Game Recap: DeBrincat and Strome Power Blackhawks Past Kings

Dylan Strome and Alex DeBrincat combine for six points in a blowout of the lowly Los Angeles Kings.

This was a must-win. No, this was a must blowout for the Chicago Blackhawks where they look to find their footing in this young season.

The Blackhawks did just that in a one-sided blowout of their old rival, the Los Angeles Kings. The win also could not have come at a better time, as the Blackhawks had been struggling on all fronts.

Much of the buzz leading to game time was the odd line combinations that coach Jeremy Colliton rolled out in the pregame.

The “fourth” line was the serious point of debate with Alex DeBrincat skating with Dylan Strome and Ryan Carpenter. However, out of the gate, that fourth line would turn out the be the Blackhawks’ top line with that line contributing 7 points combined on the night. DeBrincat and Strome did much of the offensive heavy lifting.

The scoring would open up with the Strome-DeBrincat connection. However, this time, it would be DeBrincat feeding Strome in the slot, who would beat Kings backup goaltender, Jack Campbell.

With that goal just coming just two minutes into the game, the Chicago Blackhawks got off to the start that many of us have been waiting for to start the season. Tonight, two of the Blackhawks’ best skill players finally showed up and put on a show for the fans in attendance at the United Center.

Speaking of putting on a show, it was the much-debated Alex Nylander who would make a slick, falling down pass to David Kampf who would notch his first goal of the season. Nylander, who looked to be making a move to the front of the net, would toe pick, and on his way down, he would make a slick pass to Kampf.

The DeBrincat and Strome connection would find each other once again with Strome notching his second goal of the game. The line was clicking on all levels.

Finally, the DeBrincat and Strome duo would finish off their night of scoring with less than a minute left in the second period. This time, it would be Strome who would find DeBrincat for the goal and making it a 4-0 game heading into the third period.

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The Blackhawks and Kings would exchange goals in the third period with the Blackhawks sealing a 5-1 win over the Kings. This win over the Kings is hopefully just the springboard that they are looking for, as they embark on a four-game road trip with seven of the next nine games coming on the road.

With Strome and DeBrincat showing up, the Blackhawks are now hoping that their other stars, namely Jonathan Toews, can snap out of their funk. Games like this are great ways for teams to gain that extra bit of spark and prove to themselves that they are a lethal offensive team.

Hopefully, this game will be just the thing this team needs to get them rolling in a positive direction and propel them into being more than just an NHL bottom feeder.