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Trending: Artemi Panarin, power play push Blackhawks past Islanders. (See the hockey section for Blackhawks updates and NHL news).
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How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks? Artemi Panarin, power play push Blackhawks past Islanders.
By Tracey Myers
![Artemi Panarin, power play push Blackhawks past Islanders 12-15_panarin_kane.jpg](http://www.csnchicago.com/sites/csnchicago/files/styles/article_hero_image/public/2016/12/15/12-15_panarin_kane.jpg?itok=tnvvdR2x)
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Artem Anisimov had the expected response of a Blackhawks player, one so used to strong defensive games, after Thursday’s goal-laden contest.
“It was fun for the fans, but not for us,” Anisimov said. “We just needed to play good defense in D-zone. They created so many chanced on odd-man rushes but we find a way to win the game today. It’s a good thing.”
Artemi Panarin scored twice, both times on the power play, and Richard Panik scored the game winner in the Blackhawks’ 5-4 victory over the New York Islanders at Barclays Center. Marian Hossa scored his 16th of the season and Anisimov added his 14th, a power play goal. Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook had two assists each.
The Blackhawks didn’t look good at the start, falling behind 2-0 before the game was four minutes old. Former Blackhawks forward Andrew Ladd had the Islanders’ first and Casey Cizikas scored about 90 seconds later.
But a few minutes later, Ryan Hartman’s restraint after a big hit proved pivotal. Cizikas was called for roughing Hartman, who didn’t retaliate. That gave the Blackhawks a much-needed power play, which led to a much-needed goal.
“We were a little loose right off the bat and then Hartsy did a good job of a big hit, turned the momentum around for us,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “Scoring on that power play certainly got us going.”
The power play was key for the Blackhawks, as they went 3-for-3 on the advantage. Both of Panarin’s goals were lethal shots from the left circle, something that’s become his trademark.
“He practice every day these one-timers. All day long,” Anisimov said of Panarin. “He shoots the puck from that position.”
Panarin’s second was the biggest, coming with just 18.7 seconds remaining in the second period to force a 4-4 tie. Panik’s game winner, off a great pass from Dennis Rasmussen, came with 6:13 remaining in regulation.
“It was a really good pass. I was kind of surprised I got it like in the right spot,” Panik said. “I just try to shoot it. I’m glad it went in.”
Thursday’s game is not typical Blackhawks hockey. The Blackhawks had allowed just three goals in their four previous contests. It was a wild one, and one that the Blackhawks would rather not repeat anytime soon. But they nevertheless found a way to win. Pretty or not, they’ll take it.
“I think today it was a different game than we’re used to playing,” Paniks said. “They play really good. They play rush hockey. Yeah, finally we got more than three goals and we won the game. That’s all that matters.”
Five Things from Blackhawks-Islanders: Ryan Hartman helps momentum shift.
By Tracey Myers
![Five Things from Blackhawks-Islanders: Ryan Hartman helps momentum shift 12-15_panarin_hossa.jpg](http://www.csnchicago.com/sites/csnchicago/files/styles/article_hero_image/public/2016/12/15/12-15_panarin_hossa_0.jpg?itok=c26kmKxu)
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
Well, that was fun, wasn’t it?
Seriously, every now and then you need a topsy-turvy game. Coach Joel Quenneville wasn’t to thrilled at the start of that one but he’ll take the end, as the Blackhawks got past a 2-0 deficit to beat the New York Islanders 5-4 on Thursday night.
That wraps up another New York trip. While we lament leaving this fabulous city, let’s look at Five Things to take away from the Blackhawks’ latest victory.
1. Defense optional. Six goals in the first period? What parallel universe is this? Scott Darling and the Blackhawks had allowed three goals in the last three games. They gave up that many in the first period on Thursday night. Granted, the Blackhawks were in as much of a receiving mood as a giving one through the first 20 minutes. But in light of the Blackhawks’ recent games, what they gave up was surprising.
2. The power play is potent again. You wonder if the Islanders winced when Josh Bailey headed to the penalty box with 1:32 remaining in the second period. The Blackhawks had two power-play goals on the night heading into that advantage. A little more than a minute later, they made it 3-for-3. Artemi Panarin had two of those goals with that patented rocket from the left circle.
