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hokkeynutt

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  2. hokkeynutt
    Hello Blackhawks fans...
    Tonight the Hawks officially kickoff the Circus trip and the Hawks hope to continue their recent success on the November trip, having gone 4-2-0 last season and 4-1-1 during the 2009-10 season. The boys in the Indian Crest kick off a six-game trip with revenge on their minds because the Canuckleheads manhandled the Hawks in their last meeting, scoring five power-play goals. Tonight, I expect a different storyline. The Hawks are improving but still have weaknesses primarily on the power play and the penalty kill. These two areas of the game must continue to improve. It is also important for the Hawks to score first (they are now 8-0-1 when scoring first) and silence the Schmuck fans. Lastly, look for the Hawks not to take the stupid, selfish penalties that they did in the first meeting between the two teams.
    Keys to the game:
    - The 25th ranked Hawks Penalty kill must shut down the Canucnkleheads 2nd ranked Power Play.
    - The Bolland line matching up with the Sedins
    - Crawford controlling the rebounds
    Odds and Ends:
    - Duncan Keith missed the first game against the Canucks two weeks ago because of injury, I expect him to bring some killer intensity to the game.
    - Dave Bolland practiced yesterday and is expected back in the line up.
    - Unlucky #7, Seabs, will not play due to a lower body injury.
    - Canuckleheads starting goaltender, Baby Luongo is sidelined with an upper-body injury and will sit out tonight's game.
    Expected Hawks Line-Up:
    Offensive:
    Stalberg-Toews-Hossa
    Carcillo-Kane-Sharp
    Frolik-Bolland-Bickell
    Brunette-Kruger-Mayers
    The D-men:
    Montador-Keith
    Leddy-Hjalmarsson
    Lepisto-Scott
    Netminder:
    Crawford
    Hawks lets start his trip with a bang! GO HAWKS!!!
  3. hokkeynutt
    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!
  4. hokkeynutt
    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!
  5. 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?
  6. hokkeynutt
    Tonight the Hawks take on the New York Islanders at the Madhouse. A repeat performance of Tuesday night loss to the Yotes and we’ll all be drinking Long Islands.
    After a long road trip the Hawks came home and played another emotionless game and the final score reflected it. Just think, it wasn’t that long ago the Hawks had a dominating lead in the Central Division and led the Western Conference. That is no longer the case.
    Their lead has all but disappeared and a review of their part of the schedule would demonstrate that the Hawks played an easier schedule in the first quarter of the season. The Hawks are now tied with Detroit and hold an insignificant one-point lead in a very tight division over the Blues. Its time to get serious Hawks has this season is quickly becoming a roller coaster ride that everyone would like to get off.
    Back to Tuesday’s game for a second, didn’t it appear that parts of the Circus Trip (Alberta Swing) resurfaced again. Defensive breakdowns, poor decisions with puck, and line changes being made at the wrong time.
    But enough of that lets talk tonight. The Islanders come to town and there are a number of things the Hawks need to fix now…
    1) Kaner, I am sure in Mite hockey they taught you that when your winger is breaking down the ice with the puck and takes a shot on goal, it would be nice to see you (who is coming into the play from the other wing) stop in FRONT of the net and pick up the damn rebound. STOP skating behind the net. What is there a pretty blonde in the stands behind the net that you are trying to impress?
    2) Hawks, when you have the puck, shoot on net. Too many times you are trying to make the pretty play and make another pass or you shoot a high hard wind or over the net.
    3) DEFENSE! Need I say more?
    4) Crawford, the Crow is in a slump now. He is breaking down and at times scrambling and sliding out to wide or to far in front of the net. Hey Crow, stick with fundamentals, stay square in the paint, get into the butterfly and stop the dang puck.
    It’s so difficult to figure out this Hawks team. Mostly because this team is going to look drastically different once the important part of the season kicks in. As I mentioned previously, the Hawks are far too dependent on their top two lines, aren’t getting nearly enough contribution from the bottom two lines, have three top-notch defensemen (Keith, Leddy, Seabrook) and three bottom pairing defensemen (Montador, Hjalmarsson, and you pick Scott or O’Donnell).
