Chicago Blackhawks: An offensive explosion at United Center

The Chicago Blackhawks went big on their offense as they routed the Anaheim Ducks at the United Center to inch closer to a playoff spot.

The Chicago Blackhawks are somehow remarkably still in the playoff race. They have been pretty good in their last few games so defeating the Anaheim Ducks 6-2 at the United Center is definitely a good thing. They are now six points back of the second Wild Card spot and ten home games in March. They need to keep it going and win most of their games to have a chance but it can still be done.

When Stan Bowman was a seller at the trade deadline the team was reeling. Since then, they have played well. Corey Crawford was the story of the game for Chicago after the first period. The Blackhawks were leading 1-0 but they were lucky to have that the case. Anaheim outshot them 16-6 in the period but Crawford gave them a chance to wake up. The Hawks still allowed 39 goals themselves so Crawford’s brilliance lasted all game.

They woke up in a big way by getting 18 shots in the second period and 16 in the third to get their total up to 40. The Blackhawks put five goals past John Gibson who is one of the best goalies in the NHL. Then he was pulled in favor of Ryan Miller who also allowed one goal. It was truly an offensive explosion for the home team after looking like they would fold after the first period.

One forward who was the story of the game overall was Dylan Strome. It has been a tougher season for Strome after bursting onto the scene last year. He hadn’t scored a goal since January so it was good to see him net one. Then he scored a second one which is hopefully a sign that he is back to his old self. It is pretty clear that he is better suited to play center than play on the wing. His game is at it’s best when he is moving in all situations. Strome was named the first star of the game for his efforts.

The Blackhawks have the league’s hottest duo coming to town on Thursday. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the Edmonton Oilers roll into the United Center to try and keep up their strong play. The Blackhawks are going to need to put everything they have on the ice in order to defeat these guys.