The Chicago Blackhawks returned to an NHL ice surface tonight after the abysmal surface in Nashville last night, playing a Halloween Eve match in front of over 20,000 in the United Center. Some people were dressed absurdly, and others wore Halloween costumes.

Before we get started, they say a picture is worth a thousand words. I think Jonathan Toews and Adam Burish were worth 2000, at the very least.

Cristobal Huet was in net once again for the Hawks, marking his fourth start in a row, while Carey Price was in pipes for Montreal.

Once again, QStache dressed 7 defensemen, figuring he could get by with 11 forwards. Good planning, right?

OK, let's get to it...

THE GOOD:

Patrick Kane. Before the season started, it was asked around the league whether he was ready to be among the best forwards in the league. It appears before very long, they will be among him. Another night where he pretty much did whatever he wanted to do with the puck, he set up two goals beautifully.

Cristobal Huet. He gave up two goals tonight, one on a fluke - to be fair, each team scored a fluke goal. Still, he stopped 20 shots, and has now given up 4 goals in 4 straight starts. Hopefully he doesn't cool off with the long layoff.

Kris VERSTEEG! While a lot of people seem to think he's the odd man out once Marian Hossa joins the Hawks' lineup, VERSTEEG! is certainly making a case for sticking around and getting ice time. He was pressing the play all night, ending up with a goal and an assist.

Cam Barker. A goal (while breaking his stick) and an assist. Nice audition for the Habs.

Patrick Sharp. Scored the game winner, was effective at both ends. A very handsome man.

THE BAD:

Andrew Ebbett and Tomas Kopecky. These guys suck. In fact, they're experts at sucking. They're stars at sucking. They're the suckiest pair of sucks who ever sucked. I don't think I'm expressing this as clearly as it needs to be expressed. I honestly can't remember either of these guys did anything good with a hockey puck.

The Power Play. One for Six. QStache, you've got damn near a week off. Fix this shit once and for all.

THE UGLY:

Andrew Ladd's hit on Matt D'Agostini. The refs called Toronto to have them check the replay before sending Ladd off with a game misconduct. The replay on the Jumbotron clearly shoews Ladd leaving his skates before the hit, and having his elbow up. Everyone pissing and moaning about Willie Mitchell's hit on Jonathan Toews needs to watch this one. There was all kinds of wrong going on here.
Not to mention, this was Ladd's first shift, and he was done for the night. QSstache was left with 10 forwards the rest of the night, and managed to shuffle and juggle guys enough to muddle through. But this will probably continue for a game or two, and Ladd will almost certainly have to sit out a couple. Toews needs to get well soon.

Honorable "Ugly" to the Meatballs in the United Center who decided to chant "U-S-A" in response to the "Go Habs Go" chant. Montreal dressed 4 Americans to the Blackhawks' two. Dipshits.

The next time the Hawks take the ice will be Thursday on the road in Phoenix. HOCKEENIGHT will join other sites, including Second City Hockey , at Whirlaway for a road watch. Come one, come all.