Instant Analysis: Blackhawks Score First, but Fall 4-2

It looked like the Chicago Blackhawks were sitting with a good chance to get their third win in a row when Philipp Kurashev potted his sixth goal of the season. But Washington answered with a trio of goals that effectively snuffed out that hope.

The Blackhawks fell to the Capitals 4-2 Sunday night, snapping a two-game win streak and sending them to the road for a pair of games.

The bulk of the scoring came in the second period.

Kurashev was denied on his first apparent goal but the second one, which also ricocheted off his skate, stood for a 1-0 lead. But the Capitals came back quickly on a great individual effort by Washington’s Anthony Mantha, who outmuscled Connor Bedard, broke loose and deked past Soderblom to tie it up. Former Blackhawk Dylan Strome made it 2-1 after TJ Oshie blasted Alex Vlasic behind the net, opening up some room up for Strome who tapped in the pass. A goalmouth scramble gave Washington its third goal with 4:37 left in the second frame.

The third period was quieter, featuring back and forth of Washington fending off Chicago rushes along with generating some offense of their own. Washington scored again with 4:02 left in the third, which put the game completely out of reach at 4-1.  Connor Bedard notched his second assist of the night when he fed Connor Murphy cross ice for Chicago’s second marker.

The Blackhawks appeared tired in the final frame, but still fought through the fatigue as they pressured late. The Hawks now leave for games against Edmonton (Tuesday) and Seattle (Thursday).

Fourth Line Charged Again But Not Enough for Blackhawks

In the midst of the loss, the Blackhawks saw a source of strength from the fourth line of Reese Johnson, Lukas Reichel, and MacKenzie Entwistle. Reichel especially has looked stronger since sitting and then reappearing in the lineup on the fourth line.

Seth Jones also had a great pass that resulted in the Blackhawks’ lone goal. While he’s been dogged for not scoring goals, Jones has still been very good on the blue line for the Blackhawks, logging big minutes and chipping in with 11 assists.

Bedard has 23 points (11-12) for the season.