Blackhawks Sink Sharks, End Home Skid
The Blackhawks got three goals from defensemen in the first period and put the hammer down in the third to put away the Sharks with a strong 5-2 victory.
Trevor vanRiemsdyk scored his first NHL goal to open the parade exactly 12 minutes into the first period. Brent Seabrook scored at 14:10 and Niklas Hjalmarsson scored at 14:34, with Hjalmarsson’s first of the season holding up as the game-winner.
Joe Pavelski would score his sixth of the season late in the first and added his seventh on an early second period power play, but that was the sum of the Sharks offense in the game.
The Hawks would add insurance goals from Bryan Bickell and an empty net tally from Jonathan Toews as the wheels came off completely for the Sharks late in the third period.
As Toews was burying the empty net goal, Marc-Edouard Vlasic was busy picking a fight with Kris Versteeg. The two would get sent off for fighting at 18:03, but that was only the beginning of the parade to the penalty box for San Jose.
Only 23 second after the Vlasic-Versteeg fight, Adam Burish dropped the mitts with Jeremy Morin. Burish was called for the extra penalty, putting the Hawks on a late power play that was enhanced when Brent Burns went to the box for tripping Brandon Saad. Five seconds after Burns went to the box, Scott Hannan joined him after boarding Peter Regin.
Morin, Versteeg, Andrew Shaw, Ben Smith and David Rundblad were the only Blackhawks to finish the night without a point. Toews led the way with one goal and one assist while winning 13 of 21 faceoffs.
Seabrook and Duncan Keith, who were split up by coach Joel Quennevile, each had four blocked shots in the game. Saad led the Hawks with five shots on goal, and Marian Hossa was credited with a team-high three hits.
Rundblad and vanRiemsdyk started the game split up but each skated 2:12 on the power play. Chicago finished the night 0-2 with the advantage, and killed two of the Sharks’ three power plays.
Brad Richards picked up an assist, and now has a point in four straight games eight of the last 11.
Between the pipes, Corey Crawford had another good game. Chicago’s netminder stopped 32 of 34 in the victory, withstanding 25 shots in the second and third periods to give his team a chance to add onto their lead. The Hawks out-shot the Sharks 20-9 in the first period and finished the game with 37 shots on net.
Antti Niemi allowed four of the five goals against 36 shots in the loss.
TvR’s goal may be credited to Versteeg.
Completely unrelated to tonights game. But has anyone else seen the reports about the Canadian dollar keeping the salary cap from increasing next year? Uh oh.
Fools gold. The cap will be 72 min and will probably be around 74.
Good Omen. Thats another roookie that scores 1st league goal against SJ. The other guy turned out pretty good.
Positives- Runbad really does look to be improving… like that he was paired with 7 (most physical D man)… Saad skated/played like last year (where has that been all year)…
Negatives- Oduya (really is scaring me, and he looks like he has lost a step)
Team continues to make couple critical mistakes… Leading to A+++ chances. 19’s drop pass to the other Team (was very Pirri-esque)… #4 chasing Marleau to the Blue line when Sharks were on the PP??? I don’t think I have ever seen a Hawk D man do that???
Shaw- is really making a lot of Bone head plays… Q gives this guy way to much love.
TvR- made a couple mistakes vs. High end O guys… GOOD- make them now and learn from them!
Good news- the “mistakes” are mostly mental- and should be correctable.
The Hawks were able to “breakout” a little (1st period)
Forward lines jumbled and so were the D men with the exception of 4 and 27. As Wall pointed out the young D corps are improving. Of course some mistakes made, but our veteran guys have been doing the same thing re Seabs and Oduya lately. The TvR story continues to be a very pleasant surprise. Both TvR and Rundblad look visibly more confident than they did a few weeks ago, especially Rundblad who played nervous for the first 3-4 games. We need those guys to keep maturing and the best way to do that is to play under fire.
First period was a Hawks blitz. Sharks were just buried by the onslaught and the 3-0 lead was well deserved. Saad had 4 top quality chances alone! I was very happy to see some drive in Saad’s game last night. His feet were really moving. I didn’t not see Shaws 4 minute HS penalty, but it was a big momentum changer for the Sharks as they really put it in gear. UC crowd very much on edge given the memory of Fridays giveaway to the Caps. It felt like it could happen again until Bickells brain turned on in the 3rd to get the 2 goal lead back. Funny thing with Bickells goal, I believe many of us watching including Niemi thought Bicks would go backhand, but no he ends up turning and going forehand to pop it over Niemi. Nice move!
Amazing to watch the Hawks dominance in the 1st. As good as they were there no physical aspect to their game at all despite Sharks throwing around some real bone crusher checks especially on out D men. My point is there needs to be some added physicality to the Hawks game if other teams are going to punish our defensive guys mercilessly. Hawks have to start putting some guys into the boards with authority. I know this team’s DNA does not have this variable, but I can wish can’t I?
Nice to see Steeger and Morin stand up late to the Sharks BS. I am sure that went a long way towards building team camaraderie, especially with a long road trip around the corner. We needed those points badly last night.
CC continues to roll out very good performances!
Lets Go Hawks!!
People are freaking hilarious this season. Hawks not making the playoffs? Hilarious. Losing a step? Funny.
The Hawks are absolutely dominating every team they play and just not getting goals. Lead leading in GAA, dominant PK, THIRTY EIGHT SHOTS PER GAME, getting points from the bottom of the roster. The stars are struggling to score at 5v5, you guys thing that’s going to continue? I’ve got a crisp $100 for anyone that wants to bet against the Hawks making the WCF. The Hawks are the opposite of what the Avs were last year. The Avs kept winning despite being dominated, Hawks keep losing despite doing the dominating. The wins will come.
Someone in the Friday wrap said Crawford wouldn’t start on 20 different NHL teams. I would like them named just so I can laugh at the stupidity.
Anyway, as far as this game goes, how many more stupid plays does Shaw have to make before he gets in the dog house? I seriously don’t understand how he can screw up so consistently and yet nothing. Both Sharks goals were directly related to his brain farts.
Kane needs to start looking to shoot more. I know he’s being focused defensively by teams, but he needs to find a way to get some open ice.
JS- completely agree on Shaw!!!
Yes- Kane needs to “find” more shots…But- he isn’t open… and the “Fastbreak” has been pretty much dead- so far…
JS…Alberta – did mention the 20 other teams…AND- really agree with around 15 of them!!! didn’t take the time to see their Cap hits – though!!!
Lastly, I have coached B-Ball before…AND- always stressed/worked On D schemes, 1st and foremost!!! Didn’t really spend a lot of time on O/plays- till near mid-season…
SO- perhaps Q/Hawks are pushing/coaching the same thing… and By game 25-40 the tide/emphasis will turn to O side and Break-out schemes…Cuz we both agree their Breakouts have been lacking. OR- perhaps they are aging/bellies are full!!!
WTS- I will take your $100 bet… Payable at the Swig!!!
Name the teams! I’m coming up with about 8 that he wouldn’t start for.
Both years the Hawks have won the Cup they have been dominant defensively. So, that’s a positive. Fully believe the goals will come because the offense is there.
Also, Richards is halfway to Handzus’ point total from last year while skating less minutes with worse linemates. Should probably point that out.
I don’t know if we can legally bet real money here. So I’m giving you this giant winky face and I will see you at Swig in the spring.
OT – It sure does appear that The Bears have quit on their coach……. Maybe Rocky can take over the Bears & bring back their snarl……. Quite sad to watch…..
JS, why not just offer Wall and anyone else that wants to get in on the action as many beverages as they might consume in a session at Swig to settle your playoff forecast?
Nothing illegal about that.
The Bears…the horror….the horror.
New lows, all time lows for the fans of the beloved. I got back from the Hawks game and it was 35 nothing at the half. Trestman must go.
JS, finally someone who makes sense. Thank you. The hawks look a lot better than their record shows.
JS- you are on!!!
As far as goalies… took the time to look into $$$/goalies…- while we can argue all day on who is better/worse to no conclusion… my argument/opinion has always been about the $$$/skaters/system in front of net minder being a bigger factor…
The FACT still is – the Hawks have won 2 Cups in last few years with Lower than average $$$ being spent on Goalies… which I equate to a good formula for success-imo- NOT the Only formula-of course
Yes, @ JS if the Hawks can’t start stringing multiple wins together they will either be out of the playoffs or a very low seed. The fact is if the playoffs started today the Hawks would be on the outside. The West is stacked and if the Hawks keep losing games in regulation they won’t be a playoff team. I think its is unlikely, but to flat out dismiss it is just plain arrogant. I doubt Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver and Nashville hang on, although Vancouver and Nashville are decent teams so its not unthinkable.
