Jonathan Toews netted his first NHL hat-trick last night, but the Hawks still fell to the Sid Crosby-less Penguins at the United Center.
Toews scored all three goals while the Hawks were on the powerplay.
Earlier in the game, with two goals already to his name, Toews deflected in a shot from the point that went into the goal, and hundreds of red hard-hats (it was Blackhawk hard-hat night) fell to the ice. But the goal was reveresed because apparently, his stick was too high when he touched the puck.
He tallied his actual third goal a few minutes later.
Despite the hat-trick by Toews, the comeback, the lead changes, and the exciting game that took place, there is a more pressing matter on my mind this morning.
This is the first time all season that the Hawks have lost three straight games. Granted, not all three were in regulation (last night's loss came in OT while shorthanded), but still. At this point in the season, this is not what I thought I'd be seeing.
Not only that, but the fashion in which they lost the last two games is alarming. Giving up a 3-1 lead and allowing four goals in the third period to a clearly inferior Nashville team should not happen. Yes, I know it was in the midst of 12 of 14 games on the road, but they were up 3-1.
And the Penguins; this is an Eastern Conference team on the playoff bubble (barely) and without their superstar, Sid Crosby. Especially at home, this should have been a win.
The Hawks have a decent chance to turn things around, with six of their next seven games at home (and only two playoff bound opponents in that stretch).
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Does anyone want to buy a bag of hair?
Prior to a 3-1 win over the Dallas Stars on Saturday, 20-year old Blackhawk star Patrick Kane got a haircut.
"To be honest, I didn't want to cut it this short," said Kane. "I told [the hair stylist] to just kind of fade it up. But it's good to change up the look."
The blonde mop-top is gone, but not for good.
"The lady that took it off had me sign a card, and she put all the hair in a bag and said she's going to sell it on eBay."
Check out the full story here.
"To be honest, I didn't want to cut it this short," said Kane. "I told [the hair stylist] to just kind of fade it up. But it's good to change up the look."
The blonde mop-top is gone, but not for good.
"The lady that took it off had me sign a card, and she put all the hair in a bag and said she's going to sell it on eBay."
Check out the full story here.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Youth vs. Experience come playoff time
As the Blackhawks strengthen their grip on the fourth seed in the Western Conference, it's becoming clear that for the first time since 2001-2002, Chicago will see post-season hockey.
The Washington Capitals were the sixth youngest team (avg. age 26.98) in the NHL at the end of last season, and the youngest team in the playoffs. They rode 23-year old superstar (and 2007-08 NHL MVP) Alex Ovechkin into the playoffs after posting a 37-17-7 record from Nov. 4 onward. They were the first ever NHL team to make the postseason after being in last place at the halfway point of the season.
At this moment, Chicago is the youngest team in the NHL. That could of course change as roster moves come and go with the March 4 trade deadline, but it won't be too drastic. The Blackhawks will still be a very young team in the playoffs.
How did the younger teams fare in the playoffs last season? And what about those composed of grizzled veterans? Lets take a look.
The Washington Capitals were the sixth youngest team (avg. age 26.98) in the NHL at the end of last season, and the youngest team in the playoffs. They rode 23-year old superstar (and 2007-08 NHL MVP) Alex Ovechkin into the playoffs after posting a 37-17-7 record from Nov. 4 onward. They were the first ever NHL team to make the postseason after being in last place at the halfway point of the season.In a tough series with the Philadelphia Flyers, the Capitals fell just short. They lost the series 4-3, but won back-to-back elimination games. They lost game seven in double OT. A first round exit for the youngest team in the playoffs.
The next youngest team (avg. age 27.76) in the playoffs (seventh) were the San Jose Sharks. A highly touted second seed with one of the best goalies in the NHL in Evgeni Nabakov; they seemed primed to break their streak of playoff ineptitude and make a run for the Cup. Another surviving a first round scare against the Calgary Flames, the Sharks bowed out in the second.
The jist here, is that young teams do not fare so well in the playoffs. Pittsburgh was the ninth youngest team and made it to the finals, but were thoroughly manhandled by the oldest team in the NHL; the Detroit Red Wings.
In eight out of the 15 playoff matchups, the team with the older average age won.
But I feel the Blackhawks are better than the Sharks and the Caps of the 2008 playoffs. John Buccigross recently wrote, "The Hawks are having an unbelievable season and have a legitimate chance to reach the Stanley Cup finals. (They are that good.) They also could lose in the first round. (They are that young.)"
Personally, I see a second round exit for the Hawks in the playoffs. When it comes down it, especially in the Stanely Cup playoffs, expereince will take you farther than youth.
Hopefully they prove me wrong.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Quick NHL update
Some interesting things are taking place regarding the Blackhawks as well as the playoff chase in the Western Conference, and here is a quick update to keep you informed on what is going on.
