hokkeynutt

The Blackhawks and Red Wings played in a classic yesterday and up until about 4 minutes left, when Red Wing Jonathan Ericsson took a delay of game for a puck over the boards, it looked like the Wings, through sheer effort and a stud performance by their tender Jimmy Howard were going to end the Blackhawks consecutive game point streak. But then, no, Kaner scored on the power play with about two minutes to play. Ericsson was seen leaving the sin bin exclaiming, "fv*k". He new he was responsible for giving the Blackhawks a second chance for a point and a "W". And just like that Kaner dazzled and with two funky right leg kicks, beat Howard in the shootout to gain the extra point and a Blackhawks victory. The Crow returned and was sensational both in regulation and in the shootout and was the backstop that the Blackhawks needed. This team is special and what more can be said? I am not sure. After yesterday's performance except for the following, "Championships are conversations forever". Let me explain… Remember the 2007 Patriots that won every game except a kind of important Super one? The Mighty Blackhawks could become one of those footnotes even after starting a season better than any team in NHL history. Setting the NHL’s all-time record for most consecutive games to start a season without a loss in regulation is really magical, especially when it is so unexpected. I am not here to ruin the party, what I am here to say is that I want another Cup, so do you and so do the Blackhawks. It was assumed that the Hawks would be pretty good this season, but not 19-0-3 good. This team has talent, lots of it and all four lines are producing. Does this sound like 2010 all over again? Many of us still continue to talk about the 2009-10 Blackhawks because of how exciting that team was. That team had the perfect mix of youth and veterans, four guys with 66 or more points, Big Hoss with 51 points in just 57 regular season games and Duncan Keith’s teeth (or lack thereof). Who could forget the Blackhawks coming back from a 5-0 deficit at home against Calgary to win in OT 6-5? None of that would be talked about had that team not won the Cup that season against the Flyers. The Blackhawks are fun right now and fun is great so long as the success continues. Hot starts like this are nice little conversation pieces for the immediate. Championships are conversations forever. Just ask the 1979-80 Flyers team that went unbeaten for 35 straight games—a North American sports record that still stands—but didn’t win a championship. Ask any member of that team if they’d trade that stat for a Championship Ring. If the Hawks fall short too and not bring Lord Stanley’s Cup back to Chicago, the fun will be for naught. Go Hawks! Bring Lord Stanley’s Cup back to Chicago!

Please see my latest blog entry as I explain the Crow's injury. Thanks, Scot

It only took 12 seconds for the Blackhawks to put the game out of the Blues reach last night in St. Louis and today the Blues are singing the Blues. The Blackhawks faced a little adversity when starting tender, The Crow, left the game after stopping all six St Louis shots in the first period (see below). The Razor replaced him to begin the second period, but the song remained the same for the Blues as Razor put up a brick wall: zero goals. St. Louis presented the most physical opponent the Hawks have faced to date, and openly wanted to take the action to the Blackhawks out of the gate. But Captain Serious put home the first goal of the game and that proved to be all the Blackhawks needed. As the game got a little more physical and chippy, Q put Carbomb on the top line and that “encouraged” the Blues to back off the stupid crap against Tazer and Big Hoss. With that said, having Saad and CarBomb who can skate in the spot on the top line is indeed quite a luxury. Once again, the Blackhawks penalty killers were outstanding as they blanked the NHL's top power play in four opportunities. I mentioned yesterday, the Blues entered the game scoring 30.3 percent of the time with a man advantage but came up empty as they only had five shots on the PK against the Hawks. Note the Blues were without three of their top forwards, but who gives a sh!t, the streak continues. Tonight, for the second time in less than a week, the Blue Jackets have an opportunity to put a halt to the Blackhawks record-setting streak at the Madhouse. Looking back at the two games already played between the two teams already in this shortened season, it's that tonight's game will not be an easy one for the Blackhawks. Both prior meetings with the Blue Jackets this season have been tightly-contested, physical games, with one-goal decisions that could have easily gone either way. As I mentioned previously, a questionable disallowed goal on Jan. 26 at Nationwide Arena wiped out a tying goal for Columbus in the second period (eventually a 3-2 final) and just last weekend at the Madhouse, the Blackhawks escaped with a 1-0 win as the Blue Jackets put on a late push in the 3rd period. The Blackhawks better be ready. Out of tonight's contest are former Blackhawk James Wisniewski and for the Blackhawks The Crow and The Rat (that’s Dave Bolland for all of you young hockey players). Regarding The Crow: I have a feeling that Blackhawk fans and the Blackhawks themselves, might need to prepare for the Crow to be out for some time. As I previously mentioned, it was rumored the Crow’s last injury was a concussion, suffered against the Ducks. And it sure looked like that was again the problem last night as he could barely leave the ice after 20 minutes. That leaves the goaltending of the league’s best team in the hands of theRazor and former Calgary backup Henrik Karlsson. Below are the NHL Rankings of the two teams: Blue Jackets 5-12-3 13pts: Goals for: 2.15 (29) Goals against: 3.00 (21) PP%: 12.2 (29) PK%: 83.8 (10) Blackhawks 17-0-3 35pts: Goals for: 3.10 (4) Goals against : 1.70 (1) PP%: 18.0 (12) PK%: 89.3 (2) Did you know: 1) Congratulations to the Razor, who was named the NHL's 3rd Star for February, going 7-0-0 with a 1.66 GAA 2) The Blackhawks now are two games behind the 28-game streak set by the 1977-78 Montreal Canadiens. (The Blackhawks' reach is the most consecutive games with at least one point. Chicago stretched its streak to 26 games (the Blackhawks finished last season 3-0-3) by beating the Blues.) 3) Blues fans couldn’t wait to tell you how much it meant for them to end the Blackhawks point streak. Now they’ll tell you how much it matters that they were missing key players. Seriously, I don't give a damn as it doesn’t matter, they’re still missing two points. Tonight's expected Hawks lineup Offense: Saad Tazer Hossa Sharpie Krugs Kaner Bicks Shaw Stalberg Carbomb Meyer Frolik Defense: Seabs Keith Hammer O-do-ya Rozsival Leddy Netminder: Razor GO HAWKS!

