The Blackhawks responded to a devastating defeat on Thursday, with two deficits in line and surviving the overtime to defeat the Lightning 4-3 in a shootout Friday night at the United Center.
Even on his first day of retirement, Brent Seabrook’s prints were about the bad performance.
The longtime defender looked up from the ice from his own suite. After a sluggish start by the Hawks, a video of Seabrook’s tribute during the first TV break – and the ensuing standing ovation from both banks – set the hosts in motion.
After the emotional victory, Seabrook was in the locker room of the Hawks and addressed the team. Wing Patrick Kane also addressed Seabrook in front of the team.
“This victory was for him,” defender Adam Boqvist said.
Coach Jeremy Colliton added: “It definitely meant something to the guys. It’s good for our group to feel [Seabrook’s] support. He wants us to win. He’s not going to be here every day, but he’s still part of the group. And this is worth something. ”
A series of big saves by Malcolm Subban in overtime and a top-shelf sniper by center Philipp Kurashev in the third round of the shootout gave the Falcons their first win this season at the Stanley Cup defending champions.
Two goal kicks from wing Alex DeBrincat – who drew 14 with him this season in the NHL – and a rebound from wing Dominik Kubalik in the third period helped the Falcons make up the 2-0 and 2-0 draws, respectively. 3-2.
The Blitzes nevertheless controlled most of the game and had significant advantages in the shots on goal (40-27) and the striking chances (49-29). Defender Calvin de Haan’s departure with an injury also hurt. Colliton said he does not think it will be a long-term issue, but it could jeopardize his availability for Sunday’s final.
The Hawks’ victory was due to a few plays, Subban’s late heroism and an important death penalty to survive OT.
“We were not good,” Colliton said. “We did not play very well. But we found a way. And that’s a big confidence. ‘