Blackhawks Blast Capitals
The Blackhawks won’t make the playoffs this year and haven’t been able to score with any consistency all year.
The Capitals will be back in the first round of the playoffs (probably not beyond that because they’re the Capitals), and haven’t struggled to score since Alex Ovechkin arrived. And Braden Holtby was in net for Washington.
So taking the over on Saturday night made sense.
The side that covered did not.
It took six minutes for the game to get its first goal, and it came from Jonathan Toews.
Brandon Saad picked up the assist on Toews’ 16th of the season. It felt like the Hawks had it going, but we’ve all seen it before this season.
Less than four minutes after the Toews goal, Tom Wilson redirected a puck past Anton Forsberg to tie the game. The all-too-familiar sinking feeling felt all over Chicago was the dreaded “great start goes to waste” was about to happen. Again.
But Saturday night wasn’t one of those nights.
At 12:47 into the first, Brandon Saad buried his 15th of the season (and second in as many games) to give Chicago the lead once again.
Vinnie Hinostroza and Toews were credited with assists on the Saad goal.
Chicago kept shooting and getting traffic around the net and eventually the Hawks scored again. Nick Schmaltz scored his 16th of the season with less than two seconds showing on the clock to extend the Hawks lead to 3-1.
Rookie Carl Dahlstrom recorded his first career NHL assist on the Schmaltz goal; Brent Seabrook also picked up a helper on the play.
Chicago went to the dressing room with a two-goal lead after out-shooting the Caps 21-6 in the first period. It was as dominant as the Hawks have looked since Opening Night.
But the second period started with many fans fully expecting the dreaded two-goal lead to evaporate quickly.
But Saturday night wasn’t one of those nights.
It took more than 16 minutes for the next goal to come, and it was from Patrick Kane.
Toews picked up the takeaway and the assist on Kane’s 22nd of the season.
Then a flurry of offense came that made Hawks fans feel nostalgic. Three total goals in 2:07 would give the Hawks a 6-1 lead heading to a third period that saw Washington pull Holtby after allowing all six goals.
The Hawks’ fifth goal came from Ryan Hartman.
The sixth – a power play goal – was scored by Artem Anisimov.
On the Anisimov goal, Kane was credited with the 500th regular season assist of his career. Hinostroza was also credited with an assist on the Anisimov goal.
After 40 minutes, the Blackhawks had a 33-12 shot advantage and a 6-1 lead on the scoreboard. Holtby’s night was done and the Hawks couldn’t possibly blow a lead of this size at home… right?
Washington showed no desire to come back from the five-goal deficit in the third period. Because Kane had taken over the team lead with his 22nd goal of the season, Alex DeBrincat caught up to him and scored his 22nd at 8:22 into the third to give the Hawks a 7-1 lead.
Hartman and Patrick Sharp were credited with assists on the DeBrincat goal.
With the DeBrincat goal, the following Blackhawks skaters had a multi-point night on the books:
- Toews (1 goal, 2 assists)
- Kane (1 goal, 1 assist)
- Saad (1 goal, 1 assist)
- Hartman (1 goal, 1 assist)
- Hinostroza (2 assists)
Neither team did much damage the rest of the way, except Wilson. He left his feet to unload on DeBrincat with four minutes left in regulation. It was a clean hit, but DeBrincat appeared to do some damage to his face on the way down. Hartman took exception to the play and exchanged words with Wilson. Both Hartman and Wilson received minor roughing penalties, and Wilson got an early exit from the game with an additional 10-minute misconduct penalty.
The Blackhawks out-shot the Capitals 44-19. Anton Forsberg made the stop she needed but the Caps happily played the role usually filled recently by the Hawks; it didn’t appear at any time during the game that Washington wanted to be there.
Kane led Chicago with seven shots on net. Toews won 11 of 20 faceoffs. Hartman won six of 11 faceoffs with his two points. Duncan Keith blocked a team-leading four shots.
That one felt good.
Finally.
Well, I don’t really want the Hawks to get points, but if they’re going to pick up points they might as well have fun doing it and this game was certainly that.
Lots of good things to talk about, but let me start with this – I’ve been very outspoken in criticizing Toews this season, especially lately, so let me say that tonight he looked like the old Toews. He was handling the puck, making accurate passes, shooting it well and basically hustling his ass off all over the ice. Kudos Johnny – you played a heckuva game.
