Chicago Blackhawks Week In Review: Win Streak Grows Division Lead
Nov 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) shoots on Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Week 4 of the season has taken shape in a very good way for the Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks have won six games in a row! They are on quite the streak, looking better and better each game. They currently lead the Central Division with a record of 9-3-1, for 19 points. The good news is that everyone is contributing. As captain Jonathan Toews says, they are “finishing games really well, and doing the little things well.”
Here’s a closer look at the Blackhawks’ four games this week.
Vs. Calgary Flames, Tuesday, 11/1 (Win, 5-1)
This wasn’t the prettiest game for the Chicago Blackhawks, but they still found a way to win. They took four penalties, but managed to kill them all. They struggled with shots on goal, and played rather sloppy in the first two periods. They pretty much allowed the Flames to hang around, until they blew things wide open in the third. Sound familiar? The Hawks need to clean things up in that area if they’re going to continue to win. You can’t always come in and save the day at the end of the game like that.
Goals were scored by Patrick Kane, Artem Anisimov, and Tyler Motte, Artemi Panarin, and Niklas Hjalmarsson. Motte’s tally was a beauty. He used his speed to outskate the defenseman and completely beat goaltender Brian Elliot. Great puck control as well. It was Motte’s third NHL goal.
Nov 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Marian Hossa (81) celebrates his goal against the Colorado Avalanche during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Vs. Colorado Avalanche, Thursday, 11/3 (Shutout Win, 4-0)
As you can tell by the score, the Chicago Blackhawks pretty much owned this one. Toews scored his second goal of the season, and Panarin scored his fifth. Oh, and that old, washed-up man named Marian Hossa scored twice. As Coach Q put it, “He never really looks like he’s slowing down at any time”.
Just like the last game, the Hawks did struggle a bit in the way of possession. They were 42% in the faceoff circle. Even Toews had an off night; he 9 for 21 (43%). This could be something to keep an eye on when the Hawks and the Avs match up again.
The Hawks only had 21 shots to the Av’s 38. But this is where Corey Crawford comes in. He made 38 lovely saves for his second shutout of the season, and the 21st of his NHL career. You gotta hand it to Crow; he’s on fire right now.
At Dallas Stars, Saturday, 11/5 (Win, 3-2)
I hope you were in your seat on time on Saturday, because Richard Panik scored just 11 seconds into the game. The third line of Ryan Hartman, Marcus Kruger, and Motte had a strong night, and Hartman notched his second NHL goal.
Kaner and his favorite linemates, Panarin and Anisimov, combined for a beauty of a power play goal. This ended up being the game-winning goal. The Hawks got into some penalty trouble at the end of the game (Kruger with a hi-sticking penalty), but Crawford stood tall, and all was right with the world. The Hawks have now killed 15 straight penalties in the last five games.
Nov 6, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Johnny Oduya (47) divers to prevent a shot by Chicago Blackhawks center Artem Anisimov (15) during the first period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Vs. Dallas Stars, Sunday, 11/6 (OT Win, 4-3)
As per the theme, the Chicago Blackhawks struggled early on in this one. They let in a power play goal in the first period, to break the streak of 15 kills in a row. Then in the second period, they stood around and allowed a short-handed goal, to make it 2-0 Stars. Just when you thought it was all over, Showtime came to the rescue. That’s right, Kane scored top-shelf to make it 2-1.
The third period was quite the nail biter. Toews scored his third goal of the year on one of the most beautiful set-ups I’ve ever seen by Hossa to make it 2-2. I could show you a number of highlights from this game, but I chose this because Hossa is on fire right now. He was also responsible for the overtime game-winning goal.
Right, so then Anisimov scored within 56 seconds to extend his point streak to 11 games. He now has eight goals and nine assists for 17 points. Ugh, but the Stars scored after they pulled their goalie to tie the game and force overtime. Hence, the Hossa heroics and another two points. Life is good for the Chicago Blackhawks and their fans. Six wins in a row!
More from Blackhawk Up
Another top story-line that came from this final game of the fourth week of the season was Nick Schmaltz playing on the top line with Toews and Kane at the end of the second period and in the third period. Is this a precursor of things to come? We shall see. Remember, Andrew Desjardins is also slated to start on Wednesday against the St. Louis Blues. He was a healthy scratch for this one, as Coach Q wanted to stick with the winning lineup from the previous game. And unfortunately, Motte left the game with an injury in the second period. Get ready for the lineblender, everyone.
Oh, by the way, Scott Darling was the goaltender for this game, as the Hawks were playing in back-to-back games. Darls had a great night, making 35 saves.
The Chicago Blackhawks have a few days off before they meet the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday night. Yes, the same team that knocked the Hawks out of the playoffs in the first round last season. The same team that beat them 5-2 in their home opener. The same team that is currently in second place in the Central Division. Let’s hope the Chicago Blackhawks can continue their streak, and make it seven wins in a row!
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