The final at the United Center Friday night did not trigger a red light in the first 65 minutes of action. The Dallas Stars won 1–0 in the shootout after eight grueling rounds.
Who enjoyed this game? Former defensemen and goaltenders. But, if you placed a wager on the over in his one, you were likely finding another game to play before the night’s end.
The Chicago Blackhawks’ Twitter timeline last night was all about the amazing play of Marc-Andre Fleury. When he is in the net, the Blackhawks have a chance to win. While his days are likely numbered in Chicago with the trade deadline approaching, fans should enjoy the time left. He is one heck of a hockey player, but watching him every night is truly a joy of the sport.
ARE YOU SERIOUS 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸?! pic.twitter.com/TNdS24O9Fm
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 19, 2022
And this guy is 37?
FINAL: Stars 1, #Blackhawks 0 (SO)
Shot attempts: 61-50 CHI
Shots on goal: 34-29 CHI
5-on-5 scoring chances: 22-17 CHI
5-on-5 high danger chances: 6-3 CHI pic.twitter.com/KHwVdrSnJn— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) February 19, 2022
If you are a numbers person, the Blackhawks should have won this one. However, great goaltending prevailed. Stars goalie Jake Oettinger is the future in Dallas, and his 1.75 goals against average on the road was problematic for the Blackhawks heading into Friday night’s tilt.
The biggest positive I take away for the Blackhawks Friday night was their defense. I am a fan of their back end. While there are still Seth Jones haters out there, I am not one of them. Connor Murphy, Calvin de Haan and Jake McCabe are players you can win with. But, in the Blackhawks’ case, poor roster construction has led to wasting the tail end of both Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews’ contracts in Chicago.
Referring back to the trade deadline, the Blackhawks could look very different in a month. There are several players—along with Fleury—that playoff teams may see as a final piece to go chase the Cup. De Haan, Ryan Carpenter and Brandon Hagel are just a few that could be on teams’ radars.
The Blackhawks will host the Flordia Panthers for a Sunday mattinee at the United Center. Tickets are currently as low as $16, so it is a good chance for anyone to head down to Madison Street and catch a hockey game at that price, especially against such a quality opponent in the Panthers. Puck drop is scheduled for 2 p.m. CST.