Thinking about it, one of the toughest things to do in sports is to stand in front of a puck going 80 + MPH. No, I’m not talking about the goalie, although that job has to rank up there as far as toughest in sports too; at least they have equipment covering their whole body. I’m talking about those guys who do the dirty work. It’s those guys who stand in front of the net, screening the goalie, deflecting pucks, getting in position for rebounds. Sure they have some padding on, and I’ve never got hit with a puck, but I’m sure that’s got to be some painful stuff. Yet, that’s how you win hockey games; that’s how you win playoff hockey games. That’s how the Blackhawks won last night in Winnipeg.
This subject is appropriate to talk about considering who was on the opposing team. Dustin Byfuglien put on one of the best displays of this skill in the 2010 NHL playoffs playing for our Chicago Blackhawks. He lived in front of the goalie. He owned that area. He could have easily been named the MVP for all that work he put in. He messed with Luongo’s head all series long. He was a BIG reason why we were able to bring the Cup home in 2010. He struck against us last night, scoring 2 goals. It sucks to see guys we trade away, or let go, do well, unless… they’re former champions with us. Then, you can never really be mad at them. They will always be remembered for being a part of a championship team in Chicago. For that reason, I’ll always respect them, and root for them. One more 2010 reference for you… the Blackhawks won their 23rd road game of the year last night. That tied the 2010 team for most road victories in a season for this franchise. Deja vu anyone???
Last night, helping the Hawks prevail, it was Jonathan Toews’ beautiful deflection of Hammer’s shot for the game winning goal with about 30 seconds left. The give and go worked to perfection. The deflection itself was just amazing. The hand eye coordination you need to do that is tremendous. The balls to stand in front of that puck too…. Is it just dumb luck some of these deflections? What if your teammate fires off an errand slap shot? Seeing these pucks go in, like guys planned on doing it, always amazes me. Yesterday’s game winner was put in the top left corner of the net, over the goalie’s right shoulder, like someone was going top shelf. After Toews passed the puck, he skated between the puck and the net. He held his stick out a couple feet of the ice, and redirected the hard slap shot… perfectly. Hawks win!
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It was a nice goal for Toews; his 25th of the year. It was nice because he was playing in his hometown too. Going back home, after you’ve become a big success, and doing well in front of the locals, has to feel especially satisfying. Getting a big win over a potential playoff opponent is pretty good too. 5 games this year played against WInnipeg; the road team has won each contest. That would be an interesting playoff matchup, especially with Byfuglien, the Captain of the Jets Ladd, and Frolik; all guys who helped bring Cups back to Chicago.
There are 7 games remaining. The Hawks still have not clinched, but I’m not too worried about that. I look forward to playoff hockey. I look forward to seeing the Hawks make another run at it. I look forward to seeing those guys battle in front of the net, getting those dirty goals that sometimes decide a series. I look forward to more beautiful deflections from Toews and everybody else, putting on display one of the toughest skills in sports. It’s beautiful when it all comes together. It sucks when it goes against you. It doesn’t hurt to have the puck bounce your way; sometimes, that’s all you need.
MK
Captain Serious doing it all, what else is new! The Hawks got a much needed W as they inch closer to the start of their Cup run. Those deflections and all that dirty work in front of the goalie is just as important as killing penalties and scoring power play goals. Toews, shaw, and bickell will be living there come playoff time. Here’s hoping the Hawks punish the queens tonight and push them closer to not even making the playoffs…1 less threat for the Hawks to worry about! GO HAWKS!!!