That’s the headline going into tonight's Blackhawks/Blues game. One concern that I have is that whichever team is singing the blues after tonight's contest they will not be as hawt as Elisabeth Shue was at singing the blues. The Mighty Blackhawks are in St Louis tonight to take on the Blues, a place where the the Blackhawks have dropped five of their last seven games. This could be one of the stiffest challenges the Blackhawks have faced all year. The first half of this shortened season has been fairly successful for the Blues. They are 10-6-2 and have the #1 Power Play in the league. For the Blackhawks, they will be looking to add to their NHL record and make it 20 straight games to start the season without a regulation loss. I expect tonight's game to be played like it is Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals. The Blues have had this date marked on their calendar since losing to the Blackhawks on January 22nd and are a much improved team. The Blues are on a mission to show the league and the Blackhawks that they are a team not to be messed with and are serious about wanting a Stanley Cup. The Blackhawks will need to play disciplined hockey and avoid the penalty box or this game could get ugly. The boys in the Indiancrest better be ready to match the Blues intensity to silence the crowd at the Scottrade center, otherwise they will be singing the Blues. The Rat is likely out after injuring his surgically repaired back. Below are the NHL Rankings of the two teams: Blues 10-6-2 24pts: Goals for: 2.94 (5) Goals against: 2.83 (18) PP%: 30.3 (1) PK%: 78.8 (20) Blackhawks 16-0-3 35pts: Goals for: 3.10 (4) Goals against : 1.79 (1) PP%: 18.2 (13) PK%: 88.7 (2) Did you know: 1) The Blackhawks are 10-0-3 in games decided by one goal. In each of the last five games and all but one on the homestand were decided by that margin. 2) The Blackhawks have won three straight vs the Blues, all at home and all by one goal with two going to a shootout. The Crow made a season-high 32 saves in a 3-2 win Jan. 22. 3) Rumors are heating up in Philly that the Flyers are inquiring the Winnipeg Jets in acquiring ex-Blackhawk Dustin Byfuglien. Hmm. Not sure if the Flyers acquisition of Simone Gagne will silence these rumors. Tonight's expected Hawks lineup Offense: Saad Tazer Hossa Sharpie Krugs Kaner Bicks Shaw Stalberg Carbomb Meyer Frolik Defense: Seabs Keith Hammer O-do-ya Rozsival Leddy Netminder: The Crow GO HAWKS!

A "Shaw-Zam" goes out to Andrew Shaw who scored his 4th goal of the season (his first GWG) that was set up by gritty play by both O-du-ya and Bicks. But it wasn't all good for Shaw. He wasn't feeling too good on the bench after taking a spear right to the family jewels from James Wisniewski. Shaw, who has a reputation growing of being pesky was in a tussel with Wisniewski in the Blue Jackets' goal crease. It was at that point that Shaw delivered a cross-check right to Wisniewski's back, certainly enough to upset anybody. So Wisniewski's repsonse was to jab Shaw in the family jewels. (I suppose that's one way to clear the crease.) It's going to be interesting to see if the league wants to look at this one. Wisniewski has a history with the league office and no, I don't buy that it was an accident. Wisniewski seems to give a pretty hard jab with his stick, not just an accidental shot. Whether or not there is any more punishment for Wisniewski, there was plenty of punishment for Shaw. But a game-winning goal will probably help take away some of the sting. Here is a link to the video of theattack on the Shaw's family jewels: Now for tonight's action! Tonight, marks the last game of a seven game homestand for the Mighty Blackhawks and is the beginning of a nine-game, 17-day road trip for the Edmonton Oilers as they come into the Madhouse on Madison. For the spectators of the game, tonight's game promises to be a game of speed and talent as the Oilers are branding themselves similar to the Hawks. The Oilers are a team built on speed and their puck movement and their power play are exceptional. The Hawks can't afford to make the same mistakes made against Columbus last night (e.g. Kaner turnovers and penalties (5)). Additionally, both the Crow and Razor have struggled versus the Oilers, with Crow compiling a 5.75 gaa over the past three meetings, losing two starts and Razor has surrendered 10 goals on 40 shots over his two appearances, losing his only start against the Oilers. On the positive, the beloved Blackhawks have momentum and I truly believe that this Blackhawk team is faster than perhaps any Hawk team in years, including the slightly bigger, more physical 2010 Cup Team. The Blackhawks will have to skate hard for 60 minutes and play smater tonight if they want to keep the streak alive. Below are the NHL Rankings of the two teams: Oilers 7-7-3 17pts: Goals for: 2.24 (27) Goals against: 2.65 (16) PP%: 23.7 (7) PK%: 87.5 (4) Blackhawks 15-0-3 33pts: Goals for: 3.11 (4) Goals against : 1.78 (1) PP%: 17.3 (14) PK%: 89.6 (2) Did you know: 1) The Blackhawks have lost the last three meetings with the Oilers. 2) With last night's shuout, his secon of the season, The Crow is Crawford is 8-0-3 with a 1.50 gaa. 3) Hammer was very good last night against Columbus and was credited with six blocked shots. Tonight's expected Hawks lineup Offense: Saad Tazer Hossa Sharpie Krugs Kaner Bicks Shaw Stalberg Carbomb Meyer Frolik Defense: Seabs Keith Hammer O-do-ya Rozsival Leddy Netminder: The Crow GO HAWKS!

