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The Blackhawks continued their mastery over the LA Kings last night with a fairly convincing 5-3 win on the road.

Patrick Kane (2/1) was the first star of the game—his top-speed feed on Bryan Bickell’s goal was a thing of beauty for a bang-bang goal that LA netminder Jonathan Quick had no chance on.

After a slightly rocky start to the road trip, the Hawks are 2-0-2 and definitely trending upward. They looked pretty solid in all aspects of the game last night.


MY OLYMPIC PICKS:

GOLD— Sweden

Year after year, Swedish teams in international tourneys are loaded with talent. This one is no exception. But I also like the way they built their team. Rather than force-fitting erstwhile stars and top 6 players into supporting roles, Sweden went out, and with the selection of Marcus Kruger for example, picked guys who can excel in lower line/utility roles. This is a team that is solid and deep in all areas.

SILVER— Canada

Too much talent, even if the goaltending is a little suspect, not to finish in the medals

BRONZE— Slovakia

This could be the year that this tiny country medals, after a 4th place finish in 2010. They’re strong on defense and in net, and just good enough up front.


All for now, more as I have it,


JJ

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