Andrew Shaw, Blackhawks Stay Alive
With their backs against the wall at home, the Blackhawks put together a complete, 60-minute game and stayed alive with a dominant 4-1 victory on Saturday night.
If it’s possible to feel like one game could solve all of a team’s problems, this was that game.
- The Hawks scored early on Jimmy Howard.
- The Hawks scored two powerplay goals.
- Joel Quenneville’s line changes worked.
- Brent Seabrook played more than 13 minutes… and played well.
- And Jonathan Toews scored a goal.
Chicago outshot Detroit 45-26 in the game, and dominated the second half of the contest. The Red Wings were only credited with four shots on net in the third period, while the Blackhawks were credited with 17.
Quenneville mixed up his lineup again, and took advantage of having the final change on home ice.
The line of Patrick Kane, Toews and Patrick Sharp was put back together and generated a lot of action throughout the game. Kane put seven shots on net, and had the secondary assist on Bryan Bickell’s goal. Meanwhile, Sharp was credited with four shots and Toews was credited with two.
Kane’s seven shots led the team, but he wasn’t alone with that total. Seabrook also put seven shots on net in the game, and looked like a completely different player than he had in the previous three (52?) games. After seeing the lowest amount of ice time in his playoff career, Seabrook was back with Duncan Keith, skating 23:30 and contributing to the offense.
Michal Handzus, whose active status had been questioned by many (including this site), played a fantastic game. He won eight of 12 faceoffs, blocked two shots (including one big block while killing a penalty) and he led the Hawks with four hits. Handzus spent much of the game on a new-look line with Bickell and Marian Hossa. That line gave Detroit problems throughout the night.
And, once again, Bickell played a strong, physical game.
Bickell skated only 10:56 but was credited with three big hits and the game’s first goal. Late in the third period, Bickell hammered Niklas Kronwall in the corner. Kronwall attempted two more shifts, but did not return to the ice in the game’s final five minutes.
The Hawks killed all four of the Wings’ powerplays in the game; the number of short-handed situations needs to be less moving forward, though. Dave Bolland was guilty of two stupid penalties in the second period, but neither cost the Hawks. It appeared “the old Bolland” was back, as he skated well and annoyed the Wings’ captain all night.
Andrew Shaw told Pierre McGuire after the game that the Hawks made sure Bolland was shifting against Henrik Zetterberg throughout the game, and Bolland did a good job of neutralizing a superstar.
Shaw was talking to Pierre because he was the game’s Number One star. He was dynamite once again, scoring two goals with three hits. He also won five of eight faceoffs in the game on a third line with Viktor Stalberg and Brandon Saad.
Corey Crawford played another strong game between the pipes for the Hawks, allowing only one goal against 26 shots. In the conference semifinals, Crawford has now allowed 10 goals in five games and has a .925 save percentage. Crawford’s postseason save percentage is now .938, which is second in the NHL behind only Jonathan Quick of the Kings (.948).
While the win on Saturday night was as dominant as the Game One victory, the Hawks still trail in the series. Game Six moves back to Detroit, where Mike Babcock will have the advantage of the final change. How the Hawks carry the intensity over from this win will determine whether or not there is a Game Seven in Chicago.
Game Six starts at 7 pm CT on Monday night.
This fans happy. I think the power play goal after Detroit committed a stupid penalty was huge. They might think twice now about some of their antics and that should open things up more for the the hawks. One more point. I thought the play of the night was that “hold in the zone” by Duncan Keith that lead to the Toews goal. What a play all the way around.
Reprieve tonight.
Redemption Monday.
Reasserting Game#7.
Loved the “Jumbo” line of Hossa, Handzus and Bickell. I’d like to see Q stick with this line combo. The 4th line of Bolland, Kruger and Frolik had very active sticks and was a complete thorn in the side of Det. Even without last change in Det that line will give Det probs up there. The Shaw, Stalberg and Saad line was fantastic and Toews, Sharp and Kane is a force no question.
