Blackhawks: Roberto Luongo
Luongo to Hawks? Not going to happen
Jeff Vinnick/NHLI/Getty ImagesBlackhawks fans would not be very patient with Roberto Luongo, who they love to hate.Luongo said he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause, and it sounds like the Canucks might accommodate him.
A source told ESPN.com's Pierre Lebrun that Chicago could be on the short list of teams Luongo would be willing to be traded to.
Coincidentally, Luongo and Hawks starter Corey Crawford share the same agent in Gilles Lupien.
But does Luongo make any sense for the Blackhawks?
It's the Blackhawks' first game back since the All-Star break and they'll face the Canucks.
Game 7 loss lingers for Blackhawks
VANCOUVER -- It had been 203 days since the Chicago Blackhawks and Vancouver Canucks were in Rogers Arena in Vancouver at the same time. Tuesday was the first day both teams were in the building since a dramatic Game 7 Vancouver victory in round 1 of last year’s playoffs.
Both sides had memories of the 2-1 overtime classic.
“I’m sure we have different recollections than they do,” Jonathan Toews said after Hawks practice in preparation of Wednesday's matchup.
The end of the game is what is remembered most. Toews scored a hard-to-believe shorthanded goal with less than two minutes remaining to tie the contest at 1-1 and force overtime.
“Tight game like that you remember,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “What are the chances of tying it up late like that. Kind of reminded of Nashville the year before but it wasn’t to be.”
Jeff Vinnick/NHLI/Getty ImagesAlex Burrows' goal last April ended the Blackhawks bid to repeat as champions. The Hawks beat the Predators in overtime in 2010, when Marian Hossa scored after he came out of the penalty box. It was preceded by a Patrick Kane shorthanded goal at the end of regulation. In eerily similar circumstances, Alexander Burrows of Vancouver came out of the box in overtime to win the game for the Canucks after the home team killed off the penalty.
“As soon as I got the turnover I knew I had some room there,” Burrows said after Canucks practice earlier Tuesday. “I was hoping for the best and the rolling puck that night was on our side.”
Former Hawk Chris Campoli’s blue-line turnover is well documented for contributing to the Hawks' not repeating as champions. Just as documented was the Hawks’ power play, which preceded the winning goal. From the penalty box, Burrows had a good look at Patrick Sharp’s infamous point-blank chance.
“We had played seven games against them and we knew their tendencies on the power play and that was one of the plays we’ve seen a few times,” Burrows explained. “Toews walks in and uses Sharp for the back door. You could tell Lu [Roberto Luongo] read the play all the way but there was still room for him to go upstairs there I think. If he gets it up there maybe it’s a different story but he made the save and gave us a chance to win.”
Sharp has retold the same story many times: Luongo knew it was coming.
“That save Lou [Luongo] made on Sharp is one of those plays we had studied on our penalty killing quite a bit,” Canucks coach Alain Vigneault said. “I think it was a read Lou was able to make…We had a 1-0 lead with a minute and something left and we had a power play and we gave up a goal. We made it interesting for everybody.”
That they did. And after the Hawks tied the game and were preparing for overtime in their locker room they were feeling like the historic comeback from down three games was going to happen.
“We found a way once again to squeeze out of that corner that we’re backed into,” Toews said. “It seemed to be a trend that followed our team for the last couple of years.”
But it wasn’t to be. If Sharp’s shot goes in, many lives are changed.
“You know if we win that one we probably would have been in good shape to move on in the position they were in,” Patrick Kane said. “Obviously they’re the ones that moved on to the finals. Pretty good series. Great rivalry. What more can you say about it?”
But Vancouver’s fate would have been much different. It’s not a stretch to assume Vigneault would have been replaced along with much of the roster. Three years of playoff futility against the Hawks combined with an historic series collapse would have spelled doom for the Canucks franchise.
“I still remember Lou's save off Sharp on the backdoor play,” Burrows said. “If he gets it up maybe 10 inches higher, it might be a totally different story and I'm not here today talking to you about it.”
It’s unclear if Burrows meant because there would be no reason to talk about his game-winner because it never would have happened or if he meant he would have been off the team along with many others. We’ll never know the other team’s destiny if Sharp scores but we know it added another chapter to a great rivalry.
“Best rivalry in the NHL, I think,” Kane said.
Many agree.
