NOW Blackhawk fans can come alive. The pessimism starts to arise. First a thrashing at Colorado (6-2) fortunately I was unavailable to watch that game. Then a putrid first period where NO ONE on the ice was worthy of wearing an Indian head sweater. They started off that first period down 4-0. After the first 3 were let in, starting goaltender Ray Emery was pulled. (Back to back games the goaltending was less than marginal and each goaltender had to replace the other). The Hawks gave up 3 PP's this game, and defense was stronger in the parking lot than in that building. The second period they came alive, but, still allowing 2 goals that period (2 of the 3 PP's were scored in the 2nd),.....Hawks still trailed by 2. Patrick Kane scored his 2nd of the night in the mid 3rd period, but they couldn't muster that magic that had been there so many times before. Two of the worst teams in league (Edmonton and Colorado) and the Hawks lost both. Hope this isn't a trend. I don't think it is,...but I do think they need to regroup a bit better.
Side note: Patrick Sharp is out of 3-4 weeks.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
#13 is the 13th different Blackhawk to score GWG
So,....carbomb gets involved. (quick look over at the bench......Quenneville is amazed, Toews is truly happy for Danny, the rest of the bench applauding each other). It's time to start running out of adjectives to describe this team.
This was the 1/2 way mark of the strike shortened season (24/48). Record: 21-0-3 Wow!
Let us go over a few of the things that just happened.
1) Ray Emery became the first goalie in the history of the NHL to start off a season 10-0-0.
2) Blackhawks bring their OWN record of starting a season without a loss to : 24 games.
3) Blackhawks moved solely into second place of 30 games in a row (3-0-3 last year) with at least a point.
4) The Hawks now have a club record of 11 straight games with a win. Previous record was 9.
I know,...I hear it and see it all over Twitter, Facebook, articles and blogs..... 35 games should be done in 1 season...
I also hear that the most impressive streak is the 94-95 Penguins when they won 17 straight games.
So, if that is the case.....then the Hawks would need to be at 27-0-3 to tie Pittsburgh and 28-0-3 to beat them. If they do get to 28-0-3.....that is already (31 + 6)....they own the consecutive game streak on their own.....except that the pesky Philadelphia Flyer fans will say.....wait, OURS was done in ONE season.....Okay.....So, the Hawks would need to be at 33-0-3 to own all the records. That being said, that is 11 more games they need to win. However,...let's be happy with what we HAVE. Come what may, the Hawks are having a tremendous season. THE BEST EVER,...so far. Taking home the cup will be the icing on the cake. Let Philly and Pittsburgh argue who the greatest is in the time being and have them sweat as the Hawks pile on the wins.
This was the 1/2 way mark of the strike shortened season (24/48). Record: 21-0-3 Wow!
Let us go over a few of the things that just happened.
1) Ray Emery became the first goalie in the history of the NHL to start off a season 10-0-0.
2) Blackhawks bring their OWN record of starting a season without a loss to : 24 games.
3) Blackhawks moved solely into second place of 30 games in a row (3-0-3 last year) with at least a point.
4) The Hawks now have a club record of 11 straight games with a win. Previous record was 9.
I know,...I hear it and see it all over Twitter, Facebook, articles and blogs..... 35 games should be done in 1 season...
I also hear that the most impressive streak is the 94-95 Penguins when they won 17 straight games.
So, if that is the case.....then the Hawks would need to be at 27-0-3 to tie Pittsburgh and 28-0-3 to beat them. If they do get to 28-0-3.....that is already (31 + 6)....they own the consecutive game streak on their own.....except that the pesky Philadelphia Flyer fans will say.....wait, OURS was done in ONE season.....Okay.....So, the Hawks would need to be at 33-0-3 to own all the records. That being said, that is 11 more games they need to win. However,...let's be happy with what we HAVE. Come what may, the Hawks are having a tremendous season. THE BEST EVER,...so far. Taking home the cup will be the icing on the cake. Let Philly and Pittsburgh argue who the greatest is in the time being and have them sweat as the Hawks pile on the wins.
