The Blackhawks started their game against LA on Monday night totally opposite how they finished the game in Anaheim Sunday. Chicago looked tired and dis-organized, and LA took advantage of it.
The Kings quickly jumped out and were out shooting Chicago 10-0 in the first 8 minutes which included Michal Handzus’s PP goal less than 5 minutes in. Marian Hossa’s PP goal late in the period seemed to salvage the horrendous period, and it also seemed to wake up the offense.
After Patrick Sharp’s PP goal in the 2nd, it seemed as if maybe the Hawks had righted the ship, and would take control of the game. The game did even out a little, but a Ryan Smyth breakaway goal late in the 2nd put the Hawks right back at square one.
Deja Vu was rampant in the 3rd period as Patrick Sharp again gave Chicago the lead to only have it taken away by Ryan Smyth….again. Just as LA took back momentum by tying the game up, Jonathan Toews got a lucky goal off his own skate just before the 15:00 mark. The defense and Corey Crawford held off the Kings for the remainder of the game, and Chicago escaped with a necessary 2 points.
One encouraging sign of the Hawks game tonight was not only that they won, but it seems as if they may have awoken the sleeping giant known as Marian Hossa. Hossa’s PP goal in the 1st period was his first in 10 games, and 2nd out of his last 19 games. Hossa also had multiple scoring chances, including a shot right off the goal post. If the Hawks want to stay in the Western Conference playoff hunt, players like Hossa will need to continue to produce.
Other Notable Points:
- This was Jonathan Toews first game back since injuring his shoulder against St. Louis.
- Even though USA lost to Canada 4-1 in the World Juniors, both Blackhawks prospects on team USA (Nick Leddy and Jeremy Morin) recorded assists on the lone goal for the Americans.
- All-Star selections are to be revealed tomorrow and it is believed that Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith will be the Blackhawk representatives in the game.
Hawks Continue Hot Streak, Dismantle Avalanche
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