This team has been consistent at being completely inconsistent. Last night the Hawks played hard and crashed the net. It might have been there best game of the season. Sharks are saying the same thing the Hawks said the night before. “Lost the game in a 5 min stretch” The league has caught the Hawks flat out, they are not good enough to coast past teams. The Hawks need to follow this game up with another strong performance. Tampa Bay is a good club and the Hawks need to be on their game otherwise its more win some lose some.
I still don’t understand all the Crawford disdain. All the guy has done is get better year after year. If he isn’t a top 10 goalie today he sure is close. Crow is not the problem on this team. As a matter of fact he is a reliable piece of this roster and gives the Hawks a chance to win more often then not. The Crow haters have less and less ammo because he’s been very good so far and had a good year last season.
Yzerman- has done a great job of Drafting talent… and building a very quick team…
Bolts are for real if Stamkos stays healthy…
Like the coach too!!!
Think of the early part of the season as building toward a crescendo. Look for the positive steps being made and see the future is bright. Realize the character and leadership on this team and know that the struggles now will result in them being a stronger team later.
With TvR and now Rundblad showing they can play, that solidifies the bottom end of the d-corps which is huge. That should mean that not only can TvR and Rundblad contribute to wins, but even more importantly it means Keith doesn’t have to average 28 minutes per game.
Versteeg is skating like he used to and is a positive this season. Richards is coming around. Saad isn’t consistent but he is still a marvelous player who is improving. Bickell is even less consistent but he’s still better than last season. Crawford is playing like we need him to and if he gets injured we now have a 3rd goalie (Darling) who can play.
The overall team defense is one of the best in the league. The PK is the best in the league. While they’re not scoring like we thought they would – they have played 15 games and are a +13 in goal differential (which is the best in the Western Conference and the 3rd best in the league behind Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay) – so that means that they are averaging almost 1 more goal per game than their opponent. That’s good.
I’m optimistic.
SSHM, I think what you are saying is true not only with the Hawks, but for ANY team in the NHL. You have to come to play every night. While there are some doormats, those teams can still beat any team in the league unless a full effort is there. It is also true that the middle echelon teams have improved over the past 2 years for sure. These are the wannabe’s. Those teams must play good every night to compensate for having a little less talent up and down their lineups. The better teams therefore need to let their better talent become an advantage by raising their intensity to match the opposition. Easier said than down over the course of an 80 plus game schedule.
Central division is loaded. Starting to remind me of the old and much beloved Norris division where every division game was a battle. Lots of intensity, where the fans always knew they would get their money’s worth.
SSHM, I am in complete agreement with you about Crow. Not sure what people want from this guy? He has improved every year. I think too many fans remember the pain of losing to the PHX and still apply that to Corey. As though he can never be forgiven. I discussed this with JS and AJ last week over at Swig. That playoff loss and exit was particularly painful with those trickling OT goals given up. I say screw that. The guy has really improved his game and he has come up with big save after big save to keep the Hawks in games regular season and in playoffs now for years. CC got paid what the mkt dictated. He is an important piece of the puzzle. The Rodney Dangerfield of NHL keepers.
Lets Go Hawks!!
I’m with you ER. I’m in the Hawks glass is half full club right now, despite some frustrating losses in close games. More positives than negatives to my eyes.
Lets Go Hawks!
The fact is the playoffs don’t start today and there are 67 games left in the season. There is still plenty of time for the numbers to correct themselves and for the goals to start pouring in. Any team can look good over a 15 game stretch, there is a reason they play 82.
Phil, ER, and I will gladly let everyone back in the bandwagon in a few months.
@JS, being critical doesn’t mean I’m off the bandwagon. The organization raised the bar to a championship level. I like to hold the team to those expectations.
How many years have the Hawks operated with little to no expectations? Too many teams in Chicago operate like that and its nice to see one that this club has a vision.
Anyways, this roster doesn’t appear to be there today, not saying it cant happen but today they aren’t there.
Dave’s right, Versteeg scored the goal. No goals for TvR, but he did get first point
Not an overly impressive win considering the score? When our defensemen come down below the dots that is one way (risky) to generate offense. Over all the NHL is having trouble getting into a dominate rhythm, hawks exhibit A. Hawks line shuffling worked well for the D Pairing but provided little in the front lines. Hawks passing and timing is so “off” it’s scary way too many unforced turnovers everywhere. Many passes behind players and in head or just not connecting. This happens BUT on a high Stick Skill team like the Hawks it problem, they will get it together, soon. Still not enough to the net, yes net presence but every player continues to go wide really need a Morin and Sadddddd to take it to the net, generate offense, rebounds and a lot of hooking penalties. Morin might want to pick up the ye ole enforcer role, him mixing it up and being physical might really add a dimension to his game, if he got physical it changes everything. TRV also needs to beef up he’s falling love as warned with Keith’s stick work, Body on body! TVR still a stand out and has time.
