Chicago Blackhawks Morning Links- Winter Break Too Early

Good morning Chicago Blackhawks fans! Kids everywhere are all excited as they begin their Christmas/Winter Breaks beginning sometime this week.  If you watched the game last night, it appeared that the Chicago Blackhawks already are on their Winter break. 

After the Chicago Blackhawks play the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night, they will be on the NHL mandated Winter Break until Thursday.  The Chicago Blackhawks appeared to already be on that break last night when they looked pretty listless for the last two periods after hitting a few posts early on.

In years prior you could understand a lull this time of year before the Winter Break, but this season is different with the Hawks on the fringe of making/missing the playoffs so every game is important. Heading into last night the Hawks were tied with the Stars, and now they look up at them in the standings of the Central Division.  They haven’t looked good against the Stars once in three tries so far this season.

The one big thing the Hawks have to work on is the second period.  In years past this was their strong period, but this season it’s been the one they really struggle in, and last night was no exception giving up 3 goals in the frame.  The Hawks have had issues playing 60 minute hockey, and last night was the same story after a strong first period with two posts hit, they disappeared in the second and the game was basically over.

More from Blackhawks News

• Blackhawks vs Flames: Date, Time, Lineup, Betting Odds, More
• Three Takeaways from the Blackhawks’ Win vs Vancouver
• Blackhawks: Why Derek King is the Right Coach moving forward
• Marc-Andre Fleury Carries the Blackhawks to a 4-2 Win vs Seattle
• Instant Reaction: Blackhawks top Kraken for first time in history

If there is one thing that disturbs me about this year’s team is the fact that once they are down 2 goals, it appears that the game is out of reach.  In years past no matter what the scoreboard read I felt like the Hawks always would find a way to get back into the game.

What did you think of the game last night?  Here are some morning links to start your Long Holiday Weekend!

The Chicago Blackhawks do a great job granting wishes, this one is great (Blackhawks)

The Dallas Stars shove a side the Hawks snapping their 5 game winning streak (Sun-Times)

Matthew Highmore has a chance to shine without Vinnie Hinostroza in Rockford (The Rink)

Some thoughts on the 5 game streak coming to an end (CSN)

A Very good dog drops the puck before an NHL game (Bleacher Report)

How does P.K. Subban plan to grow the game of hockey (SI)

Bold predictions are looking good so far in Smashville (Predlines)

The Winnipeg Jets are cursed in shootouts (Free press)

Next: Deception Or Real?

Barry Trotz keeps telling Alex Ovechkin not to glide (Pro Hockey Talk)