Blackhawks Gameday #31: Averting the Avalanche

The Chicago Blackhawks (9-20-1) will be playing the Colorado Avalanche for the second time this season tonight. Puck drop is at 7:30pm tonight.

Previously on Blackhawks Hockey:

Better than the Seattle game, but still a bit off from what the Blackhawks wanted as they fell 4-3 to the Vancouver Canucks Sunday afternoon. The loss was the fourth straight for Chicago.

And now, a bit (more) on the Avalanche

Tied for first in the Central, the Avalanche made quick work of the Blackhawks last time in a 4-0 route back in October. At that point, it was the most overmatched the Hawks looked after the ten minute mark of the first period. The Colorado speed and skill simply took over and had the Blackhawks watching more than playing.

How to Watch and Listen

TV: NBC Sports Chicago
Radio: WGN 720

Miscellaneous Musings and Final Verdict

This one sure seems like another tough loss going into it–with all the injury that the Hawks have endured lately. There is some good news as a few players will be returning but then the other side has guys like Seth Jones not ready for still some time.

It will be tough on Chicago as they’re still working to patch holes and showed resiliency on Sunday in the loss to Vancouver. But the depth for the organization–much by design–just won’t be there this year. It provides a difficult reality that the deeper and more talented teams are already entering the arena with a distinct advantage before the puck drops.

Will they roll over? Nope. But the realistic approach is likely the healthy one for fans tuning in who will get a steady dose of tough losses as the season rolls on.

One final note–I will not be at the game tonight, but will have a wrap of things later.

Stats and Stuff

Team Goals, Assists, and Points Leader: Connor Bedard (12-14-26)
Blackhawks in their last ten games: 2-7-1
One Goal Games: 3 (2-1)