Both of their short-handed goals in playoffs have been critical
The Blackhawks continue to stand tall even when they're short a man. Arguably the Hawks' two biggest goals during the postseason thus far have come while they have had a man in the penalty box.
First, it was Patrick Kane scoring with 13.5 seconds remaining in Game 5 of the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Predators to tie the score and send the Hawks on their way to a six-game victory.
Then it was Patrick Sharp's short-handed goal Monday night in Game 2 of the semifinals against the Canucks that tied the score 2-2 and propelled the Hawks to a 4-2 triumph to even the best-of-seven series at one game apiece.
The two shorties lead the NHL in the postseason after the Hawks were tops in the league during the regular season with 13.
"We have a lot of individuals who when they feel they can jump up and go two-on-one they know what to to with the puck," said Marian Hossa, who led the Hawks with five short-handed goals during the regular season. "We proved it during the year."
Twin impressions: The Sedin twins, Henrik and Daniel, who led the Canucks in scoring during the regular season are impressing the Hawks with their play during the semis.
"Those two are in a league of their own," Hawks winger Kris Versteeg said. "You can throw a blanket on the ice and those two are skating under one blanket. They're only within five feet of each other it seems like all the time and the little plays they make to each other are amazing.
"You can't be stuck in awe out there. You still have play your game and be smart with them and have your stick right where the puck is going to be and really try to be your best."
Boxed in: As much as the Hawks were pleased with the pace of play and those shorthanded chances, they would rather not put themselves in the position for such dramatic scores.
Six Canucks power plays in Game 2 were simply too much, especially given Vancouver's sixth-ranked power play during the regular season. Hawks coach Joel Quenneville understatedly called them "penalty issues."
"The biggest thing is staying out of the box ? we had way too many penalties (in Game 2)," Kane said. "Careless, useless penalties that you don't want to be taking."
In and out: Game 2 brought about the return of Adam Burish and Ben Eager to the lineup, but Troy Brouwer spent the better part of the game as a spectator after Quenneville moved Dustin Byfuglien up front and rolled just five defenseman for the rest of the game.
So there may be another tweak or two in store for Game 3, but the Hawks contend those small changes shouldn't affect the larger emphasis.
"Doesn't matter who's in or out of the lineup, we understand as a team that some guys have to make sacrifices," Hawks captain Jonathan Toews said. "Whoever's in, we're going to be ready to play our best game. The number one focus is, we're going to keep getting better as a team, as this series goes along."
The Blackhawks continue to stand tall even when they're short a man. Arguably the Hawks' two biggest goals during the postseason thus far have come while they have had a man in the penalty box.
First, it was Patrick Kane scoring with 13.5 seconds remaining in Game 5 of the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Predators to tie the score and send the Hawks on their way to a six-game victory.
Then it was Patrick Sharp's short-handed goal Monday night in Game 2 of the semifinals against the Canucks that tied the score 2-2 and propelled the Hawks to a 4-2 triumph to even the best-of-seven series at one game apiece.
The two shorties lead the NHL in the postseason after the Hawks were tops in the league during the regular season with 13.
"We have a lot of individuals who when they feel they can jump up and go two-on-one they know what to to with the puck," said Marian Hossa, who led the Hawks with five short-handed goals during the regular season. "We proved it during the year."
Twin impressions: The Sedin twins, Henrik and Daniel, who led the Canucks in scoring during the regular season are impressing the Hawks with their play during the semis.
"Those two are in a league of their own," Hawks winger Kris Versteeg said. "You can throw a blanket on the ice and those two are skating under one blanket. They're only within five feet of each other it seems like all the time and the little plays they make to each other are amazing.
"You can't be stuck in awe out there. You still have play your game and be smart with them and have your stick right where the puck is going to be and really try to be your best."
Boxed in: As much as the Hawks were pleased with the pace of play and those shorthanded chances, they would rather not put themselves in the position for such dramatic scores.
Six Canucks power plays in Game 2 were simply too much, especially given Vancouver's sixth-ranked power play during the regular season. Hawks coach Joel Quenneville understatedly called them "penalty issues."
"The biggest thing is staying out of the box ? we had way too many penalties (in Game 2)," Kane said. "Careless, useless penalties that you don't want to be taking."
In and out: Game 2 brought about the return of Adam Burish and Ben Eager to the lineup, but Troy Brouwer spent the better part of the game as a spectator after Quenneville moved Dustin Byfuglien up front and rolled just five defenseman for the rest of the game.
So there may be another tweak or two in store for Game 3, but the Hawks contend those small changes shouldn't affect the larger emphasis.
"Doesn't matter who's in or out of the lineup, we understand as a team that some guys have to make sacrifices," Hawks captain Jonathan Toews said. "Whoever's in, we're going to be ready to play our best game. The number one focus is, we're going to keep getting better as a team, as this series goes along."
