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The Hawks host Rich Nash and Co after coming off 2 tough losses that they would much rather forget. A 6-5 shootout defeat in Minnesota in which they let a four-goal lead disappear in the final 14 minutes of the third period. A day later Chicago fell 3-1 at home to Anaheim despite outshooting the Ducks 43-12. Chicago hasn’t lost three straight since a five-game skid last March, but that streak included two defeats at the hands of the Jackets.

Game Recap:

The Hawks took the lead just 61 seconds in and never looked back. The Hawks applied solid pressure in the Blue Jackets zone and controlled the game with puck possession. Goals from Campbell, Byfulgien and Keith were more than th Hawks needed to avoid losing 3 straight before a colossal road trip. Hawks win 3-0.

Huet picked up the SO, but had to work for it, particularly in the second period. He played great game and was voted the #1 Star of the game.

The difference in the game, and we saw this early in the season, was the Hawks’ defense and their ability to join the play in the offensive zone. Two of the 3 Hawks goals were scored by speedy defensemen (51 and 2) jumping into the rush. They have been beyond effective on both ends of the ice: limiting quality scoring chances and helping put the puck in the net. “Arguably” the best defensive core in the league.

After a big win to “right the ship”, the Hawks hit the road for an 8 game stretch. Next game, this same Columbus team on Saturday.

Game Notes:
- Huet’s 4th shut out of the season.
- Not game related – Hawks top brass, John MacDonough and Jay Blunk received contract extensions today. An impressive number, since they have overseen the operations, Hawks merchandise sales increase 317 percent along with a rise of the season ticket base to 14,000. The Hawks have announced a capacity crowd in each of their past 76 home games.
- The Hawks announced their third annual team convention has sold out. It will take place July 30-Aug. 1 at the Hilton.

MVB (Most Valuable Blackhawk):
Cristobal Huet – the “Man from France” earned a shut out and made some key saves on the PK in the 2nd.

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.