Instant Analysis: Rebounds Giveth, Taketh Away in Blackhawks Loss

Cashing in on a rebound earned the Chicago Blackhawks its first goal. But rebounds also had a hand doing them in.

Nashville snapped its four-game losing streak with a 4-2 win, sending the Blackhawks to their third straight loss. The Blackhawks had their chances, and the best ones, as well as the goals that made their way in, came as a result of crashing the net.

On the first marker, Philipp Kurashev buried his third of the season and Connor Bedard picked up an assist after taking a pretty pass from Seth Jones and ripping it on net. Kurashev cleaned up the rebound and pulled the Blackhawks within a goal, 2-1.

Philipp Kurashev cleans up the rebound from Connor Bedard's shot and scores his third goal of the season. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/4UrLpsq6Y7

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) November 18, 2023

Arvid Söderblom coughed up a few rebounds himself, the toughest on the third goal that replenished Nashville’s two-goal advantage. The Blackhawks were able to pressure the Predators a few time low, but Nashville did a fanciful job keeping Chicago on the outside limiting chances.

When the did get low, they scored. Tyler Johnson’s goal came off of a screen by Corey Perry and a turnover that Johnson caused. He didn’t wait too long or try to pass off. He fired after a quick move and the Blackhawks were rewarded with another marker.

An empty net goal finished off the Hawks late in the third, notching their third consecutive loss, with two of them being the identical 4-2 result.

Another factor in the loss–the Preds’ coverage of Bedard.

Bedard a Priority for Nashville Gameplan

It was most evident in the final stretch of the game, but the Predators keying in on Bedard certainly hampered the comeback efforts. With an extra skater late, the Predators would let him twirl around in the left circle waiting for a shot, but Nashville would close in quickly and seal off the shooting lane.

Connor Bedard getting a little frustrated. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/LazWmanMb0

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) November 18, 2023

The physical game was the other aspect of the game plan, where the Predators would make that extra hit or shot at Bedard. The NBC cameras caught the frustration from Bedard and it’s to be expected as his six-point outburst in two games reminded teams they needed to make him a priority.

The Blackhawks are back at it tomorrow at home against Buffalo.