The Blackhawks’ disastrous first period versus Nashville last week, that led to a humiliating 5-1 loss versus a top divisional rival, is looking more and more like a bad anomaly—and not an indicator of where this team really is.
The team’s last two outings— at home versus Winnipeg and Vancouver—have been pretty outstanding.
Corey Crawford has two straight shutouts, both well-earned.
The scoring balance that was impossible to find earlier in the season has been growing for the last handful of games. Last night in a 4-0 win over the Canucks, the new third line of Dennis Rasmussen, Bryan Bickell and Andrew Shaw led the way.
The defense has been good enough, although the Hawks are still giving up what, for them, is a lot of shots.
Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin assisted last night—Kane stretching his scoring streak even further. And Panarin was dangerous all night.
So there’s a lot to feel good about.
I’m still not in love with the Hawks’ defensive depth; I still wonder how fragile the psychology of this team is. But wins like those in the last couple of games will help that.
It’s also time to single out one player who has been outstanding all season and who—like Crawford— has elevated his game to a new and consistent level of excellence this season. And that’s Andrew Shaw.
Shaw was one of the very few hawks who actually showed up for the game in Nashville last week. And whether he’s played somewhat out of position on Joanthan Toews’ left wing, or on 4th line RW, or at third line center, he shows up night after night and gives you supreme effort and willingness.
And Shaw’s game has really improved. He’s not nearly as prone to the dumb penalty as he used to be, with better responsibility over the entire ice surface.
In addition to setting up the game-winning goal on a really nice pass, Shaw potted an open netter last night that looked easy, but it really was a smart hockey play. Curling out of the Vancouver corner with the puck, with two Vancouver defenders around him, Shaw looked first for an oncoming teammate to feed, then recognized a shooting lane and took it. 3-0, game over.
Shaw’s become a difference maker and a real leader on this team. And that’s what happens when you have a culture of winning.
I’ll be back tomorrow with an Avalanche preview.
JJ