The Blackhawks have a "two games in two nights" series starting tonight versus the Hurricanes in Raleigh as the road trip continues through next weekend with a pit stop in Columbus.
The Hawks are in 2nd place in the Central Division and 5th place in the entire NHL. However, keep in mind many teams have played less games so the standings aren't an accurate barometer.
Yet, it was virtually impossible envisioning the Hawks being in the upper third of the league before the season began when most fans and pundits had them toiling in the bottom third.
Chicago has gone 9-1-4 ever since going winless in the opening sets against the Lightning and Panthers which was also the last time the Hawks have lost a game by more than one goal.
Many may have expected losses by multiple goals. Even though the team is still not close to where they need to be, still give credit to increased dedication to defending and competing.
Playing the Bolts and Cats again should be a litmus test to measure in-season growth for the Hawks. The Predators have also swept the Hawks but took overtime and a shootout to do so.
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Game Days
Game 19, February 19:
Blackhawks @ Hurricanes
6:00pm CST
Game 20, February 20:
Blackhawks @ Hurricanes
6:00pm CST
Records:
Blackhawks, 9-5-4, 22 Pts (2nd)
Hurricanes, 10-3-1, 21 Pts (4th)
Season Series:
1-0-1
Power Play:
Blackhawks, 18-55, 32.7% (3rd)
Hurricanes, 13-46, 28.3% (8th)
Penalty Kill:
Blackhawks, 46-56, 82.1% (12th)
Hurricanes, 41-51, 80.4% (13th)
For Carolina, Max McCormick is the only player not healthy to play being on IR. Also, neither the Hawks nor the Canes have any players on the NHL COVID-19 Protocol List.
The Canes projected lineup (per DailyFaceoff.com):
McGinn - Aho - Teravainen
Niederreiter - Trocheck - Necas
Svechnikov - Staal - Foegele
Martinook - Paquette - Fast
Slavin - Hamilton
Gardiner - Pesce
Skjei - Bean
Reimer
Mrazek
For the Chicago lineup, the 11F/7D format is expected again in order for Adam Boqvist to play alongside rookie defensemen Ian Mitchell, Nicolas Beaudin, and Lucas Carlsson.
It wouldn't be a surprise, though, if Carlsson sits in today or tomorrow's game so that Wyatt Kalynuk can get his cup of coffee and possibly impress enough to dictate more ice time.
Kalynuk is presently on the taxi squad joined by Reese Johnson, Brandon Pirri, and Madison Bowey. With 11F, Lucas Wallmark and Matthew Highmore would be the healthy scratches.
In net, Kevin Lankinen should get the start on the heels of pitching his first career shutout. Given games in consecutive nights, Malcolm Subban is the probable starter on Saturday.
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Rockford Updates
The IceHogs fell to the Grands Rapids Griffins by a score of 3-1 and are still winless in their first 5 games (0-4-1-0). The Griffins held the Hogs to just 13 shots on goal.
Starting Lineup
MacKenzie Entwistle made his season debut for the Hogs after starting 2021 on the Blackhawks taxi squad but never drew into a game. This was his first game since March 2020.
Cole Moberg was scratched in favor of Dmitry Osipov which was a head scratcher as Moberg has been more steady and dependable in comparison during his first few pro games.
Unlike last season, there doesn't seem to be a goalie platoon for the Hogs as Matt Tomkins has started every game except the second game in which Scott Darling was the starter.
Game Recap
1st Goal: Regula (1-1)
In a familiar role, Alec Regula set up shop in the bumper position on the power play -- like he did in juniors for the London Knights -- and tucked the puck into the net.
Chad Krys' initial shot glanced off of team captain Garrett Mitchell before Regula got two whacks at the loose puck. Power play time expired so the goal counted as an ES marker.
Goals Against
While on the power play, former Red Wings 1st rounder Michael Rasmussen took away Tomkins' eyes in the slot and tipped home a point shot to tally the Griffins first goal.
On the second goal, the Hogs got caught puck watching while having a mismatch in defensive coverage with 2 defenders on the shooter Riley Barber leaving the passer Taro Hirose open.
Chase Pearson scored an empty netter for the Griffins with 2 minutes left in regulation to put the final nail in the coffin.
Player Notes
Compared to the last game, Regula played more reliably in his own end and was more clean in his breakouts whether carrying the puck or passing out of the zone.
Isaak Phillips continued to shine with physical protection of the crease, use of his long reach to disrupt plays and seal off lanes, and eagerness to start offensive rushes.
Evan Barratt and Matej Chalupa have grown more invisible and inconsequential each game. Both need to push the pace more to establish greater impact up and down the ice.
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