Posted by Jim Neveau, Blackhawks Correspondent
The Blackhawks wrapped up their Circus Trip on Saturday with a 2-1 shoot-out loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Kings.
The Hawk goal in the third period was their first in nearly 115 minutes of game action, a drought that stretched from their seventh goal against the Sharks on Wednesday in San Jose all the way to the beginning of the third period at Staples Center.
Even with the one goal combined in their final two games of the Circus Trip, it was still a successful jaunt for the Hawks. They won their first four games, sweeping Western Canada and whipping the vaunted Sharks. They did get a point out of the Kings game, but were shutout against the Ducks.
All in all, it translated into nine key points for Chicago, which was better than the seven that head coach Joel Quenneville had said would be an acceptable mark for the team.
(Jim Neveau/THW)
With the standard recap out of the way, there were six things that the six game Circus Trip taught us about the team, and will help shape the squad moving forward through the rest of the season.
One: The Blackhawks Don’t Mind Angry Crowds
When the Blackhawks went into Calgary to face the Flames at the Saddledome, the crowd was at full throat. After the legendary comeback win that the Hawks had against Calgary in Chicago, the fans were ready for blood, and the environment could conservatively be described as “hostile”.
Still, the Hawks came out, played Calgary’s physical game for the first period, then opened up the floodgates with four goals in the second period, causing a cascade of boos to rain down from the rafters at the dome.
The Hawks faced a similarly raucous crowd in Vancouver, and they maintained their composure throughout the game. It spoke to the effect that the veteran presence of John Madden, and the leadership of Jonathan Toews, have had on this young squad.
Two: The Blackhawks Can Adapt to Different Styles
Blackhawks During the Anthem (photo/Pam Rodriguez)
In the aforementioned Vancouver contest, the Hawks were out-gunned the entire evening by a Vancouver team hell bent on causing as much destruction in the neutral zone and in the corners as possible.
Hit after hit, and break after break, the Canucks just kept coming at the Blackhawks, and the atmosphere resembled that of the playoff series that the teams shared last May. The defensive struggle was eventually won 1-0 by the Hawks, who got a great performance out of goalie Antti Niemi.
It also spoke to the “everyone is dangerous” angle that some folks have taken when looking up and down at the Hawks’ roster. Bryan Bickell, who was immediately sent down to Rockford to make room for Marian Hossa, scored the only goal for the Hawks in the game.
Needless to say, the Blackhawks played a defensive game, and they played it well. Anyone trying to paint this team as a one trick (offensive) pony is sorely mistaken.
Three: The Blackhawks Aren’t Immune to Letdown Games
It is a common thing to see a team that plays a big emotional game have a huge letdown in their next skate, and the effect seems to be exacerbated by being on a lengthy road trip.
Patrick Sharp, drinking for Duncan Keith and Eddie O's enjoyment (photo property of author)
The Blackhawks walked right into that trap in a Friday matinee against the Ducks. They looked flat the entire game, gave up three power play goals, and were shutout 3-0 by Anaheim. This game two days after they whooped the Sharks to Fresno and back in a 7-2 shellacking.
The next day, the Hawks looked fairly flat again against the Kings, perhaps showing that they were essentially finished with the trip mentally. They did manage a point in the contest, which is a testament to their defensive skill and ability to score critical goals.
Four: Cristobal Huet Might Finally Have This Goalie Thing Figured Out
Throughout the trip, Cristobal Huet looked like he was finally feeling comfortable in between the pipes for the Hawks. He continued a stretch of play where his Goals Against has come tumbling down, he’s begun making those great saves that he needs to, and he also has improved his positioning significantly.
Huet also can take care of business in pressure situations as well, as was evidenced against the Kings, and also against the Sharks in the first period of their tilt. He may never live up to the large contract that the Hawks gave him, but he certainly is starting to come into his own as a starting goaltender.
Five: Antti Niemi Isn’t So Bad Himself
If the Blackhawks were at all concerned with the quality of play they have been getting out of Huet (and why should they be?), then all they would have to do is turn to Mr. Niemi in net.
Cristobal Huet (photo property of Pam Rodriguez)
CalNiemi already has two shutouts this season, the last of which came against the Canucks in their 1-0 defensive thriller. He made save after spectacular save, keeping Chicago in the game and showing his value with every dive and movement.
Calls to replace Huet more often with Niemi may have died down, but if the Hawks ever needed a goalie to step up to fill in because of injury or poor play, they could do a heck of a lot worse than the young Finn.
Six: The Hawks Are An Elite Team
Judging not only by their no. 1 status last week on ESPN’s Power Rankings, but also by their play against teams like the Canucks and Sharks, the Hawks have definitely entered that elite group of teams in the league.
They play solid defense, they can move the puck and score efficiently, and they have depth that few if any teams can match. Their coaching is impeccable, and they are playing with discipline that enables them to stay in just about every hockey game.
If there was any doubt as to this team’s status in the league, it was dissipated with their quality play while on this trip. While the months ahead will determine this team’s fate, the Circus Trip certainly showed that signs are looking up for this squad.
Jim Neveau is a sports blogger and aspiring journalist who has had work featured on various sites, including foxsports.com. He also writes for a Blackhawks blog entitled paintitblackhawks.com. You can email him questions or comments at jamesneveau@hotmail.com.
Some Other Articles That You May Enjoy:
Five Thoughts on What Hossa’s Injury Means to the Blackhawks
46 and Counting
Colorado Avalanche 2009-10 Schedule – Who thinks up this stuff?
After 7800 Miles, Here’s Five Things We Learned About the Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks
Toronto Leafs Calgary in the Dust
We hope you enjoyed this post. As always, leaving a comment below is both appreciated and encouraged. Thanks!
An impressive road trip for the Blackhawks, indeed. Anytime you garner 9 of a possible 12 points on a long swing through Western Canada and California should scream “Contender”. I was a huge skeptic of Huet’s ability as a #1 goalie, but he’s more than fit the bill to this point. Very well rounded team int eh WIndy City, and only getting stronger with Hossa’s debut last week.