There’s been a lot of talk recently about this rough stretch for the Chicago Blackhawks. Going into Tuesday’s matchup with the Arizona Coyotes, they had lost three of four and created a bit of a buzz after they called a ‘players only’ meeting to try and right the ship before the struggles progressed any further. The obvious hope was that hosting the Coyotes, who are currently trying to fend off the Edmonton Oilers to stay out of the Western Conference cellar, would present the Hawks with an opportunity to get back on track. And they did so, in a big way, taking this one by a 6-1 count.
In a game of 60 minutes, you could easily say that the Blackhawks had the puck for about 50 of them, and you likely wouldn’t be too far off. The Hawks dictated possession throughout the night, as well as the pace of play. The Coyotes were simply unable to hang with them, as this one was a few Mike Smith saves away from getting completely out of hand. As bad as Smith has been this year (and, boy, he’s been awful), he was able to get to a few pucks and keep this somewhat respectable for the road team.
The Hawks got on the board for a pair in the first period. The first came on a Jonathan Toews power play (not a typo) goal, with Andrew Shaw adding another about six minutes later, off of a perfect pass from Teuvo Teravainen. The Blackhawks launched 20 shots at Smith in the opening frame overall, to just nine for the Coyotes.
The Blackhawks went on to run the lead up to 4-0 before the Coyotes could respond. Patrick Kane scored his 200th career goal on a rebound that Mike Smith had no chance on. Teuvo Teravainen added his second of the year, and second of his career, on a loose puck off a Smith rebound as well. While Smith could certainly have been worse, the rebounds cost him big time in this one.
Arizona went on to respond on a goal from Lucas Lessio, on a gorgeous backhand goal on which Antti Raanta had no chance. Say what you want about him celebrating down 4-1, it was the kid’s first career goal. Let him have his moment. Especially since Andrew Shaw didn’t. Shaw added his second of the game less than two minutes later on a wrister from deep, that Mike Smith likely could have – and should have – had. David Rundblad threw in a garbage time goal on a wicked shot.
This is the kind of performance the Blackhawks needed, especially coming off of the stretch that they were prior to Tuesday. They dominated in every phase of the game (really, except HITS, but who needs #grit when you can score goals?) and the scoreboard reflected that. They outshot the Coyotes 51-36, while running away in Corsi, at a 78-48 count. It’s a nice confidence boost heading into the second leg of the back-to-back in Pittsburgh on Wednesday night.
Onto the stars!
Three Stars of the Night
3. Patrick Kane
Antti Raanta could go here, as he allowed just the one goal on 36 shots, but we’ll go with the Hart Trophy candidate in Patrick Kane. A three point night has him at 51 on the year, bringing him into a tie with Sidney Crosby for third in the league, five back of Jakub Voracek. He had a couple of sequences where no Coyote could touch him, and he simply did whatever he wanted to in the offensive zone. Thing is, it has nothing to do with the Coyotes being as bad as they are. Kane’s just that good.
2. Andrew Shaw
Shaw finally broke out of whatever rut he’s been stuck in for this last stretch of games with a solid night. He was clearly feeling it in this one, as he had six shots on the evening, two of which found their way past Mike Smith. More than any of the five goals, you know those will stick out to Smith, given their history. He finished with a CF% of 86 on the evening. Dude was nails tonight. Probably first star worth. But he’s not Teuvo so…
1. Teuvo Teravainen
A goal and an assist for young Teuvo on the night, and he very well could have had more of each. He’s showing flashes of becoming the player that everyone is expecting him to be. In addition to his feed on the Shaw goal, and his hands on his own rebound goal, he had a couple of very nice setups, including one to Marcus Kruger that very nearly resulted in a goal, if not for an Arizona penalty to prevent it. The kid’s got it, and it’s becoming more evident each night.
Randy Holt is a staff writer for Second City Hockey. You can follow him on Twitter @RandallPnkFloyd.