January 18th, 2020: Chicago Blackhawks vs Maple Leafs Post-Game

The Chicago Blackhawks beat the Maple Leafs on Saturday. Besides the big win, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews both kept their point-streaks going.

Coming into this game, the Chicago Blackhawks were needing a win. They came in just six points out of a playoff spot, while also holding a three-game win streak.

First Period (A+ Rating)

The Blackhawks came out fast and scored the first goal of the game just 21 seconds in. Drake Caggiula scored off of a rebound behind the net. Caggiula’s goal was one of the weirdest starts to a game. I promise we’re not complaining.

A few minutes later, Jonathan Toews scored from a shot in the slot. Toews made a few nice moves, stole the puck and scored his 12th goal of the season. Two goals in three shots for the Blackhawks.

The final goal of the period came from Brandon Saad. After not playing since December 19th, it was unknown what Saad would do tonight. He came out strong shooting, the puck three times, and scoring a goal in the first period.

On Saad’s goal, Patrick Kane got his 999th career point. He ended the period in the penalty box after getting two minutes for hooking.

Second Period (A Rating)

The second period started off 3-0 Chicago. The offensive play by the team didn’t slow down at all.

25 seconds into the second period, William Nylander made the game 3-1. After seeing the Maple Leafs get on the board that quickly, the nerves started to kick in for fans.

Instead of falling back after Nylander’s goal, the Blackhawks went on the aggressive. Toews added on to his amazing night by scoring his second goal of the night, which made the game 4-1. That goal added all the insurance the team needed.

Dominik Kubalik would score two more goals for the team and give the Blackhawks a 6-2 lead going into the third period. In between his goals, Alexander Kerfoot would score the Maple Leafs’ second and final goal of the night.

Honestly, that goal by Kubalik was unreal. He hit the puck in the air like he was a baseball player. If we’re going by those references, that’s a home run for Kubalik.

It also marked Duncan Keith‘s 596th career point. He is now tied with Jeremy Roenick for 10th most points in a Blackhawks’ jersey.

Third Period (A Rating)

The third period started off how the game would end, 6-2 Chicago. For both goalies’ benefits, there wasn’t a goal scored in the first minute of the period.

The offense wasn’t there for either team, but the defense was. If you watched the third period only, you’d think the game was closer than a four-goal difference.

The Blackhawks showed a lot of strength on the defensive side of the game. In addition, Corey Crawford finished the game strong.

Crawford has been questioned a lot this season. His record isn’t solid, but after a slow start to the season, he’s starting to pick things back up. He isn’t the elite Crawford he once was, but he still is good enough to be a starter.

The defensive finish is good for the team. It shows off their defensive strengths. Hopefully, the team not scoring more doesn’t mean they’ll struggle tomorrow against the Jets. That game is very important.

Kane will keep fans guessing on when he will get his 1,000th career point after not getting his second point of the night. That now gives him a cool situation. He will most likely get that point on home ice. That makes up for fans that didn’t get to see him get his 900th career point since he got that in Buffalo, last season.

So yes, there wasn’t point 1,000 for Kane, but it’s coming soon.

Overall (A+ Rating)

It’s great for the Blackhawks to get their fourth straight win in a row. After a 2-2 home stretch, going 3-0-0 during this road trip was a success. The Blackhawks are five points out of the last wildcard spot. Vegas holds that spot and they’ve played two more games than the Blackhawks.

It’ll all even out but this was a huge road trip for the team. Tomorrow they host the Winnipeg Jets. The Jets are just two points ahead of the Blackhawks. This will be the biggest game of the season so far because of the wildcard race.

Blackhawks’ Goals: Caggiula, Toews (2), Saad, and Kubalik (2).

Maple Leafs’ Goals: Nylander and Kerfoot