First, Congrats to the Blackhawks on setting the record! At 14-0-3, the Hawks set an NHL record by going 17 straight games without a regulation loss to open a season with the win over San Jose on Friday night. Tonight, the beloved Blackhawks face the 5-11-2 Columbus Blue Jackets who are capping off a six game road trip (going 1-4). To simply look at the team records and one would say that tonight's should be a cake walk for the Hawks. However, the Blue Jackets have a new coach and a new team slogan “Lead the Charge” since the Hawks last played them in January. If the Blue Jackets are to end the Hawks streak tonight at the Madhouse, they'll need to do a lot of what they did in their last meeting with Hawks. If you recall, the Hawks escaped that game due to a questionable goaltender interference call (and disallowed game-tying goal). In that contest the Blue Jackets gave the Hawks one of their better tests of the season. Tonight, the Hawks look to avoid a let down and continue their stellar play. The Crow is expected back in net after recovering from a mild concussion. The Rat is out tonight. Below are the NHL Rankings of the two teams: Sharks 5-11-2 12pts: Goals for: 2.17 (28) Goals against: 3.00 (21) PP%: 13.2 (27) PK%: 82.9 (13) Hawks 14-0-3 31pts: Goals for: 3.34 (4) Goals against : 1.88 (2) PP%: 18.1 (13) PK%: 88.7 (3) Did you know: 1) Emery is 7-0-0 on the season and has a goals-against average of 2.10 2) Ryan Clowe, San Jose has been suspended a minimum of 6 games for coming off the bench Friday night to go after Shaw adfter Shaw labeled San Joses Pavelski into the boards just before the game ended. 3) Big Hoss has three goals and five assists during a six-game point streak against Columbus, while Tazer has four goals and four assists in his last five. Tonight's expected Hawks lineup Offense: Saad Tazer Big Hoss Sharpie Krugs Kaner Bicks Shaw Stalberg Carbomb Meyer Frolik Defense: Seabs Keith Hammer O-do-ya Rozsival Leddy Netminder: The Crow Go HAWKS!

Breaking Blackhawks news... Big Hoss and CarBomb will be in the lineup tonight. Coach Q is expected to use CarBomb along with Krugs and Frolik on the fourth line. As a result, I expect Mayers and Bollig will sit tonight.

With their shootout victory over the Canuckleheads on Tuesday night, the beloved Blackhawks tied the record for the most successful start in NHL history (earning at least a point in their first 16 games of the season). They surpassed the 1943-44 Montreal Canadiens, who started the season 11-0-3, the 1984-85 Edmonton Oilers, who started 12-0-3, and have tied the 2006-07 Anaheim Ducks who started 12-0-4. What do all of these teams have in common? Well, as I stated before, they all won the Stanley Cup the year they posted that record. Could the Mighty Blackhawks follow suit? We shall see. The Hawks however currently own the best record to start a season at 13-0-3. Tonight, the Sharks come to the Madhouse on Madison for the last regular season matchup between the two teams expected to contend for the Western Conference Crown. The Sharks ended an 0-4-3 skid with a 2-1 victory at St. Louis on Tuesday. Both of the teams meetings this season have been testy affairs and if you recall in the last matchup, Captain Serious engaged in a rare fight with the Shark's Joe Thornton. Both teams comes into tonight's game rested and as you know the Hawks are a bit dinged up. While Big Hoss participated in practice yesterday, he will be a game time decision. If Hoss is out, I expect Stalberg to move up to the first line. The Crow, is again out tonight with what is being rumored as a mild concussion. Seabs will return to the lineup after missing a game due to a, umm, severely bruised nut. The Razor mans the pipes again tonight. Although he gave up a soft goal, against the Canuckleheads, he did settle in and deliver a solid performance for his second shootout win of the season. With a victory on tonight over the Sharks, the Mighty Blackkawks will make NHL history with the most dominant start to a season. Below are the NHL Rankings of the two teams: Sharks 8-4-3 19pts: Goals for: 2.47 (22) Goals against: 2.13 (4) PP%: 18.9 (11) PK%: 87.1 (5) Hawks 13-0-3 29pts: Goals for: 3.31 (2) Goals against : 1.94 (2) PP%: 18.6 (12) PK%: 87.9 (3) (gave up 2 goals to the Canuckleheads Tuesday) Did you know: 1) Is Sharpie out of his scoring slump? We shall see as Sharpie has scored in two consecutive games. 2) Duncan Keith has five points in his last three games. 3) Sharks netminder and former Blackhawk Antti Niemi has given up more than one goal just twice in his last six starts. 4) As many of you probably already know, the Hawks practice at Johnny's Ice House but do you know what is written on the the Blackhawks lockerroom walls at Johnny's? Below are a few of the sayings written on those walls: "To win the game is great. To play the game is greater. To love the game is greatest." "Don't judge those who try and fail. Judge only those who fail to try." "Success is a journey, not a destination." "If you lose,say little. If you win, say less." "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." "If there is no one in your way, then you're not going anywhere." If the words above don't get you excited for tonight's game, nothing will! Tonight's expected Hawks lineup Offense: Saad Tazer Stalberg Sharpie Rat Kaner Bicks Krugs Shaw Bollig Meyer Frolik Defense: Seabs Keith Hammer O-do-ya Rozsival Leddy Netminder: Razor GO HAWKS!

