Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Blackhawks vs Avalanche game?
The article doesn't provide the exact final score, but mentions the Blackhawks scored five goals in the third period after trailing for most of the game to come back and win.
Who was the goalie for Colorado that the Blackhawks faced?
Jeremy Smith was in net for Colorado - a 27-year old rookie who was third on the Avs depth chart and only started due to a season-ending injury to Semyon Varlamov. In 7 games this season, Smith posted a 1-5 record with a .890 save percentage and 3.44 goals against average.
Why did the Blackhawks struggle for most of the game?
The Blackhawks went into the game with a complacent mindset, thinking they could easily beat one of the worst teams in the NHL. They were being too cute with passes, refusing to shoot the puck, and essentially playing on cruise control after taking an early 1-0 lead.
How did Scott Darling perform in the game?
Scott Darling was exceptional and kept the Blackhawks in the game during their poor performance. The article states that if not for Darling's exploits, the game could have gotten much uglier for Chicago.
What changed for the Blackhawks in the third period?
The Blackhawks finally abandoned the extra passes and cute plays, instead adopting a simple strategy of just getting the puck on net against rookie goalie Jeremy Smith. This led to a five-goal third period explosion that showed the NHL an extra gear the Blackhawks can reach when desperate.