Saturday night, the Blackhawks wrapped up their 8 game, 7800 mile road trip with a disappointing, yet predictable 4-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
While the Hawks held the edge in play most of the game, the typical sharpness and focus weren't there. Can you blame them?
Sure, they're professionals, but yesterday's game was a perfect storm for a loss. Every element of a "let down" game was present.
1.) End of a long road trip: It always seems that when an extended trip is ending, players finally let go of that mental edge they've been holding on to so tightly. The feeling of "it's over in 3 hours" can be hard to overcome.
2.) Inferior opponent after big emotional win: After beating the Sharks in overtime Thursday night, the Hawks had a big softy on their schedule in the 14th place Hurricanes. It was far too easy for these young Hawks to assume "easy win."
3.) Terrible ice conditions: Believe it or not, the NC State Basketball team played a game that tipped at 1pm Chicago time in the same arena that would host a hockey game 5 hours later. That's absurd. When the Hawks arrived in the building, the basketball court was still laid down. When a skill team like the Hawks has bad ice to contend with, it takes them off their game. Advantage Carolina.
4.) Stud Goalie: About the only thing the Hurricanes have going for them these days is their goalie, Cam Ward. His 2.70 GAA and .914 save percentage on a team as bad as the 'Canes is impressive. He was the difference.
Am I making excuses for the Hawks? Probably. They should have won. They could have won. They played well enough to win, but a bad bounce here, a deflection there, and the game was over. Let's hope as they return home to face the hated Blues on Wednesday, they can get back to their dominating ways.
Filed under: Blackhawks, Chicago Sports, Cristobal Huet, danny mac show, hockey, NHL, sports, wscr
Tags: blackhawks, chicago sports, cristobal huet, danny mac show, hockey, NHL, Sports, wscr
"yesterday's game was a perfect storm for a loss"
I see what you did there with them playing the Hurricanes.