both lead the team with five goals.
- Digging a bit into our offensive stats: Hossa is tied for the league lead in points (9), and is tied with Sharpie and two others with the lead in goals scored. Tomas Kopecky is second in the league with 6 assists - Food For Thought: Neither Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews have hit their offensive stride yet. Kaner has 2G 3A, while Toews is off to his usual slow start to the season with only 1G, 2A. When these guys start clicking, opponents' netminders are going to start to shake a little in their skates.
- For as much as Marty Turco flops around in the crease, there's little doubt that when he's sharp, he's on. He stopped 38 of 41 shots - you can't argue with a performance like that.
- I will say it seems that the communication between Turco and the D seems to fall apart at times. The third Buffalo goal was the direct result of the D not telling Turco that a Sabre was heading for the puck he left behind the net. I've never played hockey, but isn't that something they should be teaching you in mites? Perhaps the D isn't used to Marty's puck handling style, or Turco forgets he's not in Dallas, where he knew his players much better. Whatever the case, with the defense as shaky as it is right now, they need to over communicate to a fault right now.
- Well hello Dave Bolland, how are you? That was vintage Rat on his breakaway goal. Hopefully that cleared the cobwebs for him, and we'll see the Bolland we all know and love from last spring.
- Down by a goal, and with the team being outshot and outplayed, Coach Q did what he is known for - he changed the lines going into the third period. I will say I approved of this switch as he went back to two successful lines from last season: Kane-Toews-Brouwer (my personal favorite), and Hossa-Sharp-Kopecky (aka "Sharpie & the Slovaks"). Needless to say, it worked. Please keep these lines for at least another game or two please.
- I did not agree with healthy-scratching Jack Skille in place of John Scott at forward. The logic being since there was a chance for retaliatory measures for the Hjalmarsson hit, Scott was put in to strike the fear of god in the Sabres. This logic is flawed because a) Scott really hasn't mixed it up as much as advertised b) Scott would have to be *on* the ice to do anything - with the limited minutes he's getting, chances are he'd still be on the bench if something happened and lastly c) Scott is horrible, and while Skille has his moments, he is a much, much better option at forward. I guess Mr. Brouwer made room for Mr. Skille in Coach Q's doghouse.
- Word came down today that Nick Leddy was shipped down to Rockford. This caught everyone off guard, myself included. With all of the problems we have on D, Leddy was proving himself as a much more capable puck moving defenseman than our current traffic cones on the roster - Cullimore, Boynton & Scott. It's believed Nick was moved down due to cap issues and also to keep him under the 9 game maximum before his NHL contract is vested. Ok, I guess, but with Keith/Seabrook having been run through the wringer thus far and Toftbo being shaky as shit, a bottom three of either Boynton, Scott, Cullimore & Hendry makes me want to bite someone. Can we get Campbell a Harry Potter potion to heal faster? UGH.
- So Mr. Ryan Miller, please tell us what you thought of that lovely late hit Patrick Kaleta put on Jonathan Toews. Or how about those parting cheap shots your teammates gave to the Hawks after the final horn sounded? I'm waiting Ryan for your answer.
- Both Dustin Byfuglien & Andrew Ladd scored on Antti Niemi in the Sharks/ThrasHawks game last night. Sorry Nemo, I had to LOL.
Patrick Sharp
Sharpie gets the nod for the second game in a row. Is it a coincidence that the handsomest man on the Hawks wins the award named for the most ruggedly handsome man in a galaxy far, far away? Sharpie had the first and last goals of the night - four goals in two games is not to be sniffed at. Honorable Mention to Marian Hossa for just being a beast.
Tomas Kopecky
He has six assists on the season - he's doing something right. I really do want TomoKop to do well - and at this point he's done all he's been asked of and more. I guess part of his play will always frustrate me, but as long as he's setting up his linemates to score, I can't complain too much. I do wish he would stop taking so many stupid penalties - he already has three delay of game calls against him for the year. And please don't check Sharpie so hard the next time he scores - save that for the opponent. Stick taps also to Dave Bolland & Brent Seabrook for arguably having their best games of the season.
