It is getting harder and harder to watch the Chicago Blackhawks. The training camp hype has died, and some have said the team has reached the point of no return. If there was a fix to this, it would have been in place by now. This team is broken, and unless Head Coach Jeremy Colliton’s system hits an on switch, the Blackhawks look destined to be one of the worst teams in the league this season.
The Blackhawks’ poor fortunes continued on Friday night, dropping a 5–1 contest to the Winnipeg Jets. Let’s recap the Hawks’ ninth regulation loss this season.
First period
Two goals allowed in the first three minutes is not ideal. The Blackhawks dug themselves a hole early and never recovered from it. However, the Hawks settled into the first period eventually. Scoring chances were 10–9 Jets at the end of the period. Chances only get you a “keep it up,” but the Blackhawks’ struggles to find the back of the net were evident again Friday night.
Second period
Breakdowns on the defensive end led to two more Jets goals in the second. After the visitors spent their offseason investing highly in defenseman, it has been very poor play to start the season. And there is no quick fix. Does a Caleb Jones return change much? It should take Erik Gustafsson out of the lineup, which would be a necessary change. Overall, the Blackhawks’ hunger is not in their own zone right now. Their forward group is good enough to create chances, but they need help from the other end of the ice in a big way.
Third period
MacKenzie Entwistle lit the lamp on a shorthanded goal for the Hawks’ lone goal of the night. Entwistle is a guy who works his tail off and deserves every opportunity he receives. He can be a consistent bottom-six guy who chips in with some production, and that is something every team needs.
🚨Macker puts us on the board!pic.twitter.com/BzSyrObgPN
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 6, 2021
Outside of Entwistle, it was more of the same all night, and it was a long night, at that.
The Blackhawks were down 2-0 at the 1st intermission tonight, then were outshot 26-9 the REST of the way. Score Effects be damned.
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) November 6, 2021
The Blackhawks will return home on Sunday for a matchup against the Nashville Predators. Puck drop is at 6 p.m. CST from the United Center.