Blackhawks Face Defensive Struggles Amidst Young Talent Surge
Nick Lardis found the back of the net for the Chicago Blackhawks, but that was the lone bright spot in a tough stretch where they've been outscored 11-2 over the last two games.
A Tough Road
The Blackhawks' recent Northeast road trip began with promise, showcasing their young talent with a 4-3 victory over the New York Islanders. Yet, since that game, the team has struggled significantly, being outscored 13-2, including the third period against the Islanders. A 5-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers was followed by another tough outing against the Rangers.
So, what's the issue? The defense is showing its inexperience.
With the trade of Connor Murphy and Matt Grezclyk's injury, the Blackhawks have struggled defensively. Since March 23, they've allowed a league-high 128 shots.
For context, the Ottawa Senators have allowed the second most, at 85.
Lardis Shines
Nick Lardis is proving his worth on the second line. Prior to his promotion, he scored five goals in 29 games.
Since then, he's notched three goals and an assist in just three games. His latest goal was a result of a slick play by Alex Vlasic, who maneuvered past three Rangers defenders before Tyler Bertuzzi set up Lardis with a perfect cross-crease pass.
Rookie Contributions
This season marks a transition for the Blackhawks, bolstered by recent additions who are making an impact.
Anton Frondell has been a revelation alongside Connor Bedard, bringing physicality and effective forechecking to the smaller North American ice. Frondell's hustle led to a turnover by Rangers captain JT Miller, setting up a chance for Bedard. Reflecting on playing with Bedard, Frondell shared, “It’s pretty cool to play with him, it’s something I dreamed about since I was younger.”
Sacha Boisvert, another newcomer, has quickly become a key player. Despite the recent losses, he's been a top performer, even engaging in his first NHL fight against Will Borgen of the Rangers.
Rangers' Dominance
Since Connor Bedard joined the Blackhawks, they've struggled against the Rangers, holding a 2-3-1 record. The Rangers have outscored them 21-12 in these matchups, often scoring four or more goals in their victories. Over the past decade, the Blackhawks have a 3-7-1 record against the Rangers, with a significant goal differential.
Looking ahead, the Blackhawks aim to turn things around against the New Jersey Devils on Sunday night, with puck drop at 6 p.m. Central Time.