by Patrick Stankus
Tweet to #Fatrick
The Blackhawks rolled into the home stretch of their preseason on the ass end of a Red Wings "home and home" series, Tuesday night. This lineup would look more like an NHL lineup than the collection of toddlers that they rolled out Sunday evening. Corey Crawford and Duncan Keith were in the lineup for the first time, which could only help the Blackhawks chances. Young phenoms Alexandre Fortin and Gustav Forsling were in the lineup, again, proving that the coaching staff really wants to take a long look at what the future holds for them. It's nice to see some young players show promise. More than we can say for most recent Hawks draft picks, eh?
The Blackhawks actually resembled an NHL team which made the game a lot easier to enjoy, and two first period goals were a big part of that. The Hawks lines had some new names sprinkled in, but plenty of familiar ones were involved in the action. Duncan Keith and Andrew Desjardins had primary assists in both of the goals. The Blackhawks also doubled up the Wings in shots 12-6, as well as powerplays 2-1. Funny how the team plays so much better when Kane, Keith, and Crawford are on the ice, eh?
When the puck dropped on the second period, the Puckin' Hostile Crew made a change on the recap. #Fatrick picked up his regularly scheduled recap duties from Gate, and thus the recap will probably go to hell in a hand basket. Can you tell the difference? Anyway early in the period, the Hawks would receive another power play courtesy of another Jonathan Ericsson penalty. While the first unit had some good looks, it was the second unit that cashed in to increase the lead to 3-0. Midway through the period, the Hawks would make a change in net, as Scott Darling would takeover for Corey Crawford. Darling would yield a goal to see the Wings cut the lead to 3-1, but Nick Schmaltz would add his first goal of the preseason, giving the Hawks a 4-1 lead after two periods.
The third period was, lets be honest, not entertaining. The Hawks completely dominated the play throughout the final frame. In the period, the Hawks out shot the Wings by a 10-3 margin. Following a nice chip n' chase by Ryan Hartman, Alexandre Fortin would tally his second goal of the preseason to give the Hawks a 5-1 lead. The Hawks however weren't done scoring. Late in the period, while on the power play, Gustav Forsling had a beautiful shot pass, that Artem Anisimov redirected past Jimmy Howard to give a 6-1 lead, which would prove to be the final score.
- Five minutes into the first period, and Duncan Keith was right in the middle of the Blackhawks first goal. A long Keith shot into traffic didn't make it to the net, but it did drop a few feet out. Ryan, or as Foley called him "Mike", Hartman spun around and smacked the loose puck past Jimmie Howard. After a pretty "Meh" camp, he finally had the spotlight. If I can have Hartman over Mashinter or Tootoo, I'm taking it. Otherwise, I don't see a use for him.
- Late in the first period, Andrew Desjardins found himself with the puck on his stick at the left circle. His shot changed direction when it went off the shin pad of Vinny Hinostroza and squirted right between Howards pads. Two early Hawks goals, by two young players looking to stick around.
- It was refreshing to see a defenseman rush the puck up the ice like Brian Campbell did on the Hawks power play goal in the second period. Fortin took the puck from Campbell, and made a slick pass to #DickPanik, who buried it. Please tell me this is a sign of things to come with the power play.
- Nick Schmaltz scored his first goal of the preseason off a redirect of an Artemi Panarin bomb. It was nice to see Schmaltz score, but I'm fearing all the meatballs will have their anointing oil out for him because of it.
- Well, I'm one who always likes to preach patience, but Gustav Forsling is looking like he could be a solid ole defenseman. The shot pass he had on Anisimov's goal was fantastic. He seems to have that hockey sense so many prospects wish they had. Granted it is preseason, but he's been impressive to say the least.
- Another interesting roster decision that looms is that for Alexandre Fortin. Fortin has been nothing short of impressive on the forward front. For a team that can lack speed at times, it'd be nice to see if he gets a fair shot with 9 games if he makes the final roster cut.
- Duncan Keith looked like his old self tonight, despite it being his first game. Keith ended the night with 2 assists and a +3.
- Ryan Hartman had a solid game as well. Problem for him is, he needs to be effective like this on a more consistent basis.
- Corey Crawford made his preseason debut for the Hawks tonight. He didn't face much action, but at least the black gear is highly approved by the Hostile Crew.
- Eric Tangradi took a run at Patrick Kane in the third period. Luckily for Kane's sake, it was Eric Tangradi going after him. But it was nice to see our gritty enforcers Tootoo, and Desjardins send a mess...... oh wait, nevermind.
- Pat and Eddie O seemed really interested in the game tonight. Never too early to start the #DrunkPatFoley talk I guess.
- Apparently the Blackhawks aren't the only ones who need some fine tuning when it comes to the preseason. I pulled a #DickPanik and overslept past the start of the game, and Gate started the recap. That was until I informed him I signed up for tonight, and therefore properly drove this recap straight off a cliff after the first period. But hey they don't call us the best recap team for nothing.
- Move along, there's nothing else to add tonight. Seriously if you made if this far, have a beer. I am done.
- The corsi of this recap took a massive hit as #Fatrick took over after the first period
Fortin - Anisimov - Kane
Panarin - Schmaltz - Panik
Motte - Kruger - Hartman
Hinostroza - Desjardins - Tootoo
Keith - van Riemsdyk
Kempny - Seabrook
Forsling - Campbell
Crawford
Darling