Boy, does it suck outside.

OK, now that our obligatory reference to the WORST SNOWSTORM IN THE HISTORY OF MANKIND is out of the way...

The Chicago Blackhawks began their tough stretch of the schedule following the All-Star break, winning a sloppy 7-4 decision over the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight in Nationwide Arena.

Let's get to this:

THE GOOD:

Jonathan Toews. 2 assists and a sweet-assed shorthanded pickpocket and goal. He even gave Marc Methot a shove to the ice after Methot laid out Patrick Kane. Nice try for the Gordie Howe Hat Trick. No on-camera F-bombs tonight, sorry folks.

Nick Leddy. Scored a goal, and managed to play solidly with Nick Boynton as a boat anchor of a partner. Why QStache is not playing Leddy and Hendry together is beyond me.

The third and fourth lines. Dave Bolland, Bryan Bickell and Fernando Pisani on the third, and Jake Dowell, Jack Skille and Viktor Stalberg on the fourth. The play of these lines will provide the depth the Hawks will need to not only make the playoffs, but to advance as well.

The Penalty Kill. They killed 5 penalties, including 37 seconds of 5-on-3. They even got 2 shorties, the one by Toews and an empty netter by Jennifer Hossa in the waning moments. This is 7 games without giving up a power play goal.

THE BAD:

Boynton. The Useless Sack of Meat got completely turnstiled by rookie Matt Calvert, who then went on to eat Marty Turco's lunch. Boynton also collided with Turco at least once, and just looked brutal out there. Even though I'm not a Boynton fan by any means, I'd be really happy to not have to keep putting him here.

THE UGLY:

Either the Blue Jackets were having a special night for referees, or guys like wearing referee shirts to games. Either way, it's really a poor sartorial choice. Leave the referee shirts at home, guys.

Next for the Hawks is a day of being snowbound in Columbus before they head to Vancouver for a Friday night tilt.