The Fifth Liners

Last season the Chicago Blackhawks as celebrated Dave Bolland's goal to seal the 2013 Stanley Cup against the Boston Bruins, you could be forgiven for thinking for thinking that the good times were only just getting started! This season the Blackhawks seemed to be suffering for a severe case of post cup winning hangover and after last night's 3-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, this once destructive Illnois crew seems have run out of petrol! But what has caused this team to decline so quickly? With the playoffs looming, Chicago currently lies 5th overall in the Western Conference, over 8 points drift of surprise leaders the St Louis Blues and they have racked up a whopping 15 losses so far! This is more than double the amount than during the 2012-13 regular season where they only recorded an incredible 7 losing games. Also their defence is leaking goals faster than the faulty pipe in my boiler at home and their goals against figure stands at 182 conceded! Compared to last se...

After last nights 7-2 steamroller over the Colorado Avalanche , it would appear that the Chicago Blackhawks are the public's favourite to retain their Stanley Cup crown this year! If they do succeed in taking back to back titles, it will make them the first team to achieve this since the 1997-98 Detroit Red Wings and will already make them one of the big successes of this decade alone! After their up and down start to their title defense, the Red Express has got back on the rails and it ain't going to stop any time soon! But as always with winning, things are never straight forward because across from our brothers in Illinois are another team who are equally hungry and have a burning desire not to repeat last years play-off nightmare in the shape of the Pittsburgh Penguins ! Both sides have an equally strong case as they possess offensive units to die for- Chicago this season have been led by free scoring winger Patrick Kane, whose 21 goals have pushed them to the top of the...

The Chicago Blackhawks stuttering start to their new campaign continued with a 5-3 loss to the Minnesota Wild at the United Centre last night- this defeat leaves the Hawks record as 6-1-3 which after their glorious start last year, is making them look slightly awkward. Zach Parise got the Wild started after he scored a rebound on a powerplay after 12.39 of the 1st period played after Corey Crawford had saved the initial effort! But then Niklas Backstrom made an excellent save from Marion Hossa on the break away with six minutes remaining! Minnesota's lead was then increased to 2-0 when after only 1.03 of the second period, Kyle Brodziak tipped in Marco Scandella's shot to leave Hawks fans bewildered! Their frustration grew when Backstrom denied Jonathan Toews and then the post denied another potential goal to still leave Chicago behind, they also had a goal waived off for a high stick before Bryan Bickell finally smashed one in for the home side to reduce the scores to 2-1 ...

The St Louis Blues clinched a dramatic late 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks at the Scottrade Center last night to continue the reigning champions indifferent start to the 2013/14 season. Vladimir Tarasenko put the Blues in front after 15 minutes when he scored a high shot past Corey Crawford, but Patrick Kane tied the scores at 1-1 only two minutes later. After 7 minutes of the second period Alex Pietrangelo's long shot deflected off Blues captain David Backes to put the home side 2-1 in front on a powerplay! But yet again the Blackhawks levelled the scores again when Jonathan Toews scored on their own powerplay to bring things to 2-2. But with only 21 seconds remaining in the third period, Alexander Steen seized on a 3 on 1 breakaway chance to slot the puck underneath Crawford and give the Blues the win! To see the celebrations erupt among the home fans, you would have thought this was the playoffs! Jaroslav Halak was to thank for keeping the champions out and his fi...

Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford has capped a great summer by signing a new six year deal with the franchise worth $36 million! After an amazing season in net last year where Cup he went 19-5-5 during the regular season with a .926 save percentage and a 1.94 goals against average, he stats went even better during playoff time and Crawford posted a .932 save percentage and a 1.84 GAA as Chicago claimed the Stanley Cup. Upon signing this deal, Crawford was quoted as saying "I want to be in Chicago for my whole career and this is amazing to be able to do this and get this deal done." The 28 year old is no doubt thankful for Antti Niemi leaving the franchise due to Salary cap issues back in 2010, because it has allowed him to become one of the NHL's best goalies! 

