Chicago Blackhawks Struggle In Their Eighth Week Of The Season

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Sunday, 12/4, Hawks vs. Winnipeg Jets. Loss 2-1

This was Darling’s second start in a row in the same amount of days. But he was NOT the problem. He actually stepped it up big time, stopping 30 of 32 shots, including four breakaways! He was the one that kept them in the game.

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Meanwhile, the Hawks had the worst first period of the season, only registering three shots on goal. Oh, and a fight from Jordin Tootoo. Things didn’t get much better from there. The Hawks weren’t able to generate much in the way of quality chances. The Jets played a solid game, and actually registered 47 hits. The Hawks had 30. That’s just way too many hits. Needless to say, it was a very frustrating game to watch.

Panarin tallied in the third period (from the right side!), but it just added insult to injury, as the Jets answered right back to make it 2-1. Then the Hawks had a four-minute power play at the end of the game and weren’t able to convert. That’s just unacceptable.

On the defensive end, TVR was actually scratched after only one game back! Miracles do happen. Campbell was moved up to the first pairing with Keith, and Hjalmarsson was pushed to the third line with Gustav Forsling, for some balance among the pairings. I’m not sure these pairing are the answer, but we’ll have to see how things progress.

Next: Nick Schmaltz Was Called Up Too Soon

The Chicago Blackhawks play a sub-par team in the Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday (please win!), and then the New York Rangers on Friday, and the Dallas Stars on Sunday. Ugh. One of the top teams in the league, and then a division rival. It’s not going to be easy, especially without Toews and Crawford. But we have to move forward.

Let’s Go Hawks!!!