    With the above said, the Islanders just might be the team the Hawks need right now to once again start another winning streak and to start playing with some piss and vinegar. A Hawk’s loss to the Islander team would be like eating another bite of a $hit sandwich.
    　
    Tonight’s Expected lineup:
    Stalberg-Toews-Kane
    Sharp-Kruger-Hossa
    Frolik-Bolland-Bickell
    Carcillo-Mayers-Brunette
    D-Fence!
    Seabrook-Keith
    Hjalmarsson-Leddy
    Montador-O’Donnell
    Netminder:
    Crawford
    Odds and Ends:
    - Take note of the lineup as Q is juggling the lines again. Of note is Krueger centering the 2nd line. Kaner is back on right wing and Car Bomb is down on the 4th line where he belongs.
    -The Islanders have won their last two games on the road.
    - The Hawks received a conditional seventh round draft pick from the Senators in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft in exchange for 25-year-old forward Rob Klinkhammer. In his 18 games this season with the AHL’s Rockford Ice Hogs.
    Thanks for reading!
    GO HAWKS!
    Scott
  7. hokkeynutt
    The Hawks are on a four-game losing streak and have dropped five of their last six overall and tonight they face the Blue Jackets and the debut of interim coach Todd Richards, who took over for the fired Scott Arniel on Monday. Usually, when playing a team that has just changed coaches you worry about that teams players coming out with so much piss and vinegar to try and impress the new guy. Not sure how the Jackets will perform but if you recall when the Blues hired Hitchcock, the Hawks played the Blues the next night and were driven out of St Louis with a 3-0 loss. The Blue Jackets come into tonight's game with the fewest points in the league and are 2-8-1 in their last eleven games.
    Coach Q has juggled lines quite a bit tonight due to the broken wrist suffered Sunday by Sharpie and the suspension of Carcillo (tonight he serves game four of a seven game suspension). I further expect Q to shuffle the lines around as the game progresses. The Hawks cannot take the Jackets lightly tonight, if they do the Hawks would lose their fifth straight game, something they have not done since March 13-20, 2009.
    　
    Tonight's Expected Hawks Lineup:
    Stalberg - Toews - Kane
    Smith - Frolik - Hossa
    Bickell - Bolland - Shaw
    Brunette - Mayers - Hayes
    D-Men:
    Keith - Seabrook
    Leddy - Hjalmarsson
    Scott - O'Donnell
    Netminder:
    The Crow
    Odds and Ends:
    - In the last meeting between the two teams the Hawks won 4-1
    - Trade Rumors are all over the net. Some Hawks being mentioned are Bolland, Bickel, Stalberg, Leddy, Hjalmarsson, Frolik, prospects Brian Connelly, Shawn Lalonde and Philippe Paradis. One rumor melting the ice is Hawks sending Dave Bolland, Viktor Stalberg and prospect Shawn Lalonde to Florida for Stephen Weiss and a mid-round draft pick.
    Thanks for reading!
    Go Hawks!
    Scott
  8. hokkeynutt
    The Stanley Cup Finals are now a best of three and you have to like that two of three remaining games are at the Madhouse. Tonight, the fans at the Madhouse will definitely provide an extra boost to the boyz in the Indian Crest who are back home with some momentum. They not only won in dramatic fashion providing their fan base with numerous ups and downs Wednesday night in Game 4, but the Hawks could have won by a couple of goals had Crow played better.
    Game 4 showed the Hawks what they need to do to beat Boston: skate hard, forecheck, backcheck, send bodies to the front of the net and everyone must play big! I expect the Blackhawks to come out tonight as they did in Games 1 and 4 using their speed to open the ice and once in the Bruin zone the d-men pitch in at the opportune time. Crow will need to tighten up his glove side and has consistently rebounded all year long after bad games. I expect him to do the same tonight. Lastly, the boys in the red jersey will need to stay out of the sin bin has Blackhawk penalties kept Boston in Game 4. The success of the PK has allowed the Hawks to get away with that plenty of times this season, but both of Boston’s powerplay goals changed the complexion of the game.
