NHL Sunday night Match Analysis: Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks 4-2
The Chicago Blackhawks are on their way to the Stanley Cup Finals this year, which is something they have been hoping for after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last season, as they routed the Calgary Flames for their fifth straight victory,
4-2, at the sold out United Center in Chicago, Illinois, United States on Sunday night, December 18, 2011.
The 21,000 plus crowd could not have been any happier to see their home team back in action once again and playing like they did before taking the Stanley Cup championship back in 2010. The Blackhawks are certainly playing well and organised, which probably
came as a reality check as the well rounded team faced some disappointing losses early on in the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season.
"I thought our puck-possession game has gotten better as we've gone along here," Chicago head coach, Joel Quenneville, said. "I still say we've got to be improving in certain parts of our game. I don't think we should be satisfied with where we're at. I
like the makeup of our lines, getting some production from a lot of places. Our top guys have been scoring, so it's been contributions across the board."
Steve Montador opened the scoring for the Chicago Blackhawks and the game with his fifth of the season nearly midway through the first 20 minute period, giving the home team a lead to work on as the match progressed.
Chicago rallied again in the second period as Niklas Hjalmarsson inaugurated his scoring in the season with his first on an assist by Marian Hossa and Marcus Kruger 5:15 in.
Patrick Kane, one of Chicago’s most consistent players this season, followed by making it 3-0 with 5:05 remaining in the second period with his ninth of the year on a late power play opportunity as Calgary’s, Chris Butler, was booked for tripping with a
minor penalty.
"I've been fortunate in a lot of ways," Quenneville said, who won his 600th game with the Blackhawks. "I'm in a great spot here, very content, and I've got a nice team to work with."
The Blackhawks faced a scary moment in the final moments of the first period as Calgary’s forward, Rene Bourque, slammed Chicago’s, Brent Seabrook, into the boards from behind face first which resulted in the defenseman lying down on the ice lifeless, giving
the hitter a five minute major penalty while Seabrook also left the match with an undisclosed upper-body injury.
It is highly likely that Bourque could be penalised in the upcoming days with a suspension as the NHL’s senior vice president for player safety and hockey operations, Brendan Shanahan, will most probably view the replay and make an announcement on the play.
Calgary, who have now lost their fourth straight after having won three in a row, tried to make a comeback in the third and final period of regulation as Olli Jokinen made the power play goal, but as Marian Hossa’s 15th of the season on an added
man advantage of their own broke the momentum, Curtis Glencross’ goal with four minutes remaining was fruitless.
Calgary will now be looking for a win at home as they host Minnesota Wild on Tuesday while the top team in the Western Conference, Chicago with 46 points, moves on to play against the Pittsburgh Penguins on the same day.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
Tags: