by Patrick Stankus
The Blackhawks traveled north of the border on Friday to take on Andrew Ladd's former team, the Winnipeg Jets. With the Hawks struggling through some tough times of late, a trip to Winnipeg could be just what the doctor ordered. Missing from the Hawks on the quick one game trip was goalie Corey Crawford, who was out with an upper body injury. That meant #LemontNativeScottDarling would get the call tonight, who throughout the entire season has dealt with his own struggles in net.
The game got underway with both teams trading chances back and forth, but nothing really stood out as a highlight. Actually the entire first period would turn out to be quite a bore, despite both teams racking up double digit shot totals. The Jets received the game's first power play, midway through the frame, but couldn't solve Darling. As for the Hawks, they'd end the first 20 minutes with 13 shots, but nothing to show for it when the horn sounded.
As the second period got underway, the Hawks had a chance to build momentum with an early power play. Unfortunately for them, they couldn't capitalize on the opportunity and the game remained scoreless. Midway through the period, the Hawks got a little sloppy with their play, and took two penalties. Luckily for the Hawks, the penalty kill game through and kept the Jets off the board. In the final five minutes of the period, the Hawks offense came to life. Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa scored goals 26 seconds apart to give the Hawks a 2-0 lead after two periods.
When the Hawks returned to the ice for the third period, the offense picked up right where it left off. Andrew Ladd opened the scoring just over three minutes into the period to make it a 3-0 game. Just under two minutes later, Tomas Fleischmann wanted in on the scoring and increased the Hawks lead to 4-0. Scott Darling and the penalty kill took over for the rest of the period, and preserved the lead, that eventually turned into a 4-0 win for the Hawks.
- Credit where credit is due. Scott Darling was awesome tonight. He made 28 saves, and none better than his second period diving save on Drew Stafford. Hopefully this shutout can give Darling some confidence going forward, something he's been lacking big time this year.
- Andrew Ladd received a video tribute and a standing ovation from the Winnipeg crowd. A nice gesture by the fans and the Jets. Of course Ladd decided to rub it in that he'll be playing in the playoffs by scoring in the third period.
- THE PENALTY KILL HAD A PERFECT NIGHT!! They killed off all four power plays of the Jets. PRAISE THE LORD. One game at a time though. Its baby steps in the right direction.
- The Hawks won the face off battle 31-25. For a team that's been getting creamed at the dot of late, I'll take it.
- Granted the Jets are a bad team, it still says something that the Hawks defense was able to clamp down and hold the Jets to under 30 shots.
- Patrick Kane was the only Hawk to have a multi point night with a goal and an assist. 88 continues his path to a Hart Trophy finalist.
- Brandon Mashinter did not play. - not a typo
- The Hawks tried to piss the game away by handing the Jets four power plays.
- This is just for Gate, since he's a miserable human being. The Jets outhit the Hawks 21-15.
- If you want to start a goalie controversy after one win, get the hell away and pick another team to root for. I'm having none of that bat shit fucking crazy talk.
