They can't all be pretty.  And they won't be.  The Hawks got 2 points in a shootout tonight, after another uneven effort.  If a team is constantly inconsistent, does that make them consistent in their inconsistency?  I have no idea.  Nor do I really care to ponder it.

Outside influences had me in a foul mood this evening, long before the hockey game had started, so when the Hawks surrendered 2 power play goals in the second period, I was less than amused.  But, the Hawks managed to play a good third period (which might become a trend if they're not careful), got the game to a shootout, and actually won the damn thing. 

Still, I don't know why Patrick Sharp is still in Q's top 3 for the shootout.  He's now 1 for 7 on the season, and Marian Hossa would appear to be a better option.

THE GOOD

Jonathan Toews - While we've been bitching about the inconsistency of some of the higher paid Hawks this year, let's recognize that Jonathan Toews ain't one of them.  Toews has torn it up in February, with 18 points in 12 games, all of them huge.  Let's hope he keeps this up in March.

The Power Play - 2 goals in 2 chances (including a 5 on 3).  The power play looked good tonight.


THE BAD

The Penalty Kill - Holy cow, they were crap again.  Hawks gave up 2 in 4 tries, one coming when 3 Hawks seemingly failed to block Keith Yandle's shot from the point, and the other when Brent Seabrook went for a shot block and left Martin Hanzal alone in front to clean up a rebound.

The Second Period - After taking it to Phoenix in the first period, the Blackhawks seemed to get bogged down in the middle frame.  They gave up 3 goals to the Coyotes, including one to goddamn Adrian Aucoin.  Fuck that guy.  Oh, taking 3 penalties didn't help.

Eddie Olczyk - Granted, I was in a bad mood to begin with, but for some reason, Eddie seemed extra insufferable.  I realize that  "all you young hockey players" is one of his catchphrase now, but seriously, give that shit a rest.  You are NOT running a fucking hockey camp, just analyze the game without being so fucking patronizing. 

THE UGLY

Jordan Hendry - Shane Doan's hit on Hendry didn't look particularly vicious, but Hendry couldn't get up off the ice unassisted, which doesn't bode well.  With Nick Boynton off to Philadelphia, if the Hawks don't acquired a defenseman by tomorrow's trade deadline, we could see the debut of Garnet Exelby (guh) in a Hawk uniform, or John Scott's triumphant return to the blue line (GUH).

Up Next - Quick turn around, as the Hawks have (another) huge game at Minnesota tomorrow evening.

Did You Know? - there is a Simpson's joke in the caption of the picture in this post.  I DEMAND THAT YOU NOTICE THIS!