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RECAP: Blackhawks fall in shootout in Maroon and Martinez swan songs

  
RECAP: Blackhawks fall in shootout in Maroon and Martinez swan songs
Alec Martinez and Pat Maroon played the final game of their NHL careers on Saturday as the Chicago Blackhawks fell 5–4 to the Winnipeg Jets in a shootout. (Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

In the Chicago Blackhawks’ final home game of the season, the Hawks were celebrating the careers of Pat Maroon and Alec Martinez. Both veterans were brought in to help nurture a young group through this season. While it has been known for a few weeks that Maroon was retiring at the end of the season, Martinez announced his retirement moments before the game started.

With the Hawks going with the kids in the final two road games, Chicago got to celebrate the careers of Maroon and Martinez one final time.

The lineup for the game was as followed:

First period

The Hawks got the scoring started with a shorthanded goal from the captain, Nick Foligno.

Less than two minutes later, the Hawks’ special teams came through again, this time on the power play as Connor Bedard doubled the lead.

The primary assist on the goal was from Sam Rinzel, who has made a profound impact on the Hawks in his young career. Chicago led 2–0 after the first period.

Second period

The Jets jumped back into the game, as Nino Niederreiter scored his 17th goal to cut the lead in half. Later in the period, Kyle Connor tied the game was his 41st goal of the season. Despite giving up two goals in the period, Spencer Knight showed why the Blackhawks were happy to acquire him.

Third period

In the third period, Josh Morrissey put the Jets up with his 13th of the season. The lead stood until Ryan Donato tied the game up at just past the halfway point.

The electric Frank Nazar gave the Hawks the lead later in the period.

Morrissey scored again late to send the game to overtime.

Overtime and shootout

After a scoreless overtime, the Hawks and Jets went a shootout, which the Jets claimed with two goals to the Hawks’ one.

Analysis

Congratulations to Maroon and Martinez on great NHL careers. Both men were three-time Stanley Cup champions. It was a first-class celebration all game with the Hawks honoring both with video tributes. The Jets showed class by having a handshake line for Maroon and Martinez following the game.

On the ice, Bedard notched a goal and assist in the game. He is now the franchise leader in assists for a teenager, passing Eddie Olczyk. Bedard is one goal shy of his career high. Nazar continues to improve as the season goes on. He now has 10 goals and 13 assists in 51 games.

Rinzel continues to be impressive in first NHL stint. The young defenseman is making the simple plays look easy and looks to be wise beyond his years.

After the loss, the Hawks are locked in the 31st spot and second-best odds to win the lottery. They will enter the draft in the same position as last season. That gives them a 13.5% chance of winning the lottery. Based on their position, the Hawks cannot fall lower than the fourth pick in the draft.

The Hawks’ next game is Monday at 6 p.m. against the Montreal Canadiens. Of note, the controversial Ivan Demidov is expected to make his NHL debut in the game, as will newly signed forward Ryan Greene, who inked his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks on Sunday following Boston University’s defeat in the NCAA National Championship game on Saturday night.

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