Subban happy with 36-save effort in second start with Hawks
Going nearly two weeks between starts can be tough on anyone.
That normally goes double for goalies, who love a steady dose of playing time so they can remain sharp.
But a long layoff didn't adversly affect Blackhawks goaltender Malcolm Subban, who stopped 36 shots in an overtime loss at Nashville on Tuesday. It was his first appearance since the season opener at Tampa Bay on January 13.
After that, Subban watched Collin Delia (2) and Kevin Lankinen (3) make the next five starts.
"Obviously you want to get back in there, but at the same time, I'm happy they got opportunities, too," Subban said. "Lanks playing his first game, then playing a couple of more and then getting his first win in the NHL. Seeing his face after - the big smile - that's great stuff. I'm happy for him."
There's no doubt Subban benefitted from playing a much easier opponent than the Lightning, who lit him up for 5 goals on 33 shots. Still, his rebound control and post-to-post movement against the Predators were much better than his first appearance.
"We knew they were going to throw pucks to the net and send guys to the net," Subban said, "so I was just trying to do my best to make sure there was no rebounds and we did a pretty good job of boxing out so I could see the shots."
The Hawks also laid their bodies on the line over and over again on the power play, blocking shots that otherwise may have found their mark. Connor Murphy (5) and Calvin de Haan (3) led a block party that sent 17 attempts deflecting out of harms way.
"Subby played great," de Haan said. "He gave us an opportunity to win and he stopped the pucks he needed to stop."
Slap shots:
Lucas Wallmark joined Alex DeBrincat and Adam Boqvist in COVID protocol Wednesday. … Defenseman Nicolas Beaudin made his season debut Wednesday at Nashville. Beaudin's only appearance last season came on March 11, the last day games were played before the NHL shut down due to the coronavirus. … Mattias Janmark's goal Tuesday marked the third straight game he scored, tying a career high set in 2016. … Andrew Shaw notched his 150th career point when he assisted on Dylan Strome's power-play goal Tuesday.
He said it:
"Those guys just have a slapshot regatta going on."
Calvin de Haan on Nashville after the Hawks' 3-2 OT loss Tuesday