Winning a gold medal for Canada doesn't gain you much respect in Chicago it seems, Roberto Luongo and his marathon road trip companions on the Canucks landed at the Madhouse on Madison on Friday night and for the Olympic gold medallist it was a short night between the pipes.
The Black Hawks lit up the Vancouver end of the rink in the first period, putting five goals behind the Vancouver goal tender before the first period could come to a close. And while Luongo looked sketchy on a couple of easy goals, he wasn't offered much in the way of defense from those in front of him through that barrage of the first.
Visibly frustrated at the state of affairs after one period of play, Lunongo smashed his stick at the Canucks bench on his way to the dressing room, a gesture which of course provided the Chicago fans with much satisfaction, though it would mark the last of their chance to see Luongo in action on Friday, Andrew Raycroft took over in the second and managed to get his team settled down from their terrible first period.
The Canucks at game 11 of their monstrous 14 game road trip, won't return to the friendly confines of GM Place until after their march 10th visit to Pheinx. On this trip however, the Canucks have shown the resiliance to battle back from a few goals behind, but Friday, while they had their chances to climb closer, the large Chicago lead never really seemed at risk.
Christobal Huet, who only a few days ago was probably wondering if he was destined to be part of the Trade Deadline madness put on a respectable display of goal tending for the Hawks, turning 17 of his 20 shots on the night.
And while Hawk fans may wonder if their goal tending tandem can hold the line over the pressure filled playoffs, if the forwards continue to put six goals a game in the opposing net, any concerns over back end issues may be replaced with a need to check the scoring stats and pool standings, tracking the impressive array of potential scorers who on Friday found that the puck was going to go wherever they directed it, which on six occassions was into the back of a Canuck net.
Globe and Mail-- Hawks exact revenge on Luongo
Vancouver Sun-- Canucks blown away in the Windy City
Vancouver Sun-- Blitzed in Windy City blowout
Vancouver Sun-- Kesler and Ladd continue their feud
Vancouver Province-- Chicago Blackhawks coast to easy 6-3 win over Vancouver Canucks
Chicago Sun Times-- Attack ignites after fights
Chicago Tribune-- Not goodbye, just so Luongo
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