Talk'n Hawks http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/ en vincemaranto@att.net Copyright 2012 2012-02-22T17:59:48+00:00 Hawks Win 4th Straight http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/hawks_win_4th_straight/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/hawks_win_4th_straight/ The Blackhawks now have won 4 in a row, after snapping the long losing streak. Last night it was the Detroit Red Wings who fell to the Hawks by a score of 2 - 1, at the United Center. The Wings, although record breaking at home, are just a .500 team on the road this season. The game was also played missing a key player from each squad. The Hawks were without Toews (day to day, upper body).  Detroit played without Datsyuk who will be out several weeks due to knee surgery. A player who was back from injury was their goalie Jimmy Howard. He’s been out close to 3 weeks with a broken finger on his blocker hand.  Howard (32-11-1) faced Crawford (21-14-5) in net. You would have never known that Howard missed all that time by watching him play, he came up BIG on several occasions. It didn’t help either that the Hawks managed only a few shots on goal in the first 8 minutes. The lines for the Hawks, missing their Captain, looked like this; 1) Sharp, Morrison (a healthy scratch for the last week or so) Kane.  2) Brunette, Kruger, Hossa.  3) Bickell, Bolland, Stalberg (I like that combo over the last several games)  4) Frolik, Mayers, Hayes. On “D” it was Keith & Olsen, Leddy & Seabrook, Scott (who saw very few shifts) & Lepisto.. Good news, by the way, Hjalmarsson skated with the team in the morning. The Blackhawks now have won 4 in a row, after snapping the long losing streak. Last night it was the Detroit Red Wings who fell to the Hawks by a score of 2 - 1, at the United Center. The Wings, although record breaking at home, are just a .500 team on the road this season. The game was also played missing a key player from each squad. The Hawks were without Toews (day to day, upper body).  Detroit played without Datsyuk who will be out several weeks due to knee surgery.

A player who was back from injury was their goalie Jimmy Howard. He’s been out close to 3 weeks with a broken finger on his blocker hand.  Howard (32-11-1) faced Crawford (21-14-5) in net. You would have never known that Howard missed all that time by watching him play, he came up BIG on several occasions. It didn’t help either that the Hawks managed only a few shots on goal in the first 8 minutes.

The lines for the Hawks, missing their Captain, looked like this; 1) Sharp, Morrison (a healthy scratch for the last week or so) Kane.  2) Brunette, Kruger, Hossa.  3) Bickell, Bolland, Stalberg (I like that combo over the last several games)  4) Frolik, Mayers, Hayes. On “D” it was Keith & Olsen, Leddy & Seabrook, Scott (who saw very few shifts) & Lepisto.. Good news, by the way, Hjalmarsson skated with the team in the morning.

Continue reading "Hawks Win 4th Straight"

]]> 2012-02-22T17:59:48+00:00 Vince Maranto Hawks Come Back To Win http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/hawks_come_back_to_win/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/hawks_come_back_to_win/ First of all, I hope every one enjoyed “Hockey day in America”.  I know Hawks fans did. The Hawks came back from a one goal deficit, to defeat the St. Louis Blues by a score of 3 - 1.  It was the first time back at the United Center since the DISASTROUS 9 game road trip.  The Hawks have now picked up a much needed 6 out of the last 6 points. It was Crawford (20-14-5) again in net for Chicago, against Elliot (20-5-2). It should be noted that between Elliot and Halak, the Blues have 12 shutouts; a truly amazing 6 shutouts for each goaltender. Not to be a “Debbie Downer”, but the Hawks STILL have not shut ANYONE out. They remain the only team in the NHL in that category. The lines and defensive pairings started the same as last game. Scott played several shifts on defense after beginning the game on the 4th line wing. The Hawks also entered the game with a 9 game streak of not allowing any Power Play goals. The length of this streak goes back several years. Chicago-Blackhawks First of all, I hope every one enjoyed “Hockey day in America”.  I know Hawks fans did. The Hawks came back from a one goal deficit, to defeat the St. Louis Blues by a score of 3 - 1.  It was the first time back at the United Center since the DISASTROUS 9 game road trip.  The Hawks have now picked up a much needed 6 out of the last 6 points.

