I’m noticing a disturbing trend with the Blackhawks lately. With 17 games remaining in the regular season, goaltending – once considered one of the team’s strong points – is now a growing concern. Christophal Huet has allowed too many easy shots, including four in the second period against the Detroit Red Wings that put the game away. Backup Antii Niemi hasn’t fared m much better. One wonders if the Hawks missed an opportunity to trade for another goalie at the trading deadline last Thursday.
The lack of movement by the Hawks tells me one of two things: either they were unable to make a deal at the trade deadline, or they are satisfied with the talent they have.
The players will be the first to tell you that they aren’t doing their part to support the goalies. Defensive lapses, especially in their own end, and sloppy puck handling have given their opponents more scoring opportunities than would seem fit. That accounts for the numerous breakaways the goalies have had to face over the past few games. It may be that teams are making adjustments to the Hawks style of play. If so, then the Hawks must counter and step up their own game. Let's all hope that this is simply a rough patch in their season rather than a harbinger of things to come.
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