Darling, Blackhawks Blank Coyotes
Hopefully the Arizona Coyotes are just what the doctor ordered for the offensively struggling Blackhawks.
After a woeful performance on Sunday night, Chicago rebounded with a dominant effort against an Arizona team that is… bad.
The Hawks got one power play in the first period and made it matter. Artem Anisimov parked himself in front of Mike Smith and collected his 11th of the season.
Even against a mediocre Arizona team, the Hawks were out-shot 9-5 in the first period. But they scored the first goal, which is nice.
The second period was a mixed bag. Chicago padded the lead, but lost a key player.
At 6:26 into the second, Marian Hossa scored his 13th of the season to push the Hawks’ lead to two.
Only 19 seconds later, Richard Panik made a strong move around the net and found Dennis Rasmussen in front. Rasmussen put in his second of the campaign to make the lead three.
From there, the Hawks put it on cruise control. But a collision late in the second period may complicate the blue line against the Blue shirts on Friday evening.
Brent Seabrook was hit by Jordan Martinook and went into the boards awkwardly. He stayed down on the ice for a little bit of time and received some attention before heading straight to the room. Seabrook was not able to return for the third period.
In the third, the Hawks picked up a late insurance goal from Hossa for his 14th of the season and Scott Darling finished off the shutout with ease.
Tuesday night marked the first time this season that Arizona was held without a goal, and is the third of Darling’s career. Chicago’s netminder made 22 saves in the victory.
Coach Joel Quenneville mixed up his lines and they worked, with continued success from Hossa and Ryan Hartman being together. Hartman led the Hawks with five hits and was also credited with an assist, one takeaway and three shots on goal. Hossa added one takeaway to his two goals and was named the number one star.
Centering Hossa and Hartman was Marcus Kruger; Q broke up the Triple-H line when he moved Vinnie Hinostroza off the line. Kruger won 10 of 13 faceoffs and was credited with two takeaways. Hinostroza skated with Andrew Desjardins and Jordin Tootoo on the fourth line and won three of six faceoffs. Desjardins also won two draws.
Rasmussen, again, has a strong performance. He led Blackhawks in faceoff opportunities, winning nine of 23. He also blocked two shots and was credited with three hits in 16:11. Rasmussen skated with Panik and Tyler Motte for much of the night; that line was effective, scoring once and having a few other good rushes.
Trevor van Riemsdyk was back in the lineup and led the Hawks with three blocked shots in 23:07 on the ice. He also picked up an assist, one hit and two takeaways in a much better performance. TvR skated with Gustav Forsling before Seabrook left the lineup. Forsling blocked two shots and was credited with one hit in 17:08.
Seabrook’s status will be something to watch between now and the Hawks hosting the New York Rangers at the United Center on Friday evening.
Brent Seabrook was dressed and hanging out in the hallway of the United Center following #Blackhawks' victory.
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) December 7, 2016
Baby bunnies and Kittens .
Nice to see the shutout for Darling. Well deserved. As Tab stated it’s just what the doctor ordered.
Good solid game. Hossa yet again!
I want whatever he has for breakfast!
Kruger has stepped up his play dramatically since Toews got hurt. And for good reason — sense of urgency. His cap hit is still a problem, but crawl before you walk, walk before you run, run before you sprint. If he can somehow score ten goals, Art Ross Trophy nomination can’t be far away.
Brandon Pirri returns Friday night… (lol)…. will there be a video tribute (narrated by Q)?
He is Father Time and you are not.
While I love the win, keeping perspective is important. Arizona is not very good.
I’d like to see Q give Desjardins a shot at centering for Rasmussen and Hinostroza. He has a knack for winning faceoffs. Just a thought.
A little better game for Motte. Not sure if he is having a confidence issue. I want that kid to succeed.
Offense not exactly on fire in recent games (PP/shitty starts). The Defense team game is starting to come together. 6 of 8 with 2 or less.
2/1/2/1/3/3/2/0
As Tab pointed out AZ is not a very good team at all. Hawks took advantage as the game progressed, yet the slow start in the 1st remains vexing for this team.
A physically tame game from both teams last night.
Hawks goals ALL came from close to the net. Sure, Kane pass to Anisimov for a tap in was a fine play and Hossa puck kick to skate was a great move on his 1st as well as Hoss’s 2nd being a quality snipe. I guess the point is most goals are getting scored close in towards the net. Go to the net and good things happen. Getting pucks towards the net with friendly traffic in front helps loads as well.
Apart from a rare 4 goal game last night Hawks remain a work in progress offensively.
Darling doing a great job in Crow’s absence. His attitude is great. I sure hope Vegas does not snatch him away. Hawks have as good a 1-2 goaltending punch as any team in the league.
I fear a Seabrook concussion. Joel didn’t sound optimistic in the post game presser. So Rozy will likely get the call against Rangers Friday unless Seabs wasn’t as dinged up as much as we think.
Lets Go Hawks!
Seabs is a warrior but his concussions will be a real issue as we move forward-
the brain isn’t made for the size, pace, strength and equipment used in today’s game. Hope he is OK now and in the future,
6, 7 and 8 year contracts are such a gamble made by teams.
Phil…I was thinking that, as well. Crawfords absence will showcase Darlings ability for Vegas.
Does a expansion draft pick have to sign for more then one yr. Could go and come back.
Las vegas can draft and sign or sign early a unprotected free agent in the 48hr special window or sign a free agent after july 1st like rest of league to a contract from 1 to 7 yrs. In length
Whats going on here. Even if we donot have his rights, can we add him if his teams allows it.
https://twitter.com/Josh_Khalfin/status/806597401444282368/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
No agreement with khl so we never lost his rights
“Notwithstanding any provision of Sections 8.6(a) or (b) to the contrary, if
a Player drafted at age 18 or 19 is drafted from a club outside North
America, his drafting Club shall retain the exclusive right of negotiation
for his services through and including the fourth June 1 following his
selection in the Entry Draft. The Club need not make a Bona Fide Offer to
such Player to retain such rights. ”
“Drafted by Chicago Blackhawks
– round 4 #109 overall 2011 NHL Entry Draft”
Rights relinquished June 2 2015.
Thanks Ernie… I mean “The CBA”
Schmaltz with 2 Goals down on the Farm last nite…
I.e. nalmonov
C.B.A rules don t apply to russian players
I wish someone from the Hawks Org. would make a definitive statement on this kid Shalunov… whether they do or don’t control his rights…
Ernie says- NO!!!
Scott Powers – also claimed- Hawks still have rights???
Supposedly- Hawks also have interest in Vladimir Tkachyov (the bigger one) Center with some – 6′ – 209 lbs.
Lastly- anyone actually see Dylan Sikura play??? Kid keeps on scoring at College level.
They own his rights
I think Ernie is in talks with President Elect Trump for a number’s position in the new administration. Hope we don’t lose you Ernie even if it is to the White House.
Off topic-
I know Knott (Windsor) got two goals against the Colts last night and the Colts have Roy Radke-he hasn’t played since Oct. 28th when he got two goals–anyone know the injury?
He’s played 12 of 28 games.
Knott, who’s now 6′ 4″, was hurt in the OHL-Russia game now appears healthy again. I saw him play in person last year twice and wasn’t real impressed but perhaps he’s growing into that body and skating better?
Noonan96 he definitely is injured but not sure of nature or return only thing i could find was a reference to the colts long list of injuries including potent scoring threat roy radke and what you mentioned about 2 goals in his last game