Blackhawks Fall To Bobrovsky, Jackets
Led by a phenomenal Sergei Bobrovsky, the Columbus Blue Jackets ended their long losing streak to the Chicago Blackhawks with a shootout victory on Saturday night.
After being off since Tuesday, the Hawks came out firing but couldn’t solve Bobrovsky. Chicago out-shot Columbus 15-3 in the first period, but Jack Skille was able to tip a puck past Corey Crawford to get the Jackets on the board. On the play, Tim Erixon (recently acquired from Columbus) and Skille went into the boards in a heap, but Skille was able to beat Erixon up and back into the play. He got to the doorstep in time to redirect a shot past Crawford to get on the board.
Chicago kept shooting in the second, and finally beat Bobrovsky. Patrick Sharp scored his first even strength goal of the season to tie the game.
The second period also included a rare near-fight from Jonathan Toews, who got whacked in his man area a couple times by Brandon Dubinsky and finally had enough. The two wrestled and Toews threw a couple punches, but the refs stepped in before things escalated too far. Thankfully, Toews didn’t do any damage to his hands punching Dubinsky, who wears a shield.
With Toews and Dubinsky in the box for offsetting double-minors, Brad Richards took a high-sticking penalty with only four seconds left in the second period.
Chicago opened the third with one of the best penalty killers in the game in the box and 1:56 to kill, but were only able to successfully take care of 1:55 of the penalty. Kevin Connauton blew a shot past Crawford, who never saw it, and gave the Jackets the lead early in the final frame.
Almost seven minutes later, an odd sequence ended with the game tied. Bobrovsky left a rebound in front of the net, so a stickless Marcus Kruger used the base stealing method to crash the net. The sliding Kruger didn’t put the puck in the net, but Ben Smith was on the spot and tapped it in to tie the game. The play was reviewed by Toronto and the goal was awarded to Smith, who has been a bigger offensive contributor over the last couple weeks.
Unfortunately, 65 minutes weren’t enough for the Hawks and Jackets to finish the deal. It was a fantastic, entertaining game that saw Bobrovsky make 39 saves to 17 for Crawford before heading to a shootout. It took nine rounds for the outcome to be determined, and it was defenseman Jack Johnson who accounted for the final score of the evening.
Brent Seabrook had a marvelous game, breaking up at least three rushes by sprawling on the ice. He was credited with only two blocked shots and two takeaways in the game, but played arguably his best game of the season.
As good as Seabrook was, Brandon Saad was fighting it all night. He had a number of quality scoring opportunities bounce off his stick or go wide, and wasn’t able to pull the trigger on a couple opportunities to hit an open teammate for a potential scoring chance as well.
The Hawks return to the United Center for an early 6 pm CT start against Toronto on Sunday.
Will someone please tell Bicksy to park his big fat a$$ in front of every hot goalie the Hawks face? Shaw, Kruger, smith and even Steeger does it on occasion! Also the power play again shoots us in the foot everytime we play keep away around the perimeter withou someone darting towards the net attempting to get open in those tight dirty areas! The league knows to let the Hawks kill their own power play with type of play! Sorry boys I’m venting after the loss to the BJ’s. And good for Morin that he scored in the shootout! Better for us that Shaw followed with a goal of his own! Tomorrow the Leafs back at home! P. S. Is it me or does Hoss look like he’s loosing a step or two and can’t make those moves that used to get him open to fire those amazing shots he used to make on a reg basis??? Your thoughts boys… Tell me I’m wrong.
Good evening Mr. Rufus, are you indisposed? If not, can we have your thoughts on Columbus player #9 shootout goal? Thanks.
Aww crap. We should have won this one. Ice acted kinda funny on us and passing and plays were not on at all. Thankfully Shaw scored in the shootout as the last chance or “you know who” would have have had the game winner. Seabook did everything but win the game single handed. Carcillo looked shakey on his skates and only had had 5 minutes. Something wrong with him? He could be very useful in this type of game. He can get clutch goals late in the game and is a pain in the arse to the opposition with his Tasmanian Devil all out style. No excuse for not winning with the gift of a power play very late in the third with the talent we have. Bobrovsky had horseshoes tonite as shots were directed right at him in the breadbasket or when he was beat our guy couldn’t finish. Frustrating and fascinating to watch at the same time. We gotta…absolutely gotta beat the Leafs tomorrow night…’cause Da Mining Man no lika the Leafs…its personal.
If only the Hawks were able to pick Stalberg off waivers just for tonight’s game!
To BigKahuna….agree with you on Bickell…so …Dear Mr. Bickell, would you please be kind enough to park your big fat arse in front of every goaltender we face. …and do try to stop falling down so much…your starting to remind me of Eddie Shack, ( dont you think? for those of you who remember back and were around! ) As to the Hossa situation I have zero concerns…the whole team looked like the Keystone Cops at times, with one exception of Seabrook.
