5 Chicago Blackhawks Thoughts On 4-1 Win Over Minnesota Wild

The Chicago Blackhawks brought a 4 game winning streak to the United Center, and when it was all said and done the Chicago Blackhawks won 4-1 and extended their winning streak to 5 games.  Here are five thoughts on the Hawks big Central Division victory. 

5. The Powerplay didn’t score but was efficient

The Chicago Blackhawks are now 2-50 in their last 10 games with the man advantage which is really really bad.  The Hawks had five chances on Sunday night on the powerplay, and again they weren’t able to find the back of the net, but they didn’t lose any momentum either.  Three of the Chicago Blackhawks powerplay was very efficient and got plenty of shots on net.  If the Hawks continue to get traffic in front of the goalie and have good entries like they did tonight, they will start scoring powerplay goals.

4. Nick Schmaltz stole the Breadman’s Playbook

Nick Schmaltz is a playmaker and he needs to shoot more, but man he can sure set the table.  Tonight he did a cross ice pass to Patrick Kane to set up the first goal of the game.  The play sure did look like an Artemi Panarin pass to Kane from the past two seasons.  Schmaltz really is coming into his own this season, and the better he plays, the better the Hawks look each and every game during the current 5 game winning streak.

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3. Corey Crawford is so Underrated

Corey Crawford just goes out each game and gives up one goal and picks up another win.  On Sunday night he wasn’t tested much, but when he was #50 was up to the test.  He made 27 saves on 28 shots and he may not have been the #1 star of the night, but he is the reason the Hawks are winning again. Crawford is 9-0-2 in his last 11 starts, and he has to start getting in the Vezina Trophy race conversation.

2. Jordan Oesterle is pretty solid

The Chicago Blackhawks carried 8 defenseman for a long time, and most of us wanted the Hawks to waive Oesterle and get Vinnie Hinostroza up here.  For once I’m glad the Hawks didn’t do what I was asking for.  Oesterle looks solid defensively with only once all night did I see him get burned when Charlie Coyle went around him.  He also is good passing, and if you need any proof look at that great pass to set up the Patrick Kane breakaway goal.

1. Showtime is Heating Up.

Patrick Kane went four games without a point, but now he’s back doing his thing which included 2 goals tonight numbers 298 and 299 on his career.  The first goal of the night tied him with Dennis Hull and the second one passed him to give him the 5th highest total in Blackhawks history. You can point to a lot of different reasons why the Hawks are winning once again, but the Hawks always look a lot better when #88 is doing his thing scoring and setting up goals!

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What are your thoughts on the Hawks victory and 5 game winning streak?