Posts Tagged ‘Dustin Byfuglien’

Blackhawks 4, Oilers 2

January 27th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Seeing Jeff Deslauriers on the other end of the ice last night had the Blackhawks licking their chops. They could smell the blood in the water, but weren’t ravenous enough. The ‘Hawks didn’t have to play their best game to beat the Oilers, and they didn’t. Still, they had their way in Edmonton and took this game 4-2. It was that apparent this game was theirs to lose when Jonathan Toews scored the first goal of the game just forty-four seconds into the game.

After Toews’ goal the Blackhawks rattled off three more in the second period to extend their lead to 4-0. All night the Blackhawks were deep in the offensive zone with little resistance from the Oilers’ defense. Patrick Kane’s second assist of the night – he set up Toews’ goal as well – happened because he was left untouched as he skated around the offensive zone at will to set up Troy Brouwer. Dustin Byfuglien was credited with a goal after redirect a Duncan Keith shot/pass. Keith had two assists on the night, and Marian Hossa caped off the scoring with his power play goal.

It seems as though Hossa has made playing high in the offensive zone part of his game. Whether it is with the man-advantage or at even-strength Hossa stations himself just shy of the defenseman in the opponent’s zone. His goal last night was a product of that. He watched Patrick Sharp and Andrew Ladd battle down low, and pounced on the opportunity to put the puck on twine. In that spot he can watch the play develop, keep the puck in the offensive zone and get a great jump on the back check if need be.

Anyway, with the big lead the Blackhawks started to ease the offensive pressure, and the Oilers were able to cut the lead in half. Late in the second period Fernando Pisani scored the Oilers’ first goal, and in the third period Ryan Potulny scored off a Niklas Hjalmarsson turnover in the defensive zone. Luckily the ‘Hawks were able to stave off any more offense from Edmonton due to good goaltending from Cristobal Huet. He kept this one from turning into the January 9th game in Minnesota part deux.

The victory over the Oilers gave the Blackhawks their fourth win on the eight game road trip. They are 4-2 on the trip and have two more games to go before returning home. Next are the San Jose Sharks, then on to Carolina.

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Niedermayer Is All The Rage

January 21st, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

A few weeks ago ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun mentioned Ilya Kovalchuk and the Chicago Blackhawks in the same breath. Like any other good blogger would, I ran with a rumor that had no validity to it whatsoever. Since LeBrun reported that the Blackhawks could make a play for the Russian sniper’s services, every other team in the league has been linked to Kovalchuk.

I bring this up because in my poorly written post regarding the Kovalchuk to Chicago rumor, I named Scott Niedermayer as a possible target for the same reason acquiring Kovalchuk would work. Stan Bowman would be able to shed a few multi-year contracts in order to ease the off-season payroll issue now for a veteran, ‘superstar’ defenseman. His contract expires at the end of this season, and he would bolster the roster for the playoffs.

Sam Fels of Second City Hockey mentioned in a post yesterday that he likes the idea of trading for the Ducks’ defenseman. Niedermayer would provide some depth on the blue line, and could play on the power play. He suggests moving Cam Barker and an expendable forward (Dustin Byfuglien or Kris Versteeg) back to Anaheim. None of which will be back with the Blackhawks next season anyway. The depth at forward wouldn’t be depleted since Dave Bolland and Adam Burish are close to returning.

I like where Fels is going with this, and can easily get behind any idea that would move Byfuglien elsewhere. Barker hasn’t been all that great this season either. He hasn’t even seen a substantial amount of time on the power-play recently. If a draft pick is needed to sweeten the deal, I’m all for it.

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Blackhawks 1, Senators 4

January 20th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Another great performance from a goalie impeded the Blackhawks’ progress in the West, and it came at the hands of the little known Brian Elliot of the Ottawa Senators. He didn’t stand on his head like Jonas Hiller, but he came up with some big saves to keep the Senators on top. Elliot stopped twenty-nine of the thirty shots he faced, and was named the first star of the game as the Blackhawks lost 1-4.

The Senators controlled the game in the first period. They came out of the period with a 2-0 lead due to a few key defensive lapses from the Blackhawks. First, Brent Seabrook turned the puck over behind the net that the Senator’s first goal. Cristobal Huet was drawn out of his crease for the wide-open shot on net. Later, Brian Campbell and Niklas Hjalmarsson were soft on the back check leading to the Sentors’ second goal. Ryan Shannon was able to redirect of Peter Regin’s pass to beat Huet up high.

In the second period the Blackhawks were better in their offensive zone, and the momentum of the game started to shift in their favor. The Blackhawks took a few bad penalties in the game, but the slashing call on Jonathan Toews bogus. At least Marian Hossa was able to capitalize on the situation, and scored the lone Blackhawks’ goal of the night while Toews was in the box. It is the team’s league leading eighth short-handed goal of the season.

