Blackhawks Struggle to Overcome Tough Start in Defeat Against Blues

10 observations: Blackhawks can’t overcome rough start in loss to Blues originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago.

The Chicago Blackhawks couldn’t capitalize on Friday’s victory and succumbed to a 4-2 defeat against the St. Louis Blues on Sunday afternoon at the United Center.

Here are 10 observations from the loss:

1. The Blackhawks conceded the first goal for the fifth consecutive game and the seventh time in the last eight games. They allowed three goals in the first period, indicating a recurring pattern of a challenging start.

2. Although score effects might explain this, the Blackhawks’ performance in the second and third periods was commendable. Despite dominating after the first period, they found themselves at a 3-1 disadvantage, making it difficult to mount a comeback for the second straight game.

3. The Blackhawks have yet to secure consecutive wins this season, making them the only team in the NHL that has not done so thus far.

4. In the first period, the Blackhawks had eight giveaways and finished with a total of 24, significantly higher than their per-60-minute average of 8.44 this season, highlighting subpar puck management.

5. Arvid Söderblom earned a second consecutive start following a strong performance against Toronto on Friday. He impressively rebounded after a shaky start of conceding three goals on eight shots in the opening frame, justifying the decision to go back to him.

6. Scoring chances were heavily in favor of Chicago when its fourth line of Ryan Donato, Reese Johnson, and Boris Katchouk was on the ice at even strength, standing out with a noticeable impact. It was fitting that Donato and Katchouk scored the only two goals for the Blackhawks.

7. Despite committing only two penalties, the Blackhawks conceded a power play goal to the Blues, a team that had the second-worst power play entering Sunday’s game.

8. In an unfortunate turn of events, Kevin Korchinski’s stick caught something on the ice and led to a fumble, resulting in the Blues’ fourth goal and extending their lead to 4-1 in the third period.

9. The reason for Corey Perry’s absence from the team remains unknown, as confirmed by Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson on Saturday, describing it as a personal matter, as revealed by Perry’s agent, Pat Morris.

10. The Blackhawks have an off day on Monday after a week of strenuous activity, potentially welcoming the much-needed rest.

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