The Blackhawks stormed back to pull even with the Hurricanes twice after being down 0-2 and 2-3 but allowed the game-winning goal with 29 seconds left in regulation after defensive lapses down low.
Even though Chicago didn't get to double digits in shots on goal until halfway through the game, shooting metrics were much closer than the last game. Yet, scoring chances were heavily in Carolina's favor.
With the loss, the Hawks remain tied with the Predators with 39 standing points apiece. However, Nashville maintains the edge to retain 4th place having 19 wins versus Chicago's 17 wins.
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Starting Lineup
The starting lineup stayed the same as the previous outing:
Blackhawks' lines in warmups:
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) April 1, 2021
DeBrincat-Suter-Kane
Kubalik-Kampf-Hagel
Janmark-Dach-Strome
Kurashev-Soderberg-Carpenter
Zadorov-Murphy
Keith-Boqvist
De Haan-Kalynuk
Lankinen
Let's get it started!@budlight | #CHIvsCAR pic.twitter.com/WrhitVGWRt
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 2, 2021
Scoring Recap
1st Goal: Trocheck (0-1)
My Cousin Vinny pic.twitter.com/bgU3JmEDTg
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) April 2, 2021
2nd Goal: Foegele (0-2)
It's been credited to Foegs!
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) April 2, 2021
A goal for the birthday boy! pic.twitter.com/QETba5gGdD
3rd Goal: Kubalik (1-2)
Dominik Kubalik powers through the Hurricanes defense to bring the #Blackhawks within one!
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 2, 2021
What a setup by rookie Wyatt Kalynuk for his first NHL point 👀@NBCSChicago | #CHIvsCAR pic.twitter.com/INUuixvk0R
4th Goal: Hagel (2-2)
Rookie Brandon Hagel making things interesting in Chicago!@NBCSChicago | #CHIvsCAR pic.twitter.com/8MNfnKIAUt
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 2, 2021
5th Goal: Foegele (2-3)
Petition to make every day Warren Foegele's birthday pic.twitter.com/2jLArYswlY
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) April 2, 2021
6th Goal: Strome (3-3)
Here's a tip:#CHIvsCAR pic.twitter.com/3ITwuN2Dfd
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 2, 2021
7th Goal: Fast (3-4)
Jesper in the ð’„ð’ð’–ð’•ð’„ð’‰ pic.twitter.com/qoCG2QccCT
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) April 2, 2021
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Game Notes
FINAL: Hurricanes 4, #Blackhawks 3
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 2, 2021
Shot attempts: 52-44 CAR
Shots on goal: 31-25 CAR
5-on-5 scoring chances: 25-12 CAR
5-on-5 high danger chances: 15-8 CAR pic.twitter.com/BvdQ0Wwd1y
The defensemen have a bad habit of both covering the puck carrier which means someone from the other team is open. There needs to be greater trust between partners in order to spread out coverage.
Zone Clears
Another bad habit by veterans Calvin de Haan, Murphy, and Keith is not clearing the puck with purpose and making errant passes. In comparison, the youngsters Boqvist, Kalynuk, and Zadorov are better.
Stationary Passes
Something else the Hawks are guilty of on breakouts is passing to stationary teammates which is easy for the opponent to telegraph and kill plays. Instead, forwards need to be moving targets.
Crease Crashing
On offensive rushes, there's not enough hard drives to the net and crease crashing. Stop with bunching up in the offensive zone or skating side by side expecting a drop pass. Stretch out the other team.
Leverage Teammates
Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat, and Dach especially need to stop trying to dance around the entire team as they carry the puck. Draw in defenders then dish the puck to an open teammate.
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Player Notes
Adam Boqvist
After being shoved around by Martin Necas, Boqvist jolted him with an elbow to the torso during a stoppage in play. That type of push back is great to see from a youngster who was ragdolled in the 2020 playoffs.
Dylan Strome
Since coming back from brief paternity leave, Strome has played much stronger during the Carolina series. He's been better at taking draws, getting after pucks, and using his vision to set up teammates.
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See you on the boards!