Another Original 6 matchup that really means little, due to years of neglecting the significance of these matchups. Boston is having another solid season after sharing the NHL’s basement with Chicago for many years. The Hawks hit an away stretch in the schedule, playing the next 10 of 12 on the road. Niemi gets the start against the defending Vezina Trophy winner, Tim Thomas.

The game had a good pace with a physical side. After a horrible slashing call on Toews, the Hawks go on the kill . . . and struggled. Boston was impressive, showing good puck control during the man-advantage. The Hawks failed to clear the zone, chasing the entire kill. Deep into the power play, Morris sent a shot from the blue line that was deflected in by Wheeler. With the way the Bruins were moving the puck, you could see it coming. They also did a good job of creating traffic in front. Just 2:30 later, Boston built up their lead with a wrist shot in close that beat Niemi high. This scoring chance was due to a defensive zone turnover. This was starting to get ugly.

But the Hawks fought back with 5 unanswered goals, shutting down Boston for the remainder of the game. To close out the first period, the Hawks responded, tying the game up at 2. Keith connected with a one-timer from Byfuglien. In the final minutes of the period, the Hawk score a quick goal, originating from strong forechecking that forced a turnover. Eager dished to Fraser who slide the puck in front to Kopecky who had an open net. Though a 2-2 period sounds even, the Hawks didn’t give up much and outshot the Bruins 17-8 (half of those shots were on their dominant power play).

The second period, the Hawks began taking control of the game. Their forecheck was applying good pressure and causing turnovers. Their back checking was effective, limiting Boston’s transition game. On the power play, Ladd swiped in a rebound off a Seabrook blast from the point. Midway through the second, Keith scored his second of the game with a simple little 68 foot wrister that found the back of the net. The monstrosity better known as Chara, did Thomas no favors, screening him on the shot.

Going into the third, Boston was still in it, as the Hawks held onto a 2 goal lead. But, Boston had to find a way to get something going. Niemi made some strong saves through 2 and the Hawks only allowed 5 shots in the second. The third period was more of the second. The Hawks stifling D only allowed 8 shots, with very little quality scoring chances. With time running out in the game, Kaner scored a wrister off a Brouwer turnover behind the net. The goal meant nothing in the game, but this extends Kane’s goal scoring streak to 10-games.

A solid win against another top team. The difference in this game was the Hawks’ speed and ability to forecheck effectively. Two of the 5 goals were direct results of a defensive turnover, forced by Chicago’s pressure up front. Next up, Minnesota on Saturday, for the second time this week.

Game Notes:
- Well balanced win as all 4 lines contributed
- Do Hawk’s fans still think Niemi is not a suitable backup?
- This team is making it look way too easy.
- They played “Frankenstien” over the PA in The Boston Garden during a stoppage of play, I could only think of that as Chara’s theme music? Everybody should have theme music.

MVB (Most Valuable Blackhawk):
Duncan Keith – he is playing his best hockey of the season. Solid on D, 2G 1A +4 and lead the team in ice time.