    If the Mighty can replicate the essence of their Game 4 performance, stay out of the sin bin and Crawford can tighten it up, the beloved will be 1 victory from hoisting their second Stanley Cup in four years.
    Did you know?
    - In the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Mighty are 7-0 in games 5, 6 and 7’s.
    - The Blackhawk PK must improve as the Bruins are 4/13 on the power play.
    - Chara was on the ice for five of the Blackhawks goals in Game 4.
    - Sharpie’s powerplay goal was the Blackhawks first conversion in their last 24 opportunities on the man advantage.
    - Q has assured Leddy that he will see more ice time tonight.
    Tonight's expected Hawks lineup:
    Offense:
    Bicks Tazer Kaner
    Sharpie Bolland Big Hoss
    Saad Shaw Stalberg
    Zus Krugs Frolik
    Defense:
    Seabs Keith
    Hammer O-do-ya
    Rozsival Leddy
    Netminder:
    The Crow
    Lets go BLACKHAWKS! BRING US THE CUP!


  9. hokkeynutt
    Remember game 5 against the Detroit Scum when I commented, “Game 7 is tonight and a win is necessary to get it to another Game 7 and then another…” Blackhawk fans its “Gut Check” time again and tonight’s game 4 is simply do or die. No other way to put it. So while you digest that, here are a few observations from Monday’s embarrassment:
    Where was the net front presence for the Hawks, there was none until Q sent Bicks out after pulling Crow late in the third period?
    Where was “look at my cool mullet”, Kane, a $6.3 million player, other than missing a clear shot in the third period? Kaner did Tiki have another father/son talk with you? If not he needs to!
    How can a power play be that disorganized, chance after chance, game after game? Didn’t Q bring in “his guy” to solve the power play issues? My gosh I sound like a broken record when I say, “Q, the power play sucks!”
    Why are the Hawks getting there azz kicked in the faceoff dot? Stan isn’t the team built to be a puck possession team? (Oh yeah, all you did at the trade deadline was bring in Zus.)
    Stan, if players, including your $6.3 million a year Marketing Boy Wonders, aren't playing like with all the piss and vinegar, it's time for this organization to make some hard choices.
    One last point, are there too many passengers on this team (Stalberg, Zus, Bolland, to name a few)?
    A friend Efren, commented on his FB page, “I can't even listen to the Score Radio or Facebook page who feel the series is over at 2-1.”
    I don’t feel that the series is over but the good guys have not scored in over 122 minutes, a lil over two games and look like a clusterflop on the ice, disorganized with no sense of direction and Q I blame you and the players for this. Boston smells blood and heading into Game 4, the boyz in the Indian Crest need to play bigger and better, obviously. What I mean by my comment is that they don't necessarily have to be bigger, but they have to play to their size if they are bigger or play the game and get results like bigger players if they're small. Example of a player playing big: C/W Marcus Kruger, who at 175 pounds, rarely loses a board battle, blocks shots, absorbs checks and always goes to the front of the net. He has desire and the will. An example of a player who plays "small" 6'3", 210 pound winger Viktor “No Hands” Stalberg, who, for all his speed, rarely wins a battle physically or finishes any checks. (I guess he doesn’t want to break a nail.) The Hawks have to stop disappearing in physical games, stop giving up on pucks in the corners and stop wilting under a forecheck. If this does not change and certain players continue to play small, they must realize that they are putting a much larger burden on the rest the Hawks players. If you're not going to go to the front of the net, then your teammate's centering pass goes right to an opposing defenseman and very quickly the other way. If you're not going to win the puck on the wall... well than your linemate has to. If you're not going to take the hit to make a clearing pass, then the whole team has to expend more effort to get the puck out and on and on and on. Ok I vented!
    Tonight, I expect Q will use Kane, Tazer and Sharpie together on the same line. With the 'Hawks down 2-1 and struggling to score goals, there is no better time than tonight to see how this line produces against the Bruins. This will leave Big Hoss, to be on line 2 with Zus/Bolland and Bicks. For the 3rd line, I believe it could look like Saad, Shaw, and Stalberg and the 4th line Frolik, Zus and Krugs.
