Three Takeaways from the Blackhawks’ Win vs Vancouver

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Marc-Andre Fleury #29, Alex DeBrincat #12, Chicago Blackhawks Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports /

On the second game of a back-to-back, the Blackhawks gut out a win riding a 40-save performance from Marc-Andre Fleury

The second game of a back-to-back is always the hardest one, and the Blackhawks were no exception to that rule.

After chasing the high-flying Oilers just a night before, this team looked gassed as they took the ice against the Canucks. They were not smart with the puck at times, and Marc-Andre Fleury had to stand on his head to steal a win for his team. The Blackhawks had trouble creating chances for themselves for most of the game, but Fleury’s effort told the ‘Hawks that it was going to be a 1-0 final score, they just had to go get that goal.

As Eddie-O always says “It doesn’t matter how, just how many”. The Blackhawks didn’t go for a pretty play and relied on shooting the puck on net for a dirty goal, and that is what they got. From there, they held on with great neutral-zone coverage and Fleury withstood another flurry of shots from the Canucks to take the win.

Here are my three takeaways from an ugly, but all so important, win.

1. Dirty Goals Win Games

Under Jeremy Colliton, this team would never throw the puck on net for a dirty tip or second chance play. There would be a frustrating cycle of the puck in the offensive zone for a pretty pass play for the goal. They would rarely go for dirty plays and opt for the “satisfying” one-timer. With guys like Patrick Kane and Alex Debrincat, these plays are bound to happen, but when you’re in a bind with a 0-0 score, any goal is better than no goal.

Now, the Blackhawks just want to score. It doesn’t seem to matter how they get them anymore, they just want to score goals. They had their chances this game but they couldn’t convert on any of them. Eventually, Derek King just told the boys to shoot the puck on net and go for the tip or the rebound, and it worked. Who else to score that type of goal than Brandon Hagel, who’s bulldog-like tenacity was sorely missed.

Marc-Andre Fleury #29, Chicago Blackhawks (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

2. Vintage Marc-Andre Fleury

The Blackhawks should not have won this game, but thanks to the play by Marc-Andrey Fleury, his teammates were able to go out there and score the lone goal, which would end up being the GWG. This game, much like the Seattle one, should have been a blowout win for the Canucks the way the Blackhawks were playing. Fleury stole yet another win for the team, something we were excited about when he arrived.

When Fleury was acquired in the offseason for honestly nothing, I personally did not think that he would be playing for the Blackhawks. I assumed that he would retire instead until I saw the video on Twitter and the words “I’m in”. What happened is something that the Blackhawks must be extremely thankful for: vintage Marc-Andre Fleury.

With a 40-save performance, I think it’s safe to say that Fleury’s back on form to lead the Blackhawks into the postseason. In the last four games he’s played, he was their first star with stellar, timely save after save. He managed to save every shot the Canucks threw at him, got some needed shot blocks from his defense in the third, and recorded 5 post-saves in the game. The trademark “Fleury Rub” on the post has been a constant since he came into the league and it’s great to finally watch it happen for the Blackhawks this time around, not against them.

Jujhar Khaira #16, Chicago Blackhawks (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

3. Lineup Changes Need to be Made

The Blackhawks have been rolling four lines with little to no adjustments and this is a good thing… When the lineup is effective. So far, there have been three players who should have a seat in the stands for a couple games. These players are Mike Hardman, Jujhar Khaira, and Erik Gustafsson.

Khaira is a good fourth line player who isn’t afraid to drop the gloves when needed, but I expected more energy out of him the last couple of games. Reese Johnson is the typical fourth line grinder who throws 5-11 hits a game in the eight or so minutes he’s on the ice. I expected Khaira to bang a few more bodies than he has so far when that is all he is paid to do. Mike Hardman is barely noticeable on a nightly basis, neither scoring goals or laying the body. Gustafsson needs no reasoning to those who watch the games. Though he has good offense, his defense is still dreadful with missed reads and missed plays. That’s it.

I would like to see Adam Gaudette get another look in the lineup. He’s been sitting for way too long in my opinion and with some guys who are struggling right now Derek King may have to switch some players out. Caleb Jones should replace Gustafsson as his upside is higher and his defensive awareness is better as well.

I would also not be against a consistent line of Dylan Strome, Debrincat, Kane at some point this season.

Conclusion

In a game the Blackhawks should have lost, they ended up sneaking out a win with stellar play by Marc-Andre Fleury. They are scoring goals in different ways now, and are focused on winning instead of keeping a perfectionist system. The lineup may need some changes as some guys are struggling to make an impact, and for that reason I think that the front office may need to look into shaking up the lineup for the homestand.

Calgary looks to be another tough task for this team and the Blackhawks will need to be at their best to defeat them.

Home / Analysis

On the second game of a back-to-back, the Blackhawks gut out a win riding a 40-save performance from Marc-Andre Fleury

1. Dirty Goals Win Games

2. Vintage Marc-Andre Fleury

3. Lineup Changes Need to be Made

Conclusion

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