Ho-hum, the Blackhawks earned their second shutout in a row and fifth of the season. It was another night where the Blackhawks were the dominant team for almost the whole game. Controlling the puck for the majority of the game and limiting the time spent in the defensive zone has been important to the team’s success this season, and it was key in last night’s win. Cristobal Huet was barely challenged as a result, but did come up big when the Blues crashed the net.
It was evident that their lack of control over the game got to head coach Andy Murray. Led by Barrett Jackman, the Blues took their frustrations out on the Blackhawks late in the third period amassing thirty-two penalty minutes in that period alone. Still, the fit thrown by St. Louis’ agitators Jackman, B.J. Crombeen and Cam Janssen didn’t make the 3-0 shutout loss any more palpable. The Blackhawks have held their opponents scoreless in the last 141:21 of play.
There isn’t much anyone can complain about when their team wins back-to-back shutouts. It’s even hard to be critical of the usual suspect, Dustin Byfuglien. For his standards he has been playing well ever since Coach Quenneville moved him to the third line. Last night Byfuglien threw his weight around tallying seven hits, and that is one thing you want to see out of any skater his size. We should enjoy this while we can – he’ll regress soon enough.
The Blackhawks were led offensively by the playmaking of Patrick Kane assisting on goals by Troy Brouwer, Brian Campbell – his first goal since the second game of the season – and Marian Hossa. Kane is on his way to super-star status, and nights like that pave the way. Hossa had a great game on both ends of the ice, and he has played a large role in the Blackhawks ability to control the puck for the majority of the game.
Next up the Blackhawks host the Boston Bruins Friday night. We should learn soon if Cam Barker will miss any time with a lower-body that pulled him from last night’s game.
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