The Blackhawks got back in the win column with a 3-1 victory over the Blue Jackets thanks to another spectacular performance in net by Kevin Lankinen and two misplays by Elvis Merzlikins.
While fellow freshmen Philipp Kurashev and Pius Suter figured in all Chicago goals, another rookie Reese Johnson acquitted himself nicely in his debut making his presence known on the ice.
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Starting Lineup
The starting lineup finally reverted back to the standard 12 forwards and 6 defensemen:
Blackhawks' lines and pairings in warmups:
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) January 31, 2021
Janmark-Kurashev-Kane
Kubalik-Strome-Suter
Hagel-Soderberg-Shaw
Highmore-Kampf-Johnson
Keith-Carlsson
de Haan-Murphy
Zadorov-Mitchell
Lankinen
We're home, and so are you. It's time to cheer in your comfy pants!@budlight | #CHIvsCBJ pic.twitter.com/LG8udSrXNA
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) January 31, 2021
Scoring Recap
1st Goal: Kurashev (1-0)
Right place, right time!#CHIvsCBJ pic.twitter.com/ib9IcVrBQr
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 1, 2021
Janmark showed great patience to wait for the sprawling Jackets defender to slide past him before dishing the puck to Kane which he deflected to a ready Kurashev who had his blade on the ice.
2nd Goal: Jenner (1-1)
Anddddd Boone goes the dynamite 💥
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) February 1, 2021
pic.twitter.com/FMdk0UbzwM
3rd Goal: Suter (2-1)
ð˜ ð˜°ð˜°ð˜°ð˜°ð˜°ð˜ªð˜¯ð˜¬
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 1, 2021
Suter gets the puck on net and is rewarded! #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/x6sxmihXDH
4th Goal: Kane (3-1)
Kaner from a cute acute angle ∠#Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/I9PhFazJVB
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 1, 2021
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Other Plays
A familiar theme continued to play out for the Chicago defense as the Hawks often puck watched and exhibited no structure during offensive rushes by Columbus. Below are a few examples.
2-on-2
Eric Robinson rushed the puck at full steam with Kurashev chasing him. Ian Mitchell was already back with tabs on Alexandre Texier but then peeled off of him to also cover Robinson.
Even though Kurashev was a step behind Robinson, Mitchell should have stayed with Texier. Instead, Mitchell skewed the numbers leaving Texier alone to receive a pass and have an open shot.
3-on-2
A minute into the 3rd, the Hawks had too many along the boards and no one in front as Andrew Shaw, Nikita Zadorov, and Mitchell covered Roslovic and Jenner leaving Liam Foudy alone.
1-on-2
In one instance of a 1-on-1 rush heading toward Lankinen, Dominik Kubalik did a good job of hustling back to lend support. However, his back was turned to everyone else behind him.
As a result, Kubalik didn't pick up the Jackets player trailing the play. Had the drive not been nullified, Kubalik wouldn't have been in position to defend against a second wave of attackers.
1-on-2 (again)
During a benign rush by a Jackets forward that was adequately covered by Lucas Carlsson, Duncan Keith still swooped in to help which left the opposite lane wide open for Columbus to exploit.
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Player Notes
Lucas Carlsson
As he continues to acclimate to the new season, Carlsson has been improving game by game. He makes swift tape-to-tape passes and unloads hard shots that get through from the point.
Nikita Zadorov
His hulking size and hard-hitting style have been non-factors for a bulk of the season and his unforced errors don't help either. May it be time to give him a rest and dress Wyatt Kalynuk?
Reese Johnson
How impressive was Johnson in his debut? He was physical throwing his body around (7 hits), was the first one to the puck on the forecheck, and was willing to take a hit to make a play.
Bottom 6
Matthew Highmore, Brandon Hagel, and Johnson were forces in the bottom 6 forechecking like their hair was on fire, taking the body, agitating, and making plays once they dig pucks out.
Performances like that from the role players help teams compete. Add in offensive pressure and timely goals, then that is a lethal combination to break the backs of the opposition.
David Kampf plays a reliable defensive game as more of a quiet assassin. Also, veteran Ryan Carpenter is the unsung hero role modeling a work ethic and compete level for the youth to emulate.
Andrew Shaw has flatlined a bit after being one of the best players for the Hawks to start the season. Carl Soderberg has been rather meh. Neither hurt the team but more is expected.
Brandon Pirri definitely is not an answer. Lucas Wallmark certainly is once he's healthy. Janmark has been proving more and more that he can be a valuable weapon in the top 6.
MacKenzie Entwistle is next up if more new blood is to be transfused into the bottom 6. He brings a big body and heavy style making him tough to beat in board battles.
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See you on the boards!