Blocking shots, scoring goals and winning championships — thanks for everything, Hammer pic.twitter.com/TesF3U3fsf

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 4, 2022

First period

The Blackhawks jumped out to an early 1–0 after the fourth line generated an aggressive forecheck. Sam Lafferty forced a turnover in the corner and the puck squirted to Ryan Carpenter on the half boards. Carpenter fed Philipp Kurashev in the right circle who found Lafferty alone in front of the net and he skated across the crease and fired one through the pads of Koskinen for his second of the season at the 2:34 mark.

Following a Duncan Keith video tribute, the Oilers went on their second power play of the period after the Hawks committed their second penalty for too many men. This time, the Oilers cashed in and tied the game at 1–1 at 14:35. Connor McDavid skated around the net and through the left circle then backhanded a pass to Leon Draisaitl who fired a one-timer from a bad angle past Fleury for his 38th of the season and his league-leading 17th power play tally.

At the 16:55 mark, the Hawks took a 2–1 lead. Caleb Jones pinched in and tapped it to Dylan Strome who had a 2-on-1 down low and he fed a wide-open Patrick Kane who fired a one-timer from the left circle for his 17th of the season.

The Oilers tied it at 2–2 with 33.8 left in the opening frame. With both teams skating four-on-four, Draisitl skated down the right side one-on-one with Connor Murphy who appeared to have him well covered but a pass attempt deflected through to Evander Kane who skated in alone down the middle and wristed one past Fleury for his sixth of the season.

After a wild first period, the Oilers had an 11–8 advantage in shots on goal.

Second period

The Hawks generated several quality scoring chances including a near shorthanded tally by Brandon Hagel, however, neither team lit the lamp in the middle frame. The Hawks erased two Edmonton power play chances while the home team failed to score on their only man-advantage of the period. The Hawks outshot the Oilers 12–5 for the period and held a 20–16 advantage through 40 minutes.

Third period

The Hawks broke the 2–2 tie at the 2:49 mark when Koskinen went behind the net to play the puck then wrapped it around the boards right to Dominik Kubalik who shot it into an open net from the half boards for his 11th of the season.

Late in the third, with the net empty, the Hawks won the draw but Ryan Carpenter failed to clear the zone. A Seth Jones turnover led to Evander Kane, from the side of the goal, passing the puck in front which went off Calvin de Haan’s stick and into the net to tie the game at 3–3 with 49.3 left. For Evander Kane, it was his second of the game and seventh of the season.

Edmonton outshot Chicago 16–10 in the third which gave the Oilers a 32-30 advantage after regulation.

Overtime

Less than a minute into the extra frame, Draisatl was penalized for tripping Caleb Jones in the neutral zone to set up a 4-on-3 power play for the home team. The Hawks would cash in when Patrick Kane fed Alex Debrincat in the right circle but Cody Ceci blocked the one-timer, however, the puck went right back to number 88 who made the exact same cross-ice pass to “The Cat” who buried it for his 30th of the season at 2:23 of overtime to secure a Blackhawks win. The Hawks outshot the Oilers 2–0 in overtime and the two teams finished knotted at 32 in shots on goal for the contest.

Like we said: don’t doubt Cat and Kane in OT #CloroxClutch pic.twitter.com/5x5w5xJ1TI

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 4, 2022

Analysis

The Hawks rebounded nicely from not only giving up a late goal to force OT but a dreadful loss to the St. Louis Blues last weekend. Defensively, the Hawks limited the number of high danger chances by the high-powered Oilers with a ton of blocked shots and an aggressive forecheck. Additionally, the power play came through in a big spot after spending some practice time recently working on their execution with the man advantage.

The Hawks return to the ice on Saturday in Philadelphia for a matinee against the Flyers.  Puck drop is at 2 PM CST on ESPN+ and ABC with the radio call on 720 WGN.

The post Blackhawks defeat the Oilers in a 4–3 OT win appeared first on The Rink.

Coach Dave Hakstol was without defenseman Jamie Oleksiak for this game, who was in COVID-19 protocol. Chris Driedger was given the start over Philipp Grubauer, who left Wednesday’s game with an injury but was available to play. Edmonton was without some of their top contributors in Zach Hyman, Jesse Puljujarvi, and Kyle Turris.

DONATO STAYS HOT!
pic.twitter.com/3CildJipJN

— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) December 19, 2021

The Kraken came out with some energy in the first period, scoring goals by Red Hot Ryan Donato and Jared McCann in the first half of the period, but Edmonton finally wiped the sleep from their eyes and game battling back to tie the game on a goal by Evan Bouchard and a power play goal by Warren Foegele before the teams could hit the intermission. Unfortunately for the Kraken, the Oilers led in shots 20–7 but Driedger weathered the storm enough to keep the score tied.

The game settled down a bit in the second period, with Edmonton leading in shots once again, but only by a 9–7 margin. The teams traded goals by Edmonton’s Colton Sceviour and Seattle’s Carson Soucy, which set up a 3–3 game heading into the third period. The Kraken had to be feeling fortunate that they were still in the game despite the 29–14 shot disparity.

After two periods where they fought and clawed (mostly by their goaltender) their way to stay in the game, things just fell apart in the third period. The Kraken managed only three shots on goal, while the Oilers threw 12 shots on the Seattle net. Foegele scored his second of the game 8:54 into the third on a disputed goaltender interference call and Connor McDavid (remember that guy?) put the cherry on top with an empty net goal in the final minutes of play.

In the end, the Kraken were probably lucky to even be in the game as late as they were, so they might be able to dress this loss up as a moral victory. Driedger certainly should.

Anchor points

  Driedger might want that Bouchard goal back, but overall, he played a solid game and put the team in a position to win. When your team cannot manage 20 shots on goal and they give up 41, you should not be within one goal in the third period.

“Not up in here!” -Chris Driedger, probably.

Check out tonight’s @WAFDbank‘s Signature Save of the Game. pic.twitter.com/kR720t1UN2

— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) December 19, 2021

  The Kraken only had one power play of their own and were not able to convert. On the other hand, Edmonton converted on one of their two power plays.

  The game was not a total loss. Seattle had several close calls at the Edmonton end of the ice, as they appeared to go for quality over quantity. There were posts hit and a couple of big saves by Edmonton starter Stuart Skinner.

  Edmonton crushed the Kraken in every relevant possession metric, which predictably figured in the final score:

5-on-5 Corsi (total shot attempts) 70% – 30%
5-on-5 Fenwick (Unblocked shot attempts) 67% – 33%
5-on-5 High Danger Chances For 65% – 35%
5-on-5 Expected Goals For 66% – 34%
Faceoff Percentage 58% – 42%

  The Kraken were supposed to face the Toronto Maple Leafs later tonight, but the game was postponed due to Covid-19 concerns (along with Thursday’s game in Calgary). As a result, their next contest will be Tuesday at Climate Pledge Arena against the Arizona Coyotes. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. PDT (allegedly).

The post RECAP: Oilers spoil Kraken return home, win 5-3 appeared first on The Rink.

It has become commonplace for the Kraken to either score or give one up fairly early on in their games. This game was no different. The score was 2–1 in favor of the Oilers just over six minutes after puck drop. Both Edmonton goals were at the hands of Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl, while Kraken veteran forward Jaden Schwartz scored an exciting end-to-end goal of his own sandwiched between Draisaitl’s markers.

Jaden “end-to-end” Schwartz. #NHLOnSN pic.twitter.com/rsZxyo57Gs

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 2, 2021

That said, Seattle only gave up four shots on goaltender Joey Daccord in the first period, while sending six shots at Koskinen. It almost seemed like Head Coach Dave Hakstol knew he could not slow down the Oilers stars, so he sacrificed Daccord at the altar of Draisaitl.

It was much of the same in the second period, with Seattle outshooting Edmonton 14–8. Longtime Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith scored his first goal as an Oiler, while Kraken defenseman Carson Soucy scored his second of the year late in the period. As the horn for the second intermission sounded, the Kraken were leading in shots 20–12 but down 3–2 on the scoreboard.

Carson Soucy with all the heat on that rip. pic.twitter.com/6Ha3KGWTwh

— NHL (@NHL) November 2, 2021

The Kraken were still in the game, though, at the intermission.

Unfortunately, the wheels fell off the cart in the third period. Daccord gave up two more Oilers goals, which put the game out of reach with over seven minutes still to play. Edmonton forwards Kyle Turris and Kailer Yamamoto seemed to eat Daccord up in close, which was a theme on the night.

Anchor points

The Kraken power play has continued to fail them again and again. They had two second period opportunities to tie the game and failed. Edmonton went one for three on their opportunities, which is actually less than their ridiculous season average of 46.2%. As good as the Kraken penalty kill is, Edmonton’s world-class power play is going to score at least one. If Seattle could just match that, the game could have had a different outcome.

Not that Daccord had a chance, but the Kraken needed better goaltending when the game was still early. Three goals on 12 Oilers shots is simply not adequate.