No love lost as Hawks prep for Canucks
CHICAGO -- They probably arrived at O’Hare airport at nearly the same time late Friday night/early Saturday morning. One, the Chicago Blackhawks, came from Tampa Bay after a 5-4 overtime loss. The other, the Vancouver Canucks, arrived from St. Louis after a 3-2 defeat.
If they passed each other in the middle of the night, worn out from back-to-back games and late arrivals, an image is conjured of two teams exchanging steely glares. Think Dave Bolland and Henrik Sedin or Jonathan Toews and Ryan Kesler. Maybe Dan Carcillo and Maxim Lapierre locked eyes as they prepare to undoubtedly add to the one of the great modern rivalries in the NHL.
Bill Smith/NHLI/Getty ImagesThe Canucks got the best of the Blackhawks in the first round of last season's playoffs. The Hawks and Canucks will begin another season series -- more than likely of nastiness --- Sunday night at the United Center. Since the beginning of 2008-2009 they’ve played 31 games, including three postseason series. The Hawks have won 16, the Canucks 15.
But rivalries aren’t just about final scores, they’re about moments. And these two teams have had their share. You decide which is the most memorable:
There was Alex Burrows pulling Duncan Keith’s hair in 2008-2009 or maybe it was Adam Burish and Shane O’Brien exchanging verbal jabs in between games in the 2010 playoffs. The most recent incident saw Raffi Torres delivering a vicious head shot to Brent Seabrook, which didn’t result in any additional punishment, much to the dismay of one fan base. There are many more including several infamous moments between Roberto Luongo and Dustin Byfuglien.
Some of those names have moved on but the rivalry remains.
“The rivalry is definitely in place,” Joel Quenneville stated Friday. “When you play them three years in a row in the playoffs there’s something going on there. I’m sure it will make for a first exciting game of the season [series.]”
As far as not liking the Canucks?
“When you play them three years in a row I think we have a little more ammo than most teams,” Quenneville quipped.
In the spotlight, as usual, will be Bolland and his wingers, who will once again get the assignment of checking the Sedin twins. Bolland, coming off arguably his worst game of the season in Tampa Bay (minus-3), has a knack for getting under the skin of the league’s top players, especially the Sedins. Never did his value show more than when he missed the opening three games of playoff series’ No. 3 last spring.
The Hawks were down three games to none, on the verge of an embarrassing opening-round exit via sweep. Many thought there would be no reason for Bolland to return from a nasty concussion suffered in March. Why bother, people thought? He proved his worth by returning and sparking the Hawks to a near historic comeback. Bolland was that good.
On defense there will likely be a new “player” in the quest to stop the Sedins. Unless Quenneville changes his pairings Niklas Hjalmarsson will be on the ice almost exclusively against the Canucks' top line. His current partner Brent Seabrook has done it many times before, but usually with Duncan Keith. This will be one game Hjalmarsson won’t be criticized for providing no offense. If he’s still on zero points for the season but the Sedins don’t improve their numbers either, Sunday is a win for the Hawks.
And then there are the goalies. Two different species if you ask fans. One has proven to be unflappable, nearly stealing Game 7 in Vancouver last year. It was a coming-out party for Corey Crawford and no one knew for sure he could handle it.
The other is Luongo.
Like the rivalry itself there isn’t much new to write about the embattled Canucks goaltender. The fact that he and his team are off to a slow start isn’t the news. Afterall, they made it to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals, so some sort of hangover was expected. But he didn’t win the cup and he hasn’t outplayed a Hawks goaltender yet in a playoff series. Even in defeat Crawford garnered more praise than Luongo.
It’s not official who Canucks’ coach Alain Vigneault will start -- bank on it being Luongo. Either way, the decision will be scrutinized. There is little doubt Vigneault is on the hot seat and knowing how coaches think, the Canucks should be believing a good win in Chicago could be the aspirin for their hangover.
The next Vancouver coach might only be a few miles away, at the All-State Arena. Craig MacTavish wasn’t hired to coach the Chicago Wolves -- Vancouver’s AHL affiliate -- for a decade. There is little doubt Canucks’ brass is watching closely, though there are no outward indications Vigneault is in trouble. There rarely are.
Until the Canucks win a championship, the Hawks will always have the upper hand. A year after an historic parade in Chicago, Vancouver was rioting their city instead of celebrating. But while the Hawks will always have their names on the Stanley Cup, losing to the Canucks last spring stung.
After getting eliminated, some Hawks were more open than others about rooting for anyone that plays Vancouver. After falling in seven games, they were powerless to do anything about it. On Sunday, once again, the Hawks get a new chance to take down their bitter rival.