Tom Wilson is the modern day Raffi Torres. Tonight’s game wasnt his first rodeo re dirty hits. How about the hit to Kampf’s head as well earlier in the game? The guy pulls this kind of nonsense constantly. He is going to permanently injure someone if the league doesn’t take serious action against him. Its a matter of time, not if, but when.
Its a little — like well over one season — late to be playing Kempny regularly. Hopefully he will be traded for his own sake. Seabrook & him playing together regularly for an entire or majority of this season would have been a steady third pairing. No question. They both also kill penalties. Lastly, which Hawks’ D man has a better shot than Kempny?
Good evening.
P.S. Predictably, Wilson is second in the NHL in penalty minutes, behind someone on FLA I never heard of, and ahead of one of our favorites, the Lady Byng candidate from Dallas, Roussell.
Good evening once again.
When the Caps get into the playoffs two things will surely happen to eliminate them:
#1. Alex Ovechkin will turn over the puck at the blue line and let the guy go in on a breakaway, not once, not twice, but three times.
#2. Tom Wilson will take a stupid penalty and the opposing team will score MANY power play goals.
These two guys don’t get it. Never will.
Reg- Ovie has cottage plans on the Black Sea every May-he can’t let that go!
Boy the Caps must have been partying really hard in Chicago last night-they haven’t looked that disengaged for quite a while but props to the Hawks for putting the exclamation point on this one.
You can see the upside in Hartman tonight–and Kempny (alas you can also see why he may frustrate the coaches at times but he could be real good)
What the hell? Where was this team? I loved this game. I have nothing bad to say. This was a great team game. It was nice to see…well…hear. I had my radio.
We need a Wilson on the team to answer to the Wilsons of other teams that simply do not worry about retaliation from the Hawks. Maroon, Jordan Nolan maybe Delasauris could be available for protection.
Fools gold. Every team takes a nite off. Today was the caps. In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if they tear off 4 more. It’s a trend. Lose 8 Straight win 4 to five. But this team couldn’t win when they needed to. Against vanc buffalo Arz. That’s where they are. Don’t give m credit for this blow out. They were bored off the ice in Arizona No speed or youth and worn out veterans will get u exactly there record ! Be sellers at dead line and dump the cap waste
Great dominating performance tonight. Even during the 8-game skid, the Hawks have not played that badly. They often dominated opponents, outshooting them, but were done in mainly by defensive lapses and inferior goaltending. We have several very good new young players to build around with quality veterans. With the right moves at the TDL and draft, the Hawks can be back to an elite team sooner than many of us think. Ball’s in your court, Stan.
we are critics when they play poorly so let’s applaud the efforts of a group of proud pros when they come to play hard- at both ends of the ice! Well done Hawks!
It was fun to see the results and a few goals for a change but agree not to read too much into this. (Remember when it looked like the Hawks were a dominant team after two games)
Stay the course, you might see a lift/bump but getting the 14th or 15 th pick will be a disappointing outcome. They may win their next two.
And about dominating and not winning lately-agreed the goaltending was weak at times but getting 40 shots on goal means nothing in the NHL if you get a lot of meaningless shots from the point or bad angles with no traffic and second effort.
Look what happens when the core plays well (esp. 19), they limit the unforced turnovers and stupid penalties, score on the PP, go to the front of the net and get good goaltending. Even though WSH played poorly the Hawks looked good.
Of all those things only the PP is on the coaches – IMO the players hold the biggest responsibility for how this year has gone. A lot of that is lack of confidence and not playing loose. Again more on the players than the coaches.
JR ROMAN – The Hawks already have that player, he’s cooling his heels in Rockford for some unknown reason: John Hayden.
Earlier this season he destroyed a Minn. player in a fight. He does it right & does not take cheap shots.
He needs to be back up here yesterday….
Now lets rip off 9 straight W’s & get back in the playoff picture! (Sarc.)
ER- Toews was much better… especially pursuing and forechecking…
BUT- I will have to totally disagree on SHOT… had a break away- (kane cleaned up)
and Point blank one on one — and shot into chest… + whiffed on PP one timer
The Good- Hino and Kampf were both terrific (even though Kampf- also whiffed a few- surprised by the quality/skill passes) But love their skating/speed/quick play recognition) — as I stated before season… they are keepers.