For the second game in a row, the Kraken led their opponent in most relevant possession numbers. They led 57%–43% in Corsi (shot attempts) and 60%–40% in Fenwick (unblocked shots). They also had more high danger chances (14–11) and had an expected goals percentage of 56%. The numbers were there, but they could not get a save.

Defenseman Adam Larsson had an awful night against his former team, with a team-low 33% 5-on-5 Corsi.

The Kraken are back home on Thursday to face the Buffalo Sabres. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. PDT.

The post RECAP: Kraken cannot stop well-oiled Edmonton machine, lose 5–2 appeared first on The Rink.

Huge slate of games today. Let’s dive head first into my picks:

Dallas Stars (+148) vs. Boston Bruins (-175)

O/U: 5.5 +107

The Bruins’ home opener in TD Garden should be electric hockey. The “perfection line” of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak are back and ready to dominate the NHL. I like Boston’s forward depth and their defense is solid. The only question is how their goaltending will fair with Rask still recovering from offseason surgery. 

Dallas beat the Rangers on Thursday night in overtime. Call me out if you want, but I’ve never been a fan of Dallas’ forward group. It feels like they are missing a piece. But their blue line is legit and can shut teams down. 

My pick: Bruins 3-way -106. The Bruins have plenty of scorers up and down the lineup. If they run the score up, I don’t see Dallas closing the gap

New York Rangers (-108) vs Montreal Canadiens (-108)

O/U: 6 -107

Neither team has had the start to the season each was looking for. The Canadiens have been run out of the building in their first two, allowing seven goals while only netting just one in each contest. For their opponent, the Rangers responded after their loss in Washington in the season opener. They played the Stars tough and picked up a point. 

My pick: Rangers ML. Their offense is far and above better than the Canadiens, at least on paper. Goaltending is going to be a concern in Montreal until Price can return. The Rangers pick up their first win Saturday night. 

Calgary Flames (+118) vs Edmonton Oilers (-137)

O/U: 6.5 -109

Offense, offense, and more offense! There are a ton of goal scorers on both benches in this one. No need for a long explanation here. 

My pick: O 6.5. Pucks will be flying off sticks at a high rate in this one, with two teams who want to play fast and skate around or through you to light the lamp.

I will have a bonus play at 4:30 p.m. CDT on my Twitter, @ThomasGibbons_3.

Happy gambling and remember, always ride the Tommy Train. 

Basics of hockey betting Money line — Winning team Puck line — Team wins by at least two goals (-1.5 when placing a bet) Three-way line — Team wins in regulation  Over/under — Total goals scored during a game including overtime but not a shootout  Parlay — A combination of two or more bets

The information contained on this website is for entertainment purposes only. Please confirm any wagering regulations in your jurisdiction, as they vary from state to state, province to province and country to country. Using this information to contravene any law or statute is prohibited. The Rink is not associated with or endorsed by any professional league, association or team.

The post Tommy’s Puckline Picks — October 16, 2021 appeared first on The Rink.

Overall, the game did not have a high goal count, but there were plenty of shots and action around goalies Joey Daccord (SEA), Philipp Grubauer (SEA) and Stuart Skinner (EDM). They all saw their fill of shots, saving a combined 64 of 67 (.955 save percentage), with Skinner giving up two goals, Grubauer giving up one and Daccord going a perfect 8 for 8.

Seattle tied the game with under a minute remaining in regulation and the goaltender on the bench for the extra attacker. Jaden Schwartz was the momentary hero for the Kraken after the Brendan Perlini swan song continued, with his third goal vs. Seattle this preseason early in the second period.

Center Jared McCann continued his hot play, with the Kraken game-winner with under a minute remaining in the overtime period. The “home” team outshot Edmonton 41–26 in the contest.

Anchor points

On Thursday, the Kraken announced that (D) Ryker Evans, (F) Brent Gates, (F) Tye Kartye, (F) Ryan Lohin, (F) Cole Mackay, (G) Francis Marotte, (F) Jacob Melanson, and (C) Ryan Winterton had all been released from camp or re-assigned to their junior club.

Postgame, they announced that (G) Antoine Bibeau, (D) Connor Carrick, (D) Cale Fleury and (F) Gustav Olofsson had been waived. This means they are probably headed to the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL.  Forward Luke Henman was sent to Charlotte outright.

Antoine Bibeau (SEA), Connor Carrick (SEA), Cale Fleury (SEA), Gustav Olofsson (SEA), Tanner Kaspick (STL), Matthew Peca (STL), Nolan Stevens (STL), Maxime Lagace (TB), Otto Somppi (TB), Daniel Walcott (TB), Shane Gersich (WSH), Lucas Johansen (WSH) and Dylan McIlrath (WSH).

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) October 2, 2021

The Kraken face the Flames again, in Kent, Washington, tonight. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. PDT.

The post RECAP: Kraken get revenge, beat Oilers 2–1 in overtime appeared first on The Rink.

If you came here looking for another “feel good” article about the Chicago Blackhawks’ return to playoff glory in 2020, you are probably in the wrong place. And certainly, there are lots of those out there.

That said, we offer, as always, an objective take on the games just concluded, as well as an assessment of where the team is in a larger sense—so here it goes.

Good news: The Blackhawks made it further than most expected.

Bad news: They pretty much got dominated in the first actual playoff round by a team with a talent level the Blackhawks need to attain themselves.

Which means: The Blackhawks have some work to do. And they may not be able to get that work done soon enough in light of their salary cap structure, prospect pipeline and other factors.

There is a temptation, that some may have already succumbed to, to color this first round loss to the Vegas Golden Knights as proof that “whatever Stan Bowman et al are doing, it’s working.” And therefore, just stay the course, In Stan We Trust.

And in the America of 2020, where opinions are driven entirely by emotion and not fact, you can always find the “right” set of “facts” somewhere on the internet to support your opinion.

So, on the surface, you can point to the fact (and it is a fact) that the Blackhawks made the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. However (also a fact), they got an assist from a pandemic and a “liberal” play-in format that included all but the worst seven teams in the league. The Blackhawks were in that tier between No. 17 and No. 24 that got a break, and they took advantage of it, beating a disappointing Edmonton Oilers team three games to one.

In that series, the Blackhawks showed more balance, more desire and more willingness to mix it up physically than the highly touted Oilers. Those are all positives, at least in terms of how Chicago measures up against what was ultimately an overrated team like Edmonton.

But, in the first real playoff round, against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Hawks struggled for the most part (to put it charitably). Were it not for the Game Four heroics of goaltender Corey Crawford, the team would have been swept. The Blackhawks also foiled the Vegas power play for the first four games. But otherwise, at five-on-five, arguably the best metric of playoff viability, the Blackhawks were dominated by a bigger, deeper, more-disciplined and relentless team.

The Brandon Saad-Jonathan Toews-Dominik Kubalik line, that was the best for either team against the Oilers, was less of a factor versus Vegas. Newly minted, $6.4 million-per-year winger Alex DeBrincat got his first goal of the playoffs on an empty netter in Game Four, and had a nice actual goal in Game Five. Pierre McGuire, predictably, was all oooohs and ahhhs over Kirby Dach and Adam Boqvist (deservedly so in terms of the potential of both young players), but failed to point out how physically overwhelmed both were (in reality) at times.

The point of all this: Vegas is a very good team, and one that may go deep in the playoffs this year or even come out of the Western Conference. So, you can choose to rest your argument that the Hawks are “improving, just not there yet” on that. Or, you can take a more discerning stance and say the gulf between the Hawks today and the team they need to become is wide, with at best a highly questionable bridge.

Because as always, with the “plan” that Bowman is seeming to execute, the calculus is: “Let’s find and develop youth around the remaining Stanley Cup core (Crawford, Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith), and we will get back to the top of the league.”

The problem is, as we have just seen, there is a difference between 19-year-olds dabbling in a few first-round games, and 27-year-olds pushing to make the finals. It is called development, experience and time.

Sure, the Hawks have “experience” aplenty in the aforementioned core. But, it is experience that is getting old and running down with each successive season.

Two years ago, we all thought Crawford and Brent Seabrook would be around and contributing for at least a few more seasons. Seabrook now looks done. Crawford had a couple of phenomenal games in these series, but the rest were pedestrian (at best). And how will we be talking about Keith or Toews two seasons from now?

So, the only way to validate or support the approach that the Blackhawks organization is taking to return to the league’s elite is betting that, in order to improve, they will acquire more players and prospects of Dach and Boqvist caliber (i.e., top-10 draft picks who at least somewhat pan out), and then develop them awfully quickly before the current core loses any more tread off its tires.

Thanks to “winning” the play-in series, the Blackhawks look to be drafting around 17th in the first round, not exactly prime position to snag an impact player, not even the goalie of the future they so desperately need.

That is literally the only way the Hawks can do it—through the draft—thanks to some pretty bad salary cap management.

