Mama Said...: Sharks 3 - Hawks 2 Wrap

by SamFels on Dec 23, 2009 1:03 AM CST

First off, a deep apology to everyone for not being able to provide an Indian at the UC tonight. I made a promise to everyone that I would be there every game, and I broke it tonight, pretty much due to my own incompetence. You all deserve better, and I will provide it in the future.

Anyway, on to the game. It's strange. I've seen the Hawks have less control of a game and win by four. I've seen them muster half as many shots and register twice as many goals. I've seen them give up twice as many shots and not give up a goal. I know it's a loss, but I don't know for sure what I'm supposed to complain about here.

I haven't glanced at the gamethread, but I'm sure at least one person will pin this on Huet. I guess I can't stop you, and Heatley's opener was definitely a case of Cris dropping down to early. Still, only a few snipers in the class of Crash Bandicoot could make him pay for that. The second goals was Versteeg going country stupid. The third was Seabrook(?) getting caught on a pinch by Thornton and Marleau. That's bad news. Maybe he could have stopped Joslin's shot from the slot, but it was pretty uncovered. I'll leave that to all of you to decide.

You want to find blame for this ever-so-weird loss? Look at the power play. The Hawks only had seven of them to make something happen. If there's a silver lining (and there isn't), it's that maybe after seeing a real PK Coach Q will realize what a clusterfuck his PP is at the moment. Buff on the point? You might as well have an alligator out there. Versteeg and Kane together? That only ended in a shorty against. And why does no one dump the puck in? Like ever? Will they catch H1N1 if they do? Someone should explain this. The Hawks have far too much talent to have a man-advantage that looks like old people fucking.

But still, you look at the shots and see 47-14, you must've been doing something right. In fact, if the Hawks hadn't been so intent on punishing the glass behind Nabokov, it could have been 60. There are just some nights that are not yours, and tonight looks to be one of them. Sure wasn't one of mine.

Reminder: Tomorrow night at The Whirlaway for the Hawks-Scum game. We'll actually mention who we are. Killion is the Irish lookin' dude in the Toews jersey, McClure is the tall doofus with the grin like he just got away with something awful, and I'll be the bald dude who's covered in toner. Please walk up to us and introduce yourselves. Although the odds are McClure and I are throwing punches at each other by the first TV timeout.

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Good Recap of a Sucky Game

It wasn’t too long ago where one of the game recaps said not to worry about the Hawks’ scoring slump—they were still putting 40 shots on goal. And now this is the 57th time this season that they’ve run into Godzilla in the net on the other team.

We need something other than Clownshoes to describe the Hawks’ powerplay. Clownshoes is too nice. How ’bout fetid heap of parrot droppings. (Anyone know the reference?)

This certainly wasn’t Huet’s fault.

And why are the NHL Network guys saying this is such a “big statement” game? They’re saying it was more important to win this 1-goal game than the embarrassment the Hawks laid on the Sharks last month. They say it shows the Sharks are sending a message for the playoffs. Yeah, whatever.

Wish I could join you at the Whirlaway. It’s a bit of a commute from central Wisconsin.

by Preacher000 on Dec 23, 2009 2:03 AM CST reply actions

not even Godzilla

probably a good 5/16 of those 47 shots were off rebounds that Nabokov gave up, we just couldn’t ever make him pay for it. Toews missed two empty netters, which is pretty uncharacteristic, but whatever.

Monty Python! always appropriate.

by gmh on Dec 23, 2009 2:11 AM CST up reply actions

"Monty Python! always appropriate"

Good job. It’s nice to know there are people with culture on here. (Or maybe they’re just as old as I am!)

by Preacher000 on Dec 23, 2009 8:07 AM CST up reply actions

I fart in your general direction!

by Chadonis on Dec 23, 2009 1:33 PM CST up reply actions

Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!

If I can't be a good example, I'll just be a horrible warning

by Trixietrx on Dec 23, 2009 4:21 PM CST up reply actions

Won the faceoff battle

didn’t allow a power play goal,held a very potent offense to just 17 shots,and still lost….it sucks,but these games are going to happen a few times a month….

gmh you are right Toews did miss 2 empty netters,one went off the post i believe,and he wasn’t as t his best on faceoffs,but i still thought he had an ok game….

