The Chicago Blackhawks Lose to the High Flying Winnipeg Jets!

Jan 26, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Winnipeg Jets goalie Al Montoya (35) makes a save on a shot from Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw (65) during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight the Chicago Blackhawks welcomed in the red hot Winnipeg Jets. The Blackhawks had lost in a shootout to the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday 1/21/14 and the Wild on Wednesday 1/22/13 in regulation. The Wild loss was the ninth loss in regulation for the Blackhawks all season. Meanwhile the Jets were 5-1 under new head coach Paul Maurice. Their lone loss came 1-0 to San Jose in the Shark Tank. The Blackhawks also were celebrating Patrick Kane’s 500^th NHL game.

The Blackhawks seem to be falling into a pattern as of late. The Blackhawks dominated for most of the game then give up the lead late. This game was no different.

1^st period: The Blackhawks dominated the first period. The Hawks outshot the Jets 22-2 in the period. Brandon Bollig got the scoring started early when he put a wrap around shot by Al Montoya.  After the Bollig goal, Montoya would not allow another goal for the whole game. Montoya would deny point blank chances from: Patrick Kane, Brandon Saad, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp, and others.  The Blackhawks were 0-2 on the power play in the first period. After the first period the Blackhawks lead 1-0.

2^nd period: The Blackhawks continued to dominate play. The Blackhawks outshot the Jets nine to four in the second period.  Montoya was up to the task again and stonewalled the Blackhawks. At the end of the period, the Jets started to gather some momentum.

3^rd period: In the third period, the Jets outworked and out played the Blackhawks. Blake Wheeler put the Jets on the board. The score was tied at 1. Former Blackhawk and current Jet, Andrew Ladd put the Jets up 2-1. The Ladd goal was a result of a costly turnover by Marian Hossa deep in the Blackhawks zone.  Blake Wheeler added an empty goal to seal the victory for the Jets.  The Blackhawks did have their chances before the second Wheeler goal , Kris Versteeg missed an open net for the equalizer.

After the game Coach Quennevile was asked about Bryan Bickell who was healthy scratch. Quenneville said, “We want more, we need more, we expect more”. Michael Kostka started on the third line in place of Bickell. Jonathan Toews echoed the coach’s frustration: “We just threw away another two points”. That is three losses in a row for the Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks now embark on a six game West Coast road trip before the Olympic Break. Tonight was the last home game at the United Center until March.

NEWS AND NOTES:

• The Blackhawks were 26-0-5 coming into tonight game when scoring first.
• This was Bryan Bickell first healthy scratch of the season.
• Patrick Kane played in his 500^th NHL game.
• Michal Handzus does not have a point in his last 14 games.
• The Blackhawks were the last team to have double digit losses.
• Rockford Forward Jeremy Morin was first star of the game in Milwaukee and had two goals.

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The Blackhawks will take on the Calgary Flames on Tuesday in Calgary.