The Chicago Blackhawks made up for another slow start by shutting out the Arizona Coyotes in a 4-0 win on Tuesday night. Scott Darling saved all 22 shots he faced in the game to deliver his first shutout of the season.
Chicago came out sputtering yet again at home with just one shot on net in the first five minutes of the game. However, a beauty feed from Patrick Kane to Artem Anisimov late in the first began to set the tone of the game, with the Hawks getting on the board and scoring their first power play goal in five games.
Two goals from Marian Hossa gave him Nos. 13 and 14 on the season in just 27 games. Last year, Hossa scored just 13 goals in 64 games. He really does just get better with age.
Darling was very good to deliver just the third shutout of his career. Darling became the first goalie to shutout the Coyotes so far this season.
Although the Hawks’ avoided a three-game losing streak, they lost another key player during their victory. After colliding with Arizona’s Jordan Martinook, Brent Seabrook went down onto the ice awkwardly, and was slow to get on his feet. He managed to skate off the ice on his own terms, but did not return to the game. His status is currently unknown.
Turning point
The Blackhawks came out hot in the second, scoring two goals in 21 seconds to take a 3-0 lead. Hossa struck first, with a pass from Ryan Hartman bouncing off his right skate, allowing him to go backhand to forehand past the left side of Mike Smith. Dennis Rasmussen scored the third goal of the night, and his second of the season capitalizing on a behind the net pass from Richard Panik.
SCH Three stars
1. Marian Hossa (2 goals, 3 shots on goal)
2. Scott Darling (22 saves in 22 shots, earning the shutout)
3. Artem Anisimov (1 goal, 1 shot on goal)
Play of the game
The first snow of the season was two days ago so Arty has been practicing his shoveling technique pic.twitter.com/d09qKtuXPy
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 7, 2016
The goal that got it all started came from this incredible pass from Kane to Anisimov. With Kane putting it right onto Anisimov’s stick, a tap from Arty right through Smith’s five-hole put the Blackhawks on the board first.
Lines
Panarin-Anisimov-Kane
Hartman-Kruger-Hossa
Motte-Rasmussen-Panik
Hinostroza-Desjardins-Tootoo
Keith-Hjalmarsson
Campbell-Seabrook
Forsling-van Riemsdyk
What’s next?
The Blackhawks get a two day break before their third of a four game homestand as they host the New York Rangers at the United Center Friday night.