Blackhawks Rally After Connor Murphy Injury, Blow Out Sens in Ottawa
The Blackhawks were in Ottawa on Saturday night to face one of the few teams that’s been worse than them the entire season. The Senators have a few nice pieces and they were supposed to take a step forward this season… but leaving the top of the lottery for the middle isn’t quite what Ottawa fans were expecting.
Chicago opted to roll with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen in the game, with Erik Gustafsson getting the nod as the extra body on the back end. That approach would be tested early.
It took less than three minutes for a huge blow to the Blackhawks’ lineup. Parker Kelly got a good, long run into boarding Connor Murphy, whose head went into the boards. He collapsed to the ice and did not move; it appeared he was out when he landed. Mackenzie Entwistle came over and immediately motioned to the bench for help.
Murphy was taken off the ice after a few scary moments on a stretcher in a neck brace. He gave a thumbs up, which is good. But that was a scary moment for the Blackhawks, who reported later in the game that he was staying at the arena under the supervision of the team’s medical group but was done for the night. Kelly got a five-minute major and a game for the hit.
The Hawks were clearly shaken. Head coach Derek King called everyone over after Murphy exited and tried to calm them down. But you could tell they weren’t ready for the advantage. And Connor Brown took advantage, scoring a short-handed goal to give the Sens a 1-0 lead.
Even after the scary scene with Murphy taken off, Ottawa kept bringing the physical play. Zach Sanford hammered Kirby Dach almost nine minutes into the game; Dach’s head was down and it was a clean — but big — hit. Big enough in the wake of the Murphy hit that Jonathan Toews dropped the gloves with Sanford. While admirable that the captain would step up for the big kid who just got trucked, Toews took a couple hard rights from Sanford before they both went to the boxes. Toews got the extra two minutes for starting it, and didn’t take a shift the rest of the first period after leaving the box.
Jonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks) Vs Zach Sanford (Ottawa Senators) 3/12/22 ? #Blackhawks #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/obNpSY3DzI
— Tyler Kasch (@TheTylerKasch) March 13, 2022
Almost 11 minutes after the Brown goal, Thomas Chabot scored to give the Sens a 2-0 lead.
So the Hawks were down a key defenseman, their captain fought and they were down two to a bad team. What else could go wrong?
Well, in the closing seconds of the period, Tyler Johnson took a puck to the side of the head. He was clearly in pain on the bench and, as the second period was starting, the Hawks announced he was also done for the night because he was in concussion protocol.
Ottawa out-shot the Blackhawks 10-6 in the first — even with Chicago having a full five-minute power play after the Murphy hit. The Blackhawks were down to 10 forwards, six defensemen and had no energy whatsoever.
The good news to start the second period was that Toews was back on the ice.
And he had energy.
Toews showed up on a line with Kane and the two connected on a goal 58 seconds into the second period to get Chicago on the board.
The assist moved Patrick Kane into sole possession of second all-time in Blackhawks history with 1,154 points, passing Bobby Hull.
It looked good. And, frankly, Kane moving into second all-time on an assist to Toews just felt right after all these years.
But why would those two be done? We were feeling the throwback vibes so they got another shift together less than two minutes later on the power play and 88 found 19 again for another goal.
Toews came into the game with five goals on the season but he showed off the snipe on both shots.
Nine minutes into the second period, Caleb Jones ripped home his third of the year and the Hawks’ third of the night (and period) to give the Blackhawks a 3-2 lead.
Seth Jones picked up an assist on Caleb’s goal; the Jones brothers became the first siblings to factor in the same goal since Rich and Brent Sutter did it on Valentine’s Day in 1994.
Unfortunately, the Blackhawks’ roll didn’t get them the next goal. Nick Paul made a nice move and ripped home a goal at 15:41 to tie the game.
At 15:49 the Blackhawks got the lead back, however. Sam Lafferty was on the scoring end of the Hawks’ fourth of the night.
When the dust settled from the middle 20 minutes of action, the Blackhawks had out-shot the Senators 15-10 in the period. Chicago scored four times and took a two-goal lead to the room.
