Patrick Kane, Blackhawks Drop Kings
On the day his grandfather passed away, Patrick Kane scored twice and added an assist to lead the Chicago Blackhawks to an emphatic victory in Los Angeles.
After struggling to score in January – Chicago ranked 15th in the NHL (2.86 goals per game) for the month – the Blackhawks have scored 15 goals in the first four games of their current road trip (2-0-2).
Kane opened the scoring only 62 seconds into the contest, scoring on the Hawks’ first power play. Seven minutes later, Kane deferred to struggling Bryan Bickell on a 3-on-1 rush and the Hawks were up 2-0 in the middle of the first period.
Unfortunately the Hawks needed to kill a double-minor on Patrick Sharp that was quickly followed by a roughing minor on Andrew Shaw. Drew Doughty scored on the third power play of the first period for the Kings to get LA back to within one.
Doughty’s goal was the first power play goal allowed by Chicago in their last nine games. The Hawks successfully killed four other Kings’ power plays on the night.
LA came out and dominated the second period. They out-shot the Blackhawks 15-7 and Anze Kopitar tied the game at two at 6:30 into the frame. But Marcus Kruger, who got abused all night (again), scraped himself up off the ice just in time to redirect a Nick Leddy shot past Jonathan Quick to give the lead back to the Hawks.
As much as the Kings owned the second period, the Hawks claimed the action for much of the third. Leddy scored his sixth goal of the season, the eventual game-winner, and Kane scored his second of the night later to extend the Hawks’ lead to 5-2. Tyler Toffoli scored 33 seconds after Kane, but the Kings weren’t able to get more than three past Corey Crawford.
Crawford outplayed Quick, the likely starter for the United States when the Olympics start next week. Chicago’s netminders stopped 31 of 34 to earn the victory, while his teammates were able to get five pucks past Quick in 30 shots.
Jonathan Toews had two assists in the game, but won only five of 24 faceoffs in the game. He has struggled at the dot since crashing into the net in San Jose earlier on the road trip. Sharp also had two assists in the game.
In spite of his early goal, Bickell was still limited to a team-low 11 shifts and 8:10 in the game. The fact that the Hawks were short-handed five times played a role in his ice time, but considering Brandon Bollig’s ice time (18 shifts, 10:13), it’s clear that even a first period score hasn’t taken Bickell completely out of the doghouse.
Bollig led the Hawks with three hits. Kruger, Johnny Oduya and Andrew Shaw led the Hawks with two blocked shots each, and Kane led the team with six shots on net.
Kris Versteeg has an assist in four straight games, and Sharp has eight points (three goals, five assists) in his last eight games. Marian Hossa now has five points (two goals, three assists) in his last four games as well.
Monday night’s game was the 6,000th for the Chicago Blackhawks franchise. Game number 6,001 is in Anaheim on Wednesday night.
Just when your convinced that there were dark days looming for this road trip we come out with superb efforts, dominating victories and find the heart that was somewhat missing. Great games guys. Beauty pass and unselfish move by Sharp to Kane on the fifth goal. My fears are vanquished and all doubt removed. We still have it, just needed to find it.
Kaner, what a way to honor Kano. Thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Great victory, TWO huge points tonight, but what gives at the dot, 35% as a team. Tazer these last few games has been less than himself. Is he hurt?
The Kings dominated in faceoffs and hits and had a slight edge in shots on goal, but the Hawks had the edge in the only statistic that matters: Hawks 5, Kings 3.
The way the Kings were pounding the snot out of the Hawks in the 2nd period I thought this might be the game where the Kings break through against the Hawks after the Hawks have pretty much had the Kings number over the last few years. But, the good guys didn’t wilt – they took a licking and kept on ticking. Gotta be proud of the guys when they persevere through a physical beating like that … and not all of it within the rules I might add.
Great to see Kaner get a couple and Bickell needed that goal to set another building block for his confidence.
