While the Hawks did beat the Preds they should have made their life a little easier. Puck possession seems to be working fine but they continue to shoot at the middle of the net too often. Hutton did not need to come up with too many big saves to keep the game at 1-0 through regulation. The Hawks went almost 62 minutes without a score. during that time they got 35 shots on Hutton and had 17 others blocked on their way to the net. Again I look for the Hawks to start picking corners to score.
Now for the power play. looking pretty limp at 3 for 20 on the season or 15%. Just a 1 for 5 against Nashville would have won the game in regulation. I realize the first PP was cut short, but still. With all the offensive power this team has you would think they could do better. Q even went to the 3rd and 4th lines to try an spark a power play. I was at their practice on Friday and they seemed to have a good strategy for the PP. But that did not play out in a real game. Perhaps there is too much power on this team and they lose focus on shooting and going to goal on the PP rather than merely controlling the puck.
Player notes:
I thought Richards was playing pretty well. I think he is starting to get confortable with the team.
Oduya had a great game. Beyond the 1 goal he also was a maniac in the defensive zone.
I was a little disappointed with Van Riemsdyk. Watch him deep in their own end. He was beat at least twice when he chose to turn from back to front to keep up with the forward. Each time he turned away from the player and then lost his position. He is going to need to start pushing back and get in the way of those forwards.
As good as Corey has been I think we will see Raanta this week. I an thinking against the Panthers on Thursday.
Oh yea, let me not forget the captain. His two-way play kept the Hawks in this one during regulation. His second effort on the OT shorty was indicative of his will to win.
#Blackhawks #JonathanToews #Oduya #TrevorVanRiemsdyk #BradRichards #AnttiRaanta
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