If you told me a couple of weeks ago that the Hawks would go .500 on the Circus Trip and I'd be happy about it, I'd have probably said, "you're nuts."
While I haven't picked up the pom-poms, I am encouraged by what I saw in the last three games of the trip, capped by a 2-1 victory over the Kings last night.
It still appears the Hawks could use another physical defenseman. And those who are quick to point out how the Hawks are first in the conference again, need to also remember that Chicago has played the most games in the conference as well.
But after spending seven+ hours behind the wheel today, a few quick observations on the Hawks' play, especially last night.
The Hawks might not have owned the blue paint last night, but they were very competitive around the net at both ends of the ice. That effort not only led directly to the two Hawk goals, but defensively gave Corey Crawford enough help to win. If they can do that most nights, they will be a very hard team to beat.
Further, they were effective over 200 feet of ice. Forecheck, backcheck, controlling the neutral zone.
I liked the lines, not just the newly minted top 6 that helped spur the comeback Friday afternoon in Anaheim, but also the tweaks to the 3rd and 4th lines on Saturday. Dave Bolland between Marcus Kruger and Andrew Brunette could generate some goals—as it did last night.
And John Scott is simply better at forward. Not great. But hey, no one has been screaming louder for a 4th line physical presence and Scott was that last night.
So . . .
A few more things we learned from this trip:
Marcus Kruger is going to be a weapon for this team. Another set of highly skilled hands and eyes to go with Kane, Sharp, Toews and Hossa.
Brent Seabrook is the anchor of this defense. And the other member of this blueline corps can be physical and engage opposing forwards around the net—when they want to.
Now a couple of days of rest before the Coyotes come into town. See you with a preview then.
JJ
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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