Last night's game versus the Ottawa Senators, followed the usual arc for the Blackhawks.
But all the necessary elements to save them from their now typically bad start weren't there—Scott Darling stood on his head at times but was otherwise human and beatable, and there wasn't enough late offensive pressure, resulting in a 4-3 loss and the end of a modest 5-game winning streak.
Credit the Sens who came out flying and competing for every puck. And Hawk fans anxious to anoint this team a surefire Cup Finalist take note (at least), the Blackhawks continue to struggle under a tight forecheck—a phenomenon they will see every night in the playoffs.
Another thing that hurt the Hawks was a little less discipline than usual, leading to some late penalties that crippled their late comeback bid.
It's not something that can't be coached and drilled through, but that also can't be taken for granted.
On the good news front, Lars Johansson has been returned to Rockford (not that that's good news in itself), and Corey Crawford has been activated.
Bad news, Marian Hossa left the game in the second period with what's been called an "upper body injury" and his status is day to day, questionable for the Hawks' next outing against Colorado. And so the Hawks' struggle to get a functional, consistent attack going on two lines continues, with a string of injuries in the top 6—and the ongoing funk of one Jonathan Toews.
But, as they so often say, you can't win 'em all, and the Hawks continue to lead the league with 48 points in 35 games.
However, by contrast, the Columbus Blue Jackets (for example) are just two points behind the Hawks with only 30 games played. The Jackets also boast the league's best +38 goal differential, where the Hawks are 6th in the league with +17.
I point this out because it suggests a couple of important things. First, the Hawks have made hay in close games, testament to their goaltending and ability to mount late comebacks and/or win games in 3-on-3 and the shootout. Goaltending and comeback potency makes a difference in the playoffs, the latter two factors don't.
The larger point being, the Blackhawks remain a work in progress, an entertaining team but also one whose playoff viability is far from assured at this point, barring improvement from within or via player moves.
The Hawks now get a few days off before hosting the Avalanche next week. I'll be back with a preview and/or anything else that bubbles up in the meantime.
JJ
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