Patrick Kane, Blackhawks Douse Flames
The Blackhawks and Flames played an entertaining game on Thursday night that ended with the Hawks winning 4-3 in regulation.
But let’s all take a moment to appreciate Patrick Kane’s hands on his third period, game-winning goal.
Rookie defenseman Adam Clendening scored on the second shift of his NHL debut, and Daniel Carcillo scored his second of the season 3:12 later to get the Hawks off to a great start. But a parade to the penalty box slowed the Hawks’ momentum.
Chicago started their annual Circus Trip with the best penalty kill in the NHL, but the hosts in Calgary cared not about that mark or the 2-0 lead they handed the Blackhawks early in the first period.
The Flames scored on back-to-back power plays only 54 seconds apart late in the first period while Marcus Kruger and then Niklas Hjalmarsson were in the box.
Chicago had allowed only four power play goals against in the season’s first 18 games.
In the second period, Dennis Wideman chirped at Kane after a whistle and clearly agitated the Hawks’ now-26-year-old star… and that proved to be an epic mistake.
Kane dominated the rest of the game, flipping a perfect backhand pass to Brent Seabrook for the Hawks’ third goal of the night. The goal was Seabrook’s fifth of the season and came in the 700th regular season of his NHL career.
Sean Monahan tied the game less than two minutes after Seabrook’s tally, and the score would stay knotted until Kane’s showtime goal at 9:12 into the third period. That would hold up as the game-winner.
After a slow start to the season – Kane had only three goals and four assists in October – the Hawks star forward now has three goals and three assists in his last three games.
Kris Versteeg added a couple assists in the victory, and Kruger (when he wasn’t in the box) won 11 of 17 faceoffs. Hjalmarsson had as many blocked shots as he did penalty minutes – four – and Johnny Oduya matched his partner’s block total to lead the team.
In his debut, Clendening skated 10:41 and was credited with two blocked shots with his first career tally. He was also plus-two in the game on 22 shifts, and impressive total considering how often the Hawks were short-handed in the game.
Coach Joel Quenneville showed some faith in the young rearguard by skating him on the game’s first power play – which was rewarded with the big goal – and more ice time on later power plays. Clendening skated 1:03 with the advantage in his first career game.
The Hawks allowed goals on their first two penalty kills but were successful on four more penalties on the night. Clendening’s goal was the only power play marker for the Hawks in three opportunities with the man advantage.
Credit Calgary for limiting the usually potent Chicago offense. The Blackhawks were credited with 12 shots in the first period, but managed only six on net in the second and four in the third for a game total of just 22. Fortunately, Jonas Hiller only stopped 18 and the Hawks were able to skate away with the win.
Corey Crawford didn’t have his best night, but stopped 24 of 27 to earn his eighth win of the season. Crawford has now won five of his last seven starts, allowing only 16 goals over those seven contests.
Great game for us..Kane just got plumb mad and was going to score that winner no matter what…great determination and skill…Clendening! Wow….Carcillo with a beauty wrister…my kind of night, then the penalities started. What happened to Oduya? Did he leave his game behind in Chicago? Bad plays numeroius times from Johnny O. Crawford counted when it counted but gave up rebounds like crazy all nite. We just could not give up the win after that start and that was the determination that got us to the final buzzer.
The main thing is the 2 points they got. Everything else is just filler for message boards.
So here’s my two cents. Keith and Oduya played horribly. It looked like both tried to out do the other for bad passes and weak clearing attempts. But I gotta give worst play of the game “award” to Keith as it was his bad play that accounted for the first two Flame’s goals. With Kruger’s penalty about 15 seconds from being killed off, Keith had the puck on his stick with plenty of time and space to clear it all the way down and kill off the penalty. But instead of doing the smart thing (remembering the Hawks were up 2-0 and dominating the game at that point), he decides to pass the puck up the middle of the ice and hope it gets through some Flames players to spring a team mate on a breakaway. The pass gets picked off and a few seconds later the Flames score their first goal. In the scramble that was going on while that goal was being scored, Hjalmarsson takes a penalty and they score a second PP goal a minute later. Had Keith just made the safe play, those two Flames goals don’t happen and the Hawks still have a 2-0 lead and momentum from killing off the power play.
But, Oduya wouldn’t go down without a fight. He tried his best to out bonehead Keith the rest of the way and made it a real horse race.
And then there was the atrocious passing in the 2nd and 3rd periods. If the Hawks can’t complete passes they are an average team at best.
But, that’s all just message board filler.
The Hawks won and that’s all that counts.
Crisp!!! That’s how I would describe the hawks skating and passing tonight. Very entertaining game to watch. Besides the penalties, Hawks looked good.
Hossa was strong defensively. Anyone that says he lost a step has to watch this game over again.
From what I saw of Clendening, his skating is fine. There were a couple passes he made in the d-zone that appeared rushed, but, overall, I think he looks pretty solid. Happy to see one of the d-prospects getting some NHL minutes. Nordstrom also looked good out there.
Good team effort. Go Hawks!!!
Booman, I would say the passing in the 1st period was crisp and the Hawks played a dominant puck possession game. However, I must strongly disagree with your assessment when it comes to the 2nd and 3rd periods where I though that not only the passing was terrible, but so were the clearing attempts.
But I came back to post something positive about tonight’s game and that is Clendening, or to be more precise – Clendening’s point shot. A short and quick stroke resulting in a rocket that hits the net – a one-timer no less! All Clendening has to do is play an adequate 10 minutes of 3rd pairing d-man play and he should be kept in the lineup as a PP point man. That was the best PP shot from the blue line that I’ve seen a Hawks player make in … I can’t remember when. It would be a great plus to have that type of shot on our PP. Let’s hope he can play good enough defense to stay on the roster.
Starting to come together. When we have a good PP, look the f out.
ER I think Seabrook also has a good shot from up top. Booman, the Hawks managed only 10 shots in the final 40 minutes. After a dominant 16 minutes the game was pretty even. Kane has ridiculous hands and that was the difference last night. And Hoss can still put up those long fast strides when he really needs to, but the time has past where he can do that 22 minutes a game. I think overall the Hawks game continues to improve. Looking for a good road trip. Goals are starting to come. Morin needs to score.
I didn’t get to see the game, what were the line combos? I see Shaw was out, was that a healthy scratch?
Nice to see both Nashville and St. Louis lose tonight
2 of your favorite whipping boys get accolades for their plays tonight.
1) Clendenon doesn’t score without Kris Versteeg screening Hiller
2) Hiller doesn’t misplay the puck without Richards streaking down the ice to pressure him ( Admittedly, I had to look at the replay twice to verify that was 91, not 81)
So, who’s your next target?
Didn’t see the game so it was nice to see 2 points-
an NHL game with 4 hits-Wow, times have changed-you almost have to go out of your way to only have 4 hits. Bickell and Carcillo none each.
ER I agree, the first 16 minutes the Hawks looked fresh and crisp facilitated by rolling all 4 lines. After that the game was even at best. The final 40 the Hawks managed a measly 10 shots on goal. Kane’s ridiculous hands made the difference in this game.
I find it troubling that 4 forwards received 10 minutes or less last night. I can not see success long term with that disparity. I was happy to see Morin in the line up, but under 7 minutes, why bother? I thought the 4th line possession looked great in the first, but they did not get much time the last 40 minutes.
On the bright side the Hawks again scored more than 3 goals. I think the team will play more consistent hockey as the road trip wears on. Richards is earning his spot on the second line. Clendening looked OK or a least did nothing to hurt himself. I found it odd that a rookie in his first game had to play his off side to accommodate a much more experienced player. Something has to give. An important 2 points…..GO HAWKS
Kane was a monster. When he and Toews are at their best the Hawks are hard to beat. Kane was all over the ice. And Even at the end of the game.
Clendening 1 g 1 shot + 2. Excellent. People here have been down on him. Fine, is he perfect no, but the kid can play. Like I said im hoping hes here for good. None of the rfd shuttle nonsense. This guy should be a part of their future hopefully it all works out.
Someone please explain the TVR lovefest? Im not seeing it.
Here’s my take on TVR – he plays a game similar to Hammer. Keeps it simple plays he smart pass, plays to the outside and is smart about when he jumps into rushes. Very team needs a solid stay at home defenseman or two. You can t have a Keith without a corresponding Hjalmarsson. Just seems that TVR plays a similar game. Not flashy but no obvious holes either.
I liked what I saw from c-den. Obviously his shifts were limited with all the ridiculous penalties but he definitely looked solid when he was out there. I look forward to seeing more of him this trip and hopefully Q gives him a longer leash in some of the upcoming games.
Bladz, Lines were 20-19-81, 23-91-88, 29-42-28 and 11-16-13 with some blending (I think that’s how Q started?)
Agree with ER- 27 was brutally bad (as he has been for large stretches this season imho.) The Keith cutesy plays on PK have got to stop. Bickel? Invisible with ZERO physicality. I just do not understand how he’s getting minutes when he plays like he thinks he a skill guy.
Kane’s display was impressive. Liking the chemistry of the combo top-2 lines of 20-19-81 and 23-91-88, would be nice if Q can just leave them in tact for a while. Rosival is the new Zus, unreal this guy gets the minutes over younger guys we should be developing (albeit only 12:58 mins last night.)
Finally, for what it’s worth Calgary looks much better than past years, at least as fast the the Hawks last night, had some pretty plays for scores and outshot us 27-22 (although they had plenty of PP’s to tilt that stat.)
