Blackhawks Daily: Disappointing Loss to Anaheim, Montgomery Fired

The Chicago Blackhawks had another disappointing loss on Tuesday night, losing to the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 at home.

Jason Dickinson registered two goals while centering a line with Connor Bedard and Joey Anderson last night. Dickinson was set up nicely by Bedard on each goal, but it still seems questionable having Bedard with Dickinson and Anderson considering some of the players Kyle Davidson added this offseason.

The Hawks continue to struggle at playing a full 60 minutes. It was the final minute of the first period that really zapped momentum from Chicago, with the Hawks once again relinquishing a goal before heading to intermission.

The Blackhawks have struggled in the third period in comparison to the other two frames, the Hawks have been outscored 26 to 15 in the third period, compared to 17 and 17 in the first period and 15 to 11 in the second period.

When asked about the outscoring differential in the third, Jason Dickinson had a different perspective.

“When you are losing games you’re probably gonna get out scored in most periods,” Dickinson said postgame. “So it doesn’t really matter whether it’s the first second or third, and we’re getting outscored right now, period.”

Dickinson has a point. The Hawks are losing games, and with stacking loss comes more and more goals against. However, the team’s third period goal differential does tell a story. Chicago has pushed hard for offense in the third, but they are still being outshot 189 to 164 in the third. Additionally, when trailing after two periods they are just 1-9-0, failing to make much of a comeback when behind.

The Hawks are also 0-2-0 when entering the final period tied. Last year’s Hawks would not have been in as many games as they have been this season, but still losing by just one goal is not really success when you want to be competitive.

Blackhawks News You May Have Missed:

Luke Richardson’s recently miscommunication with a star player like Taylor Hall cannot happen.

Chicago Hockey Now’s recently venting, frustrations and joys series took a look at how Blackhawks fans were feeling, from the line combinations to thoughts on the new Chicago Sports Network app.

News from around the National Hockey Now Network:

Boston Hockey Now: The Boston Bruins were the first team to make a coaching change during the 2024-25 NHL Season. While Jim Montgomery is gone, the Bruins bigger issues still remain. The Bruins roster should share the blame for Montgomery’s firing.

Montreal Hockey Now: The Montreal Canadiens might have struggled out the gate this season, but they seem to be on the upswing when digging deeper.