The Blackhawks come off a relatively successful west coast road trip which historically has not had been the best for the Hawks. After getting shutout the first game by the San Jose Sharks and their former goaltender Antti Niemi they came back strong against the Anaheim Ducks. Patrick Sharp had a very productive game posting a hat-trick against the Ducks. With Jonathan Toews chipping in with two goals and three assists. After being on a losing skid for the past couple of games this was a nice bounce back game for the Hawks offense. This game also saw the return of blue-liner Brent Seabrook to the lineup. Next they went into LA to face the Kings and walked away with a victory, winning 2-1. The Hawks received a reality check in their next game and were shelled vs. the Coyotes 4-1. A couple of observations that I would like to point out during the last few games, The Hawks are losing a significant number of one on one battles. Second, they do not appear to have the hunger in situations that require them to reach deep inside and find the will to win.
Hawks 0 Sharks 1
Hawks 6 Ducks 5
Hawks 2 Kings 1
Hawks 1 Coyotes 4
Corey Crawford’s GAA continues creep up even though he has been able to win 2 games this week, he wasn’t as fortunate in his other starts as he was shelled in against the Ducks and Coyotes. He came off the bench after Ray Emery was pulled in the first period of the Coyotes game. Crawford is not pleased with his play as of late however, the blame is not all on his shoulders because the defense has been banged up and honestly not playing as aggressively as they should. If Crawford’s play continues to slip this may provide the opportunity for Emery to show what he can do between the pipes.
Corey Crawford: last 7 days: 2W, 2L, 8 GA, 3.45 GAA, 0 SO
Season: 11W, 7L, 45 GA, 2.86 GAA, 1 SO
Fantasy Impact
Coach Q has been getting great production out of his top 6 players and these guys should be starting in your fantasy lineups. Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa & Patrick Kane, with his recent move back to first line winger, have been having a very productive season to date. The Hawks have been tearing it up on the score sheet, they have been the league leader in goals and should be a regular starters in your fantasy line-up.
Johnathan Toews Goals: 13 Assists: 12 Points: 25
Patrick Kane Goals: 7 Assists: 17 Points: 24
Marian Hossa Goals: 9 Assists: 15 Points: 24
Patrick Sharp Goals: 11 Assists: 12 Points: 23
Nick Leddy Goals: 2 Assists: 14 Points: 16
Duncan Keith Goals: 2 Assists: 13 Points: 15
Bill Kosla
NJFFL Chicago
@wolfhound89
