Hawks Win! An OT Win Makes Everything Seem Better

 

It was a good night at the United Center last night with lots going on. There was several players returning from injury, a former Hawk makes his return, another former Hawks gets honored and the Hawks win in OT!

• This game against the high powered Oilers featured some key returnees to the lineup. Tyler Johnson hadn't played since late October, Jonathan Toews and Riley Stillman missed over a month and Calvin deHaan returned after healing some aches and pains. The Hawks had one of their most complete lineups since Coach King took over, which meant more balanced lines and no rookies or Gustafsson on defense. Johnson was a little rusty and his ice time was low, but his skill level is noticeable and it's too bad he's been out for so long. Toews is so important to this team on so many situations and with Stillman and deHaan back, the hope is that the defense will be a lot more sturdier and consistent.
• Duncan Keith made his return to Chicago since he was traded last off-season. He played 16 seasons in a Hawks uniform and it's still weird seeing him on the Oilers. He has to be regarded as one of the greatest defensemen in Hawks history and it's sad he'll probably retire on another team. The video tribute was touching and I'm sure he'll be back for a legacy night/jersey number retirement ceremony when he does hang 'em up.

Returning back to Chicago: Keith, Hjalmarsson and Toews (back from injury)

• It was Hammer time or more specifically Niklas Hjalmarsson Legacy Night, with the Hawks honouring his ten years as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks. As rugged and as resilient as they come, Hjalmy was a steady influence on D and was considered one of the best defensive defensemen in the league. He didn't win any awards, but he was a key member of the core that won 3 cups, that included Keith, Toews, Kane and Seabrook. That guy took so much abuse and fearlessly blocked shot after shot every night. Great to see him back!
• It was the battle of the Kanes! The Hawks, Patrick Kane scored a goal and set up Alex DeBrincat's game winning overtime goal, while the Oil's, Evander Kane scored two, the second in the last minute to tie the game at 3-3.
• It's funny, no matter who coaches or is GM of the Oiler's, this team has been and still is a two player team. The GM's have promised to bring in more scoring depth, but the fact is McDavid (79 pts.) and Draisaitl (78 pts.) each have more than twice as many points as the next top point getter, Nugent-Hopkins (37 pts.). Maybe the addition of E. Kane will help, but if the Oiler's are serious about going deep in the playoffs (or even making the playoffs!), they have to find more scoring or it'll be a repeat of the last two years. (strategy: shutdown McDavid and Draisaitl = victory).  For that matter, they might want to upgrade their goaltending too, that also killed them last playoffs and will cost them making the playoffs, bank on that!
  

• Good games from, Kirby Dach and Sam Lafferty. Dach has steadily improved the defensive part of his game and made many good back-checks, he was physical and he actually shot the puck when he had an opportunity. A strong finish to the season will be a relief for Hawks fans. Sam Lafferty's play has been impressive since he joined the Hawks and his speed and efficient forecheck should at least keep him in the lineup on the fourth line. He was rewarded with his second goal of the season early in the game and I really like how he plays the game, hopefully he can contribute more offensive.
  
• We it me or was there a lot of wiffed shots? Many optimal changes were missed because of heeled shots and fans on one-timers. Was it the ice? Or just strange luck? It cost the Hawks late in the game when Seth Jones tried to flip and clear the puck after a clean faceoff. He wiffed it and directly passed it to the front of the net that lead to Evander Kane's game tying goal. Ugh!!

Next game, an afternoon encounter with the Flyers in Philly on Saturday. Of note, the Blackhawks haven't won a regular season game in Philadelphia since 1996. Ugh ugh!!