The Blackhawks barely snuck out a win vs. the lifeless Buffalo Sabres on Friday. A 3-2 win, courtesy of a late Tommy Wingels goal to tie it up late in the 3rd, followed by a weak goal by Gustav Forsling in OT.
@johndietzdh: "I don't remember being as happy as I was on the bench when Wingels scored that goal (in) a regular-season game."
-- Patrick Kane on Tommy Wingels' short-handed goal last night that tied the game at 3-3 late in the third period.
This quote really stood out for me.
In my last blog, I wrote about the strategy Stan Bowman is working towards to build some future comradery with this Blackhawks team by drafting players familiar with each other as well as building a culture of countrymen.
Kane's excitement made me… feel things. It reinforced the idea that the Hawks have struggled to find that brotherhood by winning through tough situations when their team is highlighted by mediocrity this season.
Does this fuel Kane's hunger to win? Does his passion rub off on others, even those who weren't apart of those Championship teams in Chicago?
There is no doubt that another level of desire and determination to win is needed after reaching the top of your sport. There are multiple Hawks that have demonstrated this feat by having 3x rings on their dressers at home.
There is Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith. Let's not forget Joel Quenneville, Stan Bowman, John McDonough and others with the Hawks management.
My last blog was titled, "Youngsters and Grinders vs. The World" and I wrote this because, well, it's been evident that this team has been sparked by a banger of a 4th line, some kid named Alex and a couple nice surprises on the backend.
Sure, the core has been solid at times on the ice and have been leading behind the scenes. However, more is needed from them moving forward now that the younger players and new faces have settled in.
There's an amazing study out of the University of Ottawa by Kathy Kreiner-Phillips and Terry Orlick called Winning After Winning: The Psychology Of Ongoing Excellence.
I recommend checking it out if you are interested in sports psychology and want to attempt to get into the minds of the Hawks leaders searching for their 4th Championship.
A nice quote here, explains a lot in a snapshot:
"It is clear from this study that high levels of success create additional demands for high performance athletes. This can lead to a decline in performance unless athletes learn to control two major areas: the felt expectations from themselves and others, and outside external demands (e.g., media, public appearances, sponsors). If athletes do not gain a degree of positive personal control over these areas, something will suffer- the quality of their training, their rest, their focus, and ultimately, their performance."
The Hawks take on another lowly team tonight in the Arizona Coyotes. They may be able to put another 95 attempts and 51 shots like they did vs. the Sabres, but overall they have to be better.
Franson is doubtful for the game tomorrow, which is fine. He left the game in the 3rd period with a UBI. He was due to sit down for a game before last game in my opinion.
The interesting thing is that Jordan Oesterle took to the right-side with Duncan Keith in the veteran's place. Oesterle has value by being capable of playing both sides.
If it were me, I would have gone with Keith-Murphy, Forsling-Rutta, Kempny-Seabrook but hey, what do I know.
Connor Murphy's play has shown me that, in due time, could be a top 4 defender on this team eventually. He's been excellent lately.
Up front, knowing Q, I would expect the lines to remain the same.
Vinnie Hinostroza played well in 12 minutes of ice-time. I would prefer to see him on LW, but for the time being, they are trying him at centre.
So, there is a good chance that Hartman is scratched again, but it should be Richard Panik. #14 needs to view a game from the press box and for someone who was very familiar with this treatment before his time in Chicago a mere 3 years ago, he should not be untouchable by Q.
Chris Block (who I highly recommend you follow for IceHogs updates) had a great comment last night regarding how coaches handle benching players:
@ChrisBlock
"Meanwhile, in Chicago, Quenneville can't go a game without Richard Panik, Tommy Wingels or Lance Bouma. It's all nuts.
This was in response to Aaron Portzline, Blue Jackets correspondence for The Athletic, who quoted Tortorella's benching of star Cam Atkinson: "I look at this as part of the process of getting him back."
That's all I have for a lazy Sunday.
If you want to follow along on social, I'm at @JustinLoweHB and if you're more of a Facebook fan, I'm at https://www.facebook.com/JustinLoweHB/.
See ya out there.
JL
--
Who we got tonight: Arizona Coyotes
Season Matchup:
Chicago ✔
Arizona
7-19-5 = 19 points
8th in Pacific (see: last)
Last game: LOSS vs. Blue Jackets (1-0) last night
GF: 73 / GA: 109
PP% = 17.5% (23rd in NHL)
PK% = 81.0% (15th in NHL)
Sniper: Clayton Keller- 11 goals
Producer: Keller - 23 points
Tough Guys: – Jason Demers - 23 PIMs & Luke Schenn - 97 hits
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ICYMI:
* Ryan Hartman said he was benched because of his double-minor high stick in the Washington game. Tough break for a guy that's been really trying to find his groove after, what looked like, the start of a breakout season if he could keep himself in the top 6.
* Rockford IceHogs won big last night 7-2 vs. Grand Rapids. They've owned GR this year with 5 wins already. The Hogs were clearly excited to have Tanner Kero back in the lineup. He played with Highmore and Johnson.
Goal scorers for RFD included: Martinsen, Jurco, Highmore, Raddysh, Dalhstrom, Iacopelli and Kampf.
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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