Loved that Q rolled 4 lines and 3 D pairs thought that was the key to the game more than anything.
Howard was exposed a little for how far out on top of that crease he is coming, he paid for it a couple times. Hopefully that gets in his head.
Babcock is an arrogant prick if he didn’t think Chicago came out more aggressive tonight. If he is that blind in reviewing the tape of this game, Det will have no answer.
Last, I think we saw what happens to Det when they only get one day in between. Blackhawks had visibly more energy than Det. And with only a day in between from here on out, I think that favors the Blackhawks greatly.
Still one game at a time. Monday night is the biggest game of the season. Getting that first goal would be large again, but our guys need to understand (I think they do) that Det has showed on one day rest they struggle for 60 mins and this will more than likely be the case again Monday night.
Go Blackhawks!
Two days between games nhl… bitches.
Great game by the Hawks with their backs against the wall…and if these 2o13 Blackhawks were going to win the Cup this year, they needed to face dire adversity and rise to the forefront…they did tonight, in a dominating way, which bodes well for the rest of the series.
Myself and others identified 3 crucial areas for the Hawks that needed to improve…the first was Brent Seabrook. As we hypothesized before the game, the 2010 Hawks won the Cup because they had an elite top 4 group of DMen and then 2 role playing DMen that shut down the oppositions top lines. Well, tonight we were back there again as Seabs showed up in a BIG way. Keith, Hammer, Seabs and Oduya are playing very well…Leddy and Rozy were much better in significant, but limited roles. Seabs needed to be physical and he was…Seabs needed to help the PP and he did. Moving forward this is a recipe for great success.
2nd, we have been missing a true 2nd line centre, and tonight we got one. What a great game by Handzus. He showed emotion, he was physical, he was smart and he was on the attack. Plus he dominated at the dot, which was CRUCIAL…he also had a huge block on the PK. If Handzus can keep this up, it puts us over the top.
Finally, 3rd, CC had to get mentally tough and he did that last game…tonight you could see it again in his eyes, he knows that he is going to make the save, and when he didn’t he was shocked…this is how CC has to be the rest of the way…his play right now reminds me a lot of his performance versus the Knuckleheads 2 years ago.
If these 3 things continue, it won’t matter whether we are playing in det or not…we will win against any opponent, because the talent on this team is simply too deep to be matched.
I told you that Shaw has been our best player, and now I can add Bryan Bickell to that list as well. They are playing outstanding hockey, and as I said earlier, you win championships with guys like these…Kruger, big effort…Saad, big effort…Stahlberg, stupid penalty, good hustle the rest of the way…Hoss much more inspired effort…Kane much better…
Yep, as Tab said if there was one game that could ignite this Hawks team for the rest of the playoffs, it was this game…we have to play extra special on Monday, and then we will have them, and from there a path to the finals.
Thanks boys, good push back!
Is it me? Or was Toews buzzing Howards tower for his 1st goal awesome? If we win Monday,Hawks ll win this series.Detroit looked like they ve just about had enough.If Howard gets beat on again like tonight were good to go.(Should of been 5-1 but whatever) Crawford has earned my respect this entire series,Win or lose I’m content with him.His soft goals last playoffs burned.I’m truly ready for this next streak :)
The pressure is on the Wings now. They are in a must win situation just like us. They know they need to win game 6 at the Joe or its over for them. No way in hell are they going to win a game 7 on the road, it just doesnt happen that often, and wont happen at the UC against the Hawks.
Almost hard to believe that Bickell only skated 10:56, he seemed to be out there a lot more than that. He really was a all over tonight and it seemed like every hit was a big hit, every play a big play. Still don’t like that we’re facing elimination in detroit, but I love out chances on Monday.
Great game by the Hawks. Finally, the puck found the back of the net. I found myself actually looking forward to the power play for the first time in a while. Every goal came from the slot. If we continue to own the slot then we own Howard. We owned the slot on our end too.
