Blackhawks-Avalanche: Ladd and Sharp Power Chicago To Third Straight Win

Game Recap

I think the third line has finally figured "it" out, "it" being how to score. Andrew Ladd, Dave Bolland and Dustin Byfuglien all posted multi-point games in the Chicago Blackhawks 6-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche. 

In my game preview I stated that the 'Hawks needed to take advantage of the Avalanche's poor goal-tending and the 'Hawks did just that by putting six pucks past Avalanche goalie Peter Budaj.

Budaj did see 37 shots, but was completely overpowered by the 'Hawks even strength offense. 

The star of the night for the 'Hawks was Andrew Ladd would scored two goals and added an assist to boot. Ladd's netted his first goal on a Dustin Byfuglien rebound, his second however was quiet special as he went top shelf over Budaj's right shoulder to all but put away the game. 

Ladd was not the only three point player for the 'Hawks tonight, Patrick Sharp also added two goals and an assist in the 'Hawks winning effort. Sharp put in his first goal of the game in the third period on a three on two break, as he would rocket a wrist shot over Budaj's left shoulder after a great skate to stick pass from Jonathan Toews.

The 'Hawks have now won three straight games scoring an average of 4+ games in those three games. They will have five days between tonight and their next game which will be at home versus the Calgary Flames. 

Three Stars of the Game

1. Andrew Ladd (2 Goals, 1 Assist)

2. Patrick Sharp (2 Goals, 1 Assist)

3. Troy Brouwer (1 Goal, First Career Goal)

Michael Wagner's Player of the Game

Jonathan Toews

Yes, yet again Toews did not score a goal and, yes, three other non-three-star players had two point games, but Toews created big plays. He was getting in Peter Budaj's face and also made a beautiful pass to Patrick Sharp for his first goal of the game.

Although Toews still does not have a goal this season he is doing everything right and I will bet you he will take wins over goals any day.

Next Game

The 'Hawks do not play again until Sunday when they take on the Calgary Flames at the United Center. If you are the 'Hawks do you really want to have this much time off with them playing so well over their past three games collecting all six points.

This time off will allow the 'Hawks defensemen, Duncan Keith and Brian Campbell, to get some much needed rest.

Chicago Blackhawks Game Notes

The 'Hawks featured their alternate black jerseys tonight, here is the schedule for the nights they will wear their alternate jersey's. 

The 'Hawks are off to their best start since the 2000-2001 season, the last time that they made the playoffs. 

Brian Campbell has extended his points streak to five straight games with his assist on the Cam Barker power play goal.

Five, yes five 'Hawks recorded multi-point games; Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd and Dave Bolland.

Image Courtesy of Rocky Mountain News