Blachawks Unload On Capitals, Stay Hot
Andrew Shaw and Bryan Bickell had three point nights as the Blackhawks dominated the Washington Capitals.
The Hawks defense in the first period was overwhelming, not allowing a shot on Corey Crawford for over 16 minutes to open the contest. Chicago only allowed three goals in the first period and 17 in the game. Crawford was solid, allowing only two goals.
Patrick Kane was outstanding with the puck again as he continues to play exceptionally well as the top line center in the absence of Jonathan Toews. He scored his 19th goal of the season, the third for the Hawks and ultimately the game-winner.
Shaw had two goals and an assist and Bickell added two assists and one goal as the Hawks continued to get great contributions from all over the lineup. Andrew Brunette, Marian Hossa, Brent Seabrook, Patrick Sharp, Duncan Keith and Nick Leddy were each credited with an assist on Sunday night.
Shaw’s nine goals are now tied with teammate Marcus Kruger and Columbus’ Ryan Johansen for 11th among rookies this year. He continues to be one of the great finds from the 2011 Draft, and is playing a major role for the Hawks in a playoff run. Chicago is now 7-1-1 since the trade deadline, all without Toews in the lineup.
Jimmy Hayes watched the game as coach Joel Quenneville gave Michael Frolik a rare night in the lineup.
I may be a bit of a homer, but if Shaw continues his good play,Calder trophy?You have to love what he brings night in and night out!
In the last 10 games, Bickell is playing like the Bickell of last year– motivated! Good to see and makes the Bolland line with Shaw very dangerous. Get Well Johnny we need you in April! Also like the move of Johnny OH on the D- poor mans Campbell!
I like Kane playing with Hossa. I realize that Washington is a good match up for us since they are not physical, but Hossa and Kane seem to feed off each other. So if you do that then when Toews comes back put Sharp and Stahlberg on the first line with him.
Shaw is a smart hockey player. It’s not a coincidence Shaw always seems to be around the puck – he just knows what to do and where to go. Very impressive for a 20 year 5th round rookie.
Hopefully Toews can recover and come back. If he does – I agree with Pete and would like to see Toews center Sharp and Stalberg. But I’d put Kruger on Kane’s wing instead of Brunette (along with keeping Hossa on Kane’s RW of course).
Man I think Stalberg hit a whole new gear on his goal. Wow. He has a good chance at reaching 20 goals considering the next game is against the Jackets. I loved Kane’s goal. They showed perfect passing and control in an area full of havoc. I was happy to see even though he didn’t get a point Bolland was a + 3 and so was Seabrook. What was great about Shaw tonight besides getting 3 points was how he was in Ovechkin’s face all night. It was great! Ovechkin has how many pounds and inches on him? The third line is really starting to come through. they scored 3 against the top line and as for the defense I think Oduya has been a perfect fit for Leddy and the team and has helped to bring conistency to the pairs and play.
And the best part when they win?
The ‘Fire Coach Q!’, ‘Fire Stan Bowman!’, ‘Trade Patrick Kane!’ folk are back to hiding in the bushes biding their time…. yet again. lol
“Two blondes and a Brunette”- Engblom on the Kane line. So stupid and yet I laughed.
Shaw IS the real thing, and is here to stay…I think that sitting Jimmy Hayes tonight should do a lot for his game…as many here mentioned, Hayes has kind of faded the last 4 or 5 contests, and we can’t afford that…we need meaningful shifts from everyone game in and game out…Hayes should get a strong wake up call from both sitting and from fellow rookie Andrew Shaw, who is showing the world what heart and effort can translate into…
Also, that might have been the best defensive effort all season from the DMen…everyone played even minutes, and no one struggled…if we keep this up, we will have a shot at winning a playoff series…the Oduya acquisition is paying large dividends…
Nice to see Bolland and Bickell return to last season’s form…they are key if we are going to win a series…
I don’t understand why the love for Shaw is so much more than the love for Kruger. Both are similar players (undersized, hard working, not afraid to go to the net) and both were picked in the 5th round (Kruger actually 10 picks later at 149 overall); yet you rarely see Kruger getting his due, either in articles or in the comments section. Not trying to take away from Shaw, just saying you have to give some credit to Kruger for stepping into the 2nd line center role and putting up some production. I really think if Bolland can put together a full season, we could see him moved up to the 2nd line (as he has more of a scoring touch than Kruger) with Kruger becoming the new shutdown center.
We are playing well. Looks like we will even make the playoffs. Third or, if we can surge, even second in our division. Way to go Hawks.
Deep playoff run? Let’s hope we can find the goaltending and the physical play, cause it looks like we have the talent.
Shaw 28 games played – 15 points
Kruger 70 games played – 22 points
I agree with tysimmo but acknowledge Jeff’s point about point production. However, I think Kruger also plays a 200 foot game and does so many of the little things so well and has more pure hockey skill than Shaw. The kid keeps coming on and for his size he’s always in the fray as well. I’m glad we have them both.
Johnny O is one smooth skating mother! And handles the puck well And makes smart tape to tape passes out of the d-zone. Great pickup by Stan at the deadline. It is also very nice to see the development of Shawsy, as he has displayed some great instincts and is becoming a tremendous role player who will only get better. I am also high on Kruger who I have said a few times before, is a very smart hockey player with tremendous upside to his game, he too will only get better. The future is bright indeed for the Hawks and when goal tending becomes a consistent strength this team will rise back into elite status!
Yes, but 12 of Shaw’s 17 points came in a 6 game stretch and this most recent 3 game stretch. In the other 20 games he is a -11. He has been a welcome addition but don’t let this 3 game stretch fool you into thinking he is a complete player, or an offensive threat.