Use of the term conquer might be a stretch. If conquering means merely getting the win, then yes, the Blackhawks conquered. But if conquering is synonymous with dominating, then no, the Hawks still have a ways to go to be a formidable force despite a 4-game winning streak.
Sometimes shaking off a horrible losing streak like they did to kick off the new season just needs ugly victories including some low-scoring affairs to jump start a reversal of fortune. Yet, is that a sustainable strategy especially as a building block to become a contender again?
It shouldn't be discounted, though, how the Hawks have taken and held the lead during the streak. Holding leads, though, is another misnomer as it needs to be qualified by the team's struggles with keeping a lead like being up 3-0 against the Kraken and holding on to a 4-2 win.
Easier said than done but the simplest formula is playing a full 60 minutes predicated on defending proactively in each zone, establishing inside positioning, protecting the net, making quick yet safe zone exits, connecting on passes, and knowing how to attack in sequences.
If the Hawks can do all of this consistently, then they can start to play to their individual and collective abilities rather than play down to a rudimentary level. Having star power is a big plus but so is a complementary set of players who excel as a supportive, cohesive unit.
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Next Game @ Oilers
The Blackhawks roll into Edmonton to face the electrifying Connor McDavid and powerful Leon Draisatl as well as former teammate Duncan Keith. The Oilers will be without their #1 defenseman Darnell Nurse as well as ex-Hawk D-man Slater Koekkoek and goalie Mike Smith.
Head coach Derek King has already confirmed Kevin Lankinen as tonight's starting goalie for the Hawks. Also, Brandon Hagel is healthy enough to return as early as this evening's game while Calvin de Haan is iffy with a sore wrist so Erik Gustafsson would likely suit up.
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IceHogs Game Summary
Starting Lineup
Nylander - Reichel - Connolly
Pour - McLaughlin - Teply
Barratt - Slavin - Gicewicz
Howarth - G Mitchell - Osipov
Galvas - Beaudin
Phillips - Regula
Kalynuk - I Mitchell
Soderblom
Delia
Scoring Recap
1st Goal (0-1): Bokk (Smallman, Chatfield)
2nd Goal (0-2): Jacobs (Rees, Drury)
3rd Goal (1-2): Connolly (Reichel, Nylander) PP
4th Goal (2-2): Slavin (Gicewicz, I Mitchell) SH
5th Goal (3-2): Nylander (McLaughlin, Regula)
6th Goal (3-3): Gust (Letunov, Sellgren)
7th Goal (4-3): Reichel (Kalynuk, Phillips)
8th Goal (5-3): Barratt (unassisted) EN
9th Goal (6-3): G Mitchell (Galvas) EN
SOG For/Against: 27/34
PP: 1-for-1
PK: 4-for-4
Thoughts & Notes
* Collin Delia returned to the lineup in the backup role after being in COVID protocol the previous few weeks.
* Isaak Phillips also returned to the lineup as he and D partner Alec Regula exhibited more snarl to protect the crease as the game wore on.
* Ian Mitchell mishandled pucks quite a bit and still needs to reduce his use of the stretch pass to clear the zone.
* Wyatt Kalynuk had his share of mishandles but is adept at keeping tight gaps and staying tethered to the slot in his own end.
* Jakub Galvas had a steadying influence on the blueline relieving pressure and making calm, quick exits.
* Alex Nylander frequently engaged along the boards to win pucks back and displayed shiftiness to evade defenders and get into better shooting lanes.
* Lukas Reichel played with immense poise showing no fear or panic to his game as he needs little time and space to execute fundamentals in all zones.
* Josiah Slavin tallied his 2nd shorthanded goal of the season.
* Carson Gicewicz is one to watch as a quiet yet reliably solid bottom 6 forward and chief penalty killer.
* Kale Howarth made his IceHogs debut and used his huge frame to win board battles and create separation when he possessed the puck.
* The Hogs and Wolves are back at it tonight at 7:00pm CDT at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.
Highlights
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Troy Brouwer
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See you on the boards!
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