Scott Powers, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Raanta's season debut a sharp shutout

CHICAGO -- Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Antti Raanta was fine with waiting nearly two weeks for his first start of the season.

It was the wait to make his first save on Tuesday that tried his patience.

Raanta learned Tuesday morning he would replace Corey Crawford, who is injured, and make his season debut against the Philadelphia Flyers. Raanta was excited for the opportunity and was eager to face his first shot Tuesday evening.

The problem is, the Blackhawks’ defense wasn’t allowing the Flyers any early opportunities. Raanta had to wait for 7 minutes, 30 seconds before a puck finally hit him.

“I was feeling all the time pretty good,” Raanta said. “Of course, the first shot was waiting a little bit longer than I was hoping.”

Raanta made that first save and then went on to make 31 more on his way to a 32-save shutout performance in the Blackhawks’ 4-0 win. It was his second career shutout.

“After that first one, I was just in the game all the time,” Raanta said.

Raanta wasn’t challenged much early, but the Flyers made up for that as the game wore on. Raanta made 10 saves in the second period and 13 more saves in the third period.

Raanta’s saves weren’t simple, either. He had to react and quickly move across the net twice to make saves during a minute's span in the second period. He used his chest to knock down a close shot by Jakub Voracek on a power play late in the game.

Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville was impressed.

“Real solid, square, confident,” Quenneville said of Raanta. “They had some high quality stuff, particularly in that second period. He moved quick. He was definitely in control tonight. Nice to see him get a win and get a big game for himself as well.”

Raanta couldn’t take all the credit. He was especially grateful defenseman Brent Seabrook cleared a puck from sliding into the net in the third period.

“I was hoping more we could win,” Raanta said. “The shutout is always special. Big thanks to the guys who were helping me. Seabsy got one save also from the goal line. There was lots of blocking shots. Sometimes I was somewhere else than blocking the net and the guys were just diving and saving the puck.

“Of course, it’s a great feeling and good way to start my season. Of course, it’s good. Just have to keep on working hard. Tomorrow again, forget about this game and go forward.”

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