Monday, March 4, 2013
22 ways the Blackhawks make me smile
I had so much fun doing this a week ago, that I thought I'd do it again. Instead of a cut and paste, I'll just write down tweets and things I've read that grabbed my attention.
1) The Blackhawks bandwagon is bigger than Rick Ross' stomach.
2) Blackhawks,...you're annoying.
3) Corey Crawford currently leading the NHL goaltenders with a 1.41 GAA.
4) The Blackhawks lead the NHL in takeaways, but rank 29th in HITS. Play the puck, not the man?
5) The Blackhawks are 31 - 2 -7 since acquiring Johnny Oduya.
6) The Blackhawks bandwagon is bigger than Bryzgalov's 5 hole.
7) The Blackhawks streak is starting to become a THING,...right?
8) Mike Babcock, "It's amazing. In a competitive league, they're not making it competitive".
9) ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED? (photo)
10) I've always been a Blackhawks fan... I Swear!
11) The Blackhawks bandwagon is now as big as Sidney Crosby's ego.
12) So, have the Blackhawks clinched a playoff spot yet?
13) The Blackhawks have moved up to the #3 story on ESPN.
14) So, the Blackhawks won today. In other news,...there still is water in Lake Michigan.
15) YOU THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO WIN
didn't you Detroit?
16) Dad, what's a loss? I don't know son, we're Chicago Blackhawks fans.
17)
18) Blackhawks keep amazing streak alive. But first,...Tim Tebow saw a butterfly in his backyard -Sportscenter
19) The Blackhawks are kinda sorta amazing.
20) Hockey spelling has been officially changed to "Hawkey" since the Hawks own the NHL.
21) I was talking to a supposed Blackhawks fan and asked him " Who is your favorite Blackhawk of all time?...Stosh? The Golden Jet? JR? Eddie the Eagle? Tony-0? He looked at me and said, "Who?"
22)NEWS ALERT: the remaining 29 teams in the league have threatened to boycott the remainder of the season if the Hawks continue to play unfair.
1) The Blackhawks bandwagon is bigger than Rick Ross' stomach.
2) Blackhawks,...you're annoying.
3) Corey Crawford currently leading the NHL goaltenders with a 1.41 GAA.
4) The Blackhawks lead the NHL in takeaways, but rank 29th in HITS. Play the puck, not the man?
5) The Blackhawks are 31 - 2 -7 since acquiring Johnny Oduya.
6) The Blackhawks bandwagon is bigger than Bryzgalov's 5 hole.
7) The Blackhawks streak is starting to become a THING,...right?
8) Mike Babcock, "It's amazing. In a competitive league, they're not making it competitive".
9) ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED? (photo)
10) I've always been a Blackhawks fan... I Swear!
11) The Blackhawks bandwagon is now as big as Sidney Crosby's ego.
12) So, have the Blackhawks clinched a playoff spot yet?
13) The Blackhawks have moved up to the #3 story on ESPN.
14) So, the Blackhawks won today. In other news,...there still is water in Lake Michigan.
15) YOU THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO WIN
didn't you Detroit?
16) Dad, what's a loss? I don't know son, we're Chicago Blackhawks fans.
17)
18) Blackhawks keep amazing streak alive. But first,...Tim Tebow saw a butterfly in his backyard -Sportscenter
19) The Blackhawks are kinda sorta amazing.
20) Hockey spelling has been officially changed to "Hawkey" since the Hawks own the NHL.
21) I was talking to a supposed Blackhawks fan and asked him " Who is your favorite Blackhawk of all time?...Stosh? The Golden Jet? JR? Eddie the Eagle? Tony-0? He looked at me and said, "Who?"
22)NEWS ALERT: the remaining 29 teams in the league have threatened to boycott the remainder of the season if the Hawks continue to play unfair.
