Detroit Red Wings (5-1-1) @ Chicago Blackhawks (3-2-2)

6 – 5 Shootout Loss

The Blackhawks played host to their long time rivals Detroit, last night. With the Hawks play as of late, the crowd of 22,690 was expecting a showdown. The Hawks come into this game on a streak of sorts. not losing a regulation game in thier last 6 (3-0-3). But after the Hawks fall to the Red Wings in a 6 -5 shootout loss, there are two contrasting opinions on the Hawks performance last night..

The optimistic fans could walk away satisfied with taking one point in a game against a team that dominated the league last year and only got better with the addition of Hossa. The Hawks didn’t look overmatched in this game, taking the Wings the distance to decide this match. The Hawks jumped out to a 4-2 lead and took the play to the Wings for the majority of the game.When the boys were down 5-4 after the Wings scored 3 unanswered goal to take the lead, they showed resiliance by tying things up an finishing the 3rd period strong. The Hawks wre able to hang with the champs through 65 minutes.

The pessimistic fan could be disappointed with the Hawks continued inability to put teams away when they are up. The Hawks went into the 3rd period up 4-2, but again, were unable to play with the lead. Granted, this is a great Detroit team with experience, confidence, and skill – but the Hawks had plenty of chanced to put this game away. They had 7 unanswered power plays attempts, only able to capitalize on 1 (a 2-man advantage) in the 3rd. Detroit does have a very aggresive and PK, applying pressure quickly, but the opportunities were still there and the Hawks PP was solid going into this game. So they let the Wings back into the game, and bring it into OT and a shutout. Now it brings up the inability to win a shootout. Khabi didn’t look bad in the shootout, making saves on Zetterberg and Hudler, but they just are not getting it done. They are now 0-4 in shotouts. This is a game that the Hawks should have skated away with 2 points.

The Hawks special teams struggled on both ends of the ice. With a stronger performance, this was the difference in putting the game away or letting it slip away. The Hawks PP went 2 for 8, but thay stat is deceiving. On of the 2 was with a 2-man advantage. In over 12 minutes with a 1-man advantage, the Hawks were only able score once. On the PK, Detroit only has 3 3 power plays the entire game, and yet they were able to make the most of it, going 2 for 3. I felt special teams was the difference in the game.

The Hawks are continuing to get great play from some unexpected sources. Havlat put in another solid effort and had another goal of beauty. With the puck behind the Red Wings goal, Havlat came around to the front and roofed a nice backhand just under the crossbar. If you would have asked anyone before the seaon on how many games Havlat would play, the over/under would hav been hanging around 5 games.Versteeg and Brouwer are both making the most of their opportunity east of Rockford. Versteeg created a great short handed chance after stripping Lidstrom of the puck and coming in alone on Conklin – impressive PK pressure. He also scored on a quick rebound to open up the scoring for the Hawks. There is no way he is thought of as a top 6, but he continues to fit well in that top line. Troy Brouwer has also looked good after 2 games. Brouwer has been going to the net, opening things up for Havlat and Sharp. Aaron Johnson also continues to look good, scoring his second goal this season.

Positives:

• The Hawks were able to keep up with an improved championship team
• Brouwer has made an impact since being called up.
• Khabi had a good game. A few of the Detroit goals, he had no chance on.

Negatives:

The Hawks let this game get away from them early in the 3rd

This was a good gauge of where they are and where they need to be. They still have a ways to go.

Shoot Outs – 0 for 4 – giving up precious points

Game Notes:

• Rumors have been swirling about the Hawks being a party of interest in Mats Sundin and Kyle McLaren. This is a pointless conversation until the Hawks clear some cap space.
• The new sweaters for the “Winter Classic” was revealed. I would have much rather seen the top ranked jersey in all of sports out there than, than that. LACES SUCK.

MVB (Most Valuable Blackhawk):

Troy Brouwer – since his call up, he has been good. 2 assists in this game and continues to go strong to the net and open things up.

Next Matchup:

October 27^{th , Chicago Blackhawks @ Minnesota Wild}

Record:

3-2-3 9 points

http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2008020115

Well, the Chicago Blackhawks must be pretty impressed with new bench boss Joel Queneville. After 3 games behind the bench, the Hawks have given him a 3-year deal. Obviously, this is a guy that they had targeted as the next head coach when they brought him in as a scout in September. This brings me back to the question of how the Hawks handled this.

Why not let Savvy go before training camp opened up?