Three Stars:
- Jonathon Toews
- Patrick Kane
- Marian Hossa
The win streak continues. All four lines looked good last night, and Goose is becoming one of our best defensemen. He’s learning a lot from Keith and that’s why his offensive capabilities can be displayed like they were last night.
Hossa really managed to redeem himself and look like the best free agent acquisition Chicago’s ever had, the guy who we brought in. I’m really happy with how well he and Toews looked last night and Shaw continues to be a complimentary figure on the wing. The first line is trying to give the second, still the best line in hockey, a run for their money.
Is it me or is Hjammer becoming forgettable on the ice. Not saying it’s a bad thing because he’s consistent, reliable, and quiet. It’s good to know that we have one of the best shutdown defensemen in the league, and seriously when is he going to get that defensive defenseman award we’ve all been clamoring for. Norris is becoming a strictly points based award (which is why it’s given to Karlsson, make no mistake) but Hjammer is one of the best defensemen in the league and deserves recognition. Even if it is a little bit hard sometimes on the ice.
One of the most unforgettable moments in last night’s game for me is Panik whiffing on a great scoring chance. He scored in the first period (almost purely as a result of Goose’s great play) and then it’s like he forgot how to score. I still believe that he’s going to be replaced when Q figures out which Rockford guy he wants. But for now, I’ll willingly take his ability over Mashinter’s lack thereof.
All in all, this was a great game for the Hawks and we extend the streak to 11. One away from tying Florida for the lead this season. We’re three points above the Stars and they only have two games in hand.
Let’s not forget, this is a team that really only started clicking at the beginning of December.