Chicago Blackhawks Crushed By Dallas: 5 Things Learned

The Chicago Blackhawks March Swoon continued against the Dallas Stars. The Dallas Stars jumped on the Blackhawks early 4-0 in the first period.  Vernon Fiddler had two goals, Colton Sceviour and Patrick Eaves each added a goal. The Blackhawks would get a goal in the second period from Andrew Shaw to cut the lead to three goals. The Stars would respond to the Shaw goal with another goal by Radek Faksa. Richard Panik scored midway through the third period to cut the lead to three goals. Cody Eakins would score an empty netter to put the Stars up for good. The Stars defeated the Blackhawks 6-2. The Blackhawks have lost four out of five games against the Dallas Stars. The Blackhawks have lost seven of their last nine games.

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Here are the five things we learned:

1. Trevor van Riemsdyk and Erik Gustafsson stink: TVR and Gustafsson were out of position and looked lost on the Stars first two goals.  Gustafsson has already been sat down by Blackhawks coaching staff once since he return to the NHL. His second break from the action could be coming up very soon. TVR also might have to spend some time on the bench because his play has declined as of late. Both players do not inspire much confidence.

2. Andrew Shaw is one of the few Blackhawks playing well: Shaw has made his presence known the last two games. Sunday night, Shaw had one goal and one assist against the Wild. Shaw had eight hits in the five games leading up to tonight’s game. Tonight against the Stars, Shaw had the Blackhawks lone goal in the second period. He also tried to ignite the team with several big hits.

3. The Blowout loss is the theme for March. The Blackhawks have struggled in March but several games have not even been close.  The Blackhawks were blown out by the Stars twice (tonight and March 11) and the Kings once (5-0 on March 14th).

4. Michael Leighton can still play in the NHL: Scott Darling was removed from the game against the Stars after allowing four goals on 15 shots. Leighton appeared in his first NHL game since the 2012-13 season with Philadelphia Flyers. Leighton came off the bench cold and made several big saves to start the second period. He allowed one goal in the second period but was hung out to dry. For the game, Leighton had 16 saves on 17 shots.

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5. Dale Weise has been a bust thus far: Weise was a productive offensive player when the Blackhawks acquired him. He has 14 goals and 12 assists for 26 points. Since joining the Blackhawks in eight games, he has one assist. Weise was initially projected as a third line player but has spent the majority of his time on the fourth line.  When Marcus Kruger returns to the Blackhawks lineup, Weise might be the odd man out.  In my mind Richard Panik has more offensive upside than Weise and might be a better fit on the third or fourth line.