In a game where the ‘Hawks best line was their “so-called fourth line” (more on that later) and where they apparently summonsed the demons of their ’07-’08 power play, the Blackhawks managed to win an important – for this time of the season – road game.
It started well. Craig Adams, the “so-called fourth line” winger, followed his own shot with another that beat Peter Budaj, the ‘Lanche goaltender. From there, the ‘Hawks proceeded to play poor hockey, which included a widespread inability to pass the puck. This poor play helped spot the Avalanche two goals, each by an Avalanche fourth liner. (They’re apparently just “fourth liners,” rather than “so-called fourth liners.”) The ‘Hawks managed to tie the game during the second period on a goal from Dustin Byfuglien. The goal came when Jonathon Toews hit a streaking Buff through the neutral zone with a pass deep in the ‘Hawks zone. Buff was in alone, and beat Budaj as he “accidentally” fell to the ice. Don’t tell that to ‘Hawks broadcaster Pat Foley, though, who narrated the goal by announcing that Kris Versteeg was in alone and that Budaj made the save.
The third period started poorly, as Av’s forward Wojtek Wolski flew past stationary defensemen Brian Campbell and Brent Seabrook at the ‘Lanche blue line, and beat Nik Khabibulin, who started his first game since the injury in San Jose. But, the ‘Hawks responded with two unanswered goals and the victory. First, Andrew Ladd finished a nice effort from Dave Bolland to tie the ballgame. Another big play by Bolland lead to a ‘Lanche penalty and a ‘Hawks power play. While the ‘Hawks were unable to score on the power play, the second power play unit, lead by Martin Havlat and Big Buff, lit the lamp just seconds following the 5-on-4. It was Byfuglien’s second of the game, and it came off a nice side-board pass from Havlat. To that point, the ‘Hawks previous power play chances, including a first period 5-on-3, garnered very few shots and pressure.
The ‘Hawks never looked back, though, keeping pressure on Colorado much of the third period and fighting off any Avalanche pressure that came. Matt Walker played much of the final frame, as Brent Seabrook was apparently benched following the Wolski goal. Indeed, Mike Haviland commented just before the start of the third period that the ‘Hawks were getting “him out there as much as we can.” While I’ll largely leave this one alone and admit that Walker had a fairly solid game, he’s also a tremendous liability with the puck. In fact, much of the poor passing in the first period was directly attributable to Walker, the typical eighth defenseman on the ‘Hawks roster. My point: as admirably as Walker has played the last week, let’s please not confuse him with Scott Stevens.
Another side story: Pat Foley and Eddy Olczyk have apparently taken to calling the ‘Hawks fourth line the “so-called fourth line.” Aside from the fact that Colin Fraser, Ben Eager and Craig Adams (or, likely, Adam Burish when he returns) comprise, well, the fourth line, it’s difficult to see what has brought on this change in language. Was it Craig Adams’ first goal of the season? Fraser’s seven points? Eager’s goal with the line (excluding the goals scored in Dallas and versus the Coyotes, all scored while playing on other lines)? Is it Burish’s zero points, or the fact that none of the four players have a positive +/-? Needless to say, I’m lost with this one. Can’t we just continue calling them what they are?
With that said, the ‘Hawks played poorly for much of the game, and still came away with two road points. For a team still apparently looking for its sea legs, they’ve done a fine job amassing points in the meantime, seemingly imposing their will on less talented teams. One thing’s for sure: these aren’t your typical Blackhawks.
