Tag: goaltending

Even at their worst, Hawks too much for Flyers

Antti Niemi was bad.  Patrick Kane was invisible (unless he was taking a penalty).  The top line was a combined -9, but the Hawks still pulled it out.  They were still too much for the overmatched, though pesky, Flyers.   How can you feel good if you’re a Flyers fan?  Yes, you scored 5 goals,... Read more »
By Jay Zawaski,
May 29, 2010 at 10:40 pm • 

Antti Niemi said NO (more 45 shot games please!)

Antti Niemi was absolutely spectacular in Sunday night’s wins over the Sharks.  It was perhaps the best goaltending performance I’ve seen from a Hawks goalie in 10 years. But as Lou Brown in Major League once said, “Don’t ever f***in’ do it again!” The San Jose Sharks peppered Niemi with 45 shots…many of them prime... Read more »
By Jay Zawaski,
May 18, 2010 at 9:53 am • 

Once again, Hawks outclass brainless Canucks

Before I sat down to host my hockey postgame show on the Score last night, I wrote down three words:  Discipline, Coaching, and Character.  These three things have been the key to the Blackhawks 3-1 series lead over the Vancouver Canucks.  While rampant douchebaggary can be expected from guys like Alexander Burrows, Shane O’Brien, and... Read more »
By Jay Zawaski,
May 8, 2010 at 10:46 am • 
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Looks like big changes for Blackhawks Game 4 lineup

While Joel Quenneville hasn’t confirmed these lines, look for some significant changes in the Hawks lineup Thursday night in Nashville.  The following lines were used Wednesday at the Hawks afternoon skate; Bryan Bickell – Jonathan Toews – Patrick Kane Tomas Kopecky – Patrick Sharp – Marian Hossa Andrew Ladd – Dave Bolland – Kris Versteeg... Read more »
By Jay Zawaski,
April 21, 2010 at 5:21 pm • 

Niemi propels Hawks to first place

In a game that Hawks head coach Joel Quenneville called the biggest of the year, Antti Niemi and the Blackhawks got back to their dominating ways, and knocked the Phoenix Coyotes down to third in the conference. While a 2-0 victory may not look like domination on paper, the Hawks controlled the puck like they... Read more »
By Jay Zawaski,
March 24, 2010 at 9:34 am • 

Hawks win over Kings just what the doctor ordered

Well that’s more like it.  No brutal injuries, no cheap shots, no controversy…just an old fashioned dominating victory.  This is the Hawks team we’d grown used to seeing, and missed the last couple of weeks.  The Hawks 3-0 win over the Kings might be their most important win of the year.  Last night and all... Read more »
By Jay Zawaski,
March 19, 2010 at 12:11 am • 
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Late collapses becoming a trend for tired Hawks defense

In their last 4 games, the Hawks have a 1-3 record, and have blown leads in 3 of them.  Last Sunday, the Hawks had a 2-0 lead over the Detroit Red Wings, until the 2nd period where they allowed five (5!) goals in 15:45. Yesterday, the Hawks had a 2-1 lead over the Philadelphia Flyers... Read more »
By Jay Zawaski,
March 14, 2010 at 2:54 pm • 

Huet hands Red Wings two points

I’ve been holding back my opinion of the Hawks trade deadline since Wednesday.  I knew I was overly emotional about it, and didn’t want to say something in anger I didn’t truly believe. I had told everyone who listened that no matter what the organization said, they were pursuing a goaltender.  I was confident they... Read more »
By Jay Zawaski,
March 7, 2010 at 2:39 pm • 

Hawks acquire Boynton as Niemi and Huet struggle again

Simply not good enough.  The Blackhawks dropped a 5-3 decision to the New York Islanders tonight.  Antti Niemi was pulled after surrendering three goals.  Huet wasn’t much better.  They have both failed their auditions to be the starting goalie for the Hawks, so what happens next? If tonight’s game wasn’t enough of a indicator that... Read more »
By Jay Zawaski,
March 2, 2010 at 9:47 pm • 
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Hawks acquire Toivonen and Richmond for AHL squad

Here’s the official Hawks release: The Chicago Blackhawks have acquired goaltender Hannu Toivonen (HA-noo, TOI-voh-nuhn) and defenseman Danny Richmond from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for goaltender Joe Fallon and have assigned both players to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs. “Hannu and Danny will add great depth to our Rockford team and will... Read more »
By Jay Zawaski,
March 1, 2010 at 1:10 pm •