Tag Archives: Craig Smith

Costly turnovers send Hawks to break on losing streak; Predators 3 – Blackhawks 1

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Brad Vandenberk| Leave a comment

By Brad Vandenberk

The Chicago Blackhawks last game before the All Star break took place Tuesday night at the United Center.  They played host to the pesky Nashville Predators who they lost to just three nights ago in Nashville 5-2.  That game saw the Hawks captain leave with a wrist injury.  Jonathan Toews joined his teammates Patrick Sharp and Dan Carcillo on the injury reserve list.  It was also mentioned that Toews would forego the All Star festivities this coming weekend due to the injury.  With Captain Serious watching from the press box Rockford superstar Brandon Pirri was recalled to hopefully ignite the Hawks.

Predators’ goalie Pekka Rinne was looking for his ninth straight win on Tuesday with his second start in as many nights.  The Preds beat Columbus 4-1 on Monday in Nashville.  Although Corey Crawford was pulled during Saturday’s contest, he did get the start for the home team.  Read more »

Share

Posted in Blackhawks, Game recap

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Predators 5 – Blackhawks 2, Hossa strikes twice, Crawford pulled, Toews left arm in question

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Brad Gardner| Leave a comment

By Brad Gardner

The Blackhawks saw their seven-game point streak snapped after a sluggish game in Nashville against the division rival Predators. Despite two goals from Marian Hossa, a flurry of goals from the home team in the middle period turned out to be the difference in Chicago’s first regulation loss since January 6th.

The opening period was characterized by chippy play from both sides. Nashville out-chanced the visitors, but Marian Hossa managed to put the ‘Hawks on the board first on the team’s second shot of the period. Andrew Shaw dropped a short pass to Hossa at center ice, who gained the zone with enough speed to beat Shea Weber to the outside. He protected the puck as he crossed over and beat Rinne inside the right post for his 19th goal of the season.

Craig Smith drew the Preds even just over two minutes later with a power play goal. Rookie defenseman Ryan Ellis had an open lane from the blue line and Smith provided both the traffic in front of Blackhawks’ starter Corey Crawford and the finish on the rebound to make it a 1-1 game going into the first intermission. Read more »

Share

Posted in Blackhawks, Brad Gardner, Game recap

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,