The beloved Hawks are 60 minutes away from tieing the 2006-07 Anaheim Ducks as the only two teams to start a season with 16 games without a regulation loss. Tonight, the Hawks face their Western Conference nemesis, the Vancouver Canucks who open up a four game roadtrip at the Madhouse on Madison. In the first meeting between the two teams at Rogers Arena, Jordan Schroeder scored the only shootout goal to provide the Canucks with a 2-1 shootout victory. The Hawks have gone 2-0-1 in the first three games of a seven game homestand and are determined to beat the Canucks in regulation, it will not be easy. I expect tonight's outcome to be determined by the special teams, the Hawks 3rd ranked PK versus the Canucks 12th ranked PP and the Hawks 12th ranked PP versus the Canucks 21st ranked PK. Unforunately Seabs is out tonight. Below are the two teams NHL Rankings: Sharks 8-3-3 19pts: Goals for: 2.79 (11) Goals against: 2.14 (4) PP%: 18.5 (12) PK%: 80.4 (21) Hawks 12-0-3 27pts: Goals for: 3.33 (2) Goals against : 1.87 (1) PP%: 18.5 (12) PK%: 89.1 (3) Did you know: 1) Since acquiring defenseman Johnny Oduya last season, the Hawks are 24-2-7 with him in the lineup. 2) After ripping off six straight wins, the Canucks welcomed back Ryan Kesler, by losing two straight (Dallas and St. Louis). Hockey doesn't make sense sometimes. 3) The Canucks earned points in both games they played at the Madhouse last season finishing with a record of 1-0-1. Luongo started both games and allowed just four goals on 77 shots. In fact, the Canucks and Luongo are undefeated in regulation in their last four regular season trips to the Madhouse (2-0-2). Tonight's expected Hawks lineup Offense: Saad Tazer Big Hoss Sharpie Rat Kaner Bicks Shaw Stalberg Bollig Krugs Frolik Defense: O-do-ya Keith Hammer Leddy Rozsival Brookbank Netminder: Razor GO HAWKS!

Just not sure bout this Hawks team, I have some concerns. Sure the Hawks own the best record in the NHL but… in my opinion they are not the best team in the NHL. I realize you have to be lucky to be good and good to be lucky but I have a number of concerns with this team and the time to improve and experiment is now, during the season. The Hawk power play, which in spite of all kinds of star power, was awful last year. This young season has seen the Hawks slide to 15th in the league, going 1 for 8 against the Ducks, including a couple of 4 on 3's. Someone has got to explain to Q that Sharpie should not be on the point on the PP when you have Seabs sitting on the bench who has one of the hardest shots in the league. Also, the opponents know the Hawks, nothing has changed… backdoor all of the time or a set up for a timer. My suggestion, the blueline on the PP needs to improve significantly if this team is going to have a deep run in the playoffs. How bout faceoffs… it would sure be nice if the Hawks could land a second line center to take the pressure off Tazer for game critical faceoffs. It’s a blessing that Tazer was 74% against the Ducks in key situations. Acquiring a second line center would also help Sharpie who has been in a funk. The Rat has a tendency to dump and chase and with Kane and Sharpie as your wingers, puck control is their specialty, not dumping and chasing. I mean ****, when was the last time you saw Kaner go hard into a corner for a puck that was dumped in, with a 225lb defenseman, defending him. Not blaming Kaner but that’s just not his game, puck control is. Next for improvement is the the Hawks shootouts. The Hawks have not been great and as I mentioned yesterday if the Hawks next shootout is tonight, Big Hoss gets his turn as the #3 shooter. The Hawks problem has been finding a consistent third shooter. Sharpie, Leddy and Saad were all given opportunities this season, but failed to score. Lastly, the Hawks need to against bigger and more physical teams. Rumor has it that the Hawks are exploring the possibility of acquiring some additional size and toughness on wing so stay tuned. Tonight, the Hawks face a rested Sharks club, who are in the middle of a six-game road trip, have lost six consecutive contests overall and are looking to even the season series between the two teams. Maybe, I am in a funk but I see tonight's game going to the Sharks, 3-1. Hope I'm wrong. Below are the two teams (NHL Rankings): Sharks 7-3-3 17pts: Goals for: 2.62 (19) Goals against: 2.08 (5) PP%: 21.2 (9) PK%: 87.0 (6) Hawks 10-0-3 23pts: Goals for: 3.31 (2) Goals against : 1.92 (3) PP%: 18.2 (16) PK%: 91.5 (2) Did you know: 1) Car Bomb took to the ice yesterday and is now practicing. 2) The Hawks dropped to 1-3 in shootouts this season with Tuesday's shootout loss to the Ducks. 3) Big Hoss hasn't taken a shootout chance this season and hasn't been used much in recent years. He was 0-4 in shootouts last season, 0-2 in 2010-2011 and 2-5 in 2009-2010. He's 12 for 40 for his career. Tonight's expected Hawks lineup Offense: Saad Tazer Big Hoss Sharpie Rat Kaner Bicks Shaw Stalberg Bollig Krugs Frolik Defense: Seabs Keith Hammer O-do-ya Rozsival Leddy Netminder: Razor GO HAWKS!

