The Blackhawks reached the playoffs again this season (GLHL14).
For the stretch run at the end of the season the 'hawks traded away defensive forward Ryan Johnson, who was a member of the 'hawks GLHL11 Cup winning team, and blueliner Ladislav Smid to the Atlanta Thrashers for centreman Steve Reinprecht and gritty winger Darcy Tucker. The move paid immediate dividends when upon their arrival in the Windy City and being utilized as linemates on the 'hawks checking line, the team went on a 10 game win streak which put them solidly in the playoffs.
The 'hawks finished the season as the #6 seed in the Western Conference and opened the playoffs in sunny California versus the #3 seed Anaheim Ducks.
To date, the 'hawks have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the series taking both opening games at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim. Needless to say the catcalls of the Ducks' fans could be heard long after game 2 echoing through the cavernous arena.
Game 1 saw the 'hawks win handily. The 'hawks netted 3 in the first period and never looked back in posting a total of 6 goals in the game to the Ducks' 1.
Scoring for the 'hawks were Leopold, Jagr and Holik in the 1st, Hrdina twice in the 2nd and Shanny in the 3rd. Tough guy Peter Worrell scored the loan Ducks' goal on the PP in the 2nd.
Ducks' netminder Raycroft let in 6 while facing 30 shots. For the 'hawks, Huet faced 21 sog while stopping 20.
<----- Cristobal Huet stands on head!Game 2 was a much closer battle as the 'hawks came out blazing in the 1st period again in netting 3 goals!
Roenick struck twice with Shanny netting one. Guerin buried one for the Ducks as the 1st closed out with the score 3-1 for the good guys. Unfortunately, that would be all the lamplighting the 'hawks would do that night as Conklin, playing in place of Raycroft, stoned 'em the rest of the way. Well, not to be outdone was Cristobal Huet for the 'hawks, who put on a clinic in stopping 42 of 44 shots in the game. Talk about standing on his head! After Guerin's tally in the 1st, he allowed a marker by Gagne early in the 2nd and that was it the rest of the way. Huet stopped all 22 shots the Ducks launched at him in the 3rd period alone in leading the 'hawks to victory!
Windy City Ramblings
Now it's back to Chicago and the United Center where the fans are hoping to see a win in Game 3. Visions of Season 11 are dancing in their heads. But let's not get ahead of ourselves folks. We're talking the 3rd seed in the Western Conference in the Anaheim Ducks. GM & Coach Paul Jubinville's rant after the game in the Ducks' lockeroom could be heard all the way out in the parking lot. To be sure, the Ducks' will come out gunning in game 3 back at United.
The 'hawks and Ducks report no injuries for Game 3.
Coach Poelker of the 'hawks said there would be no lineup or line changes for Gm3. Why mess with success?
There have been no statements forthcoming from Mr. Jubinville.
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