UA-59049186-1 Blackhawks 2, Predators 1 (OT) - Good if it Goes

Blackhawks 2, Predators 1 (OT)

Box score (ESPN)

The Blackhawks’ offense was again sluggish as they took on the defending Western Conference champions. While the Hawks weren’t dominated, they were certainly outplayed. The team misses Nick Schmaltz. Tanner Kero did fine at 2C, but he doesn’t bring as much to the table as Schmaltz does and isn’t the fit Schmaltz is between Kane and Hartman. The defense was strong, though I’m a bit puzzled as to why Connor Murphy was scratched. I’m not going to get upset about that trade just yet because a) it’s been 5 games and b) the Hawks would have had to trade Hjalmarsson after this season anyway or lose him for nothing, and his trade value would have taken a major hit. He turns 31 in June, is in line for a big payday after next season, and everyone would know the Hawks would have had to trade him. That said, I would like to see more from Murphy. Being a healthy scratch against a team you were brought in to improve the match-up with is not ideal.

shirt_ad

My picks for 3 stars:

★★★ Pekka Rinne, G, NSH (33 SV, 2 GA)

★★ Brandon Saad, LW, CHI (1 G (GWG))

Corey Crawford, G, CHI (37 SV, 1 GA)

Twitter: @KSchroeder_312

E-mail: schroeder.giig@gmail.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *