Penguins 5, Blackhawks 4 (OT)

This might be the last place on the universe, unless you’re on Darren Pang’s block, where you’ll find goalies getting criticized for lousy play. 

For me, goalies have always been the last line of insurance.  In case everyone else screws up, the goalie is there to protect the team.  A perfect hockey game is one where the goalie doesn’t have to make one save.  Everyone else played so stellar, they could’ve used an empty net and still won easily.  That’s why I’m never too quick to lay blame at the one guy who’s job it is to cover up everyone else’s mistakes.   

With all this being said, Cristobal Huet let in some softies.  Could Kris Versteeg have played Chris Kunitz tighter in the corner on a loose puck?  Yeah, probably, but that was still a save he should’ve made.  Did Matt Walker and Brent Seabrook look like Larry and Moe behind the net with a minute and a half left in the second period?  You betcha, but Huet didn’t exactly control the rebound properly.  I thought Q left Huet in for a little too long last night.  It wouldn’t have been shocking to see Huet get the hook 9 minutes into the game.  Maybe it was the right decision though, because Huet came up with some terrific saves late in the first period and in the second period to keep the ‘Hawks (briefly) tied.

 After falling behind 2-0 nine minutes into the game, the ‘Hawks started their first climb back when Toews pulled a face-off back to Cam Barker.  Barker took a few steps across the blue and let it rip.  Toews got a piece of it and the ‘Hawks were on the board. 

Toews notched his second goal six and a half minutes into the second when he stepped out from behind the net and let loose a wiggler that found it’s way past Marc-Andre Fleury.  The ‘Hawks thought they took the lead with six minutes left in the period.  Barker fired another shot from the point that Toews re-directed into the net.  It appeared Toews got his first career hat trick.  Construction hats (last night’s giveaway) rained upon the ice.  After the prolonged delay, the war room in Toronto took an extended look at it and determined that Toews tipped the puck with a high stick.

I only caught one replay of the play and I didn’t see anything that was conclusive to overturn the call.  The play was so quick, Toews’ stick at one point was above the crossbar but I couldn’t tell where his stick was when he made contact with the puck.  Whatever it was, this was the second time in less than a week that the ‘Hawks were on the wrong end of a high sticking call.  Consider the momentum swung.

After a Penguins power play, Miroslav Satan and Max Talbot scored almost 35 seconds apart to give the Pens a 4-2 lead heading into the final frame.  It was at this point Q had seen enough and opened up the 3rd with Antii Niemi in net.  Whether it was to spark the ‘Hawks or tired of some sub-par saves, it certainly worked.

Pittsburgh obliged to let the ‘Hawks back into the game when Satan took a lazy penalty 30 seconds into the period.  Cam Barker found Jonathan Toews at the side of the net for his third power play goal of the night and this one stood up.  More construction helmets rained upon the ice.  (By the way, when are the first horror stories going to come out of this game from little Billy sitting in section 104 that got cranked in the head from a construction helmet flying in from the upper level?  I have to think there are more than a few people with some welts on their heads this morning.) 

The ‘Hawks continued their assault on the Penguins trying to get the tying goal.  Fleury made some outstanding saves robbing Patrick Kane and Kris Versteeg on more than a few chances.  Finally with just under five minutes left, the HaBolLadd line came through.  Just as a Penguin penalty was expiring, James Wisniewski found Martin Havlat alone at the red line.  Havlat broke into the zone with a full head of steam, fired the puck towards the net, Ladd poked the rebound towards the net, and somehow Bolland tipped it past Fleury to tie the game at 4.

With 22 seconds left in regulation, Versteeg took a pretty bad penalty in the Penguin zone when he yanked Evgeni Malkin’s legs out from under him.  Already in a 4-on-4 situation, the Penguins now opened up the overtime with a deadly 4-on-3.  With only a few seconds left on the penalty, Sergei Gonchar found Malkin at the top of the circles who lasered the puck into the top corner.  Game over.

This was the second time in a row an Eastern Conference opponent (the Rangers being the other) came into the United Center and walked out with an overtime win after the ‘Hawks took a lazy penalty late.  After trailing by two goals twice, the ‘Hawks were certainly fortunate to walk out with anything and one point feels kind of nice.

