Blackhawks 3 Stars of the Week: Week #9

After a four-day break, the Hawks got back together and split 2 games to end the week. Although there wasn’t alot to draw from in only two contests, a few players shone bright while others… didn’t. Here are this week’s Three Stars.

#3: Ray Emery

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Ray Emery gets the Third Star honors after a 16-save effort for the Blackhawk’s third shutout of the year, and his first for Chicago. 16 shots is a low number for a goaltender to face, so he can thank his defensemen for that, but when the pucks got to the net, he was turning them away with relative ease. Putting a goose-egg for his NHL record 12th straight win to start the season was a big one for him, as it has been over 3 years since the last time he did that. Emery looked especially solid in the last moments of the game, where Calgary came at him with what seemed like more offense than they showed all night. He was smart with his placement, and was on top of his game, and that’s why he got the whitewash, and the Third Star.

#2: Patrick Kane

. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

‘Kaner’ takes his second consecutive Three Stars nod thanks to a 2-point effort against the Flames, which brings his total for the week to 3, (goal against L.A.) What really was impressive about Kane’s play this week is his patience. More than once he rounded the net when he had no option in the offensive zone, and passed it off to the D where they generated a quality scoring chance. Kane’s forecheck was stellar in both games, and he beat opponents to the puck more than any other Hawk has this season. Add a couple of great passes and a goal, and you have your second star of the week.

#1: Brent Seabrook

Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Brent Seabrook is a star shining bright lately, even though the Hawks haven’t been picking up the wins as easily as they were earlier in the season. Seabrook was an impressive +3 in Monday’s loss to the Kings, and if it were not for the sub-par play of the 2nd pairing, they would have gone away from that game with a W. Him (along with Duncan Keith) He scored an all-important insurance goal in the Calgary game, and that shows that he is becoming just as much of an offensive weapon as the forwards. When the forecheckers set up in the offensive zone, fans want Seabrook to get the puck, as he will take a shot and generate a good scoring chance off the rebound, or the shot itself. That presence in the offensive zone, paired with his shutdown defensive play, and great leadership, show you why Seabrook earns this week’s First Star.

Honorable Mentions: 

Duncan Keith: Seabrook’s right-hand man is playing just as solid as #7.

Michael Frolik: Could have been easily exchanged with Kane for 2nd Star. Great play from the bottom 6 forward.

The Hawks enjoy one more day of rest before they welcome the Ducks to the United Center for the last game of the season series. The Blackhawks have yet to beat them this year, and this matchup will be a four-point game. Puck drops at 7:30 CT on CSN.

LETS GO HAWKS!

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