Two-goal leads have been scary at times for the Blackhawks this season, so we hoped to see the Hawks get the next one. It took almost nine minutes into the third period for that next goal to be scored, and it came off the stick of Caleb Jones again.
Dylan Strome was credited with a redirection on a Seth Jones shot 69 seconds later to give the Blackhawks a four-goal lead.
And from there the Hawks took control of the puck and limited the Senators’ chances. Even down two skaters, the Blackhawks were able to control a tremendously mediocre Ottawa team. Chicago out-shot the Sens 7-3 in the third period and easily skated away with the win after scoring their sixth goal of the night.
Five Blackhawks skaters had multi-point nights. Seth Jones and Jake McCabe had two assists each; Caleb Jones had two goals.
Kane picked up three assists in the game, one on each of Toews’ goals. Kane, Strome and Alex DeBrincat were relied on heavily with the Hawks down to 10 forwards for the final 40 minutes. All three were over 24 minutes on the ice and Strome won eight of a team-high 19 faceoffs.
Toews scored twice and was dominant at the dot; he just need an assist to get the Gordie Howe hat trick. Toews won nine of 11 faceoffs in the game.
Ryan Carpenter also won eight of 13 faceoffs and picked up an assist.
Good for the Hawks coming back. Watching Murphy go down like that leaves you feeling kind of weak as a fan. It must be really bad on the players. Glad to hear he hung around the arena and did not go to a hospital. Tyler Johnson is snake bit.
If McCabe or deHaan had the turnover on the first Sens goal that Hagel had, the boards would be roasting them tonight, as usual. The Strome TO on the second goal was almost as egregious. He had time and space. Unfortunately, the players are never as perfect as we fans are. Seth Jones will never score another goal again. Baby brother is now the goal scoring beast. Those were good snipes by Caleb. Jake McCabe, as Colby said, is the new Bobby Orr, except that he fanned on the shot after all the smooth moves. Oh well.
Fortunately, a couple lame message board cliches have been put to bed the past couple weeks. “Kane looks disinterested” is dead. “Take a bag of pucks for Strome at the TDL” is dead. “Toews is done” might not be dead, but it took a body blow tonight. Dach looks better, although he hasn’t completely buried, “Dach is a bust.”
The Hawks had some really good shifts tonight with long periods of possession in the offensive zone. We haven’t seen much of that. Now if they could do it against good teams, but they seemed intense and hungry for pucks, the way Hagel always is. Regarding the Hagel trade talk, there are certain players that earn the right not to be traded. He is one. I wouldn’t even trade him for a first and a prospect, which it is doubtful that anyone would offer, despite the rumors. What if the number one and the prospect are both busts? Can you imagine the fans then?
A fun game to watch. Nelson is a good announcer when Cohen doesn’t get him off subject.
Aside from C. Murphy and T. Johnson going down with injuries, this was a really fun game. The guys really pulled up their “big boy pants” and played a solid two-way game. Kubalik and Entwistle had the lowest TOI. But…not horrible. Borgstrom should get the call to center the 3rd line with T. Johnson down on concussion protocols. Borgstrom will give the 3rd line good size. He just needs to be solid at the faceoff. Defensively, will Regula slot in for Gustafsson or will someone else sit? Gustafsson had 3 SOG. Him and S. Jones were shooting the biscuit. Regula can QB the 2PP and play defense. I hope HC King gives Regula the call.
Lastly, if I had one criticism, it was the radio duo of young Olczyk and Ross Jr. They are not good. I’m sure they’re good guys but listening to them is painful. John Weideman and Troy Murray are THE BEST duo in all of Chicago Sports. My opinion. Troy Murray is in my prayers. He brings real insight into the booth and Wiedeman and Murray are perfect together. They’re friends and it comes across. They both know what they’re doing and they do it well.