The second Columbus goal was scored ES. I thought it was against the PK too but apparently Richards penalty was at 19:55 and their goal was at 1:55 so tenths of a second after the penalty expired I guess.
This game reminded me of games in the first few weeks of the year when the Hawks would out play them and out shoot them but mostly from outside and when they were close to getting rebounds they couldn’t get their stick on the puck.
Yes, Saad was fighting it tonight a bit but at this point in his career he is not a proficient goal scorer. He doesn’t have a shooters touch. Hopefully that improves.
To me, it doesn’t look like Hossa has lost a step but it does look like his hand/eye coordination is not what it used to be. He bobbles more passes and shanks more shots than he used to. Maybe he needs his vision checked.
Hey at least they got a point and it wasn’t a Western Conf. team. Toronto gave up 7 with Bernier getting pulled after giving up the 7th goal. Hopefully we give them more of the same tomorrow night.
They tried to give it to us, we wouldn’t have it.
Maybe I’m crazy but I didnt think Bobo was doing anything extraordinary during the 65. We had shots on net but being at the game it looked like he was at practice. Nobody making it tough on him, except 81’s slick move early on that was waved off. I didn’t think Shaw could save us in the SO but he gave us another life. 29 , what can you say that hasn’t been. Maybe he will ramp up in April and maybe he won’t. Thought 10 was good, Erixon, not so much. 81 looked to be recovering with good speed to me on some turnovers we had
The reviewed play was bizzare, just seeing 16 stealing home. Too long to make the call imo.
It was an entertaining game the Hawks should have won. Better PP and they blow these guys out. Well noted that Seabs had a huge game. Playing on the other side seemed to dial up his concentration. No way do I see Hossa losing much speed. The guys still has another gear, especially on the back check. Is he as fast as he was 5-7 years ago, probably not, but I don’t see that hurting his game. He just isn’t finishing his scoring chances. Worth noting Hossa’s lower thigh/quad muscles seen in the 1st episode on EPIX Road to Winter Classic while the Hawks are getting some coaching instruction. Hossa’s legs look freakish strong. Never seen musculature like that. By the way, if you havent taken the time to watch that show, do yourself a favor and take the hour to watch. Good stuff. Maybe Tab has already posted this….
http://www.epixhd.com/freetrial/nhl/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NHL-Winter-Classic-Teams_B&utm_term=chicago%20blackhawks
Takes a few minutes to access, but worth the trouble. Couldn’t find this on Comcast/Xfinity.
RD not sure why it took so long for Toronto to make the call on the Smith goal. Should have taken 1-2 minutes max. Re: the Hossa bat in that was disallowed. Had a whistle blown the play dead? Bob was out of the blue paint. Is the puck not playable? Just curious that if this is not a goal why was it not a penalty for goalie interference? It doesn’t have to make sense.
I can see why Tazer had enough and dropped the gloves with Dubinsky after getting two solid stick pops in the balls. Where TF were the refs looking while that was going on right in front of Bob?
Leafs game should be a good one tonight. I like the early Sunday starts.
Lets Go Hawks!
Kahuna- spot on Re: Handcuffs (29) and Hoss… Hoss is on the Back nine- but is still a great asset w Hustle and IQ… If 29 had half the Heart of Kruger, 29 would score 25g’s every year…
Loved 16 doing his Jackie Robinson w No stick… that’s IQ and Hustle…
Hawks NEED to figure a way to keep 16 next year…
Also – 16 shifted with 10 about two times and they led to some of the best scoring chances of the nite… I would love to see a 3rd line (next year- 10/16/65 or other)- if someone (Nordy??? Danault???- could takeover that 4th line checking role)
ER- Completely right on Saad… 20 is a great skater, great motor, Strong Hossa-like stick… BUT- he will never be Elite- His shot/hands are Just average (not even +)…
Once again – I love Saad- Just trying to be objective!!!
Can one of the Corsi- guys tell me – The record this year when Hawks outshoot by 15+ shots… and get out shot by 15 or more…
BJ’s made the Hawks play/look like first several games this year… clogged Neutral zone,,, Hawks had no speed entering… led to some great 1st shots with ABSOLUTELY no 2nd/3rd skater there to clean up big fat rebounds- cuz no speed entering zone!!!
13 needs to take a day or more off… insert 42 please!!!
Versteeg- looks to be tiring too!!!
Hawks were just a little off and CBJ well enough to win and their goalie was on a mission…..not much more to say.
Bickell: On his One goal commercial he says his job is to be the goalies worst nightmare……What is he sayin???? Put your big butt in front of the opposing goalie and collect some garbage goals for God’s sake. You are 6′ 4″ and 230#…….come on!!!!
