Hawks: Weekend Round-up, some Fire

Busy weekend for both the Blackhawks and myself. The Hawks received 3 out of a possible 4 points this weekend while I received a hang-over that lasted from Saturday till about 10 minutes ago.

Offensive onslaught.

Still, the Hawks scored seven goals in their first two games and put 88 shots on goal.

The play of rookie goaltender Antti Niemi(notes) in the second game of the season was encouraging. Thanks in part to great offensive and defense support, he earned his first NHL shutout and could emerge a worthy backup when starter Cristobal Huet(notes) needs a break.

And given Niemi's good play this weekend, there is still concerns around the blog-o-sphere concerning Huet.

If Huet's poor performance gave analysts and fans something to ask about, back-up Antti Niemi's performance on Saturday opened the conversation.

Niemi stopped all 23 shots he faced from Florida as the Hawks defeated the Panthers 4-0 in their second game of the season.

Beginner's luck? Time will tell. But I'm fine with Huet and it's good to know Niemi can hang.


Something that is more surprising is that Dustin Byfuglien has two goals already. I predict a great year for the big man.

Not a good start for former Hawks Netminder, Nikolai Khabibulin.

Calgary's Rene Bourque cleared the puck off the boards in his own end and down the ice, where Khabibulin came out to play it to his defence. Unfortunately for the Edmonton netminder, he mishit the puck, allowing Moss to intercept and knock it into an empty net.

Lastly, my favorite Hawks related tweet from this weekend.

After watching the way Kane has played these first 2 games, there's only 1 thing to say ... That cab driver had it coming.

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I believe something was going on with the Fire this weekend. I'll let Duckfart field this one when he gets a minute.