Blackhawks Fall Flat in 6-2 Loss to Vancouver Canucks

On Saturday night, March 15, Connor Bedard received his second 10-minute misconduct penalty in his last two games during a disappointing 6-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks. 

Remember when this was a rivalry worth tuning into? Those days are long gone, and it feels like we can't shake this putrid season fast enough. I'll be honest with you; I wanted to turn off this game when it became clear the Hawks weren't clawing their way out of a multi-goal deficit. And that was halfway through the third period. 

Arivid Soderblom didn't have his best night. The first two goals against were the Canucks exploiting his weak glove. Soderblom saved nine of 15 shots, giving up a .600 SV%. Very reminiscent of the season he was having only a year ago, and not the stellar goaltending he has been giving us this year. 

The Blackhawks defense was disastrous. Louis Crevier made a questionable decision on the Canucks third goal, making an unnecessary poke check when he should've let Alec Martinez handle the puck carrier. The Hawks defense was porous for forwards and defensemen alike, allowing four goals in the low slot. 

Artyom Levshunov was caught on two goals against, but he had a solid night overall, earning his first NHL point. Levshunov also recorded an impressive 75 percent expected goals share. Despite the team's struggles, Levshunov stood out, and I am starting to lean toward him staying in the NHL rather than returning to Rockford. 

Another defenseman who impressed me was Wyatt Kaiser. He made smart defensive plays, especially in the first period, and scored a goal that showcased his skating ability. Kaiser had a 67 Corsi and a 76 xG%.

But the night's big story was Connor Bedard receiving another 10-minute misconduct at the end of the game. I don't have an issue with the misconduct—to an extent. Officials hand those out to anyone who breathes an angry breath at the end of regulation. What I take issue with is the fact that no one stood up for Bedard, who was being bullied. To me, that says something about the team's mindset. Losing takes its toll, and we’re seeing it with Bedard. You don't want a losing mindset to fester in the locker room.