When the puck is dropped it will kick-off the season series, destined to produce another dramatic chapter in a short but already storied history between the cities and teams.
VANCOUVER -- Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford left an indelible mark in the Game 7 overtime defeat to the Vancouver Canucks, 2-1.
Yes, he gave up two goals to Alex Burrows but it’s what he kept out of his net that impressed the hockey world. He was magnificent in stopping 36 shots.
“It was one of the greatest goaltending performances in a clutch situation you’re going to see,” Joel Quenneville said after the game. “The kid was great.”
As the Hawks pressed to tie the game they left their netminder on an island. He even stopped Burrows on a penalty shot in the third period to keep the score within one.
“He was a warrior out there,” Jonathan Toews said. “Everyone wants to talk about [Roberto] Luongo all the time and the superstars but for a rookie goaltender, he was amazing. I can’t say enough about him.”
Save after save Crawford would not relent. He gave up his first goal to Burrows 2:43 into the game and then shut down the Canucks for more than 62 minutes. In other words he pitched a regulation shutout but still came up short.
“He is the reason we were in the position we were in tonight,” Troy Brouwer simply stated about being in the game.
Crawford’s last moment of the season won’t be remembered as much as the moments that brought his team to a Game 7 overtime. If the Hawks were at all unsure of it, they found their goaltender of the future, despite losing four of the last seven games played. He was that good.
The winning goal
After the game Chris Campoli didn’t shy away from the negative attention. It was Campoli who’s clearing attempt landed in Burrows’ glove which he turned into the winning goal.
“I didn’t get it out,” Campoli said. “I didn’t get it over him [Burrows]. Those are the kind of turnovers you can’t have and it cost us the game.”
A stunned Crawford said he couldn’t “remember” much about the play.
“He took off for the slot and teed it up,” he said. “I don’t know if it went off our defenseman stick or not. Their guy made a great play.”
Campoli wore the mistake instead of giving credit to Burrows.
“I made the play, not him,” he said.
Power-less play
The Hawks desperately needed their power play to come through in the final game, but it came up short. There was no better chance than early in overtime in Game 7 when Duncan Keith was taken down. The Hawks already possessed the momentum off their shorthanded goal late in regulation but that didn’t carry over to the power play.
“I don’t think our power play was great tonight,” Keith bluntly stated.
There was one great look by Patrick Sharp which could have sent the Hawks home a winner. He set up for a back door try, as he has so often this year, but Robert Luongo made the game saving stop on the one-timer.
“He [Luongo] looked like he anticipated the play pretty well,” Quenneville noted. “[Sharp] needed a special shot but it was a good look. Probably the only one on that power play.”
That power play will haunt the Hawks all offseason. The attempt by Sharp also will be hard to forget.
Missing stars
The Hawks missed some key players in Game 7 though not because of injury. Patrick Kane led the group of no-shows eventually having to be taken off the top line after a seemingly disinterested night.
“What we didn’t do offensively led to us having to play more defense,” Quenneville said when asked about Kane.
Kane finished with four shots but simply didn’t have the puck enough, and when he did, there were few times a positive outcome occurred. Marian Hossa also had his rough moments in Game 7. It led to Quenneville giving young Marcus Kruger some critical shifts, among others.
The Quote: “I’m not going to be a sore loser. You have to show some respect for the team that beat you,” -Jonathan Toews on the Vancouver Canucks.
Loss of Bickell a blow for Hawks
Bickell cut his hand in Game 2 but played through the injury the past three games.
Rob Grabowski/US PresswireThe Blackhawks' Bryan Bickell had surgery on his wrist on Monday.His chemistry with Frolik and Bolland will be missed. So who do the Hawks turn to for that crucial role?
The most likely candidate is Troy Brouwer, who has been skating on the fourth line. Brouwer is a near carbon copy of Bickell in many ways, though Bickell has shown a little better touch around the net and weighs about 10 more pounds. Both players have similar defensive games, which is an all-important aspect when facing down Vancouver’s Sedin twins.
If Brouwer isn’t the answer, other candidates for that role include Marian Hossa and possibly Ryan Johnson. The addition of Johnson to that line would add a faceoff specialist against Henrik Sedin. That’s not considered Dave Bolland’s strength. But Brouwer remains the favorite to play wing next to Bolland and Frolik.
