The Hawks almost let the Kings back in the game but I had a feeling if they were able to hold on to the lead through 2 the Kings wouldn’t be able to get past us and they didn’t.
My 4th Star of the game goes to Ray Emery for another solid night in net and stepping up while Crow is on the mend from his upper body/concussion injury.
Emery stopped 25 of 27 shots from the Kings yesterday only giving up the two goals while short handed. Neither goals could really be pinned on Emery as he was screened on both goals.
Emery is going to be the goalie that keeps the Hawks in the hunt for the Ducks record and maybe has been more of a reason they are still on pace to reach that mark than Crawford.
Razor was also the winning goalie in probably the Hawks worst game of the year in Calgary but he was able to stand up and get the Hawks two points when they really didn’t deserve them. He will be getting the start tomorrow against the Canucks and most likely against the Sharks on Friday. If Ray is able to get at least 1 point on Tuesday the Hawks will be looking to break the record for best start to an NHL season Friday.
I was worried about Emery being the back-up to start the season, I wasn’t sure he would be able to handle the condensed season and I always worry about him coming in cold to a game. But luckily we haven’t had to pull Crow yet and as long as this injury isn’t two serious (fingers crossed) Emery shouldn’t be over-worked this season. But if Crawford has to sit out for decent length, I am starting to feel more confident that Ray can do enough to keep the Blackhawks winning.
Honorable mention: Johnny Oduya, I saw a stat at the game last night, since signing Oduya last year, the Hawks are something like 26-3-11 (may be a few games off). He has been HUGE in shoring up the back end.