Blues Escape Hawks In Shootout
Wednesday was a busy day for the Blackhawks.
Patrick Kane was revealed as the new cover boy for Sports Illustrated, and the league announced their investigation into his summer was over. GoPro released a video featuring Duncan Keith, and the Hawks “found out” they would play the Blues in the 2017 Winter Classic.
Then they had to play the Blues in St. Louis on national television.
The game started with the Hawks dominating the action and getting plenty of opportunities thanks to the predictable parade of Blues to the penalty box. David Backes and Paul Stastny each served minor penalties without Chicago converting, and then Ryan Reaves happened.
The hit. pic.twitter.com/Nc8Z3IeJlg
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) March 10, 2016
Reaves, who was suspended three games exactly two weeks ago, received a five-minute major for charging and a game misconduct. The penalties led to a healthy debate about whether or not contact was initiated with Christian Ehrhoff’s head, but the gif above clearly shows a repeat offender leaving his feet to follow through high with no intent to play the puck.
The Blackhawks made the major penalty count, but only once. Andrew Ladd redirected a Teuvo Teravainen shot into the net for his second goal since rejoining the Hawks.
During the second, Jonathan Toews was run into the boards by Jaden Schwartz. The hit wasn’t dirty, but for no good reason the door to the Blues bench was open and Toews caught the edge awkwardly. He went to the room briefly for attention but returned later in the second.
Somehow, there were no penalties called in the second period, and the Ladd goal held up as the only marker in the opening 40 minutes of action.
In the third, the Blackhawks took their turns in the box and their penalty killing woes nearly cost them critical points.
On the Hawks’ second penalty of the period – for too many men – David Backes redirected a Kevin Shattenkirk shot past Corey Crawford to tie the game. Moments later with Ehrhoff in the box, Troy Brouwer gave the Blues a 2-1 lead with 6:40 left in regulation.
St. Louis held the lead until Crawford was pulled for an extra attacker. Artemi Panarin unloaded to tie the game with 77 seconds left in regulation.
Overtime came and went without a goal, and two teams playing a really good, physical game were forced to decide the contest in a skills competition. It would be only the second shootout for the Hawks in their 68th game of the season.
Crawford stopped 28 of 30 in regulation and overtime, while Jake Allen stopped 33 of 35 on the other end of the rink. Both goaltenders were superb the entire night.
The shootout saw Patrik Berglund and Panarin score in the first three shooters to extend the contest, but both goaltenders remained solid. Brouwer beat Crawford in the fifth round, but Artem Anisimov beat Allen. Shattenkirk scored in the sixth round and Teuvo Teravainen had Allen beat… but hit the post. The Blues escaped with a 3-2 win.
With his injury taking him out of action for part of the second period, Toews still won 15 of 24 faceoffs and was credited with an assist in 18:45 on the ice. Anisimov won only two of 15 faceoffs in the game.
Panarin, Kane and Ehrhoff led Chicago with five shots on net. Duncan Keith skated 28:56 and finished tied with Trevor van Riemsdyk with a team-leading three blocked shots; TvR skated 18:52 in the loss.
Newcomer Dale Weise continues to be limited by coach Joel Quenneville. He skated only 7:20 on Wednesday night, picking up only one hit in 11 shifts. Tomas Fleischmann put four shots on net in 16:28 and saw time on both special teams units.
Chicago and Dallas are now tied for first place in the Central Division with St. Louis only one point back. The Hawks are in Dallas on Friday night.
Wednesday was a busy day for Tab.
I don’t like the Blues. They played a damn Creed song!
Kenny Albert still sucks at calling hockey.
Good tie. This gets us over the hump just what we needed to do. Been around 20 over .500 for awhile but not near as long as DAL or LA.
3-1-1 in last 5, keep going forward.
Terrible coaching move by Q when score was tied 1-1 in 3rd, 8 mins left and he has Mashinter 4th line out, lose face off in Blues zone, cant skate back fast enough, and penalty results and 2-1 deficit. Nevermind that Hawks tied game, not relevant.
And by tbe way, that line didnt see the ice again (although Weise did on Toews line). I love Q, but let’s call it like it is.
Good hockey game. We won in OT but the refs had to appease the home yokels.
I think they need to practice line changes.
Mining Man, “the refs had to appease the home yokels.” – really? How so? Unless you mean the Blues trainer/equipment guy didn’t get a penalty for opening the door attempting to injure Toews…?
No…the OT goal was disallowed…it was a good goal.
Well, hey, I’m a Blackhawks fan big time for a long time and totally partial. I get outraged over things because I’m totally biased. That’s kind of the fun thing about hockey.
