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No Mean Feats
December 16, 2021, 3:45 AM ET [102 Comments]
Theo Fox
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Wednesday night at the United Center produced an exciting game that saw the Blackhawks score 3 goals in 34 seconds late in the 2nd period, the Capitals knot the game up 4-4 with 3 seconds remaining in regulation, and the other Jones (Caleb) be the hero with the overtime winner.

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Blackhawks Game Summary

Starting Lineup

DeBrincat - Strome - Kane
Hagel - Toews - Connolly
Kubalik - Dach - Kurashev
Entwistle - Carpenter - Slavin

de Haan - S Jones
C Jones - Murphy
Stillman - McCabe

Fleury
Lankinen

Scratches:
Gabriel, Gustafsson

Scoring Recap

1st Goal (0-1): Ovechkin (Oshie, Backstrom) PP
2nd Goal (1-1): DeBrincat (Kane, Kubalik) PP
3rd Goal (2-1): Kurashev (Dach, C Jones) PP
4th Goal (3-1): Entwistle (Hagel, Toews)
5th Goal (3-2): Sprong (Eller)
6th Goal (3-3): Eller (Oshie, Sheary)
7th Goal (4-3): DeBrincat (Hagel, Strome) PP
8th Goal (4-4): Sheary (Ovechkin, Carlson)
9th Goal (5-4): C Jones (Dach, Kane)

SOG For/Against: 28/46
PP: 3-for-6
PK: 2-for-3
Faceoffs Won: 63%


Game Notes

* The penalty on Calvin de Haan late in the 2nd wasn't a tripping call; as color analyst Colby Cohen commented, de Haan was just stronger on the puck in that battle against Conor Sheary with legs coincidentally bumping but not in a way to constitute a trip.

* In a similar vein, the tripping penalty assessed to MacKenzie Entwistle to start the 3rd was also questionable; his stick was at Martin Fehervary's feet but it seemed more like the body check sent him to the ice than a perceived trip.

* Caleb Jones picked up his first points as a Blackhawk with an assist and the OT GWG.

* Alex DeBrincat notched a pair of power play markers to give the man advantage a boost as it went 3-for-6 on the night.

* Dylan Strome turned in arguably his best game of the season exerting appreciable effort from the center line in, accumulating puck touches, making nifty feeds, staying strong on the puck, and generating his own chances.

* Dominik Kubalik had a few valiant backchecking efforts particularly in the 1st period with one in the closing minutes that thwarted a prime scoring chance in the crease.

* This may be nitpicky but Ryan Carpenter could possibly gain a half step in his stride if he learned how to skate with just one hand holding his stick as he forechecks or backchecks; the double-handed grip at all times is awkward and seems cumbersome.

* Patrick Kane recorded his 700th and 701st career assists landing him 56th in NHL history; Capitals playmaker Nicklas Backstrom actually has more career assists with 723.


Highlights

OT GWG by Caleb Jones

3 Goals in 34 Seconds


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Tribute to Marc-Andre Fleury



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Roster Updates

Along with Henrik Borgstrom, Kurtis Gabriel may also start to become available this weekend to dress for games as he brings to closure his visa paperwork. It wouldn't be a surprise if Josiah Slavin gets sent back down to Rockford to continue his development at the AHL level.

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Management Updates

Also not surprising is interim general manager Kyle Davidson supposedly being the lead candidate for the permanent role. Regardless of his status, what's to like about the process is bringing in outsiders who are supremely adept at making managerial hiring decisions.

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Settlement with Kyle Beach

As to be expected, details of the settlement are confidential. The next phase is for the Blackhawks to come to terms with John Doe 2.

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Enhanced COVID Protocols



Full details of the enhanced NHL COVID protocols should become available as early as today as the league responds to the spike in cases.

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See you on the boards!

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