Khudobin Stands Tall, Dallas Ends Kane’s Point Streak
The Dallas Stars made a trade to help their playoff push on Saturday, acquiring Mats Zuccarello from the New York Rangers. His first game with his new team came at the United Center on Sunday, and he made an impact.
Chicago out-shot Dallas 13-12 in the first period but were chasing two after 20 minutes. Radek Faksa scored at 11:35 and Alexander Radulov added on six minutes later.
As Faksa streaked up the ice on a breakaway John Hayden and Jason Dickinson were already engaged in a fight but the officials allowed the play to continue.
Zuccarello scored his first goal with Dallas 1:44 into the second period and Chicago was looking up at a three-goal deficit. But, as they have done so many times in the last couple months, Chicago fought back.
Chris Kunitz got Chicago on the board 1:14 after the Zuccarello goal.
The goal gave the Hawks some hope that Anton Khudobin was human. Dallas’ netminder was playing out of his mind, stealing quality chances.
At 15:37 Drake Cagguila was in the right place at the right time – but there was debate if he had scored Chicago’s second goal.
The play was reviewed and the league office determined the puck had fully crossed the line as it entered Khudobin’s glove.
At the end of two periods the Blackhawks were down 3-2. Chicago put 20 shots on net in the second period as they battled back into the game.
Early in the third the Blackhawks got a power play and took advantage.
Toews’ 29th of the season tied the game at three and there was emotion back in the seats at the United Center.
The game was tied, but Patrick Kane still didn’t have a point in the game.
Duncan Keith went to the box 8:05 into the third and Dallas was able to convert. Jason Spezza slammed the puck home on the doorstep to give Dallas a 4-3 lead.
With 4:34 left in regulation Roman Polak caught Dominik Kahun in the face with a high stick, drawing blood. Chicago received four minutes of power play time for the infraction, and went to work. Chicago couldn’t convert in the four minutes even with Cam Ward on the bench for the final 30 seconds of the power play.
Polak came out of the box and got to the puck behind the Hawks’ empty net with 30 seconds left. Chicago got the puck back but iced it with 13.8 showing on the clock. The Stars won the draw and were able to hang on.
Ward stopped 25 of 29. Khudobin made 44 saves.
Kane led Chicago with seven shots on net in 25:36 but failed to register a point for the first time in 21 games.
Toews won 14 of 30 faceoffs in 24:48 and scored the tying goal.
Erik Gustafsson and Keith were the only Chicago defensemen to skate more than 20 minutes in the game and they had two assists each.
O.K sell time …enough is enough …stop being warm and fuzzy …pull the trigger ,getting better hurts but it needs to happen…
Turnovers.
It was a bit telling at the first of the game when they showed Khudobin’s stats …… a lousy win-loss record, but a Save % of about 0.925. He really clamped down on the Blackhawks like he had recently against St. Louis. The Blackhawks inability to connect cleanly on passes didn’t help, but give Dallas some credit there. They played good defense down the middle of the ice. Bad loss in terms of playoff chances ….. last two games tough in that respect. Nice to see them fight back to 3-3.
Keep playing Forsling, let’s improve our draft position. That dude is a steaming pile of horseshit
19, 88, 7, 2, 20, 15, 56 played their heart out this weekend. Kane looked burned out and tired this afternoon. Lots of minutes this past month. AA and Saad where feeling it thus I would have slipped the Cat on that line today in the 3rd period. Sikura, Strome…soft?
Too bad they lost points especially with Benn and Zucc out most of the game. Hot goalie once again.
The vets are showing a lot of heart! But, that’s all we have. Bowman needs to find some wingers and a real dman to compliment 2, 7, and 56 next season.
B.P. Walsh spot on. The guy is a joke.
Another key loss, but they struggle with the puck in their end-need to clean that up for next year.
Agree with Big Indian about KK, and how much love he gets-I like his edge but he will take lots of penalties, and is prone to give aways. Let’s face it the whole ‘D’ does. Please no more ‘make Gus a forward’ comments–he MAY (who knows) end up being an upper end player as a defenceman.
