The Chicago Blackhawks (5-2-2) got back on track in Tuesday nights game against the falling Anaheim Ducks (5-4-1). Here’s what we learned from Chicago’s get-right romp over Anaheim. Chicago’s lines were as follows:
Debrincat – Toews – Kahun
Saad – Anisimov – Kane
Fortin – Johnson – Schmaltz
Kunitz – Kruger – Hayden
Keith – Jokiharju
Gustafsson – Seabrook
Manning – Rutta
Crawford
Recap:
The Blackhawks, still thrilled to have their star goaltender Corey Crawford back between the pipes, didn’t take long to get going with back to back power play opportunities.
On the second for four power plays in the period, Brandon Saad banged in his first of the year right in front of the net 5:24 in the period to put the Hawks up to an early 1-0 lead. While Anaheim spent most of the period on the penalty kill, they did manage a few good scoring chances. But none good enough to get past Crawford. While there was only one tally this period, the Hawks dominated the first. Spending the majority of the period in the offensive zone, protecting the puck, and outshooting the Ducks 16-6.
Net front presents, er, presence
🎁#Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/3lgTatV23O
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 24, 2018
The second period carried over that same energy. Each team exchanging quality scoring chances, but outstanding goaltending stealing the show. Watch Ducks goalie John Gibson absolutely rob Patrick Kane on a great rebound chance.
.@JohnGibson35 out here robbing people again. pic.twitter.com/RsOlMqiefM
— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) October 24, 2018
10:34 into the second, Anaheim forward Richard Rakell intercepted a pass from Jonathan Toews for a breakaway and roofed it behind Crawford to even up the score 1-1. Things really started heating up when everyone’s favorite cat, Alex Debrincat, squared off against the 8 inches taller Josh Manson to give a spark to everyone within a 20 miles radius of the United Center. The second period showed less penalties and a more balanced effort from both teams. Blackhawks end the second outshooting the Ducks 28-17 and tied 1-1.
The third period began with the game up for grabs. At 7:47 Patrick Kane ripped home his 8th goal of the season on a great fake-shot-pass from Erik Gustafsson to give the Hawks the lead 2-1.
Gustafsson sets up Kaner and No. 88 tallies his eighth goal of the season!#Blackhawks #CHIvsANA pic.twitter.com/siedfAlrrz
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 24, 2018
The Hawks played solid puck possession to protect their 1 goal lead until late period danger due to a holding penalty from Marcus Kruger. This gave Anaheim a 6-4 man advantage with the empty net. But Jonathan Toews got his revenge, stripping the puck from Ryan Getzlaf to set up Brandon Saad on the empty net game winner and his second of the evening. Blackhawks get the win by a score of 3-1 outshooting the Ducks 38-25.
My Thoughts:
- If the Hawks can be this solid of a puck possession team and have this kind of goaltending going forward, they can make noise in the postseason. Of course this was against a team that has the fewest shots on net per game and gives up more shots than the Blackhawks.
- Captain Jonathan Toews played in his 800th game tonight. And is currently on pace for his best season yet.
- Alex Debrincat should fight someone every game going forward, just (maybe) someone a bit closer to his same size.
- Corey Crawford is still really good at hockey.