A great man once said, “some days you win, some days you lose and some days it rains” think about that.
Goals aren’t going in for whatever reason. They are getting an absurd amount of chances inside the magic box between the dots and in front of the goal. That’s no BS. I don’t know how much HARDER or GRITTIER or DIRTIER makes a difference.
Saad and Rad Brichards leading team in points per 60 FWIW. Rad is also driving possession (somehow) absent an egregious amount of ozone starts. Can probably stop beating him up now.
Andrew Shaw. Barf. But he tries hard so all is forgiven. Pretty sure most normal people get fired for sucking at their job or reassigned to a position they can be more successful at (or not mess up as much stuff!) because firing people is expensive and HR needs to hit their retention numbers.
Still waiting for someone to list specifically what teams Crawford doesn’t start on. Here I’ll start.
For sure probably: Nashville, NYR, Baaaastin, Montreal, Colorado (but who seriously wants that job and F that guy) maybe: LA, Daytoit, Ottawa, and then it starts to get arbitrary.
Bickell’s goal was lucky, he thinks he’s Patrick Kane (NOT). BICKELL, please just go in front of the net. You are a big boy and that’s were big boys go in the nhl, unless you are afraid!
I agree with JS the Hawks have dominated most teams so far this year and are just not getting the results. I’m not worried at all I know they will be there. I would like to see them keep the pedal down when getting a lead instead of letting teams hang around. The Caps/leafs were lucky to get those wins and and those teams will revert to bottom feeders where they belong as the season goes on
C’mon Montana Blackhawk, Bicks goal was a nice move followed by a good shot. He was rewarded with a goal for making the right play. Has 29 been as good as we need him to be this year, no way. More net presence would help as you suggested and some body bouncing on the boards too.
Give Bicks some credit though for making a nice play.
Let’s Go Hawks!
Yes, the Hawks will be fine. Shot and goal differential tell me so.
SSHM- not doubting your fandom, but after the loss on Friday people were jumping out the window. Hawks dominated that game and two errors by Seabrook killed them. Yesterday they were dominating until two errors by Shaw opened the door back up and gave a very good Sharks team hope. This is really all that is making the difference considering their losses are by one goal.
Phil, agreed, nice move, created some space to get a shot, and it went in. But still, net presence and board work is what 29 is being PAID to do!
I was glad to see Bickell score that goal. But you guys are right, his place is in front of the net. I have said before, he does think he is a nifty moving forward rather than an in your face power forward. Getting around a rookie half your size while your teammates are standing around watching does not happen very often.
Crawford is perhaps the most underrated goalie in the league. There may be a few better but not many. We never would have made it out of the St. Louis playoff series last year without him. I wonder what flew up Bickel’s ass for a few seconds last night. Nice move. Don’t count on another one for quite some time. I would love to see Bickel sent packing sooner than later. I am a big supporter of Morin and like his energy and intensity. He sure looks faster to me this year. He needs to start putting some goals in the net soon because when Carbomb and Sharp come back I am afraid he will be back down in Rockford.
I hardly recognize the place today. Maybe the NFL team is taking all the heat now. Good
That was a fun game to watch. Was that our first fight? think so
the PK, has been the thing that has really grabbed my attention so far. That is huge! And it’s not skewed at all on Home/Away, basically even. We are again one of the least penalized teams. Around 8min/g. Cali teams parading to the box like lemmings…StL much improved in pim, but pk way down
Can anyone make sense of why the Blackhawks are the league worst in 2nd period goals for? Great that they are near the top in 1st & 3rd, but why the huge drop off in the second. Is this team just that tired or what? Anyone, anyone, (Buehler) anyone?
ER, about being around 1 goal per game differential (3.2gf 2.2ga in 2013) and thats with 2or1 goalsagame for that 7game stretch.
Blatz, thats what I was saying a wk ago that after around 2025 games or so all teams will settle in according to roster quality.
I wouldn’t count on 29 doing a move like that more then once a season but if that move and shot cheers up Bicks its just what the doctor ordered. I also noticed over the yrs when 65 isnt playing good for him 29 is not as well. These two guys feed/spark each other and I like/want to see 29/65/20 roll for a bit. These two guys need some sushi, feed them.
