We're sending Hossa to the rafters 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ImtnmDkNQd
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 8, 2022
On the ice, the Hawks lack balanced scoring as they rely on a top-heavy offensive structure focused on the 1st line of Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat, and Dylan Strome. In general, the team has difficulty generating any sustained pressure on a consistent basis. Frequently there's just one rush up ice and one shot on net that results in nothing. One and done.
Then at the other end of the rink, the Hawks seem to routinely allow the opposition to waltz around unscathed with free paths into the zone, to the net, and in the crease. No defensive wall or layers that the other team needs to break through. All they have to do is beat one player and they're ready to create a prime scoring chance if not notch a goal. One and done.
That's the bad news. Back to the good news. Hossa may not be alone as the only player in team history to be the first to wear a certain number then have it retired so nobody else ever has a chance to wear it. Once he hangs up the skates, Kane is more likely than not to have his famous #88 retired and being the only Blackhawk ever to wear that top-selling number.
As for Hossa, Blackhawks beat reporters also shared that he's working with management to carve out a permanent position for him within the organization. It remains to be seen in what capacity he would get added to the payroll again. One would hope it's in a player personnel role --- whether with player development or coaching -- and not just as an ambassador.
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Marian Hossa Tribute
Marian Hossa officially retired as a Blackhawk 🥹🙌 pic.twitter.com/aOyQdtAfSW
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 8, 2022
Marian Hossa’s first ballot Hall of Fame legacy is worth more than one night of recognition. It’s a legacy worthy of eternity. pic.twitter.com/JCnQh5SRxW
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 8, 2022
Big Hoss retires as a Blackhawk tonight 🙌 pic.twitter.com/yyc4RlNj1G
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 7, 2022
Blackhawks Game Summary
Thursday Boxscore
DeBrincat - Strome - Kane Reichel - Toews - Dach Kubalik - T Johnson - Raddysh Katchouk - R Johnson - Lafferty
Gustafsson - S Jones de Haan - McCabe Vlasic - C Jones
Lankinen Delia
Scratches: Borgstrom, Entwistle, Kurashev, Stillman
1st Goal (0-1): Wennberg (Donato, Eberle) 2nd Goal (0-2): Eberle (Gourde, Sheahan)
SOG For/Against: 29/31 PP: 0-for-4 PK: 1-for-1 Faceoffs Won: 56%
FINAL: Kraken 2, #Blackhawks 0
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 8, 2022
Shot attempts: 56-49 CHI
Shots on goal: 31-29 SEA
5-on-5 scoring chances: 24-20 SEA
5-on-5 high danger chances: 10-6 SEA pic.twitter.com/vJuQZb0e3Q
BIG. SAVE. LANKINEN pic.twitter.com/azKWamum8q
— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) April 8, 2022
See you on the boards!
Sources: Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, NBC Sports Chicago, The Athletic Chicago