Two Thoughts After the Blackhawks 5-1 Win over Philadelphia

It never really goes how one expects it. A pair of days after being frustrated and shut down by the Ottawa Senators, the Blackhawks came roaring back with a 5-1 beatdown of the Philadelphia Flyers, who are fighting to keep a spot in the playoffs.

The Blackhawks recorded their seventh win in March, which to put into context, was just one victory short of their combined total in the past three months. Prior to March, the Blackhawks won 15 games. They nearly have half that total after in just this month alone.

Tonight’s game also saw output from a variety of sources. Here are a couple thoughts from the win.

Lukas Reichel Rewarded For Assertiveness

In what has been the broken record moment of the entire season, everyone has wanted to see the Lukas Reichel that had seven goals and 15 points in just 23 games last season.

There was a flash of that player Saturday night. Reichel reacted quickly behind the net, tucking the puck past a scrambling goalie and giving Chicago a 1-0 lead. Finally, after months of frustration and a handful of games in Rockford to reclaim some confidence. Reichel would pick up an assist on Joey Anderson’s goal, too. A multi point game with a goal to boot.

It has been a long time coming and something that might get him going as the final eight games play their way out of the season.

Blackhawks Role Players Step Up and Rewarded for Their Efforts, Too

Anderson was able to race in alone and bury a goal, fitting for a guy is always racing down the ice and playing the role of disruptor–or assisting on goals. Reichel chipped the puck up and Anderson was off finishing off the chance. Anderson quietly has been one of the Blackhawks more consistent players but isn’t one who will end up on the scoresheet every night.

Tonight he did.