Probably the most telling sign that this should be a game to forget is that our wire image service doesn’t have a single picture up from this game. And that’s probably for the best.
Things felt weird to begin with after Marian Hossa took the warmup but was a late scratch with a lower body injury. That coupled with the fact that Khabibulin was starting can stand as evidence that the Hawks’ coach wasn’t taking the Predators too seriously, and that had a trickle-down effect to the product put forth on the ice, with the Hawks just shooting directly at a green goalie’s chest and just assuming they’d score. Having both goalies shit their collective pants at the other end doesn’t help. Neither do flat footed penalties or abstract defensive positioning. Doubting Barry Trotz comes at its own peril, even when his team is in the midst of a four-game skid having been outscored 17-2.
Best to just move along, nothing to see here but merely the third pointless game in a month and a half. Well that and these bullets.
Observations
- While I don’t doubt that Khabibulin’s groin exploded, the feel of things when he came out had a definite “Fuck this, I’m done” vibe to it. Either way he gave Stan Bowman cover to LTIR his ass in perpetuity, even if the Hawks don’t really have any real options in the system right now. Corey Crawford fared no better, as it really appeared that he was counting on having the night off, and could have really used one. Though might as well have, and he’ll have his work cut out for him tomorrow.
- Rich Clune can’t really play at all, so that’s what he does.
- What Brandon Bollig did to earn time with Patrick Kane tonight, who was really the only noticeable Hawk, is beyond me. Who are you trying to convince Joel, us or you?
- Brandon Pirri was a +2 in a 7-2 blow out because of course.
- For those keeping track at home, Kris Versteeg assisted on Pirri’s goal, was a -1 with 4 SOG, and 2PIM. He got 29 seconds of shorthanded time, which would once again indicate a disconnect between coach and GM as to the specifics on why a player was acquired.
- This is the second time in less than two weeks that the Hawks have given a goaltender his first ever NHL victory while putting 40+ shots on net. Meanwhile their 40 year old backup hasn’t completed a game since 10/24.
- Things will need to be cinched up quick with the Sharks in town tomorrow night, the last game the Hawks will see at the UC until December. Hopefully it’s a little better showing.
