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

Game 15: New Jersey Devils 5, Chicago Blackhawks 3

Box Score
Highlights

W.T.F.

I had a bad feeling about this game. On paper, there was no way the defending Stanley Cup Champions was going to lose to the worst team in the league. But a voice in the back of my head kept telling me this had the potential to be a shitshow. I hate it when that voice is right.

I'm not even going to sit here and analyze this game. It was painful to watch - the Hawks came out to play for 20 of 60 minutes. Are they tired? Do they give a shit? Have the injuries taken their toll? I don't care, and I don't want excuses. Go out there and play like you're being paid to do. Here is one of the biggest laughingstocks in the league in the Devils coming into *your* house with one of their best players on the shelf (Parise) and their future HOF goaltender going out mid-game with a boo-boo and this is the best you can do? Please. I said before the season started that we'd probably be around .500 until the holidays. That's where we're at now, but I am frustrated with the WAY we're losing. Sloppy play in your own zone. Stupid penalties. Trying to cherry pick when you don't even have possession yet. Late goals given up at the end of periods and the game. Getting tossed around. Waiting too long to shoot, inviting a shot block. I could go on but I won't. We're beating ourselves. That is unacceptable.

For fucks sake, I have tickets for Sunday's game. Get it together.

I haven't done "awards" in the last few games. Maybe that's the jinx...

The Han Solo Award (Best Overall Performance)
Viktor Stalberg
Viktor was the lone shining star with 3 points (1G, 2A) on the evening. The kid's fast and has a nose for the puck. The big issue I have with him is he is a wuss when taking the body and tends to avoid contact at all costs. This he must improve upon. Stalberg has 7 points thus far which is pretty good considering you're only being played 15 minutes a night if you're lucky.

The Jar-Jar Binks Award (Most Annoying/Asinine Person Or Object)
Joel Quenneville
I hoped in my last post the reason we sent Potulny & Smith back to Rockford wasn't so we could put a middling defenseman (Hendry) and a human pylon (Scott) at forward. That's exactly what Q did. The reason? Who the fuck knows. It may be for cap reasons - The Fifth Feather has a spot on post regarding that angle. I don't see what the point is in saving what amounts to chump change now, when we could be on the cusp of not even making the playoffs at the trade deadline. What BURNS me, is Q dressed these asshats at forward and didn't even play them 4 minutes apiece. Really? Why bother even dressing a fourth line then? If they're so bad to get such limited ice team WHY DIDN'T YOU KEEP THE ROCKFORD GUYS? The effect of a non-existent fourth line is increased minutes and pressure to score on your other three lines. We saw how terrible the top two lines were last night. Fuck you, Q. Oh and an honorable mention goes to Patrick Sharp and his lovely -5 last night. Yuck.

TOEWS-FACE OF THE GAME

At least Captain Serious blessed us with what I feel is the best Toews-Face thus far in the young season. I wonder if the quality of the Toews-Face is inversely proportional to the quality of the game played.

In writing this, I've made myself pissy and annoyed again. Great. I'm sure that'll make for a wonderful night's sleep...

Game Fourteen: New York Rangers 3, Chicago Blackhawks 2

Box Score
Highlights

This was an unsatisfying game. The effort seemed to be there. The Hawks dominated at times. But the Rangers took advantage of the opportunities they had and the Hawks pissed theirs away. This is gonna be short - I'm watching the election returns...

- The stat of the game: the Rangers blocked 33 shots. *33* shots! Add that to the 35 SOG, and that's 68 times the Hawks took a shot at King Henry. That blocked shot stat is ridiculous, but it's the symptom of a greater issue. The Hawks are taking poor shots and holding onto the puck too long to get their shots off before someone gets in the lane.

- All three Rangers goals were cardinal sins committed by the Blackhawks. 1) Goal scored the last minute of the first period 2) Goal scored the first minute of the third period. 3) Goal scored less than a minute after the Blackhawks tied the game at two and sapped away any momentum. I could deal with perhaps one of those in a game, but all three? Can. Not. Happen.