3. Ryan Hartman’s momentum shifter. The Blackhawks were struggling and down 2-0 when Hartman landed a big open-ice hit on Casey Cizikas in the first period. Cizikas took exception to it and went after Hartman. The Blackhawks rookie let him, drawing a roughing penalty. Less than two minutes later the Blackhawks scored the first of their three power-play goals of the night. Quenneville pointed to that moment as a critical one, giving the Blackhawks much-needed momentum – or at least taking it away from the Islanders. Indeed, the shift was on after that.
4. Second line finding its rhythm again? I asked Artem Anisimov that after he, Panarin and Patrick Kane connected on some beautiful passing that led to Anisimov’s power-play goal in the first period. Kane has struggled as of late but Anisimov now has 14 goals and Panarin has 13. Anisimov said the line is better, but still not where it needs to be. “In the power play, yeah, but we still need to do better at the 5-on-5 games,” he said.
5. Winning no matter what. The Blackhawks are winning the defensive-minded games. On Thursday they won the wide-open game. As Quenneville said, “we’ve been fortunate with a lot of games this year.” Sure. But despite all the concerns the Blackhawks had entering this season, the injuries they’ve faced, they’re atop the Western Conference. Most of the time it’s been goaltending. Thursday, it was an offensive outburst. Good teams just find ways.
Youth gains experience during Blackhawks’ injury woes.
By Tracey Myers
As the Blackhawks wrapped up their four-game homestand on Sunday, it appeared something else was ending: their rash of injuries.
With that in mind, Marian Hossa reflected on what healthy Blackhawks, especially younger players, meant to the team in Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook’s absence.
“Well, this was definitely a good test of what the team can do without key players,” Hossa said. “It’s hard to replace guys like that… but I think with the little things, guys doing baby steps, those guys get opportunities to play more and they’re taking advantage of it. That’s good for the future, when everybody’s going to be back.”
Indeed, with Toews and Seabrook back on Tuesday, the Blackhawks looked more complete in terms of roster and play in their 2-1 victory over the Rangers. Certainly, two veterans coming back does that. But the Blackhawks’ young players earned valuable experience during the injury rash and that’s showing in their games.
“It definitely gave a lot of guys extra responsibilities, ice time to try and make up for the missing parts, but I think we all did a good job,” said Ryan Hartman, who’s played with Marian Hossa for some time now. “I think it helped us feel a little more comfortable. Now having [Toews and Seabrook] back is a great thing. It’ll add more depth to our team, for sure.”
The Blackhawks did all right in Toews’ absence, going 5-2-2. When it came to younger players, coach Joel Quenneville got an idea of who can do what in an injury pinch.
“It gives you more options and you find out a little bit more. Guys that are playing maybe even out of position, or they’re taking some center spots in your own zone and taking some important faceoffs late in games against some top lines,” Quenneville said. “I think those experiences can add, as the season progresses, you can trust them and sometimes you can put them out there in those situations.”
Vinnie Hinostroza jumped around the lineup during Toews’ absence and learned plenty.
“It’s huge for us young guys to get some more minutes against top-end guys, other team’s first and second lines. That’s just part of the learning experience and playing against those guys will only make us better,” Hinostroza said. “We were on and off a few games, missing Toews and Seabs. But overall I think we did pretty well.”
Yeah, the Blackhawks did just fine with some of their top guys out. They’re still awaiting Crawford’s return, but Scott Darling has done great work in his absence. As for the guys in front of Darling, the trial-by-fire experience could be a little daunting at times. It was also beneficial, not just for their hockey education now but also for their games in the future.
“I think you’ve got to earn those opportunities as you go along, and then when you get it, get out there and take advantage of it. That’s a bonus for our team,” Quenneville said. “They’ve got some exposure to those situations now.”
B
Seriously, every now and then you need a topsy-turvy game. Coach Joel Quenneville wasn’t to thrilled at the start of that one but he’ll take the end, as the Blackhawks got past a 2-0 deficit to beat the New York Islanders 5-4 on Thursday night.
That wraps up another New York trip. While we lament leaving this fabulous city, let’s look at Five Things to take away from the Blackhawks’ latest victory.
1. Defense optional. Six goals in the first period? What parallel universe is this? Scott Darling and the Blackhawks had allowed three goals in the last three games. They gave up that many in the first period on Thursday night. Granted, the Blackhawks were in as much of a receiving mood as a giving one through the first 20 minutes. But in light of the Blackhawks’ recent games, what they gave up was surprising.