The Greatest Regular Season Game I've Ever Seen...?(Perhaps)
We all knew that this game between the +Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Redwings was going to be a hard fought game...we just didn't know to what extent. The Redwings fans entered Joe Lewis Arena with every intent of bringing down the Blackhawks and their gaudy record of 18-0-3. Let me first start off by saying,....IF you had to miss a period in this hockey game, the first period would have been the only period you could have afforded to miss. Don't get me wrong, the play was pretty fast paced in the first, and the Hawks only gave up 3 shots on goal.
By the second period there was so much crashing the net, perfect tape to tape passing, finishing checks, diving to keep players from shooting. The intensity was extremely fast and...amazing. I sat in my seat with my heart in my throat the ENTIRE period.
Usually when a team gives up only one goal you assume the goalie and defense were playing well. YOU,...(those that didn't see this game), have NO idea. You've heard the expression,...."standing on your head",... well, that is how Jimmy Howard and Corey Crawford were both playing. The acrobatic saves Corey Crawford made in the 2nd and 3rd period on players like Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Franzen and Emmerton were all highlight-reel saves.
What amazed me most were the types of blocks and back checking and forechecking the teams were performing. B.Smith of Detroit blocked a shot by diving face first........who does that?
Johnny Oduya dove from behind Pavel Datsyuk to knock away a puck before Datsyuk had a chance to shoot it. Really? The intensity felt like a playoff game.
I remember counting at least 4 Redwings within 3 feet of the mouth of their own goal on numerous occasions, just to keep the puck out of the net. Oh yeah,...they came to WIN this game.
But, the counterpunch was just as powerful. The Hawks were doing the same thing. I found myself saying on numerous occasions:
'This is the best I've seen Stalberg'
'This is the best I've ever seen Hjalmarsson play"
'Look how ridiculously good Shaw looks right now'
'I am not sure Keith has played a better game........look at him go!'
and on,... and on,... and on.
In fact, I remember saying to myself, this game is so good that if it doesn't come down to a shootout, it will be a shame. I actually thought the Hawks were not going to get that 22nd straight game. That is how well the Redwings were playing. In the 3rd minute of the 3rd period(2:43), T.Tatar received a feed from P. Eaves and Tatar buried it. Nick Leddy,...interestingly enough beat the forward back to get the puck,...then coughed it up. He had one other moment like that which resulted in another great scoring chance. Leddy still played well, but I do remember those two plays sticking in my head as "uh-oh" plays.
But, the hockey gods were looking down on the streak and they must have wanted the Hawks to have a shot at this,.....or they simply realized that NO ONE should have lost this game,.......and they flew Jonathon Ericsson's pass over the boards for a 2 minute delay of game penalty. At this point I was sure the Hawks were going to pull their goalie for a 6 on 4(thank goodness I'm not coaching, yeah?). But, they didn't. Stalberg picked up a Patrick Sharp rebound and swept it over to a waiting and eager Patrick Kane who went top shelf on Jimmy Howard @ 17:58. .........Psssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss..... The air went out of the balloon,...and you could sense that sigh of relief from the bench...This is when my heart finally went...."Thank youuuuuuuuuuuuu"... I was able to breathe again. I was able to go from sitting at the edge of my seat,....to a few more inches back.
When N. Kronwell received the same penalty(delay of game) at the 18:37 mark. I was almost certain the Hawks would get at least a point. This,...was a certainty and now I was able to touch my back to the back of the sofa.....Countdown began....5,....4,...3,...2,...1........Thank God. There is point streak #22 (28 total including the last 6 of last year).
Overtime was exciting and to be honest,...The Hawks got a break when one shot off the post. This allowed the Hawks to go into yet another shootout.
The Shootout featured Datsyuk, Brenner and Zetterberg vs. Toews, Kane and (most likely) Hossa.
