Here Come the Mighty Chicago Blackhawks?

Craig Nuzzo by Correspondent Written on October 24, 2009
CHICAGO - OCTOBER 21: Head coach Joel Quenneville of the Chicago Blackhawks watches as his team takes on the Vancouver Canucks at the United Center on October 14, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois. The Canucks defeated the Blackhawks 3-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

"Here come the 'Hawks!" was the song I was reciting earlier this week. But, now its more to the tune of "Love or Confusion" by Jimi Hendrix. I never listen to him, but that's the best thing I could think of when I Googled my situation.

The Chicago Blackhawks are coming off an abysmal hockey match against the Vancouver Canucks.

Antti Niemi earned the nod from Coach Quenneville on Wednesday (Oct. 21) night. Although he put up an impressing performance, it was no match for the Canucks' shooting line and the 'Hawks sloppy play in front of the net.

Not to mention, the excessive amount of penalties dished out by Chicago. That is something that was an off-and-on concern last year, and needs to be limited this year. I'm sure Coach Q will get on his high horse during practice to alleviate this problem. And, I wouldn't be surprised if he sits a player down the road if this issue continues. But, let's hope he doesn't go there.

During the first period on Wednesday night I couldn't of been happier. The game was going great. Chicago was moving the puck with soft hands, Duncan Keith had a sick slap-shot from the point, and Niemi was keeping the puck out of the net. But, that all went down hill when the Canucks equalized on a Chicago penalty.

The game drastically shifted gears. I haven't seen a more unbalanced start to end in awhile. I was quite disappointed.

Jonathan Toews took a major lick from Willie Mitchell in the third period and missed the remainder of the game. That did nothing for the 'Hawks penalty kill. Toews statistically has the best face-off percentage and is a major force in the PK.

Both Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook (upper-body injuries) missed practice, and are questionable for play.

Another thing of concern that Coach Q is known for emphasizing during a hockey game is the team that wins the five-on-three advantage during a penalty will most likely win the rest of the game. And, that was fact when the Canucks successfully stopped a two-man advantage for Chicago. Nobody knows what could've come of the 'Hawks if they would've scored.

The main thing for the 'Hawks next game is simply to limit the penalties.

The first place 'Hawks will take on the last place Nashville Predators tomorrow (Oct. 24) night at the United Center at 7:30 PM CT. The game will be broadcasted on WGN in the Chicagoland area, which is very unfortunate for me, since I live in Normal, IL (I attend Illinois State University).

My cable provider only offers WGN America, so no Blackhawks game. And, we don't get Versus either (the game on Monday). I may stream WGN radio online, but have not yet decided.

Cristobal Huet will take to the pipes tomorrow night. A move that Coach Q couldn't really avoid. Huet is still the No. 1, and he still deserves a quality chance. While I think Niemi is a prospective start, I still believe that Huet has something to prove. A win for him will really help out his morale and boost the team's confidence.

And, the Blackhawks will again be mighty.

Vote Now! - Author Poll

Who should be the No. 1 for Chicago

  • Huet
  • Niemi
  • Platoon them.
  • Too early to tell.
  • Neither.
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

Who should be the No. 1 for Chicago

  • Huet

    19.4%
  • Niemi

    32.3%
  • Platoon them.

    12.9%
  • Too early to tell.

    25.8%
  • Neither.

    9.7%
  • Total votes: 31
(0)
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written on October 24, 2009 Opinion

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