Ok so it was just OTT but for once the Hawks didn’t play down to their opponent and played their game and dictated play at least once they recovered from Murphy’s injury
Remember Tavares being stretched off in TOR’s first playoff game last year – the Leafs never got back on track emotionally in that game and lost – the Hawks did eventually reset tonight and I don’t think that’s as easy as some may think – so good for them
Caleb a nice game – hopefully Gus is being showcased because there is no other reason for him to be in the line up
I love that Strome is playing well consistently – just another indication of how JC didn’t have a grasp on the players and their respective talents
And good on Lafferty – he’s definitely a 4th liner but if he can be one that scores occasionally that’s huge
Dach continues to look good on the wing – even if he stays there for a while or even a year or two it doesn’t mean he can’t move back to centre eventually
Fleury didn’t look that comfortable to me – maybe he doesn’t want to be traded
Good win – nice to see them scoring more than 1 or 2 a night
Hope Murphy and T. Johnson are ok, scary hit on Murphy. 1st period as mentioned was a lost one. Good on Toews for turning the game around, don’t like seeing him dropping the gloves at this point but was hoping for the Gordie Howe hattrick. A week to go to tdl, find out who is still around on the 22nd. Gus is a pressbox guy at best, hope Regula is back in. MAF not p laying his best last coiple of weeks, see what happens there.
First comments and some quick thought re Hawks this season as there are som many other things taking precedence, but still fun to watch good hockey once in awhile.
-Good to see some old Kane and Toews nuclear option.
Keep Hagel, he’s a leader and is the spirit of this team.
Wow Lafferty, keep doing that!
Hawks are 4-5 solid players /good admin and coaching away from a return to the playoffs.
If Toews can actual get his 3rd or 4th gear back for a couple years that would be huge cus currently he is still a shell of his former self, maybe 75%, with occasional glimpses of energy, but a generally slow and non dynamic skater with low motor. Not the Toews of yesteryear.
Murphy-get better and retire or gone
Kurashev-gone
McCabe-gone
deHaan-gone
Gus-gone
Borg-gone
Johnson-gone
Kubs -I dont know, with right linemates and coaching this guy can get his game back maybe
MAF- good question, can we get a 1 or at least 2 and 3? Otherwise fun to watch and he only has a couple years left, why not transition with him and a young goalie, speaking of which:
Lank-gone
Toews should start coaching up Entwhistle and Dach
Wow Strome-keep skating faster and trying harder, you can see some of those first round skills sometimes-keep w Cat and Kane and fun times there
Wow what a fall from grace for Rocky, proving he is an arrogant A ho just like his dad, and shameful, but Danny seems decent and competent. Time to hand the keys over Rocky and disappear.
Stan B road Talons coatails and was an avg. gm who really screwed up last 2-4 yrs.
Sad for Q to leave the game in shame
Typical Old boys network and pathetic organizational response to Beach scandal and other BS by Hawks, but still some great memories and moments from cup runs, and hockey is the greatest spectator sport by far.
Go Hawks
Go Ukraine and some democracy and representation in government for the people, by the people(we need more of that here BTW) and less folks listening to and believing idiots
First comments and some quick thought re Hawks this season as there are so many other things taking precedence, but still fun to watch good hockey once in awhile.
-Good to see some old Kane and Toews nuclear option.
Keep Hagel, he’s a leader and is the spirit of this team.
Wow Lafferty, keep doing that!
Hawks are 4-5 solid players /good admin and coaching away from a return to the playoffs.
If Toews can actual get his 3rd or 4th gear back for a couple years that would be huge cus currently he is still a shell of his former self, maybe 75%, with occasional glimpses of energy, but a generally slow and non dynamic skater with low motor. Not the Toews of yesteryear.
Murphy-get better and retire or gone
Kurashev-gone
McCabe-gone
deHaan-gone
Gus-gone
Borg-gone
Johnson-gone
Kubs -I dont know, with right linemates and coaching this guy can get his game back maybe
MAF- good question, can we get a 1 or at least 2 and 3? Otherwise fun to watch and he only has a couple years left, why not transition with him and a young goalie, speaking of which:
Lank-gone
Toews should start coaching up Entwhistle and Dach
Wow Strome-keep skating faster and trying harder, you can see some of those first round skills sometimes-keep w Cat and Kane and fun times there
Wow what a fall from grace for Rocky, proving he is an arrogant A ho just like his dad, and shameful, but Danny seems decent and competent. Time to hand the keys over Rocky and disappear.