And Strome isn’t soft-he is a big guy who takes pucks away with his stick and body position, he’s not a physical player. Some big guys aren’t.
Prospects: Chl
Kurashev 1g 2a
Boqvist 2a
Beaudin 1a
Gravel 22 save for hus 4th shutout
Ryczek 1g last night omitted
Icehogs
Johnson 1g
Gilbert 1a
Carlsson 1a
Lankinen 26 saves on 29 shots
Noonan agree, even with defensive lapses Gus can be put out with a hot line and be like a 4th forward with them, for 20+ mins a game. As a forward he’d be 3rd forward on one line, mostly for 15 mins give or take a couple.
Tough loss, didn’t play bad again, losing games that should be getting points, after a bunch the other way, evens out in the end. Interesting to see who outside top 6 forwards are part of future, need some keepers there to step up. Saad and AA if still around only ones would get a spot going into camp.
I’m not so sure teams “going for it” want anyone from the Blackhawks. It’s a buyer’s market; that’s not to say they haven’t been paying high prices for players, just that there are a lot of players available for trade.
I would think a team would be smart to want Kruger, but his time in Carolina, being sent to the minors and so forth may have hurt a team’s desire for him. Not forgetting to mention the no trade clause he has as well. Personally I think he’s been pretty good; was a little different around the time he had that concussion, but anyway we all know Marcus Kruger’s contributions to the Blackhawks over the years. I hope he is resigned by the Blackhawks next year.
Because it’s a “hot time” to trade players the Blackhawks might find better partners for trades with fellow non-playoff teams just looking to make a change for next year. Then again who would have thought the often pressbox low minute paying Kempny would be traded to a contender. Never mind the fact he went on to play big minutes just shocked he was traded at all. If the Blackhawks have roster room I would call up Davidson…oh too late deadline I believe is before thier next game; oh well.
Silver linings – with these two losses and no more games until after the TDL – Stan shouldn’t be tempted to do something stupid and be a buyer. The Hawks really don’t have anything they’re willing to trade that another team would want so let’s just ride out the year with the current roster and see what happens. The 4 points they didn’t get is certainly a setback but the playoffs aren’t completely out of the picture – maybe they still have a run or two in them? If not, then they have at least one and hopefully more than one ping pong ball in the draft lottery.
Too bad Kane’s point streak stopped but at least he got to 20 which is pretty cool. The torrid scoring wasn’t going to continue forever and maybe this takes a little pressure off Kane to have to keep the streak going.
In the end, the difference in the game came down to the opposing goalie was better than our goalie. You don’t win many games when your goalie’s save percentage for the game is .862 – especially when the opposing goalie’s save percentage is .932.
Once again the Hawks shoot themselves in the foot, 3-3 in the third in both games against teams that they’re fighting with to be in the playoffs and they choke up a hairball both times
KK with the brutal turnover vs COL and vs DAL the Hawks give up a 5 on 3 situation starting with a too many men penalty – both those situations exposure the too many of Hawks for not knowing what’s required in tight games that are essentially must win
Kudos though to players like Toews and Kane, Gus, Strome, Dcat, Kahun, Keith and Caggiula and Murphy for playing their asses off – they need a lot more help though…
…and where’s Crow – I thought he was ready?
Any news on the Icaopelli for Watson move?
Thats a no care situation there Roman ..Really ?
Get wit it Stan ….shit or get off the pot .
add Sikura to the “nice guy and good player but not big enough to play in this league” category. Unless he gains 10-15lb of muscle, I’m afraid he’ll continue to get moved off the puck. Again, Stan and his scouts need to realize that this game still has some big boy mentality. And when it’s playoff time, that need is much more real as teams play with more urgency. We need a skilled, checking winger who will force turnovers. Blake Wheeler (a stud) always says that the forcheck will force the other team to make mistakes.
Trip – excellent point re Sikura. How many goals has he scored so far? Thanks
Do not see the players or know the players. Finishing a sentence with “really” is a need attention statement. You know, little kid or feminine gender.