Strong game by two of the top teams in the league. Both goalies were outstanding. Thought Keith had one of his best games of the year which is great timing as we head to the playoffs, Ladd was very good as well. Can anyone explain why we can’t seem to solve the ‘too many men on the ice’ fiascos?
MM, “Blackhawks fan big time for a long time and totally partial.” — me too!!
I think the call on Ladd’s goal could’ve gone either way. I concede the call on Reaves should have been a minor for interference (- but, Reaves is a prick, so who cares?).
Hopefully, they get TWO points in Dallas — GO HAWKS!!
Reaves is a dick.
Ladd goal no goal was the right one. Had the puck crossed before coming contact it’s a different story. Had Ladd been helped into the goalie, different story. Had it happened outside the blue paint. Any of those and it’s a good goal.
I’d like to know why that door was open. Did it not get shut quick enough? We’re they anticipating a change? Wouldn’t seeing a bench minor type penalty being called in rare cases like this.
It was an entertaining playoff type intensity game to watch. No doubt about that. Special teams win or lose you tight games and the Blues special teams won that duel. Hawks should have made them pay in the 1st and let them off due to excellent chances not hitting the net. Both goalies played great last night. Refs lost their whistles in the 2nd which favors teams like the Blues. I am really enjoying watching Ladd in a Hawks uniform. Pity the OT goal was wiped. No much mention of Backes pushing Ladd into Allen. I still dislike shoot outs and would be content with a tie after the exciting 3 on 3 OT.
Reaves is a career torpedo guy. I think a game misconduct was a little harsh, but it was an attempt to injure play in my book as Reaves came in with speed and targets Erhoff high. Erhoff was not on the puck and was in a vulnerable position. Never mind that Reaves coiled and launched up through Erhoff. Players like Reaves/Ott are one of the reasons why the Blues will be hard pressed to win a Cup.
I am getting really sick of listening to Eddie O pontificate lately. Not sure what has changed with his color calls, but he just seems to be getting increasingly arrogant to my ears. I was put off with the tv audio and switched to the WGN radio feed mid way through the 1st. I used to enjoy Eddie, but something has changed with that guy. Paired with Albert, no bueno.
I give the Blues respect in that they play hard and have stayed competitive despite many guys being hurt the entire season. They won’t be easy in the playoffs, but that team needs to play all out all the time to win. I believe that style takes its toll physically on a team over the course of a long season. Could be why they always have guys hurt, and why they exit playoffs early after finishing with a strong regular season record. A seven game series should see the Blues run out of gas in the first or second round yet again.
I think Q can come up with a some better combos on the 4th line.
Yes Dickie Dunn, we need 2 points tomorrow night. Should be another entertaining game.
Lets Go Hawks!
It’s the long change. We’ve had some outplayed 2nd periods and still won or tie. Need a little more in those 2nds. Nothing against anybody but when we get Hoss back we are going to have some quality depth and its going to be a thing of beauty. The trickle down effect is going to add to us already being really good. 3-1-1 since we got Laddy/12. Feel a winning streak (of 4 5 or 6) coming on.
I am starting to Panik over Q’s love for Mashitter!!!
Good one Wall!
Very intense game. Crawford was fighting the puck early and looked out of sorts, but he settled down. Weise has not looked good, and he is paying for it in reduced ice time. Let’s see what the return of Hossa brings to the table. Hopefully he can hold up the remainder of the season and into the playoffs. Need for him to hit another gear too. Got to be worried about the heavy minutes Keith, Seabrook and Hjalmarsson have endured. Would like to see a conscious effort to limit their minutes the rest of the regular season…if it means we sacrifice some points I don’t really care.
Same pattern for Hawks as last year, get close then snooze control?
Let Hossa Rest and Ladd is still may favorite Hawk!
Big game for Blues not soooo much for Hawks. A super sleepy and lazy 2nd period by the Hawks and the Blues pressed and pressed, missed shots but pressed our d-men and forced sloppy turnovers almost all night. Rasmussen is looking more average as is Monster-Mash both won’t be around for the playoffs, the effort is there but the skill set is not. Dales Weise is very valuable, fast, smart and what a competitor. His has speed and control. Flash is valuable and Marcus back soon. Dangerous 4 lines!
Reaves hit was not as bad as it looked but since he has the greazzy reputation of Charles Manson we’ll they tossed him.
If Ehrhoff continues to play this well he is our 4th d-man. He moves the puck north to south in a straight line, with confidence, control and speed, Head up! He is our best “Zone Exit” on the team. Gusty had those “Leddy-Light” moments early this year but Gusty is fading and TVR is still reaching all the time and consistently out of position and has no short burst of foot (skate) speed to recover for his lack of vision. If TVR was as big on top like Ehrnoff he’d be much improved.
