Chicago Blackhawks: Weekend Split Is Not The Desired Response

The Chicago Blackhawks hoped to make this weekend a turning point in their season.

Instead, they left the weekend as we entered it. Looking to flip the switch and start playing winning hockey.

The Hawks continued to display baffling inconsistency in the back to back contests.  A shootout victory in Atlanta was followed by the dropping of another disappointing decision to Edmonton.  Chicago has lost six of their last 10 games and four of the last five at home.

Things got started on a shaky note, as coach Joel Quenneville cut Saturday's morning skate after only 15 minutes.  The Hawks seemed to get the message as they got two goals each from Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews in a back and forth contest.  After snatching two points from the Thrashers, it appeared that the prospect of redemption for a poor showing nine days ago was at hand.

Not so fast.

The fourth line got Chicago on the board as Fernando Pisani found the back of the net, but throughout the first two periods the Blackhawks could not come up with another and take control of the contest.  Instead, Edmonton hung around, tied the game on a power play goal seven minutes into the third period, then took the lead seconds later when Sam Gagner got behind Duncan Keith.

Corey Crawford continues to have poor luck in net this season.  He dropped his fourth game of the season despite stopping 24 of 26 shots.

"As a championship team, we have to respond better," said Marian Hossa, back after missing the last five games.

Indeed.

If the Blackhawks are to break out this week, it may well be because Hossa is back on the ice.  Dave Bolland could be back by Wednesday night's game with Phoenix.  Who knows, we might be able to take on the Coyotes with a full squad for the first time this season.

Patrick Kane showed signs of life over the weekend with three points Friday and even stepping up with some physical play.  He got off four shots on Saturday with no payoff, but perhaps he's ready to shoulder some of the scoring load.

Injuries aside, the Blackhawks definitely are showing that they are incapable of putting opponents away.  Seven times this season, Chicago has led or been tied in the third period and come away without a point.

They are 5-6 in one-goal games, and have won just two contests by more than one goal.  Last night's loss was reminiscent of the October 23rd loss to Columbus.  You can't give away points like we have in games like this and still be near the top of the conference.

The Hawks have picked it up defensively, but still have a ways to go.  Duncan Keith, even with a healthy set of defensemen, was around the 30-minute mark both nights. 

Excluding Friday night's 37-shot affair, the shots on goal have been in the mid 20s as of late.  Hopefully the team will use the next two days to stay out on the ice in practice and continue to improve.

I'll tell you what, teams sure aren't coming to town fearing the Blackhawks.  We can expect to see more of the same until we start taking control of games with some regularity.  Last night's game was the first in a stretch of 25 straight games with conference opponents, so this would be a good time to get on track.

Let's hope the Blackhawks start the turnaround with a healthy, hungry, and focused roster this week.