Some people would say the overwhelming influence of the neutral-zone trap is the worst thing that has happened to hockey. But others see it in a different light.
“I think it’s more the evolution of hockey,” Blackhawks defenseman Nathan Dempsey said. “Different things have happened in different eras and different time periods. At this point, the trap is something that has been successful.”
The Hawks faced a team Wednesday in the Minnesota Wild that has made the trap a cornerstone of its style of play. Like anything, though, the trap can be beaten.
“A hard forecheck can counteract the trap,” Dempsey said. “You end up spending more time in their end and less time in the neutral zone trying to get into their end. You have to move the puck quickly and attack with speed.” . . .
The starting lineups for this season’s All-Star Game–to be played here Feb. 8–will be announced this week. Not only will the Blackhawks not have a starter, they likely won’t have anyone play in the contest. But the Hawks still may be represented All-Star weekend. Tuomo Ruutu, Michael Leighton and Brett McLean may be selected to play in the rookie game the day before the All-Star Game. . . .
With the Hawks right back in action Thursday at home against Calgary, captain Alex Zhamnov rested his back and didn’t participate in Wednesday’s morning skate. . . . Coach Brian Sutter keeps talking about how young a team he has, but the average age of the Hawks’ roster is now 27.5. The average age of the Minnesota Wild roster is 27.8. . . . With his assist on Igor Korolev’s first-period goal, Ryan VandenBussche picked up his first point of the season in his 28th game. . . . Defenseman Jason Strudwick made the trip to Minnesota but was scratched for the 10th straight game with a shoulder injury.