It opens a spot on the fourth line for either Marcus Kruger or Fernando Pisani. Jake Dowell could also return but he’s behind the other two players on the depth chart. There could be two openings on the fourth line next to Johnson if Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville elects not to dress John Scott. Scott played only 59 seconds in Game 6.
Luongo starts: Unless he changes his mind again, Canucks coach Alain Vigneault announced Roberto Luongo as his Game 7 starter. That’s the right call. He’s the guy that got the Canucks here and he’s the guy that deserves a chance to get them out of the mess they’re in. In the end, Vigneault played it right. If he wanted to go with a gut call then Game 6 was the time to do it. It didn’t work, so it’s back to Luongo.
Gillis angry: Canucks general manager Mike Gillis had a calculated rant about officiating on Monday. He even called the league ahead of time to warn them.
“I felt that if it would have been a level playing field, we would have won the game,” Gillis said in regards to Game 6.
The Hawks had 6:17 of power-play time in Game 6, including 1:43 with a two-man advantage. The Canucks had 4:00 of power play time. For the series, the Hawks have 27 power plays to Vancouver’s 16.
One play the Canucks wanted a penalty called on was a hit Bickell put on Kevin Bieksa behind the Canucks net. It was nearly exactly the same hit Raffi Torres delivered on Brent Seabrook in Game 3. Bieksa had the puck, with his head down, and got hit high by Bickell. The league has deemed those hits legal so Vancouver has no leg to stand on, especially considering how they defended Torres.
Torres was called for interference but that was it. According to the rules, Bickell did nothing wrong. If the league doesn’t change that rule, additional major head hits will occur behind the net.
Vigneault: Luongo to start Game 7
Read the entire story.
Hawks flying high heading into Game 7
CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks understand what they are on the verge of accomplishing with one more victory in their dramatic opening-round playoff series with the Vancouver Canucks. Only three teams in NHL history have recovered to win a series after trailing 3-0.
But after beating the Canucks 4-3 in overtime in Game 6 on Sunday at the United Center, they are starting to feel a lot like they did last June.
“If we win, it’s almost compared to winning the Cup I would say,” Niklas Hjalmarsson, who assisted on the winning goal, said. “It would be a huge accomplishment, but we still have one more game. The fourth game is always the toughest one to win.”
Maybe so, but right now the task seems harder for the Canucks than it does for the Hawks. Vancouver admittedly played its best game of the series and still lost.
“You always want your team to compete and play hard, and that’s what we did tonight,” Canucks coach Alain Vigneault said.
Over three playoff series with the Hawks, Vigneault has tried everything. In Game 6 he tried another tactic -- benching starting goaltender Roberto Luongo. In a weird twist of fate, Luongo still ended up losing the game after starter Cory Schneider left the contest with an injury. What else can Vigneault try?
“This is huge if we come back to beat them,” Dave Bolland said. “It will be huge. We have the momentum after this big win. It could feel like the finals. We have one more game to go.”
Fate is a word starting to creep into the vocabulary of this series.
“We have to feel like it’s meant to be,” Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews said. “We have a great feeling in this locker room right now and that’s what you get when you win three games in a row. To steal the momentum from that team [after] going down 3-0 and fighting our way back into the series, anything can happen now.”
The Hawks pulled out a game they rarely could in the regular season. Trailing at three different times and gassed in the overtime period, they found a way.
“You’re moving in sand,” Bolland said. “Your brain isn’t really thinking. Your legs are just moving and moving and moving. You’re just trying to get to the open spot and hope it bounces off you.”
Maybe it is fate or maybe the Hawks have found the mojo that’s been missing since last postseason. Either way, a chance at history awaits them in Vancouver.
Rapid Reaction: Hawks 4, Canucks 3 (OT)
CHICAGO -- A quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks' 4-3 overtime win over the Vancouver Canucks in Game 6 of their Western Conference quarterfinal to force Game 7 on Tuesday in Vancouver.
How it happened: The Hawks didn’t lead until the final play of the game when Ben Smith's goal won it in overtime. A hard-to-believe sequence tied the game early in the third period, not long after Vancouver had its third lead of the game at 3-2. The Blackhawks’ Michael Frolik was awarded a penalty shot after being taken down going to the net. He scored and subsequently knocked goaltender Cory Schneider out of the game with what appeared to be a pulled groin or hamstring. Roberto Luongo, the Canucks No. 1 goalie who was benched at the start, took over just 2:31 into the third period and made 12 saves before allowing the winning goal with 4:30 remaining in overtime. The Hawks missed on four power-play chances throughout the night, including an extended 5-on-3, and only had three shots in the third period, but they prevailed.
