5 Thoughts: Blackhawks vs Sabres, January 18, 2024
The Chicago Blackhawks lost to the Buffalo Sabres, 3-0.
1. Shutout - The Blackhawks got shutout by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen tonight, as Luukkonen was having none of Chicago's chances to score. Ukko-Pekka knocked aside all of the Blackhawks' 19 shots, which also included a few breakaway chances. Luukkonen played great tonight, and certainly earned that shutout.
2. Shots on Goal - The Blackhawks were embarrassed when it came to shots on goal tonight. Chicago was outshot by the Sabres 19 to 30. In the first period, they were outshot four to 13. They bounced back in the second period when they had back to back power plays and tallied eight shots, but were still outshot in all periods.
3. Philipp Kurashev - Philipp Kurashev had a nasty looking hit on Buffalo defenseman Erik Johnson tonight. Kurashev's hit eventually turned into a five minute major penalty for boarding. However, it seems as if Erik Johnson turned and put himself in harm's way. Philipp was carrying too much speed and happened to nail him, that followed Johnson slamming his head against the boards. That penalty ended up costing the Hawks, as the Sabres scored.
4. Penalties - In total, from both ends, there were ten penalties. The Sabres went one for six on the power play, and the Blackhawks went zero for four on the power play. Both power plays looked very sloppy, but Buffalo's looked better than Chicago's. The only power play goal was from Zemgus Girgensons, as he tipped the puck in on a shot in front.
5. Terrible Effort - This was a very tough game to watch if you were a Hawk fan. Being shutout, going zero for four on the power play, the five minute major from Kurashev. Being outshot for the hundredth time this year, 19 to 31. After they killed off the five minute major, it seemed like the Blackhawks just gave up. Everything about it was garbage. The only bright spot tonight was Arvid Soderblom, as he had a decent game. His time with goalie coach Jimmy Waite is clearly paying off. But except that, there wasn't much to look forward to.
