10 observations: Blackhawks knock off Capitals in overtime originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The Blackhawks defeated the Washington Capitals 5-4 in overtime at the United Center on Wednesday.
Here are 10 observations from the win:
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1. The Blackhawks scored three goals in a span of 34 seconds in the middle frame, with goals from Alex DeBrincat, Philipp Kurashev and MacKenzie Entwistle. It was tied for the third-fastest three-goal-span in franchise history. The NHL record for fastest three goals is 20 seconds, set by Boston on Feb. 25, 1971.
2. Marc-Andre Fleury was honored before the game for his 500th NHL win. It was a terrific ceremony, with his family and kids joining him on the ice, being congratulated by Martin Brodeur and Patrick Roy and the Blackhawks presenting him with a commemorative mask. He then went out and stopped 42 shots. Memorable night.
3. Caleb Jones scored his first goal as a member of the Blackhawks and it couldn't have come at a more opportune time. He buried a rebound shot by Kirby Dach in overtime for his sixth career goal and first career overtime winner.
4. The Capitals dominated this game at even strength, where they led in shot attempts (61-39), shots on goal (38-20), scoring chances (33-17) and high-danger chances (15-6), according to Natural Stat Trick. It was the most high-danger chances Chicago has allowed in a game at even strength this season. The hockey gods owed the Blackhawks after coming up empty in Toronto.
5. The Blackhawks had zero shots on goal during their first two power plays. They scored three goals on their next four chances. A nice turnaround after a slow start.
6. The Blackhawks allowed six scoring chances off the rush in the first period and 10 total, per Sportlogiq. They gave up just one total on Saturday vs. Toronto. Chicago's season average is 5.7 against, which ranks 12th.
7. The Blackhawks won 34 of 54 faceoffs for a win percentage of 63.0 percent. Jonathan Toews led the way, going 15-for-19 (78.9 percent). Dylan Strome had a nice night too, finishing 9-for-15 (60.0 percent).
8. DeBrincat scored his 15th and 16th goals of the season. He's now on pace to score 46 goals this season.
9. Henrik Borgstrom missed his second straight game with a non-COVID-19-related illness. He was placed on injured reserve before the game retroactive to Dec. 10 but is eligible to return as soon as Friday.
10. Blackhawks radio analyst Troy Murray returned to the booth for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer. He has made brief appearances throughout the season but he called the entire game with his partner John Wiedeman. So good to see him back where he belongs.
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