Crawford shut out Datsyuk and Brenner...........This is when we got to witness another Patrick Kane shootout slo-mo (like he did last year in Minnesota) shot. He dip see-doed and foot faked until he went forehand wrister glove side. 'That was absolutely a SICK move'. One more guy to stop. Holding my breath since Crawford was 0-3 in shootouts this year. I stared at Zetterberg racing down right side until that puck shot off his wrister....................Corey gloved it and whistled out of the crease with a leg lift and an arm raised to the god,s for he just won the most exciting game I have seen (outside of the cup winning game). OMG!...tweets are flying around faster than a turbo jet. HAWKS WIN! HAWKS WIN!.
| SHOTS ON GOAL |
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | OT | T |
 CHI | 9 | 12 | 9 | 3 | 33 |
 DET | 3 | 15 | 13 | 2 | 33 |
By the second period there was so much crashing the net, perfect tape to tape passing, finishing checks, diving to keep players from shooting. The intensity was extremely fast and...amazing. I sat in my seat with my heart in my throat the ENTIRE period.
Usually when a team gives up only one goal you assume the goalie and defense were playing well. YOU,...(those that didn't see this game), have NO idea. You've heard the expression,...."standing on your head",... well, that is how Jimmy Howard and Corey Crawford were both playing. The acrobatic saves Corey Crawford made in the 2nd and 3rd period on players like Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Franzen and Emmerton were all highlight-reel saves.
What amazed me most were the types of blocks and back checking and forechecking the teams were performing. B.Smith of Detroit blocked a shot by diving face first........who does that?
Johnny Oduya dove from behind Pavel Datsyuk to knock away a puck before Datsyuk had a chance to shoot it. Really? The intensity felt like a playoff game.
I remember counting at least 4 Redwings within 3 feet of the mouth of their own goal on numerous occasions, just to keep the puck out of the net. Oh yeah,...they came to WIN this game.
But, the counterpunch was just as powerful. The Hawks were doing the same thing. I found myself saying on numerous occasions:
'This is the best I've seen Stalberg'
'This is the best I've ever seen Hjalmarsson play"
'Look how ridiculously good Shaw looks right now'
'I am not sure Keith has played a better game........look at him go!'
and on,... and on,... and on.
In fact, I remember saying to myself, this game is so good that if it doesn't come down to a shootout, it will be a shame. I actually thought the Hawks were not going to get that 22nd straight game. That is how well the Redwings were playing. In the 3rd minute of the 3rd period(2:43), T.Tatar received a feed from P. Eaves and Tatar buried it. Nick Leddy,...interestingly enough beat the forward back to get the puck,...then coughed it up. He had one other moment like that which resulted in another great scoring chance. Leddy still played well, but I do remember those two plays sticking in my head as "uh-oh" plays.
But, the hockey gods were looking down on the streak and they must have wanted the Hawks to have a shot at this,.....or they simply realized that NO ONE should have lost this game,.......and they flew Jonathon Ericsson's pass over the boards for a 2 minute delay of game penalty. At this point I was sure the Hawks were going to pull their goalie for a 6 on 4(thank goodness I'm not coaching, yeah?). But, they didn't. Stalberg picked up a Patrick Sharp rebound and swept it over to a waiting and eager Patrick Kane who went top shelf on Jimmy Howard @ 17:58. .........Psssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss..... The air went out of the balloon,...and you could sense that sigh of relief from the bench...This is when my heart finally went...."Thank youuuuuuuuuuuuu"... I was able to breathe again. I was able to go from sitting at the edge of my seat,....to a few more inches back.
When N. Kronwell received the same penalty(delay of game) at the 18:37 mark. I was almost certain the Hawks would get at least a point. This,...was a certainty and now I was able to touch my back to the back of the sofa.....Countdown began....5,....4,...3,...2,...1........Thank God. There is point streak #22 (28 total including the last 6 of last year).
Overtime was exciting and to be honest,...The Hawks got a break when one shot off the post. This allowed the Hawks to go into yet another shootout.