I thought Hossa played well,again,and not just because of the goal and assist….his assist was due to his fore checking,stealing the puck and setting up Kaner,nicely done Marian…

Honestly,when i took a look at the rest of the schedule for the month of December after they beat Detroit on Sunday,I thought to myself that the most important games to win were @ Detroit and home and away with Nashville,so here is to the Blackhawks getting a very important W tonight…

GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!

by csm on Dec 23, 2009 6:15 AM CST reply actions

Pretty accurate summary

Sam, just like not being able to deliver the IC at the UC (although you did make it avialable to everyone online) sometimes shit happens which doesn’t make sense.

Although yeah, the PP has got to change. That was just ridiculous. It’s sad when a fan has to dread the PP.

So we’ll just win tonight, and I doubt I’ll be going to the Whrilaway, unless my car magically fixes itself and (thank you Hubby for removing parts before you are sure we have the right parts to replace it with).

If I can't be a good example, I'll just be a horrible warning

by Trixietrx on Dec 23, 2009 7:19 AM CST reply actions

don't worry about the CI, Sam

…though can I be the douche that says it may have been the thing that jinxed the Hawks last night? (Only kidding. Maybe.)

Anyway, pretty spot-on summary. I guess Nabokov felt he had a lot to prove from his last game. It’s frustrating as all hell, but it’s hard to complain when your team is consistently showing up to play on the ice.

@ChiBlackhawks

by chiblackhawks on Dec 23, 2009 7:27 AM CST reply actions

"But still, you look at the shots and see 47-14, you must've been doing something right. In fact, if the Hawks hadn't been so intent on punishing the glass behind Nabokov, it could have been 60."

“Hawk’s attack last night should have over-come Huet’s off-night.
In a weird way I feel a message was sent to the Sharks….”Flat out the best Shark’s effort can’t keep up with Hawks"

"Let 'em say all those nice things," he says, "but I know my mistakes, and I make plenty of them.-Bobby Orr

by taBruiser on Dec 23, 2009 7:59 AM CST reply actions

Whirlaway

What is the parking like there? or do you recommend some form of public trans? I am finally back in town, and what better than to watch the Hawks with a shit load of Hawks fans.

by Delta0ne1 on Dec 23, 2009 8:23 AM CST reply actions

There should be plenty of on-street parking in the area – it’s probably all metered now but maybe you’ll luck out and the payment boxes will freeze up again.

It’s just about 2 blocks or so south of the Logan Square blue line stop and right in front of a stop on the Fullerton bus though. We always recommend public transportation since it’s a bar and drinking and whatnot…

Second City Hockey

by Killion on Dec 23, 2009 8:35 AM CST up reply actions

"Although the odds are McClure and I are throwing punches at each other by the first TV timeout."

Either that or coming to blows… if you get what I’m saying

Second City Hockey

by Killion on Dec 23, 2009 8:37 AM CST reply actions

Wait, I thought you were meeting up at The Whirlaway, not the Manhole.

by K_Dog on Dec 23, 2009 9:17 AM CST up reply actions

hee hee

"Let 'em say all those nice things," he says, "but I know my mistakes, and I make plenty of them.-Bobby Orr

by taBruiser on Dec 23, 2009 2:36 PM CST up reply actions

dumb penalties

The thing that pissed me off the most (besides Versteeg’s beyond awful giveaway, just chip the puck in dumbshit) was the dumb penalties. Sharp’s little swat at heatley, dumb, buff clearly being able to stop before he hit nabakov, dumb, too many men, dumb. I know these technically didn’t ‘hurt us’, but time spent killing dumb penalties is always better spent dominating a team at even strength.

The Madden Buff Steeg line had been solid until last night. The occasional two-pack of stupid that is Buff and Versteeg seemed to drag Madden down against the Sharks.

All that being said, a strong two way effort resulting in a loss…..what are you gonna do?

See you fellas at the whirlaway!

"In an ideal world I would have all 10 fingers on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching."

by Hack on Dec 23, 2009 8:42 AM CST reply actions

Buff playing point on the PP?

I could not believe it when I saw it. Thanks for bringing it up again, do we look for more of this weirdness in the future?

Victim was found murdered by a Chelsea Dagger.

by pucknut on Dec 23, 2009 8:44 AM CST reply actions

This is because Barker is out. His shot is missed on the PP IMO. I know people want to trade him but I think its a mistake at this point.

That guy is slow though. Ill the Barker haters that.

by HjammerTime on Dec 24, 2009 1:29 AM CST up reply actions

Not sure what to think...

…loss despite domination?