It was Crawford (20-14-5) again in net for Chicago, against Elliot (20-5-2). It should be noted that between Elliot and Halak, the Blues have 12 shutouts; a truly amazing 6 shutouts for each goaltender. Not to be a “Debbie Downer”, but the Hawks STILL have not shut ANYONE out. They remain the only team in the NHL in that category.

The lines and defensive pairings started the same as last game. Scott played several shifts on defense after beginning the game on the 4th line wing. The Hawks also entered the game with a 9 game streak of not allowing any Power Play goals. The length of this streak goes back several years.

Continue reading "Hawks Come Back To Win"

]]> 2012-02-20T01:44:59+00:00 Vince Maranto A Winning Streak! http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/a_winning_streak/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/a_winning_streak/ Yes, indeed, it only takes 2 games for a streak to occur. The Hawks have their first one in quite some time now after beating the Blue Jackets in Columbus by a score of 6 - 1. .The Hawks rattled off 6 straight goals after falling behind 1 - 0.  It was the 5th time they have beaten them in 5 games. There is, of course, one games left between the two teams. It was Crawford (19-14-5) against Steve Mason (7-20-2) to start the game. Andrew Shaw was sent down to Rockford and Jimmy Hates was brought up. The lines were slightly juggled. The first line of Sharp, Toews & Kane remained in tact, and for the second game in a row came up big. They have 12 points in those 2 games. The rest looked like this; 2) Brunette, Kruger, Hossa.  3) Stalberg, Bolland, Bickell.  4) Hayes, Mayers, Scott. In the 1st period, a turnover in their own zone, led to a goal by Brassard. Seabrook then saved a 2nd Blue jacket score by clearing the puck out of the crease behind Crawford.  From that point on, however, it would be all Blackhawks lighting the lamp. Chicago-Blackhawks Yes, indeed, it only takes 2 games for a streak to occur. The Hawks have their first one in quite some time now after beating the Blue Jackets in Columbus by a score of 6 - 1. .The Hawks rattled off 6 straight goals after falling behind 1 - 0.  It was the 5th time they have beaten them in 5 games. There is, of course, one games left between the two teams.

It was Crawford (19-14-5) against Steve Mason (7-20-2) to start the game. Andrew Shaw was sent down to Rockford and Jimmy Hates was brought up. The lines were slightly juggled. The first line of Sharp, Toews & Kane remained in tact, and for the second game in a row came up big. They have 12 points in those 2 games. The rest looked like this; 2) Brunette, Kruger, Hossa.  3) Stalberg, Bolland, Bickell.  4) Hayes, Mayers, Scott.

In the 1st period, a turnover in their own zone, led to a goal by Brassard. Seabrook then saved a 2nd Blue jacket score by clearing the puck out of the crease behind Crawford.  From that point on, however, it would be all Blackhawks lighting the lamp.

Continue reading "A Winning Streak!"

]]> 2012-02-18T22:30:01+00:00 Vince Maranto Hawks Beat Rangers (No, really) http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/hawks_beat_rangers_no_really/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/hawks_beat_rangers_no_really/ The losing streak is over as the Hawks got 2 points for the first time in forever. What better way to end a streak, by beating a really good team. The Rangers (best team in the East by 7 points) lost on their home ice. The Hawks played aggressive in all aspects of the game. It was Crawford (18-14-5) against the VERY capable back up, Marty Biron (10-2-1) in net. The line ups pretty much remained the same for the Hawks as last game. The effort was certainly there the last couple of games, despite the final score.  John Scott was again on the fourth line, in what you knew would be a physical game. The Rangers lead all of the NHL in hits. The Hawks had had only 17 goals in their last 9 games. A scoring effort would be needed last night, and was. In the first period, the Hawks were awarded a Penalty Shot just a minute into the game. The puck was gloved in the crease by New York. Toews took it and went 5 hole. ! - 0 Hawks. The Hawks were 17-5-2 when scoring first, entering the game. Quickly, a Leddy slap shot made it 2 - 0. On only their 4th shot of the game, Sharp made it 3 - 0 on a breakaway. This was all in the first 4 minutes!. Now this is where it gets interesting…... Chicago-Blackhawks The losing streak is over as the Hawks got 2 points for the first time in forever. What better way to end a streak, by beating a really good team. The Rangers (best team in the East by 7 points) lost on their home ice. The Hawks played aggressive in all aspects of the game. It was Crawford (18-14-5) against the VERY capable back up, Marty Biron (10-2-1) in net.