The Officiating Crew
So let me get this straight. Kopecky is pushed into the goaltender by Buffalo D-man Montador, TomoKop has time to get up, circle completely around the net and come out to the faceoff dot to deflect in the net a point shot by Duncs. Meanwhile, Lalime & Montador are still playing footsie in the crease and it's goaltender incidental contact on the *Hawks*? WTF?!? I thought Q's head was going to launch off his neck and land in the 300 level. They also missed the questionable hit on Toews by asshat Kaleta (at least he didn't go for the headbutt), and at least two calls on Bolland that I saw. Thankfully the Hawks still won despite these atrocities, but pardon me if I sound like a Red Wings fan if I say, REFS, YOU SUCK!
TOEWS-FACE OF THE GAME
Well, it appears I will be at tomorrow night's game vs. the Blues as my brother needs a seatmate, and I happily obligied. Should be a good way to wind down from what promises to be a difficult day at work. Here's hoping the Hawks can keep the winning streak going - or at least kick a Blues player in the rear-end.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Game Five: Chicago Blackhawks 5, Columbus Blue Jackets 2
Box Score
Highlights
I was feeling sick yesterday and am probably not going to be quite as observant in this recap due to the Sudafed induced haze I was in. I swear, a raw, chapped nose is one of the most annoyingly painful feelings. Anyway, let's get on with it...
- No Kane, Toftbo, Campbell & Cullimore a call up for D and Scott as a forward? Color me pleasantly surprised this did not turn out to be the shitshow I expected. Looks like Columbus is living up to the high standards it set for itself last year early in the season.
- Did I not call it? A beaut of a goal by Viktor Stalberg. So much so, we must all watch it again in its glory:
- I will say that I've noticed Stalberg tends to fall down a bit too much. Is he too speedy for his own skates?
- Does Dave Bolland still play on this team? I hope he is just stinkin' it up and his back isn't bothering him again.
- I've come to the conclusion that Marty Turco's goaltending style will forever give me heartburn. I think my brother mentioned he looks like the fish at the end of Faith No More's "Epic" video. Whatever works I guess, but the man spends more time lying down than one of Patrick Kane's...oh nevermind, that was too easy.
- Marian Hossa currently leads the NHL in points with 8, and is third with 4 goals. The man simply walks on frozen water.
- Well I guess the birdies have finally stopped circling around Patrick Sharp's head. So glad to see Sharpie have the monster game that he had. He had an astounding 13 SOGs, which is a new Blackhawks record. Nice to see him step up with Kaner on the shelf.
- I've been hard on Tomas Kopecky - don't give me wrong, I do quite like him off the ice. He's great interacting with fans. TomoKop is second in the league in both assists (5) and +/- (+5). He is definitely benefiting being on the top line with Hossa & Toews. He just frustrates me - take his goal last night. His first shot he slapped right into Mason's pads. Thankfully Mason gave up a rebound and Kop rightfully roofed it for the goal. It's his first decisions he needs to be better at and needs to work on his stick handling skills. He also had two of the four Hawks penalties - one for stupidly closing his hand on the puck. I still would prefer Troy Brouwer on the top line.
- Speaking of TBrouw, he gained an assist on Sharpie goal and looked very strong on the ice. SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PUT HIM ON THE SECOND LINE, Q? I hope he remains there, but I'm not holding my breath.
- You can blame the BJ's shorthanded goal squarely on the shoulders of Duncan Keith - a terrible turnover on the PP, and then just stood and watched as the puck was bounced off of Turco's back for the score. Thankfully Dunc only had to play 23:16 last night - by far his lowest total of the young season. I expect Duncan to return to Norris form once Soupy is back from injury.
- John Scott had only 2:32 of ice time. I think Godzilla may be getting an iPass shortly.
- With Hjalmarsson back from suspension tonight (vs. Buffalo - this should be amusing), the Hawks currently have 8 D-Men on the roster. Who plays tonight? My choice: Keith/Seabrook, Toftbo/Boynton, Leddy/Cullimore (yes, I said it).