2. The power play is potent again. You wonder if the Islanders winced when Josh Bailey headed to the penalty box with 1:32 remaining in the second period. The Blackhawks had two power-play goals on the night heading into that advantage. A little more than a minute later, they made it 3-for-3. Artemi Panarin had two of those goals with that patented rocket from the left circle.
3. Ryan Hartman’s momentum shifter. The Blackhawks were struggling and down 2-0 when Hartman landed a big open-ice hit on Casey Cizikas in the first period. Cizikas took exception to it and went after Hartman. The Blackhawks rookie let him, drawing a roughing penalty. Less than two minutes later the Blackhawks scored the first of their three power-play goals of the night. Quenneville pointed to that moment as a critical one, giving the Blackhawks much-needed momentum – or at least taking it away from the Islanders. Indeed, the shift was on after that.
4. Second line finding its rhythm again? I asked Artem Anisimov that after he, Panarin and Patrick Kane connected on some beautiful passing that led to Anisimov’s power-play goal in the first period. Kane has struggled as of late but Anisimov now has 14 goals and Panarin has 13. Anisimov said the line is better, but still not where it needs to be. “In the power play, yeah, but we still need to do better at the 5-on-5 games,” he said.
5. Winning no matter what. The Blackhawks are winning the defensive-minded games. On Thursday they won the wide-open game. As Quenneville said, “we’ve been fortunate with a lot of games this year.” Sure. But despite all the concerns the Blackhawks had entering this season, the injuries they’ve faced, they’re atop the Western Conference. Most of the time it’s been goaltending. Thursday, it was an offensive outburst. Good teams just find ways.
Youth gains experience during Blackhawks’ injury woes.
By Tracey Myers
![Youth gains experience during Blackhawks’ injury woes vinnie-hinostroza-hawks-youth-slide.png](http://www.csnchicago.com/sites/csnchicago/files/styles/article_hero_image/public/2016/12/14/vinnie-hinostroza-hawks-youth-slide.png?itok=XT0RGwBt)
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
As the Blackhawks wrapped up their four-game homestand on Sunday, it appeared something else was ending: their rash of injuries.
With that in mind, Marian Hossa reflected on what healthy Blackhawks, especially younger players, meant to the team in Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook’s absence.
“Well, this was definitely a good test of what the team can do without key players,” Hossa said. “It’s hard to replace guys like that… but I think with the little things, guys doing baby steps, those guys get opportunities to play more and they’re taking advantage of it. That’s good for the future, when everybody’s going to be back.”
Indeed, with Toews and Seabrook back on Tuesday, the Blackhawks looked more complete in terms of roster and play in their 2-1 victory over the Rangers. Certainly, two veterans coming back does that. But the Blackhawks’ young players earned valuable experience during the injury rash and that’s showing in their games.
“It definitely gave a lot of guys extra responsibilities, ice time to try and make up for the missing parts, but I think we all did a good job,” said Ryan Hartman, who’s played with Marian Hossa for some time now. “I think it helped us feel a little more comfortable. Now having [Toews and Seabrook] back is a great thing. It’ll add more depth to our team, for sure.”
The Blackhawks did all right in Toews’ absence, going 5-2-2. When it came to younger players, coach Joel Quenneville got an idea of who can do what in an injury pinch.
“It gives you more options and you find out a little bit more. Guys that are playing maybe even out of position, or they’re taking some center spots in your own zone and taking some important faceoffs late in games against some top lines,” Quenneville said. “I think those experiences can add, as the season progresses, you can trust them and sometimes you can put them out there in those situations.”
Vinnie Hinostroza jumped around the lineup during Toews’ absence and learned plenty.
“It’s huge for us young guys to get some more minutes against top-end guys, other team’s first and second lines. That’s just part of the learning experience and playing against those guys will only make us better,” Hinostroza said. “We were on and off a few games, missing Toews and Seabs. But overall I think we did pretty well.”
Yeah, the Blackhawks did just fine with some of their top guys out. They’re still awaiting Crawford’s return, but Scott Darling has done great work in his absence. As for the guys in front of Darling, the trial-by-fire experience could be a little daunting at times. It was also beneficial, not just for their hockey education now but also for their games in the future.
“I think you’ve got to earn those opportunities as you go along, and then when you get it, get out there and take advantage of it. That’s a bonus for our team,” Quenneville said. “They’ve got some exposure to those situations now.”
B