Are the Chicago Blackhawks Becoming Complacent?

After reading two great articles by Chicago Blackhawks' writers Tab Bamford and Jim Neveau about how the 'Hawks seem to become complacent at the end of games and content with one point rather than two points, I have decided to give my input on the subject.

It has been quite a roller-coaster season for the 'Hawks so far with the slow start, the firing of Denis Savard, and the immediate turnaround under new coach Joel Quenneville. However, another question is being asked of this young 'Hawk team.

Are they content with just getting one point every night?

Many would say yes, as they have seven points in the six games that they have gone to over time in. This is just one point over the minimum number of points that a team can get going into overtime.

Those who believe that the 'Hawks are becoming complacent would say that in all six of those games the 'Hawks sat on their heels and let the opposition take the game without a fight.

But if you look at the 'Hawks' six overtime games, then you might change your mind.

Oct. 13: Predators 3, Blackhawks 2 (SO)

In this game the 'Hawks and Preds' were both unable to put up a goal in the third period.  Both teams were only able to muster 11 shots-on-goal(combined), and in the overtime period neither team was able to get their offenses going.

The Preds' were the only team to register shots with two, and both shots were easy saves for Cristobal Huet. In the shootout, Huet has always struggled. That night was no different with him being unable to stop any of the Nashville shooters.

Oct. 18: Blues 4. Blackhawks 3 (SO)

This was a game that the 'Hawks should have had with a two goal lead early in the third period.

The 'Hawks let the Blues come back into the game with goals by Keith Tkachuk and Andy McDonald (16 seconds left).

In overtime though, the 'Hawks could not go onto the offensive as captain Jonathan Toews took a hooking penalty in the overtime period and had to spend quite a bit of time trying to kill a four on three penalty, which most would believe would be an easy goal for the Blues.

The 'Hawks were able to kill the penalty and send the game into a shootout where once again, the 'Hawks fell with poor shooting attempts and not so good goaltending.

Oct. 25: Red Wings 6, Blackhawks 5 (SO)

The Detroit Red Wings presented the toughest challenge thus far for the 'Hawks as they were coming into the United Center with the most talent in the league as well as revenge on their minds from the previous season.

Early the 'Hawks answered the bell by taking a 4-2 lead into the third period but, like most good teams, the Wings were not going to roll over. They answered with three consecutive goals in the third period giving them the lead, but as I stated earlier, good teams do not just lie down.

The 'Hawks Patrick Kane registered a big goal at the 12 minute mark that would eventually send the game into overtime.

In overtime both teams only managed four shots and neither team was willing to buckle defensively.

In the shootout the Wings' high amount of talent showed it's colors as newest Wing Marian Hossa teed up a slap shot and sent it past a somewhat surprised Hossa.

Nov. 1: Blackhawks 4, Blue-Jackets 3 (SO)

This 'Hawks/Jackets game was quite a dandy as both teams played with an edge and was a game that Cristobal Huet finally seemed to get his bearing in a 'Hawks uniform. Huet made 48 saves including seven in the overtime period.

Once again, the 'Hawks were down a man in the overtime period as they had their second bench penalty of the game (too many men on the ice). In the shootout, the 'Hawks finally seemed to find their mojo; Jonathan Toews scored a big shootout goal and Huet was able to stone each and every Blue Jackets shooter.

Nov. 12: Bruins 2, Blackhawks 1 (SO)

This was the one game all season that I was unable to watch as I had a work commitment that I was required to attend, but as I look at the recap on the 'Hawks website it seemed as though  Nikolai Khabibulin had one of his best games of the season. 

He only allowed one goal and played amazing in the overtime period. In  overtime, the 'Hawks once again found themselves on the penalty kill (a Cam Barker hooking penalty).

However, "The Bulin Wall" stood strong and gave them a chance to at least get to the shootout. You can only lean on your goalie so much as he let in two goals in the shootout and lead to another 'Hawks overtime loss.

Nov. 14: Blues 4, Blackhaws 3

Last nights game was a struggle for the 'Hawks as they found themselves down 3-1 after the first period and after the game said that they had come out completely flat.

Dave Bolland and the third line, however, would rally the 'Hawks and tie the game up in the third period. After Bolland's goal, you could tell that the 'Hawks had breathed a sigh of relief and were somewhat content after having come out so poorly initially.

The 'Hawks would again fall in overtime, but not in the shootout this time. The Blues were finally able to solve the 'Hawks overtime penalty kill and give them the victory. After the game Dave Bolland blamed himself for the loss as he was the one who took the overtime penalty, even though they would not have even managed a point without him.

Wrap-Up

Is this a team that has become complacent and content with overtime losses? No, I would argue the opposite. In three of the six overtime games that the 'Hawks have played, they have registered penalties. Is this a sign of a team that is content with the certain situation of the game?

No. This is the sign of a team trying too hard to make a play, which results in a hooking or tripping penalty. Although at times, during these six games, the 'Hawks have sat on their heels, mainly in the Oct. 18 game against the Blues, most young teams are not content with just one point after a game and this team is no different.

Do not think that because the 'Hawks are 1-5 in the overtime period that they do not have the drive or desire to win. It is quite the opposite in my mind. They have a ton of drive and sometimes that drive can get in the way of your success. Let us just think of it this way: Would you rather lose in regulation or in overtime?