Feb 22, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing
Viktor Stalberg(25) is congratulated by center
Andrew Shaw(65) and right wing
Patrick Kane(88) for scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
Another Friday night at the United Center and another victory over the San Jose Sharks, this time 2-1.
With this win the Blackhawks break the record for longest streak to start the season without a regulation loss. It’s pretty cool that the record comes on the 33rd anniversary of one of the greatest hockey victories of all-time, the Miracle On Ice. The game started with a lot of pressure from the Sharks as they were out to get some revenge for their losses earlier this month.
It looked ominous for the Hawks when Patrick Marleau was able to break a scoreless first period with a goal with only 14 seconds left. It really could have been a lot worse in the first period because Ray Emery was way out of position multiple times but the Sharks were not able to capitalize on any of those opportunities. The Hawks out shot the Sharks in the first period but didn’t have many quality chances even though they had put great pressure throughout a lot of the period.
The second period was much more of the same but many including myself were not too happy at the start of the 2nd period when Daniel Carcillo was put on the first line and Brandon Saad was put on the fourth line with Marcus Kruger and Michael Frolik. After no penalties in the first period, the 2nd period was penalty filled with neither team being able to cash in on their opportunities. The Sharks were 0-4 for the night on the power play. Late in the 2nd period Viktor Stalberg opened up the Hawks scoring when appearing to be making a pass on the goal line the puck somehow got pass Antti Niemi. Niemi was solid for most of the night, but both goals were pretty soft but style points don’t go up on the scoreboard just good goals.
The third period started with a Brent Seabrook penalty, Seabrook, who returned from his “midsection injury” seemed just a fraction off all night,the penalty was just about over when Saad took the puck down the sideboards and shot one just under the glove of Niemi and the tally gave the Hawks a 2-1 lead. The Hawks would not give up this lead. Emery was very sketchy in the first settled down and was extremely solid in the third period especially when the Hawks were on the penalty kill. Stalberg had a great chance but was not able to finish. The Carbomb effect seemed to be a positive one on Friday night because all the Hawks seemed to be throwing their bodies around from Byan Bickell to even Patrick Kane. When the horn finally sounded the Hawks found themselves a 2-1 winner and the new record holder of undefeated in regulation to start the season.
The Hawks have now bypassed the 1943-1944 Montreal Canadians, 1984-1985 Edmonton Oilers and the 2006-2007 Anaheim Ducks, which by now you all now all won the Stanley Cup after their great starts to their seasons. History Is Made! What a Great night!
Next Up-Columbus Sunday night at the United Center
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THANKS for reading and Way to Make History Blackhawks!!!