Mrazek Injured, and Blackhawks Blow Early Lead In Loss To Jets

The Chicago Blackhawks and the Winnipeg Jets played a matinee game at the United Center, which was set up to be entertaining. The last time the Blackhawks faced the Jets, they lost in overtime after giving up the tying goal with a minute left in regulation. Knowing they left that game on the table, they sought redemption. This was also their first game under interim head coach Anders Sorensen after head coach Luke Richardson was fired on Dec. 5, which brought another element to the afternoon. However, the Blackhawks extended their losing streak to five games. Here are 4 thoughts from the Blackhawks 4-2 loss to the Jets.

1. Blackhawks Upped Tempo For Bit

Sorensen said yesterday (Dec. 6) that he wanted the team to play with a higher tempo. Because the Blackhawks rarely ever played a full game up to this point, emphasizing a higher tempo seemed like a breath of fresh air and something I was looking to see against the Jets, whether they won or not.

They didn’t have a shot on goal for 10 minutes into the first, and their first shot on goal was a power play goal from Alex Vlasic. Because, of course. But the team did look engaged to start the game.

2. Mrazek and Martinez Exit Game With Injury

With less than 9 minutes left in the first period, goaltender Petr Mrazek left the game and was replaced by Arvid Soderblom. Soderblom was pelted right away by the Jets but held strong. The Jets scored on him in the first period to tie the game 1-1 off a tip from Gabe Vilardi. Darren Pang noted that Petr Mrazek was stretching out earlier in the first period after making a save, which is unlike him, so something was bothering him. Hopefully, he will be back soon.

The Blackhawks had every reason to get rattled when Mrazek left the game. He is such a big part of their team, and that could have been looked at as another thing that went “wrong,” but they didn’t get rattled, which showed their confidence in themselves in this one.

I liked to see that response, as they made the score 2-1 after the first period. So, it was unfortunate they couldn’t carry that to a win.

Defenseman Alec Martinez got hit in the face with a puck in the third period, which was tough to see. Hopefully, he will be okay, as well.

3. Blackhawks Defense Activated

The Blackhawks’ two goals were scored by defensemen. Vlasic scored his second goal of the season, and his second in back-to-back games. Alec Martinez scored the second goal, his first of the season.

Goals scored by defensemen have been a sore spot all season. Seth Jones led the defense in goals (2), and he hasn’t played since Nov. 14. Now, Vlasic has tied him. So, seeing the goals come from defensemen was a pleasant surprise. They needed their offense from forwards to show up in conjecture with them, and it didn’t. But it was still nice to see offense from the blue line.

4. Blackhawks Offense Non-Existent Again

Greg Boysen of CHGO made this observation:

With 8 minutes to go, the Blackhawks have six shots on goal from their forwards. Six.

— Greg Boysen (@GregBoysen) December 7, 2024

You can’t score if you don’t shoot. Granted, the Jets are a much better team, one of the best in the league, but the Blackhawks did let this one slip away from them. The Jets out-shot the Hawks  21-6 in the second and third period.

They had the lead in the game, and the Jets ended up winning 4-2. The Blackhawks may have gotten a new voice, but it will still take time to iron out these habits.

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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