The line ups pretty much remained the same for the Hawks as last game. The effort was certainly there the last couple of games, despite the final score.  John Scott was again on the fourth line, in what you knew would be a physical game. The Rangers lead all of the NHL in hits. The Hawks had had only 17 goals in their last 9 games. A scoring effort would be needed last night, and was.

In the first period, the Hawks were awarded a Penalty Shot just a minute into the game. The puck was gloved in the crease by New York. Toews took it and went 5 hole. ! - 0 Hawks. The Hawks were 17-5-2 when scoring first, entering the game. Quickly, a Leddy slap shot made it 2 - 0. On only their 4th shot of the game, Sharp made it 3 - 0 on a breakaway. This was all in the first 4 minutes!. Now this is where it gets interesting…...

Continue reading "Hawks Beat Rangers (No, really)"

]]> 2012-02-17T15:00:30+00:00 Vince Maranto Saad should make you Happy http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/saad_should_make_you_happy/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/saad_should_make_you_happy/ My son was just asking me the other day about what ever happened to Brandon Saad. Saad was the 43rd overall pick in last years Draft The 2nd rounder, ^ foot, 180 pounds has been playing in Saginaw. The left winger was one of the last couple of players cut in the pre-season.  Here’s an update on him via the Hawks’ website. Blackhawks prospect Brandon Saad has been burning up the Ontario Hockey League as of late. In 16 games through January and part of February, Saad has put up 32 points (11G, 21A), contributing to his lofty total of 54 (21G, 33A) in 30 appearances. He is currently working on a 12-game point streak, the last 11 after he was named Saginaw captain on Jan. 17, and is averaging a team-best 1.8 points per game, good for the second highest scoring rate in the OHL behind Sarnia’s Nail Yakupov, who is likely to be taken first overall in this summer’s NHL Entry Draft. After Saad’s two-game stint with the Blackhawks at the start of this season, he was sent back to the Saginaw Spirit and made it clear from the outset that he had benefited from his time in Chicago. Three games into his OHL season, Saad recorded five points (4G, 1A) against the Brampton Battalion, marking the beginning of an offensive surge that would produce 18 points in eight October appearances Chicago-Blackhawks My son was just asking me the other day about what ever happened to Brandon Saad. Saad was the 43rd overall pick in last years Draft The 2nd rounder, ^ foot, 180 pounds has been playing in Saginaw. The left winger was one of the last couple of players cut in the pre-season.  Here’s an update on him via the Hawks’ website.

Blackhawks prospect Brandon Saad has been burning up the Ontario Hockey League as of late. In 16 games through January and part of February, Saad has put up 32 points (11G, 21A), contributing to his lofty total of 54 (21G, 33A) in 30 appearances. He is currently working on a 12-game point streak, the last 11 after he was named Saginaw captain on Jan. 17, and is averaging a team-best 1.8 points per game, good for the second highest scoring rate in the OHL behind Sarnia’s Nail Yakupov, who is likely to be taken first overall in this summer’s NHL Entry Draft.

