The Blackhawks suffered their 4th loss in a row in close fashion. A 3-1 loss to the LA Kings which saw all 4 goals scored in the 3rd period (2 empty-netters by the Kings).
This comes after 2 extra-inning losses to Dallas, one in OT and another in a SO. The Hawks failed to gain points over their Central Division foes in this home-and-home series and now sit with 29 points, good for 6th in their division. To give you perspective, they are a mere 3 points over the Colorado Avalanche who were the worst team in the world last year.
The Blackhawks are on pace 95 points. Calgary and Nashville got into the playoffs with 94 points last year. Soooo, there's hope?!
They currently sit 1-point out of the wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Unfortunately, there is a 4-point margin from 5th to 12th in the conference. That's a recipe for a heart attack ending to this season for Blackhawks fans.
The Hawks are going to have to find a way to get points and grind out close wins.
Here are some stats for your eyeballs:
* Blackhawks were 25-19 in 1-goal games in 2016-17 * They are 3-6 in 1-goal games in 2017-18 * CHI has 4 wins vs. Western Conference in 14 games
The Hawks didn't play terrible tonight and their legs were running on fumes with this being their 5th game in 7 days. The Kings though were in a 4 games in 6 days span. So, no excuses.
We've learned that Anton Forsberg is not the issue. He played very well in a back-to-back situation.
So, what's next?
Literally, the schedule says they play in Washington on Wednesday, then 3 games in a row at home; Buffalo, Arizona and Florida. That home stretch is very winnable in all games vs. struggling/less-par teams.
Even if they have to play into close scoring affairs, the Hawks need points and have to take advantage of the "easy" stretches in their schedule. Coach Q didn't call on any replacements on Sunday night, but did make a subtle change, flipping the struggling Richard Panik with John Hayden. Still, the offence could only get 1 passed Jon Quick.
Quenneville might make a few other adjustments before Wednesday's game, but one thing is for sure, the answers must come from within.
The trade front is quiet but that could change quickly if the Hawks continue to slide in the standings. If they can find a suitor for Michal Kempny, they might pull the trigger, but I've heard that even though they are not playing him, they like the Czech as an alternative option. Right now, the defence pairings are clicking though, so he and Mr. Oesterle are, unfortunately, out of luck.
If I hear anything along the way, I'll keep you posted. Until then, we'll gab it up on the message board.
JL