Blackhawks Steal Win In Columbus
Traffic in front of the net paid enormous dividends as the Blackhawks won a critical road game in Columbus on Friday night.
The first period was ugly for the Hawks. Another new-look lineup didn’t connect on many passes and struggled to clear the zone, and a fat rebound from Antti Raanta (coupled with poor plays from both Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith) ended with Derek McKenzie scoring his ninth goal of the season only 92 seconds into the game.
But, slowly, the Hawks battled back. One of the new lines – Jeremy Morin, Peter Regin and Bryan Bickell – was the best Chicago put on the ice in the first 20 minutes and they put the Hawks on the board late in the period. Morin used a great screen from Andrew Shaw to score his second of the season.
In the second, the physical play escalated. After Ryan Johansen scored his 31st of the season only 36 seconds in the middle frame, Jared Boll hit Regin high and Bickell took exception. The two tussled and went to the box for fighting, with Boll receiving an additional minor for interference.
Less than half way into the ensuing power play, Patrick Sharp put a missile past Sergei Bobrovsky for his 32nd of the year. Sharp’s goal came through another great screen from Shaw, who wasn’t credited with an assist on either goal but made it nearly impossible for Bobrovsky to see either shot.
Marian Hossa scored his 28th of the year in the middle of the period to give the Hawks their first lead of the night. Hossa received a nice pass from Kris Versteeg and undressed Bobrovsky with a filthy move in front of the net to put Chicago ahead.
Unfortunately, the lead lasted only 2:05 as Artem Anisimov converted on the power play to tie the score. The score would stay tied at three until almost the end of regulation.
Almost.
More traffic in front of the net, this time from Regin, created enough commotion for Ben Smith to tip a loose puck past Bobrovsky with only 3.1 seconds showing on the clock. With one more faceoff, the game ended and the Hawks had won twice in as many days – both without Jonathan Toews or Patrick Kane in the lineup.
Johnny Oduya didn’t make the trip, but Michal Rozsival returned to the lineup (and looked rusty the entire night). Even in a tight game, coach Joel Quenneville distributed ice time evenly across the board; only four Hawks – Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Niklas Hjalmarsson and Sheldon Brookbank – skated over 20 minutes in the game, while Bickell’s 11:28 was the lowest ice time total on the night.
Keith was credited with three more assists in the game, giving him 54 for the season. His career high was 55 in the 2009-10 season, when he won the Norris Trophy. Keith now ranks fourth overall in the NHL in assists behind three centers (Sidney Crosby, Joe Thornton and Nicklas Backstom).
Sharp also had a multi-point night, adding an assist on Morin’s goal. His 43 assists are tied with Phil Kessel and PK Subban for 13th in the league, and his career-high 75 points are good for eighth in the NHL.
Smith won five of eight faceoffs and was credited with three hits and two blocked shots to go with the game-winning goal.
Raanta didn’t have a great night – too many rebounds and continued adventures handling the puck – but made enough saves to get credit for the victory. Importantly, he survived a 13-shot first period allowing only the one goal to keep the Hawks in the game.
The Hawks host St. Louis on Sunday.
Ben & Jerrys Baby.
If the hawks don’t win the stanley cup this season we gotta fire quenneville. Just Gotta. I’ve been a big fan since 2010 when we had guys that most of you don’t remember like byfuglien, bolladd, and versteeg. in the 4 years that we’ve won the stanley cup 50% of the time. If we don’t win the stanley trophy this year we’ll be batting under .500 and it would be time for quenneville to go. i’ve been in the uc since the days when everybody likes the hawks and have to wait long lines to get a expensive beer. heck sometimes i gotta even eat my nachos in the mens bathroom. All i’m sayin is that quenneville is on the hot seat.
Fan since 20ten
Fansince20ten: LOL
Rolled four lines – Sr.Brad will be in 7th heaven.
Raanta was giving up big juicy rebounds – true, but as Tab pointed out, that first goal was scored because McKenzie beat Keith to the puck who was slow to get back in coverage.
Nice to be on the winning side of a game winning goal with seconds left.
Only 4 games remaining. Mercy!
Tab, thanks for the summary – you nailed it!
Great to see Morin and Regin do well (when given the opportunity)…I think Nordstrom was good as well.
I hope this is an indication that Sharp is getting into a hot streak.
