Anisimov, Blackhawks Beat Blue Shirts
It was “rivalry night” at the United Center and the Blackhawks got exactly what every struggling team wants: a red hot opponent coming in on a six-game win streak.
The Rangers came in riding a stretch of strong play and got on the board first when Mika Zibanejad scored his ninth of the year. Chicago had two empty power plays in the first but successfully killed a John Hayden double minor late in the period to grab some momentum.
New York held an 11-9 shot advantage through 20. The Blackhawks looked like crap for most of the period, giving the puck away way too often and not completing simple plays.
Chicago came out of the dressing room for the second period with a purpose that was absent in the first. The line of Nick Schmaltz (who was terrible in the first), Artem Anisimov and Patrick Kane had a few good shifts but couldn’t convert; Kane had one good look hit a post.
As the announcement of one minute remaining in the second period echoed through the United Center, Alex DeBrincat got Chicago on the board.
How that shot got through Henrik Lundqvist is a mystery; New York’s netminder had a magnificent second period. The Hawks out-shot the Rangers 16-8 in the second.
When the third period began, the Blackhawks must have been reminded that good things happen when you park someone in front of the net.
Because the Hawks got to the front of the net. And they scored goals.
Artem Anisimov scored his seventh of the year 67 seconds into the third to give Chicago a 2-1 lead.
John Hayden scored his second of the year 46 seconds later to extend the Hawks lead to 3-1.
And on a power play, Anisimov scored his second of the night and eighth of the season to make the score 4-1 in favor of the home team.
The three goals came over a span of 4:07 on the clock and stunned Lundqvist, who had been stellar. Ondrej Pavalec replaced Lundqvist with 13:30 left in the third after Chicago scored three times on nine shots to open the period.
Immediately following the change in net, the Rangers whacked a puck out from under Corey Crawford and into the net but the official ruled no goal and play continued.
A loos puck found Kevin Hayes beside an open cage and he scored against the team that drafted him in 2010 to bring the Rangers back to within two.
On the next shot Crawford faced – 3:48 later – Rick Nash cut the lead to one and the Blackhawks were once again showing an allergic reaction to a comfortable lead.
Gustav Forsling had a really good game and saved a would-be game-tying goal from David Desharnais with five minutes left in regulation; he was also a big part of the Hawks killing off the four-minute Rangers advantage in the first.
After a back-and-forth flurry, Anisimov finished off his first career hat trick at 16:12 to push the lead back to two.
Schmaltz had assists on all three of Anisimov’s goals.
New York pulled Pavalec and Jonathan Toews scored into the empty net with 90 seconds left in regulation to make the score 6-3.
When the final horn sounded, the Blackhawks had scored five times in the third period to emerge with a desperately needed home victory. And while the defense still leaves a lot to be desired, the Hawks have now scored 11 goals in regulation over their last two games.
Cody Franson, Duncan Keith and Richard Panik had two assists each; Brent Seabrook and Patrick Kane had one helper each as well. Franson and Anisimov led Chicago with five shots on net each.
Crawford stopped 25 of 28 to earn the victory.
Schmaltz skated 19:06 and won four of six faceoffs with his three assists. Anisimov won eight of 17 at the dot with his three goals.
Toews won 12 of 18 at the dot with three takeaways and his fifth goal of the season at the end.
Seabrook had the lowest ice time (16:26) on the Hawks’ blue line but was credited with four shots on net, two hits and two blocked shots.
Ryan Hartman and Connor Murphy led the Hawks with five hits each. Murphy and Franson had a team-leading three blocks each as well.
The 1st period was a struggle, but the last 2 periods the Boys looked pretty good. Congrats to Anisimov on a great 3rd and Schmaltz with 3A. Let’s hope they can keep it going.
what the hell is Wall gonna say about 11 goals in their last 2 games? And Seabrook’s minutes are down and he’s been productive and Toews scored! [crickets]
Schmaltz is really the key to this Hawks offense. When he is on his game you can see how much easier it is for his linemates to get good chances.
League sch makers. Fucking two pump chumps. We have outplayed the other team in 7 of 8 games now. Only the first game after the long break we didn’t play.
first 8 of 11 games, then a 2 of 4, and now were in a 6 of 9 against top 10 teams. Strength of sch. will settle in during games 20-40 and 40-60.
