When the Chicago Blackhawks added a bunch of veterans to their roster, the hope was that the team would be improved from last season. While we have seen improvements at times, last night against the Dallas Stars was an indication of just how far the Blackhawks still have to go as an organization.
In the first two periods of last night’s game, the Hawks were putrid. The team could not do anything right aside from Arvid Soderblom, who turned in another solid performance in the loss.
First period
Dallas was all over the Hawks. The Hawks could not clear their own zone for the majority of the period. Sam Steel of the Stars scored the game first goal. In the period, the Hawks were outshot 33–11. The shots that went on goals were 16–5 in favor of Dallas and the scoring chances were 13–3 Stars.
It was one of the worst periods of hockey this season.
Second period
The second period was not much better for the Hawks. The Hawks went down 2–0 on a delayed penalty. As Ben Pope of the Chicago SunTimes described it, it is like the Hawks cannot even see the puck out there.
The Hawks decided to play remarkably worse in the second period and some described the period as hideous. The Hawks were lucky to only be down 2–0.
Third period
In the third, Chicago remembered how to play respectable NHL hockey for a period. The Hawks got on the board with a goal from Tyler Bertuzzi.
What a pass by Ryan Donato, who gives it over to Connor Bedard, who connects with Tyler Bertuzzi on the power play for his third goal in five games. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/Sbl9PV82DD
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) November 8, 2024
The Stars got an empty-netter from Logan Stankoven. The final score was 3–1 Dallas.
Analysis
Despite the final score looking close, this game was never close. The Hawks were outplayed for two periods of hockey. The two bright spots for the the Hawks in this contest were Soderblom and Bertuzzi. Soderblom played an exceptional game to keep the score respectable. He made 37 of 39 saves and continues to build confidence this season. His time in the NHL should give him confidence once he returns to the AHL later this season.
Bertuzzi scored his fifth goal of the season and must get going offensively for the Hawks to be more competitive in games.
CHSN update
There might be a deal on the horizon for Comcast/Xifinity subscribers as it was announced yesterday that people with the regional sports package will be credited back $8.85 per month. Jeff Agrest of the Chicago SunTimes is speculating that because the price has not been changed permanently, a deal could be in the works. The question then would be, does anyone want to watch this team or the others on CHSN? That is for another time.
The Blackhawks’ next game is Sunday against the Minnesota Wild. For those who can watch it, it will be on CHSN at 6:10 p.m. CST.