Chicago Blackhawks (11-6-6) @ Detroit Red Wings (17-4-4)

5 – 4 Shootout Loss

The Blackhawks go into the Joe Louis Arena for an Original 6 match up and one of the oldest rivalries in hockey. The last meeting between these two teams, the Hawks dropped a 2 goal lead and let the Red Wings back into the game in the 3^rd period. The Hawks failure to put teams away was apparent, even if it was the defending champs.

This game was a carbon copy of the fore mentioned game on October 25^th. After going down 2-0 in the first 5 minutes of the game off 2 very weak and undeserved Detroit goals, the Hawks fought back. They dominated the play in the first and second and owned the Red Wings.

Sharp started off the scoring with a one-timer from between the circle from Kaner. Kane’s vision on the ice is something special and this pass was quick and on the money. The second goal was a thing of beauty. Toews stepped around Cleary (playing the part of a pylon) and beat an out of position Conklin. This goal was reminiscent of the Colorado goal, but not quite as jaw-dropping. The third goal was compliments of JT again, this time a power play goal, a wrister from the circle, roofing it short side. I still don’t know how Toews even thought he had enough room to squeeze that puck in. This was a sniper’s goal. So, after 1 period the Hawks moved on from the 2 garbage goals they spotted Detroit and owned a 3-2 lead.

The second period was more of the same, Blackhawk domination. Ladd one timed a nice Bolland pass to give the boys a 4-2 lead early in the second.

After that, the Hawks and Detroit played an entertaining 3^rd period and OT that left Chicago shaking their heads. They could not play a better first and second period, yet their failure to put teams away or play with a lead is still hurting them. They had Detroit down and couldn’t deliver that knock out punch.

After this game as well, it is again evident that the Hawks CAN skate with the top tier teams in the league, they just need to figure out how to win those games.

Positives:

× The recent line changes have juiced the scoring against 2 top defensive teams (Red Wings and Ducks).

× “Captain Serious” has played his best game this season.

× 2 great periods against the defending champs

Negatives:

× We thought Khabi let in some soft goals last year, enter Cristobal Huet.

× 3^rd period gave Detroit the opportunity to get back in this game, and a team of the Wings caliber will capitalize on it.

× Failure to win a shootout continues.

Game Notes:

× Per-game warmup, both teams wore “Winter Classic” toques.

× This was the 699^th time these 2 teams met

× Dates have been set for the second Blackhawks Fan Convention. It will be held July 17-19 at the Hilton Chicago. Fans can make reservations through the hotel beginning Thursday by calling (800) 445-8667.

MVB (Most Valuable Blackhawk):

× Jonathan Toews – JT played his best game of the season and scored 2 goals, both of the highlight variety.

Next Matchup:

December 10^th, Ottawa Senators @ Chicago Blackhawks

Record:

11-6-7 29 points

http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2008020386

Anaheim Ducks (14-9-3) @ Chicago Blackhawks (10-6-6)

4 – 2 Win

Upon the Hawks return from the circus road trip, they were hosting the Ducks, a team they saw just 5 days ago. In the past, the Ducks have owned the Hawks, winning 13 of the last 15 meetings between the 2 teams. This game was the 4^th game in 6 nights for the Ducks while the well rested Blackhawks were back home and coming off a 3 day layoff. Enough time for Coach Q to start juggling the lines in an attempt to infuse some scoring into the teams punchless offense as of late.

New lines were:

Brouwer Sharp Kane

Versteeg Toews Byfuglien

Ladd Bolland Havlat

Eager Fraser Adams

The game didn’t have much tempo to it and the Hawks had difficulties getting things going. Throughout the majority of the game, they seemed pinned in their own end, not able to move it out of their zone. Their break out passes were far from crisp and the Ducks applied pressure in the Hawks zone as well as the neutral zone. It was not pretty.

But the Hawks continued to battle, and it wasn’t until 6 minutes into the 3^rd, that it looked like the Hawks would still be in this game. Havlat scored a nice one-timer from Keith and Versteeg. Then with 1:35 left in a tie game, Versteeg with his 2^nd assist of the game off a no look backhand pass across the crease to an open Toews. And that was it, Game over. A Bolland open-netter sealed the deal. The Hawks again, showed resiliency by not giving up in this game against a tight defense that has given them nothing but problems in the past.

Some quick observations . . . Byfuglien was more involved in this game, the line change should help him. Although, playing with Toews would help anyone. Huet had a strong game and finally got the scoring support to pick up a win. It looks like Huet should get the start in Detroit on Saturday. Versteeg continues to shine, as he was the best player on the ice last night. He set up the game-tying and game-winning goals, both on highlight reel worthy plays. Sharp scored the first goal of the game, a power play goal off a one-timer from a sweet Kane pass. They continue to work well together.

So, Detroit on Saturday it is . .DETROIT SUCKS!!!

Positives:

× Nice recovery after the California tailspin.

× Pickup a little confidence playing in front of Huet after this win.

× Line juggling may have paid off.

Negatives:

× Had difficulties with their breakout.

× Can skate with the Ducks, but still look and play small.

Game Notes:

× Injury Update:

o Aaron Johnson will be out 1 month

o Adam Burish will be out a few weeks with a broken toe.

o Khabi has been skating and will return next week (if not rushed back).

o The Wiz is set to return next Friday in Clolrado (12/12)

× Wednesday was “Hertitage Night” to honor Steve Larmer. This event was disappointing, crowd ovation and ceremonial puck drop was it – less than 2 minutes. Not much to it. No Savard – Secord – Larms reunion, no Larmer speech.

× Wednesday Nights home game was the 12^th sellout of the season, matching last years number of sellouts already.

MVB (Most Valuable Blackhawk):

× Kris Versteeg – “Steeger” had 2 masterful assists on key goals. I know it is way too early to be talking Calder, but if he keeps up this pace. I am just saying . . .

Next Matchup:

December 6^th, Chicago Blackhawks @ Detroit Red Wings

Record:

11-6-6 28 points

http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2008020364