Hawks Lose to Flames, Limp Back to UC

The Blackhawks were defeated 6-4 on Wednesday night up in the Great White North by the Calgary Flames, and with the series now knotted at two games apiece, things aren't looking so rosy for the Hawks.

The most notable failure in this game was clearly that of the defense. A whiffed pass by Cam Barker led to a goal for the Flames, and a couple of poor positioning-defensemen also didn't help matters by screening Nikolai Khabibulin, allowing multiple goals and for the author of this post to rip his hair out (yeah, it's a little long).

Needless to say, the Hawks need to forget about these two games that they've just played, and focus on the fact that this is now a best two-out-of-three series, and that THEY, not the Flames, are in the advantageous position of having two of these games at home. They have to hold serve on Saturday night at the UC. If they don't, it's game over.

Hawks Lose to Flames, Possibly Lose More

The Chicago Blackhawks fell to the Flames 4-2 last night at the Pengrowth Saddledome in front of a roaring crowd, and in the face of some of the highest pressure and physicality that they've faced the entire season.

Playing without Patrick Kane, the Hawks also may be missing agitator Adam Burish on Wednesday night in Calgary, because of an incident that happened towards the end of the game.

Burish clearly delivered a cross-check to the face of Calgary forward Rene Bourque, and the two got into a scrum in front of the Hawks bench that took several officials and several minutes to sort out. According to Al Cimaglia of espnchicago.com, NHL punishement czar Colin Campbell will be reviewing the incident.

Our take: Before the NHL suspends Adam Burish, perhaps they should take a look at any number of cross-checks that Calgary inflicted upon the Hawks in front of the Flames net after plays ended, or hell, even take a look at this video of Michael Cammalleri socking Martin Havlat in the face off of a face-off.

Overall, the game was not a successful venture for the Hawks. They got outhit mercilessly, and they were thoroughly beaten in every way possible after they scored three minutes into the game. Nikolai Khabibulin made some great saves, but also was out of position on a few shots that really cost the team the game.

Also, the Hawks clearly missed Patrick Kane. He may not be the elite goal scorer that Jonathan Toews may end up being, but 96 assists over his first two years surely can lead one to believe that his puck moving ability is critical to the success of the Hawks offense, especially on the power play.

A full game preview for Game Four will be posted tomorrow afternoon, but in the meantime, here's some assigned reading for you Hawk fans.

-Who is going to be a bigger star: Jonathan Toews or Patrick Kane? Our Jim Neveau examined this question in this piece from The Hockey Writers.

-Wondered if Cristobal Huet has mentally checked out for the rest of the postseason? Well, this piece from the Chicago Tribune reveals what's going on between the ears of the pine-riding Frenchman.

-Do you think the Hawks miss Patrick Kane? Well, just ask Patrick Sharp.

-1994 NHL Playoffs, Jeremy Roenick. Overtime goal. Remember the roar?

Update on Kane's Status

The Blackhawks' Patrick Kane will not play tonight in Game 3 of the Western Conference Quaterfinals against the Flames.

He will sit out with a case of the flu, and Troy Brouwer will likely replace him on the top line. Lines two and three will completely stay the same according to sources, and the fourth line will be centered by Colin Fraser, with Eager and Burish on the wings.

More assigned reading for you folks. Here's an article from the all new ESPN Chicago, written by Jon Greenberg (a slightly less awesome Greenberg at ESPN, behind Mike and Hank) website about the man, the myth, the legend, that is Joel Quenneville.

Hawks Hit the Red Mile, Look to Win in Calgary

The Hawks are getting prepped for their skate tonight against Calgary, and unfortunately, they may have to play without one of their best players.

Patrick Kane has been listed as a game-time decision with an unknown ailment, according to Joel Quenneville during his post-skate news conference this morning. If he is unable to play tonight, he will be replaced in the line-up by Colin Fraser, who has been a healthy scratch the first two games of the playoffs.

This is going to have a detrimental impact regardless of whether Kane plays or not. The fact that he not only sat out practice today, but also the fact that he saw limited time on Saturday night gives credence to the theory floating around the blogosphere that the Flames' phyiscal attacks on Kane on the ice are having a very detrimental impact on him.

This will give the Flames some more confidence in themselves, even being down 0-2. The reality of the situation is that the Blackhawks merely held serve in their first two games, and it won't be until they win a game in the crazy atmosphere that the Pengrowth Saddledome provides.

Here are a couple of links to check out before the game tonight (which starts at 8:30pm CDT and can be seen on Versus/Comcast SportsNet Chicago).

-The Hawks are hosting a City Roadwatch at Harry Caray's in Chicago. Puck Daddy on Yahoo! covered an event with Jim Corneilson, who sang the anthem after the Hawks win on Saturday night.

-Calgary is apparently impressed with the Hawks. Just check out this article here.

-Jim Neveau from The Hockey Writers posted this piece about the five keys to the Hawks continuing to have success against the Flames.

That's it. Go Hawks tonight!

Hawks One Point From Clinching 4th Seed

Editor's Note: As you can see in the header of this blog, you are supposed to get a "daily dose" of Blackhawks news. Well, waiting a week between posts definitely does not qualify. The author is infinitely sorry for his lack of typing the awesomeness, and has been severely punished. Rest assured, he won't do that again.

Linktacular Friday, and a New Q-Stache Joke

Welcome Hawks fans, and welcome to another fun-filled links article.

-Martin Havlat has been nominated for the Bill Masterson Award for Comeback Player of the Year. You can find the whole story in the Daily Herald.

-Interesting article on Sammy Pahlsson today in the Chicago Sun-Times. He centered the Bolland-led line on Wednesday in Dave's absence, and did a great job, scoring his first goal as a Hawk in the process.

-I've never publicized this blog before, but Adam Burish has a blog on the Sun-Times website called "Dropping the Gloves". It is usually very interesting, and Burish has an interesting take on things with the team.

-According to the Miami Hearld, Nikolai Khabibulin has an affinity for tennis, or at least, helping a family friend out.

-A game preview of the Predators-Hawks game tonight, where Denis Savard will be doing an autograph signing, and it is Jonathan Toews bobblehead night. Tickets are still available in limited quantities. Oh yeah, did I mention the Blackhawks could clinch a playoff spot with a point tonight?

-Want keys to the game for the team tonight? Well, you can check out The Hockey Writers site for that piece.

-Interested in season tickets? Well, check out this link for information.

-As promised, here's the Q-Stache joke in John Buccigross' latest column:

"Hey Buccizilla,

Have you ever thought of growing a 'stache that would someday rival the Q-Stache?

Matt
Phoenix

It would take me so long to grow a 'stache comparable to the Q-Stache that, moments before I would reach that point, I would be so old that I would begin to lose the ability to grow body hair.

John,

What would happen if the Q-Stache and Chuck Norris were to cross paths?

Christian Schefer
Floral Park, N.Y.

First? Armageddon. Second? Norris, RIP."

Alright. Let's get to it tonight against Nashville. Clinch that playoff berth!