Niemi Gets a Shut Out, Making Blackhawks Western Conference Leaders

Written by: EricC on 19th March 2010

Just when things were starting to hit a low point for the Chicago Blackhawks, they pulled out a big win over the Los Angeles Kings, with Antti Niemi grabbing the Shut Out; this was the Hawks first Shut Out since January 14. Missing three defenseman (Brent Seabrook, Brian Campbell, and Kim Johnsson), Chicago really stepped it up to not only play a great defensive game, but a great offensive game also. The Hawks held the Kings to only 17 shots all game, and now lead the Western Conference, tied in points with the San Jose Sharks.

More than half of this game passed before either team was able to put a goal in. Then, in the 11th minute of the second period, Troy Brouwer had his 20th goal of the season, putting the Blackhawks up on the board; Patrick Kane had his 52nd assist on the play! A little under three minutes into the third period, Tomas Kopecky made it a two goal game, followed by a second goal a few minutes later, giving the Hawks a little breathing room. Kopecky, who has played a good first season with the Blackhawks, put in 1/3 of his goals during this game.

Niemi might have only seen 17 saves in the game, but those 17 saves kept the Blackhawks on top and gave Niemi his fifth Shut Out of the season; he is tied for fifth in the league for Shut Outs.

The Blackhawks get a day of rest before taking on the Phoenix Coyotes on Saturday, March 20, at 8:00 P.M. CT. The Coyotes have recently emerged as one of the tough teams in the Western Conference, so a win in this game is important.