Thursday’s Three Stars: Vertseeg’s Two Goals Key Rout Over Calgary

Jim Neveau, PIB Co-conspirator

In our Viewer’s Guide to the Circus Trip, we discussed how Calgary would be out for revenge over the Hawks because of the stunning comeback win that Chicago had over the Flames back in October. In front of an audience viewing the game on national TV, the Hawks went down 5-0, and proceeded to comeback and win the hockey game, stunning Flames-nation and bringing a lot of joy to the West Side.

In kicking off their road trip, the Hawks had to be careful of walking in to the Pengrowth Saddledome and being blown out of the building by the denizens of the Red Mile. There was certainly palpable tension in the air, as the crowd, and the Flames themselves, focused all of their hatred on the team that not only embarrassed the Flames in “The Comeback”, but also eliminated Calgary from last season’s Western Conference playoffs.

Needless to say, Cristobal Huet wasn’t intimidated by the team that chased him on that fateful October night after giving up three goals in five shots. He made 27 saves, and Kris Versteeg added two goals in a 7-1 rout over Calgary.

Dustin Byfuglien, Patrick Kane, Troy Brouwer, Andrew Ladd, and Ben Eager also added tallies for the Hawks in the blowout win.

It all started with Brouwer’s first period marker on a power play. This goal gives Brouwer six points (3 G, 3 A) in his last five games, and he added more fuel to the fire of those insisting that he may be the most underrated player on the team.

After Calgary tied it at one apiece 14 seconds into the second period, the Hawks poured on the offensive firepower, scoring six unanswered goals and putting the game out of reach early.

Other notable contributions came from Duncan Keith, who had three assists to boost his total to 13 on the year, and Patrick Sharp, Cam Barker, and Brian Campbell, who all had two assists.

Let’s get to tonight’s Three Stars:

Very Honorable Mentions: Duncan Keith and Troy Brouwer

Keith’s three assists and Brouwer’s goal were both instrumental in the victory, and they necessitate mention here. Keith has been an extremely important part of this team, both on offense and defense, and he is richly deserving of the 13 year contract he is rumored to be close to signing.

As for Brouwer, he was the forgotten man amongst all of the off-season turmoil, but he has quietly played well since signing a two year deal in July. He gets it done physically, and his offensive touch is nothing to sneeze at either. Great game from Brouw tonight.

Third Star: Patrick Kane

Alright, call me a softie for not knocking Kaner out of this spot in favor of either of the Honorable Mentions, but come on, how can I say no to the birthday boy? He celebrated his 21st birthday in style, scoring a goal (his fourth game in a row with a tally) and not beating up a cabbie (okay, that was uncalled for).

Kane has had a marvelous season up until this point, and if he continues this production, he is going to be mentioned as one of the elite snipers  not only of his generation, but in the entire league. He also is on the verge of signing a new contract, which is welcome news to Hawks fans.

Second Star: Dustin Byfuglien

Byfuglien has been hated on by many hockey pundits (okay, me), for being a cement-handed big body who has no business being a forward in this league. That was the criticism last year.

This year, Byfuglien has shown why he earned an invite to the US Olympic Camp in Woodridge in August. He has played solidly on both sides of the puck. Offensively, he has embraced his role not only as “big butt in front of the goalie”, but also of the delicate scoring touch forward. Defensively, he has improved his stick-handling and is delivering hits only when they are necessary, instead of tossing his body around the ice with abandon and compromising himself position-wise.

He showed a great example of  both on his goal, when he poke-checked the puck away in the defensive zone, and skated all the way down the ice, where he put the puck past Mikka Kiprusoff. Even the shot itself was an example of the turnaround Buff has had, since he used a feathered wrist shot instead of loading up a slap-shot like he would have done in year’s past.  A great play on both ends by Dustin, and it certainly is deserving of commendation.

First Star: Cristobal Huet/Kris Versteeg

I could not decide between these two gentlemen, hence they are going to share the kudos today.

Huet made some outstanding saves throughout the game, stopping 27 shots in all and redeeming himself beautifully for his pitiful performance against the Flames earlier in the season. It turns yet another page in Huet’s season, as he continues to play solid hockey.

As for Versteeg, what can you say other than “two goals”. He was like a waterbug, skating all over the ice and being exactly in the right place at the right time. He re-directed an off-the-net shot for his first tally, and he accepted a tremendous pass from Kane on his second.

Versteeg has been mentioned frequently in cap-saving trade rumors, but it’s nights like tonight that would make that loss hard to swallow.

The Hawks continue their road trip on Saturday night when they invade Edmonton to take on Nikolai Khabibulin and the Oilers. The game will begin at 9pm CST, and can be seen on Comcast SportsNet.

Tags: Andrew Ladd, Ben Eager, Brian Campbell, Calgary Flames, cam barker, Chicago Blackhawks, Cristobal Huet, Dustin Byfuglien, Edmonton Oilers, kris versteeg, Nikolai Khabibulin, Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Troy Brouwer