Smashville: Hawks 3, Preds 4 (SO)
Well, I guess any points are welcome at this point, but the Hawks sure as hell could have used 2 instead of 1 tonight. The Blackhawks brought a good effort tonight, but in what seems to be a disturbing trend, the Hawks let an inferior (and yes the Preds are inferior) opponent hang around and ended up losing in a shootout. But hey, Jack Skille!
THE GOOD
Jack Skille(!) - Skille finally gets off the schneid, and good for him. His lack of goals was not due to lack of effort, and he managed to bury 2 chances tonight.
Atmosphere - It was probably helped by the abundance of Blackhawks fans, but the crowd was really into this game, and the Hawks and Preds played like they don't particularly enjoy each other's company.
Niklas Hjalmarsson - Hammer was channelling Brent Sople out there. The guy must have blocked 6 or 7 shots tonight, at least two of which directly saved goals.
THE BAD
The Power Play - the Hawks should have won this game easily, and the power play is the reason they didn't. They had an extended 5 on 3 that they failed to score on, as well as a couple of other chances. And it wasn't just that Nashville was taking penalties, it was the guys who took them. I'm sorry, but when you get Shea Weber in the box, you've gotta convert.
Pekka Rinne's Glove - perhaps Pekka should petition the league to allow him to wear a blocker on each hand.
The Shootout - I normally don't complain about the team's performance in what is just a skills competition, but after beating Rinne's glove three times in regulation, why wouldn't the Hawks' shooters attack that in the shootout?
THE UGLY
It appears that Barry Trotz purchased a new hanger to stuff in his sportcoat just for this game. Or he just has really square shoulders. Either way, lookin' good, Barry.
Did You Know?: Nashville has been absolute shit lately, but they still managed 2 points against the Hawks. This is becoming a disturbing trend.
Up next, the Hawks will take on the Anaheim (Mighty) Ducks tomorrow at the United Center, then embark on the fabled circus trip. The on Monday, Hockeenight.com celebrates its 100th Puckcast in style with Chris Block and Dave Morris. Be there, or fuck off.
THE GOOD
Jack Skille(!) - Skille finally gets off the schneid, and good for him. His lack of goals was not due to lack of effort, and he managed to bury 2 chances tonight.
Atmosphere - It was probably helped by the abundance of Blackhawks fans, but the crowd was really into this game, and the Hawks and Preds played like they don't particularly enjoy each other's company.
Niklas Hjalmarsson - Hammer was channelling Brent Sople out there. The guy must have blocked 6 or 7 shots tonight, at least two of which directly saved goals.
THE BAD
The Power Play - the Hawks should have won this game easily, and the power play is the reason they didn't. They had an extended 5 on 3 that they failed to score on, as well as a couple of other chances. And it wasn't just that Nashville was taking penalties, it was the guys who took them. I'm sorry, but when you get Shea Weber in the box, you've gotta convert.
Pekka Rinne's Glove - perhaps Pekka should petition the league to allow him to wear a blocker on each hand.
The Shootout - I normally don't complain about the team's performance in what is just a skills competition, but after beating Rinne's glove three times in regulation, why wouldn't the Hawks' shooters attack that in the shootout?
THE UGLY
It appears that Barry Trotz purchased a new hanger to stuff in his sportcoat just for this game. Or he just has really square shoulders. Either way, lookin' good, Barry.
Did You Know?: Nashville has been absolute shit lately, but they still managed 2 points against the Hawks. This is becoming a disturbing trend.
Up next, the Hawks will take on the Anaheim (Mighty) Ducks tomorrow at the United Center, then embark on the fabled circus trip. The on Monday, Hockeenight.com celebrates its 100th Puckcast in style with Chris Block and Dave Morris. Be there, or fuck off.
Posted by CT at 11/13/2010 9:56 PM 
Categories: Chicago Blackhawks, Dave Morris, Nashville Predators, Blackhawks
Tags: Blackhawks Predators Barry Trotz
Categories: Chicago Blackhawks, Dave Morris, Nashville Predators, Blackhawks
Tags: Blackhawks Predators Barry Trotz
I am going to give this team until December for me to figure out if this is how they really are or not. 8-9-2 should really be 8-11. That's not good. And if I am correct, 9 of the 11 losses were by one goal. That's also what you would call "disturbing".
On the brighter side, do I get to be on a PuckCast soon? I would have accomplished everything I wanted to in my career if I get that chance. Make it happen!
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I'm not sure why losing so many games by one goal qualifies as "disturbing". The team lost a ton of depth on both the offensive and defensive ends last year, it stands to reason that their margin for error would be slimmer this season.
I'd say the disturbing part is that the Hawks have been unable to grab points against some really shitty teams early in the season. Two losses to Edmonton, one to New Jersey and tonight's SO loss to a skidding Predators team means a lot of points are being left on the table.
Fro, you're too young to have accomplished everything in your career yet. I don't want to be the one who takes away your reason for living.
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Please....take it away.
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Annoying, yes. Disturbing, no.
I mean, what are the coaches supposed to do when those big strong fellas like Troy, Tommy and Brian don't GET THE PUCK TO THE NET?
Jackie did, and Jackie was rewarded.
BTW there has to be some major irony in Brouwer's pregame manifesto: "We have to 'will' our wins, not 'skill' our wins."
Mr Skille obviously had both last night. And he may be ready to take Troy's job.
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PS Corey Perry is licking his chops...or is that his bill?
PPS is Nicky Boy growing a porn star 'stache?
PPPS is Patrick Sharp having a midlife crisis?
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