There was a time 5-10 summers ago when the Blackhawks would have to nip and tuck every offseason and get creative to hopefully sign their RFAs and stay under the salary cap, which is a zero-sum game—if you are spending every dime you have under the cap to retain your current guys, there is not much money left to improve with.

This summer, the Blackhawks are back there again, but this time, they are going to have to spend every dime to retain Kubalik, who at 26, may never be better than what he is now, and possibly Dylan Strome (ditto). And, they may even have to lose a serviceable veteran defenseman like Olli Maatta to do it.

The zero-sum game now applies to a fringe playoff team, not a perennial Cup contender.

How did we get here? Look no further than the money being paid to Toews, Kane, DeBrincat, Saad, Seabrook and soon Kubalik. The only “value” in the core is 37-year-old Duncan Keith at $5.5 million per year.

Following the Game Five loss to Vegas, Steve Konroyd and Jamal Mayers were throwing around the idea of extending Crawford this offseason for three years at $5-6 million per year, a notion that it would seem a lot of Chicago fans would be okay with, because…the salary cap is “fake news” and, hey…“Crow.”

But, here is an actual fact. Including the two admittedly stellar outings Crawford had in the playoffs, his overall numbers were 4–5 with a .907 save percentage and 3.31 goals against average. He will be 36 soon and he has had long periods of inactivity due to concussions (which do not get “cured”).

You want to lose Maatta or Saad to finance this madness? Guess what, Maatta was maybe your best defenseman in these playoffs and Saad is not easily “replaced” by some kid who was playing for Penn State last year. It does not actually ever work that way.

In life, to paraphrase “Da Coach,” be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it.

Or, in the end, you get what you really deserve, because there is really nothing to suggest that the Blackhawks can be a meaningfully better team next year, with another year coming off the careers of the aging core.

So, if you really just want to be a team sniffing around maybe getting a playoff spot (and “anything can happen”) year after year, then you may want to just “stay the course.”

Another quote ringing around my head as I pen this recap is the title of that old Talking Heads song: The Road To Nowhere.

If you would rather rejoin the league’s elite, larger work needs to be done—that probably cannot be done without a fresh, no-holds-barred perspective from the top of the organization down, and some big (and probably unpopular in the short term) rebuilding moves.

For fans, it was fun to actually make the playoffs, and to win one game while there, but in the larger sense of redirecting this franchise, the Blackhawks still desperately need to shake things up.

These playoffs should not be seen as validation of Bowman and Jeremy Colliton, but rather further proof that measured baby steps, and resting on past laurels, are not going to be nearly enough to lead the team back to glory.

Being “positive” about the Blackhawks should not be defined as just seeking validation for Bowman or Colliton or a roster and organization still full of holes. It should be defined as recognizing and applauding when the team is actually aggressively pursuing the greatness fans deserve for their dollars.

And when the Blackhawks do that, we will.

The post ANALYSIS: Blackhawks’ playoff run ends; now what?  appeared first on The Rink.

Aside from a highly unanticipated Hawk blowout in Game 1, Games 2 and 3 were essentially even.

If Edmonton chalked Game 1 up to no legs and a particularly poor start to the game by goaltender Mike Smith, then Game 4—with the Oilers’ backs to the wall on essentially home ice—would be the true test.

Did most of us underestimate what is left in the tanks of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith? Or is Edmonton just not ready for prime time? Or would the Oilers regain their footing in Game 4, sending the series to a fifth and deciding game?

While Mikko Koskinen split Games 2 and 3 in net for Edmonton, he certainly still appeared to be a better alternative to Smith—and Koskinen would be the starter for Edmonton in Game 4. Corey Crawford, who had not needed to be very good thus far in the series—and to this point was not—remained in net for Chicago.

First period

Edmonton got on the board in the game’s opening minute, when Connor McDavid set up Josh Archibald on a beautiful cross ice pass, catching a disoriented and out-of-position Chicago defense completely off guard. Think a classic Hawk defensive zone Chinese fire drill of the last two seasons—only this time minus Erik Gustafsson. The tally put Edmonton ahead 1–0 just 45 seconds into the contest.

Edmonton dominated the first five minutes, but at 14:44 on one of the Hawks’ first shots, Brandon Saad scooped up a rebound, circled the back of the net and tucked one past a flailing Koskinen to tie the game at 1–1 5:16 into the frame.

After Edmonton defender Darnell Nurse made a weak attempt to advance a puck behind the Oilers’ net, the Blackhawks took possession and kicked it out to Keith at the point. Keith launched a shot that was nicely tipped by Matthew Highmore for his second tally in two games, giving Chicago a 2–1 lead just under eight minutes into the period.

Edmonton began to mount some serious pressure with their defensemen activating and taking some risks in the last 10 minutes of the period. The pace and intensity of the game was noticeably picking up. Nurse then had another miscue, allowing Toews to get behind him at the Edmonton net, forcing Nurse to take him down and earn two minutes at 15:54. The Hawks mounted some nice pressure on the ensuing power play, but Edmonton scrapped and scuffled to kill it off.

Koskinen really seemed to be fighting the puck and flopping around, but somehow managed to hold the Hawks at bay on several quality chances. The period ended, oddly enough, on a Highmore high-sticking penalty, giving the potent Edmonton power play a chance to open the second.

Second period

Before Edmonton could get much going on its power play, David Kampf picked off a pass near the top of the Chicago zone and went in on a breakaway that Koskinen stopped. With the penalty expiring, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins slammed a rebound past a fallen Crawford to level the score at 2–2 just over two minutes into the second stanza.

At 2:32, Alex DeBrincat, Stan Bowman’s “disappearing $6 million man,” took an awful five-minute major penalty boarding Edmonton defenseman Ethan Bear from behind. But, before the Oilers could capitalize, Nurse made yet another boneheaded play, drawing an interference call at 4:48. Edmonton killed their portion of the four-on-four, leaving 41 seconds left on DeBrincat’s major. Chicago nonetheless got the kill, but Edmonton kept the pressure on.

Crawford was then tested on a few high-quality chances at even strength and came up big. Koskinen was also tested at times throughout the remainder of the second. Both goalies flopped and flailed quite a bit, but managed to keep the score tied.

The period ended in the midst of another Edmonton power play after Dominik Kubalik took a slashing penalty at 19:49. This period may have featured the most intense hockey of the series.

Third period

Crawford stopped several Edmonton chances to open the period and helped the Blackhawks kill off the penalty. He also had a lucky horseshoe in his pads when beaten by Andreas Athanasiou, only to be bailed out by the crossbar.

About a minute later, Drake Caggiula took an ill-advised cross-checking penalty on Athanasiou, putting the Oilers back on the man advantage. Perhaps Crawford’s best save of the game came on a James Neal chance off a sweet passing play about midway through the power play. The Hawks then killed off the remainder.

Edmonton continued to pressure the Hawks at even strength, when for the first time in the series the Hawks appeared to have tired legs. But the Saad-Toews-Kubalik line struck again with breathtaking quickness, with Toews winning a puck on the end board and feeding Kubalik for that lightning one-timer at 8:30, lifting Chicago to a 3–2 lead.

Yet Edmonton kept coming, and Crawford kept responding. The action was fast and furious back and forth until Edmonton tried to pull Koskinen around the two-minute mark—and got hit with an unforgivable too many men call.

Edmonton then dialed up one last onslaught at five-on-five with Koskinen pulled, but it was a day late and a dollar short. Playoff Corey Crawford showed up, and as it was throughout the series, the Hawks’ first line of Kubalik, Toews and Saad was the best on the ice. Game, series, Chicago.

The Blackhawks defied the experts. Here at The Rink, we had the series going four games—to the Oilers. Edmonton’s goaltending and defense, especially without Adam Larsson the last two games, were exposed.

Now the Blackhawks wait until Saturday to see who they face in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Well earned. Comment below.

The post Along the Boards: Blackhawks top Oilers 3–2, take series in four games appeared first on The Rink.

After serving a one-game suspension for an illegal check to the head, Drake Caggiula made his way back into the lineup for the Blackhawks. Meanwhile, Oilers defenseman Adam Larsson was ruled “unfit to play” during warmups. Caleb Jones drew into the lineup to replace Larsson, sliding onto the third pairing alongside Matt Benning.

For once, Connor McDavid did not score early in the period to give the Oilers an early lead. Instead, the Blackhawks were the ones to put the puck in the net first. More specifically, Olli Maatta gave Chicago a 1–0 lead just under halfway through the opening frame with a blast from the point.

Voice activated personal assistant, play Chelsea

It was only a Maatta of time before someone got on the board and it's the @NHLBlackhawks first! #EDMvsCHI | #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/u2pyalTeR8

— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) August 6, 2020

But, just 30 seconds later, the Oilers tied it up thanks to Hart Trophy nominee Leon Draisaitl. Three Blackhawks were looming behind the goal line and got caught there once the puck found its way to Tyler Ennis, who passed it over to Draisaitl.

