Jim’s Daily: Craig Smith’s Goals; Kurashev; Longest NHL Shootout

Welcome back folks to another Jim’s Daily. With the Blackhawks heading into a week with two home games before another lengthy road trip.

The Blackhawks need to take advantage of this home stand. With Luke Richardson juggling the lineup, this week will be a good time to practice and try to build some chemistry.

Good news for the Blackhawks, the team’s fourth line was buzzing on Saturday. Craig Smith registered two goals – both assisted by forward Lukas Reichel.

The Blackhawks fourth line consisted of Andreas Athanasiou at center with Reichel and Smith on the wings. Check out the full highlights from the Blackhawks loss to Buffalo here:

Richardson has committed to shaking up the lineup almost every night, playing players based off performance and not merit – but maybe they should give players more time to gel on a line before shaking things up.

Based on the Hawks morning skate on Monday it looks like Reichel will be centering a fourth line of Smith and Pat Maroon. Athanasiou seems to be taking Kurashev’s spot on the second line for Tuesday’s game.

Longest NHL Shootout:

While the Hawks haven’t had a shootout just yet. Just for your own enjoyment let’s take a walk down memory lane to the longest shootout in NHL history.

On December 16, 2014 the Florida Panthers beat the Washington Capitals in a record setting 20 rounds. Nick Bjugstad scored the game ending goal.

Blackhawks Stories You May Have Missed

• Craig Smith and Lukas Reichel spoke of the Blackhawks fourth line’s success against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday. While the Blackhawks lost, the Hawks did rally showing fight in the game.
• The Blackhawks recently signed forward Landon Slaggert to a contract extension. It was a nice signing for the Hawks on a forward who could compete for a spot in the NHL by the end of the season.