As the temperature plummeted in the Windy City, so has the Chicago Blackhawks’ spirits. Without Connor Bedard, the Hawks barely muster enough scoring chances to warrant an offensive threat. Saturday’s game at the United Center was no different.
The Hawks’ lineup did a get boost with the return of Seth Jones. Jones last played against the Washington Capitals on Dec. 10. Petr Mrazek got the start again in net.
First period
In the first period, Jones was involved in three penalties, tripping Jason Robertson and getting tripped and roughed by Mason Marchment in the period. On the Blackhawks’ penalty kill, Alex Vlasic was able to create his own 1-on-1 with Scott Wedgewood. Wedgwood was able to turn away Vlasic’s attempt. In recent games, Vlasic has seized open ice when he has the puck on this stick that have led to offensive zone chances.
Mrazek turned away the eight shot attempts he faced in the first period to keep the game scoreless.
Second period
In the second period, Wedgewood would leave the game with an injury and be replaced by Jake Oettinger. Oettinger had surrendered six goals in his last start at Nashville on Friday. The Blackhawks were able to capitalize on the Oettinger’s struggles.
Boris Katchouk got the first goal of the game. Newly acquired Zach Sanford took a puck hard to the net that was saved by Oettinger, but Katchouk was the trailer and was able to pick up the lose change in front of the net.
Boris Katchouk cleans up Zach Sanford’s breakaway and scores his fourth goal of the season. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/ZQqbRAF1pO
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) January 14, 2024
The Hawks ended the second period with a 1–0 lead.
Third period
In the third period, Dallas stormed ahead of the Blackhawks. Matt Duchene scored his 14th goal on the power play. Mason Marchment scored 12 minutes later to seal the game for the Stars on a 2-on-1 chance. The ageless Joe Pavelski scored an empty-netter to end the Blackhawks’ hope, as the Stars defeated the Blackhawks 3–1.
Analysis
With the losing continuing to build, Luke Richardson had to give his team a post-game speech trying to lift their spirits.
Richardson said he went into the locker room after tonight’s game — something he rarely does — to reassure the team.
“Guys are pretty down… I just wanted to let them know we’re with them and we believe in them and they have to have belief with the way we’re playing.”
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) January 14, 2024
Despite the effort this team has showed as of late, there has not been any wins to show for it. With some guys experiencing two awful seasons, Richardson needs to continue to preach patience with their style of play.
The Blackhawks’ leader, Nick Foligno, joined the Blackhawks radio booth in the second period, providing something different for fans watching the broadcast.
The Blackhawks’ next game is Tuesday against the San Jose Sharks in a battle of the bottom feeders. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CST.