Chicago Blackhawks

Another Original Six matchup is always fun. This matchup again saw two teams that do not face each other much and two teams that are looking to get back on the winning track. The Leafs are coming off of their own losing streak where they have lost 8 of their last 10. The Hawks coming off of 3 straight losses desperately need to keep gaining points to keep pace in the Western Conference.

The Maple Leafs themselves were in need of points as well. They are currently out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture in 10th place but are only four points behind. So they too would be skating with an air of desperation.

Also making this game of int...

The Chicago Blackhawks have acquired defenseman Johnny Oduya from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a 2nd and 3rd round pick in 2013. 

Addressing a very glaring need for the Hawks on the blue line, GM Stan Bowman paid a decent price to land the 6'0" 190 lbs defenseman from Sweden in the hopes that he will help cut back on Chicago's recent defensive woes. 

In 63 games this year, Oduya has two goals and thirteen points and is a minus nine. His production this year has not been as significant as it has in recent years, but a change of scenery can certainly help with that.

Oduya carries a $3.5 Million dollar cap hit that will fit snugly into the remain...

The LA Kings I knew would be a tough opponent tonight for a couple of reasons. Like the Hawks, the Kings are desperately in need of points to make the playoffs in the Western Conference. They are currently outside in tenth place with a record of 27-22-12 and 66 points which is only seven points behind the Hawks’ 73 points so I knew they would come out inspired.

With the reunion of Mike Richards and Jeff Carter the old Philly brethren would make for inspired play on the ice and excitement in the crowd. The question was would their chemistry still be there and carry over from Philadelphia given the limited practice time they had together. Unfortunately for the Hawks...

On a night when three of their division rivals played a game, the Chicago Blackhawks were the only team in their division that ended the evening without a point. 

Steve Ott, Michael Ryder and Loui Eriksson each tallied for the Dallas Stars, as they downed the Blackhawks 3-1 at the United Center tonight. 

Chicago started off slow in the first period, allowing Dallas to take advantage using their speed to generate a few early scoring chances. The roles reversed, however, in the second period, as the Blackhawks upped their physical play significantly and were able to induce more shots on Stars' netminder Richard Bachman. 

That consistent effort by the Haw...