…or “put that coffee down.”

14 shots, but they made ‘em count. Can’t even blame Huey too much, although there are goalies who would have emerged from this game with two points no sweat.

VERSTEEG? earned the ? tonight.

Hawks didn’t finish. Cripes, Cap’n missed an open net.

On the whole, no big. Gordie Howe (I think) said missing on chances wasn’t the end of his career- it was the inability to generate chances. The Hawks keep generating, they are due for a positive spin on the wheel of karma.

by cliffkoroll on Dec 23, 2009 9:06 AM CST reply actions

De-Lurking and the Power Play

As others have done this season, I am also going to take myself off the list of people who constantly read this site but does not say anything…

As for the power play, this infatuation with with forwards, namely Bufftard on the Power Play needs to stop. He provides nothing except a big shot, however you actually have to catch the puck and control it to take a shot. If Buff is going to be any use at all, Q-Stache needs to put his big ass in front of the net, draw the attention of the defense and give the exponentially more skilled players room to operate, while screening the goalie. I know, it sounds really easy, but it can’t be any harder than it looks right now.

by CementHeadStu on Dec 23, 2009 9:06 AM CST reply actions

not to actually complement the Scum, but...

Isn’t this exactly what Thomas Holmstrom does every second he’s on the ice, which often times works for them…I agree, this is what Buff is made for, nothing more, nothing less

you just got Byfuglien'd!!!

by stuck_lb_13 on Dec 23, 2009 9:49 AM CST up reply actions

My observations from the west end of the ice

1.I would say over half of the shots the Blackhawks made were direct shots at Nabakov’s chest w/ zero traffic in front of the net. I saw Brouwer, Toews and Ladd set up screens but never saw Buff’s fat ass in the goalie’s face (probably because he was too busy playing point on the PP).
2. There is no way we’re going to win close games in the playoffs unless Q gets this power play back to being effective. We need a line containing one F w/ good vision to make passes and make skilled shots (Kane, Hossa) a guy who can take abuse in front of the net (Brower, Byfuglien) and Toews and Madden to win face offs.
3. What the fuck is going on with Sharp? He had more bad zone clearing attempts and errant passes than I care to count. He looked slow and sloppy last night. Maybe he’s coming down w/ whatever bug took Hammer out the other night.

by Sportsgal on Dec 23, 2009 9:09 AM CST via mobile reply actions

Liked what I saw....

BESIDES THAT GOD AWFUL MAN ADVANTAGE.

I was real impressed with Nabby . He provided the Sharks with some GREAT goaltending and the thing I was most impressed with him was his ability to suck up the puck and not allow a rebound.

Sportsgal:

1.I would say over half of the shots the Blackhawks made were direct shots at Nabakov’s chest w/ zero traffic in front of the net. I saw Brouwer, Toews and Ladd set up screens but never saw Buff’s fat ass in the goalie’s face (probably because he was too busy playing point on the PP).

I agree with you, the traffic in front of the net, or lack there of I should say allowed Nabby to see a ton of shots and make those saves, I also think because of this he was able to control the puck as well as he did when giving up a rebound.

It's THE GOAALLLIEEE!!!!!

by hauthisis on Dec 23, 2009 9:26 AM CST reply actions

I believe it was the grear Colonel Sanders who said...

“I’m too drunk to taste this chicken.”

www.secondcityhockey.com

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a goddamn shame.

by McClure on Dec 23, 2009 9:28 AM CST reply actions 1 recs

Great*

See, point proved.

www.secondcityhockey.com

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a goddamn shame.

by McClure on Dec 23, 2009 9:29 AM CST up reply actions

I'm rec'ing this.........

even though I can’t remember what it is from. Still hilarious………….I’ll think of it eventually.

"In an ideal world I would have all 10 fingers on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching."

by Hack on Dec 23, 2009 9:34 AM CST up reply actions

A beer at the Whirlaway tonight to anyone who can name it without looking it up

Honor system applies.

www.secondcityhockey.com

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a goddamn shame.

by McClure on Dec 23, 2009 9:58 AM CST up reply actions

Is it Kentucky Fried movie?

If not then I have no idea.

