Injuries be damned–the Blackhawks aren’t going to just roll over until they’re healthy again. Just ask Colin Blackwell.
The rugged forward potted two goals Sunday afternoon, including the game winning goal on the power play as the Blackhawks stunned the Calgary Flames 4-3. It was an unexpected, but very appreciated win by the capacity crowd at the United Center.
Blackwell opened the scoring with a nifty little move, dragging the puck back and firing one past Jacob Markstrom to take a 1-0 lead. The Flames would tie it, and then take the league on a puck that banked off of Connor Murphy’s skate and into the net.
Chicago responded with a tying goal from Philipp Kurashev, and then a go-ahead from Nikita Zaitsev, whose goal mirrored the the earlier Calgary goal, bouncing off a skate and in. Suddenly the Hawks were heading into the third period with a lead.
Blackwell buried his second of the game on the power play, which turned out to the game winner after Calgary potted one to pull within a goal. But the Blackhawks held strong, with Petr Mrazek once again being his usual stalwart self between the pipes, with 28 saves, and a collection of them during the the Flames power play.
Blackhawks’ Mrazek Puts On a Show in Third
During a critical third period penalty kill, it was Mrazek who stood on his head during an absolute barrage of shots from the Flames. Even as the penalty expired, Calgary was able to get a couple more shots off but Mrazek slammed the door shut. Though one would sneak in later in the period, Mrazek was big when it mattered and it’s been the theme of his season with the Blackhawks.
Mrazek only gave up one goal in ten shots in the final period.
He might have notched the most unlikely win of the season, but it now gives him double digits for a team that hasn’t often given him the goal support they’d like. Between a little puck luck and Blackwell’s pair, the Blackhawks grit and energy was rewarded and loudly cheered by their fans.
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