The Chicago Blackhawks faithful were treated to a high-scoring affair Friday night at the United Center, as the Blackhawks defeated the New Jersey Devils 8–5. History occurred on Madison Street, as both Brandon Hagel and Patrick Kane recorded hat tricks. In what has been another poor season of results in Chicago, fans were given something to cheer for on Friday night.
Last time there was a double hat trick for the Hawks:
– Patrick Kane was suiting up for the Buffalo Saints 14U AAA team
– Brandon Hagel was four pic.twitter.com/CZrkzEK1cZ— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 26, 2022
I know what you are thinking. The time is now to move Hagel because his value may very will be at its peak. Time and time again he is proving he can be a solid top-nine player. And, if the rumors are true that the Blackhawks are being offered a first-round pick and more, many would say to take the money and run. If the Blackhawks were ready to win, Hagel could be given a red carpet to walk on every night. Unfortunately, reality says the Blackhawks need a lot more quality assets in order to climb back to the top. While we still do not know who the Blackhawks’ general manager will be, March 21 will be here in the blink of an eye.
Overshadowed in the Blackhawks’ pair of hat tricks were other standout performances. Ryan Carpenter was credited with the game-winning goal, his second of the season. Seth Jones picked up three assists, now having 31 on the year. Kirby Dach KEPT the puck on a 2-on-1 and buried it in the back of the net for his eighth of the season on a nifty forehand-backhand power move around Devils goaltender Jon Gillies. There were a lot of names on the stat sheet for a thrilling game.
A controversy to come out of Friday’s win was what happened on Hagel’s empty-net goal. Devils defensemen P.K. Subban tripped Hagel with a slew foot as he was skating toward the net and a scuffle ensued. It should be no surprise to anyone that Subban did something to cause pushing and shoving. Hagel’s comments after the game were warranted, and Subban’s image to the everyday hockey fan is not a good one.
Hagel on PK Subban's trip: "There's a reason the guy slew-foots everyone and gets these dirty fines… I have a clear-cut breakaway. What are going to do? It's just a dirty play. It is what it is. He can do what he wants but it's not going to get him very liked around the league"
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) February 26, 2022
Friday night’s home victory marked their only of this month. The Blackhawks have two more, Sunday against the St. Louis Blues and Thursday against the Edmonton Oilers left on the homestand. In a season where it is hard to find many positives, you can chalk Friday up as one that reminds you of the joy of hockey and being at the rink.