Huet Sparkles, Keith Shines… Hawks Win

The Blackhawks came out of the gate strongly against the Columbus Blue Jackets. They were determined and appeared to be the hungrier club. The result was an end to a two game losing streak and renewed hope their number one goalie is not gong to falter.

Although the Hawks dominated the Jackets early they couldn’t solve Mathieu Garon as he kept his team in the contest. Chicago wasn’t going to be denied but it was Cristobal Huet who really won the game as he posted his fourth shutout of the season.

The Hawks were aggressive and also were too loose in their own zone on a few occasions. Huet came up with many good stops and some were on defensive zone giveaways. His best save was while the Hawks were shorthanded early in the middle frame. Huet sprawled out and made an unbelievable save on a close range Kristian Huselius shot.

If Huet allowed the Jackets to tie the score the game may have turned. He did what all top starting goalies can and that is to make big saves when needed.

Joel Quenneville said it best after the game.

He commented that Huet was in charge…exactly correct.

When Huet is good, he controls his crease and doesn’t over commit. His rebound control was very good last night and he always seemed to follow the puck. He was a difference maker and the Hawks will be difficult to beat when he plays at that level.

The other player which continues to be a huge factor in the team’s success is Duncan Keith.

When I first saw Keith, some four years ago, he physically resembled a light weight high school wrestler. He was cat like quick and slightly built, although pound for pound very strong. Since then he has matured physically and his game has reached another level.

When the Hawks were dull and boring I would watch Keith skate during games to pass the time. His feet were incredibly quick and his main fault was he would move faster than he could think.

Over the years playing on a cellar dweller helped Keith. He was used in every situation and often played against the opposition’s top players. He found a perfect partner in Brent Seabrook and the two have grown into an outstanding defensive pairing. Their on the job training experience over the last few years has paid off.

In the old days I wondered if Keith would ever be able to add to the offense.

He had the physical tools but didn’t display natural instincts when in the offensive zone. With his athletic ability it seemed he could someday be an offensive threat but his shot and decision making would have to improve.

Today Keith displays the skill and confidence to be a big factor in the Hawks offense.

Now he knows when to pass rather than shoot and vice or versa. His shot has gotten much better. With better accuracy and a quick release Keith has become a goal scorer. He was always fun to watch but now his game has expanded to another level.

Keith’s progress in many ways mirrors the improvement of the Blackhawks.

Al’s Shots

The Blue Jackets are ripe for the plucking but still can’t be taken lightly.

The Hawks need to put the hammer down and sweep the two game set with a win Saturday.

I expect the Jackets to play with an edge from the beginning and the Hawks have to be smart and not draw retaliatory penalties.

Last night Jared Boll was running around for awhile.

Boll was looking to stir the pot until Andrew Ladd popped him hard in the second period.  Boll was not heard from again. It was great clean, hard check from Ladd who continues his solid play.

I would expect Huet to start on Saturday and if he wins, maybe Q. rides him Sunday in Detroit.

Chicago leads the NHL with a total of eight shutouts.

Whenever a Blackhawk is out of action for a prolonged period of time, concussion fears rise.

Whispers around indicate Barker could be nursing a rib injury.

That makes sense as he has been skating but hasn’t had contact. He did participate in the pregame warm-up last night.

There were a few Eastern Conferences scouts scheduled to visit the United Center on Thursday night.

Understandable…. as they could have been there to also watch the Blue Jackets.

Columbus management will have to make a decision soon as to if/when they become trade deadline sellers.

I continue to believe the Hawks will eventually acquire at least one additional defenseman.

blackhawkswin@comcastnet