After Saad’s two-game stint with the Blackhawks at the start of this season, he was sent back to the Saginaw Spirit and made it clear from the outset that he had benefited from his time in Chicago. Three games into his OHL season, Saad recorded five points (4G, 1A) against the Brampton Battalion, marking the beginning of an offensive surge that would produce 18 points in eight October appearances

]]> 2012-02-16T21:10:51+00:00 Vince Maranto Goalie Interference??? http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/goalie_interference/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/goalie_interference/ The other night, during a Hawks game, there was a goalie interference penalty. Crawford was well out of the crease, but hey, the Hawks need all the help they can get these days. In all seriousness, I thought it was a bad call. Then tonight, while watching the Bruins / Canadiens game, there were 4 goalie interference calls in the first 2 periods alone! This is really getting out of control. Granted, when you netminder is in the blue paint, he should be protected, no question. But, why should the goaltender have rights to any areas outside the crease. What is the crease for then? I don’t understand why any other skater should have to yield the “right of way” outside the paint. If anything, the goalie should be hit with an interference call,  not the other way around. The crease was meant to protect the goalie. Keep it that way. Outside of it, he should be treated like any other skater. Hell, in the old days you left the crease at your own risk. I’m not suggesting that but just saying that the pendulum has swung out to far and needs to swing back.  The other night, during a Hawks game, there was a goalie interference penalty. Crawford was well out of the crease, but hey, the Hawks need all the help they can get these days. In all seriousness, I thought it was a bad call. Then tonight, while watching the Bruins / Canadiens game, there were 4 goalie interference calls in the first 2 periods alone!

This is really getting out of control. Granted, when you netminder is in the blue paint, he should be protected, no question. But, why should the goaltender have rights to any areas outside the crease. What is the crease for then? I don’t understand why any other skater should have to yield the “right of way” outside the paint.

If anything, the goalie should be hit with an interference call,  not the other way around. The crease was meant to protect the goalie. Keep it that way. Outside of it, he should be treated like any other skater. Hell, in the old days you left the crease at your own risk. I’m not suggesting that but just saying that the pendulum has swung out to far and needs to swing back. 

]]> 2012-02-16T02:48:02+00:00 Vince Maranto 0 - 8 - 1 http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/0_-_8_-_1/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/0_-_8_-_1/ The title says it all. The Hawks have now only taken 1 of the last available 18 points. This is beyond “skid”, “bump in the road”, or whatever else you want to call it. The most frustrating and aggravating thing about watching it, is that they are actually trying. If it’s from lack of hustle, or taking shifts off, that’s one thing. But this is just plain old getting beat, mixed in with giving games away. This time it was Nashville, who were 14-4-2 in their last 20 games (again) beating the Hawks 3-2. Emery (11-6-2) got the start against the always tough Rinne (30-12-6). Problem area. The Hawks STILL are the only NHL team to not shut some one out. It appears that we have 2 back ups, and not a #1 who is going to steal a game. Emery played well, but we NEED above well right now. If the defense was up to par and we were scoring the 4 goals a game that we were close to averaging for a while, the goal tending would not stick out as much. The lines saw Sharp, Toews & Kane on the first unit. The rest were juggled, also. There is a different healthy scratch or two every game these days. Last night, Scott in, Frolik out. Bickell in, Morrison out. There is not a lot of movement D-wise, with Montador placed on the I.R and Hjalmarsson out due to injury.  Chicago-Blackhawks The title says it all. The Hawks have now only taken 1 of the last available 18 points. This is beyond “skid”, “bump in the road”, or whatever else you want to call it. The most frustrating and aggravating thing about watching it, is that they are actually trying. If it’s from lack of hustle, or taking shifts off, that’s one thing. But this is just plain old getting beat, mixed in with giving games away.

This time it was Nashville, who were 14-4-2 in their last 20 games (again) beating the Hawks 3-2. Emery (11-6-2) got the start against the always tough Rinne (30-12-6). Problem area. The Hawks STILL are the only NHL team to not shut some one out. It appears that we have 2 back ups, and not a #1 who is going to steal a game. Emery played well, but we NEED above well right now. If the defense was up to par and we were scoring the 4 goals a game that we were close to averaging for a while, the goal tending would not stick out as much.

