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There was a lot to like in the Blackhawks' first two games of the season, road wins against two of the West's better teams.
But as I posted on the message board last night, it's probably wise not to get to high or too low from anything you see opening weekend.
Overall and throughout the league, goalies look terrible. 3 of the 4 goalies who played in Hawk games this weekend (Ray Emery, Jonathan Quick and Mike Smith) were dreadful. And Corey Crawford was, meh, OK.
For what it's worth, Antti Niemi was outstanding last night in a 4-1 Shark win at Calgary.
Emery can and likely will be better. But the hazards of playing with suspect goaltending were underscored last night. Guys like Quick and Smith will not play remotely that poorly in April and May. And the Hawks likely will not continue to generate 5-6 goals a game forever.
As far as the Hawks overall, I was really impressed with their structure and puck pressure in both games. Their breakouts were clean and they played downhill for most of both games, generating a lot of turnovers at the opponent's blue line. This, in turn, took pressure off their own netminders.
Now, it wasn't all positive. A few Hawk forwards blew defensive zone assignments—I'm looking at you, 88 and 65—leading to goals against. That needs to be tightened up.
More positives, the Hawks delivered the bigger hits against Phoenix, two in particular by Brandon Bollig and Niklas Hjalmarsson. Physical hockey sets up the style of play the Hawks want. When the other team is tentative coming out of their end, the Hawks are able to jump passing lanes and make things happen.
Some individual impressions.
3 of the 4 lines are clicking. The Bolland line looked like it had a man advantage in 5 on 5 situations for long stretches of the game last night. The Kruger line generated tons of pressure.
Highly touted rookie Brandon Saad was OK last night. His skating and nose for turnovers were really evident. As was his lack of physicality—getting muscled off a lot of pucks. Saad's skating and instincts are worth getting excited about. He also flashed some hands. I really like him from the opponent's blue line in. However, at this point, he also plays about 15-25 pounds lighter than he is, which shows in the neutral zone and along the walls.
Hjalmarsson, Nick Leddy and Michal Rozsival in particular were rock solid. Brent Seabrook, Duncan Keith and Johnny Oduya look to be finding their games. Rozsival is going to be a nice addition to a deep defense.
Michael Frolik, Marcus Kruger and Viktor Stalberg (who was very good all over the ice last night) all look really strong—but let's also remember, these guys have been playing all season.
Patrick Kane? On fire. He just needs to pay more attention in his own end. Kane, also, has been playing.
Jonathan Toews? A faceoff winning machine, which is necessary with Kruger, Kane and Bolland taking the remainder of the draws.
Finally, the rumors of Marian Hossa's demise are greatly exaggerated.
After recently turning 34, Big Hoss looks as good as ever. An absolutely dominant force up and down the ice. If, and at this point it has to be a big 'if" Hossa can stay healthy and play 40+ games, he could have a huge season.
Another big test tomorrow night, with a very, very good Blues team invading the UC. The joint should be jumping.
JJ
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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