The Chicago Blackhawks were eliminated for 24 hours after the loss. Shootout win over the Dallas Stars 4–3. at the American Airlines Arena. It was the first game back from the holiday break and the Hawks played with an energy not seen since the injuries to Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar.
The win snapped a six-game losing streak. It was also a chance to see if the Hawks could carry the momentum into the second half of back-to-back games at the United Center.
It took the Pittsburgh Penguins just 12 minutes to prove that wrong. This time the Hands didn't have any upset wins with a score of 7-3.
Anthony Mantha (1:38), Justin Brazeau (8:20) and Brian Rust (7:19, 12:03) scored in the first period. It turned into a night where fans at the United Center decided to keep an eye on the action. Chicago Bears “Sunday Night Football” Game instead of.
“Their chances went first and ours didn’t,” Hawks coach Jeff Blashill said. “Then you dig yourself out of a hole that’s hard to get out of.”
The Hawks' (14-18-6) kryptonite struck again as they lost their second straight game. They are now 0-4-0 for the second straight game this season. They went 27-7 in losses to the Buffalo Sabres, Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings and Penguins.
The Hawks need to figure out the best way to prepare for two games in two days.
“I don’t think we’re a team that needs to make excuses,” team captain Nick Foligno said. “We’re just a team that needs to find ways to get better.
“That's what's most frustrating for us, there's a lot to love about this group and that's where we expect more from ourselves. The coaching staff wants us to learn that mindset and understanding of how to play in those moments and that seems to be the problem right now.”
Foligno returned to the lineup for the first time since November 15 after suffering a wrist injury. In a corresponding move, the Hawks placed Nazar on injured reserve.
The veteran scored his first goal of the season at 10:50 of the second period, the Hawks' first goal of the game. He caught the rebound from goalie Artur Silov and kicked the puck between his legs behind the net.
“I was glad to be back in the group because you hate being away because of some of our injuries,” Foligno said. “It’s good to be back, so I give credit to the coaches and everyone.”
Defenseman Wyatt Kaiser scored at 1:30 p.m. in a bizarre second period to cut the Pens' lead to 6-2. Left winger Tyler Bertuzzi scored his 19th goal of the season with 0.8 seconds left in the Hawks' third.
It gave fans a reason to cheer as they exited the United Center. Bertuzzi's dejected demeanor after the goal said more than words could.
“Honestly, I'm not sure (about back-to-back meetings), that's not an excuse either,” Kaiser said. “We’re trying to figure out, (are) our legs tired, (are we) mentally tired?”
It was tough for the Hawks from the moment the puck dropped. Starting goaltender Spencer Knight was sent off but returned in the third, Arvid Söderblom saw three goals slip behind him and Penguins right winger Justin Brazeau had a hat trick as the Hawks managed to score.
It's a learning year for everyone that has its ups and downs.
“(We) understand who we are and who we’re trying to become, and then we focus on that process and the pride of getting to (put on) the jersey,” Foligno said. “If you do that, in many cases it will level the playing field and give you the boost you need.”
The team's confidence may have been shaken after seven defeats in eight matches, but one thing is clear. Team bonds have not yet been broken.
“We're going through a tough time right now, but I really like this group and I like who they are as people, I like who they are as competitors, I like who they are as hockey players and I like the potential in the group,” Blashill said. “You have to work hard, and things don’t always go the way you want.
“We can't feel sorry for ourselves. We need to keep working together, but I'm really excited to work with this group tomorrow and try to get better for the next game.”
