We knew during the second period of this game that there was additional significant for the Blackhawks if they lost in regulation, the only question was whether or not they got that memo (note: there is not an actual memo, players do not try to lose, we’ve been over this…). The Blackhawks hung around and continued working, but didn’t have quite enough offense to come all the way back and get a single point in this game… which is a wonderful thing when we wake up in the morning and check the Bad for Bedard Sweepstakes standings.
Star 1: The Power Play
It wasn’t nearly as much fun with Gene Honda at the Final Four to have the Blackhawks go on the power play, but the Hawks actually got some production on special teams tonight! Andreas Athanasiou scored a power play goal in the second period and Tyler Johnson did the same just 31 seconds into the third period.
Star 2: Boris Katchouk
Tonight’s “I didn’t know he could do that!” moment was authored by Katchouk in the middle of the third period, drawing the Blackhawks within one.
Star 3: Micheal Hutchinson
“Who? What? I mean, I know the Blackhawks have a LOT of new guys on the roster right now but I’ve never heard of this guy…” Michael Hutchinson started in goal for the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight and stopped 29 of 31 in a 2-1 loss — in OVERTIME! That one point the Blue Jackets added in the standings helps the Blackhawks significantly.
Takeaways
- Again, this was one of those nights that you watch Lukas Reichel skate and make plays and just want to close your eyes and imagine him on a line with better players. The speed is there and the confidence is growing.
- Austin Wagner made his Blackhawks debut after being out since before he was acquired before the trade deadline almost a full month ago. In the first two periods, he had the fewest shifts (nine) and lowest ice time (6:25) on the team but was tied for the team lead with three shots on goal. He was also on the board as the fastest skater (top speed) and second-hardest shot (almost 86 mph). Understandably limited exposure, but decent early returns.
- Tyler Johnson went more than a month without a goal. He’s now scored in back-to-back games with a powerplay marker early in the third period tonight. He and Taylor Raddysh each had multi-point nights. It’s good to see Tyler getting some payoff after fighting it for as long as he did.
- Nikita Zaitsev really stood out again as a guy I wouldn’t mind paying to go away this summer. He got his pocket picked on the doorstep that led to St. Louis’ second goal of the night and then took a penalty early in the third period just as the Hawks had climbed back to within one. I would rather watch Ian Mitchell and Wyatt Kaiser the rest of the way than Zaitesev.