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Game 39: Hawks 0, Preds 3 |
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The Blackhawks dominated the metrics in shooting and scoring attempts but were simply outworked by the Predators in all zones which appears to be a theme for the season series between the combatants.
The loss gave Nashville (41 points) padding in their lead over Chicago (39 points) in the division standings. Dallas and Columbus aren't far behind with 36 points each. The Stars have 4 games in-hand, too.
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Starting Lineup
The starting lineup saw Matthew Highmore slot in for Carl Soderberg and Brandon Hagel able to play after a one-day stint in COVID protocol:
And the starters for the opening shift:
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Scoring Recap
1st Goal: Tolvanen (0-1) PP
While on the game's first power play after Nikita Zadorov got tagged for elbowing, the Predators moved the puck around the zone before Eeli Tolvanen ripped a rising slapshot from the top of the left circle.
2nd Goal: Sissons (0-2) PS
After Patrick Kane's boneheaded drop pass that was easily picked off by the Predators, Colton Sissons got hooked by Adam Boqvist as he made a beeline towards the net. Sissons tallied on the ensuing penalty shot.
3rd Goal: Kunin (0-3)
Jeremy Davies threw a shot on net from the left boards that Connor Murphy tried to clear from the slot but the puck went straight to Luke Kunin's blade. Kunin whipped a shot through Lankinen's five hole.
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Game Notes
Blueline Blunders
With affirmation from analyst Kendall Coyne-Schofield during the broadcast, the Blackhawks need to stop generating turnovers and offside calls at the blueline. Alex DeBrincat is a main culprit.
Futile Power Play
The Chicago power play continues to struggle with gaining entry, setting up in the zone, and maintaining any sort of momentum. Even a 5-on-3 proved too difficult for the Hawks to take advantage of.
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Player Notes
Wyatt Kalynuk
While Wyatt Kalynuk does a solid job at managing gaps and staying close to the puck carrier, he needs to improve his passing as they have been off target. His passing has been excellent in the AHL at least.
Connor Murphy
Of all the blueliners, Murphy seems to be the worst at knowing what to do with the puck once he has possession for a zone clear. His clearing attempts don't appear to have any purpose and are often weak.
Dylan Strome
Trending upward, Dylan Strome is generating offense with playmaking and shooting, showing poise and patience and even more strength to ward off defenders. His faceoffs and defensive effort are ramping up, too.
Patrick Kane
The lazy drop pass that led to Sissons' penalty shot is one example of Kane dangerously leaving pucks like that lately. His play has been uninspiring and frustrating to watch in the latest string of games.
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Roster Updates
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Rockford Updates
The IceHogs played an evenly matched contest against the Wolves but fell 4-2 last night, 1-5 in the season series, and 6-12-0 overall. Josiah Slavin scored his 2nd goal in just as many pro games.
Starting Lineup
Scoring Recap
1st Goal: McLaughlin (1-0)
After intercepting an errant pass by the Wolves trying to move the puck out of their zone, Dylan McLaughin cut from the point down the middle and scored on a wrister to beat Wolves goalie Devin Cooley.
2nd Goal: Bokk (1-1)
After a flurry of action around the net, Nicolas Beaudin missed his defensive assignment allowing Dominik Bokk to set up shop alone in the high slot and receive a pass that he fired past Cale Morris.
3rd Goal: Cotton (1-2)
Isaak Phillips didn't get enough mustard on his clearing attempt down low as the Wolves kept the puck in the zone as Ryan Suzuki worked it from the right boards over to David Cotton in the circle.
4th Goal: Slavin (2-2)
Beaudin connected on a stretch pass to MacKenzie Entwistle at the far blueline who tipped it to send D.J. Busdeker charging down the right lane and tethering a pass to Slavin parked in the left slot.
5th Goal: Jeannot (2-3) PP
While on the power play, the Wolves moved the puck all around the zone before David Warsofsky unleashed a shot from the point that Morris saved initially but the rebound went out to Tanner Jeannot.
6th Goal: Smith (2-4) EN
Cole Smith scored an empty netter for the Wolves.
Player Notes
Lucas Carlsson has been consistently standing up to opponents applying his body as a weapon to defend.
Ian Mitchell needs to scan his options at both ends as he's not finding open teammates to make optimal plays.
Slippery, agile, and quick, McLaughlin has such great edges when he skates with the puck especially in tight spaces.
Andrei Altybarmakian constantly makes things happen for his line being the first to pucks on the forecheck and crashing the net.
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Prospect Updates
It's been reported that Alex Vlasic will stay in college for his junior season at Boston University.
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See you on the boards!
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