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It’ll go down in the archives of the NHL 2014-15 season as a 5-2 win over a .500 team, but last night’s game in Colorado was meaningful for the Blackhawks.
After coming out flat and getting their lunch handed to them by the Jets in Chicago a few days earlier, the Hawks not only won last night, but did so in convincing fashion.
You could see the frustration in the Avs when Matt Duchene took a little (emphasis on the word little) shot on Patrick Kane, after Kane potted the empty netter to seal the deal.
There are those crying for league discipline today, but really the scoreboard says it all—and Kane was no worse for the wear. Sure, some players and teams will take some liberties at times with hawk stars. But a shove or a tap with the stick here and there, generally speaking is harmless—and typically just a measure of other teams’ frustration. Almost a good sign by itself. You also have to wonder if the Avs, with all the young talent they have, have not reached the ‘half-life… of Patrick Roy’s message as a head coach rather swiftly.
In the meantime, the Blackhawks seem to have quickly regained their game.
Corey Crawford had a bit of a rocky start before settling down and delivering some big saves as the game went on. This, also, was important, as Crawford was pulled early in the loss to the Jets.
The Hawks scored twice on the power play, one on a superb, laser-like slap pass from Duncan Keith to Kane.
Good game, good two po9nts, and a needed boost of confidence with Nashville coming to the UC tomorrow night. I will have a preview tomorrow.
Until then, thanks for reading,
JJ