Yet again, the Blackhawks came back last night to beat a team that, based on their record, they "should beat."
We can analyze and dissect to determine whether a win was earned or merely chanced into last night in Vancouver, but the bottom line is two points. Two points banked, while the Blackhawks continue to work some things out.
The Hawks seemed to be struggling to find their legs much of the game last night, and when they did seem poised to break through, they hit a post on a down and out Jacob Markstrom, and then gave up two quick goals.
Going in to the third period, the Canucks held a 3-goal lead, and the arc of the game looked a lot like that of the 4-0 loss in Winnipeg last week.
But the Hawks put the pedal to the metal in the third period and overtime, and conversely, the Canucks seemed to revert to their norm—and Markstrom at times truly looked like a deer in the headlights, fronted by a clown show defense.
There was a bit of a star turn last night by rookie Vince Hinostroza, who registered a goal and an assist, and overall, though there were a few speed bumps here and there, it was a good game for the Hawk rookies.
A good learning experience—made possible perhaps, when the Hawks again got critical contributions from their goaltender (Scott Darling, who made huge saves), Artemi Panarin and Marian Hossa at critical times.
However you interpret what is working (and what might not be), it's given the Hawks a 2-1 start to their Circus Trip and reinforced their lead atop the western Conference—a great position to be in as they continue to teach and tweak and figure things out for themselves.
Due to a conflict, I may not have a preview blog for the Oilers game tomorrow night. However, i will be back with a recap Tuesday morning.
JJ
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