NEWSLETTER
First thing: it’s an absolute shame that the images Lukas Reichel will have of his first career NHL goal are in these Microsoft Paint-inspired reverse retro jerseys. Just like when we celebrated Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews‘ 1,000th game together, a big moment in the career of player(s) and the organization in these ugly sweaters is such a loss for the future.
Regarding the game itself, the Flames had 18 shots on net in the first period and 16 more in the second. The Blackhawks had 14 total through two periods. Alex Stalock did his thing again, giving his team a chance in the third period. Stalock made 44 saves and was under pressure a lot.
Star 1: Lukas Reichel
I’m not going to say this was a lock less than three minutes into the game, but how do you not have the kid at No. 1 after he scores his first NHL goal? He had a really strong game on Friday night… but that was against Arizona. Calgary was (in theory) a more formidable opponent and this was the Blackhawks’ second game in three nights without Kane. Reichel had the same jump from the get-go and finally got his first marker on NHL ice. Congrats, Lukas!
Well, he went ahead and added an assist on Philipp Kurashev‘s goal early in the second period to give him his first career multi-point night. And his helper on the overtime game-winner made it a three-point night. He’s a stud, folks.
Star 2: Alex Stalock
Yeah, he’s the Blackhawks’ No. 1 netminder now. I’m not taking questions on the matter, either. He’s been so good since coming back from the concussion, and tonight was another example of a game that could have easily been a blowout for Calgary if not for Stalock. The shot totals tell us how uneven the ice was, especially after the opening 12 minutes of the game.
Star 3: Max Domi
You score the OT GWG, you get to be one of the three stars. And he wanted/needed that one! His second game-winner of the year means the Blackhawks have won two in a row. Dare I saw we’re going streaking?
