Bleacher Report - Articles by Mark Murphy

Chicago Blackhawks Stars and Role Players Gelling at the Right Time

Mark Murphy — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 11:54:50 -0500

Sensational, a word that I feel is appropriate for the description of the 2008/'09 season of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Having taken in first hand many game at the United Center this season, I have felt the energy surrounding this team. Let me tell you, it is sensational.

For a while it was almost a coin toss effect happening every time you decided to attended a Blackhawks game. The only constant of course being the cost to make the decision to go.

The team had little to offer, the fans that went to the game went for one of two reasons. Fights and to scold the home team for lack of performance.

It seems that the winds in Chicago have been able to sweep in a sense of change.

A lot of credit has been handed to John McDunough for coming in and developing a marketing strategy that has worked about as well as anyone involved would have ever imagined.

But really I have a soft spot for the nitty gritty.

How much of this amazing turn around has to do with commercials, contest and outdoor games at Wrigley? How much of it is Dale Tallon being able to put together a group of guys that with every game that passes are becoming more and more comfortable with their individual roles.

Remember, all the fancy gimmicks and marketing schemes would be nothing but run of the mill false advertising if these guys were out there playing lackluster hockey.

This just is not the case. The Blackhawks seemingly have found the winning formula in almost any type of organization.

A group individuals completing their own specific tasks or reaching their own personal benchmarks all working toward a common goal. Each individual has different tasks that are essential in the group reaching that final pinnacle.

This is exactly what is happening on the West side of Chicago. You have a team that has most of its individuals adapting to their specific roles.

The obvious is your group of stars starting with the two poster boys for the organization: Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.

A lot of pressure is on these two 20-year-old kids. First the pressure of wearing the "C" on the best jersey in sports for Toews. For Patrick Kane, he is expected by the masses to produce numbers that for any player are mammoth especially a 20 year old.

These guys have taken this pressure and ran with it. Although Toews has not been producing huge numbers. His solid two way play along with physical play is opening up room for his teammates. He seems to fit the captain roll very well and will continue to grow there.

Kane has been pretty much what all Blackhawks fans wanted so far. He has had a couple slow periods but all in all has done the job points wise leading the team with 45 pts.

The real success is not with just those two guys. Go down the list and you will see solid contributions from so many players that really were unknown to the Fans let alone expected to produce.

You have got Kris Versteeg, Dave Bolland, Andrew Ladd of course Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook (have to be paired even in article lists).

I really could name every one on the active roster and praise them on some part of their game that is a big help to this team.

Guys like Adam Burish, Ben Eager and Colin Fraser. These are the unsung heroes of the game and this team. These guys will never get the most money or be given prestigious awards and bonuses for offensive achievements.

They will however be remembered by their teammates for being all energy all the time, for being the first guys in a tussle and the last guys out. These guys do the little things that help teams gel as well as anything else.

All of these guys mentioned and obviously guys that were left out of this are doing spectacular jobs this season for the 'Hawks. All of the good efforts would be for nothing if the MEN between the pipes were not BOTH playing at a high level.

Nikolai Khabibulin and Cristobal Huet have 27 and 25 games played respectively. Khabibulin has a 2.33 GAA with a record of 16-4-5 with one shootout win. Huet has a 2.32 GAA with a record of 13-9-3 with 2 shootout wins.

I would have to give the upper edge to Khabibulin at this point but will not take anything away from "the man from France". Both have been extraordinary. The fact that we have yet to see one or both complain about not being "the guy" is also extraordinary.

A testament to this teams togetherness. Even if they are feeling like the are sharing duties, they are both executing the duties very well. I mean, wouldn't you want to share time on a team that is in the mix and selling out every night at home. Rather than be "the guy" on a team that is struggling and playing in front of a bunch of empty seats?

I sure would and it seems these guys are not different.

So as of now with 50 games played and a record of 29-13-8 where do the Blackhawks go from here?

It seems simple. They go the same way they have been going all season long. Up!

Blackhawks-Flames: Blackhawks Seek to Extend Winning Streak to Six

Mark Murphy — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:51:07 -0500

Coming off of a 9-2 route over the Edmonton Oilers (14-14-2) on Tuesday night, the Chicago Blackhawks (16-6-7) will attempt to extinguish the Calgary Flames (18-11-3) tomorrow night.

The win in Edmonton pushed the 'Hawks winning streak to five games. This is the longest streak the team has enjoyed since the 2001-02 season. A season that just happens to be the last time a Blackhawks team has reached the second season.

The team is off to a 6-0-1 start in the month of December.