Stan B road Talons coatails and was an avg. gm who really screwed up last 2-4 yrs.
Sad for Q to leave the game in shame
Typical Old boys network and pathetic organizational response to Beach scandal and other BS by Hawks, but still some great memories and moments from cup runs, and hockey is the greatest spectator sport by far.
Go Hawks
Go Ukraine and some democracy and representation in government for the people, by the people(we need more of that here BTW) and less folks listening to and believing idiots
oops sorry on double post and enjoy your Sunday folks
I’ve been critical of McCabe all season but he played his best game since becoming a Hawk. Solid game from Laferty also, this kid just might have a place here. The team is starting to show some life.
See BU was eliminated yesterday, hopefully Vlassic signs his elc soon. He is somebody who could impact top 4 on leftside in next couple of years, good size, good skater with good puck handling skill, really improved his physical game this season. Would expect Comesso to return to BU for another year but an elc possibility as well.
One thing about McCabe. Yes, he is a very average defenseman, right now. He is one year out from major knee reconstruction. At the beginning of the season, I stated how surprised I was that he was even on the ice…much less playing. Make no mistake, he is still recovering. If he is still with this team, or even if he goes elsewhere, his knee will be better, he will be faster.
Toews is just starting to recover from the injuries and last years illness. Injuries take time to heal. I don’t care if you’re an elite athlete or a Big Mac chow hound. The body takes time to heal. I think about Toews and his concussion history. Dropping the gloves last night, while inspiring, it should have been someone else. Yes, he’s the captain. He also could have, and I think he did, suffer from that fight. Punches to the head, when you’ve had multiple concussions, hurt A LOT more.
This team has a plethora of 3rd and 4th line guys. With the TDL a week away, let’s go through the players who should probably be elsewhere when the dust settles.
-Kubalik. He’s a guy that needs to be fed the puck. He’s a 3rd line guy. This team, currently, has no one that can regularly feed him that puck.
-Kurashev. He has been a minor league guy all year. He’ll be a throw in for some team that needs to have minor league players.
-Carpenter. This one hurts because I like his FO% and his PK ability. He’s a good guy to have on a team. But, we have a glut of guys in the bottom 6. If not him, then who? Entwistle? Slavin? R. Johnson? Hardman? All younger guys who can do what Carpenter does. It’s a numbers game with Carpenter. The business side will make him available.
-Khaira is done for the year and, in my opinion, done with this team. Again, lots of young guys to plug in.
-Borgstrom is an odd one. He had a shot at the 1C. When Strome stepped up his game, the coaching staff just gave up on Borgstrom. While Dach was continuously given a shot at 2C and 3C, he was never going to grab it. He’s at 2RW because, as HC King alluded to in a press conference, Dach doesn’t seem to have the fire to be an elite player. He’s not physically dedicated to being better. Maybe that’s his youth and his easy rise to the NHL. But, Borgstrom has not been given the opportunity to really solidify that 3C. Now would be a good time, with T. Johnson out. Let’s see if Borgstrom is a 3C option. If not, bring up Slavin and plug him in.
Defensively, that’s where there’s real options to be had.
-de Haan is the most asked for guy. So he’s gone.
-Gustafsson is a guy who could be a bottom pair. Not a lot of value.
-McCabe, in my opinion, will be better with another year of healing and training. But, he may not be here when that happens.
Murphy is off the table, for the TDL. He may be out for the rest of the season. I hope he’s okay, but if he’s not here as a 2nd line D, then he may be dealt in the off season. I think the former will be the case. A veteran to guide the youth.
-Stillman? I like his physical play and his attitude. His bloodline is excellent. But, here again is where numbers may get him. He can be a physical force on a playoff team. Which makes him a very interesting chip to play.
The kids in Rockford are also in play. The team has a glut of defensemen who are ready to make the jump. That also makes them interesting for other teams. Phillips, Galvas, Mitchell, Beaudin…all are possible chips to be dealt. Galvas, Mitchell, and Beaudin have skills but are under 6′-0″. Galvas has been the most seen player, outside of Regula. Mitchell has been the guy, at Rockford, who has shown a propensity to assist the offense. He would be a nice 2PP QB for the Blackhawks.