The lines saw Sharp, Toews & Kane on the first unit. The rest were juggled, also. There is a different healthy scratch or two every game these days. Last night, Scott in, Frolik out. Bickell in, Morrison out. There is not a lot of movement D-wise, with Montador placed on the I.R and Hjalmarsson out due to injury. 

Continue reading "0 - 8 - 1"

]]> 2012-02-15T14:45:37+00:00 Vince Maranto DESPERATE For A POINT!! http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/desperate_for_a_point/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/desperate_for_a_point/ These games are really frustrating to watch, and even more difficult to write about. The Hawks lose again, on the road, 5 - 3 to San Jose, Friday night. The fact that it was more of the same thing that I have been talking about for the last 4 weeks (or more) makes me dread writing this. Defense, goaltending, lack of Penalty Kill, missed opportunities. I have run out of ways to say the same thing. As if there weren’t enough problems defensively, both Montador & Hjalmarsson were sent home due to injuries. Sammy Lepisto (remember him) and Rockford call up Dylan Olsen were the replacements. They were the 3rd pairing. Line wise, it was 1) Hossa, Toews, Frolik 2) Kane, Sharp, Kruger 3) Shaw, Bolland, Bickell 4) Mayers, Brunette, Stalberg.  Crawford (18-13-5) was in net against former Hawk Cup hoister, Niemi (22-12-5). The sad part was not even registering a point, with what was a determined team effort all game. But no matter how hard you try, you are not going to get any where by shooting yourself in the foot and giving away goals. These games are really frustrating to watch, and even more difficult to write about. The Hawks lose again, on the road, 5 - 3 to San Jose, Friday night. The fact that it was more of the same thing that I have been talking about for the last 4 weeks (or more) makes me dread writing this. Defense, goaltending, lack of Penalty Kill, missed opportunities. I have run out of ways to say the same thing.

As if there weren’t enough problems defensively, both Montador & Hjalmarsson were sent home due to injuries. Sammy Lepisto (remember him) and Rockford call up Dylan Olsen were the replacements. They were the 3rd pairing.
Line wise, it was 1) Hossa, Toews, Frolik 2) Kane, Sharp, Kruger 3) Shaw, Bolland, Bickell 4) Mayers, Brunette, Stalberg.  Crawford (18-13-5) was in net against former Hawk Cup hoister, Niemi (22-12-5).

The sad part was not even registering a point, with what was a determined team effort all game. But no matter how hard you try, you are not going to get any where by shooting yourself in the foot and giving away goals.

Continue reading "DESPERATE For A POINT!!"

]]> 2012-02-11T20:00:18+00:00 Vince Maranto NHL Sweaters,—Past & Current http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/nhl_sweaters--_past_current/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/nhl_sweaters--_past_current/ Here’s just a thought that I had. Hearing the GREAT news of the Winter Classic Game being played at “The Big House”, in Ann Arbor—Leafs / Wings, I told my son about it. “We should try and go”, he said. Living in Chicago, the trip is of course, about 4 1/2 hours. This is depending on the weather and how you drive. “We’ll have to get some Leafs jersey’s first”, I said kidding him. “Leafs SUCK”, he said, repeating the chant, from Ottawa, at the All Star Game this year. So it made me think. Every NHL city has at least ONE hated rival, some multiple. Here’s my question to all that read this. Name your city, and the team that you would LEAST wear a jersey of. Then, tell me, both past and present, if you ABSOLUTELY had to, whose jersey would you wear? I’ll start it off. I live in Chicago, Wearing a WINGS sweater would be torture, to say the least. But, without a doubt, a would wear the # 9, Gordie Howe sweater, in a heart beat. For the current WINGS, no question, Lidstrom. Tell me yours. This is just for fun. I don’t need to hear how you’d rather die than participate. Keep it to yourself, tough guy. Here’s just a thought that I had. Hearing the GREAT news of the Winter Classic Game being played at “The Big House”, in Ann Arbor—Leafs / Wings, I told my son about it. “We should try and go”, he said. Living in Chicago, the trip is of course, about 4 1/2 hours. This is depending on the weather and how you drive. “We’ll have to get some Leafs jersey’s first”, I said kidding him. “Leafs SUCK”, he said, repeating the chant, from Ottawa, at the All Star Game this year. So it made me think. Every NHL city has at least ONE hated rival, some multiple. Here’s my question to all that read this. Name your city, and the team that you would LEAST wear a jersey of. Then, tell me, both past and present, if you ABSOLUTELY had to, whose jersey would you wear?

