Blackhawks outplay Colorado early but fall 1–0 despite strong goaltending and high-danger chances. A tight defensive battle at the UC.
The Chicago Blackhawks fell 1-0 against a Colorado Avalanche team that seemed to play with its food before securing the lone goal it needed to take the rest of the night off.
Box Score: Avalanche 1 – Blackhawks 0
AvalancheStatsBlackhawks52.75%Corsi47.25%57.53%Expected Goals Share (xG%)42.47%26Shots On Goal220/3Powerplay0/24Penalty Minutes629Hits2114Blocked Shots1214Giveaways183Takeaways5
Game Notes
I guess there isn’t a whole lot to talk about, huh. The Colorado Avalanche were on the backend of back-to-back nights (the first night a 3-0 shutout against the Nashville Predators) and seemed to feel out the Chicago Blackhawks in the first period before controlling the game. The Hawks owned 59.26% of shot attempts (Corsi) in that first period and had a surprising 80.21% expected goals share (xG%). Despite having quality scoring chances, Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood displayed phenomenal goaltending.
The second period was when the Avalanche took control of the game. The coaching staff must have identified that the Hawks struggle in the middle frame, as they limited the Hawks’ scoring chances to one at 5-on-5. Cale Makar scored off a rebound after Spencer Knight made a rare giveaway to close the second period. The Blackhawks increased the pressure in the third period (65.63% Corsi) but couldn’t score the tying goal.
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Observations
The Blackhawks were fast in the first period. Their transition game was on point, and they took advantage of what appeared to be heavy legs from the Avs. I wondered if this was a pace the Hawks could sustain throughout the game.
Colorado’s game plan was to stifle Connor Bedard, who had one shot on goal and four shot attempts. Despite this, the Hawks had a 66.24 xG% when Bedard was on the ice. If only Bedard had an elite winger who could score.
Ryan Greene had four scoring chances (three of those high danger) but couldn’t score. Greene displayed excellent stick work in the defensive zone, is a smart player, but couldn’t finish on grade A opportunities from his linemates. Greene has impressed me this season, but I doubt a top-six wing spot has his name on it. Which is fine. I believe the Blackhawks have another strong third-line winger here (maybe even a center).
Alex Vlasic had another strong performance. Last night, he had a 51.35% Corsi and a 58.93 xG%.
Sam Rinzel looked better, mostly in the offensive zone. Not so much in the defensive zone. I wonder if a stop in Rockford is in his future?
Another night of really bad calls from the referees. This isn’t just a Blackhawks thing either. I’ve noticed this while watching other NHL games.
The Blackhawks have a couple of days off before they host the Minnesota Wild this Wednesday.