I have to admit that I really didn't miss hockey when it was gone, but I am really pumped to have it back. Go Hawks!
I was at the home opener last night. First time I've seen a game in person, and I have to say, the sport is a lot better that way. Seems to make more of a difference (vs. the TV experience) than other sports (even soccer), despite the fact that I was way up in the 300 level. Definitely not the last Blackhawks game I'll attend, but I'll have to check out the Icehogs too, given that their games are a lot closer (and cheaper).
You need to try the 100 level. Even better if you can get close to the glass. That's where you get a real appreciation for how fast the game moves.
While they looked flat tonight the big name of Toews came through with what turned out to be the game winner. This is why you pay some big $ and get that player to change your fortune when it matters. More times then not it's the difference between a win and a loss. What needs to be noted here is the road record. 4-0-0. I think it's going to be a different story against the wings tomorrow night...
I know. I think this is where we run out of gas. Calling first loss. Not a bad start overall considering we only have two games at home in the first twelve total.
I really thought the streak was going to end with how tired the Hawks looked after a tough physical game last night and killing off 6 penalties in the first 2 periods. They looked exhausted by the end, but then won it in OT. Team looks very good whenever it's 4-on-4 like in OT with the speed they have. Best start in team history.
I kept thinking killing all those penalties tonight was going to do us in. Nope. They continue to find it in them to win.
That is the sign of a champion. I missed the overtime goal, but as long as I'm catching some of the game, they continue to win. This two day rest should help before the next 6 on the road. Let's hope they can continue the run on the road.
I blame Pause. Seriously, it's not bad to have the winning streak end by picking up a point on the road.
Another SO loss tonight, this time in Vancouver (not sure about the choice to use Leddy for the 4th shot). Still finding a way to get points from tough games, but teams are successfully (somewhat) shutting down the Hawks offense. That said, 2 shots off the post tonight (one of them hit both posts) and at least 1 that I can remember in Minnesota, so even if the bounces aren't going their way, they are still grinding out some tough results. Penalty killing is up to 1st in the league.
It reminded me of the 2009 Conference championship game against RSL. Hamlett had McBride, Blanco, CJ Brown, Pause and Prideaux taking the PK's
It was always going to be tough playing Vancouver in their building. We did enough to get the one point. The Hawks are still mighty impressive right now considering all the road games (6 out of the first 8) and we've nabbed 14 of a 16 possible points. Four more on the road until we play at home again...
Having Pause, Prideaux and Brown taking PK's over Mapp and Nyarko is a bad move. Even with Mapp's horrible miss in Superliga and Nyarko being not all there, I still would of picked them before all three of them.