TAKEAWAYS: Blackhawks Shutout by Hurricanes

For the second time this season, the Blackhawks were shutout by the Hurricanes, 3-0. Carolina struck first three minutes into the matchup and maintained pressure on Petr Mrazek by outshooting Chicago 23-7 in the first period alone.
Heading into the second period, the Blackhawks defense was able to hold back the speedy team by limiting them to seven shots. However, wouldn't be enough to keep them back in the third to seal their lead up 3-0.
Sam Lafferty knew the team created some control within the second period but simply couldn't find their chances against a competitive team like Carolina.
"I thought we had some time where we controlled the play and we were skating and possessing in the O-zone," Lafferty said. "They're a good team, so we knew they were going to skate and play hard. We just weren't quite consistent enough tonight."

PENALTY KILL STANDS OUT

After struggling to find consistency this season, the team's penalty kill unit came together again to shut down the Hurricanes' unit. The Blackhawks would go for a perfect 3-for-3 and allowed zero shots during all short-handed opportunities and hold Carolina from advancing.
"Well, great penalty kills by us tonight," Mrazek said. "That was the positive sign for sure."
With one unit on the rise, the power play couldn't find their spark to help create some offensive chances during their three extra-man advantages. Head coach Luke Richardson described that it is often time frustrating, he looked towards a positive note to see one of the units connecting.
"It was kind of frustrating, but our penalty kill was doing a good job tonight and it was good to see that," Richardson said.

MRAZEK FACES 49 SHOTS

To cap the night off, Mrazek faced a total of 49 shots on goal and only allowed three to go in. Carolina score two goals on the veteran goaltender in the first period and the final goal in the third.
He faced a majority of the shots in the first period alone but stated that it helped him jump back into focus after the three-day break.
"I think it was good because you got into the game quickly," Mrazek said. "Then, it kind of set the tone and sets your game."
Altough, Richardson said that Mrazek played well. However, he felt that the team could have limited some of those chances but being cleaner with the puck early on.
"I don't know if there's much we could have done better than other than just be a little sharper with our breakouts and with the puck in the first period," Richardson said. "I think that was pretty much the game right there."