The Chicago Blackhawks hang around with teams that are better

The Chicago Blackhawks were defeated by the Calgary Flames 1-0 on Saturday night. They could score a single goal but they were able to keep the Flames off the board other than one time. 

Most NHL teams are a lock to win if they only allow one goal in a game. The Hawks are just very depleted at forward so it is hard to score goals. 

Connor Bedard being out of the lineup has dramatically changed their attack. The goals per game are down since he has left to address his jaw injury. 

The good news about this Calgary game is that they have proven that they can hang around with any NHL team right now. The Flames aren’t elite by any means but it is a solid team and they have been for a while. 

The Chicago Blackhawks can hang around in games against better teams

The Hawks hung in there and were within a goal until the end.  Luke Richardson is one of the best coaches in the league. It is so clear that his guys play so hard every game. The talent coming in will start to reward the coach if they continue to play his style. 

A lot of it also has to do with goaltender play. Petr Mrazek has been much better than anticipated for the Hawks this season. His effort has already earned him a contract extension. On Saturday, he backed it up with a 30 save on 30 shot performance. 

This isn’t new. The Hawks have lost a lot of games recently but they very rarely ever get beaten where they have no chance. The effort is there but they just aren’t experienced or good enough right now. 

The Hawks are now 14-34-2. They have 30 points in the standings in 50 games which is the worst mark in the league. The San Jose Sharks also have 30 points but they have played one fewer game so they sit one spot ahead of them. 

It is now the All-Star break for them. They have some time away where they can get a little bit healthier and ready to play some more games. 

They will begin the stretch run of the season on February 7th with a tilt against the Minnesota Wild at the United Center. Fans should be hoping that certain players play well while they give themselves another chance at the lottery.