Four things we learned in the NHL: Blackhawks finally score but still lose

Dennis Rasmussen scored just over a minute into the second period of Game 3 against the Predators, ending Pekka Rinne's shutout streak at just a bit over eight periods of playoff action against the Blackhawks.

• Blackhawks rediscover scoring prowess at long last, still can’t win
• Maple Leafs rookies at it again
• Mike Hoffman has hands of magic
• Jonathan Bernier relieves John Gibson for the win

Game 3 is when a series gets interesting.

It signals the shifting of the scene, from the favourite’s home barn to the underdog’s. It also represents the swing game heading into a pivotal fourth contest.

With four games on the docket Monday, there was plenty to glean. Here are the four things we learned, starting with the Blackhawks finding their offensive touch.

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The Blackhawks haven’t forgotten how to score

With 240 goals, the Chicago Blackhawks were the ninth-highest scoring team in the NHL during the regular season. You wouldn’t have known it by the way they played in the first two games of their series against the Nashville Predators. The Blackhawks were shut out twice at home.

But after 141 minutes and five seconds, the first puck finally found the back of the net for Chicago. What was perhaps even more surprising than the incredibly long goal drought itself was that Dennis Rasmussen was the player who ended the dubious streak. The 26-year-old Swede scored his first Stanley Cup Playoff goal in only his second Stanley Cup Playoff game. (See the video of the goal above.)

Superstar Patrick Kane then scored his first of the 2017 playoffs 10 minutes later, seemingly restoring some order in the hockey world.

Unfortunately for Chicago, those two goals would be all they’d get as the Predators managed to come back and sink them into a 3-0 hole with an overtime winner.

Historic performances from Leafs star rookies

The Toronto Maple Leafs had already had some big goals from their superb rookie class this post-season. Mitch Marner netted the series-opening marker against the Washington Capitals and we all know what Kasperi Kapanen did in Game 2.

On Monday, it was time for Auston Matthews and William Nylander to join the party.

Matthews used his speed and determination to score off what appeared to be a broken play, recording the Leafs’ first goal and pulling them to within one in the first period.

Late in the second frame, Nylander tied the game at three by capitalizing on a rebound thanks to some shoddy Capitals defensive coverage.

The goals by Matthews and Nylander were important ones, before the really important one in overtime by Tyler Bozak. The goals also allowed the two freshmen to join some rarified air when it comes to franchise history.

Mike Hoffman’s nifty mittens

Quick. Close your eyes. Now imagine Ottawa Senators winger Mike Hoffman scoring a goal. You envisioned a howitzer of a shot from the top of the circle, right?

Well, Hoffman scored what was an early candidate for goal of the playoffs and the puck sure wasn’t moving very quickly when it came off his stick.

The 26-goal scorer from the regular season was sprung for a clear-cut breakaway courtesy of a beautifully placed aerial pass from captain Erik Karlsson. With all the time in the world, Hoffman walked in and tucked a one-handed deke by Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask. It was 2017 version of Peter Forsberg or Alexei Zhamnov.

Hoffman’s move led to the first goal of the game at 7:15 of the first period. Talk about a magnificent way to get the scoring started in a 4-3 overtime win for Ottawa.

Ducks make first goalie change to great effect

Scoring four times via Sean Monahan, Kris Versteeg, Michael Stone and Sam Bennett, the Flames managed to chase Ducks goaltender John Gibson at 8:33 mark of the second period.

Good sign right? Not so much.

Jonathan Bernier came in to replace Gibson, and all he did was completely shut the door, allowing Anaheim to rally back and take Game 3 in stunning fashion.

Also of note, this goalie change signifies the first time in the 2017 playoffs any team has made an in-game switch (Notwithstanding the Pittsburgh Penguins subbing in Marc-Andre Fleury for Matt Murray before Game 1 when the latter was injured in the warmup, of course).

Yes, the playoffs are only six days old. But, considering 24 games have occurred, that’s saying something.

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