Chicago Blackhawks: 3 takeaways from loss to Montreal Canadiens
By Clay Swallow
The Chicago Blackhawks lost their 7th game in a row last night at home versus the Montreal Canadians. Here are my takeaways from the game.
The Chicago Blackhawks have been on a huge skit as of late, loosing 7 straight and only leading for 14 total seconds throughout those seven games. They have struggled defensively and offensively on a consistent basis.
Some of their shortcomings were on full display last night aga
inst Montreal. Although there were some positives to take away, you can’t garner too many positive thoughts after loosing your 7th straight game.
1. Power play struggles continue.
The Blackhawks power play problems continued to show their ugly face last night. The Blackhawks went 1 for 8 on the power play. They had a stretch of 6 straight power play minutes thanks to a double-minor for high-sticking and a roughing penalty and could on muster 4 shots on goal in those 6 power play minutes.
The Blackhawks zone entries were messy and it seemed as though they could not get a clean entry into the zone. They always seemed to use the push back entry, which is fine if your players are moving, but it always seems like 4 guys are watching Patrick Kane tried to stick handle up the ice.
Even when the Blackhawks get a clean entry there is way too much perimeter game. They seem to just pass the puck back and forth within the perimeter, hardly even attempting a shot on goal. If the Blackhawks want to change the worst power play in the league, they must change to a shoot first mindset.
2. Penalty kill takes positive steps forward.
While one special teams group struggled mightily, the other special team, the penalty kill, was a bright spot for the night.
The Blackhawks went 4-for-4 on the penalty kill against the Canadians, and really limited the chances on all four power plays. The penalty kill was a big reason this game was as close as it was. Without the Blackhawks being this good on the penalty kill, the Canadians could’ve easily had a two or three goal lead.
If the Blackhawks could defend as well 5 on 5 as they did on the penalty kill, then they might have won this game.
3. Showtime.
Patrick Kane completely put the Blackhawks offense on his back last night. He accounted for both of the goals, and was really the Blackhawks only dangerous scorer.
Kane ended his 6-game goalless streak by putting two in the back of the net last night. One was on the power play and the other was against an even strength Canadian team.
Even though Kane has been said to be having a down streak, he is still averaging over a point per game for the season. With his two goals tonight, Kane now has 15 goals and 19 assists in 30 games this season.
Maybe this multi-goal game will strike up a hot streak for the man they call Showtime. If the Blackhawks are going to get out of the cellar this season, he will need to get on one of his famous 20-game point streaks.
It is well known that the Blackhawks are very top-heavy with Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Alex Debrincat doing the bulk of the scoring. Those three have been the only consistent offensive pieces that the Blackhawks can rely on. If the Blackhawks have any chance of resurrecting their season, Kane, Toews, and Debrincat will have to be the ones to lead the way.