The Chicago Blackhawks' offense was left high and dry in Monday's dismal 3-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken. Despite outshooting their opponents 65-45 and generating a robust 36 scoring chances, Chicago was unable to capitalize on its possession advantage.
A pair of early second-period goals from the Kraken proved too much for the Blackhawks to overcome, with Connor Bedard's assist cutting the deficit to 2-1 in the final minutes of regulation. However, Chicago's inability to sustain momentum after that temporary reprieve was a recurring theme throughout the game.
"We've come out slow in the last couple games," said Andre Burakovsky, whose hard-working effort in the third period was ultimately unable to spark a comeback. "I think we're way too good of a team to do that. We need to take command and set the tone ourselves."
The Blackhawks' struggles with scoring have become an all-too-familiar trend, particularly during their six-game road trip. With three losses already on the books, Chicago's record now stands at 5-5-3.
Goalie coach Jeff Blashill attributed the team's difficulties in finding the back of the net to a lack of flow and tempo, which ultimately made it difficult for his players to generate offense. "Games are hard, man," he said. "It's not going to be a lot of free-flowing hockey. You've got to really earn your offense."
One player who struggled mightily in that regard was Frank Nazar, whose usually reliable play saw him commit a crucial neutral-zone turnover that led directly to the Kraken's third goal.
"Frank has a lot on his shoulders," Blashill said, "and we can't expect him to be on top of his game every single night. It's unrealistic." The coach emphasized that the team needs to have more players who consistently bring their A-game in order to overcome setbacks like this one.
On a slightly brighter note, Oliver Moore made a positive debut for the Blackhawks, playing 16 minutes and 29 seconds on the third line with Ryan Donato and Ilya Mikheyev. His speed and work ethic were notable, suggesting that he may be able to provide some much-needed depth and scoring punch for Chicago in the coming games.
A pair of early second-period goals from the Kraken proved too much for the Blackhawks to overcome, with Connor Bedard's assist cutting the deficit to 2-1 in the final minutes of regulation. However, Chicago's inability to sustain momentum after that temporary reprieve was a recurring theme throughout the game.
"We've come out slow in the last couple games," said Andre Burakovsky, whose hard-working effort in the third period was ultimately unable to spark a comeback. "I think we're way too good of a team to do that. We need to take command and set the tone ourselves."
The Blackhawks' struggles with scoring have become an all-too-familiar trend, particularly during their six-game road trip. With three losses already on the books, Chicago's record now stands at 5-5-3.
Goalie coach Jeff Blashill attributed the team's difficulties in finding the back of the net to a lack of flow and tempo, which ultimately made it difficult for his players to generate offense. "Games are hard, man," he said. "It's not going to be a lot of free-flowing hockey. You've got to really earn your offense."
One player who struggled mightily in that regard was Frank Nazar, whose usually reliable play saw him commit a crucial neutral-zone turnover that led directly to the Kraken's third goal.
"Frank has a lot on his shoulders," Blashill said, "and we can't expect him to be on top of his game every single night. It's unrealistic." The coach emphasized that the team needs to have more players who consistently bring their A-game in order to overcome setbacks like this one.
On a slightly brighter note, Oliver Moore made a positive debut for the Blackhawks, playing 16 minutes and 29 seconds on the third line with Ryan Donato and Ilya Mikheyev. His speed and work ethic were notable, suggesting that he may be able to provide some much-needed depth and scoring punch for Chicago in the coming games.
. Give me a break, if Frank Nazar's not on top of his game one night he should be able to bounce back the next. It's just hockey, you can't rely on someone being perfect all the time 
. And what's with this 'earn your offense' thing? That sounds like something out of a bad sports movie 
. Just play the game and let your skills speak for themselves 
. I mean, I'm not saying they're doing badly or anything, but come on, can't they just get some goals already? 
️.
The Blackhawks are really struggling with consistency right now 
. It's like they're playing two different teams - the team that shows up ready to go in the second period is a whole different story 
! And I feel for Frank Nazar, he was having one of those nights where everything just seemed to be going wrong 
. But on a positive note, Oliver Moore looks like he's got some potential 
! Maybe they can get him and Donato and Mikheyev clicking together soon and bring that scoring punch 
. They're like a team of superstars who can't even put it all together on the ice. I mean, 65 shots and they still manage to lose? It's not that hard, guys! 
On a slightly more positive note, Oliver Moore looked pretty good in his debut... but one game doesn't win you games, right? 
.
guess theyll need sum new blood or depth 2 turn tings around 
It's like they're having trouble finding a rhythm and tempo on the ice 
Goalie coach Blashill hits the nail on the head when he says it's not going to be easy hockey, you've gotta earn your offense 
He's usually reliable, but tonight was an off night for him 
️ His speed and work ethic are exactly what Chicago needs right now 
, but 5-5-3 record is not great 
... coach says its about flow and tempo, so they need to get their offense going more smoothly 
i'm dyin over here!!!! the blackhawks are doin so bad!! 
he always has 1 game where hes just off and its just so frustrating to watch! 
but omg oliver moore!!! 
i loooove him already!! he looked so fast and energetic out there!!! 
maybe he can turn the team around?! 