Photo: Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks returned home Tuesday after a brutal four-game East Coast road trip. Waiting for them was a surging Winnipeg Jets team that has clawed their way back into playoff contention. After being outscored 16-5 over their last 3 games, this team desperately needed this home game. Things seemed to be going well when they took an early 1-0 lead off an Anton Frondell’s first career goal. However, it didn’t take long for the Jets to take the 3-1 lead. The young Blackhawks team was able to claw their way back to force overtime, but couldn’t pick up the extra point as they fell 4-3.
Anton Frondell Was Worth The Wait
Anton Frondell finally made his home debut. Through four games this season, he has been a point-per-game player and finally was able to add his first career goal to his stat line in game number five. He put himself in a great position in the slot and let a hard one-timer go past Connor Hellebuyck. The more he plays, the more confidence gets. There are still some growing pains for the 18-year-old. The overtime winner, Frondell, seemed a bit too relaxed in his coverage, allowing Kyle Connor to get open for the goal. Just a good teachable moment for the rookie.
Tyler Bertuzzi is Having Himself a Year
With a pair of goals last night, Tyler Bertuzzi set a new career high in goals. His first of the night was a thing of beauty, a nice spin-o-rama backhand. While his second was more of what we are used to from him, sitting in front for the tap-in. Bertuzzi has been a great story this season, helping this team’s offense. With a weak upcoming free agent class, you have to wonder if his play this season makes him an appealing trade candidate this summer.
Good Fight From The Hawks
The Blackhawks have struggled to put a full 60-minute performance this season, and last night was no different. However, this team put up a good fight to claw back from the hole they put themselves in. This team has got to learn to play a complete game and limit this one-period collapse theme. That will come with time as these kids gain more experience, but until that happens, just keep battling and have more of these games and fewer of the 6-1 New York Rangers-style blowouts.
Up Next
The Hawks are back on the road for their final road games of the season. First up is a stop in Edmonton to take on Connor McDavid and the Oilers. It’s going to be a tough stretch the rest of the season, with 6 of the final 7 games coming against teams either in or battling for playoff spots. We will get a really good look at what these kids are capable of here down the stretch, and honestly, it’s pretty exciting.
Discover more from Inside The Rink
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Zach has been covering the Chicago Blackhawks since 2017 when he started the Windy City Benders Podcast. Since then he has interview Hall of Famers Eddie Belfour and Jeremy Roenick. As well as numerous Stanley Cup Champions such as Kris Versteeg, Dave Bolland, Bryan Bickell, Scott Darling, and many more. He takes pride in bringing a different perspective to his coverage and gives a fan view point instead of you typical media coverage.