Weekly Blackhawks Update
Not only have your Chicago Blackhawks clinched the NHL’s first playoff berth of the 2012-13 season, they have also clinched the Central Division making them Central Division Champions.
They hold a current record, as of 4/15/13, of an outstanding 33-5-4 and a total of 70 points.
The Hawks seems to be going down this year’s checklist one milestone at a time. However, from here on out is no walk in the park. The Blackhawks need to focus on finishing out the season first, and on a positive note at that!
The utmost important goal for the Hawks is to STAY HEALTHY! The Hawks cannot risk any more injuries, especially to any core player such as Hossa, Sharp, Kane, or Toews.
Also while looking forward, the Blackhawks have the best chance, as of now, to claim the President’s Trophy, which is awarded to the NHL team with the best overall record. This would be a great addition to the Blackhawks’ achievements this season and would be a great honor.
However, the President’s Trophy is not the trophy the Blackhawks have in mind to hoist this season. Hawks fans and Blackhawks alike are hungry for the only trophy that truly matters in hockey, the Stanley Cup.
Stay tuned for more Blackhawks hockey as the Hawks finish out the regular season. Also, Friday April 26th, I will be hosting an SAB sponsored event at Gilhooley’s in which we will air the Blackhawks game against the Calgary Flames at 7:30pm. Please feel free to come for free food, drinks, and Blackhawks hockey!
Needed Improvements
The Blackhawks have looked unanimously solid as of late. I think the all around offense has really cranked it up a notch.
The Hawks have really learned to answer back when down a goal or two, which will really prepare them for any situation going into the playoffs.
Defensively, I think that the Hawks have cleaned up a little since writing the last article. I have seen some more physicality from defensemen as well as goal scoring like Niklas Hjalmarsson after he netted his slapshot against the Dallas Stars on April 15.
Goaltending has been great as well. We are starting to see a bit more of Ray Emery in net rather than Corey Crawford. I did mention last week that I felt this would be the case given Crawford’s play lately. Regardless, I believe that the Hawks are blessed with two outstanding goaltenders that can both be depended on.
Overall, I like the way the Hawks look lately. Their all around solid, fast play will keep them ahead of any other team so long as they keep their consistency. It is too late in the season to slip up or play lazy games. The Hawks better keep the pedal to the metal as they enter into the remaining weeks of the regular season.
Frank’s Three Stars of the Week
1st Star: Jonathan Toews
2nd Star: Ray Emery
3rd Star: Viktor Stalberg
Toews: Johnny Toews continues to impress as the regular season winds down. He has continued his scoring onslaught this season and currently has 21 goals and 23 assists giving him 44 total points. Keep an eye out for Tazer as he leads the Hawks to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Emery: Ray Emery has seemed to take the “starting” goaltender role at this point of the season due to his amazing play as of late. He has earned his position over Corey Crawford due to his consistency and overall outcome of his success for the Hawks. He now has a record of 16-1-0, GAA of 1.91, and a SV% .923. Ray Emery will no doubt continue to hold solid in net for the Hawks.
Stalberg: Viktor Stalberg has really surged this past week for the Hawks. He has contributed 2 goals and several assists in just a few games. One goal most noteworthy was his goal against the Dallas Stars on April 15 where he utilized his incredible speed to outskate every defender to then rip the puck past the Stars goaltender. Stalby is heating up, hopefully he continues to hold onto this point streak; the Hawks could use him as a consistent offensive force! He has showed his potential as a great forward, now he must show the NHL that he has what it takes to remain considered a top forward. He has improved since the beginning of the season, making himself more of a “North/South” type of player. Meaning that he utilizes his speed more than his agility. His speed is what makes him so dangerous on the ice. Go get ‘em Stalby.
Frank Markasovic
Sports Editor