Great passing, getting pucks at the net, good goaltending on the other end and a balanced and quick attack from different lines. These are trademarks of the Chicago Blackhawks, but this evening, Carolina returned the favor at home.
The Hurricanes just finished off a 4-2 win in Carolina, as the Blackhawks end their 8-game trip with a 5 and 3 record. Chicago was coming off an overtime win over San Jose as they took the season series with the Western Conference leaders. The Blackhawks are one point behind the Sharks for the conference lead, but they could not get over the hump against Carolina.
The Hurricanes got out in space, pushed the puck, and threw the puck toward the net. A couple bounces led to some Hurricane goals, but when you are quick, balanced and aggressive, these bounces tend to go your way. The Hurricanes did that, and while they sit in last place in the East, they have won 4 straight games. If they continue doing what the Blackhawks do pretty consistently, and get great goaltending from Cam Ward, then they will continue to win games.
The Hawks' 3 losses on this trip all came against teams with win streaks. Ottawa has 9 straight wins, Vancouver has 6 straight wins, and the Hurricanes are starting to figure things out themselves. Chicago has six games remaining until the league takes a break during the Olympics, and four of those six games are at the United Center.
They take a few days off, and then face Central Division rival St. Louis on Wednesday. There are still many teams alive for the postseason, and they will look to play their best against a great team like Chicago, especially a division rival like the Blues.
I am not sure that St. Louis can beat Chicago at their own game, but if last-place Carolina can, then who knows. St. Louis is 6-3-1 in their last 10 games, and Chicago did not do well against teams on hot streaks during this trip.
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