    The Blackhawks need to change their game and it better start tonight. They need to play harder, more physically and fearlessly. Can they do it with the roster they have? We’ll definitely find out tonight and for any remaining games in this series. Its Gut Chek time and remember Blackhawks, checking is allowed.
    Thanks for reading.
    Go Blackhawks!
  10. hokkeynutt
    Duncs earned a 1 game suspension and even a hearing that neither Bolland or Matt Cooke got for their actions in earlier 2013 play off games. Obviously, there’s no consistency or even reason except for one to conclude that Brendan Shanahan is a freakin idiot! In my opinion Keith should have been fined. Additionally why wasn't Carter suspended for his swing to Dunc's upper back? If you were to go back a year you even have the Preds Shea Weber slamming the Red Wing's Henrik Zetterberg’s head into the glass and not being supsended.
    So what is the impact to the boyz in the Indian Crest in Game 4 tomorrow night?
    Obviously, Sheldon Brookbank will skate. How the defensive pairing are set up could be the challenge for Q. My guess is that Q could reunite Leddy and Seabrook, but that might be a lot to ask of Leddy. But with that said I look to Hammer will flip to the left side to play with Seabrook (they have before). That would at least keep Leddy-Rozisval and Oduya-Brookbank together and those are the pairs that have lined up for a lot of the season. Another thought is that Brookbank will see less than 5 minutes and everyone is going to skate with just about everyone. For one game, I think the Hawks can survive, we need Leddy to be on top of his game and Rozsival needs to step up.
    Regarding the inept power play, I expect Oduya will be added to the point its not like the power play can get any more useless.
    Where there is major impact is on the penalty kill where Duncs has the ability to chase down a lot of loose pucks and clear them. The key is the Blackhawks must stay out of the box and not fall for the bull$hit that Sharpie fell for in Game 3. Stay focused on the task at hand boyz.
  11. 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!
  12. hokkeynutt

    Hawks wave Olesz

    By hokkeynutt,

    The Hawks placed Rostislav Olesz on waivers today. NHL teams have 24 hours to claim Olesz and if he isn't picked up by another team could be headed to Rockford of the AHL.
    Olesz was aquired when the Hawks traded Campbell and his $7 million-plus salary per season to Florida. If Olesz heads to Rockford, the Hawks would still be on the hook for his salary of $3.4 million, but would gain $3,125,000 of cap room. This is important as I expect Bowman is looking for another D-Man to secure the blue line or another scorer (center) to help the power play.
    With Olesz waived, I expect Brandon Saad to join the team and fill the 23rd roster spot.
  13. hokkeynutt
    The Flames torched the Hawks last night and ended the Hawks four game winning streak last night so what does this mean? The Hawks get a chance to start a new one tonight in Edmonton against an Oilers team that has lost four straight. Games like last night's seems to be demonstrate the need for more heart, energy, piss and vinegar on the roster than that which was added in the offseason. Hey Q, please sit John Scott! In my opinion the entire Hawks team looked bad last night especially Crawford giving up two bad goals. This is the part of the game were I hope Coach Q does not burn him out to soon in the season. The Razor has proven to be a viable backup, use him Q, as I expect you to, tonight.
    The Hawks look to duplicate their effort from last Sunday's victory over the Oilers. The Oilers PK ranked 6th in the league has been pretty solid and the Hawks will need to find a way to keep their
    powerplay improving going (at least one pp goal in each of the last five games). The success while
    on the man advantage was a big reason for all of those comfortable 3+ goal wins over the last week or so. Speaking of offense, Sharp and Kane need to have a game; think about it, Hossa, Toews, and Stalberg can't score every night, right? Lets step it up 2nd line.
    Tonight's Expected Lineup:
    Stalberg-Toews-Hossa
    Carcillo-Kane-Sharp
    Smith-Bolland-Bickell
    Brunette-Kruger-Mayers
    D-Fence!
    Montador-Keith
    Leddy-Hjalmarsson
    Lepisto-Scott
    Netminder:
    Razor
    Odds and Ends:
    - The Hawks are 1-3-1 on Fridays so far this year.