Versteeg and Saad had a couple near misses and nice plays. Both of them looked dangerous when they were on the ice.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Sharp with another selfish retaliatory penalty tonight. That trend needs to stop immediately. He wears an “A” and can’t continue to put the team down a man by taking a bad penalty.
On to Anaheim who is swooning a bit themselves lately.
I am not mentioned the refs again, though I am right it doesn’t make a diff., there still going to do what they ‘see’. Whats good about that overall is it makes us even stronger when we do get a ratio called game.
Brown needs to be Dexter’d.
Nice hard earned 5-2 (w/o high stick to 88 face).
Tip my at to Kaner. Should have had a P-Trick.
The day Patrick Kane’s grandpa dies, he scores 2 goals and gets an assist. The night JS’s grandpa dies, he cries and eats Taco Bell.
Patrick Kane sure is playing a lot better lately! I wish we knew why. Q was so smart to take Handzus off of his line. This is why Q has 2 rings and we should never doubt him!
I wish we got a replay of Bickell missing the wide open cage. I can only assume that shot was blocked somehow.
I’m secretly hoping that the Blues win the West and the Kings re the 8th seed.
Dustin Brown is a penis and I don’t want to cheer for him on Team USA.
It’s kind of too bad that Sharp has had an A for so long, because I don’t think anyone deserves it more than Patrick Kane. He has become a true leader of this team in the past few years and I would love to see him with that A.
It was nice to win in regulation and enjoy the game-the Kings were ruthless at times-the amount of nasty cross-checks at arms, backs and etc. with the refs letting it go?
The Hawks were lucky to escape the first half of the second period, but they did and breaks have a way of evening out.
I’m glad the team is relatively healthy after the muggings-but last night was a good indication of what the playoffs will be like! I’m really glad Shaw and a couple of others responded physically. I’m from Ontario and just hoping Toews, and Keith stay healthy.
Go Canada!
Great 45-50 minute effort by the Hawks. That is not a put down. Outplaying the competition 3 to 1 will usually give you 2 points. LA played their best game in 3 weeks but the Hawks just played better.
Bickell or not and with Bollig raising his game, last nights lineup is the best the Hawks currently have. IMO Rosival and Leddy make our best 3d pairing. Someone keeps saying Leddy is overrated to which I say, how do you overrate a 3d pair D man? I think Leddy is one of the better 3d pairing D men in the league. Q obviously thinks so too. Leddy is not Qs favorite player by any means yet he is not in the rotation shuffle.
Pirri, whose time was limited due to a lot of penalties on both sides, is NOT a liability on the ice. I think Q would be wise to keep him up and let him bring his game up to the NHL level. During the Olympic break I hope he gets a ton of ice time in Rockford.
How does that work with the Olympic break? Can teams send guys to the minors? I would imagine it has to be done just as if the season were still in process.
Kings look like one of those teams that believe you should just run guys and the refs will only call half the penalties they see. Never liked the way Sutter coached but does he think this is the way to win in the NHL. Without outstanding goaltending would the Kings even be a factor? Glad when the Hawks beat teams that have coaches stuck in the stone age.
It’s a great time to be a Hawks fan!!
If Hawks could win a few face-offs WHEN IT MATTERS they would be on their way to another Stanley Cup. Seems for a longtime any face-off that matters we lose and lose CLEANLY. Big issue! When we stay out of the penalty box Hawks no matter what 4 lines they role or hot or not are “impossible to beat” tie maybe but beat nahhhhh! Looking good, also need to get bodies in front of the net and really need to get more physical on Defense on clearing front of net for Crow too. Great effort even in second period the effort was there. Ben Smith had a good game and if he can just get more physical just a little, like Shaw he can rock it.
JS, So would that mean Dustin Brown and Pierre ”came out of small town Jersey by way of Montreal to call New Canaan home” Mcguire could somehow be like half brothers or something? I think, well one has the ears but…………. ??
didnt get to see the game so leaning heavily on the esteemed panel here, thanks!
I’m down with Montana tho on 19, i said it last game, where is the bottom? 5-24 vs LA that is really hard to believe, not even doin the math for last 3g
pretty proud of little 88
Some good comments relating to last nights game. Kings game is rock em sock robots. They run around trying to KO opponents and create turnovers. Cpt Brown is just a dick, and leads by example of how to play hack hockey. LA d men are huge and try to intimidate. They take so many needless penalties. Funny to me is that physical/intimidating teams like the Kings love to dish it out, but can’t stand it when they get some in return. Smaller teams built on skill and speed should generally beat big slow teams like the Kings that rely on strong goaltending to keep games close. Remember that not too long ago when Kings won the Cup that the chatter was bigger was better in the new NHL? It has some merit I suppose due to smaller NHL ice surface compared with Intnl rinks, but in the end speed kills. Hawks could have blown Kings out last night. How many quality scoring chances simply were off target? Sharp, Keith, Bicks, and Versteeg had some glorious chances. Apart from a surge by Kings in the 2nd Hawks owned the night. Good for Kaner to pot a few for his grandads memory. 88 has really matured in many ways compared to a few years ago. I’m proud of him. Comments about Sharpy taking bad retaliatory penalties are well said. He needs to be more disciplined if he is going to wear an A on his sweater. Yes, we got our butts handed to us last night at the dot first 2 periods. Toews though is a good face off guy, Kruger vastly improved. When the chips are down I think this will not be an issue. I liked the lines the Hawks played last night.
Road trip going pretty good. .500 or better is fine with me on this swing. I have to think we get at least 3 points with Ducks and Yotes to close this out before the Sochi break. How many Hawks fans at the game last night? 5,000 plus?? Probably be the same numbers the next 2 games easy. That has to just irk the local supporters something fierce.
Let’s Go Hawks!
Wow, we won and didn’t run 4 lines all night. Q must not of coached this game. squawk, i’m Sr Brads parrot….
They rolled 4 lines Al L, there was just an entire period of specials teams which is going to lower the minutes of the guys that don’t play on them. Thanks for trying though!
RD- Dustin Brown is a different kind of penis… Although I feel like I have equal dislike for both of them.
Michael Petan – everyone thought faceoffs would hurt the Hawks last year… turned out ok. It would be nice if they won more on the PK though, but LA is as good as it gets in the dot.
I say this everytime we play St. Louis or L.A.; those teams would be better if they had a Captain who actually played hockey. I just don’t believe the rest of the team wouldn’t respond better if Kopitar or M. Richards was captain…and to an extent J. Carter.
Strong talk to take the A off of Sharp…and he can’t take stupid penalties, but he was part of the crap era before Toews and Kane. Remembering what it was like to suck can be a powerful leadership tool…
I am fine with the C and our A’s. Although I am surprised no one mentions Hossa as having the A…”dude is jam up” and plays D-First to get to his amazing offense. Never takes stupid penalties and the entire team respects him. That he plays like he does without the C or A is a testament to him and the person he is over and above being one hell of a hockey player.
I agree with your comments Peter. Well said. I am not advocating that Sharpy lose the A on his sweater. He just needs to be smart about “getting guys back”. In the defense of Sharp though he has taken some nasty head shots due to high checks and some cheap stuff mixed in that past 2 games. He does not/never has taken these incidents lightly, and makes sure the opposing players know it won’t be tolerated without retribution. Sometimes though you have to take one for the team, file it away, get the guy at the right time. Easy for us to say at a keyboard…
I wasn’t really trying to say that Sharp doesn’t deserve it, that just Kane deserves something. Guy is a leader.
Also, just remembered something about Bollig. Why did he take a wild shot towards the empty net instead of just chipping it to a wide open Kruger for an easy tap in? Was a head shaking moment.
Bollig wanted to be Goallig.