We deserve much better then 4-3 in those 8 games. We regress to our mean and be around 10 over .500 at some point during games 20-40.
Coming together. It only gets better from here on.
It’s great to get a win and there are a lot of positives to be taken from this game but I want to start by getting the negative out of the way first. Team defense is not good and the main reason it’s not good is because the Hawks have very few players that can win physical one on one battles or stick on stick battles. Too many times you see Hawks players trying one-hand on stick clearing attempts rather than take the body and eliminate the player and let a teammate clear the puck. Too many times the Hawks have the puck on their stick and don’t get it out of the d-zone because they make a weak pass. D-zone coverage can be a problem too and they still give up too many breakaways or odd man chances but, to me, the main problem is they just don’t play hard on their stick enough.
Now the good vibes – I like the trend Forsling is on. DeBrincat and Schmaltz are playing with more confidence and getting results. Anisimov, even before the hat trick tonight, has been reminding me of the Anisimov from last season. Earlier in the year it was like he was slower and his hand/eye coordination was off. Now, he’s getting to the net and is getting his stick on the puck for rebound chances. Nice to see Hayden get a nice greasy goal. Hopefully Sharp can find the back of the net soon.
Good win. Forsling looked very poised and comfortable out there.
Always great to see men in front of the goalie getting rewarded with goals.
Looking forward to Saturday.
To me the play of the game was Hayden’s goal. That was all out effort by a guy that gives effort each and every game.
If only our star players can start playing like star players maybe we can string a few wins together but alas I agree with EbonyR defensively we are porous. Gaps, back checking, puck management, and board battles are all areas Q keeps harping on and he’s right. Tonight was a baby step. Long way to go.
Buckle up it could be a wild ride. Great effort in 2nd and first half of the 3rd – can we get closer to 60 minutes of that? Net presence was very noticeable for once.
Play the kids. Develop. Develop. Develop.
The stache is working for Anisimov, maybe some of the old core can ask him what flavor he’s saving there, spread it around.
“Seabrook’s minutes are down and he’s been productive” (Tab) — this might not be an accident? …just good decision making by Q?
“We have outplayed the other team in 7 of 8 games now…” (Morrison) — seriously?? Tonight they outplayed New York.
“Play the kids. Develop.” (Craig Nigrelli) — absolutely! It seems sometimes this is very difficult for Q.
Wingels/Bouma/Hayden together again might be a good thing. I hope Q sticks with that for a while.
(“Wingels/Bouma/Hayden together again…”) — I would have no problem with Hinostroza taking Bouma’s spot (- NOT the same type of player, obviously), but Q seems to like Bouma. Speed is usually a good thing.
We outplayed other team 7 of 9
NAS
COL-forgot that one/who played better
PHI-somewhat even
MIN
MTL
PHI-first game after long break/didn’t play
CAR-even
NJ-should have won that
NYR
Before the NAS we didn’t do good for a bit. It could be wild for the next so many games, then we go on a run.
Please don’t poke the Bear, Tab. Nobody wants to hear the incessant bitching.
Personally thought the first 2 periods – despite the shot totals – were very tough to watch. Even the PP passes were SO off the tape, they made for easy defending/clearance. A couple shots were right on and could have seen through, but in large part, lazy BS play. Likened the level of intensity to 2002 era when Amonte was the only one skating, don’t enjoy making that comparison, was so disgusted, didn’t even stand for Debrincat’s tying dribbler goal (kudos to him for putting it on net). Q must have slapped a few faces in the locker room, because from the get-go in the 3rd, skating hard, getting open in the center of the ice as we’ve come to expect through the championship years, puck nicely getting to the open man, tape-to-tape, results. Begged the question that I screamed to my wife’s appal, “WHY ONLY NOW?!?!!”
Been doing this only since 1977. I think this year’s team has promise. Hopefully the unusually heavily weighted early schedule will even out as suggested. The youngster cupboard actually getting ice time (44/42/8/38/40, and to a lesser degree 5) is likely the envy of the NHL. As stated, keep playing them, dividends WILL return later in the campaign.