I hate Illinois Nazis.

by Scott13 on Dec 23, 2009 3:13 PM CST up reply actions

are you also thinking about

being a crack dealer? Not like a mean crack dealer, like a nice one; kind of friendly like “hey what’s up guys, wanna buy some crack?”.

by K_Dog on Dec 23, 2009 10:07 AM CST up reply actions

THAT JUST HAPPENED!

what does that do to you…does that just blow your mind?

you just got Byfuglien'd!!!

by stuck_lb_13 on Dec 23, 2009 11:38 AM CST up reply actions

SOG

Due to watching the came on a laptop and drinking heavily I couldn’t see to well. Were those quality shots or more of the just throw it at the net variety?

"I fornicate and play hockey, cause ther're the 2 most fun things in cold weather"

by Johnny Lava on Dec 23, 2009 10:02 AM CST reply actions

There were plenty of quality shots among the 47 thrown his way.

Unfortunately, some of the highest quality shots missed the net completely.

Anyways, if this game finally forces Q to abandon the forward at the point madness, then its a victory despite the loss.

My favorite moment of hte Buff at the point era will be last night. Toews won a clean draw in the offensive zone. It went right to Buff, who was unable to corral it with his seasoned defensemen hands. The puck went over the blue line, and the Hawks were unable to establish any presence in the offensive zone for another minute.

Quick, can anyone tell me how many hard shots Buff was able to take from the point during his multiple PP shifts last night?

I be on my green like Irish Spring.

by chrome on Dec 23, 2009 10:13 AM CST up reply actions

I recall

the game sunday hearing Pat say Buff’s name durring a PP and thinking WTF? It seems like we’ve had this problem on PP for years and thru many coaches. How can we be so good at everything else and suck so bad at this?

"I fornicate and play hockey, cause ther're the 2 most fun things in cold weather"

by Johnny Lava on Dec 23, 2009 10:18 AM CST up reply actions

As for this being a San Jose "statement"

I thought they would come out with their hair on fire and dominate the Hawks physically in the 1st. Instead the Hawks controlled the puck the entire period. As discussed in other posts some of their best chances missed the net entirely. Lack of scoring a PP goal in the first probably did them in and of course all 3 Shark goals were upper tank.

Under these same circumstances (shots, scoring opportunities, penalties) the Hawks win this game 80 percent of the time. Credit to San Jose for making the most of their opportunities, but this was not a “statement” unless the statement is “let’s let the Hawks dominate the puck and see if we can score on 20 percent of our shots”

And Buff at the point on the PP is ridiculous. If he’s going to play the PP get his ass in front of the net.

by Duck99 on Dec 23, 2009 10:53 AM CST via mobile reply actions

random note

Did anyone else notice how ridiculous Thornton’s goal was? He didn’t really roof a wrist shot, he slipped his blade under the puck and flipped it over Huet’s shoulder. If you didn’t notice this, check out the replay on the hawks website. He is basically laughing after he scored like “I can’t believe I pulled that off”.

"In an ideal world I would have all 10 fingers on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching."

by Hack on Dec 23, 2009 11:05 AM CST reply actions

The sad thing is

in the same situation, a Hawk would have shot it over the net or into the goalie’s gut.

by Bluliner on Dec 23, 2009 11:53 AM CST up reply actions

Statement

I don’t understand how this is a statement game for the Sharks for the playoffs. These 2 teams wouldn’t meet each other until the conference finals, and we all know San Jose won’t make it that far.

by HawksFTW on Dec 23, 2009 11:05 AM CST reply actions

if we play every game like this...

minus the retarded power play, we’ll sail into the president’s cup.

Regardless, has anyone seen the curb your enthusiasm episode with the chef who has tourette’s syndrome? That is pretty much how i swore at my tv the whole game.

by SLoop on Dec 23, 2009 12:40 PM CST reply actions

The Hawk’s are that damn good that they’ll win a golf tournament by playing hockey.

www.secondcityhockey.com

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a goddamn shame.

by McClure on Dec 23, 2009 12:54 PM CST up reply actions

standing room but found sitting room

thanks to a generous sharks fan and his girlfriend, not. my buddy and i saw after the first period two unclaimed seats and moved in, when we asked if anyone had been by to claim them he said no. and then made the comment on how i was taking a half of his seat up because he was sitting on two seats? and he was not a big guy. too add to the insult there was another empty seat on the other side of his girlfriend. HOWEVER in the end i had a good time at my first hawks game this season. a problem i saw with the game was definitely the PP, old-people fucking is the best description for it really…

i may not know much, but i think i know a lot.

by cubsmansince91 on Dec 23, 2009 12:53 PM CST reply actions