NEWSLETTER
The message Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson was trying to get across with Monday’s bag skate clearly landed. The start Chicago had on Tuesday night was a polar opposite of what they showed in the three games in California. They were attacking immediately, and it paid off. The Hawks got a power play 47 seconds into the game and a 5-on-3 for 57 seconds. The two-man advantage expired, but the Blackhawks got a power play goal from Seth Jones to take an early lead. Connor Bedard attempted six (6) shots on the power play(s).
The Blackhawks extended their lead late in the first period with Jason Dickinson on the scoring end. Landon Slaggert picked up his first career point with an assist on the goal. Congrats, Landon! First of many! Kevin Korchinski grabbed the puck for Slaggert. Love it!
Calgary predictably pushed back in the second period, flipping the shot totals to have both teams at 19 after 40 minutes. But Petr Mrazek was marvelous to keep the lead at two. Slaggert was really noticeable in the second period and continued to create chances.
Dickinson scored his second of the night early in the third period and it felt like both the roof was going to come off the United Center and the air was out of any potential rally from Calgary. They got on the board, but couldn’t catch up.
Star 1: Landon Slaggert
Slaggert ALMOST scored a goal in the second period. Everyone thought he scored his first career NHL goal 7:23 into the third period — including the Flames. But the puck never went in, and they took it off the board. That doesn’t take anything away from a performance that was eye-popping and outstanding the entire night from Slaggert in his sixth career game. He had his first point, his first multi-point game and was noticeable on almost every shift. That line of Slaggert-Dickinson-Anderson might be something to build around for next year…
Star 2: Jason Dickinson
Ladies and gentlemen, Jason Dickinson is a 20-goal scorer in the National Hockey League. Dickinson scored Chicago’s second and third goals of the night, both off physical board battles won by Joey Anderson and Slaggert. It takes a lot for a guy to score twice and not be the No. 1 star, but Slaggert was that good tonight. Dickinson’s previous career-high in goals was nine, set last season for the Blackhawks.
Star 3: Petr Mrazek
When the Flames pushed back in the second period, Mrazek was huge. And, frankly, I think he was interfered with on Calgary’s first goal but the coaches didn’t want to risk the power play after allowing a goal with what became just a two-goal lead. He’s been fabulous all season and this was another strong night from the Blackhawks’ No. 1 netminder. Mrazek made 40 saves in the win.
Key Takeaways
