It’s been an exciting few days for Blackhawks fans, as we wound down the Circus Trip with four wins, our star winger got injured at practice, and the phrase “goalie controversy” threatened to rear its ugly head again. But we’ll get to that in a minute. The task at hand are the boys in blue and gold, and game time is not even 12 hours away.

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Please, Enough Drama Already! Blues Visit Chicago - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog

Why the name? Phil Esposito was traded to the Boston Bruins in 1967 in one of the most lopsided trades in league history. Seems fitting to honor one of the most famous former Blackhawks who had his best years while not playing for the franchise. Hope you enjoy.

Nothing that will blow your skirt up over last night’s performances. Eight former Blackhawks combined for one point, a minus-4 and a made-up drunken-driving offense.

Click the jump for updates from 11/29 games.

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The Daily Phil Esposito (11/30/10) - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog

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“It’s not rocket surgery”: Crawford to start, Boynton hurts Hossa - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog

Hey dude. You're, like, bleeding and stuff. (Chicago Tribune)

Well, Corey, it looks like it’s your show — for now.

A couple of very solid performances and an overall above-average season so far is good enough in my book to give  Corey Crawford the keys to the Blackhawks’ ride. McClure of Second City Hockey said it best:  Marty Turco is owed nothing here. He’s a hell of a guy, came here to win a ring and hasn’t played all that bad.

Crawford, a product of the ‘Hawks system who has paid his dues with the franchise, is playing to his capabilities and expectations. His 5-4-0 record may seem modest, but his GAA is a sparkling 2.07 in eight starts and nine total appearances. He made key saves in both games against Anaheim and Los Angeles and didn’t give up a single even-strength goal in either contest.

If Turco gets the start Tuesday, Coach Q should immediately have his head examined. There’s no reason not to go with Crawford.

With all of that said, let’s make this clear: There is no goalie controversy — yet. While Crawford has played well, he’s simply the guy who gives the Blackhawks the best chance to win right now. It’s too early to say he’s the one who gives the ‘Hawks the best chance to win for the rest of the season. Turco still holds that title, in my opinion. It’s not to say that can’t change, but Crawford has to do it for an extended period of time — like Antti Niemi did last season.

If Crawford gets his starts and continues to show he’s the right guy for the No. 1 job, the worst thing that happens is the ‘Hawks have a damn good veteran backup in Turco. That’s a good position to be in, especially given the  Cristobal Huet situation in which we thought Dr. Phil would have to intervene.

So, with that being said, I’ll let “Boxing” do the rest of the talking from the weekend. First is the ‘Hawks 2-1 win against the Kings, followed by Friday’s 4-1 victory against the Gordon Bombays.

Click the jump for “Boxing”

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End of the Circus: Boxing with ‘Hawks/Ducks and ‘Hawks/Kings - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog

Photo: Yahoo! Sports

Since the LA Kings visited the United Center on October 27th, the Kings went on a tear. Los Angeles won six in a row, followed by a six-game stretch in which they allowed the opposing teams to take 11 of the 12 possible points from them. The Blackhawks arrive in Los Angeles on the occasion of that 13th game, wondering if the Kings will break their streak of bad luck, or start a new one.

The teams that de-throned the Kings in that stretch were nothing to sneeze at, including Columbus and Montreal, both in the top four teams of their respective conferences. But the key to these wins appears, statistically at least, to be dependent on two players. With rare exception, the following maxim is true: if Jonathan Quick plays, LA wins. If Jonathan Bernier gets the start, LA loses. Chicago faced Bernier in their game at the United Center.

Tonight, the Blackhawks will face Jonathan Quick.

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When You Strike At A King: Blackhawks End Circus Trip in LA - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog

Photo: AP

The last time we saw the Anaheim Ducks it was less than two weeks ago at the United Center, and it was one of the games we want to remember from this year. Okay, Duncan Keith getting his pocket picked in the deep slot and allowing a goal less than a minute after we had taken the early lead wasn’t highlight-reel material. But the Blackhawks shelled Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller with 43 shots, allowing only 26 against, and Viktor Stalberg gave Corey Crawford the win with a late-OT goal.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was a nice send-off victory for the Circus Trip, as we now pay a visit to the Honda Center in Anaheim to see those same Ducks again. The Hawks are fresh off a loss in San Jose, where a stop-and-start effort ended in a 5 – 2 defeat, the salt in that wound being the name “Niemi” pasted across the jersey of the opposing goaltender. Hopefully the ‘Hawks get angry and hand it to the Ducks for some payback…

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Does This Make Us Cake-Eaters? Blackhawks at Anaheim - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog

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Thanksgiving Boxing with Blackhawks/Sharks, 11/24/10 - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog

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Minnows In This Tank: Blackhawks Visit Sharks - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog

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Dump & Chase: Tuesday, November 23 - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog

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Westward, Ho! Blackhawks Visit Vancouver - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog