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RECAP: Blackhawks Muscle Past Avalanche, 2-1 in Overtime

  
Hawks Goal
Photo: Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images

On the second half of a back-to-back, the Blackhawks welcomed the Colorado Avalanche for a crucial game for both teams’ playoff hopes. A Blackhawk win would keep them in the hunt for the final wild card spot.

After Saturday’s matchup in Denver, the Blackhawks made a few small tweaks to the lines, but the same personnel remained. The lines were as follows:

DeBrincat – Toews – Kane

Perlini – Strome – Kahun

Saad – Anisimov – Sikura

Kunitz – Kampf – Kruger

Keith – Gustafsson

Forsling – Seabrook

Koekkoek – Murphy

Crawford

First Period:

The first period began precariously for the Blackhawks. Less than five minutes into the game, Colorado forward Sven Andrighetto rang a shot off the post behind Crawford. Luckily, the “goalie’s best friend” saved the day, and the game remained deadlocked at one.

The game proved to be frustrating early for Jonathan Toews. Toews was tripped when the Blackhawks were on the power play—an infraction that was left uncalled by officials. Then, Toews was blocked by the linesman when trying to transition out of his own zone

Despite those issues, both teams entered the first intermission with nothing to show on the scoreboard.

Second Period:

The middle frame began with high-paced back and forth from both teams. Neither team was able to crack the opposing goaltender. Corey Crawford stood tall for the Blackhawks while Philipp Grubauer was phenomenal for the Avalanche.

Late in the period, the Blackhawks found themselves in penalty trouble. After being forced to kill a Marcus Kruger holding penalty, Jonathan Toews was called for a hooking penalty giving the Avalanche a 5-on-3 opportunity. Despite Chicago doing their utmost to kill the penalty, a Tyson Barrie blast was eventually tipped home by Alexander Kerfoot to give the Avalanche the 1-0 lead late in the second period.

The Blackhawks were able to minimize any further damage from the late Avalanche power play. The Blackhawks then went on a power play of their own, that would carry over to the third period, when Alex DeBrincat took a borderline dirty hit from Derick Brassard.  Brassard was subsequently called for a boarding minor with only 14 seconds remaining in the second.

Third Period:

The Blackhawks began the third period on the power play. After the first unit could not generate anything, the second unit was deployed by Coach Colliton. Although having struggled with face offs all year, Artem Anisimov won a critical offensive zone draw to give the Blackhawks possession. Brent Seabrook fired a wrist shot from the point that looked to be going wide. However, Anisimov was able to get the shaft of his stick on the shot and redirect the puck past Grubauer to tie the game.

The momentum was critical for the Blackhawks. They would continue to dominate play late in the game, outshooting the Avalanche 16-3 in the final frame. The lone reason that Colorado remained in the game was the sensational play of Grubauer, who was sensational down the stretch and made some big saves to keep his team in the game.

This Sunday night showdown would require extra time, as the game entered overtime at 1-1.

Overtime:

The Avalanche controlled the puck to begin the extra frame, giving Blackhawks fans flashbacks of their overtime loss to the Canucks less than a week ago. However, no damage was done early and both teams would trade chances.

The Blackhawks had a great opportunity when Brandon Saad was the trigger man on a 2-on-1 with Alex DeBrincat. The shot was stopped by Grubauer and the puck found its way back into the Blackhawks zone.

Duncan Keith gained possession with speed in the Blackhawks zone following the Saad chance. When it looked like Keith would not be able to do much, he dipped his shoulder and took the puck hard to the net. Keith jammed the puck through Grubauer’s five hole before running over the Avalanche goaltender, ending the game with a huge Blackhawks victory. The Blackhawks got the second point and defeated the Avalanche 2-1 in overtime.

Quick Hits:

  • Duncan Keith is a Man: Duncan Keith’s goal may have given fans flashbacks to 2015. His tenacity with the puck and drive to the net were signs of a leader and grizzled vet who desperately wants to return to the playoffs. It’s safe to say the Blackhawks are bought into making it to the playoffs and it will take performances such as Keith’s in order to get there.
  • Corey Crawford Looking Strong: Despite only facing 20 shots, Corey Crawford looked incredibly strong in tonight’s outing. It’s encouraging to see Crawford playing as well as he has been recently, especially in a set of back-to-back games. He will likely be in net for every game possible as long as he isn’t going to burn out. There is no doubt the Blackhawks will need him to continue this play with any hope of a playoff berth.
  • Playoffs?: Yes, playoffs are still a real possibility. There are a lot of factors working against the Blackhawks since they will have to jump three teams to get there. But they are certainly not out of it after capturing two points against the Avalanche. These next seven games should be entertaining, as long as the Hawks are not mathematically eliminated.

The Blackhawks travel to the desert on Tuesday, March 26th to take on the Arizona Coyotes in a playoff-like matchup. Puck drop will be at 9:00pm CST.

 

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