15-0-3.. The Blackhawks Blank Columbus 1-0.

Feb 24, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie

(50) makes a save with Columbus Blue Jackets right wing

(13) trying for the rebound during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The Blackhawks went almost two calendar years without a shut out and now Corey Crawford has two in a matter of two weeks.  The Blackhawks avoided the trap that was a young and hard playing Columbus Blue Jackets by defeating them in front of a packed United Center 1-0,  The victory extends the Hawks record for going without a regulation loss to 18.

The Columbus Blue Jackets missed a glorious chance early in the first period when Derick Brassard missed a wide open net when he shot the puck over the cross bar.  The Blue Jackets had 27 shots on goal but that was by far the best chance that the Jackets had to get a puck past Crawford.  Crawford was playing his first game since getting banged up against the Anaheim Ducks on February 12, but he was sharp the entire night stopping all and every chance the Jackets threw at him. 

The Hawks had their chances but Steve Mason was also on top of his game on Sunday night.  He did have some help from the iron when Patrick Sharp and Brandon Saad both beat him but the iron was unkind.  The only goal of the contest came when Bryan Bickell won the puck and made a nifty feed to Andrew Shaw who buried it for the game winner. The Hawks did catch a break late in the third when Brent Seabrook tripped a Blue Jacket but no penalty was called.

This with maybe the exception of the Calgary game was the first time it felt like a game where everyone was going through the motions. Maybe it was breaking the record Friday night or maybe it is that the Hawks own the Blue Jackets, but after Friday night’s playoff feel this game was a stroll in the park with the Hawks finding a way to pull out another win.  It is safe to say that the Hawks will need to kick it up a notch when the very youthful and talented Edmonton Oilers hit the United Center ice Monday night.  Maybe we are just spoiled now that we cannot enjoy a shutout but a win is win and 2 more points!!

-The Hawks will play home back to back games for the first time since 04 tomorrow night

– Shaw got Seabrooked and was struggling for a while, it has been a rough week for the Hawks in this Area!!

– Dave Bolland missed the game and is listed day-to-day with an upper body injury. 

15-0-3!!!! 

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