Blackhawks win to remain nearly perfect at home

Nikolai Khabibulin made 26 saves, and Dustin Byfuglien, Dave Bolland and Martin Havlat scored to help the Blackhawks snap a two-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over the Nashville Predators on Sunday ...

[deadboy]

is kane waiting to shoot the puck against buffalo?

[deadboy]

of another note...craig adams just showed brouwer how much more work he needs on his skating.

[Tim - Hockey Rules]

Just got back from the game, great win tonight. The Hawks need to play 60 minutes of physical hockey. Too many times they don't check, or finish their checks. A great defensive game today, and wonderful that the Hawks won. Now they have 53 points after only playing 40 games. I liked the play of the 3rd line again. Havlat is really impressing me, at this rate I hope they are able to resign him. I know he has yet to play a complete season, but I think he is turning a new leaf here.

And they played Nashville tonight, not Buffalo. Kane is taking a while to shoot the puck. I really like to see them shoot the puck and have someone crash the net, looking for that ugly goal. Too many times they are playing too fancy. STOP IT, if they are going to be an elite team in the NHL they have to put the puck on net. Crash the net, put a body in front of the goalie and watch them score more.

Khabby was awesome tonight. He was on his head at times. Keith, Seabrook put in some big time minutes. Great defensive pairing between them, they really shut down the Preds.

And did anyone watching see the Pigeon on the ice before the game. When it finally flew away it decided to make a come back and scared the crap out of the ref. That was the funniest things I have seen in along time. Buffalo is up next, hopefully they are ready to play them. They need to be physical, and Huet we need a big night from you.

[paul]

Two things to mention. First Keith and Seabrook are a suberb defense pairing. Right now one of the best in the NHL.
Second announced crowd of 21660 at the game. When was the last time we had this kind of fan support!!
I owe Havlat a sincere apology. I saw him vanish in Ottawa when he played there but he is scoring and playing defensive hockey as well. The guy is using all the great talent he has and when he plays with full effort he is great.
The Bullin wall had no cracks in it tonight and big buff scores again. Hopefully the mini slump is over Go Hawks!!!!!!!!!!

[hockey4134]

Tim - Hockey Rules wrote:

I liked the play of the 3rd line again. Havlat is really impressing me, at this rate I hope they are able to resign him. I know he has yet to play a complete season, but I think he is turning a new leaf here.

the "3rd line" isnt the 3rd line there the hawks 1st line and best line and has been all year before havlat moved on it and its all because of dave bolland. bolland and ladd have been amazing all year. the hawks really dont need havlat in my mind hes alot of money and this young fast team they wont be missing him. id like to see them sign forsberg.

[Lone Ranger]

Tim - Hockey Rules wrote:

The Hawks need to play 60 minutes of physical hockey. Too many times they don't check, or finish their checks have someone crash the net....Crash the.... net, put a body in front of the goalie and watch them score more..... hopefully they are ready to play them. They need to be physical, and Huet we need a big night from you.

[quote who="Cris Kuc"]"The Blackhawks were a lot more physical [Sunday night]," Predators winger J.P. Dumont said. "They are a very skilled team, and they came out more determined. Their goalie made some big saves in the third period."[/quote]
Mr. Kuc was obviously not at nor has he been watching the same Black Hawks team as Tim and I. Since the 12-30 detroit game the Hawks have only really showed up to play in the Phoenix game. I am not trying to inply that they should be blowing people out of builings, but in all honesty, the Hawks are still getting pushed around on the ice. I am not at all trying to imply that they should be brawling or playing a bloodsport on the ice, but these guys are getting pushed all over. Send Cam Barker to Rockford and tell him to let us know when he is ready to play NHL hockey on the level that he is paid for; Duncan Keith is such a wuss, that another guy named Keith (Magnuson) is rolling over in his grave. Seabrook isn't much and Wisniewski suddenly thinks he's Bobby Orr. At least Denis Savard defended himself as a player. I can't say the same for this Joel Quinneville coached team. While they have playoff potential, they better learn how to play NHL hockey rather than this powderpuff cr@p that we have seen of late.
[quote]"The Blackhawks were a lot more physical [Sunday night]," Predators winger J.P. Dumont said. "They are a very skilled team, and they came out more determined. Their goalie made some big saves in the third period."[/quote}
You have got to be kidding, RIGHT?

[Lone Ranger]

paul wrote:

Two things to mention. First Keith and Seabrook are a suberb defense pairing. Right now one of the best in the NHL.

Maybe in IHSA, Catholic League, Juniors, or PeWee leagues, but not in the NHL until they learn to check and defend themselves like men; which they are not doing.

[Mr Poe]

The Black Bird is an "OMEN",everybody should go out and get little plastic black birds and throw them on the ice after every Hawk goal!!!

[Chico17]

All those wins before January make a 3-3 record so far this month ok. The Wall of Bulin gets an A for another outstanding effort. He came up big early to give the boys a chance. The guy is a Vezina candidate for sure. The hustle and drive that was missing on Saturday was back in my opinion. As we know, the West is loaded with good teams and they have to keep a lead on the Nashville's of the division. Coming up to mid season soon and the grind it out portion of the schedule. GO HAWKS!

[Chico17]

Have to agree with Paul about Keith and Seabrook. They are outstanding blue liners and getting better all the time! By the way, hockey in Illinois is not a IHSA sport. Also, Peewee hockey is played by kids (after Mites and Squirts and before Bantams). Junior hockey is played by older teenagers as a step to either a pro contract or to go on to play college hockey. You need to learn more about the game.

[RamRod]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but ...

