IT'S OVER: Blackhawks 4, Rangers 2
Finally.Fucking Finally.
Sometimes, a show starts out on the road and has some piss-poor performances along the way in some podunk towns, so that when they open on Broadway they're ready.
Tonight, the Chicago Blackhawks were ready.
The Hawks ended their 9 game losing streak by racking up 4 goals in the first 9:38 of their visit to Madison Square Garden, then cruising to a 4-2 victory over the New York Rangers.
Let's get to this:
THE GOOD:
Corey Crawford. He never lost his net all night, and kept himself squared up to shooters. And, lo and behold, his best technical goaltending of the season led to a win. His two goals allowed were both goals that would pretty much get past every other goalie in the league, so that's not an issue. But the fact that, other than the first New York goal, he had good looks at the puck was the result of...
The Blackhawks' defense. The forwards backchecked, the defensemen made the Rangers earn their positioning, there was no panicked chasing behind nets. Essentially, everyone actually accepted their defensive responsibilities and as a result, the goaltending was solid. Yes kids, hockey is in fact a team sport.
Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. For the first time in forever, they actually looked like an elite defensive pairing. Seabrook actually logged more time than Keith, and racked up 2 assists and a +2 on the night. But Keith played with such urgency and desire all night that you'd think he was told that one more shitty game and he'd have to relinquish his Norris Trophy. Fuck yeah, boys.
Jonathan Toews. First goal (and first multi point game) since January 20. His 8-8 in the faceoff circle means he's strung together 3 straight games of 50% or better on draws. I still don't think he's putting the usual zip on pucks, but he's coming back.
The Penalty Kill. 5 shorthanded situations for 9:51. In that time, not only did the Hawks not allow any goals, but they held the Rangers to only 5 shots. This is how the other teams generally look against the Hawks. However...
THE BAD:
The Power Play. The Hawks had only 3:24 with the man advantage tonight, but they still only mustered 3 shots, 2 of which came during their 27 seconds of 5-on-3 time. Since the game was never really in jeopardy tonight, it was never really an issue. But it is still a concern.
THE UGLY:
The officiating. Referees Eric Furlatt and Ghislain Hebert blew several calls tonight. Fortunately, the worst of them all, a quick whistle on what should have been a Ranger goal was a bullet the Hawks dodged. You know what? Fuck it, after 9 straight losses, the Hawks have a few breaks coming.
Next up for the Hawks is the finale to this trip, a Saturday matinee in Columbus against the Blue Jackets. I half expect the Hawks to hit double digits in this one.
Posted by Forklift at 2/16/2012 10:06 PM 
Categories: Game Recap
Tags: Chicago Blackhawks New York Rangers Corey Crawford Jonathan Toews Big Cheyenne Duncan Keith Brent Seabrook
Categories: Game Recap
Tags: Chicago Blackhawks New York Rangers Corey Crawford Jonathan Toews Big Cheyenne Duncan Keith Brent Seabrook
Man, no love for Marian Hossa beasting out there?
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I know this might sound a bit over the top...but...I feel like a 90lb weight just came off my shoulders.
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Crow stayed in the net-that's what I noticed
both Bickell and Kruger took huge hits but held their ground, (I think in the second) They were flattenned but the puck left the zone - sacrificing the body. Take it off, take it all off baby!
"They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway."
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Yes, I also expect the Hawks to reach double digits in SOG.
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"His two goals allowed were both goals that would pretty much get past every other goalie in the league, so that's not an issue." Fork, You gotta be kidding. Well, it least he stayed in his net. We're making progress.
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He never saw the first one, and the second one took a wierd bounce.
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