The Way They Were and The Way They Are

The last time the Blackhawks and Penguins squared off, it was February 14th, 2007.  The Penguins won at home 5-4 in a shootout.  Who could forget Craig McDonald?  (I did.)  He opened up the scoring for the ‘Hawks that night.   Denis Savard was the new coach after taking over the recently departed Trent Yawney.  Radim Vrbata ended that year second on the team in scoring with a robust 14 goals, and 27 assists.  And you wonder why the ‘Hawks had to practically beg Martin Havlat to suit up for games back then.

The last time Pittsburgh visited Chicago was on January 13, 2006.  The ‘Hawks took it to the Penguins winning 4-1.  The lede of the game recap says it all:

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks found a team struggling more than they are.

Seriously folks, look at this at your own risk.  Amazingly, the ’Hawks sold this game out and were led by the dynamic duo of Adam Munro, who stopped 28 of 29 shots, and Andy Hilbert, who potted two goals to start his mostly forgetful ’Hawk career.  

It’s amazing how far these franchises have come in just three years.  Of course, additions of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Patrick Kane, and Jonathan Toews will change a lot of lousy situations.  If the Penguins have a Western Conference alter ego, it would be your Chicago Blackhawks.  Both are stocked with loads of young talent up front.  The only difference is the Penguins are a little older at the back line with several players sporting ages over 30 while the ‘Hawks don’t have a single defenseman over 30 years old.  The ‘Hawks are older at the goaltender position, though, with Cristobal Huet (32 years old) and Nikolai Khabibulin (36) while the Pens sport 24 year-old superfreak Marc-Andre Fleury

The Pens will be sporting their newest addition tomorrow night when the recently acquired Chris Kunitz makes his debut.  Unfortunately, the man who begged for any kind of trade, Sidney Crosby, looks like he won’t be playing because of a groin injury.  That’s great news for the ‘Hawks who will have one less superstar to worry about.  All defensive eyes will be on Evgeni Malkin.  This year has been a sort of national coming out party for Malkin.  While Malkin has been the Jagr to Crosby’s Lemieux their first couple years, their roles seemed to reverse this year.  In just 62 games this year, Malkin has an eye-popping 88 points (27 goals, 61 assists).  

The Penguins are fighting for their playoff lives sitting two points behind 8th place Buffalo.  Head Coach Michel Therrien was recently fired and replaced with Dan Byslma.  In his first five games, the team is 3-1-1. 

The United Center should be buzzing tomorrow night with a rare Eastern Conference opponent coming to town.  Seriously, how were the Penguins and ‘Hawks not playing each other at least once a year?  These are the two teams that will carry the league into the 2010’s and we only get to see them square off once every few years.  Either way, buckle up for what should be a showcase in some of the best the NHL has to offer.    

  

Brouwer Power Outage

Sometime just before 9 last night, as I was brainstorming how to tackle the game’s recap, I decided to frame the ‘Hawks win as a positive but to be sure to point out the general lousiness of a one Troy Brouwer.  It was during the second frame when there was a huge rebound out towards the middle of the slot and Brouwer just kind of chipped a half-hearted backhand towards the net.  I remember yelping out something along the lines of, “Brouwer, what the hell are you doing?!!?”  Had he been strong on the puck, he may have gotten a good piece of it and maybe even a solid scoring chance.  Notice how I didn’t say a goal, we are talking about Troy Brouwer.

At one point or another this year, Brouwer has been on a line with Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Martin Havlat, Jonathan Toews, and Dave Bolland.  In the 50 games he’s played, he has 8 goals and 14 assists to show for it.  Did I mention that he’s seen significant ice time with the five most offensively dynamic players on the team?  You’d think he could trip and fall over himself and still end up with an assist or goal per night playing with those guys.  In the past couple weeks, Brouwer has had numerous golden scoring opportunities at crucial moments:

• -Against the Wild, a one-timer from the doorstep was nabbed by a sprawling Josh Harding.  Call it bad luck or great save all you want, a top line forward buries that shot.
• -The aforementioned shot against Pekka Rinne on a weak backhand chip
• -In a 1-0 loss to the Blues, Brouwer fired a puck off the post standing just three inches away from an open net

Those are just the ones I can recall off the top of my head. 

There is no doubt the ‘Hawks could use a depth forward and if they do acquire one, Brouwer may find himself on the outside looking in.  Toews, Kane, and Sharp will be the number one line.  No matter what the HaBolLadd line calls itself, that’s a second line.  Then, on the third line, it would probably be Versteeg, Forward to be named later, and Byfuglien, assuming of course Byfuglien isn’t moved for said forward.  There’s no room for him on the fourth line so that only leaves Byfuglien’s spot.  And that would bring us to the root of the argument:

Is Brouwer more fit to be a 3rd line checker or a top 6 forward?