Hossa’s goal was the product Duncan Keith’s interception of a pass in front of Huet and quick up-ice pass. The assist was Keith’s forty-fifth point of the season – a career high for the defenseman.

With less then two minutes left in the second any wind the Blackhawks had in their proverbial sails disappeared when Regin scored on a wrap around. Huet was so far out of position on this one, all the way on the other side of the crease. Regin’s goal, and Elliot’s diving save earlier in the period to stop Hossa’s sure goal proved that this wasn’t the Blackhawks’ night.

The rest of the third was just more of the same from the Blackhawks – bad penalties (see Dustin Byfuglien’s roughing call), porous defense and questionable goaltending. All of which attributed to the Senators’ fourth and final goal of the game. The Blackhawks’ penalty kill was perfect up to this point, but the lack of resistance from Keith and Seabrook in their zone allowed Mike Fisher to score with the man-advantage.

Anyway, the season is long, and the Blackhawks are on their way to top billing in the West. So, no worries just yet. Next up, the Blackhawks will look to rebound in Calgary tomorrow night. The ‘Hawks have owned the Flames going back to last season.

AHL All-Star Game

Jack Skille had two assists in the AHL exhibition game, and a plus/minus of +1. Mark Cullen didn’t crack the score sheet. The Canadian team beat PlanetUSA 10-9 in a shootout.

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Blackhawks 3, Blue Jackets 0

January 15th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Cristobal Huet rebounded from his performance in Minnesota by shutting out the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-0. Per usual, the Blackhawks controlled the puck all night, and made the Huet’s night manageable allowing only twenty-four shots on Huet. He did make some great saves at close range, and played with a determined demeanor that seems to elude the francophone often.

The ‘checking line’ of Kris Versteeg, John Madden, and Dustin Byfuglien line had a great night. They put pressure on the Blue Jackets in their zone, and put two goals on the scoreboard. In the first period Versteeg assisted on Brian Campbell’s snipe past Mathieu Garon just above the hash marks. On a second period rush, Madden saw a ready Byfuglien to his left who fired a one-timer for his twelfth on the year.

There have been a few consistently elements to the Blackhawks this season – puck possession, an effective penalty-kill unit and production from the third line. The constant to the third line has been Madden. No matter who is lined up on either side of the center, the third line continues to be effective on both ends of the ice. Madden deserves all the credit he can get.

Early in the season Madden was paired with Andrew Ladd and my boy Troy Brouwer. It resembled a prototypical ‘checking line’ more so then the current version, but they were productive in the opponent’s zone as well as their own. I didn’t think Coach Quenneville would touch this line due to the on-ice chemistry they had, but Quenneville shuffled the lineup in mid-December to promote scoring. As a result Versteeg and Byfuglien were moved to the third line with Madden. In twenty games after joining the third line (December 5th) Byfuglien has scored four goals and nine assists in twenty games, and Versteeg – who joined a week later (December 13th) – has four goals and ten assists in fifteen games on the Madden line.

Since arriving in Chicago, Quenneville has had a laisser-faire approach to the style of play of the thirty-six year old veteran. In Madden’s career with the Devils, he was restricted to the defensive style of play that has long been associated with New Jersey. In Chicago he has aided in the offensive production of his linemates even if his contribution doesn’t show up on the scoresheet – see Versteeg and Byfuglien stats above.

Anyway, the Blackhawks remained dominant in the third period. Duncan Keith scored his tenth goal of the season – the eighth ‘Hawks to reach double digits in goals. Marian Hossa (and Patrick Sharp) assisted on Keith’s goal, and played like his groin wasn’t an issue.

Next up, the Blackhawks will play in Columbus on Saturday for the second half of the home-and-home series with the Blue Jackets. It also marks the first game of an eight game road trip that will encompass the rest of the month.

Chris Kuc is already reporting that Huet will start in net in Columbus, and Cam Barker is ‘likely’ to return as well. This will serve as my pre-game lineup notes post. I plan to attend happy hour tonight, and will ‘likely’ be nursing a hangover tomorrow.

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Kane Named To Team USA, Byfuglien Left Out

January 1st, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

It was leaked earlier in the day by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers that Dustin Byfuglien was not included in the Brian Burke’s plans for the American Olympic team. As expected Patrick Kane was named to Team USA. This brings the Blackhawks total to six players participating in the Winter Games.

Team USA (1) – Patrick Kane

Team Slovakia (2) – Marian Hossa and Tomas Kopecky

Team Canada (3) – Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook

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Nashville Yesterday, Nashville Today And The Swedish Front

December 27th, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis

The Blackhawks put more space between them and Nashville with a 4-1 win over the second-place Predators last night. Six points separate the two Western Conference teams, and the ‘Hawks hope to add to the lead when they host their half of the home-and-home series tonight at the United Center. This match-up will be the last time the Blackhawks will face the Predators this regular season.