Fire a coach that won 2 Cups in 4 seasons if the Hawks DON’T win the Cup this year? Several things in your post need correction, Fan since 20ten : 1. It’s BOLLAND, not Bolladd, 2. It’s the Stanley CUP, not Stanley TROPHY. 3. Most of us don’t remember Byfuglien, Versteeg, and Bolladd, er, bolland? Where have you been? 4. I have NO CLUE as to what the long beer lines and eating nachos in the men’s room has to do with firing Quenneville. With apologies to Tab, how much bong water have you been drinking? Please get off the bong water. And you must’ve been in the UC only since Toews and Kane came on board.
Yea, Dave that’s got bong water written/spilled all over it.
Dave, you obviously don’t get sarcasim….
I wonder how freaking good Jeremy Morin would be if he played the entire year at the NHL level. I think his goal made it move. Just seeing how much Ben Smith has improved with NHL playing time this year makes you excited for Morin’s future. Saying that, I fully expect Regin and Morin to be benched on Sunday.
Bickell had another great game, outside of the dumb fight which SHOULD have canceled the power play they scored on.
I think Saad is either still hurt, or he’s hitting a wall (not our wall) in his first full season. He’s making dumb plays and not skating well. Need him going come playoff time.
Bollig with another turd of a game. Respect that he can be trusted with almost all D Zone starts, but that turnover he made was woof.
I really hope Crawford doesn’t get hurt before the playoffs.
Good news is, they are starting to break bad habits. Forwards are coming back to help with D zone exits and moving up the ice together. Resulting in more odd man breaks for and less against. It’s nice.
JS do you know the total games played by TT this year? I assume the pre-season counts. Just curious.
Excellent review Tab. That was a very entertaining game to watch with playoff intensity.Both teams gave 100%. I was so happy for Morin last night. His game is really coming along, and his confidence is growing with the added ice time. The Regin line stole the show, but as the game went on all 4 lines were playing well and doing the right things. I think the Regin line needs to be kept together against St Louis tomorrow. It bodes well moving forward that the team was strong without Toews and Kane. Bicks having Regins back gave the guys a boost IMO. There was some sloppy play in the 1st period that was highlighted by Keith and especially Seabrook giving pucks away. Raanta looked out of sorts, but settled down in the 3rd. Shaw is setting some very good screens in front of opposing goalies resulting in Hawk goals. The Blues will probably try and make life diffiicult for Hawk forwards hanging around the net tomorrow. This should be a spirited affair, but St Louis have a date with Avs tonight in Denver, and then have to fly here for the matinee tomorrow morning. I hope the Blues and Avs beat the hell out of each other tonight and the game goes to shootout. The Blues will be tired tomorrow for sure.
Lets Go Hawks!!
3. Preseason does not count against the 10. My guess would be that he draws in on Sunday (not sure at the expense of who, but knowing Q, most likely one of the three best players last night).
I feel we might not see Handzus for a while since it’s pretty obvious how much his speed (or lack of) is hampering the transition game.
Coach Q is not going anywhere, BUT i have said as a fans since the 1960s that if a coach has to shake up the line ups to get production from so called “most talented team” in the nhl then I say fire him, but they wont. Q is a players coach and good defensive coach on offense it’s mega-blender. Hawks looked slow and tried and out of synch last night again. Even Keith, but Bickel, Morin and Regin played great, great balance and speed. Shaw has been owning the front of the net because he has HEART. Smith is slowly coming into his own. Ranta just needs more starts, again time in between is hurting him, but CRAWFORD was off for the Olympics so i would not rest him toooo much, that first round will be like a stanley cup final. Crawford MUST be on top of his game. MORIN again impressive the most impressive young talent we have, speed, size and skill, maybe too fast?
I’m pretty sure the comments about firing Q on this blog are a deadpanned criticism of over reactionary Hawks fans. Do you guys see Nordstrom as a key contributor in the playoffs in say the Michael Frolik role. Is he replacing Handzus?
JS- Agree on Saad and Morin… Saad almost did hit me last year in practice!!! Took a slap shot hit the glass – took a crazy bounce- caromed at a right angle into the balcony at Johnny’s Ice House were I was standing… luckily I was paying attention and snared it with my right hand out of the air… Saad followed the puck and saw me — gave me a little head bob… (that is my Saad story!!!) 100% true… but I digress.
Saad is playing like Versteeg out there- making way too many Cute passes/plays to the wrong team!!!
Morin- I have said this before… I think they are trying to control his Cap/cost… and the same time- He has been “floating” less in the D- Zone (which is great/lesson learned)… but the guy is a scorer/shooter… Goalies have a hard time controlling his shots… play him w guys who will go to the net… and they will score on plenty of loose change…
And You beat me to the Punchline on Odd man rushes w 26 out of line up…
At Practice Wed. – 42 and “Handcuffs” were skating very well!!!
