The Chicago Blackhawks kicked off the post-holiday break with a nationally televised home game against the Dallas Stars on Sunday. The Hawks had lost four in a row on the road before the break. Meanwhile, the Stars had not fared much better before the break, as they also dropped their last four in a row.
The stage was set for one team to end their four-game losing streak. Sadly, the Stars were able to capitalize on a costly Hawks penalty to seal the victory.
First period
In the first period, the Hawks jumped out to a one-goal advantage. Connor Bedard snuck one past Jake Oettinger for the game’s first goal. It was his sixth goal in the month of December. The goal ties the most goals he has had in a month during his NHL career.
‼️SUNDAY NIGHT BEDSY‼️ pic.twitter.com/g87p4hs8bG
— Blackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) December 30, 2024
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The Hawks’ lead was short-lived as Jamie Benn tied it at 1–1.
Second period
After trading penalties to start the period, Tyler Bertuzzi checked and elbowed Colin Blackwell in the face. It was a five-minute major penalty and game misconduct for Bertuzzi. With the man advantage for five minutes, the Stars capitalized. Jason Robertson scored his eighth goal of the season. As the penalty expired, Evgenii Dadonov scored his 10th goal of the season.
Period two ended with the Hawks down 3–1.
Third period
The Hawks gave up another goal less than 15 seconds into the third period. Wyatt Johnson potted his eighth of the season. Matt Duchene would chip another goal for the Stars.
The final score was Stars 5–1 over the Hawks.
Analysis
The Hawks played a terrible hockey game and got embarrassed on national television. Aside from the Bedard goal, there were not many positives from the game. If the Hawks come out and play this poorly against the Blues on Tuesday, it will be another failure on the national stage.
The Hawks’ next game is Tuesday against the St. Louis Blues in the Winter Classic. The game will be show on TNT and Max with a 4 p.m. CST puck drop.