Crow Technically maybe his best game all year. He has such amazing puck control, NO REBOUNDS he just absorbed everything all night. The 3 periods of work by Crow was why the Hawks are where they are this year, he just keep you in it. Crows “lack of skill” on handling the puck behind the net or our side the crease is still an issue. Crow could learn that skill, but it is always an adventure and often missed timing, player not looking and , off target or just hacked!
Go Hawks
Mmmmmmmm Troy Brouwer ,.,.that name rings a bell,
Thank you for mentioning that Ryan Reaves feet left the ice. The announcers were being boneheads about it. Their eyes were fixed on the head shot and they refused to see anything else in that play. They kept saying it over and over too without once ever discussing his feet. That was incredibly frustrating.
All arguments over weather or not Kruger’s deal is worth it is now moot? They clearly could have used him out there on the two PKs. Danault was doing a fine impression but there is nobody else left to step into that void. Suddenly $3MM per isn’t looking so bad.
Chev- exactly… Krugs got paid… he’s been loyal, and isnt “just a 4th line center”. 4th line of Shaw/Krugs/Desi is a line that shuts down tops lines at 13-15 minutes a night. Doesn’t sound like a “4th line to me”.
sure the # might be “a bit high”… but you pay for what you know you can get. we have a good pipeline of guys who can play bottom 6 on cheap… Hino, McNeill, Schmaltz, Motte, Baun, Resigned Flash/Weise… we can pay a guy when its warranted.
As for last night, it was a game we probably should have won. Needed to convert on the PP in the 1st and we didn’t. but alas, we are still in 1st, so just get back at it Friday and win!…
You can see clearly on the replay that Reaves wants to Hurt the hawks player ..hit him directly in the face with his shoulder…..hope he will get a 10 games suspension or more just 2 weeks after getting 3 games suspensions…NHL should take him out for many games…Torres Style …Stupid player who can end a carrer with one hit .
OUT please …enought
I wasn’t overly impressed by the game, but it’s about what we should expect this time of the year as the Hawks have locked up a 1-3 position heading into the playoffs.
Blues forecheck was actually solid, they played with good speed and intensity throughout.
Felt like the line mix-ups made the game pretty sloppy overall. Hawks positioning was very questionable at times, I think at one point I saw all 3 forwards pressuring in the Blues zone on the same guy with the puck… don’t think that’s part of the system.
I liked what I saw out of TT last night, seems like he’s getting more aggressive in his play and intensity. Love that moving forward.
Anyone else notice the cruise-control until they gave up #2 in the 3rd and the gear they kicked it into afterward to score the tying goal? That’s why I am not overly concerned about some of these performances, because you know they have that in them when it gets down to crunch time.
I’ve stopped questioning Q’s line swapping because it seems like many times he is trying things out vs teams in the regular season, just to see how they mesh/match-up against particular teams. We know the look of the lines come Round 1 will be including a couple big names.
Anisimov’s face off woes are hurting the team. Hopefully an off-season with the Hawks face off specialist will do him the same good it did Kruger. The PARTY line would be that much more dangerous if they could start with the puck 50% of the time or better.
Reaves #75 is & always has been a ” PIECE OF SHIT ” he clearly tried to hurt TT last year & lost a bunch of his own teeth doing so ” REALLY ENJOYED THAT ” & hope he enjoyed his time in the dentist chair. Now this, totally ignore the puck, & then launch himself @ #55 in another clear attempt to injure. Time for some back alley politics from the HAWKS to the NHL about this type ” ASSHOLE & THE SHIT HE PULLS ” !!!!!!! No room in the game for this type of ” JERKOFF ” !!!!!!!
Several games ago, Eddio O. addressed the Open Door issue by proposing that doors MUST be kept closed and latched while the action is in progress. After watching Jonathan’s injury, I’m hoping the NHL moves forward on that proposal.
Maybe the NHL will finally wake up and realize that fans pay BIG BUCKS to see the stars in action and not having to sit in the press box.
What the replay clearly shows was that Reaves faked Erhoff into thinking he was going to play the puck, and so Erhoff went to extend his stick to play the puck. Reaves then cutback and launched himself into an exposed Erhoff who had zero time to react before he even touched the puck. It’s a cheapshot and attempt to injure play from a career dirty player. I don’t think it was deserving of a game misconduct, but a 5 minute major for charging no problem. That is the type of play you see often from Reaves and Ott to name a few.
Talk about cheap shots? Check out what Landeskog(the Cpt.) did last night with a particularly nasty cross check to the head of one of the Ducks. Ugly, and should bring a 3-5 game suspension.
Lets Go Hawks!