The nyr were the hottest team in the league and Blackhawks outplayed them, shows the potential this team has. The young guys improving every game, with 38 centering 10 and 12 could give a solid 3rd line. Thought Murphy played better and halfway through game the 5/ 7 pairing wasn’t on the ice for a 5 on 5 shot against and 5 shots on nyr net. Same lineup Saturday most likely.
Turnovers, poor defensive coverage, lazy penalties, poor passing…………..the only way these things get rectified is if the young guys play. This game is about confidence and you just have to let guys play through their bad plays and misjudgments so they can get some CONFIDENCE.
I’ll take the win. They came out slow and ramped it up in the 2nd and 3rd periods. I am sure the Penguins remember opening night, let’s go into Pitt and show them it was not a fluke!!
Go Hawks!!
Schmaltz is FAST!!!
With that being said I still believe his defensive game is a work in process.
Kane did a lot right last night and the 4th line was a beast….
The next 2 weeks will be a measure of things to come.
People have been commenting on craziness of schedule. 2 games in next 9 days then 6 games in 9 days after that, as was mentioned previously 2 back to backs in 7 days, brutal. From 3rd of Dec to Christmas break no back to back just every other day for most part.
Lots of encouraging takeaways from last nights win
Arty awesome game! could have had a 4th goal!!!
ADC continues to show instincts and results despite being on the 3rd line. His goal was the game changer.
Let’s hope Q keep Schmaltz as a wing, perhaps he just isn’t cut out to be an NHL center
Speaking of that line lets keep Arty, Schmaltz and Kane together it works
Why isn’t Hayden an everyday player? There is no reason he can’t play the Troy Brouwer or Bickell role in the lineup. Stop sitting him Q!
Seabs as a 3rd pair and fewer mins is absolutely perfect. To watch him get turn styled by 33 yr old Rick Nash in front of the Hawk bench was all I needed to see yesterday. He flat out SUCKS! Not only does his contract suck but so does his game thanks, SB! Who could have seen that coming? Oh Yeah pretty much everyone!
Speaking of sitting guys why isn’t Sharp being scratched from time to time? 19Games= 2 Gs + 2A and minus -9 geez! I knew bringing him back was a mistake, but hey everyone loves Sharp! Take a seat, Grandpa and watch the kids play!
I’m a broken record on the Hawks passing woes. Usually the problem is lack of execution – either the pass is off the mark or the reception is not handled smoothly. It is usually the primary reason when the Hawks don’t play well. But there is another problem with their passing game that needs to improve – when to pass and when not to pass. The Hawks periodically have an over-passing problem which all too often results in missed scoring opportunities. We used to complain some of the young players defer too much to the veteran players and make an unnecessary pass instead of making the better play of shooting the puck. But sometimes it’s the veteran players over-passing too. There was a lot of that going on in the game last night. Mainly with the top line.
Panik seems to be the only one of the three who thinks shoot first. Toews and Saad muck up more plays with either poor execution of passes or poor decisions of when to pass versus shoot. The most glaring example in last nights game was when Saad and Toews had a 2 on 1 developing from the red line in and Saad made a bad decision to pass and then made a poorly executed pass to Toews. Wasted scoring opportunity. It seems Saad is pressing which hopefully he can work through.
Ian, yes this is why I posted about it a mth ago when talking to Phil about it. Noonan and you posted it the other day and now. Sure the team has problems with certain things and must know what they are and are working on it. Were not as bad as some think and a far from a .500 team/that’s funny. Our around .500 record in these first 15-20 games is due to bullshit instant replay calls (MIN) and crap like refs letting NJ hold our sticks/how ever many times in first min of 3rd until they saw something they could call against us and bang we didn’t have a chance to W/or tie a game that prob would have 7-6 or 8-8, bad luck puck luck bounces/thise are normal things and that should even out as we play better, and the team coming together as it takes every yr 15-20 games to get lines settled in that work best for that years roster/coach finds the recipe that tastes good baby, when the sch. is normal.