I hope 42 is injected into the PO/lineup for his “Frolik” like pressure…42 really goes to the net hard without the puck -like 28…
Regin- can skate- AND I like his ability to get pucks into/thru the crease every game…
He also needs to play with guys who are not afraid to drive to the net (and have ability to score while going to net and getting cross-checked -not 52/16)
Had to listen to the Columbus broadcast on satellite radio last nite. Did the Hawks win a draw??? Bickell go pounded like a wet pizza dough. Columbus is ready for the Bruins???
There are interesting aspects about an away radio broadcast. Outside the stars, heard Morin’s name alot also heard a lot of Regin, Smith and Versteeg. But Nordstrom and Bollig not so much. Had tons of compliments for Leddy
JS, WHY should the fight have cancelled the PP on which the Hawks scored? Boll was a willing participant. Bickell showed-up, but not much – more effective against Simmonds.
Pete, I believe Handzus will have first shot at playoff icetime if he’s at all healthy – Q likes/trusts him(?). I think Nordstrom has speed and has shown some defensive responsibility (maybe some offense develops later?) – he probably wouldn’t hurt the team.
Just curious, do we blame Q for the descriptor “nice” pervading NHL discussions these days? I don’t remember it used much before the last couple of years.
Sorry, Blues play Avs this afternoon. Not tonight. Some good games today with B’s/Flyers at noon.
Also another mistake by me. It’s a home game for Blues. Doh
Providing all are healthy, the Hawks wingers that are certain to play in the playoffs are 88, 81, 10, 20, 29, 23, 52, 28 – that’s 8 – no vacancies. If 28 plays center (hopefully because Handzus is scratched – not because Toews is injured), that leaves one opening on the wing to be filled by 11, 12 or 42. If Handzus is out, that means there is a spot on the PK open. Of those three, 42 is probably the first choice to get PK duty, but he is also the least ready for the NHL. The other two, 11 brings better offense and 12 brings a better all around game.
Quite the conundrum. Too bad we’re down to 4 games left in the regular season and still trying to figure this stuff out.
I have season tix’s for the Hogs, so I guess I am a little biased for the young kids in the Hawks organization, but I really see them driving the Hawks right now. Smith, Morin, Shaw, Saad, Kruger are all playing really well and making a difference. I have read a lot on this site, but not posted anything because there are so many chicken shit negative people here that attack what they don’t understand or agree with someone else. I think its because of the whole internet thing where people feel safe behind there computer.
But for me, its time to say a few things, if I may. Getting ole 26 out of the lineup and putting in the young guys, has really helped the Hawks, and I sure hope it continues into the playoffs. Playing hockey is fun even more fun that watching it cause of the speed of the game. The Hog players all bring speed, skill and great attitudes about winning and competing hard. These are good kids, I know many of them personally and they all want to win. All year I have read stupid negative comments about Hog players like Pirri and Morin not being good enough. What a bunch of crap! Pirri is one of Florida’s best players Hayes has 10 goals and Dylan Olsen is good too. And for Morin it has been a treat watching him all year in Rockford, to me he is a special hockey player, and like all the other guys he only needed a legit chance. I don’t know a lot of things, but I know hockey and all these kids can play, Nordstrom too. He got beat up a bit this year, but he takes it in stride and keeps fighting on, he is another keeper for the Hawks. Personally I am glad Bolland and Folik are gone cause it gives these guys a chance to play now and they are ready. Where would the Hawks be right now without Ben Smith he’s become one of the most important guys on the team.
Sorry if this offends any of the geniuses here, but I needed to say it. I hope I don’t see #26 play another game for the Hawks and Morin and Nordstrom keep playing! Go Hogs! Go Hawks!
B & B- great input…
seems like you watch a lot of Hogs… How does Mash skate?
And who has looked better- McNeill or Danault and Dbeck or Cdening (I have always been concerned about Cdening/skating in limited college views)
Sorry, also Raanta and the Fin rookie Teravenien should be here in Rockford not with the Hawks. I played goalie for a lot of years and I can see that Raanta needs work not sitting on the bench behind Crow. In the few games that I have watched him in Chicago I think he’s got more natural talent than Crow but he’s really nervous. I met him 3 times in Rockford and he’s a nice kid but very nervous all the time. I think he just needs to be playing game after game with the Hogs for now. And for the Fin rookie, he should earn his way to the Hawks by proving he can dominate playh in Rockford. Not showing up before the playoffs expecting to centre the 2nd line. We need him right now badly, and he would get a ton of valuable experience right now as every game in the AHL counts so much. Just my thoughts.