The Shootout featured Datsyuk, Brenner and Zetterberg vs. Toews, Kane and (most likely) Hossa.
Crawford shut out Datsyuk and Brenner...........This is when we got to witness another Patrick Kane shootout slo-mo (like he did last year in Minnesota) shot. He dip see-doed and foot faked until he went forehand wrister glove side. 'That was absolutely a SICK move'. One more guy to stop. Holding my breath since Crawford was 0-3 in shootouts this year. I stared at Zetterberg racing down right side until that puck shot off his wrister....................Corey gloved it and whistled out of the crease with a leg lift and an arm raised to the god,s for he just won the most exciting game I have seen (outside of the cup winning game). OMG!...tweets are flying around faster than a turbo jet. HAWKS WIN! HAWKS WIN!.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Funny Chicago Blackhawks Tweets.
You know, every so often, we fans have to pull ourselves away from the scrutiny of wondering how many games it's going to be before the Hawks lose. Or the self induced stress we have wondering who is playing on what line, who hasn't scored in so many games, how well the PP is doing,...or whatever....blah, blah, blah.
Yawn...., and yes, quite stressful. So fans, let us put aside for a day our self deprecation and enjoy some good laughs. Sure, tomorrow.....or shortly thereafter, we can go back to our pessimistic ways and worry ourselves into what is known as a "Chicago heart-attack" (self induced heart attacks by worrying about our favorite Chicago sports franchise. Many Chicagoans feel this stress year long).
Here are some hilarious tweets I have read lately. I hope you find them as hilarious.
1)hockeydrunk
Thankfully, we have the Blackhawks. RT @BriTheWebGuy: The Bulls depress me nowadays
4)proteautype
Can't wait for "Cago", Ben Affleck's new film about the unstoppable 2013 Blackhawks. In the film, Jonathan Toews plays a healthy scratch.
5)alexquigley
6)alexquigley
The Chicago Blackhawks have played 1178 minutes, 25 seconds of hockey this season. They've been behind +1 goal for only 10:06 of it.
7) mattsebek
@Cubs Any thought to gutting this year's roster and staffing it solely with Blackhawks players?
8)feuxbettman
Chris Brown should sign with the Blackhawks. They're beating everyone they face
9)jasunlee
Kinda sad that almost no one knows what the Blackhawks have done to start the season, but everyone knows Tebow is now down with gay couples.
10)giuliaaa25
I wonder what it's like to be a Blackhawks fan #stressfree
11)heatherfligger
If I see anymore stuff about the Blackhawks on my time line, I'm going to jump out my bedroom window.
12)bluenatics
Damn Blackhawks and their voodoo hurting Blues players. Assholes.
and more tweets........just because they were fun to read.
"What was it like when the Chicago Blackhawks used to lose games, Daddy?" "It was a different time, son. It was before the Harlem Shake."
RUMOR: Flames GM Jay Feaster interested in signing Chicago Blackhawks to an offer sheet.
Yawn...., and yes, quite stressful. So fans, let us put aside for a day our self deprecation and enjoy some good laughs. Sure, tomorrow.....or shortly thereafter, we can go back to our pessimistic ways and worry ourselves into what is known as a "Chicago heart-attack" (self induced heart attacks by worrying about our favorite Chicago sports franchise. Many Chicagoans feel this stress year long).
Here are some hilarious tweets I have read lately. I hope you find them as hilarious.
1)hockeydrunk
All 6 of the Florida Panthers fans have hopped on the Blackhawks bandwagon, leaving them fan-less.
2)prettystoned Thankfully, we have the Blackhawks. RT @BriTheWebGuy: The Bulls depress me nowadays
4)proteautype
Can't wait for "Cago", Ben Affleck's new film about the unstoppable 2013 Blackhawks. In the film, Jonathan Toews plays a healthy scratch.
5)alexquigley
The Chicago Blackhawks have earned at least 1 standings point in 35 of their last 37 regular season games, dating back to last season. Wow.
