More information will be shared later about the Winter Classic between the Blackhawks and Bruins, but for now we just want to talk a little about the Blackhawks performance.
1 Ice Time Leader
Eric Gustafsson, arguably the Blackhawks number 1 defenseman these days registered the most ice time on the team, 25 minutes and 27 seconds. Gustafsson has been one of the great surprises on the Blackhawks defense and has managed to go ona nice 4 game point streak with 5 points in that span.
2 Perlini Who?
Brendan Perlini, aka the other player traded for Nick Schmaltz managed to score his third goal in the Hawks uniform in the winter classic. It opened the scoring on the day and helped propel the Hawks to an early lead.
3 Not on Ward
Goalie Cam Ward managed to make some great saves in the contest that gave the Hawks a chance late in the game to tie it up. Ward is not at fault for the loss and his teammate Collin Delia could not have done a better job. Ward, who turns 35 in February, may have played in his first and last outdoor game.
4 Special Game | Special Teams
The Blackhawks lost yet another game outdoors and this one was one they could have won. The Hawks lost because of bad special teams. It was announced earlier this week that Sheldon Brookbank will be serving as an assistant coach from this time on and hopefully he can help push the blue line and penalty kill because it is awful. Chicago gave up 2 power play goals, if even one of those was killed of Chicago may have not lost this game. Even more shocking the Blackhawks had 4 power players with 0 goals. 4 power players that resulted 8 minutes of passing skating and little shooting. Chicago has got to figure out the power play.
The NHL will go back outdoors next year in Dallas for the NHL winter classic. The Stars do not know who they will play in the game but expect another team with a big city to bring in ratings.
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