    - Money to spend; Bowman has $6 million to $7 million at his disposal to improve his team, if needed.
  14. hokkeynutt
    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!
  15. hokkeynutt

    Shark Bait?

    By hokkeynutt,

    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!
  16. hokkeynutt
    Thats a question to be answered by the Hawks on Saturday and Sunday. Coming off two 5-2 victories over Columbus and Minnesota, the Hawks now get a chance to test out their new lineup and (possibly) improved defense against two of the NHL's elite teams: at Detroit against the Deadwings on Saturday and Sunday at the Madhouse on Madison versus San Jose Sharks.
    Just a few comments on last night's game:
    Blackhawk Rookies, Andrew Shaw and Jimmy Hayes again had very good games each scoring a goal. As I stated yesterday, both might be able to stick and help this club. Time will tell.
    I have to sing this again, but "Oh where, Oh where has Kaner been, oh where, oh where can he be?" With four goals in his last 26 games, Kane is on pace for a career-low 18. Kane is feeling the pressure and the lack of scoring and admitted so during the in-between period interview with SaraH Kustok of CSN. Hey Kaner, this is your weekend to shine! Kane this weekend's games are the real deal and it would be nice to see you go ape sh!t and score a few goals.
    How about some praise for the power play! As you know, the Hawks have been terrible on the power play as of late. Last night, the Hawks scored twice with the extra man. They will definitely need to keep this momentum going as this type of production is a must in the second half of the season.
    Odds and Ends:
    - Marcus Kruger is cleared to play against the Deadwings and the Hawks have sent Ben Smith back down.
    - I expect on Monday, that the Hawks will officially place Car Bomb on IR as his season is over and his seven game suspension will have concluded on Sunday evening.
    - Early word is that Emery will start in goal against Detroit
    Thanks for Reading!
    GO Hawks!
    Scott
  17. hokkeynutt
    Last night, Blackhawks winger Viktor Stalberg recorded a Hat Trick giving him seven goals this season against the Jackets. He only has twelve on the season and was quoted after the game, "I wish it was like that every night!" I am sure he was referring to his goal output and not playing the 82 games against the Jackets. The Hawks PK killed all five of the Jackets power plays including a four minute pp in the first period when Montador was given an additional two minutes for instigating the fight with a face shield against Boll and an additional two minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Hawks PK was expected to perform well against the worst team in the League and did so. The Hawks earned two points last night and the Blue Jackets just might have been the Preparation H that this Hawks team needed, we shall see.
    Kane Watch: Kaner has three goals in 24 games and this should be his time to shine with Sharpie being out. Last night Kane did have an assist on Stalberg's goal but as I stated in my previous post, he is making bad decisions on the ice and is playing Bantam hockey. sh!t, even recently called up Jimmy Hayes is playing better then Kane. Coach Q, you must send Kaner with a cap hit of $6.3MM, a message now and sit him a game!
    Odds and Ends:
    - The Blue Jackets out shot the Hawks 34-25
    - The Hawks were 0/5 on the power play. (UGH!!!)
    - Tazer won 11 of 15 face offs to continue his league lead.
    - The Hawks are now tied for the Central division lead (55 points) as the Blues blanked the Canadiens 3-0 and the Deadwings lost to the Islanders 5-1.
    - The Hawks next game will be Thursday when they play host to the Minnesota Wild.
    Thanks for reading.
    Scott
  18. hokkeynutt
    Tonight,for the first time since the 2010 Stanley Cup Final, the beloved Blackhawks travel to the Wells Fargo Center to take on the Philadelphia Flyers (22-11-4).
    Regarding the Flyers, they skaters in orange are a tough, physical and skilled team that is built for the playoffs. As you know, this is the kind of team that gives the Hawks, as currently composed, a lot of problems.
    For the Hawks there are some changes to the lineup as they try to regroup from Monday's loss to the Oilers and Car Bomb's 7 game suspension. As I posted yesterday, Coach Q plans to start the Razor (Emery) in net against Flyers and recently signed Andrew Shaw will be in the lineup and likely paired with Toews and Sharp on first line to start the game. Rumor has it that rookie Dylan Olsen will be paired with O'Donnell tonight which would mean that D-man John Scott will be out of the lineup against a very physical Flyers team. In the past 5 games the Hawks are 1-for-21 on the power play which has prompted Coach Q to move Kaner to the second power-play unit in an attempt to get the pp firing again.
