10 observations: Hawks comeback lags behind loss to Blues originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The Blackhawks’ comeback fell short in Thursday’s 5-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues at the United Center.
Here are 10 observations from the loss:
1. The Blues have improved to 10-1-2 in their last 13 games against the Blackhawks. They’re also 5-0-2 against them in their last seven contests in Chicago. You now have the number of your division rival.
2. The Blackhawks have had a pretty busy schedule lately. They had a much-needed day off on Wednesday and looked more refreshed in that game. They got their legs going early and took care of the puck much better than they had in the last two competitions.
3. The Blackhawks conceded two goals in 38 seconds in the second half and it changed face as the Blues took a 3-1 lead. If that minute could be eliminated from the game, the Blackhawks would be the better team with even strength.
4. Lukas Reichel flew all night. He was aggressive, he ran confidently and created a few chances. He also recorded an assist on Tyler Johnson’s goal that cut the deficit to 3-2. He nearly equalized with an empty net in the final minutes of regulation, but his shot was partially blocked and then hit the post. You have to be encouraged by his development this season.
5. The Blackhawks just don’t give up. They responded to the Blues’ goals three of the four times. It honestly felt like they were tying it up, but they just fell short.
6. Tyler Johnson has scored in consecutive games after going 14 straight games without a goal. He also added an assist. Taylor Raddysh also had a two-assist outing. They were both solid.
7. Joey Anderson had seven shot attempts and three on target. Boris Katchouk scored his third goal of the month, finishing with four attempts (two on target). Jujhar Khaira wasn’t great at that point but he had two goals and did his job. This trio has cooled off a bit but are still finding ways to stay effective.
8th. The Blues were without their second- and third-top scorers in Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich, both of whom are struggling with upper-body injuries. It didn’t seem to matter. Jakub Vrana opening the goal was at an all time high for the Blues. He scored his ninth goal in the last 12 games. Jordan Kyrou also scored his 34th of the season.
9. Austin Wagner finally made his team debut after missing time due to an injury he sustained in a fight. He cut his hand and it became infected, delaying his return to the lineup. This was his first appearance in an NHL game since May 12, 2021, almost two years ago. He almost scored the opening goal in the first period and ended the game with four shots on goal. Remarkable debut for him.
10 Columbus picked up a point in Boston, which momentarily put them in a last-place tie with Chicago. But with the regular loss to St. Louis, the Blackhawks transitioned to sole possession of 32nd. You are the new leader who has the best chance of becoming No. 1 overall with exactly two weeks to go.
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Source : sports.yahoo.com