Blackhawks Lose Twice In One Day

Blackhawks Lose 4-1 and Toews Injured on Hit

Toews Skates to bench holding arm after hit by Orpik!
Source: Dailynewsen.com

Sunday Night the Chicago Blackhawks faced-off against the league rival Pittsburgh Penguins, and played a tough game but could not see too get the puck passed veteran goaltender Marc Andre Fleury.  The Hawks were only able to tally one goal, while the Penguins scored 4, including a last minute empty net. While the Blackhawks were not able to get a win, they also lost their captain Jonathan Toews to a powerful hit into the boards by penguins forward Brooks Orpik. Although the hit sent Toews into the locker room for the rest of the game, there was no penalty's called on the play as it was deemed to be a clean hit. Whether or not Orpik had left his feet during the hit is unknown, but from the angles viewed the hit seems to be perfectly fine. The Hit can be viewed in the video posted below from a Youtube video by "Everything Hockey"







With Toews out for an unspecified amount of time, Kane out for the remainder of the regular season, and Bickell still out for a few games, the Chicago Blackhawks may continue to struggle to find their groove. The Blackhawks are not used to having both of their team leaders out for injury, and it can be assumed the team may not get out of its losing funk until the start of playoffs. Even though the Hawks have clinched a playoff spot, they will not be able to gain home ice advantage throughout the playoffs, and certainly will have a much tougher matchup in the first round (presumably Colorado Avalanche).



The Hawks will host the Minnesota Wild on Thursday, which means they will have a few days off to regain the offensive power in which they sustained throughout most of the regular season. While the points for a victory may not play much of a role in the remaining games left, the Hawks certainly need to gain some momentum as they head into the playoffs.

17 second Rematch!

HAWKS TAKE ON BOSTON!

Andrew Shaw Scores in Stanley Cup Matchup against Boston
www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com

In just a few hours, the Blackhawks will take on the Boston Bruins at the TD Garden in Boston. This game will be the first time these two teams have met at the TD Garden Since game 6 of the Stanley Cup Series. The Blackhawks coming off of a 4 -2 win against Dallas are looking to increase there points in the league and lock-in their playoff spot. While the Boston Bruins have already received a spot in the playoffs, they are currently only a few points behind the St. Louis Blues for the top spot in the entire league. As both teams will be in the playoffs in a few weeks, this game will be just as much if not more than rematch of the last Stanley Cup Playoff. The Boston Bruins will seek to use their best defense in the league to try and hold back one of the most powerful offenses. With Patrick Kane out for the rest of the regular season, Tuevo will get a chance to play in his second Blackhawks debut, which should quickly get him accustomed to the speed and physical play of two competitive original six teams. The Hawks will certainly have to come out with speed tonight, as the Boston fans seem to be almost as passionate as those who reside in the United Center. As one of the great rivalries of the hockey game, we can definitely assume tonights matchup will be physical and fast paced. 

In order for the Chicago Blackhawks to come out with a win tonight they will need to rely on Captain Toews and the first line to stir some offensive pressure. Although the first line is great at setting the pace of the game, the Hawks must also look through lines 2-4 to continue to get the puck to the net and maintain there strong physical presence, as it will be vital against a very strong team like Boston. It will not be easy to get the puck passed Boston goaltender Tuuko Raask, but it will certainly be the deal breaker if the Hawks want to increase their point standing. The Hawks will also look for a strong defensive presence from Keith and Seabrook in order to keep Boston away from the slot. 

HAWKS NATION New Products and Logo

HAWKS NATION STORE

Newly Designed Hawks Nation logo! 

Helping Hockey Players reach the next level 

Click Here!

Chicago Blackhawks Nation Blog would like to take this time to show our audience the brand new Hawks Nation logo and products. With some of the best and most popular clothing styles and products, Hawks Nation is proud to offer a wide variety of apparel to support the Chicago Blackhawks.

Listed below are some of our most popular products to date!

1. "Earn Your Feathers" Dry Performance T-Shirt

Stay cool & dry while running, biking, hiking or exercising in this great-looking Dry Fit shirt. Our short sleeved Dry Fit Tee comes with a custom printed design to show your passion. These Dry Fit T-shirts features moisture wicking to keep you fresh during a workout and minimize perspiration.

The performance shirt is one of our most comfortable fits, while also showing support of Hawks Nation and pride of our Chicago Blackhawks.

