A sustained culture of winning will do that: SCH
Confidence: ST
History: Trib
How to fix slow starts: CSN
But what do the statistics say? SN
This has been a post that I’ve have bubbling underneath the surface for a bit (i.e. right under where the hair should go but doesn’t because my genes suck). After last night’s… whatever that was, the problems Oduya is having couldn’t really be in clearer relief. So let’s dive into the numbers, and some other things, and we’ll see just how far off O.D. is from the player that had the organization and fans so smitten.
So yeah…: Blackhawks
Steeg fixed: CSN
Kaner in the new year: ESPN Chicago
Yeowzer: PHT
So that’s going well: PD
1,000 & 600: TSN
I would guess that a lot of times, you sign on here after a game expect us to reveal some nuanced view of the game or point out something you may have missed that led to the result or to at least dig deeper than what you’ll get in the mainstream. Tonight is not one of those nights.
This one’s on me and McClure. McClure in the preview and me on the front page of the Indian didn’t spare any words shitting on Varlamov, and then pointing out that probably set us up for a 45-save shutout. Well, reverse the numbers there and that’s what we got. Pat and Eddie can bitch about that bitch Annette Frontpresence all they want, but when you toss 54 shots on net you’re not going to have someone in front for all of them. I’m sure when the shot charts to this one are available, the Hawks will have as many from in close as they have in any other game.
vs 
Game Time: 7:30PM Central
TV/Radio: CSN, TVA, SN1, SNO, WGN-AM 720
The Banquet Beer: Mile High Hockey
Amid the blowing snow propelled by wind carrying sub-zero chills, the Hawks will host the Colorado Avalanche for the first time this season on the west side. And though the Avs have predictably and hilariously fallen squarely on their stupid asses this season as basically everyone thought they would, they have still always been problematic for the Hawks even when they have sucked to (mile) high heaven.
Opposing AHL net minders have to go into games with the Rockford IceHogs ready to face a parade of vulcanized rubber. The Midwest Division leaders IceHogs haven’t had any problems getting the puck to the net this season.
The Hogs, who won two road games in this past week of action, keep goalies busy to the tune of 33.92 shots per contest. That is tops in the AHL. Rockford is averaging double-digit shots in each regulation period this season.
Better late…: Blackhawks
5 stars: CSN
TT is ready: ESPN Chicago
Yeo on the hot seat: PD
Silliness: Trib
Thank you and good luck: PHT
Box Score
Event Summary
War On Ice
You’ll have to help me out here. I’m not actually sure if this was a fantastic back and forth game played by two teams that very likely could meet up in the playoffs… or if this was a somewhat sloppy affair full of bad turnovers, odd goaltending and plenty of odd-man breaks by two teams that very likely could meet up in the playoffs.
As is now their wont to do – the Hawks let the opposing team take the first goal of the night as Saad was stripped of the puck just past the blue line. Seguin would have a shot kicked away by Crawford… unfortunately that kick went right to Jamie Benn who put it into a wide open net. From there – we got a ping pong match of a game. Dallas took the lead 4 times and gave it up 4 times. Of course, that also stat also would look bad for the Hawks if it wasn’t for Keith’s beauty of a pass to Sharp in OT. It’s also why I’m leaning towards calling this an exciting yet sloppy game.
Lets hash it out more after the jump