Gotcha JS, duly noted
Hey if DB23 and Backes cant ‘bring home the shame’ nobody can!!
Hopefully international travel for US citizens wont be restricted after those 2 blow thru Sochi.
Thought Crow had another strong game last night – he looks more confident of late. I expect he will play both of the remaining games before the break and then Raanta will get some action in Rockford during the break. Also continue to be very impressed by Krueger and Smith. Krueger’s goal came right after he took a very nasty hit in front of the net – the ultimate revenge is scoring a goal. Smith drew a key penalty in the 3rd that ultimately led to a goal. Also thought Versteeg had a lot more jump in his step. The face-off results were particularly bad. There was a long stretch in the second period where we lost every draw (most in our zone) and most of them were clean losses. Hopefully this was just a bad night on the road. All in all a strong game and looking forward to the Ducks who have lost 3 of 4 at home.
Tab, I think Bickell’s minutes were more about losing most of a period to penalties and then perhaps a little bit of conditioning, because the Hawks really did roll 4 lines…
And to beavis and butthead (aka dufus and alllll), try watching the game and actually reading what I create…Q’s a HOF coach, and just needed to demote Handzus, promote Pirri (or other qualified players from Rockford) and roll 4 lines…since he has done that, we are 2-0-2 on the road against very good teams…thanks for constantly proving me right…
Great game by the Hawks and nice to see all 4 lines contributing…Kruger’s 4th line is flat out good right now with Bollig playing with so much more confidence…Ben Smith is a very good hockey player (sorry dufus you were wrong on him as well)…the 3rd line with Shaw and Saad looks like they are coming around, and really with Bicks his confidence is down right now, and I think a little conditioning, but you can see the signs that he is focused on being in the right places and “gassing” himself every shift…so I think we might have turned a corner there…the 2nd line was very good…yes, Pirri is here to stay…he looks very good in our defensive zone, a little tentative in the offensive zone, but that will come around as he gets his legs back from being injured for so long…funny how Versteeg is producing again EVERY GAME now that Zus is not his centre…Kane was great…he played hard for his Grandfather and it showed…Kaner was even throwing body checks out there on the forecheck…big game…funny how he has come alive again without Zus as his centre as well…hmm…
I think Toews might be a little dinged up again…and not just because of the FO debacle last night, he looked a little tentative around the puck…Hoss still on fire…and ER/JS are right, Sharpy has to stop with those selfish retaliatory penalties…
Crawford was very good, but did look tired in the 3rd period…he was so SLOW to react to the wrap around goal…like it or not, our back up goalie has to play more…win or lose, Raanta should play against ANA and then come back with CC on Friday in the desert.
Sorry, who was the genius here running down Leddy all the time??? Seems to me Nick Leddy is pretty good, especially when he’s playing consistently with a good defensive partner…no worries about Nick, in fact next season, I’m pretty sure he will be paired with Hammer playing top 4 minutes…its actually a pretty big luxury that our team is so good that we only play Nick Leddy 15 minutes a night…and for a bum, Seabrook looked pretty good out there too dufus…
As I have said all along, the Hawks core talent is better than anyone else’s in the league…all they need is a little help from the 3rd and 4th lines, and they will dominate…the Kings were VERY GOOD last night and they have a world class goalie…and on the road, we handed it to them, winning only 25% of the FOs…we are an incredibly good hockey team, and when we can roll 4 lines, we are virtually unbeatable…
BTW…Brandon Saad is a pretty amazing hockey player…
Peter, I think with Hoss, he is “beyond” a letter on his chest (unless it is an S for Superman)…he’s really a playing coach…apparently his Father is an amazing, life long coach, and its clear its trickled down to Hoss…I would LOVE to see Hoss stay with the Hawks after his playing days are over as a coach, or perhaps to do what Barry Smith does and teach all of our prospects how to play the game…
Sr. Brad, I agree on Hossa being “beyond” the A. He doesn’t need it, still plays hard…and is a good person. He wants someone else to have that accolade. Hossa makes the team better not just because of the player he is, but who he is. I love Toews, but I am sure he constantly learns from Hossa.
