Chicago entered Thursday’s contest in Calgary minus their captain, as Jonathan Toews was scratched for a non-COVID related illness. That bad news would not stop Chicago from taking advantage of a putrid Calgary Flames’ defense in the second period on their way to a 5–1 victory.
- Jaxson Stauber played an excellent game in net. Stauber backstopped Chicago with 34 saves, while looking like a calm veteran in net. The 23-year-old has two victories in as many attempts since being called up from Rockford.
- Chicago found an early goal from forward Taylor Raddysh for his 13th goal of the season and 24th of his young career. The former second-round pick has shown a slight usefulness this season in the offensive zone, as his overall game has not quite lived up to NHL standards.
- Fans should be allowed to split-screen the game with a small box concentrated on Flames head coach Darryl Sutter. The hockey legend would be a blast to watch coach, especially when his team is struggling. As Calgary fights for a playoff spot, Sutter will keep his team prepared each night. As a Blackhawks fan, you cannot help but see Luke Richardson doing the same thing each night, albeit with only a fraction of the talent.
- Chicago scored three times in the second period to distance themselves from Calgary. Forwards Boris Katchouk, Jason Dickinson and Sam Lafferty all found the back of the net behind Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Chicago took advantage of a Swiss cheese defense that found the home team scrambling in their own zone, as they struggled positionally and got caught flat-footed in their own end on multiple occasions.
- Chicago tried its best to let Calgary gain a little life in the third period as Luke Philp and Dickinson took careless penalties, but the visitors withstood their ground and killed off both infractions and all three in the contest.
Chicago drives north for a Saturday night puck drop against the Edmonton Oilers at 9 p.m CST.
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