    This game will be physical and will be a tough challenge for the boys wearing the Indian Crest. The Hawks better bring their "A" game tonight as they do not want to be on a 2 game losing streak and then come home to face the Deadwings tomorrow night. Last year the Flyers beat the Hawks at the Madhouse on Madison 4-1. Hawks, lets return the favor tonight!
    Tonight's Expected Hawks Lineup:
    Shaw - Toews - Hossa
    Sharp - Kane - Stalberg
    Bickell - Bolland - Frolik
    Brunette - Mayers - Hayes
    D-Men:
    Keith - Seabrook
    Leddy - Hjalmarsson
    Olsen - O'Donnell
    Wall:
    Emery
    　
    Odds and Ends:
    - On Wednesday, the Hawks placed both center Marcus Kruger and defenseman Steve Montador on injured reserve. I expect Car Bomb to me moved to IR after completing his 7 game suspension.
    -This is the only regular season meeting between the two teams. Last year the Flyers won the game at the Madhouse on Madison 4-1.
    - Oh where, oh where, has Kaner gone, Oh where, Oh where can he be??? Kaner has only two goals in his last 20 games.
    Thanks for reading!
    Go Hawks!
    Scott
  19. hokkeynutt

    Hey, Let's Get Wild!

    By hokkeynutt,

    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!
  21. hokkeynutt
    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
  22. hokkeynutt
    Hey Stan, the Hawks need to fill their holes now. They are falling fast in the West after another embarrassing loss in Edmonton. The Crow played one of his worst games of the season, blowing a 2-0 second period lead and getting pulled in the third. The Crow looked like a fish out of water in his crease all night and may now take a seat behind Razor, who is expected to get an opportunity to win the starting job for the stretch run. As ugly as it was, the status of the team is pretty much the same. One of the best in the West, but with holes that need addressing...Now! These holes are starting to get bigger as other teams in the West are passing the Hawks. I know Stan is working the phones, but jeezuz, lets not fall to far down before the deals get done. The Hawks will try to regroup later tonight against the Flames in Calgary in an attempt to break their four game losing streak and their 6 game road losing streak. More to come later on tonight's game.
    Odds and Ends:
    - The injury bug hit the Hawks again last night as Bruny left the game with an upper body injury. When Coach Q was interviewed after the game, one got the impression that the injury is serious or at least that was my take.
    - Bicks spent more time in the penalty box (4 mins) than he had on the ice (3:39) through two periods. And to think Frolik was not dressed to play this worthless piece of dung.
    - The Oilers' Sam Gagner scored four goals and became the first player with eight points in game in 23 years (since Gretzky and Coffey).
    - In my opinion the Crow is done, spent, and has lost all confidence. Rumors of the Hawks being interested in Columbus' Curtis Sanford although I think he is to small to be an elite NHL goalie, 5'10", 185lbs.
    Thanks for reading.
    Scott
  23. hokkeynutt

    Speechless

    By hokkeynutt,

    Last night was a "Wild" game… First, the Blackhawks Organ-I-zation provided an awesome tribute to Big Hoss playing his 1,000th NHL game. Then the pucked dropped and the game started in sloppy fashion. And with a sloppy start, Shawzam turned the puck over at the Blackhawks blue line which led to the Wild netting the opener. Then the Blackhawks awoke and the dam broke. Or rather, the "Manchild" (Brandon saad) as he is referred to by Tazer set the tone. Saad would tie the game up on his second whack at a backhander on a goalmouth scramble. Forty-four seconds later, Bicks would put the Blackhawks ahead with a lead they wouldn’t look back and the Wild Team saying, "oh $hit!". The onslaught continued as General Saad would then find both Bicks and Hossa about 90 seconds apart to give the Hawks a 4-1 lead and send Minnesota netminder Backstrom to the bench at the period’s end. Later in the game, there were some scary moments as the beloved Blackhawks spent most of the 3rd period playing the 1-2-2 trap. I hate that damn trap and just wished the Blackhawks would have continued to play the game as they finished the 1st and 2nd periods. By playing the trap, allowed the Wild to get back into the game on Ryan Suter’s first goal as a member of the Wild (how much are they paying him?) and then Kyle Brodziak outworked the entire Blackhawks fourth line and Keith and Seab pairing to make it a one goal deficit. But no worries, Superman wouldn’t stand for that kind of bull$hit as put the team on his cape and put the game out of reach 61 seconds later with a goal high on the glove side. So now the Mighty have 43 of 46 points leaving me speechless.
