Chicago Blackhawks (25-12-8) @ Anahiem Ducks (24-21-5)

3 – 2 Win

The Hawks started their longest road trip of the season in Anahiem. The Ducks are tough and the Hawks seem to have difficulties matching up with any team located in CA. This game is the first of 8 straight away from the UC. Though February is a short month, it will be a long one for the Hawks, playing only 3 game at home in the month of Feb.

The game had a good flow to it and it was an entertaining game to watch. It was physical, but not cheap. It reminded me of when players would really finish their checks. The Ducks has the upper hand in this game, they just didn’t finish when they needed to. The Hawks on the other hand, still having difficulty creating scoring chances, made the most of the few quality opportunities they had. The Hawks were out shot 38-27.

The Hawks jumped out to a quick lead with a goal by Burish, jamming a rebound in close. Kane score on a wrap around stuff, scoring his first goal since mid December. The third Hawks goal was a great shot from Toews off an even better set up rom Duncan Keith. It is good to have Duncan back.

In general, most of the play was in the Hawks zone. Khabi played a great game an was the reason the Hawks won this one. Ducks had a lot of pressure and most of the Ducks 38 shots were in tight. Khabi allowed 2, but the first was a redirect that Khabi couldn’t do anything about. The second goal beat Nik cleanly, but was in no way a softie. Moen came in on a 2 on 1 and decided to blast a slapper from the circle.

Coach Q messed with the lines a little. The combination of Toews, Kane and Sharp was the most effective line in this game. Havlat continues to play the best hockey (and healthiest) since his arrival to ChiTown. Duncan Keith looked a step slower and played only 25 minutes.

Game one under their belt. Second game in LA, where they always have trouble with a shitty Kings team in the basement of the West.

Positives:

× Great start to the road trip

× Duncan is back

× Kane is back on the score sheet after a month long drought

Negatives:

× Kris Versteeg is still out with the “upper body” injury (finger)

Game Notes:

× Pascal Pelletier was recalled from the AHL Rockord affiliate, but was a scratch

MVB (Most Valuable Blackhawk):

× Nikolai Khabibulin – Khabi made some huge saves and kept the Hawks in this game.

Next Matchup:

January 29th, Chicago Blackhawks @ Los Angeles Kings

Record:

26-12-8 . . . 60 points

http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2008020714