Neither the Blackhawks nor the Calgary Flames could feel accurate using the first word of the term “power play” heading into Game 2 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series.
After the units struggled to finish the regular season and were shut out in Game 1, they finally found breakthroughs Saturday night at the United Center.
The Hawks posted their first power-play goal of the playoffs when center Jonathan Toews scored 46 seconds into the second period with Calgary’s Jordan Leopold in the penalty box for tripping.
After going 0-for-3 on the power play in Game 1 and just 2-for-36 with a man advantage in their last 10 games, the Hawks finished Saturday’s game 1-for-3.
“We finally got one,” Toews said. “We’ve been moving the puck better and better, and we have to use that confidence … and know that if we take shots, and our timing gets a little bit better then the offensive chances are going to come.”
The Flames had been even more futile, but broke out of a 0-for-46 drought over 11 games when Jarome Iginla scored in the first period. The goal came while the Hawks’ Ben Eager was in the box for high-sticking. Calgary was 1-for-4 in Game 2.
Kid games: It’s been a whirlwind month and a half for Niklas Hjalmarsson.
The Blackhawks’ rookie defenseman went from anchoring the blue line for the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League to playing a key role in the playoffs.
Hjalmarsson, 21, has been a regular among the Hawks’ defensive corps since his March 4 recall and has paired with Brian Campbell to form a solid tandem.
“I would never imagine I was going to play here in the playoffs when I was in Rockford,” Hjalmarsson said. “I always live in the moment and I don’t look too much ahead. I always take one game each time but I did not expect that at all. Obviously, I’m loving it.”
One-timers: Actor Vince Vaughn was in attendance wearing a Hawks Winter Classic sweater. … Bears legend Mike Ditka dropped the ceremonial first puck.