First up, the rumor mill is churning out some talk about the Blackhawks trading right winger Martin Havlat to Pittsburgh for 20-year old center Jordan Staal. Havlat has 19 goals, 26 assists, and 45 points on the year in 54 games played. Staal (the Penguins first round draft choice and second overall pick in the 2006 NHL draft) has 15 goals, 16 assists, and 31 points in 57 games played.
The Blackhawks need another center. Nik Antropov from the Toronto Maple Leafs has also been mentioned as a possibility. The March 4th trade deadline is getting closer, so the rumors will only get worse and come at a faster pace. Eventually roster moves will be made, and it'll be exciting to see what Chicago chooses to do (if anything, which is also a very real possibility).
In the wild wild West Conference, the race for the final playoff spots hasn't become any clearer than it was on February 3, when five teams were tied for the final five spots. Take a look.
Seeds 5-7 are tied at 61 points (Dallas, Columbus, Anaheim) and Edmonton, in the 8th spot, has 60 points. Vancuver and Minnesota (9 and 10 seeds) have 59 and 60 points respectively, and are very much alive in the hunt.
It is also becoming more apparent each day that the Pittsburgh Penguins, who just a year ago were in the Stanley Cup Finals, will miss the playoffs. They are five points out of the last playoff spot and playing very poorly. If things continue as they are, it will be dissapointing not seeing Sidney Crosby in the playoffs.
*a quick edit: a couple hours after this post, news broke that Pittsburgh Penguins Head Coach Michel Therrien has been fired. Minor league coach Dan Bylsma has been named the replacement for now.
First up, the rumor mill is churning out some talk about the Blackhawks trading right winger Martin Havlat to Pittsburgh for 20-year old center Jordan Staal. Havlat has 19 goals, 26 assists, and 45 points on the year in 54 games played. Staal (the Penguins first round draft choice and second overall pick in the 2006 NHL draft) has 15 goals, 16 assists, and 31 points in 57 games played.
The Blackhawks need another center. Nik Antropov from the Toronto Maple Leafs has also been mentioned as a possibility. The March 4th trade deadline is getting closer, so the rumors will only get worse and come at a faster pace. Eventually roster moves will be made, and it'll be exciting to see what Chicago chooses to do (if anything, which is also a very real possibility).
In the wild wild West Conference, the race for the final playoff spots hasn't become any clearer than it was on February 3, when five teams were tied for the final five spots. Take a look.
Seeds 5-7 are tied at 61 points (Dallas, Columbus, Anaheim) and Edmonton, in the 8th spot, has 60 points. Vancuver and Minnesota (9 and 10 seeds) have 59 and 60 points respectively, and are very much alive in the hunt.
It is also becoming more apparent each day that the Pittsburgh Penguins, who just a year ago were in the Stanley Cup Finals, will miss the playoffs. They are five points out of the last playoff spot and playing very poorly. If things continue as they are, it will be dissapointing not seeing Sidney Crosby in the playoffs.
*a quick edit: a couple hours after this post, news broke that Pittsburgh Penguins Head Coach Michel Therrien has been fired. Minor league coach Dan Bylsma has been named the replacement for now.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Teams I hate.
The Blackhawks take on the St.Louis Blues tonight. This is a classic rivalry that dates back many a year. It seems as though every game has playoff intensity. The scores are close, the games are brutal physically, and fights almost always happen.
There is a certain level of stress for a fan that comes with watching games against rivals. It starts even before the game begins, and only intensifies as the game is going on. You hate losing to them, and you love beating them (and not just beat them, embarrass them).
This one is a given as a Cubs fan. This is the team I can't stand more than any other. My grandpa hated the Cardinals with a fiery passion, and that part of the Patchett DNA has made its way to my Dad and my Uncle, my older brother, and me. I hope one day, I can pass it on to my kids.
When I moved to Madison at 10 years of age, I was already a diehard Hawkeye fan (again, it was in the genes). Growing up in the heart of BADger country as a Hawkeye was no easy task. The fans are douche bags, their teams suck for the most part, and I can't stand them.
Oh boy, what to say about this team. Every game against them probably takes a couple days off of my life span. The Detwat Deadthings (yes, I call them that) rank up there with the Cardinals in the "things I hate the most" category. Finally, the rivalry is getting back to what it used to be with the Red Wings now that Chicago is competitive. Hopefully, their reign at the top of the Central Division is over.
As for the Blues, the fact that they're from St.Louis already gives them multiple minus points in my book. Other than that, I've just grown up disliking the Blues, it's natural for Blackhawk fans.
There is a certain level of stress for a fan that comes with watching games against rivals. It starts even before the game begins, and only intensifies as the game is going on. You hate losing to them, and you love beating them (and not just beat them, embarrass them).
So with less than an hour away from the first puck dropping, I can feel that anxiousness, stress, and excitement setting in. To help pass the time, I figured I'd write a post about the teams I can't stand.
This one is a given as a Cubs fan. This is the team I can't stand more than any other. My grandpa hated the Cardinals with a fiery passion, and that part of the Patchett DNA has made its way to my Dad and my Uncle, my older brother, and me. I hope one day, I can pass it on to my kids.
When I moved to Madison at 10 years of age, I was already a diehard Hawkeye fan (again, it was in the genes). Growing up in the heart of BADger country as a Hawkeye was no easy task. The fans are douche bags, their teams suck for the most part, and I can't stand them. 
Oh boy, what to say about this team. Every game against them probably takes a couple days off of my life span. The Detwat Deadthings (yes, I call them that) rank up there with the Cardinals in the "things I hate the most" category. Finally, the rivalry is getting back to what it used to be with the Red Wings now that Chicago is competitive. Hopefully, their reign at the top of the Central Division is over.
As for the Blues, the fact that they're from St.Louis already gives them multiple minus points in my book. Other than that, I've just grown up disliking the Blues, it's natural for Blackhawk fans.
*This is an honorable mention for the White Sox, the Brewers, and their fans. Yes, I know all about the Windy City rivalry, and yes, I know Brewers fans are mad that Miller Park is really just "Wrigley North." But those teams and those fans need to understand that the rivalry with the Cubs really isn't that intense. You guys just have massive inferiority complexes (remeber Ozzie's little rant last season? He practically cried.) Yeah I said it, and it's true. Ask around, talk to some Cub fans. We don't like those teams very much, but do you bring about the same emotion and atmosphere as the Cardinals? No.
The rivalry with the Sox is just a given because of proximity, as for the Brewers, the rivalry is getting there. If they stay competitive, then it could definitely develop into something special.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Stanley Cup Finals preview tonight?
vs. 
I highly advise you take an hour or two out of your day today to sit back, turn on the VS. network at 6 p.m. central, and watch one of the best hockey games yet this entire season.
The best team in the Western Conference, the San Jose Sharks travel to Boston to take on the Bruins, the top team in the Eastern Conference.
For some interesting context, check out Pierre Lebrun's blog on ESPN, here.
And for a preview of tonight's matchup, check here.
This is NHL hockey at it's best.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Why hockey?
I recently took a friend of mine to her first live hockey game. We have been watching the Blackhawks on television a lot, but she had never seen hockey live. So we went to the Coralridge Mall and watched the Iowa IceHawks on Saturday afternoon.
As the third period came to a close, I asked if she had enjoyed it and what her favorite part was. She said "yes," and decided that the best part of live hockey was "when they bang each other into the boards and it makes that loud noise." I didn't really expect that to be the answer and I thought it was pretty funny, but it got me thinking. What about hockey, especially in person, has captured my attention all these years?
The first thing that came to mind is the speed. Everything in hockey happens a lightning pace. You can look away for literally a second, and miss a massive hit or a goal. A shot can miss by mere inches on one end of the ice, and within three or four seconds, the other team can have the puck in the back of the net on the other end. An entire game can change instantly. And for a game that moves so fast, 10 seconds can feel like an eternity. It's exhilarating and does a fantastic job of keeping one's attention.
The list of reasons I love hockey could go on for pages, but as for the first thing I think of as to "why hockey?", the speed of the game will do.
As the third period came to a close, I asked if she had enjoyed it and what her favorite part was. She said "yes," and decided that the best part of live hockey was "when they bang each other into the boards and it makes that loud noise." I didn't really expect that to be the answer and I thought it was pretty funny, but it got me thinking. What about hockey, especially in person, has captured my attention all these years?
The first thing that came to mind is the speed. Everything in hockey happens a lightning pace. You can look away for literally a second, and miss a massive hit or a goal. A shot can miss by mere inches on one end of the ice, and within three or four seconds, the other team can have the puck in the back of the net on the other end. An entire game can change instantly. And for a game that moves so fast, 10 seconds can feel like an eternity. It's exhilarating and does a fantastic job of keeping one's attention.
The list of reasons I love hockey could go on for pages, but as for the first thing I think of as to "why hockey?", the speed of the game will do.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
A cluster-f in the West
Just a random note on something that'll no doubt be fun to watch the rest of this NHL season...
Five (yes, 5) teams are tied for the final three playoff spots in the Western Conference. The Dallas Stars, the Minnesota Wild, the Edmonton Oilers, the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Phoenix Coyotes all have 53 points. The Vancuver Canucks, in 11th place, have 52 points.
take a look
If I had to pick right now, I'd say the Canucks are cooked. Five straigt losses, inconsistent play, and the subpar netminding of Roberto Luongo since his return are going to be the anchor that helps them sink deeper into the Western Conference Standings...so they're out.
