Game Recap: Hawks vs Ducks 3/12

You miss it, don't you.

You miss when the Hawks were good. When a slump usually meant an exciting resurgence. That at the end of the season, there was more excitement to be had in the postseason. It's 2015 and an electric Madhouse on Madison is the backdrop to Pat Foley and Edzo as they give their thoughts before the anthem. You're pissed about Corey Perry and want injustice for the blasphemy committed against Hossa.

Praise Be.

Last night the Hawks beat the Ducks 7-2, which means that the Hawks have scored 14 goals in back-to-back games. Both the Ducks and the Hawks aren't the same team they were in 2015, but I had small flashbacks.

The Hawks didn't look bad tonight and sure, you can say that the recent success on the powerplay is due to the level of competition they're playing against. But we've seen this team put a sorry effort on the ice against bad teams like this in the past.

The first period for the Hawks was good in terms of possession, owning 62.79% of shot attempts. The Hawks also had 7 high danger chances in the first as they got to the front of the net, taking advantage of the Ducks' weak defensive play. The shorthanded goal for the Ducks was worrisome, however, the Hawks punched right back with a Ryan Donato goal. It was a statement of fight and compete.

Once the Hawks tied the game 2-2 in the second, the game was over. Connor Bedard baited the lone Duck defender on a 2-on-1 rush with Philipp Kurashev, who received a beauty of a pass to tie the game.

Seth Jones would score a goal on a 4-on-3 powerplay. Bedard would end the second period with his 20th goal of the season. Mackenzie Entwhistle would continue the Hawks' onslaught by opening up the scoring in the third, 5-2 Hawks. Kurashev would score on the powerplay to make it 6-2 as the Hawks took advantage of the Ducks' poor penalty-kill system. A full-on line-brawl took place which spurred Ducks goalie John Gibson to cross center ice to challenge Petr Mrazek, getting thrown from the game as a result. Bedard would then put a bow tie on this game with his 5th point of the night with a helper on Tyler Johnson's goal.

7-2, Hawks win baby.

Thoughts

• The Hawks' first powerplay, minus the goal against, actually looked good. A lot of that can be attributed to the Ducks' style of play which opens so much ice for the PP to take advantage of. They play with a wedge +1 PK, which hasn't been going well for them.

• Donato's goal is another great example of what this team actually needs to do in order to score on a consistent basis, which is by getting the puck to the net and net front presence.
• The level of effort was consistent on every line. No one played down to the Ducks' level of play.
• Jarred Tinordi's giveaway which sprung the Ducks on a 2-on-1 for their second goal was a really bad look. If Tinordi isn't healthy scratched the next game, I'm going to type very angrily.

• Let's take a look at Bedard's assist on the 2-on-1. He does an excellent job of not just drawing the defender towards him but timing the pass just right which allowed Kurashev to take a well-placed shot.

• On Kurashev, he's been great to watch this season. He's developed great chemistry with Bedard. Their line had a 53.33 Corsi tonight, which isn't great, but that can be attributed to them getting hemmed in their own zone at times.
• Bedard had 11 shot attempts and 5 shots on goal.
• I wish I could show the clip, but bear with me. Connor Bedard did a wonderful job of protecting the puck on the Powerplay, specifically, it was the PP after Jones' goal. Bedard received heavy pressure but was still able to hold onto the puck while entering the zone.
• Athanasiou was missed. His speed was noticeable and it was like a breath of fresh air. He certainly looked like his old self. The forecheck on Entwhistle's goal was great.

• You have to love Alex Vlasic joining the rush. His defensive game gets a lot of attention but his offensive game will be something to watch in the coming years. He had a 58.82 Corsi at 5v5.
• Ok, time to yell at some clouds so leave while you can. Folks. The wave needs to stop. Stop doing the wave. Please.

Let's Go Hawks!