Nick Lardis scores first goal as Blackhawks finally push back

The Chicago Blackhawks entered the game against the Ottawa Senators on a losing streak and with an inability to score. They managed to solve a few of the issues in the last few games, mainly the lack of scoring (scored 4 goals) and the lack of fight. This game showed a team that actually wanted to win and finally scored goals.

Finally, some shots on goal

For starters, the Blackhawks finally seemed to have overcome their phobia of shooting the puck. A few of these goals are what I was wanting to see from them for a while now: Just drive the net, don't try to be too pretty, and shoot the puck. If it is really necessary, make one pass and shoot from there, crash the net, and hope for a rebound.

Ilya Mikeyhev scored by just taking it to the crease, a simple goal. Mikeyhev scored another goal by going for the rebound, and Nick Lardis scored his first off a rebound as well. The Blackhawks should continue this trend as it is unpredictable, no matter how many times it's done. You can't always predict where the puck is going to go.

Passionate play

The Blackhawks decided to finally play with passion this game, though a little more would be preferable. A few of these penalties, like Sam Lafferty's cross-check and Arty Levshunov's holding calls, could be offset with a simple body check instead. A few things to look at in the video room for a while, given they don't play again until Tuesday.

The Senators also had too easy a time with their zone entries at the start of the game, and the Blackhawks somewhat adjusted to make it a bit harder, but work can be done on the neutral zone defense.

Another goes down

Frank Nazar has been added to the injury list as of now, taking a shot to the face early in the contest. Losing yet another young guy is not ideal for the team, but we'll keep track of this news over time. He may have gotten anywhere between a tough stinger and the trainers kept him off the ice out of caution, or he broke his jaw, who knows. Connor Bedard, on the other hand, is on his own timeline, which has its own pros and cons.

Goaltending...

Arvid Soderblom couldn't bail his team out after every time the Blackhawks scored to tie the game, the Senators would retake the lead. I'm not going to harp on Soderblom here for once (I really think there are better options in the pipeline), but he really had to make a couple of saves near the end. Overall, he played an okay game (a few times he flew out of position for some reason and failed to possess the puck safely), but the only complaint I have today is the lack of meaningful late-game saves.

Video Coach MVP

Matt Meachum and the coaching staff are earning their keep from the coach's challenges alone, with yet another round of great reads. I still think the second challenge for Brady Tkachuk's goalie interference should've been called, given Ilya Mikeyhev had a similar play the game prior. Something to really look into this offseason is the NHL finally confirming what Goalie Interference is in the rulebook, not referee discretion. There's too much ambiguity with this call, and there should be a straightforward definition.

The Blackhawks played a much more complete game this time around, with a few rookie mistakes here and there. I doubt the team thought they would get into the playoffs this season, and it is seen as more of a trial run with who they have on the roster. Thankfully, the scoring depth seems to have returned, and Nick Lardis scored the first goal of his career. Here's to more goals from the kid in the coming games.

Even though it was a loss, the developing Blackhawks should continue to get better as the season goes on, making fewer rookie mistakes and playing consistent hockey in the NHL. With the next game at home against the Philadelphia Flyers, here's to hoping we see an even better game.