Ranging from Small to 3-XL, the Dry-Fit shirt is only $35.99, although select fees may be added.

2. "Earn Your Feathers" Hoodie 

• Heavyweight 90/10 cotton/polyester blend by Hanes
• Drawstring hood and kangaroo pocket
• Stretch ribbed cuffs and waistband
• Standard fit
• Machine Washable

The "Earn Your Feathers" hoodie is the perfect fit for the spring weather that is upon us. With thickness that is just right to keep you warm, this hoodie is one of a kind. Ranging in sizes from S to 3-XL, this amazing hoodie is priced at a mere $41.99!! Get your hoodie today and show your friends your Hawk pride. 

3. Hawks Nation Logo2 Mens Light Pajamas

• Men's Pajama Set
• Unisex flannel bottom is 100% cotton (4 oz) & has no fly and no pockets
• Black Plaid and Lumberjack prints in Cotton Flannel. Other prints in Cotton Jersey
• Unisex T-shirt is 100% cotton (4.5 oz), tagless & with a crew neck
• Machine Wash Cold

This combo set is perfect for all of our Hawks Nation fans, and is a one of kind matching set that will have anyone not only comfortable but also in style. Both the Shirt and the pants are only $34.79, and come in all sizes. 

Hawks fall to Preds

Hawks fall to Nashville Predators Once Again

One of the few scuffles in a very physical game. 
source: http://blackhawks.nhl.com/gamecenter

As what usually proves to be a physical matchup, the Predators entered the United Center with a chip on their shoulder as they currently stand in last place with only weeks left until playoffs. With Hawks only several points behind the league leading St. Louis Blues, who have already clinched a playoff spot along with the Boston Bruins.

Although currently struggling, it seems Nashville has our number this season, the Blackhawks just can't pull off a W. With the only goals of the game coming from Mike Fisher and Gabriel Bourque, the Preds were able to hold the Hawks powerful offense to zero goals. In a very physical game, the Predators were able to keep the Hawks away from playing their true game. One star to note was Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne, who according to the Chicago Blackhawks website had held of 29 shots throughout the game. Recording his first shutout of the season, Rinne played incredible to keep the Hawks scoreless. Although the opportunities to score and create chances were there, the Hawks just couldn't seem to light the lamp. 

With only weeks remaining in the playoff hunt, the Chicago Blackhawks will need to find there rhythm as they play for a spot in the post-season. Without star scorer Patrick Kane, the Hawks will need to figure out a way to work together in order to get some point on the board. As kaner will most likely be out for the remainder of the regular season, the Hawks have added talented prospects Teuvo Teravainen, and Jeremy Morin. Both the young stars will look to get the offense back on its feet for the Hawks, as they have only several much needed victories left in the regular season. 

Hawks will take on a lower placed Dallas Stars team on March 25 at the United Center, and are in need of a victory to finish the season strong. With only a few games left, the Hawks will need to gain some serious momentum as they head into the playoffs. Although the run for another first place finish is very unlikely, the Hawks still must place well in order to try and gain home rink advantage. 

Specific Off-Ice Training For Hockey Goalies and Skaters


Ultimate Hockey Training

Top Posts of February

While the month of February has come and gone, Chicago Blackhawks Nation would like to take this time to look back at our top posts of February. 

From NHL olympic break, to showing our Hawks pride, each post heading is linked below, so if you find a topic of interest that you may have missed, it is time to catch back up. While a lot has happened throughout the month, the posts below were our most read and liked articles. Check it out and leave a comment if you wish. 

• Rally Behind Kaner 
  
  
• "Just prior to the game, Patrick Kane received heart-breaking news that his grandfather, Donald Kane, had passed away...Scoring 2 goals with 1 assist, Patrick truly showed the remarkable dedication he has for the game of hockey, his team, and most importantly his family."

• USA DEFEATS RUSSIA


• "USA Counts on Oshie in Sochi...T.J. Oshie scores shootout goal to lead U.S. to victory"


• HAWKS NATION
• "Hawks Nation is the perfect spot for all of our readers to find scores, media, and articles. Hawks Nation strives to be the best website for all of the die-hard hawk fans around the world."


• USA v. CANADA
• "THE BIGGEST RIVALRY IN ALL OF HOCKEY!"
• "While this game will prove to be a long-lasting rivalry, it will also mark a rematch from 4 years ago in the Vancouver winter games when Canada defeated the United States in overtime and stole the gold."

