The Blackhawks end the road trip 1-5-0 with a 4-1 loss to the Lightning that was a conundrum with positive metrics for shooting and scoring chances but poorly executed fundamentals in all zones and situations.
In the metrics for shooting and scoring chances, the Hawks played a close game. Yet, the power play was dreadful at 0-for-4 including 5-on-3 time. The Bolts also stymied the Hawks with 18 blocked shots.
Final: Lightning 4, Blackhawks 1
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) March 20, 2021
In terms of scoring chances, this was one of the Hawks' best games lately. I don't think anyone really cares about that, though.
Shot attempts: 55-40 CHI
Shots on goal: 31-29 CHI
Scoring chances: 36-27 CHI
Starting Lineup
The starting lineup saw Malcolm Subban and Reese Johnson slotting in for Kevin Lankinen and Lucas Wallmark:
Blackhawks' lines tonight first time through the order:
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) March 20, 2021
DeBrincat-Kampf-Kane
Kubalik-Suter-Hagel
Janmark-Carpenter-Strome
Kurashev-Soderberg-Johnson
De Haan-Boqvist
Keith-Murphy
Zadorov-Mitchell
Subban
Gentlemen, start your engines ðŸ@budlight | #CHIvsTBL pic.twitter.com/C6mbPcknFB
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 20, 2021
Scoring Recap
1st Goal: Point (0-1)
The boys wouldn't be denied 👊 pic.twitter.com/xrXGJ4HN2c
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 20, 2021
2nd Goal: Cirelli (0-2)
With a perfect pass from Sergy, AC is in the clear 🙌 pic.twitter.com/zaBk3ZD7wg
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 20, 2021
3rd Goal: Gourde (0-3)
Nothin' like a one-handed shot and finishing it on the rebound 👠pic.twitter.com/Kt2wWX7j2I
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 20, 2021
4th Goal: Stamkos (0-4) PP
Classic Cap! âš¡ï¸ pic.twitter.com/6SaoCO7lK4
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 20, 2021
5th Goal: DeBrincat (1-4)
The 16th goal of the season for the Cat. @NBCSChicago | #CHIvsTBL pic.twitter.com/nPms3Taa6v
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 20, 2021
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Game Notes
Poor Fundamentals
Overall the Hawks played a game of subpar fundamentals: poor passing leading to turnovers, poor defensive coverage, poor zone clears, and poor vision to see open teammates and let opponents get in from behind.
5-on-3 PP
While on a 5-on-3 PP, the setup was primarily stationary except for DeBrincat skating around and Kane occasionally shifting to get a better look. The lack of motion gave the Lightning time to shut down lanes.
Unpenalized Infractions
Before Gourde scored, Killorn committed two penalties neither of which got called. First he interfered with DeBrincat grabbing a glove full of jersey, then moments later laid a blatant arm to Adam Boqvist's head.
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Player Notes
Patrick Kane
After racking up 24 points in 13 games in February, Kane is at a mortal pace with 8 in 9 so far in March. He hasn't been much of an impact this month including this past series against the Lightning.
Alex DeBrincat
Similarly, after a scorching February with 19 points in 13 games, DeBrincat has just 6 in 9 in March. However, he has been throwing around his small yet sturdy frame on the forecheck and backcheck.
Reese Johnson
For a player likely inserted for his physicality and sandpaper, Johnson was far from noticeable and quite inconsequential. Someone of his ilk has to live up to that reputation or else he's pretty useless.
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Rockford Updates
The IceHogs host the Iowa Wild this evening and on Monday after being rescheduled from Friday and Saturday. Believe it or not, the Wild (3-7-2, 8 points) have a worse record than the Hogs (5-8-1, 11 points).
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See you on the boards!