Niemi Says No

Before I even get into anything, I?d like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. May we all avoid any ?5 minute majors? with our families today. I am writing this, by the way, while baking my T-Day apple pies.

Before game 3 of the annual circus trip versus San Jose (the circus is at the United center, hence the name) the Hawks stopped off in Las Vegas. After getting annihilated by both Calgary and Edmonton, this was the perfect time for Coach Q?s one on one player meetings. The Hawks do this 4 times a year, every 20 games or so through out the season. I?m sure that there was PLENTY to talk about during the conferences. Defense probably a common theme. Both Power Play (9/24 in the previous 6 games -38%) and the Penalty Kill I?m sure were also addressed. The Hawks have failed to be consistent in these areas, going up and down in both aspects.

It was Crawford vs, the RED HOT Niemi, who was 4-0, 1.5 GAA, in his last 4 starts.. No Seabrook, lower body for the game, although he did participate in the skate around. Keith and Hjalmarsson were matched up at the start of the game. I can?t recall that happening before. Ben smith was a healthy scratch, with Bickell getting another opportunity to redeem himself after a very disappointing start.. 

Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/talk_hawks/comments/niemi_says_no/

Frans Nielsen Dwayne Roloson Jon Sim Jason Arnott David Clarkson Patrick Davis