    Tonight the Avs come to the Madhouse after losing 2-1 in Detroit last night to start a home-n- home series. I am not going to say much other than I expect the Blackhawks to come away with two more points tonight. One last point, from now until Sunday, the Hawks will play the Avs Friday in Colorado and the Oilers on Sunday at the Madhouse, two of the very few teams that can keep up with the Blackhawks speed. If the Blackhawks sit back as they did late in the game last night playing that 1-2-2 trap and doing so with a one goal lead, any one of these opponents will surely spell the end of streak.
    Below are the NHL Rankings of the two teams:
    Avs 8-9-4 20pts:
    Goals for: 2.38 (24)
    Goals against: 2.90 (19)
    PP%: 12.3 (29)
    PK%: 77.8 (24)
    Blackhawks 20-0-3 43pts:
    Goals for: 3.13 (4)
    Goals against : 1.78 (1)
    PP%: 17.2 (14)
    PK%: 88.8 (3)
    Did you know:
    1) The Blackhawks went 1-2-1 against Colorado last season
    2) Coach Q served as an assistant coach on Colorado's 1996 Stanley Cup Championship Team
    3) Duncan Keith led the Blackhawks with five points (5A) in four games vs. Colorado last season
    4) With their efforts to date this season, Bicks and Stalberg are going to receive significant pay increases, it’s just probably not going to be here
    Tonight's expected Hawks lineup
    Offense:
    Saad Tazer Hossa
    Sharpie Rat Kaner
    Bicks Shaw Stalberg
    Carbomb Krugs Frolik
    Defense:
    Seabs Keith
    Hammer O-do-ya
    Rozsival Leddy
    Netminder:
    The Razor
    GO HAWKS!
  24. hokkeynutt
    "Calling all cars. Be on the look-out for a violent offender who's been missing for a week. He's 6'4 235 pounds. You can drive a squad car through the three-tooth-wide gap on his grill. He has chunks of flesh missing from his face and is sporting bruises and contusions about the head and neck. He's got a recent history of controlled violence, and excessive physicality If seen, approach him with caution as he may be agitated and upset. He's been slumping and isn't happy about it. He was recently demoted at his job, days after he single-handed whipped the ass off the City of Los Angeles. If you happen to see him, call for back-ups as he is in hot demand. Do not try to handle this hombre on your own. He has the ability to escape easily by dropping his shoulders and mowing over opposition. He was last seen in Chicago on June 8, just after Game 5 of the Blackhawks series win at the United Center".
    Challenges! Dating back three years to the 2010 Final against Philadelphia, the Hawks have lost the first game away from the United Center in six straight series. Overall in that time frame, the beloved have gone 7-10 on the road, 3-4 this post season. In order to win this series, the Mighty will now have to win at least one game on the road, with the first of potentially three games in Boston tonight.
    For the Boyz in the Indian Crest, it’s been confirmed that Stalberg will once again be in the lineup, this time on the fourth line with Krugs and Frolik. Stalberg obviously hasn’t produced much, but his speed is definitely a problem that the Bruins’ defensemen will have to account for, particularly if he gets his chances against the third pairing of Adam McQuaid and Torey Krug, who figure to be far more sheltered tonight and Wednesday with last change. Stalberg has a clear size advantage on Krug and a definite speed advantage on McQuaid, so forcing them to make decisions faster than they’d like could go a long way in jumpstarting his dormant game.
    The top three lines for the Hawks remain the same, and quite simply, the Hawks are going to need more out of Captain Tazer and Kane for the Blackhawks to be successful. Yes, Tazer has been dominating possession, but at a certain point he needs to put the biscuit in the basket.
    Additionally there is no other time like that tonight when it will be needed, the Blackhawks power play needs to produce. Because the Bruins cover the slot in front of Rask so well, more low-high plays need to be attempted, both at even strength and on the power play. It’s yielded three goals, so far (Saad, Oduya, and Shaw courtesy of Rozsival), and can yield more if it’s exploited properly. The key will be for Blackhawk forwards to engage along the boards and in the corners to occupy a defender, then kicking the puck high for a shot through traffic. Once the puck gets kicked out high, Keith, Seabs and Hammer must shoot fast and stop hitting the opposing player in the leg. Keith especially must not panic when being pressured. Poise and Control boyz!
    The Garden faithful will be at near psychotic levels of fervor at puck drop, and the Bruins are sure to feed off of that energy. They’ll come at Hawk defensemen looking to put them in the 15th row, and might just succeed more than a few times. With that said, the Hawks looked to me and many others like a team that was scared as the game went on Saturday. A couple of players started quitting on plays. That trend will continue because Boston will not let up, especially tonight at Home. If we can see it, the Bruins definitely can. In fact, they’ll dial it up even more tonight. The Hawks need an injection of nasty. So Bicks we need you now! Additionally, to offset the Bi's d-men physical attack, the Hawks puck support early must be impeccable, both from defensive partners and forwards. Giving the puck carrier a 15 foot target is far preferable than one 70 feet up ice with 4 other black sweaters in its path. Additionally, the Bruins forwards will be deep enough to give the Hawks space enough to at least hit their own blue line with speed exiting before hitting the neutral zone bog Julien is sure to employ.
    Ultimately, this series will come down to which takes its toll first: the Hawks making the Bruins skate, or the Bruins wearing the Hawks down physically. The Hawks must be more successful on their scoring chances and get someone in front of Rask. Doing so, may stop or slow the the oncoming tide of black and gold. Patience, smarts, and above all else speed are going to need to be on full display tonight if the beloved are going to get any closer to their goal. If there’s a textbook road game in this team’s capabilities, it better be tonight!
    Hawks let's break that Game 3 losing streak dating back to 2011.
    Go Blackhawks!
  25. hokkeynutt
    There’s really not much more that can be said about tonight’s Game 6.
    The Blackhawks enter a tough building where they won in last year’s WCF, but unfortunately have not done so in this year’s. That changes tonight!
    The pressure is on the Kings and if the beloved Blackhawks force a Game 7, lookout!
    Coach Q’s Game 5 adjustment of re-mixing his top 4 D, underscores the luxury he has… two top shutdown pairs. The Kings aren’t quite there. So if Q can roll two dangerous lines, as he did in Game 5, this will negate Sutter’s home ice last change advantage. I also expect Q to keep the line of Saad, Shaw and Kaner together. The other forward lines will probably be 1st line of Bicks, Captain, and Big Hoss; 3rd line of Sharpie, Backhandzus and Regin; and finally the 4th line of Bollig, Krugs and Smitty. With that said watch for Krugs and Smitty to be mixed in the upper lines as needed.
    So here are my keys for the Mighty Blackhawks to win this game:
    1) Crow has to play better. Enough said.
    2) “Kneel down to the Saad Father”, Can he play two games in row like he did in Game 5? Really it’s not a question, it is a MUST.
    3) Kaner too had a really strong Game 5. The Kings will try to put bodies on Saad to stop him. If they do, guess what… Kaner must be the finisher.
    4) Big Hoss and Sharpie need a breakout game from a points standpoint. If the Blackhawks are able to get any point production from these two, there will be a Game 7.
    5) The Blackhawks must stay out of the penalty box and if given the opportunity to go on the Power Play, they must score.
    Since it is a “Feel Good Friday”, and I have confidence in my veins, I’m predicting another OT special… Blackhawks 3, Kings 2.
    Let’s hear your thoughts…
    Go Blackhawks
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