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?