Defeat the Ducks

HAWKS END THE STREAK

"Madhouse on Madison" source: www.faceoffviolation.com

Over the past weekend, the Chicago Blackhawks hosted both the Anaheim Ducks and the Boston Bruins. Both games were very important to the Blackhawks, and much needed as they seek to take back the #1 spot in the league. The Hawks moved in to rivalry weekend with a few games that had gotten away from them in the beginning of the month. With recent losses to the New York Islanders, San Jose Sharks, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadians, and the Colorado Avalanche; the Hawks were looking to bounce back and show the league that they are defending Stanley Cup Champions.

Marian Hossa goal celebration
source: www.espn.go.com

Friday December 17,
Blackhawks vs. Ducks
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Blackhawks took on league leaders and rivals the Anaheim Ducks. The Anaheim Ducks entered the "Madhouse On Madison" with a record of 36-8-5, while winning 18 of their last 19 games. While the Duck's infamous flying-V (used in the movie Mighty Ducks) may have worked during their win streak, the Hawks were ready to bring them back to reality. Playing in front of yet another sold out crowd, the players came out skating circles around the Ducks. By using the home ice advantage, Hawks took a first period lead with goals from both Marian Hossa and Kris Versteeg, while Bryan Bickell found the back of the net in the third to increase the goal margin to 3.

Listening to the Hawks goal song "DADADA-DADADA" ring throughout the stadium 3 times with no answer may have set the Ducks back a little. Sick of sitting back on their heals, the Ducks decided to try and calm the United Center down by scoring two goals in the middle of the third from Ryan Getzlaf and Kyle Palmieri. Only down by one, Anaheim battled, but hopes to continue the streak were sealed with an open net goal by Marian Hossa (second of game). According to NHL GameCenter, Marian Hossa was quoted as saying "They have the best line in the league and we knew we had to stop it somehow. I thought we did an excellent job." With a win over Anaheim, the Chicago Blackhawks gained back some valuable points in the league, and carried momentum leading in to the Stanley Cup rematch game vs. the Boston Bruins.

source: http://blackhawks.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/boxscore?id=2013020722