- Welcome back Soupy! I didn't notice him too much which I guess is good for his first game in about a month. Soup had about 20 minutes of TOI which I thought was about right. I did notice Hjalmarsson seemed to have a better overall game. Aww - he missed his binky.
- John Scott and his 5:51 TOI has now gone beyond tiresome. Duncs got run at against the boards, and Scott just skated off, not a care in the world. You can't skate. You can't score. You can't defend. If you're not going to stand up for our best D-man getting his helmet knocked off, you can take your big lumbering ass to Rockford and hang out at Cherry Valley Mall. I bet Bickell, who was scratched in your stead would have at least given a menacing toothless stare.
- Bad, bad positioning by Seabs on the winning goal by Christensen. When Seabrook has a brain fart, boy is it a bad one.
- Turco was ok. Again, his team didn't do him any favors in front of him, but sometimes you have to take over a game. I was amused when he cleared the zone by himself. He appeared to be sick of the half-ass attempts by his teammates. 
- Potulny and Smith were sent back to Rockford today. I'm not sure if it was done for cap reasons and one, both or somebody else on the Hogs will be back for tomorrow night's game versus the Devils. If no one is recalled, since Hossa nor Bolland will be back for at least a week, I fear that both Scott *and* Hendry will be at forward. I know NJ has been terrible, but really?
- They cancelled the Knicks game at MSG tonight due to asbestos falling from the ceiling. So it's ok for the hockey players and fans to be there, but the game is cancelled for the precious NBA folks? I see.

TOEWS-FACE OF THE GAME

Sharpie knows to back away when Tazer makes that face.

I'm not panicked by the Hawks' play yet. We haven't played a game yet this season with our core intact. Now if we get shellacked by the Devils tomorrow...well I'll start hand wringing a bit. 

A Wild Weekend

I’m attempting to write this post while in the car on the way home from Rochester, MN. We’ll see how this goes – hopefully I won’t get motion sickness and barf on the laptop. Edit: I only wrote half of this post from the car. I might still barf though having just view the NY Rangers game. 

My gf and I left Chicago on Friday morning for our trip to Minnesota. We had a brief pit-stop in Madison for lunch and my gf bought a new MacBook at the Apple Store. 5% sales tax FTW! We arrived in the Twin Cities around 6, and after a quick bite and checking in our hotel in downtown St. Paul, we made our way to Tom Reid’s Hockey City Pub which is only a couple blocks from the Xcel Energy Center. Tom Reid played two seasons for the Blackhawks and nine seasons with the North Stars in the late 60s & 70s. He currently serves as the Minnesota Wild’s radio broadcaster. I highly recommend a stop at this bar if you’re ever in the Twin Cities – it’s worth it for the tons of hockey memorabilia on the walls alone, but also a good place for drinks and some food.

Game Twelve: Edmonton Oilers 7, Chicago Blackhawks 4

Box Score

Highlights

We arrived at the bar after the Blackhawks/Oilers game had started – the score was 1-1 about halfway through the first period. No sooner had the server taken our drink order, the Oilers scored. And scored. And scored again. I don’t think our drinks had even arrived by the time the carnage was over. At that point I was thinking I would have been better served had I stayed in the hotel & taken a nap. Needless to say I spent the majority of the game swearing between drinking. It was 2-for-1 drinks night at the bar, but even that didn’t help take the pain of watching this game away. Afterward, Tom came by our table and jokingly asked if we needed tissues. He’s a really nice, sweet man – apparently he has a funny story about borrowing Stan Mikita’s car when he was with the Hawks but I forgot to ask him about it. I’ll have to get my brother to tell me it. I don’t have much to say about the game as it was a total shitshow, and really, what more could be said? I do have a few points…

- Much was made prior to the game about how terrible the Oilers have been as of late and are even more terrible on the road. I told my gf that therefore we’d probably lose 5-1. Gee, I was such an optimist.
- Dave Bolland didn't play at all in the third period. As of now, he's on IR - the earliest he can play is this weekend. I have it on good authority he hurt his ribs. As much as that sucks, thank god it wasn't his surgically repaired back. Hopefully he can use this time to get his head back on straight and play the way we all know he can. 
- The Hawks had 41 SOG while the Oilers only had 22. The Oil had only *2* shots in the third - and one went in. While I'm glad the shot disparity echoed what it was like for much of last year, that doesn't mean shit when the final score is what it was. 
- In all seriousness, you can pin only one of the four goals given up by Turco as a softie. The other three are on the D and the inability to transition. I'm thinking Q pulled him to save him for Saturday night.
- How much does it suck for Corey Crawford to come on in relief at a 4-2 deficit and get saddled with the loss? But since he gave up the fifth tally to Cogliano, that's how the rules go. Still, giving up 2 in 8 shots is nothing to crow home about either. 