They don't call him Neon Leon for nothin'

The Oilers even the score quickly. It's gonna be a good one. pic.twitter.com/qju570iTKY

— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) August 6, 2020

After the tying goal, both teams traded a handful of chances. But the Blackhawks had a surplus of golden opportunities in the first period, including three posts. Within the final four minutes of the period, three penalties were called on the Oilers, giving Chicago a five-on-three opportunity they eventually capitalized on.

After Alex DeBrincat found Kirby Dach down low, the rookie tossed the puck in front of the net for Dominik Kubalik. Kubalik could not put it past Edmonton netminder Mikko Koskinen, but the biscuit somehow found its way in off Jonathan Toews‘ foot with 4.2 seconds left in the first period, giving the Blackhawks a 2–1 lead.

Somehow went in. Blackhawks have the lead heading into the 2nd period!

Stream: https://t.co/5Fh2WVMIU9 pic.twitter.com/tQE0BSODY9

— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) August 6, 2020

With just under five minutes gone by in the second period, the Oilers found themselves with a couple of good chances in the offensive zone. From the boards, Benning put a slap shot on net. Chicago goaltender Corey Crawford was able to get a piece of that shot, but was unable to corral the rebound. Once again, Draisaitl found the puck and lifted it past Crawford to tie the game at 2–2.

DRAISAITL! AGAIN! #NHLonSN pic.twitter.com/yzHMDkQgrl

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 6, 2020

Edmonton and Chicago exchanged power plays throughout the period, and Brandon Saad hit his second post of the game. Both teams remained fairly undisciplined throughout the rest of the period, which seems to be a theme during this series.

With around three minutes left in the period, Dach laid a hit Ennis, who unfortunately was injured on the play. Ennis, an Edmonton native, left the game without putting any weight on his right leg.

DeBrincat and Benning got into a scrum and both were given infractions just over a minute later. Unfortunately for the Blackhawks, DeBrincat was called for both slashing and roughing, putting Edmonton on the power play.

The Oilers moved the puck well on the advantage and eventually capitalized. Draisaitl tossed the puck to the front of the net. Crawford could not grab the rebound, the puck landed on McDavid’s stick and he gave Edmonton a 3–2 lead heading into the final frame.

You can always count on Connor McDavid to get it done

The @EdmontonOilers take the lead heading into the break. pic.twitter.com/DJakImfRcN

— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) August 6, 2020

Things moved a bit faster during the third period. Toews hit the post off a rebound just over four minutes in, narrowly missing out on leveling the score. In total, the Blackhawks hit five posts during the game.

After back and forth action throughout the frame, Chicago found some time in the offensive zone with 5:47 left. Slater Koekkoek took a slap shot close to the blue line. Matthew Highmore deflected it in right by Koskinen to tie the game at 3–3.

BLACKHAWKS TIE IT

You're not going to want to miss the rest of this game, promise:
: NBCSN
: https://t.co/lkz1HvPxNq pic.twitter.com/mMj2OEnKAQ

— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) August 6, 2020

In a major turn of events, the Blackhawks were given a gift of a goal. Toews won an offensive-zone face off, allowing Chicago to try and get the puck on net. Connor Murphy snapped it toward goal, hoping for a tip from Toews, and that is exactly what he got. Well, kind of. The puck actually went off Toews’ knee after being deflected by Edmonton defenseman Ethan Bear. Either way, it was a goal, giving the Hawks a 4–3 lead with just over a minute remaining in the game.

Despite some pressure from the Oilers late, Chicago held onto the lead and took a 2–1 series lead.

A stellar face-off win by the Captain sets the @NHLBlackhawks up to take the lead late in Game 3! pic.twitter.com/oiKChbTqUO

— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) August 6, 2020

Along the boards

Kirby Dach led all team forwards in ice time at 23:21, which is new a career high. #Blackhawks

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) August 6, 2020

Everyone noticed how good rookie forward Kirby Dach looked during Phase 3 training camp. That has clearly translated into actual game play so far, and he looks fantastic. He is battling along the boards for pucks and planting himself in front of the net on the first power play unit. Dach is doing everything fans want from him, and he is been rewarded by earning more and more ice time every night. So far, he has four points in three games, all of them being assists. Hopefully he gets a goal at some point, because he truly deserves it.

The Blackhawks are 1-for-6 on the power play, and that one goal came on a 5-on-3 and was an accident.

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) August 6, 2020

There is no question the Oilers’ special teams are very good, but Chicago’s power play was abysmal tonight. Outside of the five-on-three conversion, they generated little to no opportunities every time they had a man advantage. In a series that hinges on power play and penalty kill success, this team simply cannot give away prime opportunities when up a man.

https://twitter.com/DimFilipovic/status/1291229556238454784?s=20

There is not much to point out here. It is there for you to see. The Blackhawks have to do a better job at defending the right side of the net. Edmonton is getting most of their chances from this area of the ice. Crawford also needs to do a better job at controlling rebounds. While there was no game plan to plant defenders at this side of the night tonight, there needs to be one going forward or the Blackhawks will find themselves in a lot of trouble.

The Blackhawks and Oilers will be back for Game 4 on NBCSN on Friday. The game is scheduled to begin at 5:45 p.m. CDT.

The post Along the Boards: Blackhawks defeat Oilers 4–3, take 2–1 series lead appeared first on The Rink.

In Game 2, the Oilers were led by Connor McDavid. The former Hart Trophy winner struck early and often in this contest. 

Just 19 seconds into the first period, McDavid got the Oilers on the board, as Adam Boqvist blew his assignment and left McDavid wide open.

19 seconds in. Fans weren’t even in their seats yet… #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/UQ8eDOZ9zW

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) August 4, 2020

After going up 1–0, McDavid kept his scoring jets fired up and went top shelf on Corey Crawford for the Oilers’ second goal of the game and a 2–0 advantage.

Connor McDavid’s second of the game is ridiculous pic.twitter.com/iiUElNEVN7

— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) August 4, 2020

With momentum firmly on Edmonton’s side, Chicago responded with an answer of their own. When the spotlight is bright, the stars shine the brightest. One of the Blackhawks’ bright stars, Patrick Kane, cut the lead in half at 2–1 with a goal of his own.

Patrick Kane scores his first goal of the postseason and lets out a big celly. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/dHIiDorLCF

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) August 4, 2020

The chaos of the period continued, but the score at the end of the first period was Edmonton leading 2–1.

In the second period, the Oilers struck first with a goal from Tyler Ennis, pushing the gap to 3–1. The Edmonton native went five hole on Crawford from distance.

What a shot from the hometown boy.

Tyler Ennis makes it 3-1 from the point! #NHLonSN pic.twitter.com/HE2eBbMVpb

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 4, 2020

After the Ennis goal, the Oilers began their parade to the penalty box, as Edmonton committed three consecutive penalties. Despite the trio of power play chances, the Blackhawks’ special teams offense was stymied by the Oilers.

With both teams at full strength, the game got even crazier with a goal from Slater Koekkoek to cut the Chicago deficit to one at 3–2. This was Koekkoek’s first-ever postseason goal and point.

Slater Koekkoek with a beautiful shot to draw the Hawks within 1!

Stream the game: https://t.co/5Fh2WVv7vz pic.twitter.com/ajeqSbhjaF

— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) August 4, 2020

The second period continued its unpredictability when fellow defensemen Olli Maatta scored the equalizer to level the score at 3–3. It was Maatta’s third postseason goal of his career and his first as a member of the Blackhawks.

We’ll take it! Maatta’s blast trickles in to tie things up.

Watch live: https://t.co/mfQ1ZBC5v2 pic.twitter.com/hzd3N9eJ4D

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) August 4, 2020

After two goals from unlikely goal scorers, the Oilers went back to the power play. Unlike the Blackhawks, McDavid was not silenced and scored his third goal of the game, notching the hat trick with less than four minutes left in the second period. This was the lone power play goal scored in the game by either team and put Edmonton ahead 4–3, the score after 40 minutes.

Connor McDavid finds twine on the shot-pass to finish the hatty!

#LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/JxOjJrg7mz

— Hockey Daily 365 (@HockeyDaily365) August 4, 2020

After fighting valiantly for two periods, the Oilers pulled away from the Blackhawks in the third period. In a span of 40 seconds, Edmonton doubled up the Blackhawks to extend the Oiler lead to 6–3. Edmonton got goals from James Neal and Alex Chiasson to bury the Blackhawks to cap the night’s scoring.

Along the Boards

In Game 1, the Blackhawks were lead by the Jonathan Toews and Dominik Kubalik line. In Game 2, the Blackhawks’ offense was lead by Patrick Kane, Kirby Dach and Alex DeBrincat. Kane tallied one goal and one assist, while Dach and DeBrincat each marked two assists.

With Drake Caggiula serving a one-game suspension, Chicago head coach Jeremy Colliton chose to play John Quenneville in his place. Quenneville spent just 5:05 on the ice in the loss.

The Oilers made a change in net. Mike Smith started Game 1, but was replaced by Mikko Koskinen for Monday’s outing. Koskinen made 23 saves on 26 shots for an .885 save percentage.

