Posts Tagged ‘Jonathan Toews’

Fraser Earned This Tag – Blackhawks 5, Stars 2

April 7th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

It wasn’t the prettiest game by any means, but that didn’t stop the Blackhawks from earning their fiftieth win of the season. The most wins by the franchise since it’s inception to the league in 1926-27. And which Blackhawk led this team in their record-breaking 5-2 victory over the Dallas Stars? Colin Fraser. He scored two goals in Dallas, and so often do his contributions as a defensive, fourth-line, penalty-killing center go unappreciated. To bad he’s married to a Sutter, of the Calgary (at least for the next week) Sutters.

Anyways, one of the stories last night was the number of shorthanded situations the Blackhawks found themselves in. They did relatively well, going four-for-five on the penalty kill, and Jonathan Toews scored his first shorty of the year for the team’s league-leading twelfth. Interesting how this happened the day of my post about the Blackhawk’s success on the penalty kill. Of the five penalties called, Dustin Byfuglien’s tripping of Loui Eriksson was the only penalty that wasn’t a blown call or the result of stupidity.

Antti Niemi was good in goal. He stopped twenty-six of the twenty-eight shots on goal, and he didn’t have to stand on his head against the much weaker Dallas team. Although there were instances of sloppy play, the Blackhawks also showed signs of being that dominating team we’ve become accustomed to. They positioned themselves, created turnovers and played their puck-control game. I’ll take it as a good sign with the playoffs around the corner.

Next up, the Blackhawks will host St. Louis at the United Center tonight. Ugh, I really hate the Blues and their band of morons. They resort to fisticuffs whenever they face a more talented squad knowing they can’t beat them in an actual hockey game. On that note, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Adam Burish on the second line once again – Troy Brouwer was a scratch last night – to protect Patrick Kane.

Minor League Shuffle –

Bryan Bickell was recalled from Rockford earlier today. He will replace Tomas Kopecky. Bickell has played fourteen games with the Blackhawks this season, and will add to his total tonight. The twenty-three year old has two goals and an assist in his time with the NHL club.

Meanwhile in Rockford, the IceHogs recalled Joe Palmer who was on loan to the Texas Brahmas of the Central Hockey League (CHL). He was used primarily as a backup. In thirty-two games, Palmer had a goals-against average of 2.75 and 0.914 save percentage.

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

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The Penalty Kill (Remastered)

April 6th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

The one constant through the year, Ray, has been the penalty kill. The Blackhawks have won games like an army of steamrollers. The have constantly had problems with their power play, their goaltending and their defense. Each facet of their game has been rebuilt, erased and rebuilt again. But the penalty kill has marked the time. This ability to stymie opponents and score down a man is part of the Blackhawks’ present, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.

- Terrence Mannakov

A little over two months ago I wrote a post about the successful penalty kill of the Blackhawks.  It has been one of the consistently good areas of play from this team all seaosn. If some other facet of their game is on the fritz, the boys have always had the penalty kill to hang their jock straps on. On January 28th (when I wrote the first post), they were fourth in the league at keeping opponents scoreless with the man-advantage at 85.6-percent. Today, the Blackhawks are fifth in the league at 84.8-percent – they haven’t allowed a goal in four-on-five situations in their last five games.

One of the most overused hockey clichés is that the goalie a team’s best penalty killer. Yea, they do have a heightened level of importance in shorthanded situations, but if the defense is anemic, a goalie has no chance of success on kill.  In the case of the Blackhawks, the skaters are a big reason their penalty kill is fifth in the league.  At the time this post was written -  compared to their peers around the league with ten or more games played -  Cristobal Huet had a goals-against average of 4.58 (eighth) while shorthanded  and Antti Niemi with a goals-against average of 5.37 (twenty-second).  Those numbers don’t support the cliché for the 2009-10 version of the Blackhawks.

When I think about the penalty kill, my mind automatically goes to the team’s defense. Coach Quenneville has the luxury of a roster full of capable defensemen and two-way forwards that are affective in their own zone and the back-check. On the blue line, Quenneville has consistently relied on a core of guys that haven’t been afraid to put their bodies on the line and block shots. Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook get all the press, but you cant overlook the contributions of Brent Sopel and Niklas Hjalmarsson on the kill. When it comes to blocked shots, Sopel leads the team with 5.6 per sixty minutes and Hjalmarsson is third with 4.6 (trailing Seabrook by 0.1). The Swede also brings a calm, smart defensive style that thrives in four-on-five situations.

