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This might be the first blog ever to point out the graphic similarity of the Tampa NHL franchise logo and that of Elvis Presley's entourage: TCB (for Takin' Care o' Business) followed by a sweet lightning bolt.
So, in the immortal words of Carl Spackler from Caddyshack: I got that goin' for me—which is nice.
The Hawks took care of business at the UC last night, ending the Lightning's 6-game win streak, on a brilliant Patrick Kane shootout (ugh) goal.
Kane and Corey Crawford were the goats early, as a Kane turnover on the power play led to a Lightning 2-on-1, which went in the back of the Hawk net. Corey Crawford didn't help matters by letting a pretty soft one past either. But Kane and Crawford redeemed themselves in the (ugh again) shootout.
Brad Richards had another good night, with the tying goal. And later, Marcus Kruger had a nice redirect on a Niklas Hjalmarsson shot to put the Hawks ahead, before the Lightning tied it on a Nikita Kucherov goal in the third.
For much of the night, the ice appeared tilted toward the Lightning end; the Hawks outshot the Lightning 19-6 in the first period. It can be argued, the Hawks have played their best hockey of the season over the last 4 games, including a 3-2 home loss to the Capitals. Joel Quenneville's new lines appear to be working—the Hawks on-ice system is functioning as it should, with quick puck movement out of their own zone. The defensemen are engaged and active in the offense. There is almost always a Hawk forward in front of the net: Kruger on his goal, Peter Regin and Jeremy Morin drawing penalties last night.
And that is how you take care of business in the NHL.
The Hawks next opponent? The Wings, in Detroit. Sure the Wings are now in the East and that takes some edge off the old rivalry. How much? I don't think much.
I'll have a preview and comment on any other news between now and then.
JJ