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It was one game, at the end of an overall positive road trip. But hopefully the Hawks will learn something about themselves and teams like the Coyotes if they meet again in the playoffs this year.
There are some teams that jam up the neutral zone and their blue line and literally force you to play station to station (i.e., dump and chase) hockey. It's not pretty or fun for perimeter-minded glory boys, but it's how you win a lot of games in the NHL.
And it's an adjustment the Hawks have had difficulty making for a number of years now. Somehow, they usually figure it out come playoff time. And they likely will this year, too.
Also, you just have to tip your cap—as hard as that might be—to Coyote netminder Mike Smith. He was very good last night.
Blame the refs for some obviously bad calls? Sure. But the Hawks didn't do enough to win the game, period, and the Coyotes did.
So now the NHL takes a break for the Winter Olympics.
As I was telling a somewhat novice hockey fan today–watch and enjoy these games.
Just about every American over the age of 40 remembers the glory of the Miracle on Ice. But my love affair with international hockey really began with the 1996 World Championships, won by an underrated American club over the heavily favored Russians and Canadians.
These are the best players in the world, going head to head on a large ice sheet where speed and playmaking are paramount. You won't see a lot of hitting, but you will see a lot of creativity and intensity—these games matter to the players.
I'll be back regularly during the break to talk about the Olympics and any trade or injury news I hear.
All for now,
JJ