No doubt it helped by the recent 9-2 and 7-1 wins posted by the club. The Chicago Blackhawks rank first in the NHL in goals per game with a 3.66 avg.

The Calgary Flames are ranked 22nd currently in goals against per game giving up an average of just under three at 2.97.

If the amount of goals the 'Hawks are scoring lately is any sort of clue, then this game against the Flames should not be any different. Expect a high scoring and speedy game, with good flow.

Special teams could also prove to be vital. Especially if the Flames send Chicago to the powerplay. The 'Hawks come in with a fourth ranked powerplay in the league, converting 24.0 percent of the time. The Flames however are currently ranked at fourth in the NHL on the penalty kill.

To me that spells key to the game. How will the 'Hawks fare against a strong kill when given the opportunity?

Or vice versa depending on how you look at it.

Goaltending will also play a big role in the outcome as you would expect when Mikka Kipprusoff is between the pipes. Although the Blackhawks goaltenders are both playing at a very high level at the moment.

Look for a big game from Kris Versteeg who hails from Lethbridge, Alberta about a two and a half hour drive south of Calgary. He will be playing in front of a Calgary crowd for the first time in his young promising NHL Career.

Chicago Blackhawks@Calgary Flames: Tomorrow night in Calgary 8:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.

Chicago Blackhawks Without Kris Versteeg Against Senators Due to Suspension

Mark Murphy — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:21:42 -0500

The Chicago Blackhawks (12-6-7) will take on the Ottawa Senators (10-10-5) at the United Center tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m., Chicago time.

The Blackhawks will have to attempt to knock off the foes from the capitol city of our neighbors to the North without rookie sensation Kris Versteeg. Versteeg was suspended and head coach Joel Quenneville was fined $10,000 following a fight that took place between Versteeg and fellow first-year man Kyle Turris with just two seconds remaining in a 7-1 blowout of the Coyotes over the weekend.

The reason for the suspension is simple. Any player who is tagged with an instigator penalty in the final five minutes of a game is automatically suspended for a game. The player's head coach is subsequently fined $10,000 automatically.

Key word in all that? Automatically!

First, how anyone can be fined automatically for anything is beyond me. I believe an investigation is in order before anyone's hard-earned money is taken from them.

Second, if a proper investigation was conducted into this matter, whoever conducting it would see that this was no more than two rookies dropping the mitts and setting the stage for great battles to come in the future.

Both Versteeg and Turris are much too highly skilled to be risking suspension and injury on a regular basis via the fight. So what really happened on Sunday?

My best guess is Versteeg, a rookie who was a guest on the Chicago Blackhawks postgame radio show after the previous game's win against the Ducks, was quoted as saying "I thought I lost a couple Chiclets (teeth), and if that had been the case I'm sure stuff would have hit the fan" in reference to a high stick that went uncalled.

He was also alluding to the fact that if he did lose his teeth he would have gone after someone. I know it may sound a bit far-fetched, but if you are a young rookie and have gone on the radio in a big city like Chicago saying you're not afraid to drop the mitts when need be, knowing you're far from a fighter, then what better opportunity to back it up?

Another non-fighting rookie grabs you with little time left in a blowout and, the next thing you know, the adrenaline pump has your gloves on the ice.

If Kris Versteeg's claim is true and Turris really did challenge him to a fight, can you blame him for accepting? Even if he did drop the gloves first? I know Blackhawks fans probably won't blame him for anything negative thus far this season.

So how will this suspension really affect the 'Hawks tomorrow against the Ottawa Senators? Well, how would any team like to lose its third most productive forward (behind the league leader in goals and reigning rookie of the year) and Rookie of the Year leading candidate? Probably not very much.

In fact, even though his two probable linemates have a year more NHL experience than him Versteeg is the elder statesman on the line a full two years older than both Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

In all seriousness, I doubt Kane or Toews will have a noticeable drop in play without Versteeg in the lineup. What will be missing, though, is another young energetic player who not only is leading all rookies in points, but also is getting involved on the defensive end. And also apparently becoming a physical presence out there.

Blackhawks fans should feel somewhat lucky that they are only losing Versteeg for one game. If you noticed in the fight, both Versteeg and Turris both wear a protective visor. It is well known that when fighting with these visors it is easy to open up a big gash on the hand. Players who do wear them are instructed to remove their own helmet if involved in a fight.

If a player isn't wearing one and one is the one who is wearing it needs to remove the helmet or face an automatic misconduct penalty.

So that being said, both Turris and Versteeg are lucky to have gotten out uninjured.

A word to Kris Versteeg: Fans love the passion you are showing. Fans love the fire you bring to the game. Fans love your toughness despite being barely hitting 190 pounds soaking wet and trying to hit 6' on skates.