-MAF. Does he move? He gets THE MOST return. The big question is “Will he find a team that he wants to go to?” I guess we’ll find out soon enough
My 2 boyzzzzz – Sam Lafferty and Caleb Jones the type of player you keep. Sam Lafferty has that speed, the grit in the corners, plays up and down the lineup, great on the penalty kills gives you an explosive counter punch on the PK and has the outside speed to dump and chase and also get to the outside and does take it to the net too. Lafferty ,Caleb and Hagel are the type of players you build a team around. I believe that the players YOU let go show your intent and direction and ability to judge talent.
I’d love to see Lafferty on top line sometime soon and powerplay. Caleb Jones my other boy is making it happen as predicted, big big upside, still a little over aware of making mistakes, when he has the confidence to push his offensive game = Trust, he will outplay his older brother. He was in PERFECT position for his two goals, not fading out at the blue line, but in that “Sweet Spot” that guys like YOSI hang out in, 15 – 20 feet out. Caleb is like 24 years old. CAPTAIN JOHNNY played his best game of the year, even without the goals, finally some VISIBLE leadership ( not the in the locker room crap but on the ICE ) Fight was good too but he skated so hard, he was aggressive and had a jump in his game. No drift in his game ( for you insiders) I still know he’s not well @ 100% never will be and can’t play like that every night, but it was awesome to see him at the level even if it’s one game. I still demand he not burn minutes, calories and energy on the penalty kill. Yes great to get a draw in our ZONE but then get off the ice.
What can you say about the FLOWER? just a damn professional, a street fighter.
Go hawks
McCabe? McCabe? One errant comment over the telly by annoying Hawks announcers and his name is mentioned in the same breath as Bobby Orr? I know it was a joke but . . .McCabe? He’s 28? Jesus, he’s average at best, no real speed, no size, no real upside, he does a lot “okay” which will keep him in the NHL but man he can go, McCabe? No demand for his skill set. Even a guy like Gustafsson has a glimmer in his offensive game, Gus has no bankable D-skils but I could see him having some value to some wildcard team. Go Hawks – Hawks have few GUYS to hold and some of these guys have had a lot of ice time to prove it. Our D core sadly i think has not gotten the time on ice to help them develop, got pick your 3 or 4 new d-men and give them minutes, Defense is the hardest, hawks too inconsistent in this area, commit, give them time to make mistakes and let them grow. We’re in last place! nothing to lose.
Regula sent back down to Rfd., not surprised as tdl and playoff roster for Rfd. all coming into play in the next week.
Never happen but Reichel and Hardman seem to be having some good chemistry in Rfd., like to see them up a few games with Kubalik, to see how they look together as a line.
Evan- great 1st post… agree w almost all… except for the Hawks are 4-5 players + Coach from being good… Unless those players are in same mold of Barkov/Marchand/Bergeron types
not gonna happen that fast
then a gain- if inflated $$$ cap from 19/ $Jones – disappeared – could happen sooner than later
Hardman has some Bryan Bickell tendencies which is very good. Solid as a rock . . . Bick has some offensive skills too, wrist shot amazing! BUT the Hawks do a horrible job in development, not much to learn in AHL or Rockford etc. Find the 3 or 4 players to invest in and give them ice time, make mistakes and grow, while playing vs NHL talent NOT vs career players who are stuck in the AHL making 60,000 a year. Kubalik is too soft, seems lost on offense unless it’s like last year, Strome has taken his place, just be in position and wait, But Kubalik can’t make his own plays and watch him fade on the fore check.
Lukas Reichel looked okay when he was up, sort of a “TWEEEENER” he’s maybe 6 foot? Hawks need size to catch up with the NHL. But Reichel has an upside obviously he’s 19. Seems to want to learn but down in the “minors” he wont learn much, the NHL speed and size is amazing.