 
We hung around at the bar after the game not only to drown our sorrows, but also because my brother and part of the rest of the gang we were going to the game with the following night had just arrived in town and wanted to join us. I had forgotten what it was like to close a bar down at 2am – I’m an old fart now when it comes to that. My brother obviously got the party genes out of the two of us (I got the artsy-nerd genes apparently). We stayed so late at the bar that we missed the Blackhawks entering the hotel – they were staying at the same one our group was lodged at. Not that we could have done anything, we were expressly forbidden to talk or take pictures of the guys by the hotel management. Besides after that nightmare of a game, I’m sure John Scott would have been sicced on us had we tried. Still, it would have been nice to see them all dolled up in their suits. We did see the equipment guys unloading the duffel bags and such which was a moment of excitement. Whee.

Prior to Saturday’s nights game, we spent a little time around St Paul. I took some pictures of an abandoned brewery which is something that excites me probably way more than it should. During my urban exploration my brother got to wish Duncan Keith good luck as he entered an elevator at the hotel and saw several other players in the lobby. One of our group also had the door held open for her by Jonathan Toews who apparently was very nice. I went to Rainbow Foods – ARGH. We pregamed back at Tom Reid’s which was full of Blackhawks & Wild fans with some college football fans sprinkled in for good measure. Photographer and Blogger extraordinaire HockeyBroad was also in town to see the game and joined us for a bit as well. We left the bar shortly before 6 to pick up our tickets at Will Call. I have to say I liked the Xcel Energy Center quite a bit. It’s a smaller arena (then again most arenas compared to the UC are tiny) but has good sightlines and a nice open concourse. They also have an excellent gift shop. I contained myself – we only bought three pucks (a North Stars, 10th anniversary Wild & Minnesota State of Hockey) and I got an awesome Norris Division T-shirt while my gf bought a North Stars one. She grew up in North Central Iowa, so I’m willing to give her a pass for that one.

Game Thirteen: Chicago Blackhawks 3, Minnesota Wild 1

Box Score

Highlights

I was apprehensive about this game. I had bad luck the other two times I roadtripped for a Blackhawks game. 1) the Hawks won when I went to St. Louis, but I spent the third period in the ER getting stitches. 2) The less said about that trip to Columbus the better. I needed not worry though. Either the Hawks were embarrassed enough the night before to come out and play, or Q threatened their manhood. I care not, the Blackhawks probably played their best complete game in the last couple of weeks. The defense was excellent, there was solid goaltending by TK-421 and we got timely scoring when it mattered. 

- I've always been a Troy Brouwer fan, and was glad to see him break out with a 2 point (1G, 1A) night. You could tell he was relieved - I have some shots of him after he scored and he's grinning ear-to-ear
- Duncan Keith's offensive game has picked up - he also had 1G and 1A and scored 9 points in 4 games to get the NHL's third star of the week. His defense still makes me a little twitchy at times. With Soupy back as of Monday, this should stop. I hope.
- With his empty-netter, Jake Dowell had a three game goal scoring streak. Good for him, you always gotta love when a grinder gets a little recognition.
- No one is harder on Jonathan Toews than Toews himself. He missed a pass and I could hear the FUCK he uttered all the way from row 25. When he missed potting a goal on an open side, you could tell he beat himself up all the way back to the bench. I almost want to tell him not to be so hard on himself, but I think it makes him play even harder. I am so proud he is our captain.
- Nice to see John Madden again even if he was only a Blackhawk for a lone season. I also feel a twang of sympathy for Marty Havlat. I'd never take him over Hossa, but he was my gf's favorite player when he wore the Indian Head
- I felt like belting "It's Beginning to Feel A Lot Like Christmas" when the Wild took the ice.  That red/green color scheme is too funny.
- You have to wonder how many shutouts our goaltenders would have if we could clear the zone consistently. I feel bad for TK-421 that his shutout was denied because his team played hot potato with the puck in front of him. 
- 6:11 TOI for John Scott at forward. *sigh*
- Ben Smith is really fast - I see good things for this kid. He'll need a little more time in the A to put it all together. Also glad to see Ryan Potulny to get the call up for the injured Bolland. I thought he looked solid in Rockford. 

Overall I enjoyed my experience at the Xcel Center. It's a great place to catch a game. There were a surprising number of empty seats, and I'd say the crowd was about a third for the Blackhawks. We had two rows for our group in the 100 level in the end the Hawks shot at twice - a great view. We had some playful banter going on between us and the Wild fans in our area - good times.

No awards for either game as I'm trying to get this post done, but I will give you...

TOEWS-FACES OF THE GAME

That one's classic Toews-Face

I took this one myself during warmups. What a little goofus.

I'll do a picture spam post of all the photos I took of the trip. But now I'm off to work on getting them all uploaded...