As I tweeted last night around 10:30 Eastern: THAT'S the Chicago Blackhawks, where ya been guys?
The Hawks put together a dominant 4-0 victory over the Minnesota Wild last night at the XCel Energy Center, and for 48 hours at least, have returned hope to Blackhawk Nation.
There were four factors, in my opinion, that contributed to the turnaround.
1) The line and defense combinations were much better. Kris Versteeg was no longer at second line center (Dave Bolland was, between Patrick Kane and Troy Brouwer). The top line of Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa and Pat Sharp was dominant all night. The fourth line (Tomas Kopecky, Ben Eager and Colin Fraser) was outstanding, registering three goals. The third line (John madden, Andrew Ladd and Versteeg) did it's job. I thought Madden had more jump last night than he has in weeks.
Bolland's 2nd line was the one that didn't really generate much last night, beyond Pat kane having a very good game. We know Kane and Brouwer can play and produce together— with Toews at C.
Another option that might need to be tried is moving Sharp to second line C.
Dustin Byfuglien played top pairing defense with Duncan Keith. I've gone back and forth on whether Big Buff should be at D or W in the playoffs, but I am now convinced the big man needs to be at defense. He and Keith have good chemistry and there is something very reassuring about seeing #33 drift into the slot whenever the opponent has the puck in the Hawks' end. His presence there will make a huge difference in terms of a longstanding problem that Hawks have had with clearing the front of the net.
Brent Seabrook and Nik Hjalmarsson likewise, are developing some nice chemistry. This, to me, is further testament to how good Hjalmarsson is and can be. Seabrook, like Brian Campbell much of last year, has really been struggling. Hjalmarsson's rock solid positioning and defensive zone play is simply very settling for any partner to play with.
2) Last night was the Hawks commitment to an aggressive, but not overreaching forecheck and persistent backcheck.
This disciplined approach, coupled with the on-ice personnel alignments, can virtually guarantee the Hawks to get out of their slump for good, if not regain their swagger.
3) Antti Niemi. In registering his 7th shutout in 22 wins this season, he did not face a ton of shots, but he was simply breathtaking on a 91 second 5-on-3 kill.
4) The Wild are neither a very healthy, nor very fast team. This played into the Hawks approach. New Jersey, Friday night, will pose a tougher challenge.
A BIT MORE GOOD NEWS:
Some internet scuttlebutt this morning, from what seems like a good source, says that the Hawks are being "extra careful" with Kim Johnsson's concussion symptoms, and that they are saving him for the playoffs.
This would certainly be good news versus the prognostication that Johnsson might be gone for the season.
Thanks for reading,
JJ
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»