The Blackhawks and Oilers will be back on NBCSN on Wednesday. The game is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. CDT.

The post Along the Boards: McDavid blitzes Blackhawks en route to 6–3 decision appeared first on The Rink.

Game 1          3 PM, Saturday, August 1
Game 2          10:30 PM, Monday, August 3
Game 3          10:30 PM, Wednesday, August 5
Game 4           Friday, August 7 (if necessary)
Game 5           Saturday, August 8 (if necessary)
(All times Eastern)

Regular season stats

Head-to-head
Chicago 2-1-0
Edmonton 1-2-0

Special teams
Edmonton power play 29.5% (1st) v. Chicago penalty kill 82.1% (t-8th)
Chicago power play 15.2% (28th) v. Edmonton Penalty kill 84.4% (2nd)

Faceoffs
Chicago         49.9% (17th)
Edmonton      49.0% (23rd)

SF/SA
Chicago         31.8/35.1
Edmonton      29.6/32.0

Avg. age/height/weight
Chicago
6’1”, 191.5 lbs, 25.4 years

Edmonton
6’2”, 197.3 lbs, 25.9 years

Projected lineups

Chicago

Dominik Kubalik – Jonathan Toews – Brandon Saad
Alex Nylander – Dylan Strome – Patrick Kane
Alex DeBrincat – Kirby Dach – Drake Caggiula
Matthew Highmore – Ryan Carpenter – David Kampf

Duncan Keith – Adam Boqvist
Calvin DeHaan – Connor Murphy
Slater Koekkoek – Olli Maatta

Corey Crawford/Malcolm Subban/Colin Delia

Edmonton

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Connor McDavid – Zack Kassian
Tyler Ennis – Leon Draisaitl – Kailer Yamamoto
Andreas Athanasiou – Riley Sheahan – Josh Archibald
James Neal – Jujhar Khaira – Alex Chiasson

Oscar Klefbom – Adam Larsson
Darnell Nurse – Ethan Bear
Kris Russell – Matt Benning

Mikko Koskinen/Mike Smith

Analysis
This series will ride on the relative health and player status of the two teams— whether it’s quick, three game work for the Oilers, or if the Blackhawks can channel past mojo and make a four or five game contest of it.

On paper, the series tilts toward the Oilers, though that could be mitigated by the recent return to “health” of goaltender Corey Crawford. A healthy and dialed in Crawford gives the Blackhawks a chance in any series. However, in light of his absence from practices and injury history over the last two seasons, that Crawford is far from assured at this point. If Crawford plays, and plays very well in the Wednesday exhibition versus St. Louis, then consider this series a more even match than it was a week to ten days ago.

And you can argue that old stalwarts Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Duncan Keith also give the Hawks a chance every time they hit the ice. But the Chicago supporting cast in August 2020 pales in comparison to that of the Blackhawks last playoff series win in June 2015 (yes, it’s been that long). And that’s where this series will likely turn— in favor of the Oilers.

In any playoff series, it’s all about the matchups. And it’s usually about which team imposes itself physically on the other. Nearly across the board, the Oilers seem to be getting the better of the odds.

Special teams? A pretty clear advantage to Edmonton.

5-on-5?

Aside from the fact that the Oilers are faster than the Blackhawks, they are also bigger. In particular, as playoff hockey tends to be much less “officiated”—and clutching, grabbing and grinding on one end or other is much more prevalent—the Oilers big, nasty defense corps, led by Adam Larsson, Darnell Nurse, and Oscar Klefbom, will have a huge advantage against a basically pretty soft and somewhat inexperienced Chicago forward group. While Alex Nylander, Dylan Sikura, and Kirby Dach have been at times dominant in no/low contact intra-team scrimmages, as they say, there ain’t nothin’ like the real thing, baby.

The Oilers are going to target and try to intimidate these players from the first puck drop. Add Dylan Strome and Alex DeBrincat to the Oilers’ list as well. And don’t think of it so much as running around for big hits, but bodying younger, smaller Chicago forwards off of pucks, an elbow here, a cross check there, seeing how quickly the young Hawk forwards will start pulling up early, quitting on pucks, and otherwise daydreaming about golf season.

Playoff goals tend to be a lot more greasy than those in the regular season, and a pure perimeter team (which is what the Columbus Blue Jackets turned the heretofore “greatest team in recorded history,” the Tampa Bay Lightning, into last April in a four-game sweep) tends to fold like a tent in the postseason. Unless the Hawks can muster a lot of pushback, this is Edmonton’s game plan.

It’s not like these Oilers are the 1983 version of themselves either, but they are a team on the rise and with good reason. All Everything centers Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are essentially this decade’s Crosby and Malkin. This duo gives Oil head coach Dave Tippett the ability to roll two potent scoring lines or load up putting both of the superstars out at the same time. Consider this, McDavid and Draisaitl were on pace for 114 and 127 points respectively when the regular season ended in March. Sure you can argue: stop them and stop the Oilers. But beyond Toews, the Hawks don’t seem to have the horses down the middle to get that done.

Assume Toews will be out against McDavid or Draisaitl. But if Toews takes one, that means Dylan Strome or perhaps Kirby Dach or Ryan Carpenter must take the other: a massive mismatch up and down the ice. Dach may emerge over the next couple of years as a fine NHL player. But a recent stellar performance in no-contact team scrimmages does not mean “yeah, roll him out against McDavid, no problem.”

There was a time when Joel Quenneville could do the same with Kane and Toews, but this is 2020, Kane and Toews are both to varying degrees not quite what they were five to seven years ago, and Hawk head coach Jeremy Colliton is no Quenneville either.

Quite frankly, he has not proved he’s in Tippett’s league.

You almost feel sorry for Colliton in this series. Hell, with the slow slide to mediocrity the Hawk front office has facilitated for the last five years, you feel sorry for him all the time.

Regardless, he’s going to be highly challenged trying to matchup with the speed and size of the Oilers, and always in Edmonton’s building.

Does Chicago have any chance in this series?

Well, no one really knows how “healthy” Crawford is except the player himself and perhaps his doctor. And even then, with COVID-19, there is ample and growing evidence that even young, otherwise healthy patients can have mild symptoms followed by “negative” tests for several days—then suddenly fall off a cliff.

We do know Crawford is unlikely to be 100% dialed in after four months off and a week of practice. And then he is going to see a lot of rubber night in and night out. That’s if he even plays in game 1, or then past game 1. Remember, we were all told Brent Seabrook was going to play until we heard he couldn’t.

Everyone at Hawks camp keeps raving about the strides taken by 2019 #3 overall selection Kirby Dach, but if there’s one other Hawk X-factor in this series, it may be 2018 #8 overall selection Adam Boqvist.

Boqvist could literally go either way in this series, getting caught way too far up ice or out of position and end up with Michelin tracks all over him—or he could rise up to the promise of his exceptional mobility and offensive talent and really give the Oilers an unexpected problem. Or both. But more likely the former than the latter, because again, we’re lighting candles here.

Finally, if Chicago can surprise the Oil in Game 1, take two of the first three, and Crawford plays, it goes five and will be a nail-biter. But . . .

Prediction

Oilers in 4 if Crawford plays. Oilers sweep if he doesn’t.

The post Blackhawks at Oilers/Round 1 Play-In Preview appeared first on The Rink.

The #Oilers are in on Saad but like Toffoli, Saad will have multiple teams interested. His ankle injury is considered relatively minor. Worth keeping an eye on. https://t.co/seNFLfbuzH

— Kurt Leavins (@KurtLeavins) December 30, 2019

Considering that the Blackhawks are currently one of the bottom ten teams in the NHL and last in their division, this kind of talk should come as no surprise to the Chicago faithful. Despite Saad’s ankle injury and subsequent trip to the long term injured reserve list, the Western Conference foes value his modest $6 million cap hit and steady production. Leavins and Spector go on to state that the additional year on his current contract (following this season) has been a bit of a stumbling block instead of being just a typical trade deadline playoff rental.

With both teams having (alleged) depth on their defense, organizationally, this kind of deal might interest Stan Bowman. Saad’s age, experience, and consistent production is just what a playoff bound team could use on the left side.

The 2011 second-round draft pick is in his second stint with the Blackhawks after originally getting traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the summer of 2015. He was re-acquired in the much maligned Artemi Panarin trade on June 23, 2017. This season, Saad is fifth on the Blackhawks in scoring with 19 points (11 goals, 8 assists).

The-Rink’s very own John Jaeckel estimates Saad’s trade value to these clubs as potentially returning a mid to late first-round pick, a young player and a solid prospect. Edmonton has some very young defensemen like Evan Bouchard and Philip Broberg, while the Avalanche have a plethora of young promising defensemen such as this year’s first-round draft pick Bowen Byram. Those players may or may not be in available, but Stan Bowman should definitely be inquiring about players of that level of pedigree.

