The Blackhawks knocked off the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1 in overtime on Thursday at PNC Arena.
Here are 10 observations from the win:
1. Alex DeBrincat's sensational season continued on Thursday after he scored the overtime winner to extend his goal streak to five games. He's now up to 29 goals on the year, which is tied for third-best in the league.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Chicago sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
2. Collin Delia started in net for the second straight game and was just lights out. He was named the No. 1 star of the game after stopping 36 of 37 shots, many of which came from high-danger areas, and gave up only five goals on 82 shots over his three appearances against Carolina for a save percentage of .939. Most importantly, he picked up his first win of the season. That had to feel good.
3. Riley Stillman became the eighth player on the Blackhawks to score his first career NHL goal this season. He tied the game up with 3:01 left in regulation after redirecting a Pius Suter shot from the point and let out a huge celebration. It took him 54 games, but he finally got it.
4. The Blackhawks generated 14 high-danger chances during 5-on-5 action, according to Natural Stat Trick. It's their third-highest total in a game this season. Their most are 17, which came in a 3-0 loss to Nashville on April 3.
5. There was an unfortunate incident that led to Carolina's only goal. Duncan Keith was inadvertently kneed in the face by an official and it allowed Martin Necas to score a shorthanded tally on a breakaway. Keith played two more shifts and did not return.
6. The Blackhawks were forced to play with only five defensemen yet again after Keith left in the first period with an injury. Here's a look at how the ice time was distributed without their minutes leader:
- Connor Murphy: 26:14
- Nikita Zadorov: 26:14
- Riley Stillman: 24:26
- Wyatt Kalynuk: 23:04
- Alec Regula: 14:16
- Keith: 5:37
6. The Blackhawks also played the entire third period with only 11 forwards. Brett Connolly, who was a healthy scratch on Monday and Tuesday, collided with Hurricanes center Steven Lorentz at the end of the second period and immediately went to the locker room. He did not return.
NHL
7. Regula became the ninth rookie to make his NHL debut for the Blackhawks this season and didn't look out of place. He had one shot attempt, one blocked shot and one hit.
8. DeBrincat scored the overtime winner, but he also had a golden opportunity to score his second shorthanded goal in as many games in the second period, but lost control of the puck when trying to make a move and hit the side of the post. Not only is he scoring, but he's creating chances as well.
9. The Blackhawks allowed 36 scoring chances at 5-on-5, which was their second-highest total in a game this season. Their most chances allowed is 39, which came in a 5-4 loss to Florida on May 1.
10. The Blackhawks registered 27 shots on goal; 17 of those came from the slot, according to Sportlogiq. That'll work.
Click here to subscribe to the Blackhawks Talk Podcast for free.