Follow JJ on Twitter @jaeckel!
Now it’s the top line’s turn.
Where a few weeks ago, the Blackhawks’ second line of Kris Versteeg, Brad Richards and Patrick Kane was ripping up NHL rinks, of late the Hawks’ top line has been dominant.
In last night’s 5-3 win over Minnesota at the United Center, Jonathan Toews (1G, 2A) and Marian Hossa (1G) were making plays all over the ice. Brandon Saad didn’t score, but he has been on fire of late as well.
It was also a big night for Brent Seabrook (1G, 3A) in the absence of usual partner Duncan Keith (out sick, rumored to be mumps). The Hawks’ defense was sort of patchwork, with the always adventurous David Rundblad in the lineup, along with recently acquired Tim Erixon.
But the Hawks really turned it on in the second period and then held on late, with Ben Smith adding an empty netter to seal the deal.
So the Hawks are getting balanced scoring and contributions. They’re also winning a lot of faceoffs, dominating overall in the dot last night, even though Andrew Shaw went 0 for 8.
Bryan Bickell had 7 hits. Toews and Hossa each had a couple of takeaways. The Wild failed to score on 3 power plays, while the Hawks went 1 for 3.
All the things the Hawks need to do to play winning hockey.
Antti Raanta was good enough, and yes, as some predicted, Scott Darling was sent down to Rockford with Corey Crawford returning soon.
So the Hawks appear to be getting back into the groove they rode to an 8-game winning streak snapped last week on Long Island. And they get a nice break now before resuming play Saturday night in Columbus, where they face a growing legion of former teammates: Jack Skille, James Wisniewski and now Jeremy Morin.
I’ll have a preview and any news as it happens,
JJ
Love watching hockey?
Not just NHL action—but CHL, AHL and KHL—streamed right to your computer or mobile devices, mostly in HD, and both live and on-demand? Get a low-cost subscription to:
http://www.hockeystreams.com/ref/51981
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»