Blackhawks vs. Coyotes Post game

Coyotes Gut-Check the Blackhawks in a 5-4 Loss That Ended in a Shootout.
Photo courtesy of ChicagoBlackhawks.com

"Disappointed, Embarrassed, Deflated" I just can't find the word to describe what I've seen from the Hawks these past 2 weeks. I'm sure everyone has kept up with the team's lack of ability to finish a game with a "W" so I won't go into detail.

After going up 2-0 against the Coyotes whose confidence has been at it's highest while on their longest win streak since '99, I knew this would be a test for our painfully absent defense. In this case, I hate when I'm right because only 1:11 into the 3rd the Coyotes tied the game up. After that, well, I can basically Copy + Paste what I just said because that is EXACTLY what happened; Up 4-2, then lost the lead and ultimately the game.

For the first time in a while we actually out played our opponent in the 2nd period; out shooting the Coyotes 16-7, however, in the 3rd period there was just a lapse in teamwork all together. I can't imagine how former defenseman Q-Stache feels while watching his team crumble to pieces. Niemi was great in the 1st and 2nd period, but once again our defense allowed passes, holes, and shots that could have been avoided. Our offense is not free of fault, as we had MANY MANY MANY turnovers by poor passing and puck handling around the blue line.

There were 3 Hawks in front of the net on Wolski's goal all able to poke the puck away, however, instead set up an easy grab for Wolski. I am, however, interested in what Wolski said to Kopecky after the goal though....

All in all, we lost this game as a team. Offense is making terrible passes and mis-handling the puck way to much. The Offense is not pulling he trigger fast enough and once again we have a game where we out shot our opponents only to lose. We have some of the most talented shooters in the NHL, so tell me why aren't they pulling the trigger instead of passing into 2-3 opponent's sticks?

I am not about throwing people under the bus, especially in a TEAM sport but ever since these injuries occured, Brent Sopel has become just an eye sore. He is by far the slowest person on the ice and gets out skated every game. Our zone defense is hurting and to have someone that can't keep up with the puck or play hurts a lot. Byfuglien is 3 inches taller and weighs like 40 lbs. more and out plays Sopel on Defense... Come on!

Ladd stated in a post-game interview with Jesse Rogers for ESPN 1000; “It’s like a broken record,” Ladd continued. “It’s the same thing every night. We mix in one good game and everyone starts thinking we’re a perfect team again but [it’s the] same old stuff pretty much.” Let's just hope they fix this "old stuff," and QUICK!