Another player that is undoubtedly available in Edmonton is 2016 fourth overall pick Jesse Puljujärvi who has been holding out from signing with the Oilers and is currently playing in Finland with Oulun Kärpät of Liiga.

What could a Saad-to-Edmonton/Colorado trade fetch for Stan Bowman and the Blackhawks? Register for our message board and comment below!

The post REPORT: Oilers and Avalanche inquiring about Brandon Saad appeared first on The Rink.

The Blackhawks entered Monday’s contest still searching for their first victory of the season. Chicago looked poised to beat Winnipeg after taking a 2–0 lead early in Saturday’s game, but ultimately fell short of their first win. Instead, the Blackhawks looked to beat one of the two remaining unbeaten teams in the NHL.

The Blackhawks experienced a heavy line shakeup ahead of Saturday’s contest. The lines set for Monday were as follows:

DeBrincat – Toews – Caggiula

Shaw – Strome – Kane

Saad – Kampf – Kubalik

Smith – Carpenter – Nylander

Keith – Gustafsson

Maatta – Seabrook

de Haan – Murphy

Crawford

Despite a good game from Robin Lehner on Saturday, the Blackhawks opted to go with the veteran Corey Crawford against the league’s top team on Monday night.

First period

The first period started well for the Blackhawks. Not even 15 seconds into the period, Dominik Kubalik fired an absolute rocket at Mike Smith for the game’s first solid chance. 

Despite the fast start for the Blackhawks, not much happened in the period. The Blackhawks managed to fire 10 pucks at Mike Smith in the first compared to the Oilers’ 12. A notable stat from the first period was the Blackhawks’ penalty kill keeping the league’s second-best power play off the scoresheet early. 

The Oilers came up empty on their two power plays in the first period, but Edmonton almost took the lead on the power play after drawing iron on the man advantage. 

However, the post proved to be Crawford’s best friend and ultimately kept the game scoreless through the first period. The Blackhawks not only lost the shots on goal battle in the opening frame, but also were losing in the face off dot with Edmonton winning 56% of the draws. 

Second period

The Blackhawks came out of the first intermission with a sense of purpose, admittedly something they lacked in the last three games. After some pressure early from the Blackhawks, they were rewarded.

Just after the four-minute mark in the period, the Blackhawks and Oilers lined up to Smith’s right for a face off in the Edmonton zone. Dylan Strome won a critical faceoff after a bit of a scrum for the puck. After Strome gained possession, he found Patrick Kane, who had yet to move from his starting position, and Kane buried the puck past Smith after a little backhand-forehand motion.

Patrick Kane (@88PKane) isn't even a center and he owns the face-off dot. pic.twitter.com/DXSSUVsAA7

— NHL (@NHL) October 15, 2019

Not long after, Andrew Shaw set the tone for the period. After defenseman Joel Persson was mesmerized by Kane behind the net, he did not see Shaw coming from his weak side. Shaw delivered a clean, hard hit to Persson, knocking him straight to the ice. Persson’s teammates did not like the Shaw hit and took exception. Ultimately, Jujhar Khaira took a roughing penalty for going after Shaw.

BRUH pic.twitter.com/5ldfitthC4

— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) October 15, 2019

Despite the power play opportunity, the Blackhawks could not capitalize, keeping the score dormant at 1–0. 

Both teams traded power plays for much of the remainder of the period. With about four minutes left in the period, Brandon Saad nearly had a beautiful goal after he danced around an Edmonton defender. Saad took the puck hard to the net after gaining the inside on an Oiler defender, but ultimately hit the post. The goal would have been highlight-reel material for the power forward.

With just under three minutes remaining, the Oilers looked like they tied the game. Despite the optimistic call, the goal was waived off for goaltender interference. Connor McDavid had speed around Connor Murphy and took the puck to the net. Crawford stopped the initial bid, but McDavid continued into Crawford, causing the puck to cross the line, therefore resulting in the no-goal call.

Chicago was able to take their lead into the second intermission. The Blackhawks looked much better in the second period for the first time in this young 2019–20 season. 

NBC Sports Chicago broadcaster Pat Boyle mentioned at the end of the period that Jeremy Colliton challenged his team to be better in the middle frame and it is safe to confidently say they did just that. A 17-shot period for the Blackhawks gave them the 27–18 shots on goal advantage.

Third period

The Blackhawks brought the same energy out in the third period as they did in the second. The Blackhawks’ defense was all over the Oilers early. 

Just under seven minutes into the period, the Blackhawks’ effort paid off. The fourth line was out on the ice against McDavid and young Alexander Nylander made an excellent play against the Edmonton superstar. 

As McDavid went to bring the puck up the ice, Nylander was there to take away the puck from McDavid. Ryan Carpenter pushed the puck up the ice and Nylander was all over it. He gained possession just to the left of Smith and hesitated slightly to get Smith out of position. Nylander made Smith pay, and wired a beautiful shot past the goaltender to give the Blackhawks a 2–0 lead.

Five hole and goal! #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/i8BliaweuM

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 15, 2019

Quickly following the goal, the Blackhawks were sent to the power play after a poor offensive zone penalty by Khaira. However, the Blackhawks were unable to capitalize.

With 8:45 remaining in the period, Strome had an excellent opportunity in front of Edmonton’s crease. As the second line dominated possession in the Edmonton zone, Shaw was able to get the puck to Kane behind the net, as Kane slid the puck away from the scrum and finessed it out in front. Strome had an opportunity after a Kane pass, but Smith beat Strome with an excellent save to keep the deficit at two for the Oilers.

The period was a chippy one, as Calvin de Haan and McDavid exchanged pleasantries after a solid check by de Haan.

No love at all rn pic.twitter.com/XIDDQthFnK

— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) October 15, 2019

With just over two minutes remaining, the Oilers were able to take advantage of a six-on-four power play. James Neal scored his eighth goal of the young season for the Oilers after a nice pass from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to find him back door. 

It's Real Deal James Neal (@jneal_18) with goal No. 8 on the season. pic.twitter.com/XjE9pHBp5l

— NHL (@NHL) October 15, 2019

With just over 30 seconds remaining, David Kampf made an excellent play on the wall in the Blackhawks zone to get the puck down the ice. With the goalie pulled, Saad gained possession deep in the Edmonton zone and dished the puck back to Jonathan Toews. Toews’ shot was blocked by Nugent-Hopkins and Kampf’s follow up shot was denied too. However, Saad found the puck laying in the blue paint and tapped it into the empty net to give the Blackhawks the 3–1 win.

Brandon Saad seals the deal for the #Blackhawks with a well-deserved empty-net goal. Chicago wins 3-1 pic.twitter.com/CHw3J4IOt2

— Juliana Nikac (@juliananikac) October 15, 2019

Quick hits:

• D-D-Defense! — The defense looked spectacular on Monday night. It finally felt like the pairings were the way they should be. Keith and Murphy played well together (more on that in a minute), Gustafsson found his ideal partner in de Haan and the Maatta-Seabrook pairing continued to play well. This feels like the first time in a while that the defense is actually…good?
• An “A” for effort! — The team’s effort was outstanding against Edmonton. The Blackhawks’ forecheck was constantly in the face of Oilers defenders and made it difficult to play against. That high level of energy is what it is going to take for this team to win games. Now that there are more “grit” and “energy” players in the lineup, this could be an identity the Blackhawks adopt: be aggressive, be energetic and be a pain to play against.
• Oh my Nylander! — Despite looking lost in the first period and barely seeing the ice in the second, Nylander scored the game-winning goal on Monday night. Nylander seemed to find his step on the fourth line in the third period, playing with a lot of energy and being rewarded with a goal on a hustle play that saw him strip McDavid and outhustle defenders to get to the puck. If Nylander can contribute in a limited role, he could prove very valuable to the team’s depth.
• Where’s McDavid? — Fans did not hear McDavid’s name called all that much on the broadcast Monday night. He was almost non-existent. Specifically, the Keith-Murphy pairing did an excellent job against McDavid’s line and played excellent during the 23-plus minutes that both players played. The recipe for success against the Oilers is to shut down their stars and the Blackhawks did exactly that on Monday.
• I love Calvin de Haan — De Haan has brought a lot of assets to the Blackhawks that they have lacked since Niklas Hjalmarsson was traded a few years ago. He plays strong defense, is not afraid of contact, has a great stick in his own zone and can avoid taking big hits that result in players falling out of position. Plainly said, as the author of this piece, I love Calvin de Haan. 

The Blackhawks will be off until Friday when they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets at the United Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CDT.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks win first game, deliver Oilers first loss appeared first on The Rink.

