One Win, One Loss: Down Two Goals Early, Now What?

 

Both the Blackhawks and the Jets were down 2-0 in the early part of the first period in their games and I was wondering, is scoring the first (and second) goal in a game overrated? You generally hear during telecasts about the importance of the first goal is and the top teams in the league have very high percentages of victory after getting a lead, but I've been seeing more and more games where the first goal is not a factor. Last night, the Jets were down early, but considering they were playing the predictably horrible Seattle Kraken, it was only a matter of time before the better team won. The Blackhawks on the other hand have been making it a habit this season (and last year!) of digging themselves a hole early and though they put up a valiant effort tying the game and getting within a goal twice, they kept allowing the Blue Jackets to maintain a 2 goal cushion until the empty netter that made it 7-4. So frustrating!

Random Thoughts:

• I think the turning point to the Hawks/Jackets game was after the Hawks tied it 2-2, the Jackets scored late in the period then scored in the opening seconds of the second period to make it 4-2. It was a weak goal shot from the corner by Laine that trickled past Arvid Soderblom. A review clearly showed (see photo) the puck completely crossing the line. Not a stellar game from Soderblom, who was in net to give Fleury a break in this first of a back to back. I recall a game earlier this year when the Hawks gave up a goal right at the end of a period and opened up the next period giving up 2 goals in the first half minute. In total game time, they gave up 3 goals in under a minute!
  
• Speaking of, what's the plan if the Hawks trade Fleury at the trade deadline? Will they ride Soderblom and Kevin Lankinen or will they try to get another goalie back in a trade? If the team wants to drop to the bottom of the standings for the lottery pick, this would be the way to go. In recent years, they've been letting super quality goalies get away for next to nothing in return (Lehner, Crawford), what could Fleury yield?
  
• Similiarly to the Jets, Mark Schiefele, Patrik Laine is getting hot after a slow start to the season. Granted he missed time with injury, covid and the death of his father, so this is making the Laine/DeBois trade look slightly more even. He netted a hat trick and he extended his scoring steak to 8 games with 10 goals and 6 assists in the span.
• What are we expecting tonight? Well. Fleury will be back in net, but the Stars will be rested and hungry chasing a playoff spot. The Hawks better start on time tonight!!
  

Next game: Hawks/Stars in Chicago 7:30 pm CST