Three Stars:
- Patrick Kane, 1G 2A
- Brent Seabrook, 1G 2A
- Corey Crawford, 31 saves
Brent Seabrook has really impressed me this season. There’s something about the way he’s been playing and the fact he has beaten his previous career bests, plus the fact he was solid and reliable for the stretch Keith missed, it really seems like he’s been better than Keith this season. He’s earning the contract. Let’s get into it.
Corey Crawford was recognized for Team Canada, playing with Holtby and Price. I think we know have the list of three best goaltenders in the league. Crawford was amazing last night and we got out of the first and second with a shutout. He didn’t let in a goal until the game was already over. Great effort.
Kane continues to show why he will be the first ever American Hart trophy winner. He’s just been better than everybody else in the league this year, and it’s not a bad thing that I’m rooting for him to score more goals because I want him to beat Ovechkin for the Richard. I want him to have every piece of hardware available.
Desjardin’s penalty was a dumb one, taking himself out of the game was even dumber. I thought the third line was establishing itself before that happened, and it sucks Desi left like that. He came back and got some needed minutes but we can’t have players disappearing like that. It was a good thing also, in that it showed he can stand up for himself and didn’t necessitate a grudge thumping by Shaw or Mashinter.
Fleischmann has been secretly a great addition, where everybody talks about Weise and Ladd, don’t be surprised if Fleischmann if this year’s Desjardins, a great depth addition that plays reliably and works hard.
There were a few quotes that concern me from last night’s intermissions – “there’s a zero % chance the cap goes up” and “if Shaw doesn’t play lights out with Toews and Ladd he could be moved down” – there’s no chance that Shaw isn’t moved down. Bowman simply won’t allow Hossa to be put in the fourth line because he’s “core”. If Kruger, Desjardins, and Shaw doesn’t replicate last year’s success, however, don’t be surprised if Shaw is bumped up to play with Teravainen.
Ehrhoff I really didn’t notice. That’s not a good thing, that’s not a bad thing. For our sixth guy I’d honestly rather have not be able to notice his presence, because he doesn’t have to make big plays, all he has to do is not make crucial errors and I don’t think he did last night. That’s a good sign of progress.
Up next, Bruins tonight.