Bank Shot: The hop didn't last long. Dylan Strome, a No. 1 pick who is blossoming with the Blackhawks after a trade, squared the score on a smart play. Oilers goalie Mike Smith, known for his stickhandling work, misplayed a puck behind the net (likely thinking a teammate was nearby). As the veteran Smith hurried back into his net, Strome, thinking on his skates, shot the puck into Smith, ricocheting the puck in the net. It got worse for Smith, who gave up four goals in the first period and a fifth in the second period before EDM coach Dave Tippett pulled him.
CHI: Young and old:The Blackhawks entered this unprecedented postseason as the youngest team among the 24 qualifiers. In fact, half of the CHI players dressed for the game were skating in their first NHL playoff game. No mind for rookie sensation Dominik Kubalik. He scored two goals in the second period (he was a 30-goal scorer during the season) and assisted on three goals for linemates Jonathan Toews (two goals) and Brandon Saad (one). In contrast to Kubalik's postseason debut, Toews, who scored twice in the first period, was playing in his 129th NHL playoff game. Winning goalie Corey Crawford, who missed most of training camp with a positive test result for COVID-19, was starting his 88th postseason. Toews is a three-time Cup winner and Crawford backstopped two of the Cup runs.
What's Next: Game 2 of this No. 5 vs. No. 12 Qualifier series is Monday, 7:30 p.m. Tippett has to convince his squad this is just one clunker, plus he will likely start Mikko Koskinen in goal-who might well get hot and render Smith a backup for this postseason. The Oilers are a powerhouse and might take some solace their top four scorers, McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, James Neal and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins all scored. Neal and Nugent-Hopkins lit the goal light twice in less than half-minute late in the third period to make CHI fans nervous. For Chicago, the Kubalik-Toews-Saad line is legitimate cause for worry and strategy, while superstar Patrick Kane is always a threat for the Blackhawks. Crawford always seems to be in good position and that will need to continue for Chicago to make this Qualifier a scary series for Oilers faithful.
