Blackhawks Game #52: Avoiding 6 Straight Losses for the 3rd Time?

The Chicago Blackhawks (14-35-2) take on the New York Rangers (32-16-3) tonight at the United Center. Puck drop is at 7:30pm.

Previously on Blackhawks Hockey:

A fifth straight loss came in an all too familiar fashion with the Hawks falling 2-1 to the Minnesota Wild. The Blackhawks actually outshot the Wild through the final 30 minutes of the game but it took some time for them to wake up. Ultimately, it’d be too late.

How to Watch and Listen

TV: NBC Sports Chicago
Radio: WGN 720

Scouting the Opponent and Miscellaneous Musings

The long layoff didn’t help change the conversation as the Blackhawks now try to avoid a sixth straight loss, which would be the first time all season long. It’s the third time that they’ve been in this spot and the two previous times they avoided it with wins over the Calgary Flames (January) and Toronto Maple Leafs (November).

Can they do it again tonight? It’s not as if they haven’t been close, but it’s the same problem as it’s been without any semblance of goal support–especially since Connor Bedard was injured.

11 goals in their last ten games versus 26 against. Their record in that stretch? 2-8, with both wins in a shootout and overtime respectively.

Now, they have to figure out a way to beat one of the better teams in the league to avoid that sixth straight defeat. At this point, the Blackhawks are absolutely on pace to grab a top three pick. But long bouts of losing also seeps into the psyche so the balance of walking that line continues.

Tonight will be telling.