Hard Hawk Hockey

Hawks Looking Solid

Is it the new kool aid the boys are drinking, or is it really that the Hawks were too tight under Denis Savard?  Either way, you have to say that since Joel Quenneville has taken over the Blackhawks look significantly better than when they started the season. 

The game aginst the Edmonton Oilers in front of a capacity crowd at the United Center on Wednesday was one of the best games the Hawks have played in years.  There was virtually no pressure from Edmonton and limited scoring chances.  Nikolai Khabibulin looked superb in goal and at a time when you have to wonder what is going on in his mind right now.  A few short weeks ago, he was the odd man out, now he is fighting for the number one status.  Is it because he’s in the last year of his contract?  Who knows, and if he keeps playing like this who cares.  Maybe this is what the Hawks needed in order to realize that this year things are going to be different.

Coach Q had the Hawks playing loose and free, and yet they were responsible at the same time.  Forechecking was excellent, the neutral zone was, well, neutralized, very well, Passes were tape to tape.  In addition they boys seemed like they were having fun, and appeared to be over the hangover of the surprising firing of Denis Savard which took place last week.Say what you want, but if the Hawks keep up this style and tempo of play, the playoffs will not be a dream, but will become a reality.  And to think that Jonathan Toews and Dustin Byfuglien have yet to score goals!  When those two get going, the Hawks are going to be well on their way.

A big game coming up on Saturday night against the Detroit Red Wings.  This matchup against two of the original six promises to be a real barn burner, and with the Hawks having held the upper hand on the Wings last year we can all hope that the stranglehold continues.

I have no doubt that with more practice time since Quenneville has taken over, and more time for the Hawks to make the necessary adjustments to the style they need to play, we are going to see an exciting brand of hockey Saturday night.  At this point if both goaltenders continue to push each other and play solid, maybe a trade doesn’t need to be made.  If the scoring is balanced and the defense keeps the shots and scoring chances to a minimum, then this roster might be pretty well set.

Come the trade deadline, then we can see if the Hawks need to make a minor adjustment or two, by adding a veteran center, and possibly trading Kabibulin.Until then, if this is the way things keep going, leave it alone, unless Mr. Tallon, you get an offer that you cannot refuse!

By the way, Saturday night all 30 teams will be playing!  It is going to be one heck of a day in the NHL that starts in Philadelphia at 4:00 pm and will end somewhere around 12:45 eastern time in Vancouver.Highlights galore!  What will we do Sunday with no games?

Thanks for reading.