The first game back home from long road trip is always dangerous as the Hawks are back at the Madhouse after a successful 4-0-2 roadtrip. Usually the last game of a long road swing and the first game coming back home are difficult challenges. The first half of the challenge was a success and now the Hawks need to take care of the second half. There will be no doubt that an eager crowd will be on hand at the Madhouse on Madison to welcome back the boys in the Indian Crest sweaters. All of you diehard Hawk fans already know that the Hawks have not suffered a regulation loss in their first 12 games. Interestingly, tonight's opponent the Ducks, set the NHL record by not losing in regulation during the opening 16 games of the 2006 campaign. Not to count the chickens before they hatch, but the Ducks won Lord Stanley's Cup that season. A bit of déjà vu? Maybe. The Hawks still have a lot room for improvement especially against bigger, more physical teams, especially those who can also skate and/or clog up the neutral zone. The Ducks, 6-2-1 in their last 10 games are a bigger, physical team with a lot of skill on its top two lines and I expect the Hawks to have their hands full. Speaking of improvement, lets talk faceoffs for a moment because everyone not named Toews or Mayers is getting murdered. Hey Q, can we get this fixed? The Hawks have only played 2 games at the Madhouse this season to date so its critical that the Hawks take advantage of home ice and bring home some additional W's. Did you know: 1) The Crow is 7-0-2 with a 1.62 gaa and .935 save percentage. 2) Sharp is barely cracking 2 shots per game, and his career average is over 3.5. 3) Make it a five-game goal-scoring streak for Kaner, whose nine goals and 10 assists trail only the Sabre’s Thomas Vanek (11 goals, 12 assists) for the NHL’s points lead. 4) Leddy and Frolik have been held with out a point in the last 6 games. With that said, both are playing well, especially on the PK. Tonight's expected Hawks lineup Offense: Saad Tazer Big Hoss Sharpie Rat Kaner Bicks Shaw Stalberg Krugs Mayers Frolik Defense: Seabs Keith Hammer O-do-ya Rozsival Leddy Netminder: The Crow Lets go HAWKS!

First a quick comment on Hawks last game Sunday night against the Flames ... Can you say 'the great escape'? You can bet Calgary will not let a game like that get away from the them again. Big Hoss scores the tying goal with 2.4 ticks of the clock left and then Kaner wins it for the Hawks in a shootout. Additionally the Razor was sharp in net making 45 of 47 saves setting a new career high in saves. Tonight, the beloved face the Sharks who are coming into tonight's game at 7-1-1 after dropping last night's contest to the Ducks in Anaheim 2-1. The Hawks and Sharks will use tonight to judge just how good they are as this game will be between the two best teams in the Western Conference. With two days rest a poor start by the Hawks will be inexcusable as they've regained their legs that were clearly dead in Calgary three days ago. The Rat will be back in the lineup, which is a mild relief after missing only one game due to an ankle injury that looked a lot worse at the time than it ended up being. The Rat figures to jump right back into the middle between the Patricks. Catch a power nap before tonight's game as it starts at 9:30pm CT Did you know: 1) Hawks are #1 in the NHL PK at 94.4% 2) Hawks are 3-3 killing off opponents 5-3 power plays 3) The Crow has a 1.66gaa and ranks 4th just behind Baby Lu who has a 1.53gaa Tonight's expected Hawks lineup Offense: Saad Tazer Big Hoss Sharpie Rat Kaner Bicks Shaw Stalberg Bollig Krugs Frolik Defense: Seabs Keith Hammer O-do-ya Rozsival Leddy Netminder: The Crow Lets go HAWKS! Let's hand the Sharks their second straight loss!

