Blackhawks vs Ducks: Another Triple OT Recap Blog
That was as intense of a game as we’ve seen during this run with the Blackhawks. Triple OT on the West Coast will make anyone groggy the next day, but I’m kind of sore too from having my muscles tensed up for about 5 hours. This game had everything. Pace, physicality, both teams trading premium scoring chances, goalies standing on their heads, and goals disallowed after being scored with a head. Incredible game. I think chewed through the top of my shirt and watched most of the game through my fingers. In the end the Hawks fought their way to the front of the net and got one extra bounce. And thank god. Even I would have been pessimistic down 2-0 after losing a triple overtime game.
–In the Series Preview Blog I predicted that the Hawks would win in 5. It’s possible that I underestimated Anaheim a bit. They’re the real deal. We knew about Getzlaf and Perry. We knew Kesler was a sonofabitch. I thought the Hawks would be able to take advantage of the Ducks‘ bottom 6, but those guys came to play. Cogliano’s line is dangerous. Their 4th line always seems to give them a jolt. Some of their D aren’t known as great skaters, but they’re always in the position. This series is going to be a war. Even if the Hawks do somehow win this thing in 5, every game will be a street fight. And who would’ve thought that ginger freak Freddie Andersen would be this good. Give me a break. His post game reaction put a smile on my face though.
–Crawford still doesn’t get the respect he deserves. He was fantastic last night(with the help of a few posts). It’s not always pretty, but they don’t ask how, they ask how many. And the answer last night. 60. 60 Saves for Corey Crawford and 38 straight to end the game. He just never stops battling.
–It’s tough to put together a perfect team in the salary cap era and the Blackhawks blueline certainly isn’t ideal, but the Hawks are getting a championship effort from their top 4. They’re giants. Oduya, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson, and Keith all played over 46 minutes last night. I feel like those guys deserve some kind of official commendation from the City.
–I also thought Kyle Cumiskey was really good last night. He had one horrendous turnover in 2OT that almost cost them, but that aside I think he proved his worth. He can absolutely fly out there, he makes a good first pass, and he competes hard. He was out of the NHL for the past few years, but I think a lot of that is circumstantial. He’s a talented guy. Every time he’s gotten a chance this year I’ve been impressed. If he continues to play a simple game there’s no reason why he can’t be asked to play 15-16 minutes per game. I trust him out there.
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–Kimmo Timonen on the other hand…it’s sad. I have all the respect in the world for Kimmo, but he was awful last night. His pinch on the first Anaheim goal was a horrendous decision and one he can never make. Every time the Ducks had a premium chance last night it seemed as though Kimmo was out there. Obviously the Hawks don’t have any other options at this point. Sounds as though they would’ve considered Stephen Johns, but he broke his arm in the last game of the Ice Hogs season last week so he’s out. Kimmo just has to play better and safer. No risks. Just don’t get burned while the other guys are catching their breath. He was a rough ride last night.
–It takes a lot of effort to make me hate a guy more than I hate Cory Perry, but that’s where we’re at with Clayton Stoner. The hit on Kruger easily could’ve been a major for boarding. Really dangerous play. And they he hits Shaw in the teeth and somehow gets away with it.
–Jk, I still hate Perry the most
What kind of scumbag messes with Hossa?
–Andrew Shaw was an impact player last night. Obviously he had the powerplay goal to start the game, but he paid the price to make plays all over the ice last night. He played good, hard, smart hockey and lived in Freddie Andersen’s kitchen.
I could probably say something positive about every player, but I don’t want this blog to be as long as the game. That was the type of game the Blackhawks just always seem to find a way to win. It’s a team that never wilts in these moments because they expect to win. Winning is in their DNA. They’ll need to play better. They need production from Kane’s line(they’ve been largely terrible) and Toews’s line at some point because 2 even strength goals in the first two games isn’t going to cut it. Now the series comes home where the Hawks can dictate the matchups and hopefully the pace of play a little more. Game 3 Thursday night at Cortland’s Garage. Viva La Hawks.