What it means: The win sets the Hawks up for a potentially historic playoff series comeback. Only three times in NHL history has a team won the series after losing the first three games. To do it, they’ll have to take down the President Trophy winners.
Luongo benched: In a game-time shocker, Canucks No. 1 goalie Roberto Luongo was benched in favor of Schneider. For two days, Canucks coach Alain Vigneault said Luongo was his guy in net but he started Schneider anyway.
What’s next: The Hawks will fly to Vancouver on Monday afternoon to get set for Tuesday’s Game 7.
Vancouver got on the board first with an early wrap-around goal by Daniel Sedin, but the Hawks responded late in the period after a smothering forecheck by Dave Bolland resulted in a turnover and then a goal by Bryan Bickell.
But the Canucks retook the lead after Chris Campoli whiffed on a clearing attempt in the middle of the ice in the Hawks zone. Alex Burrows fired the turnover past Corey Crawford for the goal.
Bickell’s score came against surprise starter Cory Schneider. Schneider replaced Roberto Luongo in goal just before the game.
After a quick start by Vancouver, play shifted in the Hawks’ favor, until the late goal. The Hawks had nine shots on net, the Canucks had seven.
Canucks sit Roberto Luongo for Game 6
Cory Schneider was the surprise Game 6 starter in the teams' Western Conference quarterfinal matchup.
"We're up 3-2 in the series and we have a chance to close it out," Luongo said Saturday after practice. "For myself and my teammates we're focused on what's going to happen tomorrow [Sunday] night and not what's transpired the last two games."
Read the entire story.
Luongo makes good first impression
Rich Lam/Getty ImagesRoberto Luongo made 32 saves against the Hawks in Game 1 on Wednesday.Luongo made 32 saves, including several which left Hawks players shaking their heads. Brian Campbell had a great chance late in the first period but Luongo made a beautiful toe save on the try. Late in the second, Patrick Sharp batted a puck out of the air, but Luongo snared it, much to Sharp’s dismay.
“He was asking me how I stopped it, and I couldn’t really have an answer for him,” Luongo said Thursday of the quick exchange between the two after the save.
Before the series, Luongo bristled at questions about former Hawk Dustin Byfuglien and his ability to cause havoc in front of the Canucks’ goal. The Hawks failed to replicate that kind of net presence in the opening game Wednesday night.
“They had some traffic, but it’s my job to find ways to see those pucks,” he said. “I’m sure Friday night there will be a more conscientious effort from their side to bring some more bodies to the net but for me nothing changes.”
After defeating the Hawks in Game 1 in each of the last two postseasons and then losing each series, Luongo is aware this is just the beginning.
“It’s Game 1, that’s all it is,” Luongo said. “We really haven’t accomplished anything. I’m not going to compare myself to last year or whatever. I’m staying right in the moment right now.”
Luongo more comfortable this time around
VANCOUVER -- Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo doesn’t like talking about former Chicago Blackhawks forward Dustin Byfuglien, but he must be pleased he’s not around anymore.
Without Byfuglien the Hawks made it considerably easier on Luongo in Game 1 of their best of seven Western Conference quarterfinals series. Vancouver shut out the Hawks 2-0 and Luongo wasn’t bothered much by anyone in front of him as he used to be when Byfuglien was in the lineup.
“We did generate some high quality stuff and some posts but we need some more pucks and more bodies at the net,” coach Joel Quenneville said after the game.
“Net presence” were two words heard often in the Hawks dressing room. They needed more of it especially when it was obvious Luongo was on his game.
“He played good but we need to get a little bit better quality chances on him,” Patrick Kane said. “But you have to give him credit.”
Luongo stopped 32 shots, shutting out the Hawks for the second time in his last three games against them.
Physical play
The Hawks were outhit 47-21 for the game and 20-9 in the first period. It was indicative of the difference in intensity between the teams, at least early on.
“We weren’t moving our feet enough and were making ourselves easy targets for those checks,” Jonathan Toews said. “If we are putting pucks behind them and getting after it we can make them a little more afraid to go near the puck, especially in their zone.”
Brian Campbell wasn’t shocked by the Canucks aggressive start, though the 47 hits were 26 more than their season per game average.
“Its playoff hockey,’ he said. “I don’t think we answered the bell as much. I’m not surprised at all [by their start].”
Campbell had a chance to change the momentum after the physical Vancouver start but missed on a point blank chance after a nice feed by Patrick Kane.