(Not funny,...but I liked the tweet. I didn't realize that.)6)alexquigley
The Chicago Blackhawks have played 1178 minutes, 25 seconds of hockey this season. They've been behind +1 goal for only 10:06 of it.
(wow didn't know that!!!)
7) mattsebek
@Cubs Any thought to gutting this year's roster and staffing it solely with Blackhawks players?
8)feuxbettman
Chris Brown should sign with the Blackhawks. They're beating everyone they face
9)jasunlee
Kinda sad that almost no one knows what the Blackhawks have done to start the season, but everyone knows Tebow is now down with gay couples.
10)giuliaaa25
I wonder what it's like to be a Blackhawks fan #stressfree
11)heatherfligger
If I see anymore stuff about the Blackhawks on my time line, I'm going to jump out my bedroom window.
12)bluenatics
Damn Blackhawks and their voodoo hurting Blues players. Assholes.
and more tweets........just because they were fun to read.
"What was it like when the Chicago Blackhawks used to lose games, Daddy?" "It was a different time, son. It was before the Harlem Shake."
RUMOR: Flames GM Jay Feaster interested in signing Chicago Blackhawks to an offer sheet.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
First 17 games were great,...now to catch Philly's 35
The Chicago Blackhawks accomplished a goal this past Friday that has never been accomplished in the history of the NHL. They notched at least 1 point in their first 17 games. (14-0-3).
At the end of the game another stat popped up. Continuous point streak. The Hawks currently are at 23 (since this also includes the last 6 games of last year). The record is held by the Philadelphia Flyers at 35. As the Hawks continue to try and find motivation, this is another way for them to continue a streak (thereby breaking their own record with each game) in order to try and reach the unfathomable 35 game point streak. That would be 29 games this hockey season to tie it,...and 30 games with at least one point to own the record outright. WOW! It's hard to say that is impossible until they lose. However, this feat would definitely be strikingly amazing.
So,...as the guy who loves to be a true Chicago fan,...that would make me a bit of a pessimist,.... let's put that dream right there.....AS A DREAM. In the meantime, let's look at what will keep the Hawks ahead of the ever-surging Anaheim Ducks.
1) Strong Penalty Killing: Currently they are tied for 2nd with an 88.7%. (Ottawa also at 88.7% and Boston leads the league with an astounding 94.4%). With strong play from players like Kruger, Shaw, Saad, Hjalmarrson, Oduya, the penalty kill has kept them in so many games this year. It is definitely the #1 reason they are on top.
2) Strong Net minding: Reason this is second, is because without a strong defense or a strong PK, the net minding would not have been as strong.
3) Continually forgetting about the last game and focusing on the game at hand: This has been a team concept, and with this type of camaraderie, the Hawks will continue to be in (almost) every game.
4) Drive for the prize: Understanding the real goal isn't these short term streaks, but the goal is the Playoffs> positioning> winning each round> winning the cup. They keep that drive alive,.....this could be a magical year. That is why this 35 game point streak could be fun for them. It could give them a little more incentive. Something else to try and attain. Sure, it's more fun for the media and the fans,...especially since they've been asked about it almost every night, I'm sure they are sick of hearing about it,.....however, you know they do talk about it and want to be that best team ever. So,...here's to you boys!!!! Go get 'em!
SHARKS
BLACKHAWKS
This was the final score of the 17th game of the season therefore giving the Blackhawks the best overall start to a season at 14-0-3 (31 points).
At the end of the game another stat popped up. Continuous point streak. The Hawks currently are at 23 (since this also includes the last 6 games of last year). The record is held by the Philadelphia Flyers at 35. As the Hawks continue to try and find motivation, this is another way for them to continue a streak (thereby breaking their own record with each game) in order to try and reach the unfathomable 35 game point streak. That would be 29 games this hockey season to tie it,...and 30 games with at least one point to own the record outright. WOW! It's hard to say that is impossible until they lose. However, this feat would definitely be strikingly amazing.