Thing is the sch. this yr is not normal compared to the last 10 yrs. A month ago I looked up because I was pissed that we had a 5 days off inbetween games which is why we didn’t play against STL and I hate that its the sch. not us. It makes a diff. and sure no team is going to play hard for every 82 game (LA and STL and maybe TB are in the first 20 so far and might for the first 40 and then there going to pay for it later)(why would those teams do such a thing they didn’t good records in the 82 games last yr and LA no playoffs 2of3 yrs? What). So were going to have 5 or so games like that every yr. Thing is that’s with a normal sch and this sch is not normal.
I was shocked/unbelievable when I saw we had to play 11/eleven times with a 4/5/or6 days off inbetween games. Every yr theres always hard/crazy stretches thing is those are always however any games in however may days like 14/24 ans stuff like that and then you have your 1 of 5 or so teams that play the most back to back of every team, every yr. Donot know stats on that though one yr someone here had it and we were one of those 5 teams.
It makes me wonder how many long breaks we had each yr going back to 09. I will look that up and also see what our record was W/L/orT in the first game back and the second for those yrs. I would imagine we didn’t have even 5or6 a yr on any yr. I would also imagine regardless of however many we had we had a shitty record in those games and I believe that’s why sch. makers did it. Why a mth ago when we wernt playing good for normal reasons this added to it and made it impossible to play on level ice for certain games. The sch. makers/That’s when I posted a mth ago I think they got us.
Good thing is just about every time sch. makers tried to screw us during the last 10 yrs it back fired on them. Like first 10 of 12 on road in 2013.
When was the last time we saw a teenager, 2-21 yr olds, and a 22 year old make an impact on the Hawks roster?
Major stick taps to Forsling. His last few games have proved the naysayers he belongs here.
Big Al, I believe these 6 of 9 against top 10 teams will be fun and wild and not a measure of only our record after those 9 games. It games 20-40 and 40-60 where the sch is somewhat normal/and normal at times will be what team we have/how good we really are. Right now and recently its about playing a crazy sch. and doesn’t make a diff who were playing.
We were 4-1-1 in the first 6 of those 8 of 11 and then not good after that. We were 2-2 in the 2 of 4 and deserved to be 4-0/or 3-0-1 and we are 1-0 in this 7 of 10.
I was wrong its 7 of 10 not 6 of 9 (I would say NYR are I didn’t before when they sucked and were 3-7) against top 10 stretch now.
Get the popcorn and beer fridge stocked with the good stuff. Were going on a run starting at some point in these 7 of 10 and throughout games 20-40 and another in games 40-60.
Regarding the schedule.,. I’d much rather have days off now than at the end of the season. Too often teams rest players and it screws them come playoff time.
Proud of 42. He has the Force.
Southside, good call on Sharp–it’s hard to admit something hasn’t worked but it’s time–
a younger player can have those stats or better, develop and have potential upside.
Mo-as I stated the schedule maker has problems with reality (i think you could throw darts at a board and come up with something nearly as good) but all/most teams are complaining and things even out–the 500 record is not due to scheduling-the players and coaches are responsible.
A two game winning streak is next goal. Pitt will be pissed, but Hawks should be fresh and getting lots of time to practice.
Yeah Mo the Blackhawks have 17 back to back games tied with Columbus. Canes have 18 and Pens and Sens 19 are the most. Off hand tho I would say the Blackhawks have the most miles to travel berween those games as others have alot of teams in close proximity. Also they would likely deal with a time issue that the others don’t have too.
In the 6 games in 9 day stretch sitting Sharp for a couple of them as mentioned may be a good idea.
The brutal softie given up by Lundquist gave the Hawks some life. Rangers were hanging their collective heads after that one, and you know those goals deflate teams. The key question at the intermission of course was could the Hawks raise their level of play in the 3rd? Happily of course they got it done. Apart from a shift here or there by the Anisimov line in the 2nd period that put some pressure on Rangers, one could feel Hawks fans were getting antsy as the game progressed, and it was clear on the ice that the players were pressing via bad passes, over passing and general tentative play. Lets Go Hawks cheers at the UC were noticeably less boisterous last night compared to normal. The Dcat goal seemed to loosen them up in the 3rd as the Hawks play carried a greater sense of urgency.
