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Blackhawks Suffer From an Off Game

Written by: EricC on 24th January 2010

Antti Niemi’s first back-to-back start for the Chicago Blackhawks did not end up like the majority of his previous starts. The Blackhawks suffered a big loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night, now 3-2 on their Road Trip, with three games remaining. The Hawks gave up three goals, in the first period, before they were able to score their first, and only, goal. If the Hawks can pull out a win in their next game, they will tie their Road Trip record from earlier in the season; however, since this Road Trip is two games longer, they have a chance to make the win percentage even greater.

Seven minutes into the game, Vancouver had their first goal. Three minutes later, they took a two goal lead, and before the period could come to an end, they were up 3-0. 24 shots were exchanged in the second period, but neither team was able to put anything in. Three and a half minutes into the third period, Jonathan Toews gave Chicago their first goal of the game. Only down by two goals, there was still a chance for the Blackhawks to come back. Unfortunately, the Canucks put another one in, less than a minute later, followed by a fifth goal in the final minute and a half.

Niemi, who has done extremely well this season, had an unusually bad game against the Canucks. Oddly enough, Niemi led the Blackhawks to a shut out the last time Chicago played the Canucks. For the first time in Niemi’s career as a Blackhawk, he was pulled and switched out with Cristobal Huet after giving up three goals and making only nine saves. Huet did a bit better, but also had trouble against the Canucks, making 14 saves and giving up the final two goals.

The Blackhawks will play their sixth game of the Road Trip on Tuesday, January 26, against the Edmonton Oilers. The puck will drop at 8:30 P.M. CT.