Tonight the Hawks will see the 'new' Wild in which the organization surprised most of the NHL by grabbing both of the highest sought after free-agents over the summer Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. These two signings drastically changed the dynamic of what was a pretty dull hockey team. Parise is one of the NHL's better scorers and is an awesome forechecker. And Hawks fans are too familiar with Suter's defensive skills from his time in the land of the Grand Ole Opry. The Wild escaped with a 3-2 victory last over the Blue Jackets as the Wild let a two-goal lead evaporate early in the third before getting a game winner from Bouchard, the 100th of his career. For those who watched, the Wild appeared to pay solid hockey for about for 40 minutes but lost it in the third, allowing the Blue Jackets to tie it on the power play. Eventually the Wild were able to regain momentum and rally for the win but it could have taken it’s toll for their overall stamina tonight. The Hawks come into tonight's game 6-0 after having two days of some much needed rest. The Blackhawks coaching staff even attended the Wild/Jackets game last night to scout out the Wild. The Hawks are undefeated right now because they are getting contribution from all four lines and are able to roll all 3 defensive lines. I expect that all lines will be clicking tonight after their much need rest and send the Wild back into the Wilderness. Did you know: 1) Rozsival will be out his 3rd straight game with a knee injury. 2) Wild Dman Ryan Suter is a -5 this season. 3) The Crow has a 1.83gaa in 5 games. Tonight's expected Hawks lineup: Offense: Saad Tazer Big Hoss Sharpie Rat Kaner Bicks Shaw Stalberg Bollig Krugs Frolik Defense: Seabs Keith Hammer O-do-ya Brookbank Leddy Netminder: The Crow In my opinion tonight would have been a good game to start Emery knowing that the Hawks head to Canucklehead land and the Shark Tank after tonight's game. Lets go HAWKS! Let's make it 7-0!

Yes that is my twitter @Hokkeynutt

Been a long time since I've posted so, here goes my first post of the shortened season. Wow a 6-0 start for the Mighty Blackhawks, can you believe it? I don't, and I could not imagine the Hawks starting the 2013 campaign at 6-0. So it’s six in a row to start the year and now the beloved embark on a pretty nasty looking six game road trip (it looks even nastier with travelling to the undefeated Sharks on February 5th). Although, I love the Hawks start, let me remind you that the primary focus is winning Lord Stanley's Cup. Many teams have had great starts to a season only to lose in the playoffs or not even make the playoffs. You have probably heard by now that the current NHL record for the longest winning streak to start a season is 10 games by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1993-94. That year the Maples Leafs ended up being the 3rd seed in the playoffs and lost in the Conference Finals to the Canuckleheads. The Ottawa Senators started the 2007-08 season with a 13-1 record only to be knocked out in the first round of the playoffs by the Penguins 4-0. Heck even the Hawks started off 4-0 in 1972-73 and then went 3-7-2 in their next 12 games. That year the Hawks lost in the Cup Finals to the Canadiens four games to two. I am not trying to ruin the party, its exciting to watch the Hawks have such a great start this season but this will mean nothing to me unless this team continues to improve and brings home another Cup in June. Regarding the victory over the scum from Detroit … It was another clutch performance by the Crow and the Hawks penalty kill, primarily Frolik and Krugs. These two saw increased ice time on the pk and it was well deserved as the Hawks killed all six of Detroit's power plays including four in the 2nd period (one a 5 on 3), improving to 22 of 23 this season. Six games is a small sample but in this case accounts for 1/8 of the season. So far the Blackhawks rank fourth in goals scored and sixth in goals allowed in the NHL. The power play is tenth best while the penalty killing unit ranks second. The Hawks discipline has been very good as they are the fourth least penalized team in the league. Other stuff… – This is the bad part of only playing Western Conference foes in a shortened season: Every OT game hands over a point that could prove to be crucial in the division race and battle for playoff seeding. With Detroit unable to find its scoring touch, a regulation victory was there for the taking, but … – The Hawks looked completely gassed in the third period on the end of back-to-back games. That’s understandable, especially given they played most of the second period shorthanded. Though it’s frustrating to give up a point to the Deadwings, the flip side of that is the Hawks got two points when they didn’t appear they’d even snatch one at times. – The Hawks have won four straight against Detroit, dating back to Feb. 21, 2012. – Congrats Crow! The Blackhawks wall in front of the net has been named the NHL's Second Star of the Week! – Johnny Oduya and the Hammer are a +8 and a +6 respectively. – Interestingly, Keith is a -4 and Brent Seabrook is a -5. – Andrew Shaw and rookie Brandon Saad have yet to record a point. – Has anyone seen Sharpie?

Tonight the Hawks take on their biggest rival, "The Detroit Scum", "Deadwings", or whatever you would like to refer to them as. Tonight, two big stars will be out of their respective line ups, Detroit's All-Star center Pavel Datsyuk will miss about two weeks following knee surgery and Captain Marvel is out for the Hawks with the infamous "Upper Body" injury. The Hawks will be looking to continue their 3 game winning streak as they continue to gain back their confidence. While the Hawks are far from perfect, they will need to play a perfect game tonight against the best team in the NHL. The Hawks PP is a must have tonight and must produce tonight for the Hawks to be successful (Sunday against the Blues the Hawks were 0-3). Tonight's contest is a big challenge for the Hawks, but wining this one changes things in the West. A sinking Dallas squad follows, with the Southern Cal trip to Anaheim and San Jose and then Ontario Double (Toronto and Ottawa) to follow. Win here, and suddenly the idea of immediately canceling out that damn losing streak doesn't seem so ridiculous. Tonight's Expected Hawks Lineup: Sharp - Bolland - Hossa Stalberg - Kruger - Kane Brunette - Mayers - Bickell Hayes - Morrison - Scott D-Men: Keith - Olsen Leddy - Seabrook Lepisto - O'Donnell Netminder: The Crow Trade Deadline: - So far all is quite on the trade front. Odds and Ends: - Hjalmarsson returned to practice this morning but still isn’t ready for game action and will be out tonight. - Detroit is 7-4-1 in 12 Tuesday games this season - Detroit is 70-4-4 the last 78 times they've scored 4+ goals in a game Side Note(s): If you only knew... A $100 bet on the Detroit Red Wings in November would be worth $3.9 million now if a bettor had allowed his money to ride during the team's current home win streak, according to Todd Fuhrman of Caesars Entertainment. The Red Wings began a 23-game home win streak on Nov. 5 with a 5-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks. The original $100 bet would have earned the bettor $68 after the first game and accumulated into more than $100,000 after the 15th. Fuhrman, a senior race and sportsbook analyst, suggests that a bettor could have earned $3.9 million dollars after the Red Wings' 3-2 win over the San Jose Sharks on Sunday if they kept their money in for the entire duration of the streak. There have been no reports of an actual bettor who has cashed in on every game of the streak at this point. Thanks for reading! GO HAWKS! Scott