The answer is plainly obvious if you’ve watched extensive Blackhawk hockey this year; he’s a 3rd line player.  For all of his offensive shortcomings, Brouwer is a solid defensive winger.  He’s almost always on his assignment and very rarely does he cough up the puck in a danger zone (ie, the slot or the three feet on either side of the blue line).  Unfortunately, his inability to bury chances or create ones deter him from being an elite point contributor.   No matter what some people may think about his untapped potential.

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–Speaking of, our old friend Barry Rozner was up to his old tricks today, this time using a reader’s email to drive home a ridiculous and untrue point.

From e-mailer West Side Strangler: “Your point that fans are supposed to be emotional when it comes to trades, but management should not be, did not go far enough. You pulled your punch.

“For too long (the Blackhawks) made decisions about players based on emotion. That hurt the team. I’m expecting the ‘new Hawks’ to operate professionally.

“Furthermore, (Nikolai) Khabibulin should have been traded the same moment they signed (Cristobal) Huet (last summer). That was negligence, and also very strange.”

 You mean like when the ‘Hawks tried to trade him and couldn’t find any takers.  Or when they put him on waivers and every team in the league passed on him.  Or when they not so subtly mentioned it wouldn’t be a bad idea for him to play in the Russian League.  I’m not sure if Rozner was trying to prove the point that his readers are just as big of morons but deciding to include that in his column doesn’t make a whole lot sense considering it’s totally false.  The ‘Hawks did everything in their power to ship Khabibulin out in the summer and the market was empty. 

–Just to prove we don’t just pick on Rozner, Greg Couch picked up and ran with the enforcer torch in the Monday Sun-Times.  He wasn’t as adamant as Rozner has been about it, just that the ’Hawks should be looking for a skilled player with some brawn.

He has built a team mostly out of the high draft picks the Hawks had every year from their failures on ice. It’s time now for Tallon to prove himself. He needs to find some muscle.

Not a traditional goon. Not a modern Probert. Just someone to protect but who also can skate.

Hhmmm, this type of player sounds awfully familiar.  (Scrolls up to top of page, reads first few paragraphs, slaps hand on forehead)  Vroom, vroom, Party starter! 

–Old friend and everyone’s favorite designated driver Mark Bell finally found an NHL home today when the New York Rangers claimed him off waivers from the Leafs.  It’s hard to believe only five years ago he was supposed to be one of the chosen few destined to lead the ‘Hawks to the promised land.  Turns out, he passed out and drove right past the exit.  (Badum-Cha!)  If you want to get a good laugh out of this, check out what the guys from Pension Plan Puppets have to say about it.

Crosby to Sit Tonight; Friday?

According to the Associated Press (and SI.com), Sidney Crosby will miss tonight’s game on the Isle with a groin problem.  He suffered the injury over the weekend in Washington, and Sid the Kid says it hasn’t improved much since.  He’s unsure as to how much he’ll play during the team’s current road trip, which includes a stop in Chicago on Friday night.

I’m not sure whether this is good news or bad news.

Ryan Whitney has also left the team for personal reasons, and won’t play this evening.

Predators 5, Blackhawks 3

It was nearly a historic night at the Sommet Center in Nashville on Tuesday night.  ‘Hawk defenseman Brian Campbell’s four assists was two away from tying the franchise record set by Pat Stapleton in 1969.  In addition, the Predators shattered the record held by the immortal ’93 San Jose Sharks by going offsides 642 times.  Along with the win, Nashville will now hold a special piece of hockey lore.

Campbell’s first assist came on a one-timer from the blue line.  Dustin Byfuglien got a piece of it and re-directed the puck past Pekka Rinne.  The second came after an overaggressive Predator defense left Dave Bolland wide open down low.  Campbell spotted him and got the puck to him.  Bolland cut to the net, Havlat crashed, and squeezed the loose puck past Rinne.  Almost five minutes later, Campbell picked up his third assist when Steve Sullivan blew Matt Walker’s proverbial doors off and put a back hand to the net that Cristobal Huet stopped.  Campbell set up a picnic blanket for Jason Arnott in front of the net who roofed the rebound over Huet.  Two minutes into the third period, his fourth assist came when Campbell personally escorted David Legwand to the net on a Martin Erat cross-ice dump in.  Legwand graciously took the puck and fluttered it past Huet.     

