Despite cashing in only 11 seconds in The Hawks endured a pretty patchy first period, in which Keith and Campbell struggled, often preventing the line they were backing up from getting any forward momentum going. Perversely, the best sequence of the period was back-to-back demonic shifts from the third and fourth lines. A great second period followed and the thing was wrapped up with the final frame, one in which each team had every chance of winning or handing the win over, with key players on both sides taking sloppy penalties in the late going. Here are The Bits:
Ryan Hartman had himself a good game, even with a don't-get-ahead-of-yourself-pal bodyslam from Jamie Benn that cannot have felt good.
Hit Parade: While Pat Foley yet again droned on about hits, I wondered if he has ever considered that, if The Hawks are playing like they can and should, they could probably go an entire game without throwing a hit. And, while I like Steve Konroyd, that stuff about half of Panik's hits being made while he is carrying the puck is total crap. Yes, a couple of times he has squared himself up to deflect a checker, but come on... I'm also pretty sure that the scorekeepers aren't calling those things hits, either.
Large Arthur's short pass to Kane for the winner was great, but even better was Small Arthur's no-look pass just prior to that, in which he had The Stars completely sold on a pass to Keith. Simply outstanding. Ten game points streak, now, for Large Arthur, by the way.
Jordin Tootoo "made" a pass! (I think he was trying to ice the puck, but whatever...)
PK: Earlier this week TSN asserted that when Crow referred to "PK" in a post game interview he was referring to Patrick Kane. That's apropos of nothing except that I delight in mocking TSN, but The Hawks' PENALTY KILL continues to roll on, denying three chances in this match. Dennis Rasmussen once again led all forwards in PK ice time.
The Stars did really well, I thought, when one considers how demolished their lineup is, with third liners playing in the two-hole and another third liner skating on their undisputed top line. That leaves six or seven forward spots filled with Guys, some of whom are not yet NHL-ready. Spezza is out for tonight, apparently, so things are going from bad to worse in The Big D.
Tonight: Andrew Desjardins was activated from the Disabled List and may draw in for tonight's game. Oh, please let it be Tootoo's spot...
Beginning with a steal to manufacture the first goal and finishing by pounding home the winner, Patrick Kane bookended his game with excellent plays and receives Stormare's Icy Endorsement.
Antti, hey Antti, didja hear the one about...
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