The Han Solo Award (Best Overall Performance)
Patrick Sharp
Could it be anyone else? Sharpie's two goals were a thing of beauty. He only had a little over 14 minutes of ice time, which makes it more impressive. A Sharpie on fire can only mean good things are happening for the Blackhawks. And also, that there are many women in Chicago fanning themselves in earnest.
The Wedge Antilles Award (Unsung Hero)
The Second/Third Defensive Pairings
When it was announced yesterday afternoon that Jassen Cullimore was recalled from Rockford, and that the Hawks would be going with seven D in this game, I think I started to feel sicker than I already was. But the rag-tag pairings did much better than expected last night. Nick Boynton had almost twenty minutes of ice time and had an assist on the Stalberg goal. Nick Leddy is improving every game and was a +1. The much maligned Cullimore looked surprisingly steady, had 2 SOG and even had an assist on Hossa's goal. And Jordan Hendry didn't have any goals scored on him via his crap shot blocking. Most importantly, these four guys' play allowed both Dunc and Seabs to stay under 20 minutes of TOI. Bravo!
The Jar-Jar Binks Award (Most Annoying/Asinine Person Or Object
The Blue Jacket's Cannon
Thankfully the BJ's only scored two last night so we didn't have to hear that damn thing go off too often. During my one and only trip to Nationwide Arena that thing went off so many times, I was wondering if it was going to run out of gunpowder. I guess I'm psychic, considering this is how I posed with it before the game:
This isn't one of Tazer's best, so I'll give you an added Bryan Bickell Psycho Face:
Tonight's tilt vs. the Sabres should be a fun one. Word is Ryan Miller won't be in net. As much as I love the American Hero, I think that's a bit of a chickenshit move - worried about those comments you made recently Ryan? Also, someone please give Patrick Kaleta at the minimum a good face wash. What a turd that guy is .
Highlights
I was feeling sick yesterday and am probably not going to be quite as observant in this recap due to the Sudafed induced haze I was in. I swear, a raw, chapped nose is one of the most annoyingly painful feelings. Anyway, let's get on with it...
- No Kane, Toftbo, Campbell & Cullimore a call up for D and Scott as a forward? Color me pleasantly surprised this did not turn out to be the shitshow I expected. Looks like Columbus is living up to the high standards it set for itself last year early in the season.
- Did I not call it? A beaut of a goal by Viktor Stalberg. So much so, we must all watch it again in its glory:
- I will say that I've noticed Stalberg tends to fall down a bit too much. Is he too speedy for his own skates?
- Does Dave Bolland still play on this team? I hope he is just stinkin' it up and his back isn't bothering him again.
- I've come to the conclusion that Marty Turco's goaltending style will forever give me heartburn. I think my brother mentioned he looks like the fish at the end of Faith No More's "Epic" video. Whatever works I guess, but the man spends more time lying down than one of Patrick Kane's...oh nevermind, that was too easy.
- Marian Hossa currently leads the NHL in points with 8, and is third with 4 goals. The man simply walks on frozen water.
- Well I guess the birdies have finally stopped circling around Patrick Sharp's head. So glad to see Sharpie have the monster game that he had. He had an astounding 13 SOGs, which is a new Blackhawks record. Nice to see him step up with Kaner on the shelf.
- I've been hard on Tomas Kopecky - don't give me wrong, I do quite like him off the ice. He's great interacting with fans. TomoKop is second in the league in both assists (5) and +/- (+5). He is definitely benefiting being on the top line with Hossa & Toews. He just frustrates me - take his goal last night. His first shot he slapped right into Mason's pads. Thankfully Mason gave up a rebound and Kop rightfully roofed it for the goal. It's his first decisions he needs to be better at and needs to work on his stick handling skills. He also had two of the four Hawks penalties - one for stupidly closing his hand on the puck. I still would prefer Troy Brouwer on the top line.
- Speaking of TBrouw, he gained an assist on Sharpie goal and looked very strong on the ice. SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PUT HIM ON THE SECOND LINE, Q? I hope he remains there, but I'm not holding my breath.
- You can blame the BJ's shorthanded goal squarely on the shoulders of Duncan Keith - a terrible turnover on the PP, and then just stood and watched as the puck was bounced off of Turco's back for the score. Thankfully Dunc only had to play 23:16 last night - by far his lowest total of the young season. I expect Duncan to return to Norris form once Soupy is back from injury.
