Instant Analysis: Beaten Up Blackhawks Shutout by Nashville 3-0

Whether it’s games, players or both, the Chicago Blackhawks just can’t win.

It was a familiar look for Chicago, not only with a 3-0 loss to the Nashville Predators, but with the injury bug taking another player from the lineup. This time it was Anthony Beauvillier, who left the game in the second period with an apparent upper body injury. Also lost was Colin Blackwell, shorting the Blackhawks bench by two in the third period.

The first period didn’t see a lot of offensive action from the Blackhawks and the second frame was more of the same.

Without another one of its drivers for offense, what more could one expect? Arvid Soderblom was a bit rusty in the first period, giving one up to Gustav Nyquist on the power play, but he was perfect through two from there, turning away 23 shots.

Blackhawks, Soderblom Settle In After Early Nashville Attack

It was a brutal first ten minutes but the Blackhawks settled in, keeping their collective heads above water, especially since injury took over sending Beauvillier out in the second period and then for the remainder of the game.

Though he surrendered a pair of goals, Soderblom kept it from being a blowout and had two big saves on a late powerplay, which should of added some confidence to his game.

Despite making 33 saves, Soderblom was saddled with the loss, extending his winless streak dating back to November 24th.

The Blackhawks were shutout for the first time since October 24th, a 3-0 loss to the Boston Bruins. While they wait to hear the extent of Beauvillier’s injury, they ready for a back-to-back tilt with the New York Rangers on Thursday and New Jersey on Friday.

At some point they’ll be back at full strength. Until then, buckle up…it’s going to be a shorthanded Hawks squad trying to find ways to win with a roster on fumes.