Delicious Cake
-Artem Anisimov. The Russian sniper is playing a huge role on the best line in hockey right now. He's the only Hawk that seems to know how to provide a netfront presence. Toews and Shaw are downright shitty compared to the 6' 4" Slavic monster's ability to screen the goalie and score goals. Anisimov's goal started with a faceoff win (by Anisimov himself) in the Hawk's defensive zone, followed by Kane's pass to Anisimov, who then blew by 3 Panthers, cut across the goalmouth, and slipped one past ol' Louie. Just fucking gorgeous! He also obstructed Luongo's view on Seabrook's PP goal. Smart trade, Stanny BoBo!
-Patrick Kane's patented top-shelf backhand goal.
-Brent Seabrook's 3 point night, including a laser-beam pass to Kane to set up his aforementioned backhand roofer.
Anisimov
So-So Soup
The Hossa-Toews-Godforsaken line. The top line is treading water at the moment because Q has fucked around relentlessly with who plays alongside Toews and Hossa. It's been frustrating to watch and I'm sure it's been frustrating for the 2 future Hall of Famers to play footsie with so many undeserving suitors. What needs to happen is simple: Teravainin needs to play on the top line. With Teuvo in there, the Hawks have 2 LETHAL lines that will embarrass their opponents' ancestors.
I know that having 4 balanced lines is the goal. But, I don't think the Hawks have the personnel or chemistry to pull that off right now. Teuvo is being wasted in the 3rd line center role. His skill is far beyond the players he is paired with. Enough with this horsefuckery. Put the play-makers together. It's working for the 2nd line, it'll work for the 1st. With Teuvo on the top line, the Hawks have 3 substantial lines, the 4th line being solid as ever, with Shaw-Kruger-Desjardins. The only question would be the 3rd line, which Q can busy himself with. Let him tinker away with the half dozen players at his disposal. Let the 3rd line be the experiment, and leave the other lines alone.
Aww, Teuvo
Expired Tuna Salad
David Rundblad. This motherless fuck was on the ice for the 1st goal, looking not unlike a guy on skates in a defensive posture, watching a hockey game. Crawford bailed him out on a Jagr chance in the 2nd period with a brilliant glove save. Again, he was caught looking at the developing play, not being active or PLAYING HOCKEY.
I don't see Rundblad improving anytime soon, and I hope he has another career in mind, because being the weak link on a hockey team can only last for so long. Might I suggest Door to Door Coffin Salesman? How about Pony Disemboweler? Cold-Cut Defiler? Gorilla Talcum Applicator?
This wizard magically creates scoring chances for the opposing team!
Noticably Unnoticed Award
-Ryan Garbutt. Besides drawing a penalty by getting cross checked in the face by Dave Bolland, Garbutt was absent. Though, in Bolland's defense, it's hard to move around the ice without at least grazing Ryan Garbutt's massive head.
Final Thought:
It's time to see how the Blackhawks fare against the NHL's best teams, starting Saturday with the Lightning, then Anaheim, Winnipeg, Minnesota, LA, and St. Louis. Bring on the real contenders, and let's see what this team is made of.
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