Everything Else

We Comb Our Hair Like Maurice Richard: Blackhawks 1 – Canadiens 2 (OT)

By Matthew Killion 1290 0

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Event Summary
Extra Skater

Flat, bored, slow, disinterested… whatever you want to call it, the Hawks simply weren’t in this one pretty much from the national anthems (and I really love hearing “Oh, Canada” sung in French). Taking two back-to-back penalties for tripping Daniel Briere leading to pretty much a full four minutes short handed throws off the entire game, especially since Q had hit the blender to try and spark a team that has hit a slump in the last few games. Instead of settling in with their new teammates, they were running around on the kill and saw the Habs outshoot the Hawks 10-7 in the first.

Things didn’t improve in the later frames as the Hawks gave up 12 shots in each frame without breaking double digits for themselves. This wastes a pretty phenomenal effort from Crawford as he returned to his hometown and stood on his head. It’s not terribly often that you’ll see the losing goalie get a higher star than the winner in a low scoring game.

Everything Else

Nous sommes La Guilde Lollipop: Hawks at Habs Preview/Pregame Thread/Poutine Appreciation

By Sam Fels 1318 0

Hawk Wrestler vs. poutine-quebec_38038_600x450

FACEOFF: 6pm Central

TV/RADIO: WGN for the locals, NHLN-US for the non-locals below the 49th, CBC Hockey Night In Canada for non-locals above the 49th (PATRICK SHARP GOOD ONTARIO BOY!!!), WGN Radio

RIBBIT, RIBBIT: Habs Eyes On The Prize

It’s been something of a wonky January for the Hawks so far. They’ve been collared by the Blues in the division, and there hasn’t been a performance that you’d want to frame. Off their game in New York and New Jersey, not allowed to get into their game by San Jose, and off again versus the Rangers. Hey, the weren’t going to be excellent all year and this is the part of the year where things just begin to tighten up. But after tonight the Hawks will have four home games to try and straighten out what slight quirks have developed. But first tonight in the home of hockey (at least that’s what the residents would tell you).

Everything Else

I Want Their Game… Off: Rangers 3 – Hawks 2

By Sam Fels 1277 0

Box Score

Event Summary

Extra Skater

It’s been obvious to anyone that’s been paying attention that the Hawks’ game has been off since the turn of the calendar, if not a little before. Sure, Sharp and Hossa and Toews covered it up in New Jersey, and have at other times. But they certainly weren’t near their best on Long Island, or in New Jersey, the Sharks kind of dictated play on Sunday, and here we are tonight.

The Hawks had their spurts. The 2nd period, or most of it, was one-way traffic. But they didn’t start well, Crow gave up a couple goals he’d like back, and the 3rd was just kind of… meh. They thought about winning it, they didn’t really look like they wanted to until it was too late.

I don’t think it’s anything other than a midseason malaise. You knew there’d be a dip somewhere. The Hawks used to make it in March. Maybe it’s now. But some factors that we’ve been talking about were once again on show.