Generally a much better start by the Blackhawks but the 2-0 lead evaporated as the Hurricanes stormed back with 4 unanswered goals before potting a few more into empty nets at the end of the game.
The flaws that have exposed the Hawks all season -- application of poor fundamentals, lack of defensive structure, and incapacity to stage consistently solid breakouts -- still did the team in last night.
Alex DeBrincat showing off his versatility by scoring a shortie was a highlight but the most notable play of the game was Mike Hardman scoring his first NHL goal on a MacKenzie Entwistle rebound shot.
First NHL Goal Mood 🥳#Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/BERQ0lEnnJ
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) May 4, 2021
With an assist on Hardman's goal, MacKenzie Entwistle tallies his first NHL point!
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) May 4, 2021
Congrats @5twisty5! #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/XYGU1DjPDk
Starting Lineup
The starting lineup with Collin Delia getting his first start since January 17 as well as Riley Stillman back in for Nicolas Beaudin and Entwistle a late add to replace Kirby Dach:
#Blackhawks projected lineup vs. Hurricanes:
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) May 4, 2021
Gaudette-Strome-Kane
DeBrincat-Suter-Kurashev
Kubalik-Kampf-Hagel
Hardman-Entwistle-Hinostroza
Stillman-Murphy
Keith-Mitchell
Zadorov-Kalynuk
Delia
Subban
Let's GO!@budlight | #CHIvsCAR pic.twitter.com/ePWViJCMG5
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) May 4, 2021
Scoring Recap
1st Goal: DeBrincat (1-0) SH
Alley Cat Strikes!
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) May 4, 2021
Alex DeBrincat scores his first career shorthanded goal and it's 1-0 in Carolina. @NBCSChicago | #CHIvsCAR pic.twitter.com/tvvVVCqgRd
2nd Goal: Hardman (2-0)
Just the beginning.
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) May 4, 2021
Go to ice level to watch @MikeHardman19 first NHL goal! #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/1EpIPvSAnT
3rd Goal: Niederreiter (2-1)
NINOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/yGnlyn6IEh
— x - Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) May 5, 2021
4th Goal: Svechnikov (2-2)
That's SO Svech pic.twitter.com/xA2W5UCBLG
— x - Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) May 5, 2021
5th Goal: Svechnikov (2-3)
That Svechnikov is so hot right now pic.twitter.com/QAo3WKjnzM
— x - Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) May 5, 2021
6th Goal: Teravainen (2-4)
Turbo Charged pic.twitter.com/I8vYOzXuyd
— x - Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) May 5, 2021
7th Goal: DeBrincat (3-4)
Alex DeBrincat makes it look easy. #Purr#Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/YbnpEwsIgG
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) May 5, 2021
8th Goal: Necas (3-5) EN
(No video available)
Martin Necas blocked a Wyatt Kalynuk shot from the point, recovered the puck, and flipped a long-range backhander to the empty net.
9th Goal: Niederreiter (3-6) EN
(No video available)
The Canes won a board battle in the right corner of their defensive zone and worked the puck to Niederreiter for another free throw.
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Game Notes
One in a Million
Oh my goodness: Brett Pesce's dump-in attempt went through the camera hole. Amazing. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/zsdy0kXD8c
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) May 5, 2021
Good or Bad?
Riley Stillman channeling his inner Brent Seabrook with a helicopter stick breakup on a 2-on-1 chance. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/xMJiEYY3m9
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) May 5, 2021
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Player Notes
Hardman & Entwistle
Mike Hardman & MacKenzie Entwistle are the first #Blackhawks to notch their first NHL points on the same play since 10/6/07. Both Patrick Kane & Magnus Johansson recorded their firsts with assists on a Tuomo Ruutu goal that night.
— Carter Baum (@CarterBaum) May 5, 2021
Kane added his 1,026th point on the goal tonight
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Roster Updates
Kirby Dach
MEDICAL UPDATE: Forward Kirby Dach (right wrist scar tissue aggravation) will not play tonight.#Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/hJjeZP0Pe9
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) May 4, 2021
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Prospect Updates
Slava Demin
Chicago prospect Slava Demin is heading to UMass. Two-way defenseman had been with Denver
— Ryan Kennedy (@THNRyanKennedy) May 4, 2021
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See you on the boards!