I’ll start it off. I live in Chicago, Wearing a WINGS sweater would be torture, to say the least. But, without a doubt, a would wear the # 9, Gordie Howe sweater, in a heart beat. For the current WINGS, no question, Lidstrom. Tell me yours. This is just for fun. I don’t need to hear how you’d rather die than participate. Keep it to yourself, tough guy.

]]> 2012-02-10T15:00:11+00:00 Vince Maranto Hawks Skid Continues http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/hawks_skid_continues/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/hawks_skid_continues/ I don’t even know where to start? I have a lot of notes, but none of them are good. Oh well, the title says it all…. The Hawks fell to Colorado at the Pepsi center on Tuesday night, 5-2. Both teams entered the contest with a 0-4-1 record in their last 5 games. During that stretch, the Hawks had 10 goals for, and 22 goals against. That should tell you something right there. The team (except, of course Carcillo) is in tact, so injuries cannot be used as an excuse. I do, however, doubt that Toews is anywhere near 100%. He just doesn’t seem right. It looks like it’s Ray Emery’s job to lose in the net. Emery (11-4-2) got his second straight start. He faced Giguere (12-9-2).  It is easy to blame the goalies - Hawks with 163 goals against, second worst in the West. Only Columbus is worse. But, last night’s game featured at least 7 odd man rushes for the Av’s with 5 or 6 of them being 2 on 1’s!  I don’t recall the Hawks having any. The line ups were announced as 1) Shaw, Toews, Kane (which I liked but rarely saw).  2) Sharp, Bolland, Hossa 3) Kruger, Morrison, Stalberg 4) Brunette, Mayers, Frolik. For once, I was surprised NOT to see Bickell. I thought he had a pretty good previous game. Leddy continues to be paired up with Montador on the 3rd D-line. Chicago-Blackhawks I don’t even know where to start? I have a lot of notes, but none of them are good. Oh well, the title says it all…. The Hawks fell to Colorado at the Pepsi center on Tuesday night, 5-2. Both teams entered the contest with a 0-4-1 record in their last 5 games. During that stretch, the Hawks had 10 goals for, and 22 goals against. That should tell you something right there. The team (except, of course Carcillo) is in tact, so injuries cannot be used as an excuse. I do, however, doubt that Toews is anywhere near 100%. He just doesn’t seem right.

It looks like it’s Ray Emery’s job to lose in the net. Emery (11-4-2) got his second straight start. He faced Giguere (12-9-2).  It is easy to blame the goalies - Hawks with 163 goals against, second worst in the West. Only Columbus is worse. But, last night’s game featured at least 7 odd man rushes for the Av’s with 5 or 6 of them being 2 on 1’s!  I don’t recall the Hawks having any.

The line ups were announced as 1) Shaw, Toews, Kane (which I liked but rarely saw).  2) Sharp, Bolland, Hossa 3) Kruger, Morrison, Stalberg 4) Brunette, Mayers, Frolik. For once, I was surprised NOT to see Bickell. I thought he had a pretty good previous game. Leddy continues to be paired up with Montador on the 3rd D-line.

Continue reading "Hawks Skid Continues"

]]> 2012-02-08T17:59:19+00:00 Vince Maranto