If it’s a buyer’s market, don’t fault Stan for standing pat. A good GM picks opportune times for decent returns. Having said that, I expect at least one trade by tomorrow 2pm.
Jr they are Ihl, border line Ahl players at best. Never see them in Nhl.
Thanks Ian
Agree Trip, it’s two years now and Sikura is still too light. At this ime of the year, you see how affective Toews and Saad becomes. Yes you need the skilled playes but also guys like Hossa, Buff, Ladd, Brouwer, Bickell, Saad, Frolic, Shaw as well as Sharp to win those desperate physical battles!!! AA becomes a factor as well. So, if Strome can improve his strength and skating he will last longer in the NHL.
A right handed winger who can score goals. Now to find one for the parent club.
Bad luck: Zuccarello injured arm during game – out for at least four weeks. Will they go back to the well?
Original that is bad luck. To your other point, they could actually ltir him and not activate him until playoffs and use his space to acquire another rental.
Deal is done per Blackhawks website. Iacopelli is sent for Watson.
It may be painfully obvious to say, but if you don’t let yourself go down three goals to start the game, you don’t have to spend the rest of the game clawing it back. The offense can obviously deliver goals. The defense…well…do we even have one in the first period of most games?
Maybe after regaining his scoring touch here in Chicago Spezza will want to come here along with a draft pick to finish off his contract that expires this year. One can dream right?
Just my eyes but Sikura looks decent and not horrible for someone with 20 NHL games played. He has a few steals; some nice passes. Decent hustle. Doesn’t stick out as being a bad player; outmuscled sure. That’s something to work on. The right diet and the right exercise he can easily put on ten plus pounds of muscle this summer. Hell anyone could working out and eating right; considering this is his job he should be able to easily. I still don’t understand the big production about signing him though, seemed it bit much; maybe it’s my fault for watching those videos though.
The question is what kind of contract do you give him next. I’ve asked before; is Q still involved with the development of Sikura? I thought he was a family friend of some nature.
The TV broadcast was quick to point out that Anisimov made a weak clearing attempt in the middle of the ice just prior to the 3rd Stars goal. They made no mention that he was in fact using Murphy’s stick and vice versa.
Each player was exposed during the sequence while Dallas was ramping up their pressure. It went to 3-0 and you know the rest.
The passing left a lot to be desired at times, especially in the 2nd. Always a bad sign.
a tough loss.
Pat and Ed have their favorites. For those favorites, they usually don’t get mentioned by name when making a mistake. It goes something like, “Hawks turned it over and…”. Everyone else is openly criticized without concern for the what or the why. Be there no mistake about who they like and who they don’t. The list is easy to form.
Before the 2nd 40 games started, we said we would need to go 6-2-1 two and a half times and bee .500 in other games. Week we won 7 and have 3-4. Thats it. Need to do it two and a half times. On pace, to that.
Really close to top 6 pick and also 8 seed.
There are a lot of calls to trade Gus cause he Sucks at defense. If that is true, why not make him a forward. He obviously has offensive skill. He can still be used as the D point man on the PP. To me, this addresses 2 issues. Cuts the logjam on D and adds a 3d line forward. With minutes on the PP, PK and 3d line he will get his 24 minutes a night. Inexpensive versatility.
Sell sell sell
Come on SB, get going out there. Let those contending team take the pick of the litter, Keith, Seabs, Kunitz, Kruger, AA, and Forsling. Any player getting ice time after the trade deadline that does not have the potential of being part of the rebuild is a waste of time. Hawks need to make room and get some of the younger players more ice time to see what they have. Nothing is better in helping predict a players potential than NHL experience.
Kieth and Seabs are going no where……except maybe close to home. Again, why would either want to leave?
Mike R not disagreeing that Gus could be very good forward and ice time can be manipulated to suit. I just think for now Gus’s value on defense is greater despite his defense lapses. In a couple of years Boqvist if all goes as planned will assume his role at an even higher skill level. His contract is up in summer of 20, that may be an option then if he is extended.
See this is how the defense next year barring something like last summers Faulk for Saad type deal this summer.
Gus, Joki
Keith Murphy
Seabrook in bottom 3, and special teams.
