Blackhawks' Malcolm Subban Bounces Back in Big Way Despite Overtime Loss

Malcolm Subban bounces back in big way for Blackhawks originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

The Blackhawks made a surprising decision on Tuesday by going away from the hot hand in Kevin Lankinen and giving Malcolm Subban the start against the Nashville Predators.

Lankinen had started in three straight games and was 2-0-1 with a .949 save percentage during 5-on-5 play over that stretch. Subban, on the other hand, hadn't played since the season opener against the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning, yet turned in one of his best performances in recent memory by stopping 36 of 39 shots for a save percentage of .923 against the Predators.

Unfortunately for the Blackhawks, they lost in overtime 3-2 and couldn't get him what would've been a much-deserved win.

"He gave us a chance to win and that’s all you can ask of your goaltender," Calvin de Haan said. "It sucks we didn’t get the two points for him, but he gave us a chance to win the game."

The Predators dominated in many statistical categories, including shot attempts (72-36), shots on goal (39-20), slot shots on net (23-10), offensive zone possession time (9:08-5:00), and 5-on-5 scoring chances (27-13), according to Natural Stat Trick and Sportlogiq.

The Blackhawks had no business winning this game, but Subban is the sole reason they at least picked up a point to extend their streak to four games.

"I think my rebound control was a lot better, especially early on," Subban said. "We knew they were going to throw pucks to the net and send guys to the net, so I was just trying to do my best to make sure there were no rebounds and we did a pretty good job of boxing out so I could see the shots."

Rebound control is something Subban has been working on since training camp, but "post-play" and "tracking fundamentals" are what he's really focused on since the opener. It was tough sitting on the sidelines, no question.

"You want to get back in there, but at the same time, I’m happy they got opportunities, too," Subban said. "Lanks playing his first game, then playing a couple of more and then getting his first win in the NHL. Seeing his face after, the big smile, that’s great stuff. I’m happy for him. But I was happy to get back in there today.

"Two points would’ve been great, but we got one point, so you always want to try to get points when you can. Hopefully, we can get two points tomorrow."

While it may have been a controversial decision not to give Lankinen his fourth straight start, Subban deserved a chance to get back in the net for the next opportunity. Collin Delia and Lankinen each had their chance to start consecutive games; Subban did not get that chance yet. And he responded in a terrific way.

 

"He was great," Mattias Janmark said. "To be honest, I felt pretty calm. I looked up in the middle of the third they were outshooting us by double shots, I think. To be honest, it didn’t feel [like] that much because he played so good. He controlled the game pretty good, so that was great."

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