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Blackhawks Mon Dec 12 2011
Hawks Gain Momentum Late, Win in Overtime
Even though the Blackhawks were able to come back in overtime and bring home a 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks in Sunday night's game, the overall performance of the team was a bit confusing at times. There seemed to be three different teams on the ice last night, the Sharks, and two very different Blackhawks teams.
Facing former teammate Antti Niemi in goal, the Hawks forgot to apply pressure on him and lay on heavy traffic in front of the net for the first two periods. Luckily for the Hawks and a packed United Center they were able to rally back in the third period to tie up the game with one minute left.
The Hawks have had problems with slow starts this season, some not ending as nicely as Sunday's. The Sharks, who played Saturday night in St, Louis, seemed crisper and much more active on offense than the Hawks, who only had 13 shots through two periods.
The momentum quickly turned around in the third period when the Hawks outshot the Sharks, 16-3, sending the game into overtime. Between taking shots and getting traffic in front of the net the Hawks were able to come out on top.
Heading into OT the Hawks continued with their newly found presence and with 33.2 seconds left Patrick Sharp got one past Niemi for the victory. Sunday night's win was the Hawks second straight win and fourth victory in the last five games.