20ten is on to something asking for a shakeup but just the wrong guy. The way I see it, ya gotta trade toews and Kane for some younger players. They are getting hurt left and right. They’ve been in league for 20 years and I think it’s time we trade for some younger guys. Id hate it if they retire but it’s gonna be soon.
Am I dreaming? We just won a shootout AND another game in the last seconds of regulation, in 2 days time?
The guys are playing hard despite the key players being out, expected nothing less.
Morin, again looked good. Nice to see Q lighten the minutes for top Dmen for a change. Keith has been amazing this season getting points. Top10 in career assisits by active D at this point.
Mashinster is a very nice kid. But I don’t think he will fit in with the style of the Hawks just like Jimmy Hayes. But it sure is nice having Mash here, because he helps to create more space for all the talented little guys.
McNeil has improved a lot on his consistency, but I believe he has a long way to go. He needs to work on his skating burst more than anything. Once he gets going he skates fine but it takes time for him to hit that top gear. I can tell you that he doesn’t like all the other kids from the same draft year moving ahead of him with the Hawks.
Its really hard to say with Phillip. He’s a really good kid but he’s been asked to play a certain role and thats all he does. For him to be a +10 skater with as little offence as that 4th line generates, is almost a miracle.
Clendening is our best player, even better than Morin. I would like to see him back next year, but I doubt it. I can’t believe the Hawks would let a kid this good to play here another season but I can hope!
46.11 Instigator – An instigator of an altercation shall be a player who by his actions or demeanor demonstrates any/some of the following criteria: distance traveled; gloves off first; first punch thrown; menacing attitude or posture; verbal instigation or threats; conduct in retaliation to a prior game (or season) incident; obvious retribution for a previous incident in the game or season.
Wall- I enjoyed your Saad story.
This is going to irritate a lot of people, but I can’t wait until Olczyk gets another coaching job. Not because I will be happy for him, but because 1) he will crash and burn and 2) he’ll get the hell off the Hawks broadcasts. His rant about the Bickell fight last night was absolutely ridiculous. Bickell’s actions should have canceled the power play while the Hawks were losing in a 1 goal game. Bickell could have gotten a concussion, or broken his hand in the fight. That would be good for Chicago heading forward, right? It would bring them together more, right? Who needs healthy bodies when you have comradery! I can’t wait until there is a team dumb enough to hire him.
Thefly I think we’re on the same page. Toes and Kanye are old news. I was at the game on Thursday and neither of them played. Heck they both make $60 millions dollars per year. Gotta trade em for some draft pics cuz there’s not much cookin in Rockford. I don’t think they are necessarily going to retire but remember when the Edmonton oilers traded Wayne Gretzky? Wayne has a really hot daughter.
Here’s another thing: how freaking long do you have to wait at the UC to get some soft serve between periods? Good god they should strap an ice cream dispenser on the beer men during the 3rd period when you can’t buy beer..
Gutsy win for the Hawks team. These games without 19 & 88 will go along way towards a long playoff run. Guys seem to be settling into new roles and certain players are excelling in these rolls(Bickell, Smith, Morin). I also thought Leddy had a strong game last night skating hard w the puck. With Matthew Duchene hurt for the Avs I feel like the slight advantage for the Avs has moved back to Chicago. Hopefully 26 remains in the pressbox. Nortstrom has impressed me this go around. He is skating hard and with purpose.
Bannerman & Belfour please continue to post here you have great 1st hand insight on the kids in Rockford! Give us your insight on Johns once you have a chance to see him up close.
Bannerman & Belfour, I don’t get to see the Hogs games. But, from what little (and *maybe* that was enough) I saw of Pirri, Olsen, and Hayes, I believe they would never be significant contributors in Chicago – they do not skate well and/or fast enough to play the Hawks’ game. Morin, on the other hand, has displayed skill and will – I hope he gets a genuine chance to play here. He certainly looks like he has potential to be a ” special hockey player”. I think Nordstrom can/will be a player – he earned a spot with a strong training camp/pre-season, but the Hawks are deep and (new to north America) the AHL experience couldn’t hurt him. I tend to agree with you about Bolland (not near the 2010 version), Frolik, and Stalberg – they were pretty good players, but somebody had to go, and I believe Stan Bowman (again) made the correct choices. I think most of “the geniuses” here like/appreciate Ben Smith – he grabbed some attention in the playoffs vs. Vancouver. Unfortunately, Brendan Smith (Det.) gave him a headshot which really stalled his development. Anyway, *I* am glad he’s back and doing well.
