Chicago Sun-Times · Yesterday
Blackhawks maintain structure, end skid by rallying past Sabres
The Blackhawks' 3-2 overtime win Thursday against the Sabres isn't going to win any Emmy Awards. It was an objectively boring game for long stretches.
That's exactly what the Hawks hoped to accomplish, though, after a grueling week of reviewing and practicing how to tighten their defensive structure.
After entering the week having allowed the most two-on-one rushes in the NHL, per coach Jeff Blashill, they didn't give the speedy Sabres any odd-man rushes of any sort. Their reads on the forecheck and in the neutral zone were clean and predictable, and they defended hard.