So,...as the guy who loves to be a true Chicago fan,...that would make me a bit of a pessimist,.... let's put that dream right there.....AS A DREAM. In the meantime, let's look at what will keep the Hawks ahead of the ever-surging Anaheim Ducks.
1) Strong Penalty Killing: Currently they are tied for 2nd with an 88.7%. (Ottawa also at 88.7% and Boston leads the league with an astounding 94.4%). With strong play from players like Kruger, Shaw, Saad, Hjalmarrson, Oduya, the penalty kill has kept them in so many games this year. It is definitely the #1 reason they are on top.
2) Strong Net minding: Reason this is second, is because without a strong defense or a strong PK, the net minding would not have been as strong.
3) Continually forgetting about the last game and focusing on the game at hand: This has been a team concept, and with this type of camaraderie, the Hawks will continue to be in (almost) every game.
4) Drive for the prize: Understanding the real goal isn't these short term streaks, but the goal is the Playoffs> positioning> winning each round> winning the cup. They keep that drive alive,.....this could be a magical year. That is why this 35 game point streak could be fun for them. It could give them a little more incentive. Something else to try and attain. Sure, it's more fun for the media and the fans,...especially since they've been asked about it almost every night, I'm sure they are sick of hearing about it,.....however, you know they do talk about it and want to be that best team ever. So,...here's to you boys!!!! Go get 'em!
LAST GAME VS. SHARKS
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013
SHARKS
FINAL 1 - 2
BLACKHAWKS| FINAL | 1 | 2 | 3 | T |
| SHARKS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| BLACKHAWKS | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Blackhawks continue to show what it takes...
Blackhawks win again tonight with a 4-1 victory over the visiting S.J. Sharks. The Hawks boast an 11-0-3 record, (14 games without a regulation loss),....the Record being 16 held by the Anaheim Ducks. However, what seems to be more amazing, is how Coach Q has kept this team humble.
Put the last game behind you, and move on to the next game. I've heard this sentiment by several of the players.
Never being satisfied with their present game. I've heard "areas for improvement" by several of the players when asked where the weaknesses are on this team.
So, what is making the difference this year? Why do the Hawks appear to be heading for cup #2 in the last 4 years?
1) Players came in to camp focused. Many of the players played overseas, and those that didn't were practicing and were physically ready to play right off the bat. I brought up the point that Captain Jonathan Toews had several practices that present and former players attended. The weight lifting and dedication to being ready once the lockout was over appeared to be a top priority for the Hawks.
2) Focusing on SPECIAL TEAMS: The Power Play has vastly improved, and the Penalty Kill has been amazing. There was definitely a new focus on this part of the game by the new regime.
3) Camaraderie : I have also heard this several times. The team "genuinely" like each other. This is important. No bad blood. People willing to fight for each other. The last 2 years, there was NOT that camaraderie. There were players who were replacements,.....and they acted like it. Simply happy to make the team,...but don't expect much more. (e.g. Fernando Pisani, Brendan Morrison, Sami Lepisto, Jake Dowell, Jack Skille, Nick Boynton, Ryan Johnson, Jordan Hendry, John Scott).........ahh, those were the days I wanted to slit my wrists with boredom.
4) Not being complacent or satisfied. This point can go hand in hand with being focused. However, it was more than being focused. It is the fact that the whole team is there to pick each other up. The Jamal Mayers fight on Raffi Torres picked up the entire team. Jonathan Toews rare fight against Joe Thornton. Duncan Keith, and Andrew Shaw and even Brandon Bollig following suit. You can come in to camp focused,....but it takes an entire team effort to keep that focus. THIS is how the Hawks differ.
5) Patrick Kane's will to be a TOP forward: This is what the Hawks and the Hawks fans have been hoping for. We have not been disappointed with Patrick's play in the past. We just never put him on the same level as the Stamkos', Malkins', Crosby's, Ovechkin's of the world......until NOW. He only has ONE game all year (Detroit game) where he didn't register a point. WOW!!!!! he is on the pace for ~75 point season (in 48 games).
6) Crawford and Emery: both are playing like #1 goaltenders.
Look at those impressive goaltending stats eh?
Ray is 4-0-0 with a 2.21 GAA and an equally impressive .930 Sv%.
Corey is 7-0-3 (all shoot out losses) with a 1.65 GAA also boasts a Sv% of .935.
7) Coaching : The coaches are balancing rest and practice magnificently. During a strike shortened season where almost every game feels like a playoff game, the coaches have instilled that urgency early. 'You can't win a season in the first month,....but, you can certainly lose it'.
So, this is what it takes......They aren't over cocky or arrogant. They need to continue on this path of forgetting about yesterday and focusing on today. They continue like this and they WILL win the pennant. So, let us sit back and watch each game wondering whether or not this is going to be a special year.
Put the last game behind you, and move on to the next game. I've heard this sentiment by several of the players.
Never being satisfied with their present game. I've heard "areas for improvement" by several of the players when asked where the weaknesses are on this team.
So, what is making the difference this year? Why do the Hawks appear to be heading for cup #2 in the last 4 years?
1) Players came in to camp focused. Many of the players played overseas, and those that didn't were practicing and were physically ready to play right off the bat. I brought up the point that Captain Jonathan Toews had several practices that present and former players attended. The weight lifting and dedication to being ready once the lockout was over appeared to be a top priority for the Hawks.
2) Focusing on SPECIAL TEAMS: The Power Play has vastly improved, and the Penalty Kill has been amazing. There was definitely a new focus on this part of the game by the new regime.
3) Camaraderie : I have also heard this several times. The team "genuinely" like each other. This is important. No bad blood. People willing to fight for each other. The last 2 years, there was NOT that camaraderie. There were players who were replacements,.....and they acted like it. Simply happy to make the team,...but don't expect much more. (e.g. Fernando Pisani, Brendan Morrison, Sami Lepisto, Jake Dowell, Jack Skille, Nick Boynton, Ryan Johnson, Jordan Hendry, John Scott).........ahh, those were the days I wanted to slit my wrists with boredom.
4) Not being complacent or satisfied. This point can go hand in hand with being focused. However, it was more than being focused. It is the fact that the whole team is there to pick each other up. The Jamal Mayers fight on Raffi Torres picked up the entire team. Jonathan Toews rare fight against Joe Thornton. Duncan Keith, and Andrew Shaw and even Brandon Bollig following suit. You can come in to camp focused,....but it takes an entire team effort to keep that focus. THIS is how the Hawks differ.
5) Patrick Kane's will to be a TOP forward: This is what the Hawks and the Hawks fans have been hoping for. We have not been disappointed with Patrick's play in the past. We just never put him on the same level as the Stamkos', Malkins', Crosby's, Ovechkin's of the world......until NOW. He only has ONE game all year (Detroit game) where he didn't register a point. WOW!!!!! he is on the pace for ~75 point season (in 48 games).
6) Crawford and Emery: both are playing like #1 goaltenders.
Look at those impressive goaltending stats eh?
Ray is 4-0-0 with a 2.21 GAA and an equally impressive .930 Sv%.
Corey is 7-0-3 (all shoot out losses) with a 1.65 GAA also boasts a Sv% of .935.
7) Coaching : The coaches are balancing rest and practice magnificently. During a strike shortened season where almost every game feels like a playoff game, the coaches have instilled that urgency early. 'You can't win a season in the first month,....but, you can certainly lose it'.
So, this is what it takes......They aren't over cocky or arrogant. They need to continue on this path of forgetting about yesterday and focusing on today. They continue like this and they WILL win the pennant. So, let us sit back and watch each game wondering whether or not this is going to be a special year.
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