There will be plenty of blame to go around following the third period debacle.  From Q using his timeout about five minutes too early, to Campbell lazily going back on a dump-in, to the ‘Hawks being too worried about what penalty the refs were going to call on them next, to more special teams’ struggles (the power play was 0 for 2 and fairly ugly while the penalty kill gave up two goals in six chances) or Huet’s ineffectiveness, the bottom line is, it was a total team effort.  Everyone deserves a piece of the action, so let’s make sure to spread around the wealth here.   

It’s never a good thing when Q uses the coaching advice of Ed Olczyk (he of the 31-64-8-10 career coaching line) and that’s precisely what happened when Quenneville used his timeout a minute and fifty-five seconds into the third period.  While it has become customary practice for Quenneville to use his timeout after a ‘Hawks icing, it’s usually pretty deep into the period, not two minutes in.  Surely, it would’ve been more prudent to hang on to the timeout, gamble on the fact that legs were still fresh because of the recent intermission, and save it in case Nashville stormed back into the game (which actually happened!).  Or even, save the timeout in case the ’Hawks took penalties and try to defuse the frustration in a tie game (which also actually happened!!).  Either of those would have been far better times to use it than when he did.    

This is by far the toughest loss the ‘Hawks have faced this season.  Giving up a 4 spot in the third against the offensive Juggernaut that is the Nashville Predators will be a tough pill to swallow.  The Predators had not scored five goals in a game since January 28th.  Even worse, the ‘Hawks breathed life into a divisional opponent on the respirator.  This is without taking into consideration the effect this outcome will have on the ‘Hawks.  With two days off before Pittsburgh, they’ll have nothing to do but reflect on this game.  It will be imperative for them to squash this two game slide quickly.  Vroom, vroom, party starter.

fifthfeather@gmail.com

Academy of the Fifth Feather

The following post ran in last night’s “The Committed Indian”.  If you haven’t picked one up yet before a game, you don’t know what you’re missing.  Last night, the ‘What your Hawks Jersey Says About You…’ was a knee slappers delight.  The next time I see someone strolling around in an Al Secord jersey, I’m running for cover.

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Welcome one and all to the first ever Fifth Feather Hockey Oscars where we take a look at all that is beautiful and not so beautiful from this year’s NHL campaign.  We hope the paparazzi were kind to you on the red carpet, and if you would kindly and quietly take your seats, we will begin this year’s award ceremony.  Unfortunately, our hosts D.B. Sweeney and Matthew Perry couldn’t make it tonight, so we will be your guides through each category.     

Best Supporting Actress - Alexander Semin: Following early season anti-Sidney Crosby comments, Washington Capitals’ winger Alexander Semin turned in one of the Academy’s all-time great performances on January 3, 2009 with Mark Staal of the New York Rangers.  As members of the Rangers and Capitals gathered in front of the Ranger net following a whistle, players from each team began pairing off.  Semin and Staal began wrestling, and Staal promptly and easily removed all of Semin’s upper body wardrobe before the two combatants fell to the ice together.  What happened next is Academy history: Semin jumped on top of Staal, startling the Ranger with a barrage of – what could most kindly be described as – womanly, open-handed strikes, apparently designed to fend off another woman or small child.  Perhaps Semin thought the youngest Staal brother in the NHL was a bongo.  Staal left the fracas unscathed; unfortunately, we can’t say the same about Semin’s reputation.  

Best Original Song – “Here Come the Hawks”: Maybe we’re a little biased in this, but nothing revs our engine quite like hearing this catchy little number.  Sure it’s hokey and cheesy, but that’s what we love it about it.  What all of us can do without is the little karaoke number on the scoreboard that’s played in between periods.  The last thing anyone needs to see is Brent Sopel trying to carry a tune or James Wisniewski looking at a sheet of paper like he’s never seen written words before.

Best Animated Feature – Sean Avery: When Brett Hull and the Dallas Stars decided it was a good idea to sign Sean Avery to a three year, $12 million deal, they probably didn’t take into account what kind of effect he would have a low-key veteran locker room.  The result was Mike Modano looking like the guy in “The Rock” after Nick Cage just punched a chemical ball in his mouth.  Avery and Dallas were just not a good mix.  It reached a boiling point when Avery let loose with his now infamous ‘Sloppy Seconds’ tirade, which can only mean bad things if you’re trying to win a Stanley Cup, but great things if you have a hockey blog.        

