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In a game somewhat reminiscent of the NHL of the 1980s, featuring a goalie who almost played then, the Hawks fell 6-5 in OT last night in Tampa.
It was a sloppy game, and after giving up a late Tampa power play goal, after a bad Michal Handzus penalty, the Hawks were able to tie it and push it to OT—earning a valuable road point—on a fluky goal that Tampa essentially put in their own net.
Khabibulin was not great, and it makes you wonder how much he has left in the tank. It also makes you wonder if Finnish import Antti Raanta, now 3-1 at Rockford, might get a look-see again in Chicago before too long.
Johnny Oduya and Niklas Hjalmarsson ,normally the Hawks' best +/- defensemen, were -3 and -2 respectively. Patrick Kane, although he had a goal and an assist, was -3.
The Hawks significantly outshot Tampa, but again, Khabilbulin could have been better. Regardless, the team gave up 2 power play goals in 4 chances, which continues a now disturbing trend on the penalty kill as the Hawks look to recreate their mastery there from last season.
So the Hawks now stand at 6-1-3, third in the West, with a home game against Minnesota tomorrow night. More important perhaps, they continue to struggle to play a full 60 minutes, giving up leads repeatedly last night—and are therefore perhaps lucky to have they record they do.
But good teams make their own luck, and points in the bank are giving the Hawks leeway to work the kinks out as the season goes along.
All for now, back with more tomorrow.
JJ
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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