Blackhawks Game #50: Snap the Road Skid?

The Chicago Blackhawks (14-33-2) take on the Calgary Flames tonight in the final game of the road trip that sees a week-long break. Puck drop is 9pm.

Previously on Blackhawks Hockey:

For the third time in five games, the Blackhawks were shut out this time by the Edmonton Oilers 3-0. In what’s been a reoccurring theme, the Hawks struggle to score goals and have just six goals in those five games–four of them being in their only win during that stretch.

How to Watch and Listen

TV: NBC Sports Chicago
Radio: WGN 720

Scouting the Opponent and Miscellaneous Musings

There isn’t much to be written that hasn’t been written already. The Blackhawks come into tonight’s game on a three-game losing streak and a chance to enter the record books in a negative fashion. Already on a 19-game losing streak on the road, dropping tonight’s contest would check that box.

So aside from the losing, what to make of the Blackhawks woes? Scoring goals has become excessively challenging and in some regards concerning. Not concerning because the Blackhawks are looking to win games and make the playoffs, but that some of the players not scoring are slipping below expectations.

Lukas Reichel, who sat two games before playing against Edmonton, again looked timid and unsure. Head coach Luke Richardson has done everything he can to try and get the youngster started–and yet he’s still unable to produce.

No one was expecting him to have a hat trick or even a multi-point game. But there was a moment on the bench after Connor McDavid scored the empty netter. There was a quick panoramic shot of the bench and Reichel had this thousand yard stare of sorts–and it could very well have been the camera shot.

But his struggles–and those of the team–continue to promise a frustration that will continue to tally losses. But the more concerning part is that it may shatter the growth of one of its more promising prospects. Now, it may take more time, but tonight is another chance for Reichel to showcase something–anything–that starts some momentum.

Isn’t it fitting that if he does, he’ll have a week off to wait to do it again.