Game 8: Hawks 1, Preds 2 (predators)

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Game 8: Hawks 1, Preds 2

By Theo Fox

Jan 28, 2021 • 4:44 am

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The Blackhawks earn another standing point but fail again to rake in another losing in the shootout after Matt Duchene scored the lone goal to propel the Predators to a 2-1 victory.

Despite the outcome, the game was a defensive war. Kevin Lankinen was outstanding in net with 41 saves. His reflexes were razor sharp and he showed no wasted movements in his crease.

Helping Lankinen out was his blueline which was the most physical that they have collectively played all season. The D-men kept net crashers honest and even punished them with lumber.

Also, it wasn't just the veterans like Connor Murphy and Nikita Zadorov but the trio of youngsters Ian Mitchell, Lucas Carlsson, and Nicolas Beaudin was very impressive as well.

All three rookie rearguards executed the defensive fundamentals by shadowing whoever they were covering, protecting the slot as the puck was elsewhere, and constantly playing the body.

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Starting Lineup

The starting lineup with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen including Beaudin making his season debut:

Scoring Recap

1st Goal: Cousins (0-1)

Murphy was already in the prone position commiting to the shooter so he could have at least swept his stick to try poking the puck away or nagging Cousins just enough to prevent a clean shot.

2nd Goal: Carpenter (1-1)

Hagel earned his first NHL point with the primary assist and was the one who made the play possible gathering up a loose puck in the neutral zone and moving the play forward swiftly.

Shootout: Duchene (1-2)

* Forsberg (miss) * Duchene (goal) * Ellis (miss)

Blackhawks

* Kubalik (miss) * Kane (miss) * Janmark (miss)

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Other Plays

Stop Deferring

In the 1st period, Mattias Janmark was in the high slot and received a pass from Patrick Kane but made a pass back to Kane trying a give-and-go when he should have shot it himself.

A common issue with the Hawks is they defer to Kane even though they may have the better shooting opportunity. Also, Kane often draws multiple defenders to him leaving his teammates open.

Staying Aware

During a 3rd period Chicago power play, the two minutes expired and it seemed quite predictable that Filip Forsberg would rush out of the penalty box to strip de Haan of the puck from behind.

In fact, that is exactly what happened. None of the Hawks on the ice were aware of their surroundings or the time on the penalty clock. Thank goodness for Lankinen as he saved their bacon.

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Player Notes

Nicolas Beaudin

From his first shift onward, Beaudin demonstrated excellent gap control. Even when he made defensive plays away from the slot, he would immediately get back to help Lankinen protect the net.

When patrolling the slot, Beaudin consistently engaged whoever crashed there as he would push off of them to get them off balance. Plus, he took the body and stick checked appropriately.

Ian Mitchell

There was one particular shift around the 14:00 mark of the 2nd period that illustrated Mitchell's willingness to be physical and battle courageously against stronger players.

On this shift, Preds winger Brad Richardson -- who has made a living as a grinding bottom 6 power forward -- tried to work over Mitchell but he not only pushed back but stood toe to toe.

Mattias Janmark

Although he didn't score his 4th goal in as many games, Janmark keeps ramping up his play at both ends. His relentless forechecking is fun to watch as he forces turnovers.

Then in overtime, Janmark flipped a switch and went into beast mode having his way on the ice. He almost scored the game winner with a double deflection off of both goal posts.

Brandon Hagel

Last night's game was Hagel's turn to be the best rookie forward on the ice and may have arguably been the Hawks best player overall as he was buzzing up and down the ice all night.

Hagel hustled to pucks and outworked the opponent like clockwork. His efforts lead to good things like Carpenter's goal and defensive gems like blocks and takeaways.

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COVID-19 Protocol List

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Hartman Trade, Revisited

On February 26, 2018, Chicago traded Ryan Hartman and a 2018 5th round pick to Nashville for Victor Ejdsell, a 2018 1st round pick, and a 2018 4th round pick.

The Hawks used those picks to draft Beaudin and Philipp Kurashev. Last night was the first time that both rookies played together against the rival Predators.

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Hogs Training Camp

Preseason Game

Chad Krys scored the only Hogs goal on the power play with assists from Michael Krutil and Cam Morrison.

XXL Jersey

And for those wondering how Andrei Altybarmakian will fit his surname on the back of his jersey:

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See you on the boards!

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