Even though rookie Mike Hardman made his NHL debut, last night's game was forgettable for the Blackhawks with how ugly it was not only on the scoreboard but also in the Lightning's hard-hitting ways.
While the Hawks were up to the task to deliver hits of their own and stand up for themselves, Tampa Bay's physical play led to head jolts to Dominik Kubalik and Hardman and Adam Boqvist's broken wrist.
--
Starting Lineup
The starting lineup saw Kevin Lankinen getting the start, Dylan Strome slotting back in, and Hardman logging his first-ever pro game:
#Blackhawks lineup vs. Lightning:
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 27, 2021
Hinostroza-Kurashev-Kane
DeBrincat-Dach-Hagel
Kubalik-Strome-Suter
Hardman-Kampf-Connolly
Zadorov-Murphy
Keith-Boqvist
Stillman-Kalynuk
Lankinen
Subban
It's just about that time.@budlight | #CHIvsTBL pic.twitter.com/LBkF1bSbnt
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 27, 2021
Scoring Recap
1st Goal: Cernak (0-1)
Cernak wasting no time! pic.twitter.com/R70psLf4eP
— x - Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 28, 2021
2nd Goal: Gourde (0-2)
What a play for Sergy and Yanni 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ULWrUXfSui
— x - Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 28, 2021
3rd Goal: Hagel (1-2)
Brandon Hagel scores his eighth goal of the season after his shot goes off two Lightning and in. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/Zv1zRfy7Iv
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 28, 2021
4th Goal: Barre-Boulet (1-3)
A goal in back-to-back games for Barré-Boulet! pic.twitter.com/hS4FBMTGHo
— x - Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 28, 2021
5th Goal: Kalynuk (2-3)
Wyatt Kalynuk scores his fourth goal of the season, which leads all #Blackhawks defensemen. pic.twitter.com/7IUeCamrVl
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 28, 2021
6th Goal: Point (2-4)
Brayden being sneakyyyy pic.twitter.com/UFQIFxPnNc
— x - Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 28, 2021
7th Goal: Coleman (2-5)
Blake one-timer 🚀 pic.twitter.com/2b50HiI7Vv
— x - Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 28, 2021
8th Goal: Killorn (2-6) PP
This one looks familiar already... pic.twitter.com/lep4B9qxGh
— x - Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 28, 2021
9th Goal: Keith (3-6)
Duncan Keith scores his fourth goal of the season and pulls back into a tie with Wyatt Kalynuk for first among team defensemen in goals. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/Os6sz4Vq6j
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 28, 2021
10th Goal: Kubalik (4-6) PP
Patrick Kane connects with Dominik Kubalik on a 5-on-3 power play. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/AtsWcb3pGA
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 28, 2021
11th Goal: Killorn (4-7) EN
(No video available)
Killorn scored an empty netter moments after Malcolm Subban vacated his crease yet was still on the ice.
--
Game Notes
Elbow to the Head
Dominik Kubalik went to the dressing room after being interfered by Luke Schenn, but he's back on the ice. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/Joslcm0T3q
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 28, 2021
Pair of Fights
Zadorov threw down in a staged fight for Schenn to answer for his hit on Kubalik. Connor Murphy also tangled with Cernak after the Lightning blueliner worked over rookie Hardman by the benches.
Goalie Change
For the second time in just over a week, Subban entered the game in relief after Lankinen was shellacked by the Bolts after one period. Lankinen lasted two periods the other time he got pulled on April 19.
Putrid Power Play
Even though they did tally one with the man advantage in 7 tries, the Hawks continue to be horrendous with zone entries and predictably uncreative with puck movement when they are able to get set up.
--
Player Notes
Adam Boqvist
Not good: Adam Boqvist goes straight to the locker room holding his right wrist/forearm. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/d2XMEPzev8
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 28, 2021
#Blackhawks' Adam Boqvist out for season with broken right wrist: https://t.co/r49gAT0wvh
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 28, 2021
Wyatt Kalynuk
Kalynuk's 4th goal of the season has him on pace for 23 when prorated to a full 82-game season. Even with some regression, he could be a perennial 15+ goal scorer and 0.50 PPG player from the blueline.
Kevin Lankinen
An area of weakness for Lankinen is his handling of pucks. There were a few instances where he made a save then put the puck into play in a bad area when he should have frozen it or made a safer decision instead.
Mike Hardman
Hardman had a solid debut displaying great agility and a good habit of keeping his feet moving on the forecheck. He closes in fast to lay the body on opponents. Plus, he instinctively gets into soft areas to shoot.
Former Boston College forward Mike Hardman is set to make his @NHL Debut tonight! pic.twitter.com/VOdMejuYPz
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 27, 2021
See you on the boards!