- John Scott had only 2:32 of ice time. I think Godzilla may be getting an iPass shortly.
- With Hjalmarsson back from suspension tonight (vs. Buffalo - this should be amusing), the Hawks currently have 8 D-Men on the roster. Who plays tonight? My choice: Keith/Seabrook, Toftbo/Boynton, Leddy/Cullimore (yes, I said it).
Patrick Sharp
Could it be anyone else? Sharpie's two goals were a thing of beauty. He only had a little over 14 minutes of ice time, which makes it more impressive. A Sharpie on fire can only mean good things are happening for the Blackhawks. And also, that there are many women in Chicago fanning themselves in earnest.
The Second/Third Defensive Pairings
When it was announced yesterday afternoon that Jassen Cullimore was recalled from Rockford, and that the Hawks would be going with seven D in this game, I think I started to feel sicker than I already was. But the rag-tag pairings did much better than expected last night. Nick Boynton had almost twenty minutes of ice time and had an assist on the Stalberg goal. Nick Leddy is improving every game and was a +1. The much maligned Cullimore looked surprisingly steady, had 2 SOG and even had an assist on Hossa's goal. And Jordan Hendry didn't have any goals scored on him via his crap shot blocking. Most importantly, these four guys' play allowed both Dunc and Seabs to stay under 20 minutes of TOI. Bravo!
The Blue Jacket's Cannon
Thankfully the BJ's only scored two last night so we didn't have to hear that damn thing go off too often. During my one and only trip to Nationwide Arena that thing went off so many times, I was wondering if it was going to run out of gunpowder. I guess I'm psychic, considering this is how I posed with it before the game:
TOEWS-FACE OF THE GAME
This isn't one of Tazer's best, so I'll give you an added Bryan Bickell Psycho Face:
Tonight's tilt vs. the Sabres should be a fun one. Word is Ryan Miller won't be in net. As much as I love the American Hero, I think that's a bit of a chickenshit move - worried about those comments you made recently Ryan? Also, someone please give Patrick Kaleta at the minimum a good face wash. What a turd that guy is .
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Game Four: Nashville Predators 3, Chicago Blackhawks 2
Box Score
Highlights
Oh I remember this script from last season. The Blackhawks play 40 minutes of good hockey and 20 minutes like absolute crap. Unfortunately the Hawks picked the worst 20 to tank - the third period.
- I'm not *too* upset over this loss. Let's look at our D: 3 of 6 would be a 6th defenseman on most teams, one is 19 and still getting his feet wet, and our two best defenders are playing unusually crappy because they're not only covering for everyone else, they're playing obscene minutes (Duncs - 32:52 TOI, Seabs - 23:33). Grrrrrrrreat!
- Let's also not forget in all likelihood, Pat Kane wasn't 100% last night. An "illness" that is going to keep him out of tomorrow's matchup vs. Columbus didn't just spring up overnight. Yeah, you can insert a hungover or STD joke here, but honestly we're shorthanded enough as it is and we need all hands on deck.
- I'm baffled on why Q gave Crawford the start. If Marty's our #1 (as he reiterated today), why start the backup two games in a row, four games into the season. Coach Q is annoying me in many ways at the moment and this is a particular sore point. Remember Cristobal Huet - a rhythm goalie that never got into a decent rhythm because of Q's switcharoos? Marty Turco is wired much the same way. So we're starting Turco tomorrow night at Columbus, *six* days since his last start. Remember what happened the last time we were in Columbus and we were playing musical goaltenders? I was at that game, and my ears still haven't stopped ringing from that fucking cannon. I'm not saying Turco needs to start every game this early in the season. But he doesn't need this long of a layoff either - I'm beginning to think Q enjoys messing with his goaltenders' heads.
- Speaking of playing mindgames, everyone and their dog can see that Troy Brouwer does not belong on the fourth line. Does any other team have a 25 goal scorer on their basement line? Coach Q reminds me of someone I worked for - if they liked you, they turned a blind eye to your faults. Screw up once, and you're dead to them. For god's sake Joel, TBrouw's Dad nearly DIED last season! Must you be so cruel? I heard though that Brouwer was practicing with the second line today. But I'm sure once Kane comes back, a demotion will soon follow. God, I hope he scores a hattie tomorrow!
