Three Stars:
- Artem Anisimov, 1 G 1A
- Corey Crawford, 33 Saves, .971 SV
- Michal Roszival, 2A
Hawks played well, plain and simple. Everyone was on their game, and the fact that Pavel Datsyuk was missing doesn’t hurt either. This is a game where the whole team showcased itself, and showed that the playoff run should be fun. Let’s get into it.
Michal Roszival played his best game maybe ever in a Hawks sweater. He got 2 assists, and looked really really competent. He kept the puck in the offensive zone and led to some good chances for the team. He also didn’t give away the puck. Just a great game for number 32 as he’s trying to earn his 6 spot.
Patrick Kane, Artemi Panarin, and Artem Anisimov continue to be the best line in hockey. Anisimov was the one who shined last night, and it was a long time coming. If he begins winning faceoffs at a 50 or better clip he is the perfect 2C.
The best first line last night did not involve Andrew Ladd. Imagine that. The shift that led to Toews’s goal was Desjardins-Toews-Shaw. If the two wings can bring that kind of offensive dominance to the fourth line, I’m sure Kruger would be willing to fill in Toews’s role as a backboard. Cause that what that goal was. Desjardins banked it off Toews.
Pat Foley and Eddie O continue to be the not-so-silent stars of the Blackhawks. Their breakdown of the kid eating ice cream was the funniest moment in hockey that didn’t involve 65.
Dale Weise, aka Dutch Wayne, needs to play more, especially with Flash and Teuvo. That is the future line and they need to develop some chemistry. Flash and Teuvo continue to be good together, and when Teuvo failed at the dot Flash was perfect. It’s good to see that there’ll be an emergency faceoff guy on that line if needed.
Next up, St. Louis on Wednesday.