5 Thoughts: Chicago Blackhawks Fall To Los Angeles Kings 6-3

The Chicago Blackhawks dropped another valuable game. At a time where it seemed like they secured the bag for the second wildcard spot, they’re slowly falling down the standings and getting beat by some of the worst teams in the league.

The Los Angeles Kings were the better team, no doubt. The Kings were able to beat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-3 in a game where the ‘Hawks seemed to have been basking in the warm California sun. Here are our five thoughts:

Corey Crawford is Barely Making It

This was Corey Crawford‘s second game back and it wasn’t his fondest moment. Since coming back from Injury Reserve, Crawford has been unsettling to watch. Understandably, it’s only been two games, but he’s starting to make bad decisions where he usually didn’t before.

For example, missed poke-checks, turnovers on the puck behind his net, and the occasional being too far out in his crease has costed the ‘Hawks goals against. Against the Kings, Crow had a .760 save percentage and let up six goals on 25 shots. Granted he doesn’t have the best defense in front of him, but he has a job just like Cam Ward and Collin Delia. He doesn’t have much time to get back in the mix, and it’s starting a narrative that might cost the Blackhawks valuable points.

Rough Start

The Kings were dominant, to say the least in the first period. With two power-play goals in rapid succession, the Chicago Blackhawks were found flat-footed and pushed over the guard rails. Granted, the ‘Hawks found some resilience and tied the game up in the second period, it still wasn’t enough to make up for the bad start.

Starting off the game going down 3-0 within the first five minutes of a hockey game is inexcusable, especially with the condition this team is in. Playoffs start next month, and they’re seven points behind. Get a grip and be ready to play a hockey game.

Brendan Perlini Decides To Be Elite

Okay, elite is a little exaggerated, but based on the rest of the teams’ performance, you might as well call Brendan Perlini elite. As the only forward to score in this game, versus a team that lost ten consecutive games, he provided some big support to pull the Blackhawks back from the brink of death.

Perlini scored two goals in the first two periods, giving way for Connor Murphy to tie the game shortly after. Unfortunately, the progress made was cut short and there would be no more offensive production from the Blackhawks, leading to their demise.

Thank you, Perlini for the great effort!

Blackhawks’ Faithful Proves Worthy

Okay, this is an appreciation, to say the least. To have Blackhawks fans still show up in opposing arenas is astonishing. Being a pretty mediocre team for the better part of two seasons now would think to shake off a few fans. In Los Angeles, I guess they stick it out with the rest of us. The sea of red, along with the “Go, Hawks go!” chants were actually very relieving to hear in L.A.

Yeah, we’re bad. But you still got to love the good ol’ Chicago Blackhawks.

What’s Next?

The Chicago Blackhawks play the San Jose Sharks Sunday night, which is a gigantic testament. The Sharks are the second best team in the West, which proves more challenging considering the ‘Hawks just lost 6-3 to the worst team in the West. See the problem?

The Blackhawks are seven points out of a playoff spot. Seven. It’s March, folks. The ‘Hawks need to start toppling opponents if they want to keep this fairytale story alive. If not, it’ll be an early golf season.