Preusser's NHL Rundown: Blackhawks Flying High
(Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images) via secondcityhockey
Let’s Go Hawks
Last Friday, I was on my way to work when I was listening to the Blackhawks Talk Podcast. They reminded me that the Blackhawks would be in Dallas on Sunday, and in the blink of an eye, I bought tickets to the game.
I haven’t seen the Blackhawks play live in probably over a year. I was supposed to go to a game at the United Center last March. A day before that game, the NHL and the rest of the world shut down.
I am so pleasantly surprised by this Chicago team. Somehow head coach Jeremy Colliton has gotten the core players and all the new players on board with his system. They are finally and fully buying in.
Before this season began, I listened to the podcasts and read the articles. I knew what the talk of the town was about this year’s Chicago team. I remember saying to my dad that I hope the doubts light a fire under them, and they come out and prove everyone wrong. I think they are doing just that.
Coming into this season, I would have never bet on the Blackhawks to beat the defending Western Conference Champions, the Dallas Stars. With three unproven goaltenders, injuries, and a lineup full of new guys and rookies, I would have expected a 0-3 loss maybe even a 1-3. After I saw how they came to play (after the first couple of games), I felt differently. They took 3 of 4 points against the Carolina Hurricanes, a team that I believe is going to make the playoffs. Going into this Dallas series, I was and am expecting a similar outcome. We won in overtime in the first matchup, and I know we did not play perfectly, but I was thoroughly impressed by the defense and the goaltending. Our defense stayed together for the most part and I felt like I finally saw this team play as one.
Now, I am not saying I think they are going to make the playoffs. I mean it could happen, and with the core veterans, I would not be completely surprised if they made an appearance. I am not saying that the next time they play against the Tampa Bay Lightning that are going to take 3 of 4 points. What I am saying is although I didn’t expect this team to do well, I had faith as a true fan that there would be positives to this season. What I am saying is that if you aren’t surprised with what this Blackhawks team is doing, you must be lying.
It may be time to cue the Chelsea Dagger. (knock on wood)
This Week’s Rundown
Here’s what I’m looking forward to:
Monday Feb 8
I am looking forward to another Canucks Maple Leafs matchup because the Leafs scored a combined 12 goals during their past two games. I am also looking forward to another Coytoes Blues matchup because the Coyotes beat the Blues in their past two matchups which was surprising to me because the Coyotes have been very average and the Blues have been above average the past couple of years.
Tuesday Feb 9
The Flyers and Capitals will meet again. This matchup particularly interests me because the Flyers beat the Capitals 7-4 the other day. I know the Flyers are good this year, but with the Capitals overall strength and consistency, it still surprises me that they were able to score seven goals against them.
I am also going to keep an eye on the Chicago Dallas game because I am hoping that Chicago can take two points from that game. Their matchup on Sunday was physical as Dallas is a big team. I am expecting it to be even more physical since it’ll be their second matchup in three days.
Wednesday Feb 10
There are only two games on the schedule for this day. I will be paying more attention to the Maple Leafs Canadiens game since their records are similar. The Maple Leafs currently hold the number one spot in the North Division and the Canadiens hold number two. It’ll be a good, quality showdown.
Thursday Feb 11
I am looking forward to the rematch of the Blue Jackets and Blackhawks because I think that those teams are pretty evenly matched. The Blackhawks are currently number four in the Central and the Blue Jackets are number five. I think at the end of the season both of these teams have the potential to take that number four spot, but realistically I think they will be fighting for fifth.
Friday Feb 12
The only game on the schedule is the Bruins Rangers game. I guess that is the game I will have to pay attention to. The Bruins have only lost one regulation so far this season, so I better keep an eye on them moving forward as we inch closer to playoffs, slowly but surely.
Saturday Feb 13
I am interested in the Hurricanes Stars matchup. For one, I will be at that game. Two, I was under the impression at the beginning of the season that these two teams would be competing for that number two spot in the Central. I guess the Hurricanes are holding up their end of the bargain as they are currently ranked number two. The Stars are sitting at number six right now. I think these teams are evenly matched for the most part, but we will if the Stars rise to the challenge.
Sunday Feb 14
Happy Valentines Day Hockey Fans! Treat yourself to a good matchup between the Capitals and Penguins. At the beginning of this week, both teams are in a bit of losing slump. The iconic rivalry between these two teams is always a good one and always worth a watch.