Mrazek, Blackhawks Have No Answer in 5-0 Loss to Colorado

CHICAGO – It sure seems like the same old story by now. The Blackhawks hold their own, they give up a goal, and can’t get back into it. On Thursday, it happened again against the Colorado Avalanche.

A pair of goals 41 seconds apart in the second period doomed the Hawks as the Avalanche won 5-0, sending Chicago to its fifth straight loss. A Devon Toews goal with just 1.7 seconds left in the second period left no doubt that the Blackhawks wouldn’t be having any sort of comeback tonight.

Colorado opened the scoring on a two-on-one chance that saw Jack Johnson feed Zach Parise. The puck got past Anthony Beauvillier on the side board, Johnson squeezed past him and the rest was history. A power play marker was the second goal and then Ryan Johansen had a terrific individual effort that made it 3-0.

All around, it was just a tough night for Chicago. Reese Johnson even tried to spark them with a fight, sending Chris Wagner to the ice quickly.

But it wasn’t Chicago’s night and in what has been uncharacteristic as of late, the outcome was pretty much written by the second intermission. Nathan MacKinnon would get Colorado’s fifth goal with 2:28 left in the game, leaving absolutely no doubt.

Mrazek Can’t Save the Blackhawks, Either

The rock solid Mrazek who has been the backbone of the team surrendered four goals on 21 shots by the end of the second, completely uncharacteristic for his work this season. On several of those, he had little chance. But Mrazek giving up a chunk of goals with just over 20 shots certainly hasn’t been the norm either.

It was an off night for the Hawks. But with the talent discrepancy as it is, they just can’t afford to have them.

Follow Chicago Hockey Now on Facebook and Twitter

Follow Nate on Twitter