5 Quick Chicago Blackhawks Thoughts On 2-1 Win In Nashville

The Chicago Blackhawks needed a win in Nashville, and when the final horn sounded the Hawks skated away with a 2-1 win.  Here are 5 Quick Thoughts about the win tonight!

5. The Hawks Increased Speed Is Noticeable 

Last year when the Chicago Blackhawks got swept in the first round of the NHL playoffs, the Hawks looked so slow and unable to make any plays.  I was sitting in Bridgestone Arena for Game #4 and midway through the 2nd period, and I knew they weren’t going to win because they were slow to every puck.

Now with Vinnie Hinostroza and Anthony Duclair in the lineup they are younger and faster which really helps the forecheck.  This is the most encouraging thing I’ve seen in sometime is the Hawks are faster!

4. Anton Forsberg Needs To Stay In his Crease! 

The first goal of the night by the Nashville Predators can be blamed solely on Anton Forsberg. He totally misplayed the puck right into the Predators forechecker, and moments later the puck was in the back of the net.

Both Forsberg and Jeff Glass have been an adventure outside of their own crease, and to be honest I wish they would just stay in the net and let the defenseman fight for the pucks. Late in the third period Forsberg got his stick stuck in the boards and barely got back in time to make the save.

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3. Powerplay Still Needs Work

As the Chicago Blackhawks try to make the playoffs, the games are going to be tighter and they are going to need to score powerplay goals here and now.  When you watch the Predators their powerplay is so fast and crisp that it makes the Hawks powerplay look like it’s a minor league unit.  Either way they don’t have to score every time, but they need to keep momentum and throw in a goal here and there.

2. Forsberg Stole This Game

Back to Forsberg, and this was a goalie win for sure.  He stopped 42 shots on the way to picking up the win.  When Forsberg was in net he played huge all night long  which was the real difference in the contest.

I really like Forsberg and I think he should get most of the starts while they wait for Corey Crawford to return.

1. Breaks Going Hawks Way Leading To A Streak 

In the first half of the season, the Chicago Blackhawks led the NHL with posts hit, and yet when the game was in question the Predators banged one off the post when in the first half of the season that puck would have gone in.

Now the Hawks have won 2 straight and have 3 games with a point which has to give them some confidence and momentum as they head out to Vancouver.  The Hawks need to get really hot, and maybe playoff mode is a great mode to be in instead of coasting to the finish line!

Next: The Great Logo Debate

What are your thoughts on the Hawks win tonight?