Everything was going well last night vs. the Canucks until Jonathan Toews was pummeled into next week by defenseman Willie Mitchell. It was a clean open-ice hit early in the third period by the Canuck. Mitchell had just left the penalty box after the Blackhawks were yet again unable to convert with the two-man advantage before he lit up Toews. It appeared as though any wind the Blackhawks had in their sails died when Captain Toews, and Brent Seabrook left the game in the third as well.
Although being out played for most of the game, up to that point the Blackhawks managed a 2 – 1 lead. It was largely due to a solid game by Antti Niemi in goal. Vancouver was able to capitalize on the turn of events, however, scoring on the power play and on a Patrick Kane turnover in the defensive zone. It was the first game that the ‘Hawks had been out-shot this season.
Loses suck. They really suck when they are against at team like the Vancouver Canucks who seem to have the Blackhawks’ blood boiling ever since the one-ice melee late last season at the United Center. The ‘Hawks did boot them from the playoffs last year, but it would have been sweet to take the first game between the two clubs on the year.
Looking forward, if Toews or Seabrook miss any games due to the injuries sustained from last night’s match-up, the Blackhawks will be in trouble. Designating more bodies to the injured reserve would be a huge blow to the team. Early reports have stated that the two shouldn’t miss any playing time as a result of the injuries that forced them from last night’s game.
The Blackhawks host the Nashville Predators and Minnesota Wild at home in their next two games – two teams that are struggling to generate offense. I wouldn’t be surprised if Coach Quenneville opts to start Cristobal Huet in those favorable match-ups. If Huet performs well in front of the hostile home crowd, it would be a great confidence boost for a man that appears to lack any at all.
Huet could also get the start in Nashville next Thursday as well, with Niemi in net the next night at home vs. the Montreal Canadiens.
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I thought Antii Niemi played a solid game for the Hawks. He looks like he is gaining confidence with every start in the NHL. However, it is important for Huet to regain his confidence and form. We need solid goaltending if the Hawks are serious about making a run for the cup
For sure, as good as Niemi has been we need Huet to return to form. I think he will sooner or later. By the end of the season and the Blackhawks are playoff bound, goaltending shouldn’t be an issue… I hope.