Despite Some Dismal Performances, Blackhawks Still in 1st Place

It's been a rough post-Olympic experience for the Blackhawks, and a 5-4 shootout loss to Phoenix, currently the hottest team in the NHL, winning eight games in a row, only adds to the woes. But because of the recent struggles of San Jose, the Blackhawks find themselves on top of the Western Conference.

But blowing leads is becoming a scary trend for the Blackhawks. This time it was against Phoenix. The Hawks lead 2-0 early and 4-0 late, but failed to hold off the Coyotes. After a 3-0 shutout of the LA Kings, it seemed like the defensive troubles could've been solved. It wasn't.

“We had a second period issue, now we have a third period issue,” Quenneville said. “I just think defensive zone coverage, we have to be better. That’s how you win. You win in this league by playing defense.”

Defense, not goaltending, has become the problem for the Blackhawks, and with the playoffs 12 games away, fixing the defense has to become a major priority. Just like in any sport, you need defense to have any chance of doing well in the playoffs.

“It’s like a broken record,” Ladd continued. “It’s the same thing every night. We mix in one good game and everyone starts thinking we’re a perfect team again but [it’s the] same old stuff pretty much.”

Quennville is losing some patience, and who would blame him? The Blackhawks have one the most talented teams in the league, and after making it this far and playing very well to get into the position they are in right now, it'd be troubling for them to falter this late in the season.

“He just came in and chewed us out so hopefully guys take that as a challenge for Tuesday and we come out and play better with the lead,” Ladd said.

The Blackhawks' conference lead could be erased and erased very early. The Coyotes are only two points behind the Blackhawks and have now won eight in a row. Their speed and strength in defense has made them a Stanley Cup dark horse.

“That team is kind of a model of how teams should really play,” Ladd said. “They come back hard, they stop and start, they go hard into areas and play well, defensively.”

It's crunch time for the Blackhawks. With only 12 games left the Blackhawks' time to fix errors is becoming narrower with each day that passes. Improvements to the defense need to be made and made now.