That being said, we saw a horrible game from DET just like we did in Game 1. They’ll come back hard on Monday. Advantage of the final change is going to be huge for them in Game 6. Toews did not play against Zetterberg the entire night.
One game at a time.
I really liked the line combinations this game. The only thing I’m worried about with these lines is whether or not Handzus will be able to keep playing well between Bickell and Hossa. Game 6 will tough with Babcock getting last change.
Completely off topic, but does anyone know the name of the song they played at the end of the first intermission last night! It was instrumental, and they play it frequently this season.
Sr brad..Disagree that Chicago has found a 2nd line center in handz… No way..
Brian, I think he’s saying he played good enough last night to fill the void. If he continues playing like that, they should be more than fine.
CC was awesome in the first and on the PK’s. However, I’m sure he won’t get credit from the haters and he will still need to “steal a game”.
Toews scored!!!! HE FINALLY DID IT!
Kane looked determined. Great to watch him play like that.
Q did some pretty awesome things strategically. I’m hoping they can pull off 2 more before Babcock readjusts his game plan. They pretty much eliminated the stretch pass yesterday, forwards weren’t flying the zone… they got up the ice with a series of short passes.
I have a feeling Kronwall might not be up for game 6. If he does play, they need to attack him relentlessly. That was a murderous hit by Bickell and I want to see him do it again and again.
Amazing how much better a PP looks when you win a faceoff and you have constant movement. Was also nice to see the point men flip sides so they could take one timers. Not only did they net 2 goals, but they had a half dozen scoring chances before they even got those goals!
Did Zetterberg play last night? Must have missed him.
Hawks in 7!
Babcock gets last change on Monday so we’ll see how well Q can stick with rolling these new lines. The Hawks effectively made Dats and Zets non factors in Game#5 but that chore will be a much taller order at the Joe.
To be sure Game#5 was encouraging. The defense to offense transition almost looked too easy. Why was it so effective in Game#5 when it was MIA for most of the previous 3 games? Yes, there are the vagaries of sport, but there must be a more concrete reason why the Hawks were able to complete those short passes, sometimes 2 or 3 of them, to transition out of the d-zone. Clearly that seemed to be the biggest difference between Game#5 and Games 2, 3 and 4.
So they live to fight another day. To Monday …
Good Calls JS-
1.) Z-berg was MIA… Shaw said 36 was covering Him… I honestly can’t recall seeing Z-berg so I will take Shaw’s word on it!
2.) couple of reasons why… we could get waves of player to the net-
a.) short passes- led to “a balanced wave” of attackers- instead of one guy dumping/chasing and centering to Nobody!
b.) A total team effort/will/commitment to attack the net
c.) Most interesting- D-Men were not only pinching- but flat out playing like forwards and attacking w/ wave…
d.) I don’t know if it was intentional… but Hawks seemed to find a “hole” in Wings coverage… the two 5 on 5 goals were scored by the Hawks who led the rush and circled the net to the weak side. ( this is the same way we scored 3-4 goals against Howard in the regular season in the 7-1 blowout)… Howard comes out too far, and D man seems to stay home on strong side. This ONLY works when there are a wave of attackers going to the net!
NOW THE BAD NEWS!
1.) Babcock will have the last change making it harder to have 36 Blanket Z-berg
2.) officiating at Home- may be a little different than UC!!!
3.) I hear Babcock is a pretty good coach… The Hawks D-men attacking the net can/will lead to some golden odd-man rushes- if he figures a way to counter-attack that… and/or the Puck bounces the wrong way (for Hawks)— just one long clean bounce/rebound to a Wing Forward while Hawks are running D-man to the net, Hawks will be down. Q is gambling with that Hyper-aggressive strategy (and he has to)… Babcock knows it- we will see how the puck bounces!
Also agree on Kronwall- Shoulder injuries don’t go away over nite.
Nice to see Q finally take my advice and play Saad on bottom 6-lol
Hossa actually went to some dirty areas!