Trades in the works??? NHL scouts scheduled at UC today...Anaheim (2), Dallas, Montreal, Calgary., Winnepeg, San Jose, Pit. and Colorado.

Kaner also has a no trade clause.

Tonight the Hawks are in New York to take on one of the NHL's elite teams, the New York Ranger. This does not bode well for the Hawks. The Rangers have stayed relatively consistent through the month of January and the first half of February and might be able to put a string together with five straight wins with a victory over the struggling Hawks. The Rangers have won eight of their last ten games. The Hawks have lost nine straight games and their last eleven games on the road. After Tuesday's loss to the Preds, the Hawks are now tied for 6th with LA and are only two points ahead of Phoenix in the Western Conference. Scarier still, the Hawks are only three points ahead of 9th place Calgary. Both the Yotes and Flames are playing solid hockey right now, matching 6-2-2 records in their last 10 games. Playing the first place team in the Eastern Conference while under the bright lights of MSG are ideal conditions for the Hawks to break out of their slump. This could be a confidence-booster if they do. The Hawks must be a very hungry hockey team tonight and must get on the board early to take the life out of MSG. I am tired of watching the Hawks playing from behind and I am afraid of what will happen if the Hawks get off to another one of their slow starts. Tonight's Expected Hawks Lineup: Sharp - Toews - Hossa Stalberg - Kruger - Kane Brunette - Bolland- Bickell Shaw - Mayers - Scott D-Men: Keith - Olsen Leddy - Seabrook Lepisto - O'Donnell Netminder: The Crow Odds and Ends: - The Crow is 0-4-1 in his last five games with a 4.35 GAA - Captain Marvel has been held scoreless in the last eight games - In '05-'06, the Hawks had a ten game losing streak in January. Do you know who the leading scorer on that team was? Kyle Calder with 59 points. Side Note(s): - Anyone else tired of hearing the Kaner trade chat? Look, Kaner has a no trade clause in his contract. While I admit, I have not been a big fan of his of late, he is still considered one the NHL's elite play-makers. - With all of this trade rumors occurring, if the Hawks were to make a trade or trades, do you really think that this will help the team this year? We have known all year long that the Hawks Special teams have been in disarray and continue to be. The Hawks defense has needed another solid blue-liner to anchor the D. And... it has been known since last summer that the Hawks have needed a #2 center. These issues have been clearly known up to this point. Furthermore with the current nine game skid these issues have become even more apparent. If Stan gets off his *** and makes a few trades, will it be enough? My guess is that the Redwings will not be silent at the trade deadline, nor will the Blues. In my opinion, the Blues and the Redwings are the teams to beat in the Western Conference and I would not be surprised to see one of those teams representing the West in the Stanley Cup. Thanks for reading! GO HAWKS! Scott

Well Kruger scores two in the 2nd with 10 minutes left 2-2.

That would 6 losses in 6 road games. Bad start to the game against the Sharks tonight. Given up 2 pp goals in the first. And Crow looks very shakey in net. Stan dammit do something!

Tonight the Hawks are in San Jose looking to get back on track. This past week has been a tough one of sorts for the Hawks including Tuesday's loss to the Avs and a flu bug knocking a quartet of Hawks players out of practice on Wednesday (Hjalmarsson, Leddy, Stalberg and Bicks). For all the talk over the Hawk's porous defense, their offense has disappeared and has compounded matters. The Hawks have scored more than two goals just once during their current losing skid. And to make matters worse, the power play is just 1-for-15 over the six-game span. Most of Wednesday's practice was spent on the power play and as I mentioned in my prior post, the Hawks pp was 0-for-3 at Colorado and they did not register a shot on goal. The Sharks come into tonight's game losing two straight. Let's think positive tonight Hawks Fans! The Black Eyed Peas sing, "I've gotta a feeling... that tonights going to be a good night" and I have that feeling too. The string of Hawks' losses ends tonight. Tonight's Expected Hawks Lineup: Frolik - Toews - Hossa Sharp - Kruger - Kane Shaw - Bolland- Stalberg Mayers - Morrison - Bickell D-Men: Keith - Seabrook Leddy - Hjalmarsson Scott - O'Donnell Netminder: The Crow No news from GM Stan Bowman in the way of trades or acquisitions, though depending on who you listen to he is in the market for either a goalie, a defenseman, a center, a goalie and a center, a goalie and a defenseman, or a center and a defenseman. Odds and Ends: - Sharpie's next GWG - which will be his 30th with CHI - will give him sole possession of 12th on the #Blackhawks' all-time list - The Hawks have recalled defenseman Dylan Olsen from Rockford and have put Steve Montador on IR. - In the last meeting at the Tank, between the Hawks and Sharks the Hawks lost 1-0, Crow was in net. Thanks for reading! GO HAWKS! Scott

