Where the Blackhawks stand: The Anaheim Ducks
When the Blackhawks first won the Ducks on Jan. 15 last season, 3-0, fans were hyped over their fourth consecutive win. The city was also basking in Marc-Andre Fleury and his third shutout victory as a Hawk. How did this win set the tone for the other two games against the Ducks?
It's no secret that the Blackhawks weren't good last season. Between a new coach, management changes and defensemen struggles, it was hard to watch them lose. But if there was one team they were looking forward to facing after their first bout, it was the Ducks.
In their second game against Anaheim the Hawks had a little bit of a field day, outscoring the Ducks 8-3. Dylan Strome scored a hat trick on his birthday (March 8) and everyone on the top line scored. The Hawks put up five goals in the first period alone and Fleury stayed solid after letting three goals in during the second period.
On March 23, the Hawks went to Anaheim for their third and final game against them last season. The Ducks' desperation became clear when they were able to tie the game 2-2 with six and a half minutes left in the third period. That tension didn't last because Strome scored a few minutes later; the game ended 4-2 after Alex Debrincat scored an empty-netter.
Facts about this matchup last season:
-Patrick Kane scored in all three games against the Ducks.
-Three of the five goals Anaheim scored against Chicago came from the second period.
-The Ducks never led in a game against the Blackhawks last season.
-Debrincat had more assists (6) than goals (2).
-The March 23 game was Lankinen's first and only win of that month through six starts.
Against the Ducks, the Blackhawks were able to perform without disappointing. Fans are hoping the Hawks next season are able to make every game look like they're playing against Anaheim.
| POLL | ||
Do you think they can go undefeated again against the Ducks next season? | ||
| Yes! | 59 | 34.3 % |
| No, Trevor Zegras is too good. | 43 | 25 % |
| No idea... | 70 | 40.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
