Blackhawks Slow to Return After Olympic Break

Written by: EricC on 3rd March 2010

The Chicago Blackhawks had a little trouble with the New York Islanders on Tuesday night, playing their first game since the end of the Olympic Break. Chicago kept it close in the first period, but then began to falter in the second. Hopefully, this is just a slow start by the Blackhawks after having two weeks off (at least for the majority of them).

Nearly 11 minutes into this game, Brian Campbell put in the first goal off an assist from Patrick Kane. However, less than two minutes later, the Islanders tied the game up. About a minute after that, Kane had a goal of his own during a Blackhawks Power Play. The Hawks ended the first period leading by a goal.

New York tied the game up again in the second minute of the second period, followed by another goal less than 30 seconds later. At this point, Antti Niemi was traded out with Cristobal Huet, who hasn’t played a game in nearly a month (since Feb. 5). During the seventh minute of the period, the Islanders put a fourth goal in, and then a fifth in the final seconds of the period. Huet held New York scoreless in the third period, but the only contribution the Hawks could add was a final goal from Dustin Byfuglien on a Power Play.

Niemi got his fifth straight start in net for the Blackhawks, giving up three goals before being switched out with Huet. Huet, did slightly better, but still gave up two goals, himself. Niemi and Huet each had nine saves. Earlier in the day, rumors were flying about possible trades for a new goalie, but most of those seem to have been debunked now.

The Blackhawks’ play again, Tonight, February 3, against the Edmonton Oilers. This will be the Hawks first home game since the Olympic Break. The puck will drop at 7:30 P.M. CT.