Four Fast Thoughts: Blackhawks Blanked by Buffalo 3-0

The Chicago Blackhawks were snowed in twice in a pair of days–once pushing the game back and the other on the ice in a 3-0 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.

Four quick thoughts after the Hawks drop to 13-30-2 on the season.

Win Streak Eludes the Blackhawks Again

It’s happened just once this season and it won’t happen again for at least few more games. Perhaps the toughest part for Chicago this season has been any sense of consistency after a win. It’s not that they haven’t been close, but tonight was the first time in a while they’ve looked flat.

Struggling to Score Goals

In their past five games, the Blackhawks have five goals. Prior to the 2-1 win over the Sharks Tuesday night, the Blackhawks had three consecutive games scoring a single goal and tonight marked the third time they were blanked this season.

How Have They Been Since Connor Bedard Was Hurt?

Since Connor Bedard was injured, the Blackhawks have scored a total of nine goals, averaging just 1.5 per game. But in that stretch of six games, they’re 2-4 with tonight’s loss being the weakest of their efforts so far. The six games prior to losing Bedard? 10 goals for, and 1-5. In an odd stretch, the Hawks have been a bit just slightly better since Bedard was out–at least numbers wise. But there’s no mistaking that his creativity and ability to drive play has stunted Chicago’s offensive drive.

How Will They Respond Tomorrow?

It’s the New York Islanders, who are 19-15-10, and are in a dogfight jockeying for position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. They’re also on a three-game losing streak, scoring just three goals in their past three games.

The Hawks will be returning from Buffalo to play in a back-to-back situation thanks to tonight’s game being pushed from Wednesday.

Petr Mrazek will be back in the crease, and one other part–Arvid Soderblom had a nice little game despite the result tonight.