Chicago Blackhawks Morning Links: Pitchforked At Home

The Chicago Blackhawks found their scoring mojo last night against the New Jersey Devils, but goaltender Corey Crawford had a rare off night as the team fell back to .500.

Sometimes, you think things are nearing a turnaround and then an unexpected event knocks that off course. That’s essentially what the Chicago Blackhawks experienced in last night’s 7-5 loss to the New Jersey Devils.

It was the Blackhawks’ highest goal output since the second game of the season, when they hung five on the Columbus Blue Jackets. But then, Corey Crawford had a bum night in net. After carrying the team through the season thus far, his legs sort of came out from under him.

I’d expect that to be more of an exception than the norm, but hopefully the Blackhawks scoring a few goals a game becomes more of a norm, too. Sure, four of them last night came in the first period, with Artem Anisimov, Alex DeBrincat, Jan Rutta and Tanner Kero all scoring. But you’ll take what you can get, given recent results.

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Patrick Kane added a second-period goal, but Crow was pulled by the start of the third frame, and while Anton Forsberg gave up another goal, it ultimately didn’t matter. The Blackhawks cruised in puck possession, posting a 60 percent share at even strength. But, like most of the season, the Devils overcame that with hot shooting, led by a hat trick from Miles Wood (who?).

The Blackhawks get two days to stew on this result before the New York Rangers come to town. After an ugly start, they’re winners of six straight games to sit just outside the wild card conversation. It should be an interesting affair.

Now, let’s get to some Chicago Blackhawks morning links.

Chicago Blackhawks morning links

— Poor Al Secord. Faxes From Uncle Dale

— Tree. Tree episodes. The Rinkcast

— A more traditional recap. Chicago Sun-Times

— Hear from the coach. Chicago Blackhawks

— Scott stole my intro to this post! The Athletic

Next: Blackhawks To Honor Secord With One More Shift

Check back in with Blackhawk Up later today for our weekly Chicago Blackhawks roundtable, as well as later in the week for our NHL power rankings, Blackhawks Hot and Not and another Eye on the Enemy.