I alluded to Quenneville’s use of two-way forwards on the kill earlier, and Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp are staples on the penalty-killing unit because of their offensive ability. They are effective at clearing their zone of the puck and taking the action to the other end of the ice. As it stands today, the Blackhawks lead the league in shorthanded goals with eleven (Maria Hossa 5, Patrick Sharp 2, Kris Versteeg 2, Duncan Keith 1 and Troy Brouwer 1). Although Toews hasn’t scored on the kill, he has three shorthanded assists this season, and the captain’s value doesn’t always show up on the scoresheet. For example, when the Coyotes visited the UC a few weeks ago, Toews skated the puck into the defensive zone alone, and drew a cross-checking penalty from Lee Stempniak while the other ‘Hawks were executing a line change.

The fact that the Blackhawks don’t spend much time in the box helps as well. Currently, they have the second fewest shorthanded situations in the league with 250, and have played total of three games this season where they didn’t have to field the penalty kill. Fewer instances of four-on-five hockey is obviously key, and it means that the defense feels less stress and won’t break as easily if they weren’t so effective at staying out of the penalty box. With the way this team’s defense and goaltending has fared this season, that’s a good thing.

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Blackhawks 2, Devils 1 (SO)

April 3rd, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Kane's oral fixation

I’m a little less worried about the state of Coach Quenneville’s squad after last night’s 2-1 (SO) victory over the New Jersey Devils. He played Dustin Byfuglien on the blue line and trotted out the same line combinations he used a few days ago in Minnesota. I hope we’ve seen the last of Quenneville’s constant line shuffling after winning two games in a row. With five games left in the regular season it’s too late to make any more major alterations.

Anyway, Antti Niemi played a tight game in New Jersey last night. He played like a goalie that can carry a team through the playoffs. The only Devil goal was a result of a defensive breakdown in front of the net, and Ilya Kovalchuk had himself an easy goal for his fortieth of the season. Niemi saved thirty-two of thirty-three shots on goal, and came up big over and over again. He kept his team in this game.

With under a minute left in the third period, Niemi was pulled from goal for the extra skater. The move paid off. Kris Versteeg tied the game at 1-1, and it went into overtime then a shootout. Jonathan Toews blasted a shot past Martin Brodeur, and that was all the Blackhawks needed to come away with two points.

Next up, the Blackhawks will host the Calgary Flames at the UC this Easter Sunday.

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Nothing Semi-Witty To Write Here – Blackhawks 2, Blues 4

March 31st, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Ugh, the Blackhawks are taking all the fun out of writing right about now. I’ve been spoiled with the winning ways of the ‘Hawks earlier this season. Tuesday’s 4-2 loss to the Blues marked a ten-game stretch where the Blackhawks have gone 3-5-2 (with three consecutive losses). That is eight points earned out of a possible twenty, and they are barely holding onto the second seed in the West. In the Central Division the Predators are just five points behind and the Red Wings are six.

There are seven games left in the regular season for this team to find their way out of their current slump. Not going to lie, I’m starting to worry about this team. I really don’t know if the Blackhawks can remedy their anemic defense before it’s too late. I never thought in a million year that I would miss Brian Campbell, and what he brings to the offense and defense. Next year you won’t read any unwarranted shots at the seven-million-dollar-man from me. I’m doubtful of this, but hopefully Kim Johnsson can improve the team’s play on both ends of the ice whenever he is able to shake off his post-concussion symptoms.

Blame can’t solely be placed on the blue liners. The offense hasn’t been affective on the back-check and in their zone of late. A great example of this happened on Tuesday when Patrick Sharp couldn’t keep up with a streaking Erik Johnson on his way to score the Blues’ fourth and final goal.

Anyway, that’s all I can muster for this game review. Jonathan Toews two assists last night did help on of my many fantasy teams, but that only lifted my spirits for a brief moment in time. Next up, the Blackhawks will play the Minnesota Wild in the second of back-to-back games tonight. Unfortunately, this blogger plans to watch it.

