Weekly Blackhawks Update
Over the past two weeks a lot has taken place in the NHL, especially for the Blackhawks.
Unfortunately, the record setting start of the 2012-2013 NHL Season has been ended for the Chicago Blackhawks.
Of all teams, the Colorado Avalanche beat the Hawks in a regulation defeat. The Hawks have also lost in regulation once more against Edmonton. Since losing their first game in regulation, the Hawks have still managed to keep their intense style of play. Although there has been lack of intensity in a few games, the Hawks still manage to pull off victories, which is all that matters.
Their current record, as of 3/17/13, is 23-2-3 with a point total of 49; this is still highly impressive. However, since missing out on points with their regulation losses, the Hawks only hold a slim advantage over the following teams in the league.
In the West, Anaheim still continues to roll over opponents and continue to add to their point total, which is now 44.
The St. Louis Blues then follow with a total of 42 points. In the East, the Pittsburgh Penguins lead with 44 points while Montreal follows with 42, and Boston with 41.
Bottom line, the Hawks no longer have a comfortable cushion as they have earlier in the season, a mere 5 point lead can be overcome very quickly in hockey. Stay tuned this week as the Hawks take on the Avalanche on 3/18 and the Ducks on 3/20.
Needed Improvements
While watching the Blackhawks lose in regulation for the first and second time this season, I tried not to point fingers at specific players. After all, this is a team sport.
With that in mind, I could not help but to notice one aspect of the Blackhawks’ game that needs severe improvement. That specific aspect is the overall physical play of the Blackhawks.
Take for example, the regulation loss against Colorado. The Blackhawks played a horrible game all around, as anyone could tell. Aside from the horrendous fact of losing 6-2 to the Avalanche, an even uglier stat is the hit column, which most concerns me.
The Hawks were out-hit by the Avalanche 21 to 12. That means the Avs nearly had double the amount of hits as the Hawks.
I remember watching the game and being so disgusted that there was no reaction from the Hawks as they were pummeled all game long. Not one fight, scrap, or any sort of retaliation.
The only Hawk that has really impressed me this season, as far as hitting goes, is Bryan Bickell. He has been fantastic in his delivery of bone crushing hits so far this season. However, Bickell cannot do it all, especially since he has really stepped up his offensive game for the Hawks lately by contributing with his assists and goals.
The Hawks, in general, need to step up to the plate and not only win offensively, but win physically as well. They need that physical advantage over teams, and in games where the Hawks are down, a simple hit or even a fight is all that can be needed to send a spark through the rest of the team that can ultimately contribute to a win.
I hope to see the Hawks improve their overall physicality as the season progresses, or else I will be pulling my hair out I assure you.
Frank’s Three Stars of the Week
1st Star: Jonathan Toews
2nd Star: Bryan Bickell
3rd Star: Viktor Stalberg
Toews: Has continued to lead the Hawks with his amazing scoring capabilities and overall dominating offensive play.
Bickell: Has recently dominated the boards with his tremendous hitting game and has even contributed offensively with multiple assists and even a few goals over the past two weeks.
Stalberg: Has continued to contribute offensively for the Hawks as a role-playing forward. As of late, Stalberg has had some critical assists to put the Hawks ahead of opponents and had a 3-point night against the Dallas Stars.
Frank Markasovic
Sports Editor