Interesting points on Raanta and TT. Like Wall said, great input.
Its interesting to me how some lines just seem to click. I would love to see 11/12/29 and 52/16/28 as the third and fourth lines for the playoffs. Our possession time would be outrageous. But that would of course leave one too many for the top 6…
Bannerman, thanks for the honest input. Its nice to have moar people who know hockey and can share things with the guys on the farm.
There are a lot a good poster here (a few trolls) that know hockey to, some more then others, but are genuine. There is a good mix here and having your information, etc. will make it even better. This is the best site of all the sites there are because just about everyone knows/cares about hockey & team, theres a good mix of ideas/knowledge/age, etc, theres not too many trolls, theres not 5000 posters posting crap about everything in life… Tab is cool to. That is why I choose this one.
This site is the Technivorm of Blackhawks sites.
The Blues just lost their freaking minds while getting shelled by the Avalanche. Difference maker Ryan Miller .915 save percentage so far with St. Louis. Yes, that’s lower than what Halak put up.
Late in the game, Backes went after MacKinnon for no apparent reason and drove his head into the ice. Backes is supposed to lead a team to a Stanley Cup? Alright. What a shit heel.
i like what bannerman belfour said about ranta playing in rockford instead of sitting on the bench with the big club . also the new finn terravaiienen is that how you spell it, should be playing in rockford and honing his craft more . Dave
I guess its time for some folks to find some reality and stop saying that the Avs are the luckiest team on earth. They just keep getting results. I am really looking forward to the Hawks-Avs playoff series. Regarding the Blues – Wow – imploding at home. How’s that trade looking right about now? Has Ott scored since the trade? (noticed he was -2 today). There have to be a few nervous people in that organization. If we beat them tomorrow without 19 and 88 they may need some therapy before the playoffs.
B&B – really appreciate your insight on the Hogs. I couldn’t agree more about Raanta. I don’t know why he didn’t go back down to Rockford at the Olympic break and stay down and play. I also think it would be good for TT to play for Rockford if they make the playoffs. While he clearly has amazing skills, he is not ready to be thrown into the NHL playoffs.
ER – Your comments on the forward slots unfortunately makes me think that 26 will be in the lineup. As you point out if he sits out then there is an opening on PK and I don’t see 42 getting that shot this year (although I would like to see him given a chance) and neither 11 or 12 has played PK. I believe in this scenario Ben Smith will center the second line and 26 will skate at wing with 16 and 52.
Lastly has anyone found out whether Johns’ two year deal starts this year or next? My guess is that it starts next year since he signed a PTO contract with Rockford for the rest of this year.
It appears that the Blues retaliated after a hit they didn’t like from Colorado. Something the Hawks didn’t do against Pittsburgh. After the game, Hitchcock said Bordeleau(sp?) would have to fight someone in the future for that hit. Bordeleu never played after the hit he put on Shattenkirk. Orpik doesn’t fight so that isn’t an option for the Hawks. As Q said its a complicated situation. Personally I favor some type of retaliation within the rules of the game. Extremely hard, but legal hits against the other team whenever possible.
Yes Pete that is exactly what happened in the Blues-Avs game. Good comments. The shot Bordeleau put on Shattenkirk was nasty having left his feet and a hard shoulder to head up against the boards. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him a get a few games suspension. Roy not playing Bordeleau until the last few minutes of the game was lame. Blues wanted some retaliation. Backes on Mckinnon though was sad. Morrow crosschecks a guy in the face. Not sure why Bordeleau didn’t just beat up Ott, but he wouldn’t drop the gloves. Bordeleau and coach Roy lose points in this one for being jerks. Blues were never in that game.
B and B comments and opinions about the Hogs were great. Nice to have some regular eyes with some knowledge of the game to post about player development there. Yes Raanta looks/acts a bit nervous in net and needs to get settled down.
I’m looking forward to the game today. Blues will probably bring a better effort than the lame showing they had at the UC last time in. Lets hope Q rolls 4 lines. The 2nd and 3rd period team effort against Columbus was impressive the other night.
Lets Go Hawks!
Is anyone more easily disliked than Backes? What a piece of work. Plenty of blame to go around in that whole mess though. Not much in common with Hawks/Orpik.
Is TT playing today?
I have said often that the Blues cannot win a Cup with Backes as Cpt. Good player that is out of control too often.