A sports blog by and for Midwest Sports Fans
Defensive struggles have long plagued the Chicago Blackhawks this season, but a four game winning streak and a contract extension for fan favorite and much deserving defenseman Brent Seabrook has ‘Hawk fans in a state of optimism.
Still, the urgency for GM Stan Bowman to acquire a defenseman is increasing.
The Blackhawks continue their winning streak, beating the Dallas Stars 5-2 Tuesday night.
The win was more than just a win because now, with 50 wins on the season, the Hawks have set a franchise record. To break the record this year is no surprise, as this is the best Hawks team in almost 20 years.
The current winning streak couldn’t have come at a better time. Just a few weeks ago many people were doubting the legitimacy of the Hawks after a three game losing streak in which the Hawks lost miserably.
It’s not only bad enough that the Blackhawks lost their match-up against the Anaheim Ducks 4-2, but they might have lost another star defensemen to a cheap hit.
Former Blackhawk James Wisniewski of the Ducks put a high hit on Seabrook behind Seabrook’s own net. Seabrook, stunned and probably confused, reacted like a person who had just been knocked out. As bad as the hit looked Wisniewski only received a minor penalty. Seabrook, on the other hand, had to miss the entire game.
Blackhawks’ coach Joel Quennville wasn’t shy about what his thoughts were on the hit.
During last night’s Blackhawks-Ducks game in Anaheim, James Wisniewski laid a vicious hit on Brent Seabrook, smashing Seabrook’s head against the glass. (thanks to @TKGore for the tip on this one.)
Immediately after the hit, you can see Seabrook go momentarily limp and slump down to the ice.
And, of course, hockey being the ultimate sport of toughness, the announcers immediately begin to speculate that Seabrook might have been trying to “sell it.”
During the 2-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks, the Hawks’ captain Jonathan Toews and defender Brent Seabrook were injured.
Both are on the injury report with upper body injuries, and the report says that they “PROGRESSED WELL OVERNIGHT, COULD PLAY SATURDAY.”
“Seabs and Johnny both presented well today,” Quenneville said after practice on Thursday. “They progressed well overnight, so it’s encouraging in those regards.”
