Tonight, the Chicago Blackhawks will travel to San Jose to take on the San Jose Sharks at the Shark Tank.
The 'Hawks played the Sharks just 10 days ago, leading into the third period until defensive breakdowns, penalties, and sub-par goaltending dashed Chicago's hopes of beating the West's best.
The 'Hawks look to make tonight different. It seems as though the 'Hawks have grown since playing the Sharks, with three straight road wins going into tonight's game.
The 'Hawks will have quite a fight on their hands, as Evegni Nabokov will make his return to the San Jose net. Nabokov has had the Chicago's number, winning nine straight decisions versus the 'Hawks.
This game will teach us much about the 'Hawks, and their legitimacy as a top team in the Western Conference. Currently, the 'Hawks find themselves sixth in the West, behind the Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver Canucks, Minnesota Wild, and San Jose Sharks.
If the 'Hawks can knock off the Sharks tonight, it will show the rest of the league that they are a legitimate contender in the West.
Although it is still early in the season, tonight's game will tell fans and the media whether or not the 'Hawks will be a consistent contender over the entire season, or a team that will just scrape by the entire season.
Chicago's Keys to Success:
1. Penalties
Last game against the Maple Leafs, the 'Hawks were able to reduce their penalties to three, which were all collected in the second period. This lack of man advantages for the Maple Leafs helped keep the 'Hawks in the game, and led to their overtime win.
2. Power Play
The Sharks have a potent offense and have a solid defense. In order to score against them, it must be done on the powerplay. If the 'Hawks plan on winning against the Sharks, they must execute on the powerplay.
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about 1 month ago
Scary night for the 'Hawks through 2 periods. Score is tied at one but Nikolai Khabibulin and Aaron Johnson have both been lost to injury.
By the way, Mike Grier's hit on Aaron Johnson that has likely ended Johnson's night was straight up dirty. I respect Mike and the way he plays the game but he deserved every minute of that 5 minute boarding major. Look for a suspension to follow.
Khabubilin's injury looks to to be a back injury or lower body injury. Tough situation for the Huet, coming into the game cold and then getting a puck ripped on him by Boyle, thank god it did not go in. If we do lose the game I will not blame Huet...lets hope The Bulin Wall and Aaron Johnson will be back on the ice soon.
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