Pat Maroon makes huge impact in Blackhawks first goal of night vs Winnipeg Friday
There has been first blood struck in Winnipeg, as the Blackhawks have scored first at the end of the second period.
Ryan Donato and Pat Maroon would get their first regular season points against former Vezina Trophy winner, Connor Hellebuyck.
Donato, took advantage of a wall pass by Pat Maroon and turned on the jets, as he gained possession of the puck on the play.
You would've thought that with one defenseman covering him, he'd have been stopped, but as soon as he pulled it back, he sniped a goal sneakily top left of Hellbuyck and scored the game's first goal.
Donato's current contract is a 2-year, $2 Million AAV deal, that expires at the end of 2024-2025.
So he is playing to the best of his abilities, and beating a goalie like Hellbuyck is a good way to get noticed this early in the season.
Donato went scoreless against the Utah Hockey Club, so it looked like he was out for blood tonight.
He currently has 1 point in 2 games this season, and during the preseason made himself relevant by contributing often.
One of the very few veterans who would play against the St. Louis Blues, when the Blackhawks decimated them in exhibition play 6-2, and during the bout, Donato would contribute 2 points( 1 G, 1 A).
Hopefully, he can continue the momentum in the regular season and be a bright spot on a tumultuous Blackhawks lineup.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Ryan Donato is an underrated player for the Chicago Blackhawks? | ||
| Yes | 192 | 74.4 % |
| No | 66 | 25.6 % |
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