It didn't start that well, in fact it was near disaster, but the Hawks were able to adjust after a slow start and beat a team they really should beat.
Horrible first period:
- Everything in the first was worst case scenario. Connor Murphy left the game on a stretcher early in the game after taking a hit along the boards where his head hit the boards heavily. He probably at least suffered a concussion, but for precautionary measures, (possible neck?) they him took off the ice on a stretcher. This may have left the Hawks fairly traumatized witnessing this serious incident to a valuable teammate. Murphy gave his thumbs-up on the way off the ice and I think I heard he was still in the building during the rest of the game.
- As a result of the hit, the Sens player, Parker Kelly received a five minute major and game misconduct. Instead of taking advantage of a five minute power-play, the Hawks gave up a shorthanded goal.
- They gave up a second goal on a shot Fleury perhaps should have had. Sens 2-0
- Jonathan Toews responds to a heavy hit on Kirby Dach, drops the gloves and receives an instigating and fighting penalty, Hawks shorthanded. Captain Toews was trying to ignite the Hawks dismal play with the fight and the hope is they will respond and wake up. Will it help?
- Tyler Johnson didn't return after the first period after being the victim of friendly fire taking a puck to the side of the head from Dominik Kubalik attempting dump it into the zone. This left the Hawks with 10 forwards and 6 defense for the rest of the game. Good thing they dressed 7 D!
One of their best second periods:
- The Hawks do respond quickly! Less than a minute into the second, Toews scores, from Patrick Kane. Then about two minutes later, Toews scores again, from Kane. This swing of momentum leads to the Hawks taking the lead with a Caleb Jones goal. The Senators score one back to tie it, but Sam Lafferty responds quickly eight seconds later on a great individual effort to take the lead again.
- Period ends with the Hawks up 4-3. A four goal second period was quite the turnaround, as the Hawks settled down and came out a much different team after that brutal first. Maybe the Toews fight in the first period was the "turning point" of the game.
Held the Lead!
- The Hawks got additional goals from C. Jones (his second) and Dylan Strome to round out the scoring and give the Hawks some breathing room to hold onto the lead. Impressive win!
Random Thoughts
- An early lead isn't safe anymore. I don't know what it is and especially recently, it seems there are more games where a team that takes an early lead of 2 or even 3 goals, can't hold it. The Jets had a 3-0 lead after the first against the Avs, a few weeks ago, but Colorado went on to to score 6 unanswered goals for a 6-3 win. This week, the Devils were down 3-0 to the Avs before the Devils scored 5 straight in a comeback to win 5-3, the first time this season the Avs lost when leading after the first period. The takeaway, do not turn off your TV when a team has an extended lead, it's not over until...it's a 60 minute game!
- When Seth Jones assisted on younger brother, Caleb's first goal of the night, it was the first time a Blackhawks' brother duo combined on a goal since 1994, when Rich and Brent Sutter combined on a goal. Caleb finished the game with 2 goals and Seth with 2 assists.
- It doesn't happen as much as it use to, but it was nice to see Patrick Kane assist on both of Jonathan Toews back to back goals. A little throwback to the "glory days".
Up next, Hawks back home for a rematch against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday. I'll be at the Winnipeg Jets vs Vegas Golden Knights game at the same time, so once again I'll have to rely on highlights for the Hawks game. Hope the results are similar to last Tuesday's game!
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