Best Costume Design – Retro-Inspired NHL Third Jerseys: The Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks spared us from more ugly vertical striping associated with the new Reebok Edge jerseys, and added retro-inspired, traditional third jerseys during 2008, proving once again, there’s just no substitute for horizontal striping on hockey sweaters.  Listen, we’re not exactly traditionalists, but the words “gold armpit piping” and “jersey” should never be spoken in conjunction with the NHL – but perhaps neither should “hockey in Nashville.”

Honorable Mention: Alexander Ovechkin stole the Breakaway Challenge during All Star Weekend by donning a hat and women’s sunglasses during a shot.  We’re not sure why this won him the vote, but maybe the ‘Hawks should wear shades come playoff time.

Worst Film Editing – Comcast Sports Net Chicago: Comcast’s insistence on goaltender close-ups following a save even when a dust-up ensues nearby is maddening – and, today, award winning.  

Best Actor - Gary Bettman: It was manifest destiny for the National Hockey League, he told us.  And, why wouldn’t it be?  With Wayne Gretzky’s trade from Edmonton to Los Angeles in 1988, the league was set to spread its proverbial wings.  But, moves to Phoenix and Carolina along with expansion to hockey hotbeds Atlanta, Nashville, Sunrise and Tampa Bay haven’t turned out quite as well as expected.  As of press time, seven of the eleven teams with the poorest average attendance called non-traditional, warm weather locals home.  Would the NHL dare return to Winnipeg with its tail between its legs? 

Best Actress – Sidney Crosby: On most nights, the Next One looks more like one of “Charlie’s Angels,” constantly yapping to the refs about who is treating him unpleasantly.  If the opposition breathes on him a little too closely, he’ll go off like a tripped alarm.  It’s no coincidence that a recent poll among NHL players conducted by ESPN.com found Crosby to be far and away the biggest complainer, collecting a whopping 52% of the vote.

Best Foreign Film – Alexander Ovechkin: Nothing says, “I love hockey” quite like a big-headed, gap-toothed, grinning Russian who will bowl over anything in his way to score a goal.  How great is he?  His ridiculous goal last week against Montreal – when he passed the puck to himself off the boards, made a spin move, beat the Canadiens’ defenseman around the corner, got dragged down, and then scored from the seat of his pants – is being argued by some as not even in the top-five of his greatest goals.  What else can you say about a guy leading the league in shots by a margin from here to eternity?  Though his style of play may not be conducive to a prolonged NHL career, enjoy him while you can, because he is truly a beautiful hockey mind.

Best Director – Rocky Wirtz: So much has changed in sixteen months since Rocky Wirtz took the reigns of what was formerly an honorable NHL franchise: perhaps coincidentally, the Blackhawks have at least two bona fide superstars; home games are now on television – not to mention, routinely sold out; the ‘Hawks are among the top point getters in the Western Conference; Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita and Tony Esposito once again proudly wear the ‘Hawk head; and, with the help of the NHL salary cap, the ‘Hawks are no longer considerably outspent by division and conference rivals.  Most importantly, though, the NHL is back in Chicago.  Just two seasons ago, the immortal Jeff Hamilton was third in team scoring with 39 points on the year.  Today, there are nine ‘Hawks with at least 32 points, and the ‘Hawks are on a collision course with home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Bravo, Mr. Wirtz.  Bravo.

Best Picture – The 2009 Winter Classic: It’s been nearly eight weeks since Wrigley Field was transformed into an ice rink, but the memories will last forever.  Like Mickey Rourke’s performance in The Wrestler or the ending of Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino, the Blackhawks/Red Wings New Year’s Day clash more than filled its goose bump quota.  From the National Anthem and fly over to the spectacle of “Vancouver vs. Nashville” on the historic Wrigley Field scoreboard, the day thrust the young ‘Hawks into the spotlight and made Chicago hockey fans feel involved in the NHL again.

Thank you all so very much for coming.  (Academy music begins playing in the background.)  We’d like to thank the Committed Indian for having us and our parents for instilling in us strong hockey values.  If there’s anyone we forgot to mention, we’re sorry; we’ll get you next year.