I agree with the no-goal in OT. Ladd made contact with Allen before the puck crossed the line and it was clear Allen was prevented from trying to stop the puck due to being hit by Ladd. I would have been incensed if the situation was reversed and it was ruled a good goal.
I’m concerned CC tweaked something. The announcers commented that CC was slow getting up but the play had transitioned into the Blues end so the camera didn’t catch it. He obviously stayed in the game but in the shootout he played further out of the crease and was constantly moving backward as the shooter came in – more so than what I remember him doing in the past. I wonder if he felt he needed to be moving to be able to be quick laterally rather than if he had little motion. It looked like it put him at a disadvantage and in fact the only shot he stopped did not require lateral movement. Hopefully there’s nothing wrong but it bears watching.
Another too many men penalty. You would think that wouldn’t keep happening at the rate that it does. It certainly has to be a concern that Q must have addressed, especially this season with the woeful PK.
Speaking of the PK, hopefully Kruger’s return makes a big positive difference because if there is one achilles heel that the Hawks have that will get them bounced out of the playoffs it’s giving the opposition 1 goal for every 4 penalties taken. I haven’t researched this, but I’ll wager no Stanley Cup winner has been in the bottom few teams of PK percentage. It matters even more in the playoffs when the opposition is a very good team and most games are close 1-goal games.
does anyone have any stats on most too many men penalties called in a season? we have to be getting close
Just saw Landeskog sits for 3 games. Nice job Cpt.!
Improvement with the PK is a must if we are to go deep in the playoffs. Kruger and Hossa will definitely help but our PK seems way too passive. Zone entry is relatively easy and lately we have had trouble winning any face-offs during a kill. Hopefully we can settle on the rotation and build some confidence before the end of the season. ER – it will be interesting if someone is able to confirm your gut – my guess is you are correct.
….typical Blues game…they beat up the Hawks….injure Toews….and then ice the best penalty killing units in the league…they made the Hawks look awful……luckily we have some players that can retaliate now but very little ice time.because we play a “Russian style” of play…I dread the Blues playing the Hawks in the playoffs because of the injury risk….glad Hossa stayed out of this one….hey we will take a point on the road with the Blues anytime!……
Anthony Justin, remember the pk will get Hossa and Kruger back by playoffs. Those guys have been sorely missed. Ladd is also a huge add. It should get better. I am happy with the Hawks matching up with the Blues, although preferably not in the 1st round. It would be a good competitive series as per usual. In a 7 game series I like the Indian Head with 4 feathers sweater to prevail should it happen.
Lets Go Hawks!
MS great point. Kruger & Frolik were outstanding chasing into offensive and neutral zone, harassing/denying clean entry into Hawks’ zone.
Dallas has some big injury issues especially on the back line. I hope the Hawks go into this one hungry and with some real jump to their game. Both teams will be hungry, and the Stars get the Blues tomorrow. Carpe diem boys!
Lets Go Hawks!
Hossa back tonight and Stephen Johns will make his debut for the Stars tonight as the stars have injuries had mentioned.
Unrelated to this post…
What are the chances we see #29 in some limited action with no cap issues in the post season? He has 29 pts in 31 icehog games this season. If can contribute in the PO’s maybe another organization might get more interested? Any thoughts…
@ MONTANA BLACKHAWK
Where would u play Bickell and who would you take out of the lineup for him? Flash has been much better then expected and Desi has been solid. Ladd, Panarin, Flash and Desi. Assuming its Hossa, Kane, Weiss and Shaw on the right.
That being said I wouldnt be shocked if he gets called up as a black ace. He may be able to push Desi or Weiss for their spots. Personally he has looked bad so far this season at the NHL level. When I watched him I just didnt see an NHL player anymore. Pesonally I’m good with Bickell finishing off this contact tolling away in the AHL. I think he has been given more then enough time to miss expectations at the NHL level.
1 st goal for Dano last night and 2nd pt as a Jet
SSHM,
I agree with you, I guess an insurance play to cover for any injured forward.
Bickell wont be back come playoffs. He lit up Rockford being more than a ppg player. No takers. Came back up and produced pretty much at the same pace. Was placed on waivers. No takers. Continued at a slightly slower pace before the deadline. No takers.
Hartman, Hinostroza, Kero, and possibly McNeil have passed him in the organizational depth chart. I still wouldnt be surprised if he’s a black ace. But I really doubt he plays another for Chicago
Morning skate.
16-19-81
72-15-88
11-86-12
14-65-25
2-4
52-7
55-57
…..Bickell will definitely be a black ace in the playoffs….but it will be his final tour with the Blackhawks don’t think he is done yet as a player though and will be moved with vendor take back salary during the summer….no one really knows how much gas is left in his tank…lol…