Watching this game brought me back to a time when Conferences and Divisions weren’t named after directions. When hockey had more of a gritty physical feel. When rivalries often resulted in bloodshed. St. Louis and Chicago played a throwback game that went back 20 years to a fierce Norris Division rivalry. St. Louis is currently in disarray after just firing Head Coach Andy Murray and calling up Davis Payne from Peoria earlier in the day. On the flip side of the coin, the Hawks are on a hot streak, going 8-2-0 in their last 10 games.

Game Recap:

As expected with a coaching change, the Blues came out with good pressure in the offensive zone. But this level of play was not sustained more than a few minutes past the opening faceoff. The Hawks got on the board first when Kopecky scored his first of 2 goals on the night. A shot from Seabs was deflected off Kopecky and the Hawks take a 1-0 lead. Just 2 minutes later, Brewer scored on a wrist shot from the near boards to tie it up at 1. Under 2 minutes later, Kopecky scored his second on a snap shot from the near circle, beating Conklin high to the stick side. But the Blue answer back to tie it up at 2 late in the second. McDonald fired a wrist shot from the high slot. Huet made the save but left a rebound for McDonald.

At this pace, it looked like the game was going to be a high scoring affair. Conklin looked shaky and Huet let in a few questionable ones.

Instead the Hawks took control and scored 4 unanswered goals. Scoring from Campbell, Versteeg and Sharp (2) put the game out of reach for St. Louis, but the Hawks had a rough run of it. The game was physical and the Blues were aggressive. An elbow to Kane’s head, a vicious open ice hit on Sharp, and attempted elbow to Sopel’s head highlighted St. Louis’ desperation to keep this game within reach. In the final minutes of the game, with the Hawks up 6-2, St. Louis scored on a deflection. This deflection hit Tkackuk in the face and in, sending Tkachuk down like a sack of potatoes. Final score, Hawks 6, St. Louis 3.

The Hawks did a good job after the first period in limiting the Blues shots and quality scoring chances. Shots in the 2nd were 13-5 Hawks. The special teams did a fantastic job on the PK, only allowing 7 shots in 10 minutes of PK (5 minutes of it was a 5-3 situation). They did allow 1 PPG off Tkachuk’s face. Particularly strong on the PK was Brent Sopel. With the game misconduct to Barker, the D saw more ice time. Both Hendry and Sopel put in strong games.

During the game, Foley had touched on the physical play that the Blues were throwing at the Hawks, and had a good point. The absence of a “goon” on the Hawks is something some fans think needs to be addressed. But the toughness this team has shown and their willingness mix it up in the defense of a teammate is solid. I would rather the Hawks not make a move than to pick up a hired thug to sit on the bench, lucky to see 6 minutes of ice time. What they could use is a big, physical presence that can skate a regular shift. Unfortunately, every team is looking for that, so the price tag could be too much. Besides, they have that in Buff, who hasn’t been throwing the body much lately. At the same time, I don’t think Eager should be throwing himself in front of any punches with the concussion issues he has been through.

Nice division win, taking advantage of a struggling team.

Game Notes:
- After Sharp got rocked with the open ice hit from Weaver, he didn’t miss a shift.
- During Eager’s second fight of the game, he received a game misconduct for having his hand taped/bandaged up.
- Tkachuk needed major oral surgery, but there was no broken bones involved.
- Kopecky has been playing better, turning in a 2 goal game.
- The Hawks didn’t do themselves any favors regarding penalties, but a strong PK bailed them out.
- Midway through the first, the Hawks shortened their bench to 5 D with the loss of Barker, but the D didn’t miss a beat.
- Hjarlmarsson was a scratch. He took a puck off the side of the head while on the bench. Cut him open near the ear.

MVB (Most Valuable Blackhawk):
Brent Sopel – he had his best game this season and came up big on the PK. He had 1 assist, +2 with 5 blocked shot. He also skated just under 22 minutes of ice time.