Hossa: A split second slower, maybe not quite as quick, getting to open ice a little harder, sure. Those things are perishable skills. Is Hoss still a great player, a great role model and a great teammate? No question
Morin: Wish him well and I was on the Morin bandwagon for a long time. I was wrong. He may score 20 goals in the NHL once but he is not a perennial 20 goal scorer. His best asset is as a 3d or 4th line grinder with some scoring upside.
Kane and Smith on the same line. There could be some future here. Smith is not afraid to take his lumps in the corners. His ability to dish the puck will determine where he plays in the line up. He is most definitely a keeper.
Wall… I heard an interesting rumor on Hockey Night in Canada last night that Eichel may come to the CHL and destined for the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs. I hope it’s true as I get to see a lot of their games. Much the same situation as Charlie Coyle came to the Dogs for a Memorial Cup run
Can’t seem to get TCI webpage to load – anybody else suffering that annoyance? – so hope you guys won’t mind a guy from there posting here (Gotta feed my PuckMonkey dontcha know …)
– Frustrating 1 point but Hawks kinda lucky to get that even. BJs scrappy bunch kinda like ’em.
– Morin bagging that SO netter was almost karmic. And – forgive my lack of “positive mode only” – but thought we wuz doomed as 65 tapped puck at center line but Rocky Shawsiano proved a doubter wrong. I deserve one right on the chin for that I know.
– Love the Frolik Navidad nametag – BRAVO
– @ Wall: Mind if I echo your opinion – word for word verbatim pardon my redundancy Yeah 16 centering for 10 looks mucho bueno to me.
– Among a bunch of standouts Ben Smith is REALLY starting to stand out.
– Gawd! I love NHLpuck! And thanks for letting me weigh in.
Wall…taking issue with you on Carcillo…rather than time off I think he needs to double his ice time at least. He has been very effective to date and has as many goals as the Krugers and Smiths, and that playing 35 second shifts. He is real shitte disturber and makes teams nervous, gets ’em off their game a bit. He did look a bit shakey last night and out of character but damn near got one in the first. It is my opinion that he is a different and variable weapon in our lineup that is underused. He has a terrific wrist shot and I was dissapointed that Bickell got the last chance shootout attempt over Carcillo. You just knew he was not going to score.
Goalie win for Columbus, Bob was on his game and the shootout was exciting as well. Tough loss but at least the games picked up a pity point. If the Hawks lose at least they are losing to the East.
I would rather have Ranta trying to score in a shootout than Bickell. I bet that was the most satisfying goal in the career of young Mr. Morin.
Hawks1961….funny , but…not a bad idea! You would think a goalie knows somewhat how another goalie thinks….plus it woud scare the beezeezus out of the opposing goalie…there could be an advantage/angle to this! They should try it out in practice. Crawford would sure as heck bury one.
1961 I was a kid and when the fabulous Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. I had the best nights sleep of my entire existence…plus the feeling when you wake up in the morning and realize the Blackhawks had won the cup. Best ever. Rudy Pilous and Tommy Ivan showed the mighty Habs and RedWings. Not matched for a long time …so thanks to Kane and sneaky, tricky Dave Bolland.
MM- 13 has been very good/positive all year… but last couple games- he seems to be lacking a little… don’t know if he’s tired, or maybe knee is starting to act up…
+ I don’t like 42 sitting… either play him or send him to Rockford and play…
I got a brainstrom – WARNING WARNING Danger ahead! – Hawks w/ 13 forwards my move is rolling them over on a continuing basis all the way from now til 14-15 season over. #42 most DEFINITELY has earned his locker stall @ the UC and can’t disagree CilloPad earning ice time too.
Pro = This would give Big Hoss a game off every now & then as well and all us oldsters (guys who watched Tony-O & Stan21 live) know a day off at our age comes in handy.
Con = Blender back in use but hell Benny w/ 1st line when Taser got his head stoved in looked okay to me (temporarily of course) and Krugs centering Sharpie sounds VERY terrific to me.
Nordstrom is my new Morin. I love his ‘tude! #FreeNordy ;-)
Mining Man- I was a little boy in 1961 and my dad constantly talked about “The Million Dollar Line” of Hull, Hay and Belfour. My dad took me to the stadium for game six against the Canadiens. I don’t remember much about the game but a lady dumping a glass of beer on my dad’s head when the Hawks won. Wall- I agree- 42 needs some playing time to keep him sharp. Why not rotate 13 and 42. Both players will be ready for the playoffs.
Murray Balfour, not Belfour. #respect
Hofmeister…The late great Foster Hewitt stated your aformentioned Game 6, when Chicago elimanated the Canadiens, was the best played game that he had ever witnessed. Danny Galivan, voice of the Habs on the CBC said the same thing years later in agreement. I do remember it, somewhat, on TV, the action was end to end non stop with incredible breathtaking plays by both teams. It’s all kinda fuzzy, but we were the new, young, high flying, electric Blackhawks. We were the David against the Goliath.
@ 60MinutesBaby60 – welcome. We’re happy to have any Hawks fans here