Dahlstrom- is proving to be “ok”… I like is – play reads- on joining the rush/O ( seen him in Rockford several times- thought he was very “smart” about that…
I also like Dahlstrom’s first pass… usually right on the stick/quick…
He did have one terrible TO/pass… But Given his lack of NHL experience ( I will give him a pass)- he is proving to be better than “ok” so far… But so far- his IQ (which is what made TvR-effective– looks promising)
This team’s speed has been improving (with the infusion of call ups) even in the losses- looking better- just no finish and NOT getting the quality of chances…
Biggest improvement last nite- were D guys/moving the puck out – quickly/efficiently… Kempny and Dahlstrom adds- the reason??? Or were Caps just that shitty last nite???
time will tell
Oh & what’s with those goofs that got kicked out for taunting the caps player in the penalty box?
Those seats got to be at least what $250…
Alcohol- the cause of & solution to all of life’s problems…
Every team takes a night off. We have at least 10 times more then our opponents this yr. Doesn’t even out over time. No excuses/no clichés. If it was close to even we would be 10 more games over 500 then we are. When you think about it we prob should have been 5-3 during the 0-7-1. or rather it could be a top 1-9 pick.
Remember, nothing against those two guys, every other team is playing with NHL goalies. Big diff.
Headshots and goaltender interference are so bad it could ruin the sport. How many time this season our guy gets a headshot and only a 2min or nothing penalty when maybe everytime should be 5min major ejection suspension.
The promlem is even when they suspend its only like 2 games if your lucky 5. It should be 20 games for any head contact. That’s the chance you take with hitting high. At 20 games it gets attention and it would happen way LESS often. That’s the point right.
Why should guys be knocked out of a game/games/throw off season/s from getting a head shot from some flatlander that only get 2min/no penalty and if lucky 5min 2-5 games sus. 20 games. People will still do it and they can sit for 20 games.
How many 8/44/64 I can remember how many guys but it like 4or5 for us and 0 maybe 1 to our opponents. Doesn’t even out. What worse the other team benefits/gets an advantage/rewarded most of those times.
Joey excellent point re Hayden. From a toughness standpoint he is modern day Secord. He sent new Jersey player to hospital as well. He doesnt play a dirty game. He keeps other teams honest re not taking liberties. Its fair to say his absence — even minor — has been missed as well as Crawford.
He is going to permanently injure someone if the league doesn’t take serious action against him. Its a matter of time, not if, but when.
He/or others like him should be that one that gets injured. Goon police players.
First time I watched a Hawks game all the way to the end this month.
Original6– good post
Goldenrug… I second that!
Its been difficulty to watch. Get a top 9 pick because of it. All is well.
Cheap shot/leaving your feet and targeting the head artists like Torres and Wilson are wholly inopposite to an honest tough player like Hayden who injured two players in man-on-man/one-on-one fights. Apples and oranges. Players like Hayden keep the cheap shots out of the game.
Yesterday’s game was a fun one, Hawks continue their mastery of Eastern Conference teams. Unfortunately, the Hawks play in the Western Conference and can’t seem to beat any of those teams.
Nice to see 4 Hawk players attend the wake and funeral for Paul Bauer. These guys have class and they get “it”. Kane, Sharp, Seabrook and Toews, I believe. Makes me proud to play and support hockey.
Any previous season I would’ve been thrilled – but, I’m stuck on two things: Where was this team (especially the “core” guys excluding Kane) during all but a few of the previous 58 games, and meaningless points at this point are only lessening their chances in the draft (lottery).
Go Hawks AFTER April 7th!!
It appears Q likes Dahlstrom better than Gustafsson at this point. That’s interesting.
Spectors is reporting that Columbus was interested in reaquiring Anisimov but were told the Hawks are not interested in moving him. So Stan must still believe his own words from 2015 when he said Anisimov is the big Center they have been coveting.
Wall-19 played well yesterday and I’ve been one to say on most nights he works hard but their is something about his balance? that I didn’t notice in years past. He can still make some plays, do the little things that often go unnoticed–but he’s awkward at times–someone or a couple people have mentioned that earlier in the year–not sure if it’s injury, age or something else. (or just my imagination)
It was nice to beat Washington for a change and emphatically too
Keep em comin Kaner, only 1,464 more to overtake the Great One! Jokes aside, Kane is still elite, a pleasure to watch and likely an underrated leader. He’s been our guy for a long time and done it well.(in a lot of different ways).
