Ok, let’s not overthink this one; the Hawks take on the Penguins tonight at PPG Paints Arena.
Do I expect a 10-1 blowout by the Hawks? Absolutely not.
A lot has changed since opening night and although the Penguins have had their ups and downs since, they are 6-0-1 at home. The Hawks on the other hand haven’t looked like that 10-1 winning team in a while.
Expect Coach Q to ice the same lineup that pulled out a 6-3 win on Wednesday vs. the Rangers.
Crawford vs. Murray will be the matchup between the pipes.
Here are some more stats for you for your Hawks, as well as the Pens.
Blackhawks: 9-8-2
3.11 GF/G = 12th
34.6 SOGF/G = 6th
9.0 SH% = 18th
14.6% PP = 29th
48.3 FO% = 24th
2.74 GAA = T-10th
33.8 SOGA/G = 28th
84.3 PK% = 8th
9.1 PIM/G = 13th
--
Who we got tonight: Pittsburgh Penguins
Season Matchup:
Chicago ✔
Pittsburgh
11-7-3 = 25 points
3rd in Metropolitan
Last game: WON vs. Sens (3-1) on Nov 16th
GF: 58 / GA: 73
PP% = 23.8% (3rd in NHL)
PK% = 78.3% (22nd in NHL)
Sniper(s): Kessel & Sheary – 8 goals
Producer: Kessel – 24 points
Tough Guys: Reaves– 66 PIMs & 62 hits
You’ll notice that Sid guy is not leading the way in any of the stats above. Some have drawn comparisons to the same struggles as Toews, however, if I was a PIT fan, I wouldn’t be worried about #87.
The “Kid” looked like his concussion problems might set him back or force him to retire a few years ago, but he found an all-world level and has led his team to back-to-back championships.
If anything, Hawks fans can hope that Toews finds that next gear like Sid did. It’s definitely possible as Captain Serious’ resume and character has been the strongest of almost any player in the league in the last decade.
Also, keep your eye on Rockford this weekend as well. They play tonight vs. Grand Rapids and tomorrow vs. Chicago. Both teams are below the IceHogs in the standings, so very winnable games for the baby Hawks.
I will be commenting on all things Hawks/IceHogs periodically on the message boards and on twitter @JustinLoweHB.
See ya out there!
JL
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»