7:30 p.m. CDT

United Center

TV/Radio: NBCSN/WGN

Projected starters

Chicago — Corey Crawford (0–2–1, .875 save percentage, 4.63 goals against average)

Edmonton — Mike Smith (3–0–0, .907 save percentage, 2.67 goals against average)

Team statistics

Power play
Chicago (33.3%, Fourth)
Edmonton (41.2%, Second)

Penalty kill
Chicago (60.0%, 30th)
Edmonton (94.1%, Second)

Shorts for/against
Chicago (30.0, 21st; 35.0, Fourth)
Edmonton (25.8, 31st; 28.8, 27th)

Shooting percentage
Chicago (10.0%)
Edmonton (16.3%)

Face off percentage
Chicago (46.6%, 31st)
Edmonton  (47.4%, 28th)

Average height and weight
Chicago — 6-foot-1, 198 pounds
Winnipeg — 6-foot-2, 199 pounds

Projected lines and pairings

Chicago Blackhawks

Alex DeBrincat — Jonathan Toews — Drake Caggiula

Andrew Shaw — Dylan Strome — Patrick Kane

Brandon Saad — David Kampf — Dominik Kubalik

Zack Smith — Ryan Carpenter — Alexander Nylander

Duncan Keith — Connor Murphy

Olli Maatta — Brent Seabrook

Calvin de Haan — Erik Gustafsson

Edmonton Oilers

Leon Draisaitl — Connor McDavid — Zack Kassian

Tomas Jurco — Ryan Nugent-Hopkins — James Neal

Jujhar Khaira — Riley Sheahan — Alex Chiasson

Joakim Nygard — Markus Granlund — Josh Archibald

Darnell Nurse — Ethan Bear

Oscar Klefbom — Joel Persson

Kris Russell — Matt Benning

Analysis

The Blackhawks fell to 0–2–1 on the season with another crushing loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday. Despite the strong first period, the Blackhawks fell this time in overtime. Chicago was once again were let down by poor defensive positioning late in the game, which has been the theme of all three games thus far.

Despite another loss, the Blackhawks had some positives. Recently acquired Calvin de Haan made his season debut. De Haan had been out with shoulder surgery to start the season as well as a groin problem. The other bright spot for the Blackhawks was the play of Robin Lehner. Lehner kept the Blackhawks in the game with his stellar play. Despite Lehner’s stellar effort in net on Saturday, it will Corey Crawford’s turn in net. Crawford will get another chance to deliver the first win of the season against a very tough offensive-minded opponent.

The Edmonton Oilers pose an explosive offensive threat and have been on a tear early in the season. They boast Connor McDavid and James Neal leading their offensive charge, who have helped Edmonton to an undefeated start to the season. McDavid is the current points leader with 12 and reigning NHL MVP. Neal, who was acquired in a much-maligned trade from the Calgary Flames for Milan Lucic this offseason, is the current NHL goals leader with six. The challenge for the Oilers is can they continue to win on the road? This will be their third consecutive road game.

This game figures to be another wild one for the both teams. Can the Blackhawks muster up enough defense to hold off McDavid and the Oilers? Will the Blackhawks finally get their first win?

Comment below in our live game thread tonight!

And, be sure to look for the internet’s most robust recap of the game on The-Rink.com.

The post Preview/Game thread: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Edmonton Oilers appeared first on The Rink.

The Blackhawks starting lines were as follows:
Drake Caggiula – Jonathan Toews – Patrick Kane
Alex DeBrincat – Dylan Strome – Dominik Kahun
Brandon Saad – David Kampf – Marcus Kruger
Chris Kunitz – Artem Anisimov – John Hayden

Duncan Keith– Brent Seabrook
Slater Koekkoek – Erik Gustafsson
Carl Dahlstrom– Connor Murphy

First Period

Shortly after the opening faceoff, a great shift from the Blackhawks center Dylan Strome line lead to Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins taking a slashing penalty against Alex Debrincat less than two minutes into the game. Only a few seconds later, after an offensive zone face-off win by Toews, Erik Gustafsson, fired a wrist shot from the point to beat Talbot through traffic.  Gustafsson now has three goals in his last two games.

The first five minutes saw the Hawks hustling to loose pucks, winning board battles, and exiting their zone cleanly. They generated five shots on goal in the first six minutes of the game and were dictating most of the pace early. At 9:30 Kyle Brodziak took a holding penalty on John Hayden, sending the red-hot dangerous Blackhawks power play out for the second time in the opening frame. Though the power play looked good again, an extra and errant pass from Debrincat below the hash marks squandered the Hawks second man advantage, Oilers with their first successful penalty kill of the game.

The ice started tilting towards the Oilers side as the momentum shift led to Leon Draisaitl taking advantage of a Blackhawks defensive breakdown. Luckily for the visiting team, Ward was in position to make the save in close. The situation did not improve for the Hawks who were sent to the penalty kill at 3:58 after Connor Murphy gets called for a questionable boarding penalty. Much like the first Chicago power play the Oilers scored only moments after Murphy’s infraction.  At 18:45 Darnell Nurse sent a one-timer on Ward, who could not control the rebound. Connor McDavid found the puck and got it to Draisaitl who buried it in the open net to tie the game at one.

Shortly after, and potentially on their way to letting the game get out of hand, the Blackhawks took yet another penalty late in the period. Carl Dahlstrom tripped Ty Rattie sending the Oilers back to the power play less than a minute after the Hawks failed to kill the previous one. A minute into the penalty kill, Marcus Kruger took what could be argued as a good hooking penalty on Ryan Nugent-Hopkins who was in close and alone on Ward. Two minutes after allowing the Oilers to tie the game the Hawks face a five on three penalty kill situation.

Jonathan Toews won the crucial face-off in the defensive zone but the Hawks could not control the puck. Connor McDavid fed Draisaitl with an absolutely beautiful no look pass for Draisaitl’s second of the game. In two minutes the Hawks went from up one to down one.

Still on the penalty kill, the Blackhawks committed yet another penalty when McDavid entered the zone with speed on Dahlstrom and Seabrook. Beaten by the best player in the league, Dahlstrom hooked McDavid, giving the Oilers another five on three advantage that would eventually carry over into the second period.

Shots were 16-9 in favor of the Oilers in the first period, and the Oilers led 2-1.

Second Period

The Blackhawks opened the second period killing the final 30 seconds of a five on three penalty kill.  After stifling Draisaitl and McDavid, the Hawks resume five on five play, and started to pressure the Oilers in their zone. Former coach Joel Quenneville, always said something to the effect of ‘whoever wins the 5 on 3 situation usually wins the game’ the Blackhawks would heed those old words in the second period.

Forward Patrick Kane, under the threat of ending his point streak, started to wake up as the top line was an offensive threat almost every shift.

At 13:11 Drake Caggiula had a three-on-one odd-man rush with Patrick Kane but fired a shot that Talbot gloved. Caggiula has been effective on that top line and it was good to see him take the shot when that’s the best choice instead of defaulting to passing it to Kane and squandering a good scoring chance.

The Hawks dictate most of the play in the remaining half of the second period but Talbot kept the Oilers in front. The second period concluded with an incredible save from Cam Ward on Ty Rattie. McDavid drove up the wall and fed Rattie directly in front of the net but Cam Ward went post-to-post and made the pad save, his best of the night.

Shots were 12-7 in favor of the Blackhawks in the second period. Oilers still led 2-1, though.

See what we mean?!#Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/1l9dmjLv2a

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 6, 2019

Third Period

Carrying the momentum from the second period, the Blackhawks looked to even the score in the final frame. At 16:10 Chris Kunitz knocked the puck off the wall, Marcus Kruger picked it up and fed John Hayden in front of the net with a slick backhand. Hayden buried the puck and the Hawks, after controlling most of the play for the last 20 minutes, tied the game early in the third period.

The Blackhawks continued to press the gas pedal as, a minute and a half later, center Dylan Strome scored using Darnell Nurse as a screen and sniped the puck short side over the glove of Cam Talbot, set up by Alex Debrincat and Dominik Kahun. 3-2 Blackhawks.

We anticipate a tweetStrome after this wrister#Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/O3BUue1VEh

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 6, 2019

On the very next shift, Artem Anisimov gained the zone and fired a wrist shot on the Oiler goaltender.  Ward fumbled the rebound, and defenseman Oscar Klefbom got his stick lifted by Patrick Kane.  Kane stole the puck in close and fired it into the open net with Talbot down and out.

Oiler Head Coach Ken Hitchcock challenged the goal claiming goalie interference, as Brandon Saad made a great drive to the net and his foot was in between Talbots legs.  Saad’s leg was out of the blue paint and not interfering with Talbot’s ability to make the save, so the goal stood.

As a result, the Blackhawks had now scored three goals in the last two minutes of play, and Cam Talbot’s night was over. Hitchcock sent in Mikko Koskinen, who on November 1st stopped 40 Hawks shots in a shutout win.

At the 13:22 mark of the final frame, Jonathan Toews entered the Oilers zone off of a Pat Kane feed and drifted between the circles.  He continued below the goal line, maintaining possession from the outstretched stick of defender Kris Russell.  Toews then found Caggiula all alone between the hash marks and Caggiula buried the shot, his second goal in the last week.

