Four Quick Thoughts: Blackhawks Misery Continues on the Road in 6-3 Loss

Not even Connor Bedard could save the Blackhawks from another road loss. The Carolina Hurricanes were lived up to the billing, swarming Chicago all night long. Whether it was shots on net or pucks that found the twine, Carolina beat the Hawks 6-3 to extend Chicago’s franchise worst road losing streak to 21 games.

Bedard, though, had another impressive game despite the loss.

Here are four quick thoughts following the game.

Bedard On Fire Since Returning From Injury

Since returning from his jaw injury, Bedard has points in each of those three games, which is six points (2-4).

It doesn’t include the two disallowed goals he’s had as well, negated due to the Hawks being offside, but the fact he’s doubled up his points to the ratio of games played shows again just what the Blackhawks missed when he was watching instead of being on the ice.

Bedard also drew a penalty that led to the second power play goal. Another impressive night from the rookie.

Even Mrazek Couldn’t Save The Blackhawks Tonight

Petr Mrazek has arguably been Chicago’s MVP all season long, but even he couldn’t do much else in an effort that saw Carolina absolutely blister the net with shots. In the second period alone, Carolina blistered the Hawks 17-4 in shots.

On a couple of the Hurricanes’ markers, Mrazek had absolutely no chance to make a play. The Hawks aren’t going to put up five goals to tie at this point in the rebuild.

It’s the first time Mrazek has given up more than four goals since New Years Eve in the 8-1 drubbing by Dallas.

A Potent Blackhawks Power Play

In four tries, the Blackhawks potted two goals on the man advantage with Bedard factoring in on both. He buried the first one crashing the crease and slamming in a rebound. On the second, he fired a puck to Tyler Johnson to finished it off to give Chicago its second marker.

Yes, Bedard factors into the success on the power play as he does everywhere else. But the Blackhawks passes have been crisper and their movement more fluid when they have been successful. Instead of holding onto the puck just a second too long or being glued to their spots, the Hawks saw success moving more and being far more active.

Misery Loves Company

The franchise high 21 straight road losses just underscores what has been a challenging year for the Blackhawks across the board. Knowing Bedard will be exactly as advertised helps, but it doesn’t blunt the frustration that is seeing the team unable to keep pace once a more dominant team starts rolling. Midway through the second as the Hurricanes started peppering the net, it was obvious the Hawks were in over their head.

To their credit, they continued to fight on and made a foregone 5-1 lead a bit tighter when the power play goals pulled it to 5-3. But 21 straight losses on the road shows how downtrodden things have been for Chicago.

This too shall pass. But it still isn’t fun for the fans to watch or the players to push through.

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