Instant Analysis: Rangers Send Blackhawks to Fourth Straight Loss

They hung in for a couple periods, but the same issue haunted the Chicago Blackhawks late and became the difference against the New York Rangers.

Colin Blackwell pulled Chicago within a goal in the second period but the Rangers buried two quick markers in the third, propelling them to a 4-1 win, sending Chicago to its fourth straight loss.

The Rangers jumped out to a 2-0 lead, the second one looking like a kick of the puck by Chris Kreider, which ended up being a good goal.

Blackwell’s goal was aided by a great pass from Boris Katchouk, giving the former his first tally of the season. But it was the same issue, sticking with the team before being undone by a pair in succession that plunged the Hawks to another loss.

Blackhawks Injuries Crippling Offense

Now, they were only outshot 32-23 but it’s evident that a drop off in scoring threats occur after the top line with Bedard and whoever his linemates are. This is hardly surprising but as the list remains long of wounded Hawks, it only spells trouble for a team that has struggled to score goals all season long.

The Blackhawks in their last three games have been outscored 15-2, and it’s not going to get much easier anytime soon on the schedule. But with a roster designed to propel the team during the lottery drawing in May, the hits will keep on coming as the guys counted onto help Bedard are on the IR.

With such a steep goal differential, there’s only so much Petr Mrazek and Arvid Soderblom can do.

The Blackhawks have a quick turnaround and will take on the New Jersey Devils tomorrow, hardly an easier draw after getting the Rangers tonight.

One final concern: could this be the first long losing streak of the season? While they’re hemming teams in earlier, it’s staying with them on the scoreboard that has proven an issue all season long.

Playing shorthanded, they’ll have to dig deep again to try and snap the losing streak.