Caggiulove to see that!#Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/gOjAIgEGb7

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 6, 2019

With 9:34 left in the game, Jonathan Toews drew a high sticking infraction from Leon Draisaitl which led to another Blackhawks power play. Toews and Debrincat had a couple of opportunities on the resulting man advantage but they could not solve Koskinen initially. After an Oilers clear, Duncan Keith moved the puck to Brandon Saad, who sent the puck to Brent Seabrook along the wall.  Seabrook threw a saucer pass in front of Dominik Kahun, who redirected the puck out of the air and roofed it for his ninth goal of the season. The Hawks now led 6-2 with 7:48 left in the game, and the locals decide to call it a night. The Oilers had decent pressure but the score stayed the same for the remainder of the game, which gave the Blackhawks a convincing 6-2 win

Final Thoughts

The Hawks have now won five in a row.  They have 21 power play goals in the last 16 games and now sit three points out of the final wildcard spot with five teams to jump. They play the team that currently occupies the final wild card spot in the Western Conference, the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday, an important two points for the Blackhawks.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks Win Fifth Straight in Edmonton 6-2 appeared first on The Rink.

8:00pm CST
Rogers Place
TV/Radio: WGN

PROJECTED STARTERS

Chicago – Collin Delia (5–2–3, SV%: .922, GAA: 2.99)
Edmonton – Mikko Koskinen (14–11–2, SV%: .908, GAA: 2.84)

TEAM STATISTICS

Power Play
Chicago (20.5%, 16th)
Edmonton (21.4%, T10th)

Penalty Kill
Chicago (74.0%, 31st)
Edmonton (75.5%, 29th)

Shorts for/against
Chicago (31.3, 17th; 35.1, 30th)
Edmonton (29.0, 27th; 31.2, 17th)

Shooting %
Chicago (10.0%, 12th)
Edmonton (9.8%, 14th)

Faceoff %
Chicago (49.8%, 17th)
Edmonton (47.9%, 27th)

Avg. height/weight
Chicago 6’1”, 197lbs
Edmonton 6’2” 204lbs

PROJECTED LINES/PAIRINGS

Chicago Blackhawks

Drake Caggiula–Jonathan Toews–Patrick Kane

Alex DeBrincat–Dylan Strome–Dominik Kahun

Brandon Saad–David Kampf–Marcus Kruger

Brendan Perlini–Artem Anisimov–John Hayden

Duncan Keith–Brent Seabrook

Carl Dahlstrom–Connor Murphy

Gustav Forsling–Erik Gustafsson

Edmonton Oilers

Milan Lucic–Connor McDavid–Ty Rattie

Tobias Rieder–Leon Draisaitl–Alex Chiasson

Jujhar Khaira–Ryan Nugent-Hopkins–Zack Kassian

Colby Cave–Kyle Brodziak–Jesse Puljujarvi

Darnell Nurse–Adam Larsson

Kris Russell–Matt Benning

Brandon Manning–Kevin Gravel

Analysis

The red-hot Blackhawks are riding a four-game winning streak heading into the freezing-cold city of Edmonton on Tuesday night. Temperatures will rival what we saw in  Chicago just less than a week ago. The Blackhawks will look to make it five straight against Connor McDavid and the Oilers.

Although Patrick Kane is having an MVP season, talk of the town of late has been Erik Gustafsson’s offensive play. On Saturday night, “Gus” registered two goals, with the second being the power play overtime game-winner against the Minnesota Wild. Despite his struggles in the defensive zone this season, the limited minutes of the third-pairing and power play time have suited well for the Swedish defenseman of late. Another notable point-getter on Saturday night was Dylan Strome. Strome now has 29 total points this season in 49 games. However, 23 of those points have come in 29 games with the Blackhawks and it seems that Strome’s change of scenery has played out well for the young center.

The Edmonton Oilers are a franchise looking for an identity. After numerous questionable moves (to say the least) over the last few years, Peter Chiarelli was finally relieved of his duties at the end of January. One such move will play his first game against the club who gave him a two-year contract his offseason, as Brandon Manning will suit up against the Blackhawks for the first time in the 2018-19 campaign.

The Oilers have struggled of late, losing their last five games dating back to January 19th. The Oilers currently sit only two points ahead of the Blackhawks in the Western Conference standings and would surely love to climb back into the playoff picture. However, it remains to be seen if Connor McDavid can carry this club on his back all the way to the promised land. Many will say that is improbable.

One fun matchup to watch will be Patrick Kane and Connor McDavid. Although not necessarily going head-to-head on each shift, both players currently have 31 goals (tied for second in the league) and 76 points (also tied for second in the league). It will be fun to see who can edge out the other in the goal and point standings en route to a possible Richard/Art Ross trophy.

Comment below in our live game thread tonight!

And look for the internet’s most robust recap of the game tomorrow morning on the-rink.com.

The post Preview/Game Thread: Blackhawks at Oilers appeared first on The Rink.

The big piece of the deal for the Blackhawks is Caggiula, and Garrison will slot in with the plethora of bottom pair defenseman that they are carrying. The benefit to essentially acquiring Garrison for Manning, though, is that Garrison only makes $650,000 for the remainder of this season as opposed to Manning’s $2.25M salary cap hit for next season, as well..

The 24-year-old Caggiula was signed by the Oilers as a free agent out of North Dakota (teammate of Nick Schmaltz) in the summer of 2016, and signed a 2-year $3M extension this past summer, according to Puckpedia. He has amassed 49 points (27G, 22A) in 156 National Hockey League games.

Garrison is a 6’1” 218lbs, 34-year-old veteran defenseman that was signed as a free agent on October 2, 2018. He has played 17 games with the Oilers and scored one goal.

The Blackhawks signed Brandon Manning as (potentially) their biggest free agent acquisition, in July. Manning’s slow foot speed eventually led to healthy scratch situations and, ultimately, falling out of favor with former coach Joel Quenneville and current coach Jeremy Colliton.

Robin Norell is a familiar name for fans of the Rockford Icehogs. The 23-year-old Swedish defenseman played 136 games with Rockford and collected 18 points (3G, 15A). Norell signed a 3-year entry level deal with the Blackhawks in 2016, but wasn’t able to secure a long term position in Rockford.

After losing favor in the organization, the frustrated Swede elected to go back home to play for Djurgårdens IF this season (originally reported by The-Rink in August)

The post BREAKING: Blackhawks Acquire Caggiula, Garrison for Manning appeared first on The Rink.

PROJECTED GOALIES:

Chicago – Cam Ward (3-1-3 W-L, 3.91 GAA, .889 SV%)
Edmonton – Mikko Koskinen (1-0-0 W-L, 3.05 GAA, .889 SV%)

Team statistics:

Power Play

Chicago (26th – 13.95%)
Edmonton (15th – 21.95%)

Penalty Kill

Chicago (18th – 77.5%)
Edmonton (28th – 69.44%)

Shots for/against per game

Chicago (7th, 33.6% – 23rd, 33.2%)
Edmonton (22nd, 30.5% – 8th, 29.4%)

Shooting%

Chicago (T-14th – 9.8%)
Edmonton (T-17th, 9.5%)

Faceoff%

Chicago (18th, 49.6%)
Edmonton (T-23rd, 48.4%)

Avg. height/weight

Chicago
6’0” 195lbs
Edmonton
6’1” 196lbs

PROJECTED LINES/PAIRINGS:

Chicago Blackhawks

Alex DeBrincat – Jonathan Toews – Dominik Kahun
Brandon Saad – Artem Anisimov – Patrick Kane
Alexandre Fortin – Luke Johnson – Nick Schmaltz
Chris Kunitz – David Kampf – John Hayden

Duncan Keith – Henri Jokiharju
Erik Gustafsson – Brent Seabrook
Brandon Manning – Brandon Davidson

Edmonton Oilers

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Connor McDavid – Kailer Yamamoto
Tobias Rieder – Leon Draisaitl – Alex Chiasson
Milan Lucic – Ryan Strome – Drake Caggiula
Jujhar Khaira – Kyle Brodziak – Zack Kassian

Oscar Klefbom – Adam Larsson
Darnell Nurse – Kris Russell
Jason Garrison – Matt Benning

Analysis:

The Blackhawks waste no time, after the previous night’s loss in Vancouver, heading to Edmonton to face the young high flying Oilers.

They come into Edmonton riding a three game losing streak, and are facing the Oilers for the second time in four days. Sunday night the two teams fought to a 2-1 overtime finish, with the Oilers eventually prevailing.

Patrick Kane should make his return to the lineup after sitting out Wednesday night with an illness, and Marcus Kruger should also be returning after his night off spent in Coach Joel Quenneville‘s revolving door at Chateau de Bow Wow.

Forward Brandon Saad is coming off one of his best games of the season.  He could have easily had a hat trick last night against the Canucks.  A solid rocket off the goal post and a negated goal (kicking violation) are the only things that kept him from totaling three by the end of the night.

Comment below in our live game thread tonight!

And look for the internet’s most robust recap of the game later tonight or early tomorrow on the-rink.com.

The post Preview/Game Thread: Blackhawks vs. Oilers appeared first on The Rink.