Rapture Signs: John Scott Stars As Blackhawks Cruise Past Ducks

By Randy Holt

Raise your hand if you had John Scott being one of the game’s Three Stars when all was said and done on Friday night. You’re all liars.

Scott turned in easily his best game as a Chicago Blackhawk on his way to being named the Second Stars of the game, as the Blackhawks absolutely dominated the Ducks in their 4-1 victory on Friday night.

Apparently going for the Gordie Howe Hat Trick, Scott had an assist (yes, an actual point) and a fight (finally finding a dance partner), lacking just the goal, though he did have an opportunity when he ended up on a line with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane at one point in the third period.

Since he’s been in a Blackhawks uniform, John Scott has been the target of plenty of jokes and criticism. He’s slow, he can’t skate, and he’s slow, what could this guy possibly bring to the ice, other than his fists?

Scott had an assist on Jamal Mayers‘ goal in the first period, bringing his stunning point total as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks up to…two. He also had an assist last season. The 6’8″ Scott has become something of a fan favorite for some, as he carries a pretty entertaining personality off the ice. But of course what it comes down to is what John Scott does on the ice.

This summer, Scott made more of an effort to become an actual hockey player, and it’s clear that that’s paying off. I’m not saying Scott is turning into Duncan Keith, or Niklas Hjalmarsson for that matter, but this wasn’t the first time we’ve seen a solid game from Scott. He was strong against Minnesota as well, making a couple strong defensive plays that shocked the hell out of many of us, including myself.

It wasn’t just Scott, who was swapped late with Ben Smith in the lineup, who performed well on Friday. That fourth line of Scott, Jamal Mayers, and Andrew Brunette came together and played a very solid game, with a goal from Mayers and fights from both Scott and Mayers.

For Joel Quenneville, it’s a great big “I told you so” from the Hawks coach. He continues to put Scott in the lineup night after night, as fans and even analysts & writers struggle to figure out why. Scott is clearly working on his game and working very hard at it. Maybe there’s a hockey player in there after all..

Or maybe the Ducks are just that bad. We’ll see.

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