Blackhawks Postgame
Four Thoughts From Blackhawks 6-3 Loss Against Canucks
Yet another slow start plagued the Chicago Blackhawks in front of a home crowd on Tuesday night.
The Chicago Blackhawks went into their matchup against the Vancouver Canucks on Oct. 22, hoping to turn the page from a 4-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres three days prior. But Vancouver was a tough opponent, having found their footing going into the contest on a two-game winning streak. Here are four quick thoughts and takeaways from the Blackhawks’ 6-3 loss.
1. Blackhawks Bad Starts… Again
It seems like the Blackhawks’ identity is slow starts, as it was a constant theme last season, and in the past two games, it has been more of the same. Head coach Luke Richardson had just discussed the slow start against Buffalo and how it cost them the game. Unfortunately, the same issue came up against Vancouver, where they were down 2-0 early in the first, and they did try to force a comeback, but again, these slow starts contributing to losses have been a frustrating thorn in the Blackhawks’ side.
2. Blackhawks Second Line Reached Milestones
Something positive from the game was Taylor Hall. He reached his 700th career NHL point with a goal in the second period. He had some chances during the game, with two shots on goal. He struggled against Buffalo, being a minus-2, so it was nice to see him get back on the scoresheet and reach a really impressive milestone.
To build off of that, Lukas Reichel had a great game against the Buffalo Sabres, where he had two assists alongside Craig Smith and Andreas Athanasiou on the fourth line. He started the game against Vancouver on the fourth line again with Smith and Pat Maroon, but Reichel did get moved to the second line in the second period with Tyler Bertuzzi and Hall. Reichel looked strong from the start of the game, driving to the net, making plays, and taking shots. Richardson wanted him to be smart with the puck, and he has shown that in the last two games. It has been a nice bounce-back after being scratched for the first four games.
3. Blackhawks Special Teams Had Off Night
The Blackhawks special teams have been top-10 in the league to start the season, but it didn’t do them any favors against the Canucks. They went 1-for-5 on the power play and 1-for-3 on the penalty kill. Tyler Bertuzzi scored on a 5-on-3 power play in the third period, which brought the score to 6-3, but it was rough sledding.
4. Connor Bedard In Rare Blackhawks Scoring Slump
Connor Bedard has not scored in four games. He is still tied for the team lead in points with seven, but four games without a goal is unusual territory for Bedard. Assistant coach Derek King said during the second intermission that he was battling, and he was. He was all over the ice against Vancouver and led the team with six shots on goal. Unfortunately, it didn’t pan out, but the tides should eventually turn for him.
Overall, it was a sloppy performance. They did outshoot the Canucks 33-30, but it was a forgettable performance. They’ll be looking to snap this two-game losing streak against the Nashville Predators on Oct. 25.
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