Blackhawks rewind: Recapping games vs. Coyotes
Editor’s note: Here are four summaries of Tim Sassone’s reports from the four games the Blackhawks played against Phoenix this season.
Feb. 11, 2012 at Phoenix
Coyotes 3, Hawks 0
When the Blackhawks lost their eighth straight game Saturday night, 3-0 to the Phoenix Coyotes, talk shifted to head coach Joel Quenneville being on the hot seat — not only because of the losing streak but for how the Hawks are losing and the way the power play and penalty killing are in disarray.
Ray Emery started in goal and wasn’t the biggest problem, but he was caught out of his net on the first goal by Radim Vrbata just 3:14 into the game, setting a quick tone for another dismal night.
The Coyotes’ Mike Smith made 38 saves. It was the sixth time this season the Hawks were shut out.
The Coyotes put the game away in the first period on the goal by Vrbata and Boyd Gordon’s goal at 5:58. Gordon was left alone in front to bang home a rebound.
Dec. 5, 2011 at Chicago
Coyotes 4, Hawks 3 (SO)
In between a poor start and a disappointing finish, the Blackhawks played well enough to at least earn 1 point in the standings.
And considering they once trailed the Phoenix Coyotes 3-0 early in the second period, getting something out of the 4-3 loss in a shootout lightened coach Joel Quenneville’s mood a bit.
“Disappointed with our start, but a good comeback, good point,” Quenneville said. “We were fortunate to get ourselves back into it.”
Phoenix broke on top by 3, chasing goalie Corey Crawford. But it was Jonathan Toews bringing the Hawks back in spectacular style. Toews scored at 2:40 of the second period and again on a power play at 9:27 when he beautifully redirected a shot by Duncan Keith. Toews then set up Patrick Kane’s tying goal at 13:57 of the second with a pass in front from the left corner. Kane showed great hands collecting the pass and quickly getting it up and over Mike Smith while flying to the net.
Nov. 29, 2011 at Chicago
Coyotes 4, Hawks 1
It was the first game after a long road trip, but there were no positives, silver linings or things to build on from this loss. It was an awful game from the Hawks’ perspective, from the start when Corey Crawford allowed a bad goal in the first period.
Patrick Sharp spoiled the shutout by getting on the scoreboard with 43 seconds to play.
“They played that perfect checking game and frustrated us. It wasn’t pretty,” coach Joel Quenneville said.
Shane Doan scored off a 4-on-2 midway through the second period before the Coyotes blew things open in the third and chased Crawford with 2 goals in the first five minutes.
Oct. 18, 2011 at Phoenix
Hawks 5, Coyotes 2
Dave Bolland’s short-handed goal early in the third period was the key play in the Hawks’ 5-2 victory.
Bolland stripped the puck from Radim Vrbata, then blew a quick slap shot past goalie Jason LaBarbera to give the Hawks a 4-2 lead.
The checking line of Bolland, Bryan Bickell and Michael Frolik was outstanding again at both ends of the ice. Bickell also scored against Phoenix.