- Tomas Kopecky must have blackmail on the coaching staff. For as good as he looked in the preseason, now that it's for real, he is not playing well. He simply does not have the skills to keep up with Hoss & Cap'n. He belongs on a checking line - not with two of the most dynamic players in the entire league.
- Yeah, I think Patrick Sharp's still seeing the birdies. I hardly noticed him.
- I thought Corey Crawford did OK considering. With the clusterfuck that our D is right now, whomever is in net is going to have to be near the top of their game to get us some Ws.
- Joel Ward is on my fantasy hockey team. Yay?
- 4 SOG in the third period. That sums it up right there.
- So who is going to take Kaner's place tomorrow night? My bet is on Jeremy Morin, but wouldn't be surprised if it's Brandon Pirri or Igor Makarov. I doubt it'll be Kyle Beach due to his cap hit, but I'm not a numbers cruncher so I have no idea if he'd fit under or not. Please don't bring up another D-man. Jassen Cullimore? BARF.
Sorry, I didn't mean this to be so negative - I guess I was more frustrated than I thought. I just get annoyed when we have control of a game and just basically stop being aggressive and playing with some sense of urgency. I had to watch the back end of "Starship Troopers" afterward to make myself feel better. Anyway...
The Han Solo Award (Best Overall Performance)
Jonathan Toews
Captain Serious led the way with his first goal of the season, and added an assist on Kane's power play tally. He was only one of four players with a positive +/- with a +1. I'm sure he's not a happy camper right now - I can see him making Very Bad Faces at his teammates. Perhaps he'd score a little more if he had not one but two wingers on his line that could skate and pass without losing his helmet.
The Wedge Antilles Award (Unsung Hero)
Jack Skille & Viktor Stalberg
If there was one line that seemed to click last night it was the third. Skille & Stalberg showed a lot of speed and moves - their only problem at the moment seems to be consistently getting a quality shot on net. Unfortunately for both of them, they were on the ice for the tying goal by Colin Wilson and never saw the ice the rest of the game - EVEN THOUGH THE PUCK WENT OFF OF JORDAN HENDRY. Q, you really suck sometimes. The worst forward on that line was Dave Bolland who looks like he got amnesia in the offseason and forgot the dominant game he played in the second half of the playoffs. But he still ended up with 17 minutes of ice time. Skille had 9, and Stalberg a mere 7:46- WTF? Mark my words - a Skille/Stalberg combo is set for a multi-point game in the near future.
The Jar-Jar Binks Award (Most Annoying/Asinine Person Or Object)
Jordan Hendry
Thanks to your wonderful shot blocking skills, you scored two goals for the Preds. Forget I was clamoring for your return - at least John Scott is a bit of comic relief. Honorable Mention goes to Nick Boynton - you weren't doing too badly until you decided to flip that puck over the glass with under three minutes left in a tie game. Haven't you been playing hockey since the 90s? I guess you got your common sense in addition to your manhood beat out of you in that first preseason game.
Highlights
Oh I remember this script from last season. The Blackhawks play 40 minutes of good hockey and 20 minutes like absolute crap. Unfortunately the Hawks picked the worst 20 to tank - the third period.
- I'm not *too* upset over this loss. Let's look at our D: 3 of 6 would be a 6th defenseman on most teams, one is 19 and still getting his feet wet, and our two best defenders are playing unusually crappy because they're not only covering for everyone else, they're playing obscene minutes (Duncs - 32:52 TOI, Seabs - 23:33). Grrrrrrrreat!
- Let's also not forget in all likelihood, Pat Kane wasn't 100% last night. An "illness" that is going to keep him out of tomorrow's matchup vs. Columbus didn't just spring up overnight. Yeah, you can insert a hungover or STD joke here, but honestly we're shorthanded enough as it is and we need all hands on deck.
