Hawks Outshoot, Outscore Oilers

The Blackhawks started the Canadian portion of their road trip with a win last night against the Edmonton Oilers. Falling behind 1-0 in the first, the Hawks rallied for two in the second and an insurance tally in the third to win 3-1.

Cam Barker and Dave Bolland provided the scoring in the second period with long blasts. Barker's came on the power play about three minutes into the second and Bolland scored his with about four minutes left. On Bolland's goal, Matt Walker made a great play to retain possession for the Hawks and Bolland displayed great patience faking twice, then unloading a bullet into the net.

The Hawks had some anxious moments in the third period while holding onto a one goal advantage. Outshooting the Oilers 32-13 after two periods, it was still only a one goal lead and when you don't take advantage of chances on the road, the game usually ends in an unfavorable fashion. Even with a couple good Edmonton chances, the dominance continued through the final period and the Hawks ended up with a 20 shot advantage. We know Canadians can take some shots, but enough was enough.

Cristobal Huet was in goal for Chicago and the only goal he let in looked like it was straight out of a Jordan-Bird commercial. From behind the net the puck bounced off what seemed like 10 things, then somehow went off Huet's brain-case and into the net. Other than the Globetrotter action, Huet was great. I always hear how hard it is to not face a lot of shots, and though I understand the principle that it's hard to stay alert, I also find that when you face less shots, you typically let in less goals, so I don't know how much I agree with all those announcers. But if they're right, he had a hell of a game.

Now it's on to Calgary Thursday night and to Vancouver this weekend.