Big picture, not warming up your engine time/settling in stretch. Steeger is healthy again. Riemsdyk is a player. Richards is better then 26. Smitty is good at what he is good at very similar to 67. Rundy can be a 7/8 D man (never would have thought that after his first few games last march). 29 & 65 havnt eatin their sushi catch yet. Kaner hasnt wow’d yet (frog soup, just a disaster waiting to happen). Sharpy Shooter boosts wil be like adding a top6 FW at deadline. As well as a D man add at deadline and TT & The Rockford Farm. Team Defense very similar to 3 of the last 6 yrs we were defensely sound to that tune.
Montana, its the long change.
Every team in the league has a long change, not buying that excuse!
Its not, I was joking. ‘Ferris Bueller’
;)
Love the 11:39 post from ER. Agree 100% with entire post and that would be a first for this grouch. I thought effort and continuity wise this was their best game of the year against a quality (although tired ) team. I see this team as much better on team defense than last year although they still allow to much traffic in front of C.C. Great to see the youth (TVR, Morin and Runblad ) playing relatively well when given the chance. Morin has to put one in soon or I think he will endure the wrath of Q. Smith is most likely in the same boat. I don’t see him as top line guy but I don’t really understand allot of the lines but they will change by Tampon Bay Game (also quality team.)
Love the 11:39 post from ER. Agree 100% with entire post and that would be a first for this grouch. I thought effort and continuity wise this was their best game of the year against a quality (although tired ) team. I see this team as much better on team defense than last year although they still allow to much traffic in front of C.C. Great to see the youth (TVR, Morin and Runblad ) playing relatively well when given the chance. Morin has to put one in soon or I think he will endure the wrath of Q. Smith is most likely in the same boat. I don’t see him as top line guy but I don’t really understand allot of the lines but they will change by Tampon Bay Game (also quality team.) Unlike many here I think C.C. has played very well this year and has shown improvement from last year which would leave me to believe he has not yet hit his ceiling. My opinion only, but I don’t remember the last below average goalie to win the cup, but I have had multiple concussions. GO HAWKS.
Sorry about the double post, have no idea how I f*$#ked that up.
Jax- Never said 50 wasn’t playing well, and never said he is Below average (actually said- He is above average and playing well) what I did say was that the Hawks have won 2 cups with Goalies who were making BELOW average Pay at the time they won!!!
As My father used to say- “To read is one thing…To understand is the Problem”…fyi- he was an off the boat Pollock with a 7th grade education… who seemed to comprehend English better than some here!
Hey JS
It was me making the point about Crawford and since you needed 24 hours to come up with any sort of rebuttal, minus any facts to back up your opinion I might add, I’m going to bet you can’t put forth a decent argument to make me consider changing my mind.
P.S. all you had to do was flip back to a post or two earlier and read who it was making the point, and amending my thoughts to only 17 teams, but instead you go off on a diatribe, more than likely beer fueled, after a very nice Hawks win.
PSS I’d never bet against my favorite sports team but if you were smart guy, which, nahhh I won’t say it, you’d know your proposed wager to all willing to disagree is a fools bet which a smart man wouldn’t make. The odds odds for you losing a lot of money are very good. Best that you made the bet in a Hawks forum. Try Vegas big boy.
Right now, Corey Crawford is the best player on this team. The last 2 years I was highly critical of him and I always thought that he played as well, or as bad, as the rest of the team played. This year, he is making great saves at very key times in the game. It’s 3-2 on Sunday and he stops the break away very confidently…….he looks sharp.
Now, let’s give credit to him, but I think he is showing some “Jimmy Waite” skills. Corey is not falling forward as much and his shoulders are much more “square” to the crossbar. If you all remember, Jimmy Waite was a highly skilled goal tender, but he lost it when he would let in a bad goal. But technically he was excellent!!
I like Corey’s game right now. If he can keep up the consistent work and we can stabilize what is happening in front of him the Hawks will go very far this year.
never directed a comment to or about you.
Alberta – I wasn’t on a computer from Friday afternoon until Monday morning. Pretty hard to form a rebuttal when I haven’t read any of the comments yet. And you didn’t need any facts to say Crawford wouldn’t start on 20 NHL teams but I do need them? Crawford has a .915 career S%. Jon Quick is .916. When I get more time I’ll put together plenty enough numbers to make you look like a fool.
