The Chicago Blackhawks may not be as far from playoff contention as some might think, but last night’s game against the Colorado Avalanche was a stark reminder of the gap between them and the league's elite. Despite a recent win over the Minnesota Wild, the Blackhawks fell 4-1 to an Avalanche team that seemed to be in complete control.
The Avalanche dominated with a season-high 44 scoring chances at 5-on-5, 38 of which came in the first two periods. The Blackhawks, by contrast, managed just 16 scoring chances over the entire game. Sometimes, you just have to acknowledge the prowess of a top-tier team like the Avalanche.
Connor Bedard, the Blackhawks' young star, has been on a tear since the Olympic break, with five goals and 12 points in 11 games. Yet, while Bedard was dynamic, he wasn't able to take over the game.
He seemed more focused on setting up his teammates, notably during a second-period power play where he nearly assisted a goal. Bedard's line did manage to finish with an even Corsi for percentage, a small win on a tough night.
Nick Lardis, another promising player, has been a point of contention for fans due to his limited ice time. Coach Jeff Blashill has emphasized the importance of Lardis proving his offensive capabilities without relying on top-line players. Lardis finally got a chance on the second line with Tyler Bertuzzi and Frank Nazar, showing improvement despite the team’s overall struggles.
The Avalanche's win could have been even more lopsided if not for Arvid Soderblom, who was stellar in goal with 45 saves, including 14 high-danger shots. His performance kept the Blackhawks in the game longer than expected.
Ryan Greene deserves a nod for his assist on the Blackhawks' lone goal, setting up Wyatt Kaiser with a precision pass. Kaiser’s finish showcased the kind of skill that bodes well for the team’s future.
Injury-wise, the Blackhawks were without Louis Crevier and Andrew Mangiapane. Their absence was felt, especially on the penalty kill, as the Avalanche capitalized with two power-play goals. Crevier’s reach could have disrupted some of the Avalanche's passing plays.
Artyom Levshunov led the team in ice time and was a force on the ice with multiple scoring chances and hits, demonstrating his all-around game.
As the season winds down, it's clear that while the Blackhawks have potential, they still have work to do to compete with the NHL's best. The remaining games will be crucial for developing their young talent and building towards the future.