Each year the Chicago Blackhawks, as well as the Chicago Bulls go on a Circus Road Trip. Why is it called the Circus Road Trip? Well because the Circus is in Chicago at the United Center. Usually this road trip ends out badly but not this year. The Hawks go 4-1-1 and gain 9 points and are in 5th place on their way home. Hossa makes his start, the Hawks take down the top rated team, and Huet starts to define himself as the starting Goaltender. Game 1 November 19th. Blackhawks(7) at Flames(1) W GoalsTroy Brouwer, Kris Versteeg(2), Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd, Patrick Kane and Ben Eager. Saves Cristobal Huet [27 - 28] After winning at home, the Hawks start the Circus Road Trip in Calgary. An easy win the for Hawks, seven goals to one. Game 2 November 21st Blackhawks(5) at Oliers(2) W GoalsJonathan Toews(2), Kris Versteeg, Patrick Kane, and John Madden. Saves Cristobal Huet [ 25 - 27] The Blackhawks came into this game high in the rankings against a not so good team. There was a lot of great defense and offense being player by the Blackhawks, and the Oliers, but the Hawks came out on top with their two big stars, Toews and Kane getting three combined goals, two for Toews. Game 3 November 22nd Blackhawks(1) at Canucks(0) W Goals Bryan Bickell Saves Antti Niemi [30 - 30] During Game 3, Huet took the bench. He was tired from the previous games he played. Niemi suited up and took to the ice for a shut out. Bryan Bickell, a player who isn't widely known, but has some skill, was the only player on the ice to score and give the Hawks the victory. Game 4 November 25th Blackhawks(7) at Sharks(2) W GoalsTroy Brouwer, Marian Hossa(2), Patrick Sharp, Dustin Byfuglienm, Brent Seabrook and John Madden. Saves Cristobal Huet [22 - 24] Game 4, the night star Marian Hossa takes to the ice. After injuring himself during the Offseason, Hossa gets his first chance to play for his new team, the Chicago Blackhawks. Hossa first game as a Blackhawk, they are the second ranked team in the league, next to the San Jose Sharks, their opponents for the night. Hossa played very well, he had a nice breakaway for a goal and had a beautiful poke check to save a goal. Game 5 November 27th Blackhawks(0) at Ducks(3) L Goals n/a Saves Cristobal Huet [31 - 34] The Hawks eight game winning streak and hope for a sweep of the Circus Road Trip ends to a 3-0 loss against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. The Hawks skated sluggishly and were showing the affects of being away from home. Game 6 November 28th Blackhawks(1) at Kings(2) OTL GoalsJonathan Toews Saves Cristobal Huet [21 - 22] A near victory for the Hawks came against the Kings. Even though they were awawrded a point for making it to OT, they came down short in the shootout.
Chicago really made the best out of a tough situation. Kudos to the team for getting it done. I usually feel bad for Chicago because of this trip, but I think Vancouver deserves more sympathy this year. Because of the 2010 Olympics they'll be playing a shitload of road games from late December to early March, which includes a 14 game road trip. For a team that's kind of in the middle-of-the-pack, that could prevent them from making the playoffs.
This is the first time in a few years I recall the Hawks doing well on the Circus Road Trip. Im happy to see they are doing so well this year. Oh wow, I forgot about the 2010 Olympics. Poor Vancouver.. 14 games is tough. Im keeping my eye on that road trip for sure. Going to be an interesting series of events for them.
