After a disappointing shootout loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Friday night, the Blackhawks looked to rebound against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday evening for Hockey Fights Cancer night.
As Blackhawks fans began descending on the United Center, the Blackhawks hosted a “purple carpet” event for those currently battling cancer and those who have lost loved ones to the terrible disease.
Later in the evening, fans saw Eddie Olczyk skate for his One Last Shift that the Blackhawks have done for team alumni. Five strong kids battling cancer and Make-A-Wish guest Carter Holmes joined the players on the ice for the pre-game festivities. It was a beautiful event put on by the Blackhawks prior to Sunday’s game.
A special moment in the @UnitedCenter for #HockeyFightsCancer Night.
Who do you fight for? https://t.co/DsnVsSQEQw
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 19, 2018
Incredible to have cancer survivor and #Blackhawks TV analyst Eddie Olczyk back on the ice for #OneMoreShift on #HockeyFightsCancer night! https://t.co/hKBhln9SFR
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 19, 2018
Notable line and personnel changes were announced a few hours prior to game time. The “wiley veteran” Chris Kunitz was replaced by Alexandre Fortin in the lineup and Jan Rutta switched spots with Brandon Manning. The line combinations were as follows:
Saad – Toews – Kane
Fortin – Kampf – Kahun
DeBrincat – Anisimov – Schmaltz
Martinsen – Kruger – Hayden
Keith – Seabrook
Gustafsson – Jokiharju
Forsling – Rutta
Crawford
Head coach Jeremy Colliton loaded up his top line with the three big guns for the Blackhawks. The middle six also featured some interesting line combinations going into the action against division opponent Minnesota.
First Period:
The early portion of the period was highlighted by quality play from the Blackhawks, especially by the top line. They were creating chances on Wild goaltender Alex Stalock early on. In the first five minutes of the period, Brandon Saad had a great look on a quality cross ice pass from Patrick Kane, although the shot was stopped by a lightning fast Stalock blocker.
Around the eight minute mark of the period, the Blackhawks went to the power play for the first time of the game. After setting up in their 1-3-1 look at the 8:26 mark, Patrick Kane set up on the right-wing boards scanning the ice for an open teammate. Kane found a lane about the width of the puck itself, hitting Jonathan Toews’ blade in the blue paint and giving the Blackhawks the 1-0 lead.
As the period continued, the Blackhawks fired quality shots on net against the Wild. Minnesota had a few shifts where they controlled play themselves as well, but Chicago maintained their lead on the strong play of netminder Corey Crawford.
Late in the period, as the Blackhawks sped up ice, an Alexandre Fortin pass was out of Brandon Saad’s reach. However, Saad out raced Wild defenseman Matt Dumba, after getting him to spin the wrong direction, and gain possession going in on a mini-breakaway. Stalock went for the poke check, but Saad pulled the puck back and finished on the backhand to give the Blackhawks the 2-0 lead late in the first.
Then, the Saadfather broke out all the moves and made it 2-0 💪 pic.twitter.com/T90I9ddcys
— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) November 19, 2018
The Blackhawks went to the dressing room up 2-0 on the score sheet and owning a lead in shots on goal (16-11).
Second Period:
The Minnesota Wild came out looking like a different team in the second period. They played with much more pace and presented a much larger challenge for the Blackhawks’ defense. Despite their push, Corey Crawford stood tall and kept the Wild off the scoreboard early in the second.
The Blackhawks sent the visitors to the power play around the seven-minute mark of the period. At 7:56, the Wild capitalized on a Mikko Koivu pass to the front of the net. In similar fashion to Toews’ goal in the first, Zach Parise tipped home the Koivu pass and Minnesota cut the Chicago lead in half.
The Wild controlled a lot of the puck possession in the second period. There were numerous shifts where the Blackhawks, even their top line, had trouble clearing the puck out of their own zone. After a handful of good defensive plays and more Crawford saves, the Blackhawks outlasted the wild and went into the second intermission up 2-1. Minnesota took the shot advantage away from Chicago after two periods (26-23).
Third Period:
The third period opened in similar fashion to the second period. Minnesota continued to pepper Corey Crawford with shots, but the netminder stood tall.
Despite, the flurry of Wild shots, the Blackhawks defense tightened up just enough to keep the game’s score from moving. The first star of the game proved his worth. Corey Crawford was arguably the headline of the game. He was spectacular throughout this game, keeping every quality chance for the Wild out of his net.
The game wore on and neither team could generate any scoring. With roughly 2:30 remaining, the Wild pulled their goaltender for the extra attacker. One notable chance on net came off the stick of Jared Spurgeon, who rifled a slap shot on Corey Crawford from in close. Crawford stood tall to deny the bid. With about a minute remaining, the Wild charged up ice and looked to make a long stretch pass. The play was read and after the puck tipped off Patrick Kane’s stick, Jonathan Toews gathered the puck at his own blue line and fed and absolutely beautiful pass to a flying Dominik Kahun. Kahun skated in all by himself to tap in the empty net goal and give the Blackhawks a 3-1 lead.
The Wild tried to generate more offense late, but time ran out on their comeback attempt and the Blackhawks beat the Wild 3-1. The Blackhawks lost the shots on goal battle as they were outshot 40-28.
The Good:
- The Will to Win: The Blackhawks found a way to win despite numerous metrics being in favor of the visiting team. Minnesota controlled puck possession throughout the game, but the Blackhawks were able to get another power play goal in this game, giving hope that the special teams are continuing to improve. A great individual effort by Saad also gave hope that key contributors for this team are finding their stride.
- Corey Crawford: What a difference maker he has been in the last three games. After giving up a total of two goals in the last three games, Crawford continues to prove his worth. Without him, this team could easily only have one or two wins. Crawford was named number one star of the game and there was no one more deserving than he.
The Bad:
- Too Many Shots: This team cannot give up 40 shots every game and think they will win. The defense looked better in some areas during this game, but the defense needs to tighten up and allow less chances to their opponents. Otherwise, Crawford may win the Vezina this year if tonight’s game is an example of how the Blackhawks will have to win.
- Lack of Depth: After Jeremy Colliton loaded up the top line with Saad, Toews and Kane, the rest of the lineup looks to lack some depth. Kampf was listed as the second line center and DeBrincat and Schmaltz were playing on the “third line”. The top line was by far the best line all night. However, this is not a recipe for sustained success. Other players need to step up and make some plays.
The Blackhawks hit the road for a three game road trip over the Thanksgiving holiday. This road trip begins in the nation’s capital on Wednesday night as the Blackhawks pay the defending Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals a visit. Puck drop is at 6:00pm CST.