Wild 2, Blackhawks 1

For the third time in four tries and both times at the United Center, the Minnesota Wild defeated the Blackhawks with a style that can make the biggest hockey enthusiast question the will to live.  Well, it wasn’t as bad as the Wild would have preferred, but Wild goalie Josh Harding might as well have been wearing a ski mask tonight because he robbed the ‘Hawks of two more points.  For the fifth straight game, the ‘Hawks registered over 35 shots and for the third time in the last four games, the ‘Hawks had over 40 shots putting up a total of 45 against Harding. 

Harding robbed Troy Brouwer and Martin Havlat on beautiful one-time scoring opportunities in the second period.  Against Brouwer, he reached back across the crease and nabbed it with his glove; Havlat was denied by the blocker.  The saves were almost mirror images of each other.    The ‘Hawks finally solved Harding when Jonathan Toews netted his 22nd goal of the year with assists from Patrick Kane and Martin Havlat.  The lead didn’t last long though.  Dan Fritsche may have caught a break when he tipped in a Pierre-Marc Bouchard point shot.  Everyone on the ‘Hawks seemed to think he tipped it with a high stick.  After the game, Judd Sirott had a sound bite from NHL war room veteran Mike Murphy who indicated there was no conclusive evidence it was a high stick saying one replay showed the tip was legit and the other may have been a high stick but the camera was at a bad angle.  Alas, that wasn’t the last break that wouldn’t go the ‘Hawks way.

After the Wild took the lead on Peter Olvecky’s first career goal with sixteen and a half minutes left, Minnesota was essentially killing a penalty the rest of the way.  Only figuratively, of course.  The Wild stacked up their five skaters at center ice and tried to force neutral zone turnovers.  It worked for a little, but for the most part, the ‘Hawks had no problem carving through the Wild.  Unfortunately, Josh Harding was waiting in goal for anything the ‘Hawks threw his way.  There were some golden opportunties.   Dustin Byfuglien had enough to feed a small village, just missing the far post on a deflected shot with about a minute and a half left.  

Even with the loss, the ‘Hawks appear lucky to have come out of this game relatively unscathed after a couple of close calls.  Cam Barker blocked a slap shot right off his leg in the second period and needed to be helped off the ice.  He returned for a shift but couldn’t skate at the level expected.  Kris Versteeg went tumbling into the boards head first in the third and looked pretty shaken up but was able to finish the game.  After the game, Q said Barker will be traveling with the team to Nashville, so it looks like danger was averted.

fifthfeather@gmail.com

Fight! Fight! Fight!

In Sunday’s editions of the Daily Herald and Chicago Tribune, Barry Rozner and Steve Rosenbloom argue opposite ends of the same argument: namely, the great goaltender trade deadline debate of 2008-’09.  While the Feather has gone on record many times – for those of you who forgot, we say keep both goalies – so, too, have the aforementioned columnists, and to their credit, their opinions haven’t changed much throughout the season.

Mr. Rosenbloom of the Chicago Tribune argued the following:

But two things tell me they can’t move a goalie. And shouldn’t move a goalie. It’s the single-most important position in team sports — you quarterbacks out there can save it — especially when April becomes May becomes June and Chris Chelios comes here to lug Lord Stanley’s chalice to Wrigley and the Cell.  Anyway, Khabibulin is my choice at the most important position, but you don’t know if he’ll stay healthy. You can’t have an unproven guy behind him. What’s more, the longer this injury takes, the more his trade value plummets, as well.  Look, the tandem has covered the Hawks’ backside all season and earned them the third-most points in the Western Conference. I’m making sure. I’m keeping both.

Mr. Rozner of the Daily Herald countered with the following this morning:

But now that Cristobal Huet has found his stride, looking like the player who earned his huge Hawks contract with a solid playoff series a year ago in Washington, the Hawks need to move Khabibulin and get assets in return, as soon as Khabibulin is healthy.

(Side note: Rozner also took six paragraphs to rip “fans” and readers, essentially saying they don’t know jack.  He’s also still caught up on obtaining a “heavyweight,” and he apparently believes the St. Louis Blues are the ‘Hawks’ big competition this season, saying the ‘Hawks need someone who ”won’t be shy when challenged by the Cam Janssens of the world.”  Typical Rozner: worried about a team one point ahead of the Western Conference’s worst team when the ‘Hawks have the fourth seed all but locked up.  We’ll see how Cam Janssen and the Blues factor into the ‘Hawk season come mid-April, but Rozner’s also likely worried about matching up with Atlanta’s ”Little White Russian” line in the Stanley Cup Finals.  Moreover, the ‘Hawks were outhit yesterday afternoon in Dallas 51-21 (51-21!) and beat the Stars without a problem.  Let’s not worry about Cam Janssen.)