Now list the 17* teams.
Also, it’s always a good idea to bet against your favorite team. If they win, you’re happy. If they lose, you make money.
JS- Your last comment is spot on… I am a winner either way!!! and I can afford to lose the $100!!!
Wall- I have a friend from Detroit. Back in 2012 I wanted to bet him $1000 before the series started. When the Hawks were down 3-1, asked him if he wanted to take the bet. Smartly, he said no. Not that this has anything to do with betting against the Hawks, just thought it was a funny story.
To all my fellow Vets ( I was Army in late 70’s jeez I’m old!) THANK YOU for your service & sacrifice so that we can all enjoy this great game our Hawks play!
GO: ARMY, AIR FORCE, NAVY, MARINES, COAST GUARD & THE HAWKS!!!!!
(To my Canadian brothers & sisters in uniform as well!)
Harkening back to that 2012-2013 Detroit series, many gave the Hawks little chance, although I had faith that when game 5 was won by the Hawks, you had the feeling that Detroit was in trouble and the Hawks would prevail. Similar feelings were there that year in the Boston series where they went down 2-1 and back to the Garden. Hawks won that key game and the Cup was on its way back to Chicago the following week. Last year the same thing happened. First games in the St Louis series given away by the Hawks for horribly painful losses and the naysayers emerged again! Hawks won all important next game and of course Kane and Toews heroics sealed the deal to close out the Blues. Tazer OT breakaway winning goal in game 5 was for me one of the greatest and euphoric moments against a team I despise.
Obvious point being made is the Hawks should not be counted out. They have too many big game players that hate to lose. In a semi-bumpy start to this season such things need to be pointed to make us smile.
Lets Go Hawks!!
Don’t agree. 15 games is an adequate sample to know what you have. With a favorable schedule, the Hawks have looked slow, uninspired and far less capable than last year. Questionable personnel moves together with the one trick coaching style of Quenneville (let me pull your ice time) have this team over taxing its stars, taking valuable early season learning time from youngsters and frankly kidding itself about how good they are.
Oh, and no salary cap flexibility to make any moves.
This team will be extremely lucky to make the playoffs and a likely first round out if they do.
hawkfacts, we must agree to disagree. Hawks didn’t go on a roll last year until mid to late Nov when they won something like 6 or 7 out of 8. They were 8-5 in Oct.
This is a distance race not a sprint.
Lets Go Hawks!
Agree it is a distance race Phil . However, they were actually 8-2-3 last year in October and 12-2-1 in November. If they are 20-4-4 by the end of November I’ll agree. Oh wait, they are already 8-6-1
With 7 out of they next 9 as road games in November, I believe they will be very fortunate to be 12-10-2 by the end of this month. And very lucky if they are no more than 5 points out of a playoff spot.
Finally, if they do end up with 26 pts after November this year (versus 36 pts after 24 games last year), that’s at best a 90 pt season and out of the playoffs. Even in a distance race, the start matters.
I’m a big Hawks rooter but I can’t sugarcoat poor performance.
Yes hawkfacts you are absolutely right about the Oct-Nov record last year. I stand corrected. I still do not rate early season showing as “poor” though. By last years standards yes, but poor is a bit harsh IMO. Games have been decided by razor thin margins where they have lost.
While I do not believe the Hawks will miss the playoffs this year, if they do I will tip my cap to you and other naysayers for calling it right so early in the season.
Let’s Go Hawks!
Even though we had a good record in the first 5-10games last yr we also Did struggle as well toget going and didn’t get on a roll until Nov & Dec (Jan did suck but after a 20-4-4 start what do you want, a top5 season of all-time in the history of hockey every yr). That kind is Rare, like 3 times every 100yrs Rare and we already achieved that.
Speaking of starts to seasons only Detroit and Chicago have more then 3 best starts in first 30games since at least 2003 (cant look up before that). (Detroit would have 3 if you start counting when the salary cap era/2nd century of hockey era started)
9 10 12 13 14 chi
3 4 8 9 11 det
7 9 10 sj
9 13 14 bos
7 13 ana
11 13 pit
6 7 nas
11 van
10 was nj
7 buf
6 dal ott nyr
Worried about not making the playoffs, in Oct., because we donot start 20-4-4. Feel better because 20-4-4 is the 3rd best since 1996. With our guys I wouldn’t worry about that unless were 20-20 at 40 games or we had a diff. group of guys.
‘3rd best since 1996’ might be wrong, I couldn’t look up before 2003.