Speaking about the ice, my God the UC surface just seems to be getting worse year after year. Pucks rolling and bouncing like crazy. This is true in so many NHL arenas. There should be a high quality standard that must be met. The game would be better for it. It must drive the players crazy.
Apart from the oft mentioned team defensive woes, I see some progress out of young Forsling. He looks much more confident, and his decision making appears to have quickened. Rutta badly botched coverage on the 1st Ranger goal, but so far this season he has been a positive add to the d corps. Franzen too.
This team is still trying to find itself. I like that Schmaltz and DeBrincat are finding their games and roles within the team. Hayden continues to play hard and has upside. His goal last night was inspiring and shows this kid really wants it. I am concerned that Sharp has become ghost like out on the ice. He is getting some scoring chances but not as many as we would like to see. At some point Kane, Toews, and Saad are going to get rolling. It has to happen. As I have mentioned before, Saad and Panik become better players when they start playing a more physical game. Those two should be beasts in the corners to get loose pucks and generate takeaways.
Good for Anisimov and the hattie. That guy does good things around the net and is under appreciated.
Big win last night. Pens will be looking for some heavy pay back this weekend.
Lets Go Haawks!
@ NOONAN96 Thanks. I’d pretty obvious to me that guys like Hayden have earned more mins whereas guys like Sharp and Seabroke deserve significantly fewer mins. Specifically PP & PK mins.
Not to toot my own horn on Sharp but….
http://committedindians.com/report-patrick-sharp-coming-back-chicago/
I especially like Austin’s follow up comment telling me ADC is ready NOT for the NHL
and just for good measure Matthew Highmore anymore,…
https://theathletic.com/150051/2017/11/08/blackhawks-prospect-matthew-highmore-making-early-impression/
I hate to say it because I’m nostalgic about the good ole days – but Sharp is not cutting it (rim shot). He gives a glimpse of speed now and then but for the most part is invisible for most of the game. I think there are better options to make the line up more potent.
One option would be Hinostroza. The 3rd line of 10-38-12 is all discombobulated. Hartman plays better at RW, DeBrincat plays better at LW. I would like to see a 3rd line of DeBrincat-Hinostroza-Hartman. Size wise the line is smaller than it is now with the difference being Sharp/Hinostroza, but Sharp is not really playing “big” anyway and Hinostroza bring a lot more speed than Sharp has these days.
It was said by Q, Bowman and Sharp that his role was different this time around and I think part of it may to help Debrincat adjust and be his mentor. That is why I believe 12 stays on that line and Sharps presence is so important right now. Later on we will see 12 move up the lineup and others inserted, Hino and prob. Sikura after he signs and maybe more.
Until Debrincat’s goal I was really, really frustrated watching that game. The passing woes described above were terrible. I think that Roenick and Milbury were perhaps a little too harsh between the first and second periods, but not by much.
But the game last night shows how quickly things can turn around in a hurry. Glad to get two points out of that one.
Seabrook puzzles me. I’ve defended his leadership etc. and that still holds. But something is not right. It’s understandable that he’s lost a step physically. His decision making on the ice is what’s more worrisome to me. At times he seems to be gliding and lackadaisical. Not careful with the puck. Not in tune with the flow of the game. Doesn’t seem to have his head in the game. Unforced errors being made when he’s not really even being contested. Those things aren’t hand in hand with a loss of speed and agility. I truly hope he’s all right. It’s a bit baffling.
He’s been doing a bit of the old putting the stick out but not moving his legs (however a heck of a lot of other guys are seen doing that too). That’s why it is so refreshing to me to see a goal like the one Hayden got. He moves up to a little bit high in the middle and then just hauls ass and dives for that loose puck to get it in the net. Some people have said he always looks like he’s about to fall down. Yeah, he’s a little out of control but it’s generally when busting his hind end battling with someone who’s also trying to get to the puck. Maybe we’ve been spoiled because we’ve gotten so used to seeing that kind of effort, but it’s still fun as hell to see when it happens. Hope it’s contagious!
Go Blackhawks!!!!
