NEWSLETTER
Coming into Wednesday night, the Blackhawks had one win in the month of December — their first game of the month. They had scored more than once in a game twice in the entire month. But the Nashville Predators aren’t a great team, and Chicago was desperate so this one went into the “anything can happen… right?” category from the jump.
When the Blackhawks scored twice in 37 seconds late in the second period, it felt like the world was likely ending. It didn’t; the Preds tied the game before the end of the period because we aren’t allowed to have nice things like leads. But it was nice while it lasted. Two quick goals in the third period sunk the Blackhawks’ hopes of a win in white on home ice.
Star 1: Connor Murphy
Murphy scored the Blackhawks’ first goal of the night and picked up the only assist on MacKenzie Entwistle‘s goal on the following shift that gave the Blackhawks a 2-1 lead. Without Jake McCabe in the lineup after he got hurt in the middle of the first period, Murphy was one of the three remaining veterans on the blue line. He was also credited with a team-high six blocked shots and four hits in a strong, active game.
Star 2: Patrick Kane
Kane was creating scoring chances throughout the first two periods, but his linemates just couldn’t quite finish. The story of the season has been a shank, broken stick or post and Kane had all three take an assist away from him in this game at least once. He was making Kaner magic, but wasn’t getting the payoff. You can tell Kaner is frustrated he isn’t finishing right now, but get the sense that at some point the dam is going to break and he’s going to go on a tear. Unfortunately, this was not that night. Kane was credited with a team-leading eight shots on net in the loss.
Star 3: Ian Mitchell
Mitchell played his best game with the Blackhawks of the season tonight. With McCabe missing from the lineup, the Blackhawks’ coaches could have easily asked Murphy, Caleb Jones and Jack Johnson to skate heavy minutes and buried one or both of the young defensemen. But Mitchell continued to get on the ice and he performed well, both at even strength and on the second power play unit. He finished the night skating better than 20 minutes for the first time in the NHL this year and was credited with two shots on net and three blocks. If we can get this version of Mitchell more often, Caleb Jones might have a hard time getting back on the ice (of course, McCabe’ injury might change that discussion).
