Coming off an overtime win over the lowly Ottawa Senators, the Blackhawks headed to Columbus to face a dangerous Blue Jackets team. Although the Blue Jackets are filled with talent, they are hanging on by a thread in the playoff race. Entering Saturday’s game they were tied with the New York Islanders for the wild card spot.
For the Blackhawks, Saturday’s contest seemed to be just another useless game, as the playoffs are definitely out of reach. Despite this hopeless reality, this game could mark the last time the Hawks roster plays together. With rumors swirling all around the twitterz, the lineup you see below could be completely changed at the trade deadline, and what you see March 1 in San Jose, could be remarkably different.
These were the Blackhawks starting lines:
Brandon Saad-Jonathan Toews-Tommy Wingels
Tomas Jurco-Artem Anisimov -Patrick Kane
Alex DeBrincat-Nick Schmaltz-Anthony Duclair
Vinnie Hinostroza-David Kampf-Ryan Hartman
Duncan Keith – Jordan Oesterle
Connor Murphy – Brent Seabrook
Erik Gustafsson – Jan Rutta
Anton Forsberg
Well, I am not sure anyone has said this much this season, but the Blackhawks came out fast on Saturday night. The fourth line featuring David Kampf, Ryan Hartman, and Vinnie Hinostroza, even put the Hawks on the board less than two minutes into the game.
Two Columbus players, defenseman Scott Harrington and forward Jussi Jokinen, combined to make a turnover deep in the Blue Jackets zone. The turnover was largely caused by the disruptive speed and fore-check from Hinostroza and Kampf. Hinostroza was then able to corral the puck in the corner, and quickly made a centering pass to Hartman, who then fired a wrist shot. The shot was redirected off Kampf at the front of the Columbus net, and found its way past Columbus netminder Sergei Bobrovsky, for Kampf’s third goal of the season.
From there, the Blackhawks continued their strong play through the first half of the first period, drawing a penalty from Columbus forward Brandon Dubinsky. But, like with so many other power plays, the Blackhawks failed to capitalize. It was really a turning point in the game even though it was so early on. The power play was a great opportunity to go up 2-0, on the road, in the first ten minutes of the game. Instead, the Hawks let them back in the game.
This lead to a boneheaded penalty by Hartman, a high sticking minor against Columbus forward Lukas Sedlak. The penalty came with about three minutes left in the first, and was well behind the play of a Hawks odd man rush, the type of play we have grown accustomed to seeing from Hartman. It also led to him sitting the bench for the large majority of the game, with a minute’s total of 4:16 because of the penalty.
So, the league’s second worst power play took the ice, and did not let the opportunity go to waste. 30 seconds into the Columbus power play, Duncan Keith and Alex Wennberg provided the screens used by Cam Atkinson, who fired a top shelf wrist shot past Anton Forsberg, who clearly could not see the puck.
The score would stay tied for the final two minutes of the first period, with the Blue Jackets leading in shots on goal, 15-11.
The second period started off with an early chance for the Hawks to redeem their lack of success on the man advantage. Kampf continued his strong play, drawing a penalty at 3:48 in the second period. But, the power play woes continued as the Hawks looked disoriented yet again.
Fortunately, the Blue Jackets were unable to capitalize on their strong penalty kill, opening the door for an unlikely figure lighting the lamp.
Two incredible passes led to the second and final goal for the Blackhawks Saturday night. The first was a rare stretch pass from the Blackhawks defense, as Erik Gustafsson sent an impressive bank pass to Patrick Kane, who was flying up the right-wing boards. Kane continued to the right circle, slowed down, and set up Tomas Jurco, of all people, in the slot. To his credit, Jurco took advantage of the grade A scoring chance, and put a shot past Bobrovsky to the glove side.
As the middle period progressed, the teams exchanged chances, and the Blackhawks were unable to extend, or even maintain their lead.
It was a painful goal for Hawks fans, as they had to watch Artemi Panarin set up Pierre-Luc Dubois perfectly on a 2-on-1. Forsberg was caught down much too early, and Dubois scored his 14th goal with ease.
Heading into the third, with the period tied, the Blue Jackets led the Hawks in shots on net, 23-22.
The third period needs very little description, as many of you have seen this story before. In a close game, where they led twice, the Blackhawks were unable to finish the task at hand.
At 11:14 in the third, Josh Anderson entered the offensive zone, drove to nearly the goal line, then stopped and fired a shot past Forsberg. It was a deflating goal, and one that should have never been scored, as it was one of the softer goals Forsberg has given up all season.
Despite the Columbus goal, the Blackhawks led the third period in shots on net, and definitely had the edge in play. But, that is how this team has operated all season. With strong Corsi and Fenwick numbers, they continue to fail when it comes to converting on their puck possession and chances. That was the story of the third period, and was what ultimately led to their demise. They finished the game with a shot advantage of 33-29, a 46% faceoff percentage, and only five hits.
Pluses:
- I continued to enjoy watching David Kampf play hockey. I think he can eventually be better than Marcus Kruger because of his size and offensive upside. Maybe that is an extreme statement, but I really enjoy watching him play.
- Another guy who I love watching is Vinnie Hinostroza. I am not sure he is more than a 3rd line winger on a playoff team, but he bring great speed, energy, and could provide that bottom six scoring for a playoff team. He showed all of those qualities against the Blue Jackets, and hope to see him in an Indianhead sweater in the playoffs next season.
- Jan Rutta also had a very strong game, playing 20 minutes, and maintaining a plus 2 rating. Rutta has had a very up and down season, and I am not sure what he will be, but on nights like this, I think he could definitely be a top 4 defenseman, something he showed for a long stretch early in the season. If he can maintain that consistency, I think the Hawks have something to build with.
Minuses:
- Ryan Hartman, it is time for you to find a new home. This guy reminds me of Bryan Bickell in the inconsistency in effort. Now I understand Bickell had much larger health issues, but I remember he would play like an All-Star one game, and an AHLer the next; that is what Hartman does as well. Against Washington, Hartman was a legit difference maker, and now a few games later, he takes an awful penalty and plays four minutes. I think he has good value, and it is time for him to find a new home.
- The power play needs no intro, or any more energy typing or rambling about it. It’s just bad.
- Anton Forsberg has played well lately, but I was not impressed with his performance against his former team. The third and final goal of the game CANNOT happen. If he even wants to be a backup in the NHL, he will need to prevent goals like that, period.
Trade Deadline:
As of now, the Blackhawks have only waived Lance Bouma, and not made any trades. After seeing what Pittsburgh gave up for Derrick Brassard, and what the Bruins gave up for Rick Nash, they would be foolish not to take advantage. Buyers at this year’s deadline are clearly willing to spend, and it is imperative for the franchise’s future, that Bowman takes advantage of this.
If this lineup looks the same Thursday night, I will be thoroughly disappointed. Tommy Wingels, Ryan Hartman, and Artem Anisimov should all be gone in my opinion, and I wouldn’t be opposed to trading even more pieces like Connor Murphy or Erik Gustaffson. This team needs a major shakeup, and the Blackhawks have a prime opportunity to cash in on this market, full of buyers ready to spend.
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