It’s on again right now-has anyone seen Atybarmakyan (Chicago pick) playing for Russian juniors-he’s on the top line and can fly-he doesn’t seem 5′ 11 but that’s what it says
Lools like he has alot of promise. Hopefully get him away ftom khl soon.Another prospect not playing tonight to keep an eye on maybe for next year is RD man Henri Jokiharju in 18 games he has 6g 17a plus 24 8 pp goals and plays on pk and has decent defensive game already plys he is a good puck handler and fast skater too.
With Portland Winterhawks WHL
Also, Ian Mitchell, at 18-years-old is playing on the top pair for #1 ranked defending national champion Denver University. He is also on the first pp unit and has a wicked wrist shot that he frequently put on net. He has slid into the role of Hobey Baker winner Will Butcher, again that’s at 18-years-old. This is fantastic news for Hawk fans.
And this tweet from a draft analyst who attended the Boston U versus Northeastern game last week, posted on Twitter, really jumped out me.
Steve Kournianos? @TheDraftAnalyst
6m6 minutes ago
#HE: Northeastern LHD Ryan Shea (CHI 4th/2015) is an absolute stud. He always offered pure offensive skill but his reads and game below the circles are excellent. Only a sophomore but he looks NHL ready to me.
The Russian Aty… (too long to keep spelling) has a little nasty in him-reminds me of Marchand, lets hope he’s close to being that good.
From what I’ve seen, Ian Mitchell is the most complete 18-year-old dman the Hawks have had in their system since Nick Leddy. He’s smart, plays every inch of the ice well, and handles the puck well. He can skate and is the primary PP quarterback for DU.
Shea & Gilbert are also really nice prospects in college right now. And Henri Jokiharju is developing well as well. Oh, and Snuggerud is in Rockford.
The point: there are reinforcements coming. Bowman’s draft record isn’t nearly as poor as some on this board would lead you to believe.
Hope they become excellent players but just meant that Jokiharju looks like he can make a case to make the Blackhaeks next year.
A couple unrelated items. First our PK is light years better than last year and the four minute kill was huge last night. We also seem to have much more depth in the rotation. Secondly, does anyone have a report on Carl Dahlstrom in Rockford? He appears to be getting a lot of ice time and he has one of the better +/- numbers on the team. Hoping he can be a late bloomer or at least be solid trade bait. He was drafted a few picks after Robert Haag in Philly who is also a late blooming Swede who is having a nice year with the Flyers.
Who said we didn’t have a lot of good prospects.
“Seabrook…understandable that he’s lost a step…decision making on the ice is what’s more worrisome…at times he seems to be gliding and lackadaisical…doesn’t seem to have his head in the game.” (Big Indian) — in my opinion, yes absolutely. And, you can’t hang this on rotating partners or “babysitting” inexperienced players.
The Hawks are stuck with him (like it or not, agree or not), so Q should “adjust” his ice time and situational usage to get the most out of him. (Deal with the decline.)
That’s what Q did/PP min and he had a good game. I am not getting on Seabs he does seem to be off though when it comes to puck handling at the line/things bigindian.
Everybody/most people were giving 15 shit for awhile now look at him go. Seabs can be better (he was good last game).
Yeah we all know about how Seabrook has looked but on the glass half full part of it the positive numbers mentioned from last game with limited minutes and in 3rd period with game on the line Q put him out with 2 again and 5 and 11 together. The result was he played well by making a number of good plays in his own end and creating scoring chances with his shot helping preserve the victory.
Also in last 4 games 2 wins and 2 losses he was not on ice for any goals in 2 losses or last game. The only goal he was on for was a goal against Canes that he cleared a puck out of crease to save a goal only to have winger score from a bad angle a few seconds later. Not saying he doesn’t have his issues this year but it is not all bad as some want you to think.
I watched Atybarmaykan play 4 times on TV and the negative is that he doesn’t see the ice when they need defensive play-i.e. the penalty kill, up late in the game and he looks disinterested when not involved. They will want him to develop that part.
The upside is really nice wheels, great lateral movement and as I said a ‘piss and vinegar’ attitude in the offensive 100 ft. part of the rink. One of his goals against the OHL team was end to end beauty.
@ IAN
Go to the bottom of the screen and advance the page to the next post and watch the 1st 3 mins of the podcast and then tell everyone what you think?