First, let's preface this next statement by saying Patrick Sharp WOULD have made the squad if he wasn't injured and most likely P-Kane wouldn't have. The three All-Stars were (Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane). Toews and Hossa easily deserved the be voted in. In fact, there's arguments that both of them are strong MVP candidates. Duncan Keith was deservedly left off the roster. I felt that Patrick Kane shouldn't have made it on the squad and that Brent Seabrook should have been his replacement. Seab's is playing very well this year. Duncan isn't playing up to his Norris Trophy stature....not at all. (better than last year, but not as good as 2 years ago). P-Kane is not filling the net....in fact he's 6th on the team in goals (Toews(22), Sharp(20), Hossa(170, Stalberg(12) and now....Bolland(12) are all ahead of him in filling the net).
Tonights game against the Wild saw the two rookies (Shaw and Hayes) fill the net as well as Stalberg (4 in 2 games) and 2 goals (PP and Empty Netter) by Dave Bolland. Bolly had a great game. First since the first week of the season. 2 goals 1 assist. 2 PP points. He fed Jimmy Hayes for a really nice PP goal in the second. Later followed that up by rushing up the ice, dishing off to Jimmy Hayes who then fed Stevee Montador with a one-timer. Bolly found a juicy rebound and backhanded it past Josh Harding. Nice to see him doing well on the PP unit. They need a lot from that 3rd line.
St.Louis lost in O.T. to Vancouver therefore giving the Hawks a 1 points lead in the division (St.L still has a game in hand).
Hawks now have some challenges ahead of them. Detroit (away), S.J. (home) both league leading contenders. It will be a good test for the Hawks. I hope Duncan Keith plays inspired for being snubbed off the team. Remember,...next month is going to be BRUTAL with an 8 game road trip. So, the Hawks have to start running off a win streak here to finish the month in good fashion.