Above all that great stuff, though, Kris: Fans LOVE hearing the Fog Horn go off at the U.C. and hearing your name over the P.A. system with a goal or an assist.

So serve your time and get back to doing what it is that is making you the best rookie so far this season. Heads-up playmaking and speed-driven, two-way hockey.

Blackhawks Circus Trip: Just a Preview Of The Coming Months

Mark Murphy — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:00:33 -0500

Many 'Hawks fans may be under the impression that the end of this long Six game road trip brings a sense of relief. With the "circus" trip over the Blackhawks took 7 of a possible 12 points on the journey.

Whatever relief has come with the nice Three day rest following the 5-2 loss suffered in the final game of the West coast swing against the L.A. Kings, will have to dissolve, and dissolve fast in order for the 'Hawks to get back on the right tack.

Captain Jonathan Toews says about the upcoming slate of 4 games, Three of which are at The United Center "We have to get some momentum back here." He is dead on and that is because the Three upcoming home games are the only 3 of the month of December for the 'Hawks.

The remaining 7 games in the final month of the 2008 calender year all are on the road, which despite winning the first Three of the trip, the 'Hawks have yet to prove their capable of accumulating much needed road victories. Victories and points on the road will likely be a vital decider in who is in and who is out of this years playoffs.

The Blackhawks December will feature Two road games against division rival, and defending Stanley Cup Champions Detroit. The team will also be traveling to: Colorado, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and Minnesota.

These places have never been the most 'Hawk friendly places to play, however, what a better way for a young team to prove to the league and its fans that they are for real? Going out in hostile territory and taking care of business.

The potential problem that I see the 'Hawks running into is that the month of December is not an isolated tough month on the road. In fact the Blackhawks will play a total of 14 home games in the next 3 months, one of which is at Wrigley Field.

No team will ever admit looking ahead as much as 3 months, but as fans you have every right to be a tad bit skeptical when it comes to your 'Hawks prevailing away from the Windy City.

Joel Quenneville is in for a wild ride with these young 'Hawks over the next 3 months. A slight spotlight will be shining his way win or lose. The Blackhawks brought in Quenneville for one reason. To guide the youngsters through tough stretches, stretches like the one coming up.

There is a bright spot at the end of the proverbial tunnel. The month of March will have the 'Hawks at home the same amount of times as the previous 3 months combined. 14 games at home in March, depending on how well the team can overcome the adversity of the huge number of road games, could prove to be the advantage they need to push into the post season.

Despite all the road talk. The Chicago Blackhawks will resume their season at home tomorrow. They will take on the Ducks of Anaheim (14-9-3) who come into this game in 4th place in the Western Conference with 31 pts. The Blackhawks currently sit in the 7th spot with a record of (10-6-6) totaling 26 pts so far.

Puck drop is set for 7:30 pm at the United Center.

Blackhawks-Stars: Blackhawks Goaltending and Speed Dazzle Dallas

Mark Murphy — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:21:32 -0500

The Blackhawks did not get out to a particularly fast start Thursday night in Dallas as the Stars out shot the Hawks' 14-7 in the opening frame. Thankfully for Blackhawks fans, Nikolai Khabibulin made his second consecutive start after his impressive win against Phoenix on Tuesday night.

Khabibulin stopped 13 of the 14 in the first, allowing the Hawks' to remain only one goal down after Brendan Morrow opened the scoring. The fact the Hawks' remained close was key because Patrick Kane was able to steer one past Marty Turco to tie the game with just 47 seconds to go in the First period.

The Hawks' came out in the Second period with a little bit more jump. The first showing of the spark came from Jonathan Toews when he streaked through the neutral zone and carried the puck wide on the Stars defenseman who was forced to obstruct Toews. This resulted in a power play.

The Hawks' did not convert on the power play. However, the pace picked up from that moment on. A face off came shortly after that power play ended outside the Hawks' zone. Dave Bolland tapped the puck forward, and a motoring Ben Eager chipped the puck past Darryl Sydor and was off to the races on a two-on-one.

Eager finished the play with a wrist shot between the legs of Turco putting the Hawks' up 2-1.

Mike Modano evened the game up again on a power play scoring on a shot off nice cross ice pass from Brad Richards.

A Trevor Daley holding penalty put the Blackhawks on the man advantage once again. A red hot Kris Versteeg controlled the puck on the left boards, then found Brian Campbell who fired a slap shot into traffic on net that found its way to the behind Turco putting the Hawks back on top 3-2.

The Dallas Stars tried to rally, and were successful when James Neal beat Khabibulin to tie the game at Three with just over Four minutes to go in the Second period. Mike Ribero was sent off shortly after this goal for interference.