The Chicago Blackhawks fought back from 2-1 down against the LA Kings at the Staples Center last night to secure a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference final and to leave the Blackhawks one win away from guaranteeing their place in the Stanley Cup final! All around there was an anticipation in the air that the Kings could produce a fight back like their Quarter Final win against St Louis previous and the sell out crowd expected big. When Slava Voynov drove in the opener from distance, it appeared it would be party time all the way for LA! But Chicago had no desire to fade away quietly and were level after 13 mins when Bryan Bickell scored! But less than two minutes into the second period, Dustin Penner beat Corey Crawford to score his first goal in over 11 games and to put the Kings 2-1 ahead!  Justin Williams had the chance to put them further ahead but his breakaway effort was superbly stopped by Crawford But again Chicago responded strongly and again tied the scores whe...

So the Western Conference Final kicked off tonight with the LA Kings heading to Chicago to defend the cup. First Period Chicago won the opening faceoff and initially dominated the first period. At the first commercial break, there'd been five shots, all of which on Jonathan Quick . Corey Crawford had very little to do so far. The Kings were getting the puck forward but had no end product. Kyle Clifford gave away the first powerplay of the series when he picked up a minor for a hand pass. Chicago's man advantage lasted 16 seconds when Andrew Shaw was boxed for interference. Neither team found the net during the short powerplays although Patrick Kane's wrister forced another save from Quick. Dustin Penner gave away a penalty for roughing after dragging Michal Handzus to the ice from behind after the Kings forced Crawford into his first save. The Blackhawks came close to scoring but Quick was on fire to save the Kings from going behind. Goal! In the 15th minute,...

Nobody predicted this. Not even me, and I'm biased. Last night Detroit welcomed the Chicago Blackhawks to the Joe Louis hoping to build on Saturday's series tying victory. A tense first period saw plenty of penalties but no goals. It wasn't until seven minutes into the second period that Gustav Nyquist demonstrated perfect control to skate round Corey Crawford 's goal and slot home past diving defensemen and a helpless goalie to get his second goal of the playoffs. Less than a minute later, Drew Miller , who also had solid game was on hand to tip the puck into the net after a goalmouth scramble. 2-0 Detroit. Patrick Kane made a good breakaway to reduce the deficit to one goal five minutes into the third period but two minutes later Pavel Datsyuk was on hand to fire a screamer of a shot into the top shelf. No chance of Crawford saving that shot. Goal of the playoffs contender? Maybe.

By Alex Watson Craig Anderson (Ottawa Senators) Since being traded to Ottawa in 2010, Craig Anderson has proven himself to be mister consistent and this season has been no exception and as it stands Anderson currently has the highest save percentage and currently has a GAA average of 1.49. His great goaltending has put him in line for a potential Hart Trophy and has also contributed to the Senators ever improving form and they are now firmly in line for a place off spot. Pekka Rinne (Nashville Predators) Nashville’s form so far this season has been very stop- start, but the one thing that hasn’t been is the goaltending of Finland’s Pekka Rinne who currently has already registered 5 shut out victories alone this season and has prove a bright spot in the Predators season and if his form continues, they could prove to be the wildcard of the playoff race! Nikolas Backstrom (Minnesota Wild) The Wild’s fortunes are ever improving this season due to some smart acquisiti...

Here's some of my predictions for 2012/2013 individual awards based on performances so far. Sadly there's no Red Wings players in there, still time to change that though boys! Go Wings.  Hart Memorial Trophy Sidney Crosby (PIT) - Current overall points leader, Crosby hasn't netted as many as others in the league but he's top of the table for assists. For me, this defines a team player and Crosby is the best so far.  Lady Byng Memorial Trophy Patrick Kane (CHI) - There's no dispute over Kane's skillset, his excellent points total speaks for itself. What sets Kane apart his overall conduct. He's a playmaker on the ice and although still young, his disciplinary record and points tally is an inspiration for his team.  Vezina Award Corey Crawford (CHI) - The Blackhawk's phenomenal winning streak is in part down to Crawford's effort between the sticks. Calder Memorial Trophy Jake Muzzin (LAK) - 27 games, 8 goals and...