Game Recap: Blackhawks Offense Non-Existent in Loss to CAR

Different game, but same story. The Chicago Blackhawks offense and power-play continued to struggle in a 4-0 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

It was already a worrying trend, but as the season continues and the offense fails to show up regularly, it makes many, including myself, wonder what this Chicago Blackhawks team really is. In an early afternoon game, the Blackhawks continued to struggle on the power play going 0-for-3 on the day and 1 for their last 22 power-play attempts.

There weren’t many bright spots, but once again, rookie Kirby Dach had a solid showing while centering the 3rd line of Brandon Saad-Kirby Dach-Andrew Shaw. Dach has become extremely noticeable any time he is on the ice and his high hockey IQ is consistently on display. He has been one of the best players on the team thus far.

The Chicago Blackhawks situation has snowballed into something that nobody wanted to start the 2019-20 season. Right now, things are eerily similar to when Colliton took over for former head coach, Joel Quenneville, last November. Let’s hope the boys can turn things around in a hurry and avoid another failed season.

The overall offensive production wasn’t any better, as they would be shut out by the Hurricane, and once again, the Blackhawks’ stars never showed up. Instead, it was players like Alexander Nylander, Brandon Saad, and Kirby Dach who were generating scoring opportunities Without the likes of Jonathan Toews, Alex DeBrincat, and Patrick Kane providing any punch, then this team might just be dead in the water.

The ‘Canes would open the scoring with a goal just FIVE seconds into their first power play, very much setting the tone for how the game would continue. The Blackhawks would hold on to end the 1st intermission with a one-goal deficit.

As the second period progressed, it seemed as though the Blackhawks did have some life in their game with some sustained offense and great puck possession. That was until, with less than a minute left in the second period, Nino Niederreiter would score his first goal of the season. Honestly, felt like a death blow to this Blackhawks team.

The third period would be more of the same with the Blackhawks’ offense squandering a power-play opportunity and allowing another power-play goal to the ‘Canes, with a forthcoming in the dying minutes of the game.

It just seems to be much of the same game in and game out. While we are only nine games into the regular season, it would appear that if changes are not made soon, it very well could be another season that ends in April. In post-game interviews, coach Jeremy Colliton and the players continue to have the same demeanor, which in some way is a good thing. However, even if the players and Colliton are on the same page, it isn’t resulting in good hockey.

Yes, if the Chicago Blackhawks can start scoring that will help, but it is going to take consistent efforts from each player on this team. As of right now, we are still waiting for many of the Blackhawks to start to wake up and start playing this season.