I agree Peter…
This is for Wall and others…a little update on TT in Finland…Finland’s Player of the Month…
Teravainen extended his post-World Juniors point streak to seven games with an assist in Jokerit’s 3-2 overtime victory over Ilves Tampere on Saturday. Chicago’s 2012 first-round draft pick was named the Finnish league’s Player of the Month for January after collecting 14 points (2G, 12A) in his six appearances
Good game, the Hawks took the Kings absolutely best shot with out blinking or backing down…..
I agree on Brown but really what else can he do? He can’t keep up with the Hawks skill….. Most teams will “goon” it up because they can’t match the Hawks skill level.
As for the officiating – Hawks got away with quite a bit in the 3rd….. Pretty obvious hook by Kane…… My only beef with Ref’s is when they let the dangerous calls go unpunished like the cross check that sent Versteeg flying into the net in the SJ game…
The highlights were neat. The game started well past my bed time so I got the summary from JS. Looking at the box score it looks like playing time for the big guys were managed pretty well. Hossa around 1630-1700 / night I think is key to keeping him fresh.
Apparently Patrick Kane is really good at hockey.
Brad I agree completely with you about Hossa. What a role model for other players. A consummate pro. I almost cried for joy when I heard we moved Havlat and got Hossa. Remember all the people that moaned about losing Havlat? I was like, are you nuts WE GOT HOSSA! It was dream like. His game is still strong as ever. I’ve been to Slovakia in the past few years and Hoss is revered by hockey fans there I know.
Hossa would make a fine coach at any level. Just look at the progression in Brandon Saad’s game. Little Hoss can get it done.
Phil, apparently Hoss did take Lil Hoss under his wing last year…and look at what its meant to Saad’s game…last year, Wall and others, praised Saad, but focused on some of his weaknesses or deficiencies that he had to work on…this year? Not so much…Saad focused on those aspects of his game, and with Hoss’ help, has transformed himself into a complete hockey player…personally I think its nuts to have Saad on the 3rd line, but hey, if it helps us win hockey games and keeps his salary demands down for next year, I’m okay with it…
I think what is important to Saad’s game is his apparent will to win. Playing with and seeing how elite pro players operate has to be an important part of his learning curve. Saad has the talent, strength, and winning attitude. He will get a well deserved payday when the time comes. Not a player to be moved. Incredible steal in the draft. Still just a kid. Pity Hossa and Saad are both lefties. Would be fun though to see those two play together with a crafty center like TT.
Excellent road game for the Hawks. Even when LA was surging the Hawks kept calm and plyed their game. Excellent use of a time out for Q. Quitely Crow has put together a few excellent games. I thought the SJ game might have been his best and this one was very good too. The 4th line continues to eat mins and play strong. Kruger has had a few very good games in a row despite getting beaten up. As a 4th line center and PK guy he is one of the best in the league.
Once the Hawks can solve their 3rd line and 2nd line center they are going to be hard to beat in the playoffs, even if they don’t win the division.
I’ve said it before about Kruger, that guy is made of rubber. At least once a game he gets hit so hard I don’t think he’s going to get up…
And as far as Saad goes, I predicted a huge year from him… and that’s when I thought he would get top 6 minutes. That kid is ridiculously good and only going to get better.
Phil, that would be an amazing line…TT with Saad and Hoss on the wings…what a way to bring that kid into the league…
SSHM that was a great use of the TO by Q…great bench coach…
JS…crazy to think but Saad has 18 goals so far this season playing about 14 minutes a night, and none of them with Toews…as Phil said, just an incredible draft pick by Bowman…and he waited past Clendening to get him….