Game 6- things to watch
1.) how the refs call the game ( I thought the Hawks got away with a couple)
2.) Babcock- counter-attacks the Hyper-aggressive Hawks D-Men
3.) the bounces!
Why the hell we didn’t do this/play like this before now is beyond me.
I’ve only been following hockey closely for the last 5-6 years and I’m still learning all the more subtle rules/concepts, such as…what is “last change?”
Great game. Can we have Leddy doing more rushes? It seems like that dude can take it straight in to Howard whenever he wants. I like the D men getting involved offensively, as long as someone like Nyquist isn’t on the ice waiting to slip behind them.
Powerplay was fun to watch finally! Did Detroit do something differently on D or was that all us? Passes were crisp, people were moving and we got quality shots on net…but I just can’t understand why the PP was so damn flat before? Seems like all we’ve needed to do is keep people moving and put the puck on teammate’s sticks and shoot…yet all we’d done is pass station to station and take low quality shots that rarely even made it to Howard.
Detroit did a great job of stick-checking the hell out of us in those 3 losses, I think we did a better job of moving the puck with crisper passing in game 5.
Hey, Crawford right? Dude has been very consistent for us.
I know the Hawks can win in 7 games, just hope we get the bounces.
James, Conventional Hockey says that you don’t attack the net w/ D-men… it is Risk/Reward hockey… a gamble… it could be very risky w/ wrong bounce.
But JS- is right- by not Making long stretch passes-Hawks weren’t limited to a 1 on 1 dump-n-chase entry. That one on one allowed the Wings to interfere/clutch/impede/check (playoff hockey) the 2nd and 3rd Hawk to the point that —
you couldn’t see a 2nd forward in the screen- thus a lot of centering to Nobody in prior games!
Does Babcock have an answer???
Hockey is like chess, Babcock was continuously ahead of Q on strategy, now Q found a way to come back. Really interested to see what adjustments are made for the next game.
Interesting thing about the hyper-aggressive D, they were just cycling with the forwards. So yeah, a bad bounce and there is a pretty good chance there is a 2 on 1 going the other way against a forward… but they were typically in very good position to back check. I can’t remember who biffed the 3 on 1 by putting it into Leddy, but a Hawk was flying up the ice on a back check and got there as the play was developing.
It’s a pretty great advantage to the Hawks that there is only 1 day between these last two games. That already bad defense isn’t going to have time to recover. Another relentless first period by the Hawks and they should be able to drop half a dozen on them once the third period hits and the Wings D can no longer skate.
One quick comment…if Bickell played all the time like he did last night, he’d have teams lining up for him at $2-3mil per. I’m just hoping that his play continues Monday & (hopefully) Wednesday.
I thought the hit by Bickell on Kronwall was absolutely fantastic. But here is my question to those of you out there that really know the rules. Was it a borderline illegal hit or was it unquestionably clean?
One more quickie…yes Bolly did a nice job defensively on Z’berg but his unsportsmanlike penalty after the whistle against Abdelkader is inexcusable; cannot happen again. Let’s definitely not give an opponent the advantage after the whistle blows.
DUMB!
Christoferson,
USA HOCKEY RULE BOOK…
A. Rule 204(a) in the USA Hockey Rulebook states that the Home Team shall always have the privilege of “last change”. In other words, they have the right to wait for the Visiting Team to place their line-up on the ice before sending their line-up out. As a Referee, the Line Change Procedure follows the same process at every stoppage:
Immediately following the whistle, the Visiting Team has roughly eight seconds to change their players.
Once eight seconds has elapsed, the Referee shall raise his hand (like a traffic cop) to the Visiting Bench to indicate they are no longer allowed to substitute players. Now the Home Team has roughly eight seconds to change their players.
After the following eight seconds have elapsed, the Referee lowers his arm, indicating that all substitutions are complete (unless a penalty is assessed before the faceoff).
The Linesman conducting the faceoff shall blow his whistle and start the faceoff procedure immediately once the Referee lowers his arm.
