Posts Tagged ‘Patrick Kane’

Streaks Always End – Blackhawks 2, Coyotes 0

March 23rd, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Save of the night

The Coyotes’ story this season is a good one. They filed for bankruptcy less then a year ago, and going into tonight’s game the Coyotes were tied with the Blackhawks atop the Western Conference standing. Dave Tippet has done a great job with the team he inherited, and has already won the Jack Adams Award in the eyes of many. The roster is riddled with other teams’ castoffs. No one would have predicted anything close to this sort of success from Phoenix this season. One could say the organization has risen from the ashes.

Now that all that good stuff is out of the way, it was great to watch the Blackhawks shutout the Coyotes 2-0, end their nine-game win streak and take sole possession of first place in the West. Coach Quenneville emphasized defense leading into this game, and it clearly paid off. It was apparent that the boys were playing tighter on their opponent in the defensive zone. Antti Niemi stepped up his game as well. He saved all twenty-eight shots on goal on his way to a sixth shutout. Niemi made some less then routine stops throughout the night to keep the Blackhawks on top. The goaltending job is his to lose at this point.

On the other end of the ice the Blackhawks played a solid game as well. They could only muster two goals against Ilya Bryzgalov in the second period, but that was all they needed (and then some) to come out of this game with two points. Patrick Kane scored the first off a neutral zone turnover. He went top shelf with a wrist shot to beat the Coyote netminder. Marian Hossa scored the second after Dave Bolland’s takeaway behind the net moments earlier. That second line has been playing well of late.

Anyways, it was great to see Brent Seabrook back in action. He missed only two games after getting his bell rung by former good buddy James Wisniewski. Sitting out for two games probably did Seabrook some good. He was a revolving door on defense coming down the stretch. Seabrook logged 22:41 of ice time. I was a little surprised to see Quenneville go with Dustin Byfuglien on the blue line again, but he played another decent game. I hope this trend doesn’t continue when Kim Johnsson returns.

Next up, the Blackhawks will be in Columbus for a game Thursday night.

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Posted in 2009-10 Game Reviews | 4 Comments »

Blackhawks 4, Coyotes 5 (SO)

March 21st, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Vrbata beat Niemi during the shootout

It’s late, and I didn’t feel much like writing a game review till now. I’m a little down after the outcome of a few sporting events that took place on Saturday. Really, all you need to know to understand my mood is that I graduated from University of Kansas. So, when the Blackhawks were unable to put the Coyotes away last night, my already dark mood deepened. Obviously, the girlfriend didn’t understand why I was down in the dumps.

Anyway, the defense was suspect. Antti Niemi was good enough in net. Made some key saves throughout regulation, overtime and the shootout. A team that is the caliber of the Blackhawks should be able to put the Coyotes away, but the fact that they came back both times they were down by two goals says a lot about this Phoenix squad. Patrick Kane – who had two goals on the evening – almost won the game in overtime if it wasn’t for Ilya Bryzgalov’s stick save (well, the knob). Radim Vrbata scored the lone shootout goal to give the home team a 5-4 (SO) victory.

The team made up of ex-Blackhawks and other team’s castaways has become a force in the West. They have won eight games in a row, and sit one point behind the slumping San Jose Sharks (before their game in Dallas).

Next up, the Blackhawks will face the Coyotes again on Tuesday, but this time at the friendly confines of the United Center.

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Posted in 2009-10 Game Reviews | 1 Comment »

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 Semifinal Review

February 26th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

USA 6, Finland 1

This American team is impressive. They put up six unanswered goals on the Finnish team in the first period of their semifinal match-up. Team USA figured out Miikka Kiprusoff early for four goals, and pounced on Niklas Backstrom for the other two before he settled in. In the American 6-1 victory, Patrick Kane scored two goals. Kane has play has been just decent before today’s game.

Going into the Olympic tournament, I would have ranked the American national team sixth among the twelve squads participating in the Winter Games – behind Canada, Russia, Sweden, Czech Republic and Finland. I doubt I’m the only one who didn’t think Team USA would get to the gold medal game, but they have played great hockey to get there. A lot of the credit should go to Ryan Miller.

Yes, they were an underdog going into Vancouver, but comparing this American squad to the team that won gold in Lake Placid is getting old. Any parallels drawn between the two are forced. Every player on the roster is a professional in the NHL (none of their opponents to this point can say that) making professional money. Anyway, there is no way Team USA will be overlooked on Sunday.

Canada 3, Slovakia 2

Slovakia’s rally in the third period almost spoiled a USA vs. Canada rematch. The Canadians were cruising to a 3-0 victory over their Slovak opponent until Lubomir Visnovsky scored with just over eight minutes left in the game. Ex-Blackhawk Michal Handzus made it interesting when he added a second goal with five minutes left in the game. The Canadians were able to stave off the Slovak surge for the rest of the period to clinch a gold medal game birth for the team.

The 3-2 semifinal win means a rematch of last Sunday’s USA vs. Canada game will take place this Sunday. Only winning by one goal over Team Slovakia shouldn’t worry anyone. Over the course of the tournament they defeated the Russians in round robin play, and eliminated the Swedes in the quarterfinals.

On the Blackhawk front – of the five that played in this game, none tallied a point.

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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 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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Olympic Hockey Day Two

February 17th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

So it is now day two for men’s hockey in the Winter Games. There were a few games yesterday, but none were upsets. The US squeaked by an underrated Swiss team 3-1 with Jonas Hiller in net – Patrick Kane was held off the scoresheet. Jonathan Toews was the only Blackhawk to tally a point (one assist) in Canada’s 8-0 defeat over Norway, and the Russian handed Latvia a 8-2 loss.

There are three games on the docket today – the most interesting being the Czech Republic vs. Slovakia. Marian Hossa will play tonight, but the Slovaks will miss Marian Gaborik tonight. Finland should easily handle Belarus, and the Germans will do their best to give the Swedes a hard time.

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Olympic Hockey Day One, And Two Sent To Purgatory

February 16th, 2010 by Leigh Michael Dengis

Of the only teams that matter to Blackhawk fans (USA, Canada and Slovakia) on the first day of competition Team USA and Team Canada are in actions. The Americans will play Switzerland and the Canadians will play Norway. Patrick Kane will lineup with Zach Parise and Paul Stastny for Team USA. Jonathan Toews will lineup at center between Brenden Morrow and Jarome Iginla for Team Canada – that should be interesting. The internet connection at the hotel blows. It’s taking to long to find anything definitive regarding Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith, but I can’t see them not suiting up for any game.

Back to Purgatory They Go –

Bryan Bickell and Jake Dowell were reassigned to Rockford after Sunday’s game in Columbus. Both Bickell and Dowell got on the scoresheet in that game. Bickell scored a goal, and Dowell had one goal and one assist in the 5-4 shootout victory. Subsequently, Adam Hobson was reassigned to the Toledo Walleye today.

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

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