Chicago scored a season-high seven goals in a 7-2 win vs. Nashville on Saturday at Bridgestone Arena before heading back to the United Center and beating the Sabres 4-1 on Sunday. The Blackhawks are on a four game win streak and are 6-1-2 in their last nine games.
Remember how Murphy was the best Blackhawks’ defenseman for six games earlier this season? And how the Blackhawks defense struggled up until the Vancouver game, and then even after that has not been good? Getting Murphy back against the Predators changed how the Blackhawks played, including the fact they started blocking shots and stick checking more aggressively with 19 blocks against the Predators — three by Murphy — and 15 against the Sabres.