The Feather’s been down this road before.  Great goaltending can turn a “young, inexperienced team” into a “Stanley Cup contender” come April, and given Dale Tallon’s recent signing history, he’s well aware of this point.  In four seasons as ‘Hawk GM, Tallon has signed two goaltenders to eights years in contracts worth about $50 million, collectively.  The point is simple: while I believe the ‘Hawks would be best advised to keep both ‘tenders for the stretch run – and accordingly accept nothing in return for Khabibulin come the offseason - I also believe Tallon will do the same.  As stated in this space earlier this week, the luxury of having two great goaltenders come playoff time will far outweigh the benefit associated with the players a Khabibulin deal would likely net the ‘Hawks.  He’ll stay put – injury or not.

The irony of this situation is that good goaltending can make roster imperfections go away.  The ‘Hawks have played the entire season without a bona fide second line center – or a first line center, depending on where you believe Jonathan Toews is in his development – and they have a chance to go to 20 games over .500 this evening against Minnesota. 

No center?  Because of goaltending, no problem.

So, not only should Khabibulin stay, he will stay.

The Committed Indian

As previously mentioned in this space, the Fifth Feather will play a role in this evening’s The Committed Indian, sold outside of the UC before the game.  Pick one up, and tell them John and Bob sent you.

We’ll see you this evening, and talk at you tomorrow morning.

Blackhawks 3, Stars 1

Three different Blackhawks scored and Cristobal Huet provided his usual effort as the ‘Hawks nearly blanked the streaking Stars in Dallas.  And, boy, did it start to get ugly early.  Ten penalties – including misconduct penalties for Dave Bolland and Steve Ott – were called during the first frame; and Krys Barch and Mike Ribeiro took turns dishing out big hits.  In spite of being outhit 21-8 during the first, the ‘Hawks responded to sweep the season series against Dallas.

Though the ‘Hawks started with a poor power play during which the Stars had the best scoring opportunity and Dallas came out hitting – especially Barch and Ott – the visiting team scored first.  On the power play, Martin Havlat found James Wisniewski stepping in from the point, and Wizniewski one-timed a shot from just above the right circle past Stars’ tender Marty Turco.

From there, the Stars stayed out of penalty trouble, but it didn’t help.  The ‘Hawks added two in the second to put the game out of reach before the third frame, and Kris Versteeg struck the crossbar off a Martin Havlat pass during the first few minutes of the period.  On a delayed penalty call with the extra skater – Jonathan Toews - on, Toews attempted a pass across the slot.  The pass attempt hit traffic in front, and like an “ugly finder,” found the new-look Patrick Kane, who scored a hair cut in Texas, and Kane made it a two-goal game.  Next, with the seconds dwindling down on the second, Matt Walker scored his first of the season and second of his career on a long shot from the point off a cross-ice pass from Brian Campbell.  Though it appeared that Ben Eager may have tipped it in front, the puck indeed tickled the twine untouched.  And, that was all the ‘Hawks would need.  Though the Stars were able to get on the board during the third – courtesy of Ott – it wouldn’t be enough.  Huet made a few tricky saves in the final twenty minutes, but, for the most part, Dallas was unable to generate the offense necessary to score three during the third. 

As mentioned above, the ‘Hawks sweep the Stars 4-0 during the Western Conference regular season series.  The Stars, now without Brad Richards and without Brendan Morrow and Sergei Zubov most of the season, just weren’t able to match up versus the ‘Hawks all season, losing three of the four games by three goals.  The Stars were 10-3 in their 13 games previous to Saturday’s game, and they currently sit in seventh place in the Conference.  They have only four scorers with at least 30 points.

Next, a public apology: During the first months of the season, I routinely slighted ‘Hawk defenseman Matt Walker.  After Coach Joel Quenneville began playing Walker as a top-four defenseman in the place of Cam Barker, James Wisniewski or Brent Sopel, I ripped Walker’s hands and passing.  Though I thought he provided some nice depth and decent size, I was against playing him nearly 20 minutes a night.  Well, I’ll relent and admit Matt Walker deserves to play top-four minutes on this team; I’ll admit his passing has recently been much better than I’ve given him credit for.  He also seems to be a nice compliment to Brian Campbell.

Now, doesn’t that feel nice?

Finally, the Fifth Feather will contribute to tomorrow’s issue of the Committed Indian, sold outside the United Center before the game.  Pick one up, and check us out.

Blackhawks 4, Panthers 0

This one was close – for a while. After playing most of the evening with a one-goal lead, the ‘Hawks began busting the Florida Panthers’ door down with 11:28 left in the inter-conference clash. Cristobal Huet, according to script, took care of the rest, bringing the ‘Hawks to an astounding 18 games over .500 and a post-All Star Game record of 8-3, even after having played only one home game in that span.

The game was wide open with each team getting over 30 shots. The ‘Hawks dominated the first, and took a lead into the first intermission on the heels of an Andrew Ladd tally – his tenth. The second period was less one-sided, and included the first power plays of the evening. The ‘Hawks saw two opportunities towards the first half of the frame, and in spite of pressure and crisp passing, the ‘Hawks weren’t able to tickle the twine. One opportunity in particular saw Patrick Kane find Brian Campbell cross-ice just in the near circle, but Campbell was unable to catch the pass cleanly and pull the trigger. Another saw Cam Barker ring the post from the point. The Panthers responded with some decent power play pressure of their own, but strong killing a few timely stops guided the ‘Hawks into the second intermission with the same lead they took into the first.

After 40 tight minutes, the game came down to the third period, and the ‘Hawks dominated the frame for the second straight game. Just as they did up the road in Tampa Bay on Tuesday, the ‘Hawks took control with 19 third period shots. It finally paid off when Ben Eager scored about 8 ½ minutes into the period on a rebound, giving the ‘Hawks a two-goal lead. But, the game broke open when Nick Boynton dropped his gloves to fight Dave Bolland after the ‘Hawk ran into the Panthers’ goaltender. (Vokoun appeared to slow and sell the contact to draw a penalty.) Rather than going on the power play, the Panthers had to settle for 4-on-4 – but that wasn’t good enough. Before a face-off in the ‘Hawk zone with about four minutes left, Panther Head Coach Peter DeBoer pulled Vokoun to force a 5-on-4. Jonathan Toews promptly accepted the invitation, netting his 21st from the far blue line. And, just like that, it was a three-goal game. Ben Eager scored his second, beating Vokoun from the far boards to round out the evening’s scoring. It was his tenth; not bad for a fourth liner acquired for Jim Vandermeer.

Otherwise, the power play continues to generate great pressure, though it was 0-5 on Thursday. The first power play – in the second – saw the ‘Hawks sustain pressure in the Panther zone for all but ten of the 120 seconds played with the man advantage. In particular, Patrick Kane looked spry again. Florida decided to give him time and room against the half-wall, and they were lucky it didn’t bite them – though it would have if $52 million bought a blue liner who could catch a pass in the offensive zone.

Elsewhere, Tim Sassone wonders whether the time is now to trade the injured Nik Khabibulin, citing the goaltending needs of Philadelphia and Washington, among others. My stance has remained constant all season: young teams, if they expect to succeed come playoff time, need solid goaltending above all else. Though I don’t doubt the ‘Hawks could lean on Cristobal Huet in April, I think the luxury of going two-deep in net outweighs the effect of anything they may get back in a deal, especially since any team trading for Khabby would be contending and likely unwilling to part with any significant pieces that could help the ‘Hawks this season. Though a pick and a prospect may help the ‘Hawks down the road, is it important enough to effectively roll the dice in net down the stretch? I still think not.

Finally, though they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Comcast Sports Net didn’t flatter anyone by spoofing the now infamous One Goal commercial campaign during Thursday night’s game. Thought Brian Campbell or Adam Burish skating up to a dimly lit single microphone was a bad idea for a commercial campaign? How about Chuck Garfien or Mark Schanowski? Thought so.

The ‘Hawks will visit Dallas on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 pm CST. Dallas lost Brad Richards for the season this week, so they should be good and angry – not to mention, bad. The ‘Hawks return home on Sunday to face the Wild when the Fifth Feather will be featured in the Committed Indian. Pick one up in front of the United Center before the game, and tell them John and Bob sent you.