McKnight: Hawks Dethrone Kings
By Connor McKnight--
The Hawks edged out another victory despite a depleted roster Sunday night--this time 3-2 over the Kings at the United center. It marks two in a row for the Hawks who have put together six periods of very solid hockey. Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and Fernando Pisani all notched goals in the victory while Patrick Sharp had a pair of assists. After the game, Sharp said Friday's win over Detroit helped galvanize the team.
"I think it started Friday against Detroit," Sharp said. "We came out and played one of our better games of the season. I think everyone played with intensity right from the start of the game. That obviously carried over into tonight and they made it close there towards the end but we were able to hang on."
So while it's four points in two games, some of the best hockey the team has played all year and two of their biggest weapons are close to returning to the ice, Joel Quenneville isn't ready to throw a party just yet.
"We did what we had to do here," Quenneville said. "I don't think we want to get too excited though. ... It's something to build off of, but certainly we've got some divisional opponents that will keep us busy as well. I don't think we're in a position to feel good about ourselves yet."
Really, there's two things that have to happen before the Hawks can start to feel good about themselves. They need to get past three division games against the Predators, Blue Jackets and Blues. They also need to get Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane back into the lineup.
The games will come. Fortunately they only need worry about the Predators before Christmas. After that, reinforcements could be on the way.
"Hopefully ... either going into Christmas or coming out of the Christmas break just about everybody should be healthy," Quenneville said.
Here's hoping.
