Blackhawks vs. Blue Jackets - SO Win Recap

“Lone Justice”

Now that the Blackhawks have broken the record for the best start in NHL history, the Blackhawks next goal was the most consecutive games with a point. The Hawks sat at 23 and the record was 35 by the ’79-’80 Flyers. To overtake the second spot, they would need to pass 28. The Hawks welcomed the Blue Jackets into the United Center to be the next sacrificial lamb. The Jackets came in losing 7 out of their last 10 games and losing their last game to St. Louis, Saturday night. Live from the United Center in Chicago Illinois, it’s the Blackhawks and the Blues.

The game didn’t exactly open up how Chicago would have figured. Columbus came out with much more life than you would would expect for a team that played a close game the night before. Each team had 7 shots and there were no goals scored.

The second was just more of the same, with the Hawks slightly out shooting the Blue Jackets 14-13. The Hawks scored a late goal to take a 1-0 lead into the third period, which bodes well for the boys in red. We have been here before, and there is not nearly the reason for concern that there use to be.

The Jackets made an attempt to tie the game in the third period, with 8 shots to the Hawks 7, but they could not beat Hawks defense. Even though the Hawks faced a hot goalie, one goal was enough to take another 2 points. Next opponent, the Oilers, tomorrow night.

The Good

• Even though Bolland missed the game, it was nice to see Kruger get his due and move up with Kane and Sharp.
• Crawford was back in net for the Hawks, which was very good to see. Enough of that Emery for #1 bullshit. He quieted any meatballs by posting a 28 save shutout. No ill effects from his alleged concussion, apparently.
• Hossa had three great 1-on-0 chances, but couldn’t dent the net. The second one was as a result of a complete dumb ass blind backhand pass attempt from former Blackhawk James Wisniewski. Glad he’s wearing the other colors, now, aren’t we?
• Just as Foley mentioned that there was no score, Bickell fed Andrew Shaw with a nice backhand pass for a 1-0 lead, late in the second period. Shaw had just come off the bench from a change and he made a bee line for the net. Bickell had just picked up the puck in the corner and must have heard Shaw yelling. It was a bang/bang play, and Mason had no chance to react.
• Toews, Shaw and Mayers all won 50% or more faceoffs. Kruger was his usual 40%.
• Considering he only gave up one goal, Steve Mason was really solid for the Jackets.
• Was nice to see Jesse Spencer, an actor from two of my favorite shows, Chicago Fire/House , shoot the puck between periods.

The Bad

• The Hawks caught a huge break in the closing minutes of the second period, on a Columbus powerplay. Vinny Prospal was sent in on a break-a-way, beat Crawford, but hit the crossbar.
• Carcillo and Mayers both had under 6 minutes of playing time, which barely made it worth them even dressing. I can’t remember seeing Carcillo on the ice at all.
• Both teams were a combined 0-8 on the powerplay. With this being said, the Hawks were 5 for 5 on the penalty kill.

The Ugly

• The Hawks were victim to quite a few penalties, but none were worse that the extreme Olympic dive that Calvert against Hjalmarsson. He should have been the only one penalized, and ended up rewarded for his actions. Dumb ass.
• Wisniewski took exception to a Shaw crosscheck by spearing Shaw right in the twig-n-berries. The CSN crew showed Shaw on the bench and his face was as red as his jersey. His eyes looked a little glassy too. Cheap shot play by Wiener-niewski. Shaw followed up with a charging penalty on his very next shift.

Here are the video highlights:

Source: