After the record breaking point and win streak was snapped on Friday night in Colorado, the Chicago Blackhawks returned the the United Center Sunday Night looking to rebound and start another streak. After digging themselves a hole, the Hawks were unable to finish a late comeback to steal a point or two.
After a shaking outing for Corey Crawford on Friday, coach Joel Quenneville decided to give Ray Emery the start against the Edmonton Oilers. But the Hawks came out with a pathetic first period. Not having practice much over the past week showed early and often as the Hawks were off on passes and no one appeared the be on the same page. The Oilers got off to a fast start with a soft goal on Emery and did not let up. They added two more goals, capitalizing on poor defense on goaltending by the Hawks. Down 3-0, Crawford came in to replace Emery. The Oilers added one more before the first period was over, taking a 4-0 lead into the first intermission. The Hawks only had five shots in the first.
The second period got started with a goal from Patrick Kane after a bad mistake by Edmonton’s goalie, Devan Dubnyk. Marian Hossa then found the back of the net, pulling the Hawks within two. However, the Oilers quickly responded with their second power play goal of the game. Minutes later, Sheldon Brookbank scored his first goal of the season for the Hawks. But again, Edmonton was able to regain their three goal lead with yet another power play goal. Fortunately for the Hawks, Brent Seabrook was able to keep the Hawks within reach, 6-4 at the end of the second period.
Momentum was on the Hawks side the start the third period. Edmonton got away with a clear on penalty early in the third. But the Hawks were able to get a much needed power play after a penalty on Oiler defensive man, Ladislav Smid. After a great cross ice pass from Dave Bolland, Kane beat Yann Danis top shelf to pull the Hawks within one. Moments later, Edmonton had a three on one but failed to capitalize on the opportunity. The Hawks had a flurry of chances late in the third but a penalty on Hossa with four minutes left killed the momentum. A few more late scoring chances came up short and the Blackhawks fell, 6-5.
Three Stars:
1. Edm; C Sam Gagner: 2G, 2P, 4SOG
2. Chi; RW Patrick Kane: 2G, 1A, 3P, 5SOG
3. Edm; LW Taylor Hall: 1G, 1A, 2P, 3SOG
What’s next: The Hawks get a much needed three days off before traveling to Columbus to face a hot Blue Jacket team. Puck drop on Thursday is set for 6:00PM
Did the Blackhawks Peak too Early?
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