Sr. Thx for TT News… TT also had an assist today in 2-1 loss…
Completely agree on Hossa as “Coach”… In practices I have seen – other players really listen to him… I remember several times last year when Hoss would take Leddy in particular to the side boards and explain PP options, patience, reads (I am only guessing- but it seemed like what they were discussing)…
Fun paced game to watch…
Kruger continues to be excellent- just hope he can stay healthy (thank God the Hawks taught that kid to get rid of the “bracing his forehead/helmet on the boards for puck battles thing” he used to always do)
Didn’t watch 3rd… Had to get up @4 am… But I still wasn’t impressed by 29 or 37’s skating…
Crazy but I get the sense that Hossa is still in stealth mode to many people and has been pretty much his whole career. I’m not gonna say its a majority but a good many. Its kinda fitting I suppose given how unassuming he is and how he quietly goes about his business. Yet unfortunate because you want the guy to get his due credit. We got a HOF player here
now, who may end up with ten seasons in Chicago. This really is kind of a big deal, little story tale. Maybe its different in the city, idk. Ive been around a little while following Chicago hockey, growing up idolizing players etc, waiting for that Championship to come. I just can not say I have seen a better, well rounded pro in Chi than Hossa81. Love watching him in person. Guy is special, and if he was to stick, like Brad was saying, what a great boon for the org that would be! A HOF er bridging the gap in Hawks history from Mikita to Kane. With all that he could offer on any number of levels. Guy should be celebrated 7days a week
Great game by the Hawks. I hope they bring that same “A” game to the Ducks. I saw the interview with Kane after the game a very touching moment for the young man. I hope he and his family are doing alright.
Phil – it’s not a pity both Hossa and Saad are lefties because Hossa like to play his off wing and Saad plays better as a LW … and yes the Saad-Teravainen-Hossa line could really be something if TT can realize his potential in the NHL. And, of course, that would leave Sharp-Toews-Kane as the top line. That could end up being the best top-6 the Hawks have had since their resurgence. Then if Bickell regains his confidence, a Bickell-Shaw-Versteeg 3rd line would be very good. And then Kruger is getting better and better and could very well be one of the top 4C’s in the league pretty soon.
OK … I’ll settle down now :)
Wall, Pirri’s skating was not excellent, but it wasn’t bad…and he made up for it a lot by his anticipation of the play and his positioning…he really has listened a lot to what has been said to him, and its starting to click…my prediction, is that by after the All Star break, he will get on a roll up here with Kane…
As for Bickell, it was his positioning and his compete that gave me hope that he has perhaps turned the corner…ER, I LOVE those lines…
‘I would LOVE to see Hoss stay with the Hawks after his playing days are over as a coach, or perhaps to do what Barry Smith does and teach all of our prospects how to play the game…’
YES. YES. YES.
Brad, I have T’s back too (as much as Wall). I was in Lake Placid every summer since we drafted him. When I saw him play in person that 7/’12 summer, I knew right then he is going to be special.
I do not think its going to matter whos on what line, when we have 10, 20, 19, 86, 88, & 81 its going to be sick.
Speaking of Hossa talking to Leddy about the PP. Would not mind seeing Hoss on the point instead of Sharp.
Anyone see the articles about Sochi lately. Oh man. If you need a laugh or think this snow storm sucks take a look at some of the collections of tweets from reporters there. It is beyond comical but then sad at the same time.
Mo, I love your passion for TT…surround him with enough talent and responsibility and he will thrive, IMO…
From the way it sounds based on people in the know, Teuvo is the best prospect the Hawks have picked up since Kane and Toews draft. As fans we should be excited about what this kid can bring to Chicago Blackhawks. He will be coming to a team where he WILL be surrounded by good players, and coaches as well as a winning attitude. A place where he can succeed.
Brad- the Pirri comment- isn’t just about last game… I know 37 is best option as of now… Just think he is below average-average skating wise… and don’t see how he fits long term!!! Perhaps he will prove me wrong w/ some hidden intangibles… but I don’t see it…