The Chicago Blackhawks were 24 hours removed from an upset 4-3 shootout victory over the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Arena. It was the first game after the holiday break and the Hawks played with an energy not seen since the Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar injuries.
That was a win that snapped a six-game losing streak. It was also a chance to see if the Hawks could carry the momentum into the second half of a back-to-back in the United Center.
The Pittsburgh Penguins only needed 12 minutes to prove that this wasn’t the case. There were no blown leads for the Pens this time in a 7-3 victory.
Anthony Mantha (1:38), Justin Brazeau (8:20) and Bryan Rust (7:19, 12:03) all scored in the first period. It turned into a night where fans at the United Center opted to keep tabs on the Chicago Bears’ “Sunday Night Football” game instead.
“Their chances went in in the first and ours didn’t,” Hawks coach Jeff Blashill said. “Then you’re digging yourself out of a hole that’s difficult to (get) out of.”
The Hawks’ (14-18-6) kryptonite struck again as they were blown out in the second game of a back-to-back. They are now 0-4-0 in the second game of a back-to-back this season. They’ve been outscored 27-7 in losses to the Buffalo Sabres, Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings and the Penguins.
The Hawks need to figure out a better way to prepare for two games in two days.
“I don’t think we’re a team that needs to be making excuses,” said team captain Nick Foligno. “We’re just a team that needs to find ways to get better.
“That’s the most frustrating part for us, there’s a lot to love about this group and that’s where we expect more from ourselves. The coaching staff, they want us to get that mindset and understanding of how to play in these moments and that seems to be a problem right now.”
Foligno returned to the lineup for the first time since Nov. 15 following a wrist injury. The Hawks assigned Nazar to injured reserve in a corresponding move.
The veteran scored his first goal of the season at 10:50 in the second period, the Hawks’ first goal of the game. He collected a rebound from goaltender Arturs Silovs and tapped the puck between his legs behind the net.
“I was excited to get back with the group, you hate being away with some of the injuries we’ve had,” Foligno said. “It’s nice to be back, so I give the trainers and everybody a lot of credit.”
Defenseman Wyatt Kaiser scored at 13:30 in a bizarre second period to cut the Pens’ lead to 6-2. Left winger Tyler Bertuzzi scored his 19th goal of the season with 0.8 seconds remaining in regulation for the Hawks’ third goal.
That gave fans something to cheer for as they exited the United Center. Bertuzzi’s dejected demeanor after the goal said more than words ever could.
“I’m not sure (about the back-to-backs) to be honest with you, it’s not an excuse either,” Kaiser said. “We’re trying to figure it out, (is it) tired legs, (are we) mentally fatigued?”
It was rough right from the puck drop for the Hawks. Starting goaltender Spencer Knight was pulled but returned in the third, Arvid Söderblom saw three goals sneak behind him, and Penguins right winger Justin Brazeau scored a hat trick while the Hawks were lucky to get a shot off.
It’s a year of learning for everyone, which comes with highs and lows.
“(We) understand who we are and what we’re trying to become and then focus on that process and the pride that we have to (put on) the sweater,” Foligno said. “If you do that, a lot of times it evens out the game and gets you the momentum that you need.”
The confidence of the team may be shaky after seven losses in eight contests, but one thing is clear. The team bond has yet to be bent.
“We’re going through a hard stretch right now, but I really like this group and I like who they are as people, I like who they are as competitors, I like who they are as hockey players and I like the potential in the group,” Blashill said. “You have to grind and it doesn’t always go the way you want.
“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. We have to continue to work together, but I am pumped to go work with this group tomorrow and try to get better for the next game.”