Even with their impressive beat down of the Caps last night, we all know the Hawks will not be making the playoffs this season. So the focus has been on the draft and next season. But, next season may fall short of expectations too and we should probably adopt that mindset so we can watch and appreciate the rebuild rather than be disappointed if the Hawks are a non-playoff team again next season.
My intention here is not to be needlessly pessimistic, but to take a look at the probably makeup of the team next season and realize two main points – (1) we’re counting on a lot of youth to play big roles and that doesn’t always pan out as well as you hope, and (2) the d-corps is not championship caliber and unless things go better than can reasonably be expected in terms of young players filling top-4 roles, it won’t be next season either. That’s not even considering the possibility that Crawford doesn’t return to form.
Therefore, I think all efforts should be geared toward the 2019/20 and if they surprise next season then it will be an unexpected gift.
Long time fan even before Bob Murray was getting booed because he wouldn’t get physical and all he did was score goals. I heard Johnny Morris say that once. Do you guys think that this team can win the Stanley Cup again? I sure hope so. I want to be able to cheer again. I still think Toews can lead us.
Great game last night it was really nice to see the Toews line have a good night. Great for Kane to get his 500 assist. I still can’t understand why Hayden is still in Rockford. If you can skate Bouma on Kane’s line why not Hayden he’s strong has scoring ability. If you want to sign Sikura it might bode well to give Hayden a fair shake. It was a fun game last night but that doesn’t change where we stand.
EB its huge for sure that Crawford fets back in vezina form. Also what the defense looks like will tell alot, need an upgrade a one or two of top 4 calibur new faces on the blueline. Forwards picture fairly clear from Bowmans comments what it will look like. Only big question is AA and may have to wait until after July 1st when his nmc becomes modified to know for sure.
Were loading up for the coming years. That’s why Hayden is in Rockford/helps that.
We have a better chance at making playoffs then getting a top 6 pick (based on record/before draw). 7-9 pick is prob the pick, before draw. Then lets see how good our John Wayne action is.
We are going to be a good amount better for 19, its yrs 2-5 of the 5 coming yrs were looking pretty again.
EbonyRaptor…
Gotta disagree about next year… lot of “Ifs/Buts”…
WTS… Hawks have had lot’s of Utes show up this year… 2 problems (turned into 3)
1.) Big names /contracts under performed
2.) D – Corps / shakey (as u mentioned)
3.) I will add– Crow went down
positives- and Ifs/buts
So they all ready had some utes step up
They will have a Nice chance to add a top 10 pick – in draft- IF they get lucky- could be an instant QUALITY add… Zadina, Hughes, Wahlstrom, lundestrom- could ALL make the league next year???
Sikura-IF hes signs- would make them even younger/faster/more skilled
IF- one or two of the D Propsects “show” up… can instantly make team better-
I have always loved/mentioned Tuulola … Loved Ian Mitchell… Lucas Carlsson…
And Hawks still have some cap too!!!
So – lots of ifs there… but – Next year – could be better lot better– IF– some 2 or 3 of the above fall into place
Mo i think with Crawford and Q too only 2 years left on their contracts, Bowman will want to be competitive and get what he can before then. He is pretty tight lipped about what the defence will look like other than Keith and Seabrook be back. So I think he makes his big moves to bolster there and shore up backup goalie. May make sideways move at center with AA and replace with a cheaper bottom 6 faceoff guy if he needs cap space. Schmaltz becomes undisputed no.2.
That makes sense. I meant in terms of prospects and young guys getting to their 2nd and 3rd full yrs that’s when players get good. For the 2-5 coming yrs thing.
In the mean time, between this season and next we having lots of cap space/trading 81 contract/no player bonuses anymore and cap going way up/more then normal to add and trade to add. While staying on course for the prospects/young guys getting better each yr on way to 2nd and 3rd full yrs when they hit their strides. That’s going to be fun, especially coming from outside top 10 for first time since 2008.
The question for tanking or making playoffs and winning Stanley cup is. How many ping pong balls are there for us if were in
7 pick
8 pick
9 pick
10 pick
and so on for the a top 3 pick
I heard and donot know after the Defensive Mcjesus theres 10 or 11 (normally top 5 type players) really good players but all equal. Is that right.
