Blackhawks Make a Statement in 2-0 Shutout WinPhoto property of ChicagoBlackhawks.com
Niemi stamped his signature on a 28-shot shutout against the Phoenix Coyotes last night at the United Center. The Chicago Blackhawks addressed many weak points that have been evident over the last couple weeks and played a great game in, what Niemi called, "One of the biggest games of the year."
I don't know if Q-Stache read my blog or not but it was almost as if I read into the future. The Chicago Blackhawks had so many positive notes about yesterday's game, as a fan, it was a great game to watch. I'm not saying that this game means that from now on we will be the same hottest Chicago Blackhawks that we were mid-season but it is a great feeling to know that when the Blackhawks buckle down and set their mind on a "W," they can get it.
First issue, passing, and let me tell you it improved greatly! Sure, there were still minor turnovers and Niemi had to make some tough saves because of it but we're not perfect... not yet. In Kane's goal early in the 2nd, the passes by Brouwer and Keith out of the zone were fast and tight, exactly what they needed to be. Even though our forwards were much faster than the Coyote's defensemen, Kane did exactly what I said we needed to do, he didn't look for a pass, HE PULLED THE TRIGGER, and it worked! Bryzgalov seemed to be caught off guard as Kane put the puck high in the 4 hole, which would be the game winning goal!
Our defense, which has been struggling greatly as of late, had many highlights on the night. Brent Seabrook played for the first time since Wisniewski's hit, and Seabrook was amazing! Seabrook started strong with a huge check against Fiddler and that set the tone for the rest of the night as Byfuglien had many great hits in the zone as well.
While watching the game you could just see the Hawk's passion and drive for the win. Keith was advancing the Coyotes forwards, forcing bad passes while they were crossing the blue line. Once the Coyotes were in the zone the Blackhawks would do anything to get the puck out of the zone including multiple dives by Byfuglien and Brouwer. Everyone on defense had great overall net-minding as they blocked many shots and Hjalmarsson showed everyone how to get in front of the puck late in the 3rd as the Blackhawks made a huge defensive statement.
Niemi was purely brilliant, I don't know if he was just so fired up still over last game but he played great. Niemi was diving, sliding post-to-post, getting great stick and glove saves and was just the anchor the Blackhawks needed. This performance definitely made a statement that Niemi is ready to be our goalie this playoff season.
The PK was amazing as Captain Toews shined while tieing the puck up in the Coyotes zone and ultimately drawing a penalty to basically kill a Coyote Power Play more than a minute early. The Blackhawks really did play 60-minutes tonight and played right on through the 2nd out shooting the Coyotes 16-8.
Overall, it was a great game for the Chicago Blackhawks, a great game to watch (for a Blackhawks fan), and exactly what Chicago needed. I don't know what this means for us from here on out but if this game is to reflect our future performances, I believe we will be alright and ready for the playoffs. As Madden said after Monday's practice, John Madden said, "Some teams are in playoff mode already and we have to get there," this game helped a lot!
I don't know if Q-Stache read my blog or not but it was almost as if I read into the future. The Chicago Blackhawks had so many positive notes about yesterday's game, as a fan, it was a great game to watch. I'm not saying that this game means that from now on we will be the same hottest Chicago Blackhawks that we were mid-season but it is a great feeling to know that when the Blackhawks buckle down and set their mind on a "W," they can get it.
First issue, passing, and let me tell you it improved greatly! Sure, there were still minor turnovers and Niemi had to make some tough saves because of it but we're not perfect... not yet. In Kane's goal early in the 2nd, the passes by Brouwer and Keith out of the zone were fast and tight, exactly what they needed to be. Even though our forwards were much faster than the Coyote's defensemen, Kane did exactly what I said we needed to do, he didn't look for a pass, HE PULLED THE TRIGGER, and it worked! Bryzgalov seemed to be caught off guard as Kane put the puck high in the 4 hole, which would be the game winning goal!
Our defense, which has been struggling greatly as of late, had many highlights on the night. Brent Seabrook played for the first time since Wisniewski's hit, and Seabrook was amazing! Seabrook started strong with a huge check against Fiddler and that set the tone for the rest of the night as Byfuglien had many great hits in the zone as well.
While watching the game you could just see the Hawk's passion and drive for the win. Keith was advancing the Coyotes forwards, forcing bad passes while they were crossing the blue line. Once the Coyotes were in the zone the Blackhawks would do anything to get the puck out of the zone including multiple dives by Byfuglien and Brouwer. Everyone on defense had great overall net-minding as they blocked many shots and Hjalmarsson showed everyone how to get in front of the puck late in the 3rd as the Blackhawks made a huge defensive statement.
Niemi was purely brilliant, I don't know if he was just so fired up still over last game but he played great. Niemi was diving, sliding post-to-post, getting great stick and glove saves and was just the anchor the Blackhawks needed. This performance definitely made a statement that Niemi is ready to be our goalie this playoff season.
The PK was amazing as Captain Toews shined while tieing the puck up in the Coyotes zone and ultimately drawing a penalty to basically kill a Coyote Power Play more than a minute early. The Blackhawks really did play 60-minutes tonight and played right on through the 2nd out shooting the Coyotes 16-8.
Overall, it was a great game for the Chicago Blackhawks, a great game to watch (for a Blackhawks fan), and exactly what Chicago needed. I don't know what this means for us from here on out but if this game is to reflect our future performances, I believe we will be alright and ready for the playoffs. As Madden said after Monday's practice, John Madden said, "Some teams are in playoff mode already and we have to get there," this game helped a lot!
No comments:
Post a Comment