“I shot it back into his toe and it went off the post,” Campbell stated. “He’s a world class goaltender. He’s going to be tough to beat. It’s too bad it didn’t go off his skate and in or something, get us a break.”
Crawford sharp
Corey Crawford didn’t disappoint in his first playoff start. He stopped 31 of 33 shots giving up only a tip-in goal and a breakaway score.
“I wasn’t sure there was a broken stick out there,” Crawford said of the Jannik Hansen second period breakaway. “I second guessed myself a little bit and once that happens you’re better off not going out. I wasn’t sure it looked like it [the puck] was on edge.”
Crawford made big saves to keep the Hawks within striking distance but didn’t get the help he needed from his offense.
Slappers
• Marian Hossa led the Hawks with six shots on net. Patrick Sharp had four but missed the net five other times and had two attempts blocked.
• Tomas Kopecky didn’t play in the final 40 minutes after suffering an “upper body” injury. Joel Quenneville said he would be re-evaluated on Thursday.
• Vancouver forward Maxim Lapierre registered a team high eight hits for the Canucks while Alex Edler had seven. Michael Frolik delivered a team high six hits for the Hawks.
Luongo blanks frustrated Blackhawks
Dennis Wierzbicki/US PresswireCanucks goalie Roberto Luongo made 32 saves and shut out the Blackhawks on Friday.Luongo was excellent in beating his nemesis, though the Hawks didn’t make it easy on him. No one had better chances than forward Tomas Kopecky.
“I’m really frustrated right now, especially with myself,” Kopecky said after the game. “I missed that empty net. It would be a totally different game.”
Kopecky was referring to a third-period, power-play chance which looked to be a goal before Luongo recovered to make the save.
“I waited and waited and then I was kind of surprised I had too much time,” Kopecky explained. “Maybe I should get it a little higher or [shoot] five hole or something. You have to give him credit, he made a good save.”
That quote could apply to several other chances Kopecky had on the night. He finished with six shots as did his centerman, Patrick Sharp. They, along with winger Jeremy Morin combined for 14 of the Hawks’ 32 shots on net.
“Give [Luongo] credit, he played well. We had some high quality chances in that game,” Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. “Scoring first was important tonight, and they took advantage. We didn’t get much in the third, but I thought we were good for 40 minutes. I thought we did what we wanted to do -- got some quality opportunities. That’s how we wanted to play and that’s the recipe for being successful.”
Except, of course, when the other goalie is on top of his game. Much maligned, Luongo redeemed himself on this night.
“They’re fun games to play in,” he said. “Their crowd gets into it. It’s loud obviously. You always get up for games against the Blackhawks. It’s nice to get the win, especially after last game.”
Last time these teams met, the Hawks scored at will, including on the power play, putting up seven goals to chase Luongo. The Hawks will certainly regret not taking advantage of 6:18 of power play time in this one, but the Canucks netminder is usually their best penalty killer, and on Friday, he was.
“He flashed the leather a few times and made it look pretty, but, like we’ve proven in the past, it’s nothing we can’t deal with,” Jonathan Toews said. “He’s one player and we just have to make it harder on him. We’ve had success against this team. That’s what we’ve done well and obviously we didn’t do that well tonight.”
Turco’s night
Marty Turco returned to the net after sitting out the last three games and found himself locked in a tight, low scoring affair.
“When you’re in a goalie battle like I was, you just have to hold up your end of the bargain, so it’s disappointing we couldn’t get a win,” Turco said.
The Hawks scored seven goals three nights earlier in beating the St. Louis Blues, 7-5. Corey Crawford was in net for that game. Turco didn’t exactly get the same offensive support, but it didn’t faze him.
“I had my seven goals when we had a big win,” Turco said. “I play a team sport and I’m part of the team.”
Stat leaders
Sharp had six shots on net, moving back into the league lead in that category with 118 in 27 games. Toews won 10-of-19 draws and has 359 faceoff wins on the season, tops in the NHL.
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Jesse Rogers
Jesse Rogers covers the Chicago Blackhawks for ESPN 1000 and ESPNChicago.com.
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TEAM LEADERS
| POINTS | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Marian Hossa
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| OTHER LEADERS | ||||||||||||
| Goals | P. Sharp | 33 | ||||||||||
| Assists | M. Hossa | 48 | ||||||||||
| +/- | P. Sharp | 28 | ||||||||||
| GAA | C. Crawford | 2.72 | ||||||||||