Everything Else

Formula 81 – Hawks 3 – Oilers 3 (Hawks win go-kart race)

By 1394

Box Score

Event Summary

War On Ice

Natural Stat Trick

Well you know this story by heart if you’ve followed the Hawks this season. The second line does most of the work to either get the Hawks one or two points, Corey Crawford holds them in when they were seriously under pressure, the penalty kill gets all the kills required, and then the Hawks goof a goal in overtime to get both points (and 3-on-3 every goal is basically a goof, that’s not a knock). The variable this time was getting one miraculous save from Crawford in OT, and the Hawks got an even-strength goal from the third line, which isn’t the first of the year but man does it feel like it.

Still, while gaining the two points when you don’t play well is a positive sign for a team we’re all sure is going to figure out its problems at some point, being severely clocked at times by the Oilers without McJesus is not going to have people printing up t-shirts.

Let’s do it.

Everything Else

The Fun Happens Late – Hawks at Oilers Preview, Request For Quote

By 1363

evil empire at edmonton_eskimos20logo

Game Time: 8:30Pm
TV/Radio: CSN, SportsNet 1, WGN-AM 720
Lost’n For Auston: Copper & Blue, Oilers Nation

No matter how hard they try to convince themselves, their fans, and the rest of the league, the Edmonton Oilers just can’t seem to stop tripping over their own collective dick. As of last night with John Torotrella’s Columbus Blue Jackets defeating the Blues on home ice, the Oilers are once again dead last in the NHL, and now welcome in the Blackhawks to Rexall as they begin their annual November road trip.

Everything Else

Toews, TVR, Trevor, Other Ts

By 1742

For what feels like the first time this season, things have died down a bit with the Hawks news-wise. No injuries, no roster decisions, no turmoil-inducing losses, and just heading off on a roadtrip. Probably also helps calm things down now that the Bears are at least somewhat interesting, shifting attention (even if they’re not actually good). With two weeks on the road, a couple things to look for and watch.

-First, while no one on the main beat ever wants to say it, we haven’t shied from pointing out that some of the Hawks even-strength woes are a result of Jonathan Toews’s “struggles.” The Hawks are still a negative team overall at 5-on-5, which is a weird thing to say about them even at this point in the season. And then you realize the Hawks’ power play has been bailing them out at time and you nearly pass out.

Everything Else

Page 8s And Thank Yous

By 1234

My page 8 game in the Indian lately has been strong, so because there isn’t much going on let’s all have a chuckle. For those who might not know, Page 8 in our gameday program is basically where I get to go all comedy or sadistic, depending on your point of view. It’s a chilling view into what’s left of my mind.

Increase Scoring

Everything Else

High On The Hog: Weekend Sweep In Iowa

By 1485

The Rockford IceHogs, the Blackhawks AHL affiliate, have yet to drop a game to Central Division rival Iowa this season. The Hogs ran their record against the Wild to 5-0 this season with a sweep in DesMoines this weekend.

Rockford is 9-3-1-1 and in second place in the Central Division. There is a lot of credit to go around for what is now a ten-game points streak. Dennis Rasmussen and Bryan Bickell (see after the jump) both had a pair of goals over the weekend. Mark McNeill is on a five game point streak and Ville Pokka has six points in his last four games.

However, not all of the IceHogs are off to a hot start.

Everything Else

What the World Needs Now is Another Folk Singer: Blackhawks 4, Flames 1

By 1303

Box Score

Event Summary

War on Ice

Natural Stat Trick

It’s weird that a first ballot Hall of Famer would make such a difference, huh. Regardless of the opponent, Duncan Keith being in the lineup makes everything look much better. From the defensive pairs to zone exits, the Hawks were efficient tonight in ways they have only been for small spurts this season.

Now if only that Jonathan Toews could get going, maybe this season is salvageable yet. I kid.