I'd also cast off the Columbus Blue Jackets. I just don't see them making a significant push, and treading water won't do enough to last in this race.
The Dallas Stars are in. They are hot right now (4 straight wins) and a playoff tested, Avery-less team backed up by Marty Turco is always a safe bet. Two spots left...
The Minnesota Wild are also in. Fantastic (even if it's incredibly boring) defensive hockey and one of the best goalies in the game today are a pair that will have the Wild playing postseason hockey. One more spot to go...
Figuring out this last spot is tough, but I'm going to with the Edmonton Oilers (remind you, these picks are based largely on what I've seen so far, and what's going on at this moment). Phoenix just seems too young. They're fourth (out of 5) in their division, and the home stretch of their shedule is pretty brutal.
There is still a lot of hockey to be played though. 32 or so games left for the majority of teams, and this race is as tight as can be.
Who do you have coming out of this cluster-f?
Five (yes, 5) teams are tied for the final three playoff spots in the Western Conference. The Dallas Stars, the Minnesota Wild, the Edmonton Oilers, the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Phoenix Coyotes all have 53 points. The Vancuver Canucks, in 11th place, have 52 points.
take a look
If I had to pick right now, I'd say the Canucks are cooked. Five straigt losses, inconsistent play, and the subpar netminding of Roberto Luongo since his return are going to be the anchor that helps them sink deeper into the Western Conference Standings...so they're out.
I'd also cast off the Columbus Blue Jackets. I just don't see them making a significant push, and treading water won't do enough to last in this race.
The Dallas Stars are in. They are hot right now (4 straight wins) and a playoff tested, Avery-less team backed up by Marty Turco is always a safe bet. Two spots left...
The Minnesota Wild are also in. Fantastic (even if it's incredibly boring) defensive hockey and one of the best goalies in the game today are a pair that will have the Wild playing postseason hockey. One more spot to go...
Figuring out this last spot is tough, but I'm going to with the Edmonton Oilers (remind you, these picks are based largely on what I've seen so far, and what's going on at this moment). Phoenix just seems too young. They're fourth (out of 5) in their division, and the home stretch of their shedule is pretty brutal.
There is still a lot of hockey to be played though. 32 or so games left for the majority of teams, and this race is as tight as can be.
Who do you have coming out of this cluster-f?
Monday, February 2, 2009
How the Hawks stack up against division leaders
A unnerving note from the other night...
The Chicago Blackhawks, when facing off against division leaders this season, do not fare well.
4-5-5...four wins...five losses...five overtime losses.
Currently, the division leaders are as follows.
The Detroit Red Wings, the San Jose Sharks, and the Calgary Flames from the Western Conference. From the Eastern Conference, it's the New Jersey Devils, the Boston Bruins, and the Washington Capitals.
Here's a closer look at the exact head-to-head numbers.
Detroit Red Wings: 0-2-2
San Jose Sharks: 1-2-1 (they beat the Sharks for the first time in six attempts, and the first time since 2003 on Saturday night.)
Calgary Flames: 3-0-0
Boston Bruins: 0-0-1
Washington Capitals: 0-1-0
New Jersey Devils: 0-0-0
With seven games remaining against the current division leaders (and if history has anything to say about it, the current divison leaders will finish the season that way), there is ample oppurtunity to improve on these numbers.
The Hawks will play the Sharks one last time, two more games at the end of the season against the Wings, one more against Calgary, two against New Jersey, and one more matchup with the Boston Bruins. Highlight these games on the schedule.
The Chicago Blackhawks, when facing off against division leaders this season, do not fare well.
4-5-5...four wins...five losses...five overtime losses.
Currently, the division leaders are as follows.
The Detroit Red Wings, the San Jose Sharks, and the Calgary Flames from the Western Conference. From the Eastern Conference, it's the New Jersey Devils, the Boston Bruins, and the Washington Capitals.
Here's a closer look at the exact head-to-head numbers.
Detroit Red Wings: 0-2-2
San Jose Sharks: 1-2-1 (they beat the Sharks for the first time in six attempts, and the first time since 2003 on Saturday night.)
Calgary Flames: 3-0-0
Boston Bruins: 0-0-1
Washington Capitals: 0-1-0
New Jersey Devils: 0-0-0
With seven games remaining against the current division leaders (and if history has anything to say about it, the current divison leaders will finish the season that way), there is ample oppurtunity to improve on these numbers.
The Hawks will play the Sharks one last time, two more games at the end of the season against the Wings, one more against Calgary, two against New Jersey, and one more matchup with the Boston Bruins. Highlight these games on the schedule.
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