If either team attempts to change players after their allotted time, the Referee must disallow the substitution and send the players back to their bench with no penalty. If this becomes a repeated problem, the Referee should address the coach and inform him of the Line Change Procedure. After that conversation, repeated attempts to change after their allotted time could result in a Bench Minor for Delay of Game.
Important note: If the Home Team immediately changes their players following a whistle, they may not change again after seeing the Visiting Team’s line-up. Their “Last Change” privilege allows them to wait until after the Visiting Team changes to substitute their own players. They are not permitted unlimited changes.
Pete, I held my breath on the Bickell hit on Kronwall…Eddie O and Pierre McGuire seemed OK with it but I thought it was very close.
That said, I would expect the Wings to try and take some runs on our guy’s Monday so we had better be ready for that with our big guy’s ready to run as necessary.
The reason I asked was I had a client from Detroit tell me that the Shaw hit at the end of game 3 or 4 against Colocavio(sp?) was definitely boarding that would have been called in the regular season, but their not calling that in the playoffs. I don’t know enough to debate it and I find the issue of what’s a penalty on those types of hits and what isn’t very confusing. For instance the non-call on the hit on Franzen by Hammer that Detroit is saying made up for the disallowed goal.
ZebraGreg,
Bolland got that unsportsmanlike penalty called on Abdelkader. Bolland was already going to the box for doing something to Zetterberg. In that case, an awesome move by Bolland.
I love what Bickell has been doing and think that the Saad, 65, 25 line is one of the few combos that would play like 29-65-25. Moving Bickell around has been good. I will be interested to see what Monday’s game will bring.
I am a Hawks fan, but think Babcock is a heck of a coach. I love his in-game interviews because I feel he is actually educating me as a hockey fan and not just giving me the cliche’d bs that the other coaches give me.
Maybe we’re talking about two different penalty calls…I do recall the dual minors with Abdelkader; but wasn’t there another penalty, I think that was at the end of the 2nd and carried over into the 3rd, when Bolly had his stick behind a Wing and tripped him after the whistle? I’ll have to check the box score…that’s the one I’m referring to.
Yes, I just checked it Pete…the dual penalties for Bolly & Abdelkader was at 5:14 of the 2nd. The call I refer to was his unsportsmanlike penalty that was at 18:38 of the 2nd and was after the whistle. That penalty CANNOT happen.
Zebra Greg I think your referring to Peter not Pete. By the way, I agree with you on that second Bolland penalty. I thought it was a Bush league move by Bolland there and right at the end of the period could have been a big momentum shifter.
@ Pete – You had a client from Det tell you…. Stop right there. There is too much Fluoride in the water up there in Det and they are brainwashed. Simple Nazi trick putting too much fluoride in the water has them thinking they are Hockey and all others should bow to them. Well I have news for them they aren’t.
The hit was a good hard clean hit. Just getting hit hard into the boards doesn’t make it boarding. Most Wings fans won’t understand that
Nice comments everyone. I am glad the theme here is back to this series. We have plenty of time to talk about next year some other time. Let’s win what we have in front of us now. Who’s the big fella wearing #7?. He looks like someone you might want to build around :-) Great to see him laying the wood and being invovled at both ends! Like watching a whole different team. 36 still scares me to death. We can NOT afford him doing stupid stuff after the whistle, or any other time for that matter! Loved the pregame with Sharp, you could tell he was pissed and ready to battle . GoHawks!
If Seabrook and Handzus continue their play, we will win Monday…we don’t need to overanalyze it. We’re simply too good to beat with CC playing like this in net, our top 4 DMen in synch and and a 2nd line centre.
What about wanting to fire the coach like everybody suggested after game 4?
I just read some of the missed posts from the last blog.
Brad you said players like Colin Fraser helped the Hawks win in 2010 and he was one of the main reasons that LA won in 2012. Do you remember how many playoff games he played for the Hawks in 2010? 3!
Hawks in 7!
If Seabrook and Handzus continue their great play tonight, we’ll win. Focus on tonight, its what matters…
encouraging start!