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Live Rust – Blackhawks 3, Islanders 5

March 3rd, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Out of the Blue, and Into the Black

Hey Hey, My My (Out of the Blue) – The Blackhawks went into the Nassau Coliseum expecting a victory over a weaker foe, but left with a rather embarrassing loss to the Islanders. Entrenched on home ice, the Islanders won the game 5-3 due to the goaltending performance of Dwayne Roloson. It looked as though the Blackhawks were ill prepared and were trying to shake off the rust that accumulated over the two-week Olympic break. The goaltending effort from both goalies was poor, and the defense in front of them wasn’t any better.

A couple Olympians came out strong in this one, however. Jonathan Toews had two assists on the night, and Patrick Kane had a goal and two assists. It appeared as though Coach Quenneville was trying to give the non-Olympians more ice-time. No player saw less then ten minutes of ice-time against the Islanders.

Next up, the Blackhawks host the Oilers tonight at the United Center. With the trade deadline about an hour away, an anonymous source said that Bowman is trading Tomas Kopecky to the Maple Leafs for a case of WD40. Now, that is the type of ‘joke’ that would cause my girlfriend to pretend she doesn’t know me.

Minor Moves –

Defenseman Simon Danis-Pepin was reassigned to the Toledo Walleye by way of Rockford. In thirty-eight games with the IceHogs he had one goal and seven assists – eight points. This will be his first time in Toledo and the ECHL. The move is due to the number of newly acquired defensemen in Rockford.

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

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Canada Wins Gold

February 28th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Blackhawk Gold Medalists

Canada won the game the mattered. They won the gold medal, and that put a smile of this writers face. Sidney Crosby put the game-winning goal past Ryan Miller in overtime to clinch the 3-2 victory over the Americans. It was a great game. The Canadians went up 2-0 in the first period, but they attempted to coast into the win and the Americans were able to tie it up at 2-2 with less then a minute to play in the game. Team USA played with their hearts out, and surprised the hockey world with their Olympic tournament performance.

The Americans medal run caught the attention of a nation that views hockey as a fringe sport. That’s a positive when twenty-four of the thirty teams in the league reside in the United States, right? There could be a few new fans of the sport, and as far as Gary Bettman is concerned more money brought into the league.

The best player in the game was a little known American named Patrick Kane. Heard of him? Kane set up both goals by creating space and getting the puck on the net. The first was a deflection from Ryan Kesler, and the second Zach Parise was able to knock in a rebound. Jonathan Toews scored his first goal of the tournament in this game (on top of his seven assists), and was arguably the best forward in the tournament. Duncan Keith had assist in the match.

Anyways, NHL hockey resumes tomorrow night in Colorado. The first game for the Blackhawks is on Tuesday in New York vs. the Islanders. Red Rising will return to its usual ‘lemming dribble’ – someone once used that phrase when describing the blog. Not going to lie, that person is right about half the time.

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Olympic Hockey Day Nine

February 24th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

A face only a mother could love

A brief write up on how the six Blackhawks have done in the last twenty-four hours of the Olympic tournament. Also, for all the people that visit looking for Jonathan Toews’ jersey number, he wears 16 on Team Canada (Joe Thornton is 19).

Canada 8, Germany 2 (Tuesday)

Yesterday’s post does its job.

Slovakia 4, Norway 3 (Tuesday)

In last night’s late game Slovakia beat Norway 4-3. It’s a shame since we will no longer see or hear the name Tore Vikingstad in the Olympics. The Norwegians made things interesting with their two goals in the second period to tie the game at 3-3, but Miroslav Satan put the Slovaks on top with his third period goal. Marian Hossa had an assist in the game, and Tomas Kopecky was on the ice for the game-winning goal. Slovakia will face the Swedes in the late game tonight.

USA 2, Switzerland 0

Those pesky Swiss gave the United States a run for their money in their quarterfinal match this afternoon. Jonas Hiller and Ryan Miller were great for their respective teams, but Zach Parise put one by the Swiss goalie early in the third to spoil his solid game – he stopped forty-two of the forty-three shots faced. Patrick Kane didn’t crack the scoresheet. The Americans will play Finland on Friday. No one thought Team USA would make it this far.

Canada 7, Russia 3

The Canadians played with the sense of urgency they needed to beat the Russians in an elimination game. It appeared as though they just overwhelmed the Ruskies from the get go going up 4-1 in the first period. Team Canada was just better in every aspect – offense, goaltending and physical play. Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith had two assists each, and Brent Seabrook didn’t tally a point in this game. Toews was great on both ends of the ice all game.