Mitchell, Beaudin and Boqvist may get a month or so looks, but not a season long regular spot. Leaving who is left from rosters in Rockford too to vie for other 2 spots.
Mike R, I agree with you that Keith and Seab most likely do not want to go anywhere. However, they are proud champions and maybe a little time in the press box or cutting their playing time may help persuade them that they would be more valued elsewhere. A change of scenery and or a cup run can change one’s outlook and results on the ice, just ask Strome.
Hockey is a competitive business. These guys have A type personalities in order to get to the top of their respective sport. A change maybe what’s best for both player and team. Keith and Seabs will always be honored in Chicago and may even get their sweaters in the rafters of the Mad House but now we need Joker playing meaningful NHL minutes. Next year The Hawks may need addition slots on the blue line to open up if the kids are ready. Then what do you do as GM, trade Gusy and KK.
AA- played like someone who does not want to get traded… really soft/poor game yesterday… any scouts watching yesterday- probably – said- PASS
KooKoo– starting to see the flaws pop up … more and more… for the most part- he is not bad… as good as most of the other # 5/6’s on roster… but the flaws are there
How the Hawks Cup veterans respond in the next game is going to be telling to me in how much they believe/want to make the playoffs. Last year it looked like a lot of the Hawks vets were mailing it in/coasting as they got closer and closer to elimination. The effort of Keith and Seabrook is my barometer to how serious this team is to making the playoffs. How much Kane plays in his defensive end rather than poaching at the blue line waiting for a break out pass, etc… Those are indicators to me how much the team wants to be in the playoffs…
I think these guys played their asses off the past month and they continued to do that last night, it was just one of those games when the other team had answers and the Hawks ran out of time. Not questioning their effort at all, but now that they got knocked back, how do they respond? Guys like DeBrincat and Strome need to see the vets play like it still matters. If the Hawks are going to make this run at the playoffs mean anything for the youngsters who haven’t experienced it at this level, they need to play like it matters until the end.
Nice post Miroslav – I think T and K will continue to play hard – I do worry about Keith and Seabs though especially Keith – he’s mailed it in before when the team doesn’t look very good – if he plays hard then I think Seabs will too…
Good thoughts. Another thing to that is we didnt have NHL goalies last yr when those guys coasted and we wernt as close and we didnt have as good a team last yr. Yea what your saying is a good measuring stick.
Another thing is these 11 games now, other then BOS CLB COL DAL they are bottom 10 teams sch wise. Then we play more top/mid tier teams again. So based on that we could just win most/every one of these reguardless and then see how many we win against the better teams and where the 7 and 8 seed is at.
Also, in with that, like you said we played our asses off for 2 mths to go from -8 to E/0 by going 6-2-1 (agasint top 10 teams), 0-5/but half were ties, then 7-0, now 3-4. During this stretch we were like 9-2-1 agasint top 10 teams and 2-2-1 agasint CAL/SAN/NAS/WIN so we really did good agasint top teams. Now recently were 4 loses in a row against BOS/CLB top 5-10 teams and COL/DAL top mid tier teams.
So based on what you said, the sch., and the fact that we might have weared ourselves out a bit by playing that hard the last 2 mths. We might be seeing a mini slump/a normal up and down kind of thing. Because we didnt play good the last 5 games after winning 7 in a row, now we ve played two good games ‘play’ wise.
So thats why I was saying the other day I did not like that COL games coming in but the guys played good so I knew the team would ‘play’ good again for a stretch, after not for those 5 right after we going streaking stretch.
Am O the only one who doubts the work ethic of Anisimov? Being so bored, I will take 4 hours to watch a Hawks game … replaying plays in slo-mo on the DVR. If one keys on Anisimov, one sees that he gives 100% one game every 3 or 4 games; the other games he gives about 50%. I am not referring to the weak clearing attempt that the announcers mentioned ,,, seconds before that he made a half-ass attempt to poke check the puck away from a player that if he would have just leaned forward and extended his arm, he could have easily made, which would have negated the need to make the mentioned clearing attempt. I wish some team would pick up his contract.