Hawks Fall Short Against Bruins
Chicago Blackhawks (36-17-9) @ Boston Bruins (42-14-9)
5 – 2 Loss
The Hawks play a rare noon game against the Boston Bruins. This is an interesting matchup in may aspects. The Hawks always like to refer to games with top teams as a benchmark game to gauge where they are at.This game definitely fits this mold as Boston has lead the Eastern Conference since the start of the season. It is also interesting to see where these 2 teams are in comparison to where they were 2 seasons ago. Both teams were miserable and couldn’t give away tickets. Now they are 2 of the hottest teams in the league.
The Hawks found themselves down early and never really recovered. After tying the game up early on a Toews PPG, the Hawks had a collapse in the last five minutes of the 2nd, allowing the Bruins to take a 3-1 lead. Spotting Boston 2 quick goals, just 35 seconds apart, was the game. Each team scored 2 in the final frame (one being a Boston empty-netter).
Huet got the start for the Hawks, and didn’t look particularly sharp. He also didn’t have much help as the D looked awful. Campbell was brutal in this game (missed passes, turnovers). The first goal was a result of the D not being able to get the puck up ice and good forecheck pressure by the Bruins. This second goal, Huet failed to hug the ner post and let it squeeze in. The third goal, there was traffic in the slot, but it looked like the Frenchman should have had a clean look at the shot from the point. The fourth goal started with a turnover when Campbell lost an edge at the Hawks blueline (possibly when doing his spin move).
On the offensive end, the Hawks were able to create scoring chances, but couldn’t finish. Between solid play from Tim Thomas and a several posts, the Hawks had to rely on the power play for 2 of their 3 goals. Toews scored a PPG off a power move from the goal line to the left of Thomas. The second goal was a Versteeg goal on the back door. The third , and final Hawks goal was another PPG, scored by Kaner with a laser from the left circle.
The Hawks battled back and made it interesting. In the final minutes, the Hawks turned up the heat and had a few near misses. All this was killed by a Bruin’s empty netter to seal the win. Overall, the Hawks realy didn’t bring their “A” game, which is what they are going to need against these top teams down the stretch.
Tomorrow afternoon the Hawks return home to host the lowly Colorado Avalanche. I would expect the Hawks to rebound from this lackluster performance at the expense of the Avs.
Positives:
× The Hawks special teams had a good day going 2 for 3 on the pp and shutting down all 3 of Boston’s man advantages
× Toews scores again. The kid is amazing.
× The Hawks don’t face the Bruin’s again, unless it is a finals matchup.
Negatives:
× Overall poor performance
Game Notes:
× Aaron Johnson was back in the lineup
× The Hawks called up Hjarlmsson from the AHL Rockford IceHogs, who was not in the lineup for today’s game. He should be in tomorrow’s lineup.
× The Hawks also recalled up Pascal Pelletier from the AHL Rockford IceHogs.
× Sami Pahlsson will report to the Hawks tomorrow, but will not be game ready for another week or two.
× Sharp and Khabi are both skating and are nearing their return.
MVB (Most Valuable Blackhawk):
× Jonathan Toews – he keeps scoring at a torrid pace.
Next Matchup:
March 8th, Colorado Avalanche @ Chicago Blackhawks
Record:
36-18-9 . . . 79 points
It also bears mentioning that only one of Boston’s 5 goals where when Keith and Seabrook were on the ice. Seabrook has really elevated his game since Q put the “A” on his sweater.