Chicago Blackhawks Morning Links- Competing!

Good morning Chicago Blackhawks fans! The Hawks are now 2-7-1 when heading into a long break since 2014, and with a core that has won a lot sure has a bad habit of not showing up before a long stretch of days off. 

The Chicago Blackhawks did what they have done all year which is being frustratingly inconsistent especially when they were staring at a week off.  Last Sunday all we heard about was Jonathan Toews talking about emptying the tank, and now the Hawks gave the packed house at the United Center a real stinker.

First off, I really hate the 11:30 starts. I know it’s for National TV, but the Hawks are playing a game before they normally have their pregame skates.

Secondly, this is no excuse because the other team has to show up as well, but as I said in my predictions that in these early games it’s usually a blowout because one team doesn’t show up.  Sadly, for Chicago Blackhawks fans it was the Blackhawks that didn’t show up on Sunday.

You can tell Joel Quenneville was frustrated after the game because he said the word compete in his postgame remarks.  It doesn’t matter what the outcome is when the team doesn’t compete.

More from Blackhawks News

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• 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

The problem for me is that the Hawks core should be better leaders in these kind of games.  This is why the entire season has been frustrating because the big guns haven’t been producing on a regular basis and yet it’s them that are supposed to be leading the kids on the roster.

We have a nice long week ahead of us to talk about how inconsistent the Hawks have been! No silver lining wins this past Sunday that’s for sure!

Here are some morning links to start your work week

Can you sense Joel Quenneville’s frustration after the loss today (Blackhawks)

Brutal may be too kind of a description of the Blackhawks play on Sunday (Tribune)

Corey Crawford’s absence this season is starting to loom large over the Blackhawks (Sun-Times)

Blackhawks ultimate test coming up (Madhouse Enforcer)

Why is fighting at an all-time low in the NHL (ESPN)

The Predators shut down defensive pairing is back (Predlines)

Blues management is not pleased (Bleedin Blue)

Next: 5 Thoughts On Blackhawks 4-0 Loss To The Red Wings

A Suspension will end an iron man streak (Pro Hockey Talk)