The Chicago Blackhawks (26-31-12) returned home to the United Center on Friday to face a formidable Central Division foe for the second time in as many nights. After earning a 2-1 road win over the Minnesota Wild on Thursday, the Blackhawks couldn’t ride the momentum in the second half of their back-to-back, falling 4-1 to the Colorado Avalanche (44-13-10).
Nathan MacKinnon proved too much to handle for the youth-filled Blackhawks defense, tallying assists on three of Colorado’s four goals. In three games against Chicago this season, MacKinnon, currently tied for second in the NHL with 114 points, recorded six assists. In those same three matchups, the Blackhawks totaled only three goals. They scored just once in all three meetings.
While the Blackhawks penalty kill has been an asset for the team all season long, it’s proved to be somewhat of an issue since Jason Dickinson, Connor Murphy, and Nick Foligno, three key members of the shorthanded units, were all traded ahead of the deadline. That’s led to more inexperienced players hitting the ice to defend while down one man, and the results haven’t been nearly as strong.
In six games since the trade deadline, the Blackhawks have surrended at least one power-play goal in five of their eight games. Colorado converted on two of their five opportnities on Friday. For the first time in months, the Blackhawks no longer have the NHL’s best penalty kill, dropping to 84.1 percent, which now puts them behind the Pittsburgh Penguins.
All in all, the Blackhawks proved to be no match for the Avalanche this season, which isn’t very surprising, considering where these two organziations stand. Goaltending kept the score relatively close in all three meetings, with Arvid Soderblom making 45 saves on Friday, including 33 through two periods. Colorado only led 2-1 through 40 minutes, but the stats told the real story. Ahead 35-11 in shots on goal and 39-17 in scoring chances, they were in complete control and eventually pulled away earrly in the third period.
Here are the highlights from the Blackhawks’ 4-1 loss to the Avalanche, dropping their record to 26-31-12 on the season. 13 games to go.
FIRST PERIOD
Much like their last appearance on home ice, the Blackhawks weren’t ready to play in the first period, and their opponent made them pay for it. Colorado racked up a whopping 20 shots on goal, and two found the back of the net. Credit to Soderblom for preventing the score from being even more lopsided.
Martin Necas opened the scoring for Colorado at 13:19, capping off a beautiful passing play from Nathan MacKinnon and Valeri Nichushkin in transition. MacKinnon entered the zone and sent a spinning feed into the slot, and Nichushkin made the extra feed to Necas at the left circle. He ripped a one-timer past Soderblom to put the Avalanche ahead 1-0.
After Dominic Toninato was whistled for slashing at 14:20, the Avalanche power play hit the ice for the first time and cashed in. Brock Nelson made a beautiful tip play in front of the net to redirect Cale Makar’s shot from the point past Soderblom at 15:22. 2-0, Colorado.
The score remained 2-0 going into the intermission, and the Blackhawks were fortunate that was the case. Colorado led 20-5 in shots on goal, 19-6 in scoring chances, and 11-3 in high-danger chances in the period. It was a very similar start to Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild.
SECOND PERIOD
Similar to Tuesday as well, the Blackhawks came to life in the second period and cut their deficit in half. Wyatt Kaiser jumped into the rush, took in a perfect pass from Ryan Greene, and snuck a shot five-hole for his sixth goal of the season at 6:48. Once again, Kaiser leads all defensemen on the team in goals. 2-1, Colorado.
Sam Rinzel➡️Ryan Greene➡️Wyatt Kaiser🚨
Kaiser jumps up into the rush & buries Greene’s feed for his 6th goal of the season to cut the #Blackhawks deficit to 2-1! Kaiser breaks out of his tie with Crevier for most goals among defensemen.pic.twitter.com/pCL7bffANJ
— Talkin’ Hawkey (@TalkinHawkey) March 21, 2026
Colorado was still in full control entering the second intermission, leading 35-11 in shots on goal and 39-17 in scoring chances. However, they lead by only one goal, with Soderblom making 33 saves through 40 minutes.
THIRD PERIOD
The Blackhawks’ comeback hopes were dashed in the early moments of the third period, as Ryan Donato committed a tripping infraction just eight seconds in. Colorado didn’t waste any time in adding a key insurance tally, as MacKinnon set up Nazem Kadri at 0:36, extending the lead to 3-1 with their second power-play goal of the game.
Nichushkin added another insurance goal for the Avalanche at 8:34, recording his second point of the game. Artyom Levshunov couldn’t control a bouncing puck in the defensive zone, allowing MacKinnon to gain possession and sent a drop pass to Nichushkin. He ripped a snapshot past Soderblom’s blocker to extend the lead to 4-1.
The final horn sounded at the United Center, giving the Avalanche the sweep of the season series. The Blackhawks split their back-to-back and return to action next on Sunday afternoon against the Nashville Predators, another divisional opponent.
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