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Game 18: Hawks 2, Wings 0 |
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The Blackhawks swept the Red Wings for the second time in as many series with a 2-0 victory on Kevin Lankinen's first career shutout where he also picked up another apple on the season.
Lankinen's assist happened to be on the highlight-reel goal by fellow rookie Philipp Kurashev. That was all the scoring that the Hawks would need as Lankinen stonewalled the Wings on 29 saves.
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Starting Lineup
The starting lineup included the addition of Adam Boqvist and Ryan Carpenter in their first game back from COVID protocol:
And the starters for the opening shift:
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Scoring Recap
1st Goal: Kurashev (1-0) PP
After receiving a dish from Duncan Keith, Kurashev charged up the middle from center ice with a full head of steam, juked through 3 Detroit defenders, and beat Jonathan Bernier five hole.
2nd Goal: DeBrincat (2-0) EN
Patrick Kane picked off an errant Robby Fabbri spin pass and fed it to Alex DeBrincat at the near blue line who fired a shot from center ice for the empty netter to seal the deal.
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Other Plays
Botched Plays
Whether on 2-on-1's and 3-on-2's in their favor, the Hawks found ways to kill many of these plays by overskating pucks, missing passes, or making one move too many. Simplicity may be key.
Off-Target Passes
What is becoming a never-ending issue is the off-target passing, particularly in transition. Passes either hit the receiver's wrong side, get intercepted, or fail to connect altogether.
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Player Notes
Adam Boqvist
Although not perfect, Boqvist showed greater confidence and compete in his first game back. He fought for inside positioning in his end and showed off his dynamic skating and stick work.
Ian Mitchell
As his star keeps shining brighter each game, Ian Mitchell is a treat to watch defensively with his vocal nature, constant scanning of the ice, and physicality to take care of his end.
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Roster Updates
Anton Lindholm will miss 4-6 weeks after fracturing his left thumb on February 12, presumably during practice as he has not played a game for either Chicago or Rockford this year.
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Rockford Updates
Michael Krutil signed an AHL contract yesterday after being on an ATO. The young defenseman would otherwise be headed to the Kelowna Rockets in Canadian juniors.
Fellow 2020 draftee Isaak Phillips is still on an ATO. Phillips could return to the Sudbury Wolves in the OHL but has been an intriguing D prospect for the IceHogs.
Another 2020 draft pick Chad Yetman had already been under an AHL contract before the season began. Yetman has been one of the more productive Rockford forwards playing in all situations.
2019 draftee Cole Moberg is on a PTO which he should be able to parlay into an AHL contract given the Hogs need numbers on the blueline. Moberg played 4 seasons in the WHL.
Scott Darling was released from his PTO on Wednesday. The Rockford goalies are now down to a trio of Matt Tomkins, Cale Morris, and Tom Aubrun.
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See you on the boards!
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