The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Boston Bruins in the United Center tonight by a final score of 5-4 in a shootout, overcoming 2 goals by David Krejci and spotty goaltending by the Meatball Hero, Antti Niemi in front of 21,717 screaming meatheads.

The win moved the Blackhawks into the virtual lead in the Western Conference, by virtue of having the same number of points as the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks, with the Hawks having games in hand on both. Not that any of it matters, since we're not even at the halfway point in the season.

Except to say this: As CT said a few weeks ago on the PUCKCAST, we're past the point where you look at teams being measuring sticks for the Blackhawks. We're now at the point where the Blackhawks are the measuring stick.

So now let's get to it:

THE GOOD:

Jonathan Toews. He scored a grinder-type goal parked in the crease, then potted one in the shootout on a lightning quick wrister. At this point, it seems pretty likely that Captain Marvel will be part of Team Canada, as every time Canadian GM Steve Yzerman opens his mouth, it turns into a Jonathan Toews testimonial. The only part of his game that wasn't completely there tonight was faceoffs. Go figure.

The Hawks' puck control. The Hawks threw 44 shots on goal to the Bruins' 29. The fact that the Hawks have had the ability to keep the rink tilted to the offensive zone can bail them out on nights when the goaltending is less than stellar, like tonight.

Scoring balance. Kris VERSTEEG!, Patrick Sharp and Toews each scored their 10th goals tonight. Between this spreading around of scoring (Patrick Kane also has 10), and the fact that not only is it several players, but it's spread across three lines, makes the Hawks an impossible team to get matchups against.

The Hawks' blueline. Brian Campbell carried the mail tonight, Seabrook got off 5 shots and laid out 5 hits, Duncan Keith even took the body harder than usual. Only the makeshift third pair of Brent Sopel and Jordan Hendry seemed a little out of sorts, which isn't surprising since they haven't played together all season. Hopefully, Niklas Hjalmarsson will get over his flu bug quickly, but they picked it up tonight.


THE BAD:

Niemi. The fact that the Hawks let 29 shots, instead of 39 get through was the Meatball Hero's salvation. His puck control, or lack thereof, gave the impression that the puck was a grenade that was missing the pin. He was out of position on 3 of the 4 Bruins goals, each of which was brutal. At one point, he jumped up with Boston forwards and Hawks' defensemen to go after a fluttering deflection. Kid, what the hell are you doing? The net's not 8 feet in the air, it's down on the ice. You're a goaltender. Tend the goddamn goal. Maybe that's a little harsh, since he's been so good lately, but he looked like a green rookie tonight.

I guess a case can be made for the Hawks' power play which was 0-for-2 with 4 shots. The Hawks need to get consistency in this part of their game.

THE UGLY:

Zdeno Chara. Fucking mutant.

Next for the Hawks is a Sunday evening tilt in the United Center with the red-hot Detroit Red Wings, with whom it is believed there is the makings of a rivalry.

And since it's Friday Night, let's celebrate this old-school matchup with a twinbill of Keith Magnuson and John McKenzie, along with Jerry "King Kong" Korab and Carol Vadnais.