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It had a storybook quality to it. Marian Hossa scored his 1000th NHL point, joining just 79 other NHL greats who’ve ever reached the same milestone, where his NHL career began in Ottawa.

Two points for the night, the second a goal scored off a power move to the net—exactly what the Hawks need more of.

Funny, some readers complain that I’m like a broken record calling for more net presence, playing harder in the high traffic areas—it’s just that’s what winning hockey teams, not just “pretty” hockey teams, do. To actually win hockey games.

So I’ll keep saying it, because it’s just completely valid. When the Hawks play physical hockey, going to the tougher areas around the net, it sets up and enables the prettier stuff. When they get too cute, too many drop passes and overhandling the puck on the power play (for example), they get in trouble. As they have since their “renaissance” began some 7 years ago.

And the Hawks won a game last night. And no, it wasn’t pretty—well, with the exception of Patrick Sharp’s top shelf winner in the shootout over hard luck loser, Craig Anderson.

This was a rematch of two Illinois-born goalies, with Scott Darling proving himself, yet again as having some kind of NHL future. The Sens definitely found a chink in Darling’s defenses—a vulnerable five-hole which is quite common with tall goalies. But Darling also showed outstanding quickness last night to go with his size, making a number of clutch saves on a string of Senator power plays.

Back to Hossa. He looked as good as ever last night, which is great news for the Hawks and Hawk fans. And as the years go by and his achievements in a Hawk sweater multiply, Hossa’s legacy becomes more clearly as a Blackhawk, as opposed to a Senator, much less a Penguin, Thrasher or Red Wing.

Next up for the guy who really defines two-way play on the wing, 500 goals. Who knows, maybe another Stanley Cup before he’s done.

But that’s way down the road. Much closer is tomorrow’s game against the Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. I’ll have a preview.


JJ

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