Vlasic Breaks Through, Martinez Struggles in Blackhawks Loss to Bruins

The Chicago Blackhawks had their second Original Six matchup in the last three days as they faced the Boston Bruins. The Blackhawks hoped to repeat their strong effort against the Toronto Maple Leafs while also taking advantage of the fact that the Bruins were on a back-to-back, as they had an overtime win against the Detroit Red Wings on Dec. 3.

The Bruins have been streaky this season, and the Blackhawks have rained on their parade before. Yet a fast start fell short. Here are 4 thoughts from the Blackhawks 4-2 loss to the Bruins.

1. Alex Vlasic Finally Breaks Through

Alex Vlasic scored his first goal of the season to give the Blackhawks an early 1-0 lead against the Bruins. This goal is significant because none of the Blackhawks’ mainstays on defense (besides Seth Jones) had a goal this season. Although, prospects like Isaak Phillips and Louis Crevier have goals. So, it’s been a long time coming.

When Vlasic spoke with Darren Pang during the intermission on CHSN, he talked about feeling frustrated with his offense, especially in the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Dec. 1, where he had six shots on goal but didn’t score. So, he mentioned that goal felt big for him.

Hopefully, it’s the start of more offense for him and the defense. Moreover, Vlasic has been outstanding on defense this season and had another good game.

2. Blackhawks’ Old Habits and New Habits Collide

The second period was interesting because the Blackhawks have had a recent habit of giving up multiple goals in minute spans, and that is exactly what happened tonight. Brad Marchand scored two goals in two minutes to put the Bruins up 3-2.

However, the Blackhawks also have a habit of letting up late goals in a period and having unfortunate goals go off defensemen (poor Connor Murphy!). But Jason Dickinson scored with a minute left in the second period to make the score 3-2, and it looked like it went off of Bruins’ defenseman Nikita Zadorov.

That was a nice change, considering the Blackhawks have not gotten lucky with those kinds of breaks. The luck didn’t last, and old habits prevailed, such as being unable to overcome mistakes, but they got themselves back in the game going into the third period.

3. Blackhawks Third Line Rebounds

Nick Foligno, Jason Dickinson, and Ilya Mikheyev on the third line have been successful. In their 4-1 loss against the Maple Leafs, they had a goal against. Against the Bruins, the line had two goals for. It was quite a rebound, even though they didn’t have a “bad” game against Toronto. But that is what you want to see from the veterans.

That line is so successful for a reason: because they do the little things right.

4. Martinez Had a Game To Forget

GOAL, Bruins. Hawks trail 4-2.

Martinez is having a very rough time. He loses track of Geekie, who scores a backbreaker on a breakaway.

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) December 5, 2024

Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times was right on when he said Martinez was having a tough time. He blocked a shot in the first period and left the ice momentarily before returning, and it seemed to be a snowball effect for him. He was also a team-worst minus-4 on the night. No one else on the team was worse than a minus-2. That Morgan Geekie goal (his second of the night) was the goal that put the game out of reach.

It was one of those terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad days for Martinez, and he will look to flush it.

For more Blackhawks News from Jim Lynch and Brooke LoFurno, visit Chicago Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.

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