After a previous winless week of hockey, the Hawks put together a strong week of three games against Columbus and Carolina. Finishing the week 2–0–1, the Hawks have now recorded a point in eight of their last nine games. Through 12 games, the Hawks’ record stands at 4–4–4.
Sunday, Jan. 31: Hawks win 3–1 behind Kane, Kurashev
With Kevin Lankinen back in net, the rookie stopped 32 of 33 shots against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Patrick Kane and Philipp Kurashev each had a goal and an assist to lead the offense. Pius Suter added his fourth goal of the season, and Mattias Janmark added two assists.
Tuesday, Feb. 2: Hawks lose 4–3 in shootout vs. Carolina
Lankinen was in the net once again, making 37 saves in the loss to the Hurricanes. Kurashev, Kane and Dylan Strome each scored a goal for the Hawks. Dominik Kubalik and Alex DeBrincat both added two assists. Lankinen made a point-blank save with seconds left in overtime to send the game to a shootout. The Hawks went 0-for-3 in the shootout. Andrei Svechnikov scored the lone goal of the shootout for the Hurricanes.
Thursday, Feb 4: Hawks’ special teams lead the way in 6–4 victory
Lankinen made his fifth straight start in net for the Hawks, making 30 saves against the Hurricanes. The Blackhawks’ special teams were the bright spot during this game. The penalty kill negated all four opportunities for Carolina and Chicago scored three power play goals out of five chances. All three power play goals came in the first period. Janmark, Kubalik and Andrew Shaw all tallied the goals for the Hawks in the first frame. The Hurricanes scored two goals, just eight seconds apart, in the early going of the second period to tie the game at 3–3. The Hawks then exploded for another three goals in the third to secure the victory. DeBrincat scored twice, including the empty netter at the end to seal the win. Kane tallied one goal and three assists for his 14th career four-point game. Kane now has 1,037 career points, which moves him into sixth place among U.S.-born players.
Patrick Kane (1-3—4) recorded his 14th career four-point game as the @NHLBlackhawks improved to 4-1-1 at home in 2020-21. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/0NDvtiDoGK
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 5, 2021
Going forward
It looks like Lankinen has taken over as the No. 1 goalie—for now. He has started in the last five games in a row for the Hawks. The defense has been allowing a lot of shots the past three games, 33, 41 and 34, respectively. Lankinen has been standing tall so far, getting a lot of work in the crease with that many shots coming his way.
Next week, the Hawks travel to Dallas for two games against the Stars. Then they come back home for two more games against Columbus.