Blackhawks 1, Coyotes 4 — Three Stars, Key Takeaways
Did it really feel like there needed to be a hockey game involving the Chicago Blackhawks tonight? Connor Murphy admitted during the first intermission that it’s been a hard couple days in the room. Patrick Sharp looked like he was going to cry (or had already) during the pregame. This just wasn’t exactly the night for anyone involved to watch the puck drop a little after 8 PM CT against one of the other teams near the bottom of the standings. But, here we are…
Star 1: Alex Stalock
There was absolutely nothing going on for the Blackhawks tonight. Stalock returned to the lineup for the first time since Jan. 14 after having vision issues that were a biproduct of his concussions this season. So the fact that he was willing/able to return tonight was terrific. He’s a really good dude who’s worked hard to get back in the game this year so I’m cheering for him.
Star 2: Cole Guttman
Again, there was nothing happening tonight. But Guttman continues to impress me with the little things he does. He won nine of his first ten faceoffs after struggling early in his NHL career at the dot and was tied for the team lead with two shots on net through two periods. And an effort play from Guttman in the closing seconds of the second period earned the Blackhawks a power play to start the third period. He’s a gamer. I like it. He finished the night skating over 15 minutes with three shots on net.
Star 3: Kyle Davidson
At this point it really doesn’t matter what you or I think about the value the Blackhawks received in return for Patrick Kane earlier today. What matters now is the ridiculous number of draft picks the Blackhawks have — and when they take place. On Tuesday night, Columbus pulled off the upset in Buffalo and the Blackhawks lost in regulation. So despite all of the weeping and gnashing of teeth that took place after the Blackhawks won five straight games, Chicago is right back within striking distance of the worst record of the league and (looks at roster) have a good chance of catching up with their games in-hand on both Columbus and Anaheim.
Takeaways
- Andreas Athanasiou scored his 14th goal of the season with 89 seconds left in regulation. Appropriately.
- What the sweet hell is Jarred Tinordi thinking? Second time this year he comes back from a major injury and drops the gloves in his first or second game back. Dude… just stay healthy enough to play in a few games the rest of the way. Please!
- I still have a serious problem with Andreas Englund wearing No. 28. Please take Steve Larmer‘s number out of circulation, Blackhawks.
- The Blackhawks went with seven defensemen and 11 forwards tonight. I’m not sure adding a 12th forward would have changed the result at this point, but that’s the numbers game they played tonight.
- If this is the offense we’re gonna roll out there the rest of the way we reeeeally need to avoid these 8 and 9 PM CT puck drops (and San Jose can pound sand with that 10 PM CT garbage from the weekend). I’ve consumed enough coffee this week already to keep my local Starbucks open for another month.