ER- EXCELLENT post… really telling it like it was!!! Keith was terrible with those mistakes and especially in those situations… 27 was awful again!!!
The Good news (once again)- these are mental mistakes- and Could/should be fixed!!!
BUT- they continue to happen (and Keith joined the Mental midgets with that bonehead pass tonite)…
More Good news- the Hawks are figuring out how to create a little more speed-
SSHM- TvR is/was incredibly patient w/ puck, almost always sealed and boxed out to win board battles with stick- was super efficient…Didn’t cough it up like 27/4 every 4th touch!!!
I am the biggest Cden doubter here – AND have always said- He is EXCELLENT in the O zone (vision,passing)… but not good skater, and plays small on the D side… He was not tested At all last nite… Once again- I hope he proves me wrong,,, but we shall see.
Hawks appear to be “cycling” a little less (except for the 20/19/81 line)… and looking mix it up with backdoor/cross ice plays… GOOD!!!
And to my earlier point in the year… Flames really appear to be copying the Hawks “box” D… AND DON’T HIT PEOPLE philosophy!!!
I could be wrong here, but it really seems like when I created my logo for my fantasy team, Kane in the Ass, that kane really turned things up a notch. You’re all welcome haha…but did want to share:
http://i.imgur.com/fzYWDUi.jpg
Thanks imtgrill, that goes right on the list of things I can’t un-see…
Oduya, yikes man.
That play Foley commented on by Hossa, with the epic freight train back check was awesome. When the other team has the puck, Hossa takes it back. I really hope some of the kids on the team are taking notes.
Anyway, nailbiter at the end, but glad for the two points against a good team.
So Patrick Kane wow. Can more players please run their mouth at him. Please please please.
Um. Because I’m a butthead: Nick Leddy highest plus player on the Isles and eating 19:25 a night. Oops.
Thanks for the line combos Negzz. Any word on Shaw? was he a healthy scratch from poor play or is he sick/hurt?
Unhealthy scratch on Shaw – upper-body. Quenneville indicated it wasn’t serious, but Friday’s recall of Danault likely indicates he’ll miss a few games on the road trip.
Word on Shaw was he is recouping from an “upper body injury” this is not serious (was at practice.) My guess is bit of recovery and message that he needs to get right (as he’s been subpar this year imho..)
e: AJ’s admission on Leddy – all the kid needed was an opportunity. He wasn’t getting that here, and the organization got a good young prospects for him and granted his wish to see what he can do. The Islanders made two brilliant trades on the same day and are reaping the rewards of that now. Good for Leddy; I always liked him as a player but understood why he went/had to go.
I’m now excited to see what Clendening can do as the would-be heir to Leddy’s spot as the young puck mover and PP impact player on the blue line. It’s unfortunate that TvR had to go for him to get this chance, but it’s also good to see Q giving kids a shot.
They commented how the Calgary coach is not afraid to bench a struggling veteran to send a message to the whole team. So when does Q bench Bickel?
@ AJ
Don’t be surprised if Leddy makes in All Star game and gets close to 60 pts this season. He been about 30 pt producer here with very limited minutes. He’s talented!
@Waitforawhistle
I just posted on the newer article that I felt Q should be benching Bickell. His starts are looking awful, without checking the details I would assume his corsi isnt that hot either.
ER, just trying to be positive given the lashings I rec’d previously for finding negatives when the Hawks won games. :-) Just happy with the two points. With the degree of frustration voiced about the play on this board, me included, the Hawks are still within striking distance of the top spots in the division and conference. If they are hot for a couple weeks, they leap frog many teams. Go Hawks.
Oduya was awful last night, was shying away from contact and turned the puck over numerous times. I won’t fault him on the delay of game, that’s on the forwards for not coming back to give him an outlet. Reoccuring theme.
Line changes were a mess, they keep leading to odd man breaks and one was finally burried last night. Hossa/Toews/Saad should all know better.
I think it’s time for Morin to be punted for some draft picks. It isn’t going to work out for him here and I’m just starting to feel bad for him. Kid could use a fresh start.
Wall- Clendening isn’t a great skater, but he’s a better skater than TvR. Doesn’t have the natural instincts that TvR does, but he does seem to see the ice well. Also, the idea behind cycling the puck is to do it until a lane opens up for a scoring opportunity. So they are still doing the cycling, they are just finding an open man these days.
As mentioned average game and the Hawks continue to turn the puck over sometime with little or no pressure! As mentioned also the KEY is the Hawks passing when it is “crisp” was not last night they move up ice with ease, but all year they have been off, behind, over pass, under i mean all night. Pucks even on power plays behind a little or just out of one timer. All these injuries are gonna take a toll soon, cant fall too far behind. go hawks