So if that’s correct theres about 12 really good players weather your 5th or 12th pick, you just get selection before/after which teams.
Yeah about 7 or 8 dmen could go in top 15 picks all high end potential. Five or six good wingers in top 15 and 2 or 3 centers could go from 8 to 15.
I think at 9th the odds were 14.4 % for a top 3 pick and go up a couple % every spot you move up. Until you get to top 3 to 5 or so then odds go up more.
Wall, I like your optimism and hope you’re correct.
I don’t believe in “hockey gods” but if I did I would think they were pretty good to the Hawks over this Toews and Kane era resulting in three Cups – who can legitimately complain? But, as the saying goes, things have a way of evening out. So maybe it’s a bit much to hope the “hockey gods” will smile on the team again next season and make all the possibilities come out in our favor. Or, maybe they like us more than the other teams. One can hope.
So really other then selection a 789 pick isint that much better then 1011121131415 pick. That the odds at 9th are 15 ping pong balls to 85 in getting a top 3 pick, that seems pretty good.
I guess we have to be good with that. Get a 789 pick and have decent odds for top 3 pick. Get 10-15 pick still get as good of player/other then 1st pick if we were to win a bunch of games and play good during games 60-80 and still get one of those 15 picks.
I donot know draft is there another gap between 1st and 15th. Like 1/2-4/5-15 in terms of quality. Or it just 1/2-15 gap quality.
I’m probably one of the few in favor of not moving Anisimov.
TV guys were stating that Bouma and Wingels were possibly being showcased as trade bait before one of the last two games (can’t remember which one).
Go Blackhawks!!!!
Wall loved From too.
Big Indian-
one of the telling things from this year is that AA does slow that line down at times-8’s game is based on pace. 88 can play anyway you want– but he is valuable because of skill, being able to play center and size but is the most expendable piece that can be realistically traded and would get something back (other than Saad and his value is too low now and he might be able to turn things around?) It would be nice to get a second round pick this year.
I think Wingels may go, which I, for one will miss his energy. Bouma is Wingels with less skill and speed. (But another guy that has worked real hard for this team)
That was a fun watch.
Does not change my position, all activities should point toward improving next years team. However it was nice to thump Washington and it would also be nice to open a can of whoop ass on the blues the last week of the season.
Go Hawks
Comma’s are a beautiful thing.
Firm believer in making your own luck. When you’re good, the majority of bounce go your way. When you’re bad…or play bad….ladies and gentleman, your 2017/18 Chicago Blackhawks.
I don’t remember a team that scores first this often, only to lose it, have their will broken, and just give up. They will out skate a team in the first. Then by the end of the 2nd the tide has turned. By the 3rd, they either don’t care or are just totally gassed.
Henrik Samuelsson (Ulf’s boy)… 3 goals/3 games for Hogs…
Replay on last goal… kid looks like good hands/Heavy shot…
Made me did into scouting reports… Kid actually has solid numbers… Strengths supposed to be — IQ, Compete, Possession and Board play, with good hands
weakness- skating!
Posted solid Numbers in Jr.s and Jr. PO’s + M-Cup… which is always a BIG plus.
Once again- I haven’t seen him skate… But- Seems like on Paper- Kid could work great on a 4th line with Hino/Kampf who Both are plus Skaters with + vision/passing… to set- up heavy shot from Baby Ulf… or Baby Ulf can Cycle deep/long at very least !!!
Might be something there!!!
So are apostrophes when used correctly
I think Ogie hit on the biggest difference you see in this year’s team, that iron fisted will to win that carried them through difficult moments in the past was gone. Remember the 6-5 win over Calgary after they were down 5-0 in I think 2009? All of the playoff series and games when their backs were to the wall and they dug deeper and found a way? There was none of that this year.
Until they get that edge back, we won’t be seeing any more Cups in Chicago. A lot of that was born out of confidence that came with youth and skill. And I think the vets play differently when they have a goalie in net that gives them the feeling they are never out of it. With the AHL fodder we trot out there every game, when we are down by 1 it feels like ten.
This is same as 2001 and maybe 2012 we didn’t come back from any 5-0 games in those yrs as well. Cant forget there were only 15 or so good teams in 2009 there is 20-25 good teams now. Major difference regardless of where were at.
Worst bounces in 35 yr for us, good play or not good play.
2011