I hate to see such a talented team get knocked out of the tournament this early, but it’s better that it was the Russians then the Candians. Seeing the Canada come out so strong gives me hope for the rest of the tournament. After going to overtime with the Swiss and losing to the Americans I was a little worried. Next up, the Canadians will play the Slovaks in the semifinal round.

Slovakia 5, Sweden 4

Well, the Slovaks completed a guaranteed Sweden- and Russian-less Olympic semifinal round. No one could have predicted that. The Slovakian win also guaranteed all six Blackhawks would participate in the semifinal round – giving each ‘Hawk a chance to return to Chicago with a medal around their neck. Hossa had three assists against the Swedes, and Kopecky scored the game-winning goal. The underrated Slovak team will attempt another upset of the Canadians this Friday.

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Olympic Hockey Day Eight – Canada 8, Germany 2

February 23rd, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

The Canadians were able to beat a team they were expected to in the Germans 8-2. This game was used as a tune-up for the Russians – which they face tomorrow night. The line combinations worked – especially that of Eric Stall, Sidney Crosby and Jarome Iginla – and the goaltending from Roberto Luongo was virtually mistake free. The Germans pressed hard in the final two periods and scored two goals because of it. Luongo will get the start tomorrow.

On the Blackhawk front, Duncan Keith had two assists in the game and Jonathan Toews had one helper. Those two have been solid for the Canadian national team during the Olympics.

A day off is always nice, but the Canadians will benefit from having played an extra game going into the match-up with the Ruskies. To the Canadian team tomorrow’s game against Russia is bigger then the one against the Americans. Not only because of the potential for elimination, but the two have been butting heads for so long as the top teams in international hockey. This match-up was touted at the gold medal game going into the Olympics. Team Canada will have their hands full with the physical Russian team and a lot of firepower.

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Olympic Hockey Day Six – USA vs. Canada

February 21st, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Team Canada

Big game today – Team USA vs. Team Canada – to determine the overall winner of Group A and a possible first round bye. Four Blackhawks will skate in the game – Patrick Kane (USA), Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook (Canada). The Canadians are favorites, but the Americans are going to bring it and there has already been some trash talking from the classy (sarcasm) Ryan Kesler. Mr. Kesler will find out soon enough that the Canadians do their talking on the ice.

Anyway, this game should live up to its bill. The top teams – Canada being one – haven’t had the cakewalk they expect when rolling through their respective groups. The Russians lost to Slovakia, the Swiss took Canada to a shootout and the Belarusian team even challenged the Swedes. It has led to some exciting hockey – even among the lesser-hyped teams. Today’s game could arguably be the most anticipated game. Even in Whistler, all the way up the mountains, there is a lot of buzz. Too bad for the Americans – who have been playing good hockey – they won’t escape this game with a win.

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Olympic Hockey Day Four, And The Hobson Shuffle

February 19th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

All six Blackhawk Olympians were in action yesterday. In the late game, Marian Hossa played a major role in the Slovakian 2-1 (SO) upset over the Russians. He scored the team’s lone goal in the third period to tie it up and take it to overtime. Hossa took part in the shootout as well, but couldn’t put one past Ilya Bryzgalov. In the seventh shootout round Pavol Demitra clinched the victory over the offensively potent Ruskies for the first upset of the Olympic tournament. This was the Slovak’s second game in as many days. Tomas Kopecky did nothing – surprised?

The Canadian team ran into Jonas Hiller in net for Switzerland. As ‘Hawks fans we know how good Hiller can be in net when the Ducks visited the United Center in January. Anyway, the Swiss goalie limited the Canadians to only two goals. Jonathan Toews tallied another assist (his second) yesterday, and Brent Seabrook is only seeing about eight minutes of playing time. The Swiss were able to get two past Martin Brodeur and took this game to a shootout as well – Toews was picked for the shootout but didn’t score. Canada avoided the upset when Sidney Crosby scored in the fourth round (his second attempt) of the shootout.

Norway didn’t provide much resistance for the United States in their 6-1 loss to the American squad. Patrick Kane scored his first Olympic goal. Tomorrow’s game vs. Team Canada should be a great one to watch. Ryan Miller will see a lot more shots then he did against the Norwegians (11 shots) – the Canadians had forty-seven shots on Hiller.

In the system –

Forward Adam Hobson was recalled to Rockford from Toledo yesterday. He’s been up and down a couple times in the last few weeks. In eleven games with the IceHogs, Hobson has two goals and one assist.

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

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