On the ensuing power play, with just 30 seconds remaining, Campbell returned the favor to Kris Versteeg.

Campbell found a flying Versteeg down the left wing. He carried the puck wide, and around a grasping Sydor. Turco then sprawled across the lower part of the net forcing Versteeg to make one more move to beat him. The rookie pulled the puck slightly to the right around Turco and slid it into the empty net for one of the nicest goals so far this year.

Versteeg played the game tonight at a level that was much higher than most rookies can hope to be at ever. He tallied his amazing goal and added the assist on Campbell's. Also excelling on the Penalty Kill.

The Third period was controlled by the Chicago Blackhawks, who out shot the Stars 10-7 that period. Reaping the reward for the team's solid play in the defensive zone and break out game was Martin Havlat.

Havlat added the Fifth goal of the night. He took a drop pass from Troy Brouwer, and then snapped a quick shot under the arm of Marty Turco. Patrick Kane later accelerated through the neutral zone past an out of place Brad Richards to pot the final goal of the night into the empty net making the final Chicago Blackhawks Six and the Dallas Stars Three.

The Blackhawks will next play in Toronto against the Maple Leafs (7-8-4). This is a Hockey Night in Canada broadcast. Will that add any pressure to the young Blackhawks team?

Time will tell, but having over come a few small hurdles in the last couple games. I feel the Blackhawks should be able to come out and play strong. The eyes of a whole lot of Canadians should not be something to be intimidated about.

Blackhawks Jonathan Toews Becoming Accustomed to Captain Role

Mark Murphy — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:21:06 -0500

In 17 games this year, Jonathan Toews has accumulated 13 points (2G, 11A). These are respectable numbers from the young captain of the Chicago Blackhawks. There is no question his play has helped the team, but I'm sure Jonathan himself would tell you there is room for improvement in the goal department. Toews is a very highly skilled hockey player and will get into a scoring streak sooner rather than later.

How is Toews adjusting to being the captain of this storied franchise of 82 years? Judging by the last game played at Phoenix, and a game that I attended last Friday against the St. Louis Blues, he seems to be growing into the role and some of the extra-curricular activities that come with the honor.

Against the Coyotes early in the third period, he sought out Martin Hanzal, seemingly retaliating for an earlier hit that put Kane down (although Kane's injury came from incidental contact from Viktor Kozlov). Nevertheless Toews, who is listed at 6'2" and 203 pounds, squared off with Hanzal (6'5" and 218 pounds).

The fight was short, with Hanzal coming out getting in the better shots, although Toews ended up literally on top. Despite Hanzal landing a few upper-cuts on Toews, I think this marks a turning point for the captain.

Now, obviously the Blackhawks did not draft Jonathan Toews because he is a the next heavyweight champ. They did draft him because they believe he is a strong leader, mature, and talented young hockey player.

Seeing Toews step out of his usual course of action, and step into a no joke tough guy situation, standing toe-for-toe with a guy much bigger than him, is a promising sight to see for anyone wants to see the young captain succeed in being a top NHL player.

If Toews keeps up throwing his body around, taking hits to set up plays, and also standing up for his teammates when ever it's needed, then the youngest captain in Chicago Blackhawks franchise history may very well have a shot at being one of the top captains in franchise history.

Blackhawks-Coyotes: Circus Rolls into Chicago, 'Hawks Roll On to Shootout Win

Mark Murphy — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:20:16 -0500

As the Circus rolls into town, the Chicago Blackhawks roll out. It is what has become known as their annual 'circus' road trip. Last night in Phoenix, the 'Hawks were far from clown-like, as they worked for a type of win that has been hard to come by for them this season, an overtime/shootout win on the road.

The play of Kris Versteeg can be describe as nothing short of excellent. It easy to forget from watching him so far that he is in fact a rookie. Granted, Kris is the elder statesman on the line with Toews and Kane, a rookie nevertheless.

Versteeg tallied his sixth goal of his career late in the first period. Patrick Sharp followed up shortly with the Blackhawks second of the night, his Tenth of the campaign.

The Coyotes fought back with a pair of PPG. One in the second period when Michalek beat Khabibulin. The other came midway through third period on a Shane Doan tally to knot it up at two.

The clock wound down to zero the and here we go again mode set in. The Chicago Blackhawks who have struggled greatly in the extra frame this season.

The five-minute OT seemed to flash by in an instant, with the Blackhawks having the best chance on a four-on-three power play. They failed to capitalize on the man advantage and to a shootout we go.

Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 36 in regulation, and after Toews and Sharp converted on their free shots, and Khabibulin held tight on the two that he faced, securing the extra point on the road with a save on Peter Mueller.

The Chicago Blackhawks, as a young team, need to approach this long "circus" road trip one game at a time. They took care of business in Phoenix and will head to Dallas on Thursday to take on the Stars (6-8-3).

The Stars are playing up-and-down hockey this year, and the Blackhawks have no reason to believe they cannot keep this road trip on the right track.

Some of the keys to Thursday's game. Do not come out flat. Last night in Phoenix, the 'Hawks had a little bit of an extra jump that I believe wore down the Coyotes. They young stars need to shine: Look for Toews, Kane, Versteeg, and I think Byfugelin to carry the 'Hawks in "tough" games on the road (every game is tough, some more than others).

Whoever is between the pipes need to make big saves: The 'Hawks are an exciting fast team with a few defenseman who really like to jump up into the play, leaving some occasional opportunities for opponents odd-man breaks.

Overall good start to the road trip. If Kris Versteeg and Patrick Sharp continue to play at the level they are at, and continue to create pressure and scoring chances on this road trip, then other guys with just as much if not more fire power will be able to get involved. Khabibulin continues his strong campaign to be named No. 1.

It will be interesting to see what Joel Quenneville does in this second game of the trip. Even more interesting when you compare the last starts of Huet and Khabibulin, respectively.

Khabibulin To Start Ninth Time In Sixteen Games. Decision Time Is Now.

Mark Murphy — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:24:12 -0500

With Nikolai Khabibulin making his ninth start this year, it's well known that his place in the seemingly never ending "battle" between the pipes with Cristobal Huet is slightly higher than his French counterpart.

He is leading Huet in every key category of goaltending from GAA to save percentage and he even is two minutes up on Huet in PIM. I know Huet has played two less games so far this season, but is that really a bad thing?

We are 16 games into the season the Blackhawks are 7-4-5 thus far. They are going into this game with the third highest Goals for Avg. in the NHL. If I'm Joel Quennevile, at this point, I could not help but look at both of my goaltenders and think that Khabibulin is my guy.

That being said, the club just went out and did what majority of fans were asking for and tried to replace Khabibulin with Huet in the off season by signing him a multi-year deal. Knowing all of these things, what is the right thing to do for the young, high-flying, high scoring Chicago Blackhawks?

In my humble opinion, this upcoming road trip could very well be the right time to buckle down as a coach and make your decision.

While Huet has been greatly invested in, Khabibulin has clearly been the guy who gives the team the best chance to win.

Again going back, the team has the third highest Goals For Avg. in the NHL.

Don't you think that would mean put the guy with the better GAA (even in more games) in the cage and your chances to win percentage wise are increased?

I sure think so, unless you are planning on having a glorified goalie tryout until the points sacrificed on this over analysis of current goal-tending prowess have your very skilled, young, passionate team sitting on the outside looking in of the highly competitive Western Conference Playoff Picture.

You read it here, "The 'Bulin Wall" must stand again, alone!

Chicago Blackhawks Seem To Be Strolling Just Fine, But Are They Using a Kane?

Mark Murphy — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:48:12 -0500

Patrick Kane is a player whom when watching from the seats at the UC in Chicago, as a fan defines the type of player who is a boy among men. When you look at Kane on a stat sheet however, he leads his team in points with 21 he is second on the team with eight, all this coming in just 16 games.

Now the fact Patrick is playing well comes as no surprise as he is the defending rookie of the year, but to me at least as a former player of high level minor hockey, Patrick Kane is and should be inspirational to all sorts of young kids who may not be blessed with the greatest size.

Size, a long time determiner in young players hockey futures, without a doubt has its place in the game of hockey. The era we are in right now in the NHL is extremely exciting due to the allowance of a great deal of young skilled players who may not be blessed with a great deal of size, but who have some of the highest level of raw natural skill and skating talent and lots of that skill and talent can not be taught.

Watching the game at the UC last Friday when the Blues went to Chicago was a very physical game with both teams not hesitating to throw their bodies around. Although Kane failed to score a point on the night, he proved to me (who was paying specific attention to him once it was made know the game was going to be a battle of grit and toughness) that he has very little to no fear of committing to a puck in the "trenches."

Now I admit that the headline is a little bit far fetched and there might have been some motivation of a lure. I also know the Hawks are far from riding Patrick Kane completely this season as they have had very good production from many guys like Sharp, Havlat and Versteeg (somewhat unexpectedly).

This doesn't mean the Hawks cant say that without Kane this year things might have been A little bit more tough. Just Probably not as tough as Kane is proving to be thus far in his young, promising career.