Is this what it was like back in the days of the Original Six?  I know those days are looked back on fondly, but I can see how facing the same damn teams every other day might get a bit tedious.  Regardless, the Hawks took some time off from playing the Nashville Predators to host another team they've already seen twice this season, the Colorado Avalanche.

And, when the Hawks and Avs get together, you know you can throw out the records, as well as the first 3 periods and the overtime, because this thing was destined for a shootout from the beginning.


THE GOOD

Cam Barker:  A lot of us questioned Joel Quenneville's decision to use Cam Barker in a shootout a few nights ago, but Cameron showed us that he's actually got a decent move or two, scoring a nifty goal after rushing the puck in from his own blue line.

Patrick Sharp:  Sharp still seems to be snakebit, as he's had some glorious chances but hasn't been able to put them away.  But the good news is, Sharp is generating those chances because he's busting his ass out there, which can only lead to good things.  Sharpie's got a habit of disappearing sometimes, but if he keeps playing at his current level, the goals are going to come.  He also finally broke his breakaway jinx, scoring the shootout winner.

Patrick Kane:  Kane's good games are becoming so common, he almost gets overlooked.  The kid still looks like he can do whatever he wants out there, and he got a goal tonight and generated several more chances for himself and his teammates.  Marian Hossa has got to be champing at the bit to play with Kaner.

THE BAD

Turnovers:  The Hawks defense has got to be better this.  They were terribly careless in their own end tonight, and it seemed like there was some sort of contest to see who could make the most blind passes.

The Second Period:  The Hawks didn't match Colorado's effort in the second, and if not for some good work by Cristobal Huet they would have gotten blown out.

THE UGLY

Colin Fraser:  The familiarity these teams have with each other appears to have bred contempt.  Fraser got into two fights tonight, neither of which were classics.  However, it did give me a chance to highlight Colin Fraser, so he's got that going for him.

Also, Darcy Tucker is one of the top 3 penalty shot guys for Colorado?