Make that four losses in row on this nine game road trip and it would appear that the Hawks are in trouble as they continue their downward spiral in the Western Conference. The Hawks finished their season series with Colorado, Edmonton and Calgary with a record of 4-7-1... nothing to be proud of. To make matter worse, the Hawks will finish the road trip against some of the NHL's elite teams, San Jose, Phoenix, Nashville and New York Rangers. They wrap up the trip in Columbus (yay, maybe a "W"). The Hawks had 3 power plays last night in Colorado and did not score, worse yet, they had no shots on goal! I mean are you serious, no shots on goal on 3 power plays? The Hawks are now 0-10 on power plays on this road trip. But wait it gets better, I say that sarcastically of course, before the second period was 4 minutes old, the Hawks gave up their sixth 2 on 1 break and you knew it was a matter of time before the Avs would score and they did just that. The Hawks are in disarray and something must change now. At this point I am not sure if it is a lack of talent, the players quitting on Q, or if there was to much hype on the free agents signings this past summer. Captain Marvel said it best after last night's game, "I don’t really know what to say at this point. It sucks. It's not like we’re enjoying this." Hey Tazer, you bet this sucks! Stan its clearly evident, this team needs changes and they must start now. Get on the damn phone and do something! Thanks for reading. Scott

That's the questions to be answered by the Hawks tonight who are currently on a five game losing streak and have lost the first three games of the nine game road trip. The Hawks face the Colorado Avalanche who are also on a five game losing streak. Tonight one of these teams breaks their cherry and will get the "W". For the Hawks, Razor will be back in net and I've got to believe the job is now his to lose. At practice yesterday, Coach Q had the lineup blender on "max" and blended the lines quite a bit. I have a feeling that we will see the lines below at puck drop. Q's goal is more offensive production. Q has also blended the second and third lines on D moving Hjalmarsson down and moving Montador up. We'll see how these line changes work out tonight if not does panic set in? Stan mentioned last Friday that the trade wires have been silent has teams are in "wait mode". If the Hawks lose another tonight, that just might be the match-stick needed to light a fire under Stan's a$$ to get something done. Tonight's Expected Hawks Lineup: Toews-Kane-Shaw Bolland,-Sharp -Hossa Morrison-Kruger- Stalberg Mayers-Bickell*-Frolik *Bruny is a game-time decision and could replace Bicks as center on the 4th line. (He has been out the infamous "upper body injury") D-Men: Keith - Seabrook Leddy - Montador Hjalmarsson- O'Donnell Netminder: Razor Odds and Ends: - A special thanks goes out to the Yotes who last night beat the Detroit Scum 3-1. - The Hawks have lost their last seven road games. - The Hawks been outscored 22-10 in the first three games of the nine game road trip. Thanks for reading. GO HAWKS! Scott

Tonight, we will see how the Hawks respond to a humiliating 8-4 loss last night to team 20 points beneath then in the standings when the visit the Calgary Flames in Calgary. This will be the third road game of a nine game road trip. The Hawks are sixth in the Western Conference with 65 points, one point out of fourth and five points ahead of seventh. The alarm clocks should be buzzing of the harsh reality that this team is currently not a playoff caliber team. Let me rephrase that, they can make the playoffs but will not make it past the first round. As I mentioned before, this team struggles against the NHL elite teams as evident in three of the last four losses and weeks earlier two losses to Detroit. This team has holes... in net, on defense and needs another top 6 forward. Things need to change now! I am sure Stan is working the phone lines but dammit, get something done and now. Hey Stan there are only 30 games left! And before I turn my attention to tonight's game against the Flames... Hey Q! Q ! Hey Q will you bench that idiot who stupidly wore a Superman's cape at the All-Star game, he has not scored in how games now??? and still has not learned that thing called "team defense". He's no Superman! Hey Q grow a pair and bench him! Or move him to the third line and bring Shaw up to the first. Ok enough venting... Tonight's game with the Flames is the fourth and final meeting this season. Interesting enough is that the home teams have won each of the first three games, all by comfortable margins. The Hawks have won 4-2 and 4-1, while the Flames won 5-2. The Hawks are expected to start the Razor in net tonight and word is Bruny is out with an upper-body injury in which some are saying anonymously that it is serious. The Flames are coming off 3-1 loss Tuesday to Detroit and in seven of their last twelve games scored less than two goals. Tonight's Expected Hawks Lineup: Stalberg - Toews - Kane (bench him or move him to the third line) Hossa - Kruger - Sharp Frolik - Morrison - Shaw Bickell - Mayers - Scott D-Men: Keith - Seabrook Leddy - Hjalmarsson Montador - O'Donnell Netminder: Razor Odds and Ends: - The Hawks are 7-3-1 in the second game of back-to-back scenarios. - The Flames record when leading after two is an impressive 15-0-3. - In the last 10 games between the Flames and Hawks, the Hawks are 7-3-0 Thanks for reading. GO HAWKS! Scott