Alex DeBrincat gives Blackhawks win in a very special game

There was a point in time when Chicago Blackhawks were the luckiest fans in the National Hockey League. It wasn’t that long ago when the team was loaded with stars that helped them win multiple championships in a short amount of time.

One of those stars was Duncan Keith. He is probably the best defenseman in the history of the team. Unfortunately, his time in Chicago came to an end during the summer when he was traded away to the Edmonton Oilers.

He made his return to the United Center for the first time on Thursday and was greeted with a video tribute. He also was able to take part in the pregame ceremony which honored another former Blackhawks great.

Niklas Hjalmarsson was one of the great defensive defenseman of his era. The Blackhawks gave him a nice little tribute before the game which allowed him to speak to the United Center crowd and get their reaction.

Hjalmarsson dropped the puck in the ceremonial puck drop in which Duncan Keith faced Jonathan Toews. It was a great scene for everyone who so fondly remembers those days in which the team was outstanding. Having those three and Patrick Kane in the building was truly special.

The Chicago Blackhawks pulled out a win on a very special night for the franchise.

There was a game that needed to be played as well. You never want to lose a game like that but it is easy to come out flat after the pregame rituals are over. Chicago didn’t do that and had a hard-fought battle with the Oilers until the very end.

Chicago was awarded a power play in overtime which is always nice when you are trying to win the game in the extra frame. Leon Draisaitl, who is one of the most dangerous forwards in the NHL, tripped Caleb Jones and that was the game.

Alex DeBrincat ended it and sent the Chicago faithful home happy on a very special night for the franchise. The goal was his 30th of the season which is an extremely impressive milestone for him. He is truly one of the elite goal scorers in the entire league now.

It is always hard to beat the team that has Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid on it because they are two of the five best players in the league. They are first and second in scoring right now and should both get serious MVP consideration. It is a fantastic duo and Chicago contained them just enough to win.

Enough can’t be said about Marc-Andre Fleury who did his part in this game as well. This is a guy who knows how to win championships as well, as his name is on the Stanley Cup three times too. He made 29 saves on 32 shots.

The team on the other side is the one that should try to acquire him the most before the trade deadline. Until then, he will continue doing what he’s doing for the Blackhawks. Their next task will be a day game on Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers.