Blackhawks Blank Rangers in Centennial Showdown
An Original Six matchup in the United Center, but nothing like before. Two centennial teams battled it out in Chicago, and boy, was it a good one for Chicago. Any other night it may have felt good, but a centennial matchup like this was one worth celebrating. Staying ahead of New York almost the entire game, fans in Chicago were blessed with quite a performance. Another Original Six matchup is in the history books as the Chicago Blackhawks shut out the New York Rangers with a 3-0 win.
Chicago came out flying as soon as the puck dropped, but Igor Shesterkin began brilliantly as always. New York retaliated with a few chances, but Spencer Knight had the post to thank a few times. Chicago's speed was quite noticeable throughout the period; their constant pressure made them look much hungrier than in the first period. Despite the back-and-forth, the game remained scoreless into the second, telling fans they were in for a good one.
The second period went off, and it was a special-teams test. Chicago began with a power play, which New York beautifully killed off, but I was Chicago that still won the special teams battle. Shortly after the Blackhawks' power play ended, New York drew one. Without Adam Fox, the Blueshirts continued their first unit with five forwards, which may have led to Chicago opening the scoring. A little trouble near Chicago's zone led to Louis Crevier all alone, who made it 1-0 Chicago off a backhand past Igor, who attempted to poke check.
Chicago didn't waste any time after that, as Ryan Donato was set up beautifully to make it 2-0, or so fans thought. A great goal indeed, but a missed hand pass took the goal off the board, keeping it 1-0. Shortly after, Chicago made up for it when, who else, Connor Bedard chipped a pass in over Igor, making it 2-0 for good this time. Chicago remained looking hungry, while New York looked lost out there.
The final twenty kicked off, and Chicago looked no different. New York looked the same, too, and Chicago made it a three-goal game. A loose puck near the net was picked up by Tyler Betuzzi, who tucked it home to make it 3-0. It just didn't seem to end for New York, as Chicago went on a power play shortly after. Even with a power play for the Rangers, just nothing was working; Chicago was always 10 steps ahead. With no answer to this Blackhawks team, the Blueshirts ended up getting shut out yet again this season.
It was a complete 60-minute effort for Chicago, and what a time to pull it off as well. For the Rangers, it seems a lot still needs to be figured out. To keep up with teams like Vegas and Colorado, and to be blanked by the third-youngest team in the NHL, leaves much to be concerned about. Chicago looks to keep the momentum going as they head to St. Louis; meanwhile, New York heads home to take on the Montreal Canadiens. With a loss like that to this young team, can the Rangers figure something out and get back in the win column?