An observation from last night’s game was the Blackhawks dominance over their Central Division foe. It appears as though Coach Quenneville has everyone buying into what he is selling. First, Brent Sopel starts the season by not sucking. Then Dustin Byfuglien shows that he has the ability to beat a defender on a breakaway, and has played well since being demoted to the third line. Brian Campbell finally looks like the seven-million-dollar-man by scoring goals and skating all over the ice surface. Now, Tomas Kopecky proves to have some value by tallying two assists last night.

Penalty killing continues to be stellar for the Blackhawks, and the added scoring threat on the kill with Marian Hossa and Jonathan Toews will put teams on there heals with the man-advantage. There were a few good rushes and scoring chances while shorthanded last night. The power play has been effective in the last two match-ups – going one of three in each game. Byfuglien scored the lone power play goal on a wrist-shot from the blue line. He’s making me look bad after I suggested removing Byfuglien off the power play the other day.

On the Swedish Front –

Team Sweden neglected to add Hjalmarsson to their Olympic roster. He’s still Chicago’s little secret. The Swedes opted for a veteran squad. Remember Magnus Johansson? He made the team.

Swedish prospect Marcus Kruger had an assist, two penalty minutes and a plus/minus rating of +1 in the 10-1 victory over the Czech Republic at the World Junior Championships.

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Quick Sharks Recap, Eager Update

December 23rd, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis

The Blackhawks did almost everything right last night vs. the Sharks, but it was just one of those games where the opponents goalie stood on his head. Evgeni Nabokov stopped forty-five of the forty-seven shots faced. He even staved off the late third period surge – led by Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane. Nabokov did all he could to prevent another embarrassing five-goal loss at the hands of Blackhawks.

I hate repeating my self, but something has to happen with this power play. Seven times the Blackhawks had the man-advantage, and each time they failed to convert. Suggestion, take Dustin Byfuglien off the unit. Really, it’s all I want for Christmas.

Eager Update – Ben Eager’s upper-body injury is not related to the concussion-like symptoms that kept him out of thirteen games earlier this season. Whatever it is that ails him, Eager hasn’t been nearly as affective on the fourth line as he was last season.

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Blackhawks 3, Red Wings 0

December 21st, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Even with seven players on the shelf I thought the Red Wings would show up and make this game difficult for the Blackhawks to win. That was not the case as Cristobal Huet and the Blackhawks’ defense were able to keep the Red Wings scoreless on the nightt. The defense limited Detroit to twenty shots on goal, and clear the zone of any problematic rebounds Huet gave up. This is the ‘Hawks third shutout in four games, sixth of the season and second in a row for the man from France.

The Blackhawks’ defense has been very strong this season, but that shouldn’t take anything away from the play of Huet and Antti Niemi. Shutouts aren’t anything to scoff at. The Blackhawks’ goaltending has been very affective, and so has the penalty kill. In the last ten games the ‘Hawks are 24 of 25 when shorthanded. They rank second in the league behind the Bruins with a percentage of 85.6. Only if this level of success could carry over to the power play, all would be right with the world.

Duncan Keith had another great night scoring a goal and an assist. Dustin Byfuglien scored his tenth goal of the season by just putting the puck on the net to beat Chris Osgood down low. Overall, the whole team played well.

Brian Campbell scored his second goal in as many games, and is finally playing like the seven-million-dollar-man. Something has changed in the last two games for the redhead. Campbell has been carrying the puck deep into the offensive zone, joining the rush and has just been more aggressive. I doubt it is the new batch of sticks, but possibly has something to do with playing in front of brass of Team Canada’s Olympic team. I hope Campbell can keep it up.

It always warms the heart when we beat the Red Wings, but this version of the team was not the real thing. The Blackhawks play the Red Wings in Detroit on Wednesday, and I would expect a tougher game.

A bit of news – Bryan Bickell was reassigned to Rockford. Depending on the health of Ben Eager he could be back with the team tomorrow night with the Blackhawks host San Jose.

Changes have been reflected on our In the Organization page above.

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Blackhawks 3, Blues 0

December 17th, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis

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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Should We Expect More Of Byfuglien?

December 10th, 2009 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Dustin Byfuglien’s over-time goal last night was good. He sped past Rangers defenseman Matt Gilroy (who happened to be demoted to the AHL today) and cut in front of the net to beat Henrik Lundqvist through the five-hole. I didn’t know Byfuglien could skate that fast and had the ability to put together an athletic move to put the puck in the net, seriously. That goal was almost too good for Byfuglien.

We have seen blips of what Byfuglien is capable in his tenure as a Blackhawk. Last night’s game winning goal showed everyone the skill-level he can play at when he wants, and that is exactly why he has become fodder to fans, bloggers and journalists alike. Byfuglien gives off the impression that he is unwilling to live up to any expectations, and plays without passion. He is nothing more then a body on the ice the majority of his playing time, but yesterday proved he could be something more. Would it be too much to expect anything less out of the big guy now?

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