Blackhawks-Flames: Chicago Extinguishes Calgary

After a week-long layoff that had me begging for hockey, the Blackhawks came out and played their best game of the season, defeating the Calgary Flames, 6-1.

Calgary had allowed just 22 goals in their previous nine games, and had recently ended a 6-game winning streak. The Blackhawks have now won four in a row, and have sold out the United Center for all eight home games.

Most importantly, Captain Jonathan Toews scored his first goal of the season as part of an offensive attack that saw both Patrick Kane and Martin Havlat score a goal and assist on two more each. Cristobal Huet stopped 22 of the 23 shots he faced, including a rough opening of the game as the Blackhawks were on power play defense for six of the first eight minutes of the game.

The Blackhawks scored on various lines from a number of angles against one of the league's top goaltenders. Kris Versteeg had a stellar assist on Havlat's first goal in the first period. Versteeg has clearly solidified himself in the Hawks regular rotation and has certainly become a front runner for the Calder Trophy.

But Versteeg wasn't the only player from outside the Hawks first line to score. Aaron Johnson and Troy Brouwer each tickled the twine as well.

In the first period, Calgary was more physical than the Hawks and outshot the home team 9-8, but the Hawks scratched their way to a 2-0 lead. When the Hawks stretched the lead to 3-0 early in the second period, the Flames started to show the effects from a tough loss in Columbus on Saturday night.

From the mid point of the second period through the end of the game it was clear the Hawks depth and speed dominated the Flames. The Blackhawks put together their most complete game, with a stifling defense that shut down their opponent in the final period, allowing for a fairly easy end of the game for Huet.

Boston comes to town on Wednesday on what will likely be an emotional night at the United Center. The Blackhawks will retire jersey number three, in honor of Pierre Pilote and Keith Magnuson, in a pregame ceremony. Hopefully the Hawks will continue their hot streak and give a crowd there to celebrate the past a continued passion for the present and future.