Blackhawks-Sharks: Chicago Gets a Point, but at What Cost?

The Blackhawks picked up an elusive point at the HP Pavilion last night against the Sharks, but it came at a hefty price.

Aaron Johnson and Nikolai Khabibulin both left the game early with injuries, and Patrick Sharp missed some of the first period with a hand injury. Head coach Joel Quenneville didn’t provide any more information on the injuries, saying merely, “hopefully [the injuries] are not severe.”

The Blackhawks have not won a regulation skate in San Jose since 1999, and that unfortunate run continued tonight.

The hit that sent Johnson out of the game was delivered by Mike Grier. He hammered Johnson into the boards, earning himself a game-misconduct penalty and a possible suspension, pending an investigation by the NHL.

Quenneville said of the incident, “It was a dangerous hit.  I don’t think any intent was there, but certainly he was in a vulnerable spot and...we’ll see.”

The injury caused to Khabby was less evident, but it appeared to be a lower-body injury of some sort. He left under his own power, but was clearly in pain. Cristobal Huet came into the game, making 13 saves in 15 opportunities.

Ryan Clowe picked up two assists in the game, with Rob Blake, Patrick Marleau, and Joe Thornton picking up the goals for the Sharks.

Jonathan Toews picked up two goals to double his season total to four, and Patrick Kane, Cam Barker, and Troy Brouwer got the assists.

The Blackhawks started extremely slowly in the first period, and were outshot 17-2 by the Sharks. They looked like they were back on their heels for much of the period, and both Eddie O. and Troy Murray made the point that it appeared that the team was giving the Sharks too much respect.

After this dicey start, the Hawks outshot the Sharks 15-9 in the second period, getting plenty of opportunities to score, but only lighting the lamp once in the frame. Overall, the Hawks were one for three on the power play, and the Sharks were also one for three.

This was a marked improvement for the Hawks, as the Sharks scored four times in six chances on the man advantage in the previous contest between the two clubs.

Patrick Kane was asked if the Blackhawks were in the same league as the Sharks, and he responded by saying, “I think so. Both games have been one-goal games, but we’ve got to win those games. We’ve had trouble with those games this year. We can’t seem to win in overtime.”

This game marked the Blackhawks’ sixth time losing in either overtime or the shootout this season. They had eight such losses last season, and are currently on pace to have 24 of them this year.

In other notes from the game, Brian Campbell received an icy reception from the San Jose faithful. He played there prior to joining the Hawks this season, after signing a $57 million contract.

Also, Brent Sopel played for the first time in four games, pretty much ensuring that the rumored trade for Michael Nylander from the Capitals is dead. Dustin Byfuglien remained on the shelf, and was joined there by Adam Burish, who was scratched for undisclosed reasons.

Let’s take a look at how "my players to watch" did for their respective teams tonight.

Player You Can’t Let Beat You!

Dan Boyle had an assist in the game on Rob Blake’s first-period goal, and also had four shots in addition to a minor penalty in the game. This penalty ended up leading to Chicago’s second goal in the second period.

Player to Watch

Kris Versteeg had a plus-1 and two shots in the game. He was pretty much a non-entity throughout, but he was playing on the same line as Jonathan Toews, who ended up with two goals in the contest.

I would say I had it slightly wrong with Versteeg, but I was on with Boyle. We’ll call this a 1-0-1 for me in this game.

Hopefully, Khabibulin and Johnson’s injuries will not be serious, and they will be able to rejoin the team soon. Otherwise, the point that we picked up today against the Sharks will almost not be worth it.

On another side note, Andrew Ladd will be conducting an autograph signing at the Triple Threat Sports on LaGrange Road in Mokena on Dec. 9.  Tickets to this event cost $15 in advance, and $20 at the door. You can also order autographed items online, and they will be shipped to your house! Just check out www.triplethreatsports.com for more information.

The Blackhawks' next game will be at 3:00 pm on Friday. They will be playing the Ducks, and the game will be on WGN-TV in Chicago.

Also, there will be a Bud Light Hockey Night at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Frankfort, Illinois. If any of you are going to be attending this event, just drop me an email or bulletin board post and let me know.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!