• SHOW HAWKS PRIDE
• "Hawks Nation Store is now up and running, all of our products can be viewed and purchased through the following link."HTTP://WWW.CAFEPRESS.COM/HAWKSNATION

We hope you have enjoyed our top posts of february, and look forwad to another month of Blackhawk hockey! With only a few months left in the regular season, every game matters and it is a journey for the post season! 

Top Chicago Blackhawks Blog

Chicago Blackhawks Blog Review

Toews Celebrates after goal during Stadium Series victory
source: www.thecommittedindian.com

While Chicago Blackhawks Nation is relatively new to the blogging saga, I would like to take the time to touch on one of Chicago Blackhawks blog sites that has stood out in the niche area. 

ESPN-Chicago Blackhawks Report:

As one of the top read blogs of the Hawks, one of the aspects that stands out the most is the amount of posts. Unlike many of the other blogs, Chicago Blackhawks Report has numerous posts a day covering a wide variety of Hawks news. Although people may not have time to read every single article in a given time, the writers of the blog understand that people want to know everything that is happening surrounding their team. By having numerous amounts of posts, people continually check the site, and thus drive up the blogs traffic. As ESPN is the leading sports news company in the industry, it is only likely that they have a tremendous amount of access to information. With its ease of access to the source, this blog is a very interesting read, and each article is filled with quotes from players, coaches, and the organization. This is a very distinctive aspect of the blog, and has enabled them to achieve much success in the field. 

Another Important aspect to mention regarding the blog is its aesthetic appeal toward the reader. The blog is set up very well, and is certainly easy to follow. One of my favorite parts of the blog is its use of media below the headings. While some blogs may only use a few pictures, the Chicago Blackhawks Report does a very good job of also working videos into their headlines. One part of the blog that I think would be a great addition to the Chicago Blackhawks Nation site is the different links for resources such as the Chicago Blackhawks schedule, tickets, and stats. Along with different types of resources, the blog also provides the viewers of the site with several different types of media such as podcasts, recent updates, twitter account, and even an ESPN fan shop. I think the blog is very user friendly, and certainly has created a display that will drive traffic stats up. 

Hawks Win Stadium Series

Toews Leads Hawks in Snow Show

Sharp celebrates after scoring first goal
source: www.committedindians.com

On Saturday night the Chicago Blackhawks scored 5 goals to defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins in front of a sold out Soldier Field in Chicago. The Hawks captain Jonathan Toews scored two goals in the victory, while Sharp, Versteeg, and Bickell each tallied one.

The Hawks played tremendous the entire night, and Corey Crawford nearly had a shutout until one of his own defensemen put the puck in his own net.

The whole experience was truly amazing, and according to the Chicago Blackhawks website, 62,921 of Chicago's passionate fans stayed until the very end of the game despite frigid temperatures. Due to snowy conditions on the ice, both teams had trouble creating the perfect play. Coaches and players on both sides understood that the snow would cause problems, and made sure to play a simple game in which everything should be put on net. As shown with 5 goals, the Hawks certainly unleashed some offensive fury by putting shots on net.

For more information on the spectacular night I recommend checking out the following links:

1. Chicago Blackhawks Website

2. Chicago Tribune: Blackhawks Best Penguins 5-1 at Soldier Field

3. USA Today: Chicago Blackhawks Roll Past Penguins in Snowy Soldier Field

4. Commited Indians: Blackhawks Dominate Pens

5. Bleacher Report: Chicago Blackhawks: Marian Hossa's Injury and Other Stadium Series Observations

For Pictures of the historic game I recommend the following link:

• Chicago Blackhawks Photo Gallery

All of the links to articles above explain in great detail the wintery night that will go down in history of both Chicago and Soldier Field. As fans would normally line the gates to what would believe to be a football matchup, in return got a stellar performance of Chicago's favorite hockey team.

Although the victory was stellar, the articles also provide information in regards to the Marian Hossa upper-body injury. According to Brian Hedger, NHL.com correspondent, "Hossa might miss some time, we'll get a better idea, probably more, on Monday, [a] pretty good idea, but we'll know more in a couple of days. But not long-term." Hossa's injury could surely be a problem headed forward for the Chicago Blackhawks, but they will not slow down as they take on the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday.