(Pictured above: Coach Dennis Savard, either explaining Cristobal Huet's poor play or committing to the Indian.)
Another night, another all too familiar story for what was initially viewed as a promising Blackhawks season.
Early defensive problems and penalty killing breakdowns allowed the Nashville Predators to gain a 2-1 lead from which Chicago never fully recovered.
The game started off well, with strong passing from everyone including Kris Versteeg and Patrick Kane, who set up a 5-on-3 goal for Chicago—their first power-play goal of the season, and one which they hope will be the first of many.
Martin Havlat added an assist to complement his goal in the second period by setting up teammate Patrick Sharp for a goal to tie the game at two.
- B/R Ticket Guide
However, the problems for the Hawks still outweighed the improvements.
They still had trouble handling passes, especially in front of the net. They also still had issues with penalty killing as Nashville answered with a power-play goal of their own in the first period.
The biggest issue is what was initially thought to be the Blackhawks' strong suit: goaltending.
Despite the huge hype and large free-agent contract, Cristobal Huet had yet another dismal performance as the Predators won in the shootout, looking almost as if they were merely going to be handed the game uncontested.
Positives included strong starts to periods, a lack of turnovers, and another good showing for Jack Skillig, who is looking like someone who will really be able to contribute as the season progresses.
Chicago also finally looked like they were willing to hit opponents in front of the net after playing two road games in which they appeared almost afraid to check opponents.
Strong pressure up ice will help Chicago score more and more goals as the season goes on.
The Hawks are already three points out, however a win on Wednesday would help right the ship as they will prepare to face Phoenix at the United Center.
comments (4) write a comment »
write a new comment
about 1 month ago
I was at the game last night (among the many) and I have got to say that I still have strong hopes for this young team. I'm not one of those "fans" that "just found hockey cool" those are the people that will get all the tickets that I want and will have to pay an arm and a leg for. But thats neither here nor there. I have a bone to pick with Brent Seabrook. HIT SOMEONE!!!!! The only good hit last night was when he slammed into the boards after a pred already got out of the way. He as the rest of the defence looked lost. Stop pushing people and finish a check! Last night was a sickining showing of DEFENCE and GOALTENDING. 2 five-hole goals. REALLY!!!! The only defender that had a good game was Campbell. Im sure hes glad he came here 0-2-1. Something needs to change in the back end of the ice. Put in Khavi ( i cant believe im writing that), and break up Keith and Seabrook. They tried Kane and Toews break up, that didnt work, but try something. Im going to keep investing my time in this team but I can only hope they are not just wasting it.
about 1 month ago
I'd like to see them move Toews out of center to be honest.
Yeah the physiciality just hasn't been there for this team and that's sad because they need to hit people and it's not like they don't have the guys to do it.
I've still got strong hopes for this team to win too, (I have to for Christ's sake, I laid 50 on them to make the western finals) but this is disturbing.
Personally I don't think the "zomg hockey is 4 t3h kool!!1!11!!!!11!" factor will be as prevalent in Chicago because:
1. We had such a shit team for so long.
2. Most of those people already spend that money on the Cubs around here.
Thanks for the comments and discussion though, and Go Hawks!
about 1 month ago
gotta say, I am confused. i was so exited to see how the blackhawks would do this season with Toews as a C, Huet in the net and Campbell on the blue line. it is disturbing, indeed.
2 five hole goals ... wasn't his best, for sure. but he should step up ... well, i hope!
from about 1 month ago
Toews isn't going to be able to take the retaliatory shots that centers usually take. It's kind of an "out there" idea but that might be what's making the Hawks not come out and hit people.
If Khabibulin plays well tonight, I won't be able to justify any kind of frequency to Huet's starts.
write a new comment