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Blackhawks Wed Jan 23 2013
Blackhawks Hit The Ground Running
14 goals in three games. 3-0 record. That's more like it.
The action has been fast and furious. So fast that it is hard to keep up.
The Blackhawks opened up the 2013 season with a win against the Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings. The Hawks spoiled the championship celebration by beating the Kings 5-2. Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa (2), Michael Frolik and Jonathan Toews scored goals for the Blackhawks.
The next night, they beat the Phoenix Coyotes. The team that eliminated them from last season's playoffs. Goals were scored by Dave Bolland (2),Patrick Sharp,Marian Hossa, and Viktor Stalberg. Backup goaltender Ray Emery made 25 saves.
Tuesday night, they held off a division rival in the St. Louis Blues 3-2. A team that most experts have chosen to make a deep run in the playoffs. The highlight of last night game was the 3 to none rush the Hawks against the Blues Goalie Brian Elliot.Patrick Kane,Brent Seabrook and Viktor Stalberg each scored goals. Also, Goaltender Corey Crawford made 31 saves.
Dave Bolland moving up to the second line center has proven to be effective thus far. Bolland's move from the third line provides toughness and heads up play. Which has led to being among the team leaders in goals scored.
Left Winger Daniel "Carbomb" Carcillo injured his other knee during the Kings game. According to Coach Joel Quenneville, Carcillo will miss only a month. Brandon Saad was called up from Rockford to take his place on the roster. He will take Carcillo's spot on the first line.
As long as the Corey Crawford/Ray Emery goaltending combination bends but doesn't break, the team should be contending for a Stanley Cup during this lockout-shortened season. We can do without the soft goals though.
According to the NHL preview in Sports Illustrated, Patrick Kane's mother, Donna, lived with Kane during his time in Switzerland. After three games, it looks like the stability his mother provided is rubbing off. Momma Kane needs to move in with her son for a while.
Monday, the team sent a 2013 seventh-round draft pick to the Calgary Flames for goaltender Henrik Karlsson. Karlsson was sent to Rockford after the game.
This week, the Hawks have games against Dallas and Columbus. Look for a big game from Viktor Stalberg. Hawks fans are well-aware of his history against the Blue Jackets.