There's a "let-down" feeling about the last couple of games, including last night. Doesn't worry me, because, like most multi-faceted juggernauts, even when half the components fail, due to lack of attention, the momentum is impossible to break.

Again last night, a different set of "stars" (kids) showed up and got it done. That means that KANE, TOEWS, VERSTEEG, SHARP, et al, are "laying in wait". I hope they don't lose their edge while slumping.

All these concerns are of a lower order as long as they win 2 out of every three (see how spoiled I've become!). There is a time in every season when a winning team gets it done while struggling with one facet of the game or another. There are too many components to this team for them to not get the opportunity, at least, to contend for Lord Stanley's "Chalise" (really spoiled!).

[Tony]

Wiz seems to be a rover out their and I noticed Walker in deep a lot. Not getting much from Campbell right now.I think Kaner lost some confidence in his shot and started to look towards passing more as the game went on. I'm really disappointed in Toews play and as far as Barker goes he did nail Dumont along the boards but yeah big deal need more consistency...The toughness issue is like beating a dead horse I don't see where we're going to improve in that are. Are there any tough guys who can play that are available?...

Anyway it was great to see the team bounce back and get the win...

[Lone Ranger]

I will however correct comments that I made here last night after watching the 2:00 CSN replay. Physically, the Hawks were on track in the first period last (Sunday) night against Nashville. The crescendo seemed to die in the second and third period. Cam Barker was a force in that period. I do stand corrected and am man enough to admit my errors. My negativity was uncalled for in regards to the first.

[RamRod]

OH, and

"They're OUR kids, damnit!"

[paul]

Chico17 wrote:

Have to agree with Paul about Keith and Seabrook. They are outstanding blue liners and getting better all the time! By the way, hockey in Illinois is not a IHSA sport. Also, Peewee hockey is played by kids (after Mites and Squirts and before Bantams). Junior hockey is played by older teenagers as a step to either a pro contract or to go on to play college hockey. You need to learn more about the game.

Chico17:
Thanks for your support. Some folks feel a defenceman's role is just dealing out bone crushing hits and playing a tough guy role. As you know there is a lot more to the position then that and Seabrook and Keith play all aspects. Checking doesn't always consist of the thundering check. There is cutting off passing and shooting lanes, blocking shots,clearing the puck out of the defensive zone, headmaning the puck to forwards, carrying the puck and starting an offensive attack plus numerous others. Sure a good hit is great but it sure isn't the only role a d-man has. Have to consider the whole of a guys game not only the physical part.

[paul]

RamRod wrote:

I can't believe I'm saying this, but ...
There's a "let-down" feeling about the last couple of games, including last night. Doesn't worry me, because, like most multi-faceted juggernauts, even when half the components fail, due to lack of attention, the momentum is impossible to break.
Again last night, a different set of "stars" (kids) showed up and got it done. That means that KANE, TOEWS, VERSTEEG, SHARP, et al, are "laying in wait". I hope they don't lose their edge while slumping.
All these concerns are of a lower order as long as they win 2 out of every three (see how spoiled I've become!). There is a time in every season when a winning team gets it done while struggling with one facet of the game or another. There are too many components to this team for them to not get the opportunity, at least, to contend for Lord Stanley's "Chalise" (really spoiled!).

The sign of a good team is when the so called "lesser lights" pick up the slack when the main names falter.

[paul]

Lone Ranger wrote:

I will however correct comments that I made here last night after watching the 2:00 CSN replay. Physically, the Hawks were on track in the first period last (Sunday) night against Nashville. The crescendo seemed to die in the second and third period. Cam Barker was a force in that period. I do stand corrected and am man enough to admit my errors. My negativity was uncalled for in regards to the first.

It is a good good guy that has the guts to " man up" when he feels he made a mistake. You manned up and it shows good character. Your comments are always appreciated and welcome.
Regards
Paul.

[Tim - Hockey Rules]

hockey4134 wrote:

<quoted text>
the "3rd line" isnt the 3rd line there the hawks 1st line and best line and has been all year before havlat moved on it and its all because of dave bolland. bolland and ladd have been amazing all year. the hawks really dont need havlat in my mind hes alot of money and this young fast team they wont be missing him. id like to see them sign forsberg.

They are the 3rd line, if you look at their ranking by the Hawks they are. Now are they playing like a typical 3rd line, heck no, they are playing great hockey. They shut down the other teams 1st line and they score goals.

Question for you, why would you want them to sign Forsberg? He has 2 bad ankles, and may never play again. When he has made his previous 2 comebacks he was not even close to the player he was. Yes Bolland and Ladd are playing well, but if you look it up they really started to play well when Havlat went on that line. Sure Havlat has been often injured but this year he is showing that he is a very good player.

[Tim - Hockey Rules]

Paul, I have been to every home game this year and they all have been sell outs. The crowds have been pretty loud at times, and yes there were some boo's yesterday. When the Hawks were on the PP it did not seem like it. I will give Nashville credit for having a great aggressive penality kill team. To me they seem like the most aggressive PK unit in the NHL. Not the best but the most aggressive ok. And there were a few boo's when Kane had a 2 on 1 and he pulled up and waited, then everyone was in the zone. Sometimes it seems like he waits too long. Shoot the puck hard on net, and the other guy should be crashing the net trying to gather the rebound and score. The elite teams do that.

Question for all here - Last night on the post game WGN radio they were asking were the Hawks a elite team?? And what do they have to do to become an elite team. Thoughts on this?? I will give mine soon

[Tony]

The Bolland line is the only line that's really stayed together, good chemistry. Q's been tinkering with the other lines of late..With all the ice time Keith and Seabrook get of course there play is magnified....