Good to see this team finally grab hold of a game and finish it off. It’s a shame Lafferty doesn’t have hands that can keep up with his speed because that speed is a game changer and noticeable on most shifts. I think he would slot in very well on a 3rd line next year. Caleb looked incredible and sent a message on the ice and in the pist game to King about sitting him. Time for Kubalik to sit Here come the Bruins!
Kubalik is gone if they can getting anything for him, just like to see Hardman and Reichel with a scorer for a couple of games. Teply playing with them in Rfd., need an Nhler with them though. Lafferty being given another contract is a no brainer to me.
Better watch out Tab, some of these guys are very long winded just might be after your job.
Sillinger hat trick tonight with Columbus… Thx Stan for giving the no 12 pick
Spilt milk. Or thanks Stan for trading Shaw for 2nd rd pick from Montreal. Let’s look forward not in the rear view mirror.
Don’t everyone get excited about the Hawks playing a bit better now. Hawks have done this in the past when the season is over and playoffs out of reach, they start playing loose, no stress games because nothing is on the line. Just saying….seen it before so this doesn’t surprise me. They are still bottom 10 in the league which means CBJ will get a nice player, especially since they don’t have our Lame scouting staff and GM.
Let us finish not getting either one of the top two picks. Hopefully we get picks for what we have. Make those picks for the ’23 draft.
Play the kids next year. I never root for a loss. Don’t believe in tanking. Get our youth some experience. If we sign MAF play him 50% max. Bedard is our goal.
Matthews should get a 1-2 games suspension for the dangerous cross checked to the neck of Dahlin .. really stupid and you see more and more off those cheap shot ..safety department should start giving more suspensions and take control of the league. Before something bad happens
Emily’s Dad: It’s OK, nobody reads those long-winded posts. Short precise comments are the best.
Hammer
So true ..not many of us read the long posts hahaha .. I am affraid to fall asleep reading it. So I skipp for later that never come .
Less then 6-8 lines are the best.
Hope Murphy will be ok soon …we need him .
7 days left. Need some trade action from anyone to start the puck er ball rolling!
@McCabe – Let’s hope that Mr. Bobby Orr has some trade value. In the words of the famous Chicago philosopher, Carlos Zambrano – “He Stinks!”.
@Murphy – Well, Murphy’s Law strikes again! Just when I wanted Murphy traded, he gets hurt and loses all of his trade value!
@Gustafson – We found Waldo!
@deHaan – I would love to see him deGone!
Matthews is a real jag and not very bright. Wish Dahlen would have pummeled him because the Leafs have no one to come to his rescue with Muzzen out. The Leafs are going nowhere. The Great One was pretty blunt about their team play and playoff chances.
Jack McBain will hit the FA market. The Blackhawks could get him for a 2nd Rd Pick. He’s 6′-3″ 201 lbs. Lefty. He was drafted by Minnesota in 2018. He played at Boston College. This kid is a 2 way player with some good skill.
Does the team need a center? Yes. He’s a big guy, with skill, and plays a solid two-way game. With no 1st Rd Pick, this kid is worth a good look. At 22, he can come in to play right away.
Hey Davidson!!! LET’S DO THIS!!!
Tommy Ivan- thanks for the laugh
especially enjoyed the ” Murphy’s law” one- sadly/selfishly I thought same thing when he went down
Murphy probably gives most value from D man trades- for picks- cuz he is decent and NOT ridiculously overpaid, solid #5 – who can fill #4 spot for a good team in a PO spot- short term.
Going into the year- I expected 2 of 3 ( if not all 3) to go down to injuries — McCabe/Murph/ no-D-haan
They all have been injured multiple times in their careers -and are getting slower/older.
Edman agree MacBain be a good 3rd C in another or so. He wants to go ufa route rather than sign with Wild, he may or may not want to sign with Blackhawks either, is the big thing.
Matthews got a 2 game suspension.
@Mr. Blutarsky – my goal is to say a couple of smart things on my posts, but mainly to make people laugh, think, and see an opposite yet funny point of view!
So, I am glad that you enjoy my posts, as I always enjoy yours!
We just need to make some trades – soon!!