- I'm baffled on why Q gave Crawford the start. If Marty's our #1 (as he reiterated today), why start the backup two games in a row, four games into the season. Coach Q is annoying me in many ways at the moment and this is a particular sore point. Remember Cristobal Huet - a rhythm goalie that never got into a decent rhythm because of Q's switcharoos? Marty Turco is wired much the same way. So we're starting Turco tomorrow night at Columbus, *six* days since his last start. Remember what happened the last time we were in Columbus and we were playing musical goaltenders? I was at that game, and my ears still haven't stopped ringing from that fucking cannon. I'm not saying Turco needs to start every game this early in the season. But he doesn't need this long of a layoff either - I'm beginning to think Q enjoys messing with his goaltenders' heads.
- Speaking of playing mindgames, everyone and their dog can see that Troy Brouwer does not belong on the fourth line. Does any other team have a 25 goal scorer on their basement line? Coach Q reminds me of someone I worked for - if they liked you, they turned a blind eye to your faults. Screw up once, and you're dead to them. For god's sake Joel, TBrouw's Dad nearly DIED last season! Must you be so cruel? I heard though that Brouwer was practicing with the second line today. But I'm sure once Kane comes back, a demotion will soon follow. God, I hope he scores a hattie tomorrow!
- Tomas Kopecky must have blackmail on the coaching staff. For as good as he looked in the preseason, now that it's for real, he is not playing well. He simply does not have the skills to keep up with Hoss & Cap'n. He belongs on a checking line - not with two of the most dynamic players in the entire league.
- Yeah, I think Patrick Sharp's still seeing the birdies. I hardly noticed him.
- I thought Corey Crawford did OK considering. With the clusterfuck that our D is right now, whomever is in net is going to have to be near the top of their game to get us some Ws.
- Joel Ward is on my fantasy hockey team. Yay?
- 4 SOG in the third period. That sums it up right there.
- So who is going to take Kaner's place tomorrow night? My bet is on Jeremy Morin, but wouldn't be surprised if it's Brandon Pirri or Igor Makarov. I doubt it'll be Kyle Beach due to his cap hit, but I'm not a numbers cruncher so I have no idea if he'd fit under or not. Please don't bring up another D-man. Jassen Cullimore? BARF.
Sorry, I didn't mean this to be so negative - I guess I was more frustrated than I thought. I just get annoyed when we have control of a game and just basically stop being aggressive and playing with some sense of urgency. I had to watch the back end of "Starship Troopers" afterward to make myself feel better. Anyway...
Jonathan Toews
Captain Serious led the way with his first goal of the season, and added an assist on Kane's power play tally. He was only one of four players with a positive +/- with a +1. I'm sure he's not a happy camper right now - I can see him making Very Bad Faces at his teammates. Perhaps he'd score a little more if he had not one but two wingers on his line that could skate and pass without losing his helmet.
Jack Skille & Viktor Stalberg
If there was one line that seemed to click last night it was the third. Skille & Stalberg showed a lot of speed and moves - their only problem at the moment seems to be consistently getting a quality shot on net. Unfortunately for both of them, they were on the ice for the tying goal by Colin Wilson and never saw the ice the rest of the game - EVEN THOUGH THE PUCK WENT OFF OF JORDAN HENDRY. Q, you really suck sometimes. The worst forward on that line was Dave Bolland who looks like he got amnesia in the offseason and forgot the dominant game he played in the second half of the playoffs. But he still ended up with 17 minutes of ice time. Skille had 9, and Stalberg a mere 7:46- WTF? Mark my words - a Skille/Stalberg combo is set for a multi-point game in the near future.
Jordan Hendry
Thanks to your wonderful shot blocking skills, you scored two goals for the Preds. Forget I was clamoring for your return - at least John Scott is a bit of comic relief. Honorable Mention goes to Nick Boynton - you weren't doing too badly until you decided to flip that puck over the glass with under three minutes left in a tie game. Haven't you been playing hockey since the 90s? I guess you got your common sense in addition to your manhood beat out of you in that first preseason game.
TOEWS-FACE OF THE GAME
Isn't that cute? They have matching facial expressions!
Please don't get your ass kicked by the BJs tomorrow Hawks. It would make the Baby Jesus cry. Loudly.
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