Observations From Section 321: We Shall Overcome

A lot of words can used to describe the first two games of this series but boring is not one of them.  There were a few times I thought I was watching a repeat of Game 1.  The Hawks came out firing early and scored in the opening moments of game again.  The Blackhawks had to overcome 2 one goal deficits and some of the worst officiating I have seen in a long time.  For the second straight game the Hawks tied it up in the final seconds of regulation this time with under 6 seconds to go.  The Blackhawks started the overtime session with a jump in their step, just like the did in Game 1.  The biggest and best difference between Games 1 and 2 is the Hawks got the job done in OT.  It wasn’t pretty at times but the Hawks have taken away home ice advantage from the Coyotes and bring the series back to Chicago tied. Mission accomplished.

• Corey Crawford was very good again in net.  He made some huge saves to keep the Hawks in the game.  His rebound control was pretty good as well.  If his defense would ever stop allowing Coyote players from screening him his numbers would be even better.

• Brandon Bollig  is cemented into the lineup after scoring a goal last night.  Looks like it will take an injury or a suspension for Michael Frolik or    Jimmy Hayes to see the ice.

• Brent Seabrook has been the best player on the ice for both teams in this series,  He is shooting the puck and laying people out.  Seabs is a +2 for the series so far.

• As good as Seabrook has been Johnny Oduya has been bad.  He has not had a good start to this post season.

• Good to see Niklas Hjalmarrson step up his physical play.  Shane Doan will be aware of Hjammer going forward, that’s for sure!

• The fact that the game winning goal came off of an Adrian Aucoin turnover made it even more satisfying.

• I’ve seemed to misplaced my Marian Hossa, has anyone seen it?

My Blackhawks Player of the Game

Bryan Bickell started the scoring with an early power play goal and ended the game in overtime.  Bickell played his best hockey of the year last season in the playoffs and seems to be bringing his A game again this year.  The Hawks 3rd line with Bickell, Dave Bolland and Andrew Shaw has been very effective in the first two games of this series.

My Turds of the Game

Paul Devorski and Dan O’Rourke put on a display of terrible officiating that will be hard to beat.  First they called Jonathan Toews for goalie interference when he got checked by Mike Smith and wasn’t even in the crease. Of course Phoenix converted on the power play to take a 2-1 lead.  Then they completely blew the call on Andrew Shaw.  Yes Shaw deserved a 2 minute minor but that is all.  There is no way he should have been given a 5 minute major or kicked out of the game.  You can not give out penalties and/or suspensions based on if a player is injured or not.  Smith flopped around like a soccer player waiting for a yellow card and it was a sick display.  As soon as Shaw was booted he magically jumped to his feet and stayed in the game.  If you call a penalty based on an injury you will guys fake injuries all over the place.  Just think how many times a Sedin will pull this same crap.