NEWSLETTER
The Kings came into Sunday night’s game against the Kings looking down the ice at a Kings’ goaltender who lasted only 39 seconds in Nashville last night; he allowed two goals on the first three shots he faced and got the showers. So what did the Blackhawks do? They put three shots on him — in the entire first period. And no, none of them went in this time.
Nine minutes into the first period, it appears Tyler Johnson got tripped and the Kings got a rush on the play. Ian Mitchell tried to defend the initial shot, and took a stick to the face for his effort. Neither potential penalty was called and Jaret Anderson-Dolan scored LA’s first goal of the game. Anderson-Dolan scored LA’s second goal of the night early in the second period as well.
That, and they generated absolutely no offense.
Star 1: Petr Mrazek
The offense didn’t show up so the goaltender gets the top spot. Mrazek was solid and kept things close while the skaters in front of him did very little. He was especially good in the second period when the Kings put pressure on trying to extend their lead beyond two. On the night, Mrazek stopped 25 of 27.
Star 2: Ian Mitchell
The Blackhawks’ offense did absolutely nothing most of the night. But a long, two-minute shift in the offensive zone from the Toews line gassed the Kings and they iced the puck, leaving the same skaters stuck on the ice. Mitchell came on with the next group and ripped home the Blackhawks’ first goal of the night — and the first of the year for him. Mitchell had a tough night so the payoff with a big goal was good to see. Was his play before that shift worthy of a star? Probably not. But when you’re the only goal and it’s your first of the year? There ya go.
Star 3: Kyle Davidson
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