Recap: Blachawks implode against Devils

Rockford IceHogs play-by-play man Dana Grey pointed out that every defenseman playing spent time in Rockford.

First period

The second line for the Hawks was all over New Jersey earlier in the period. Frondell capitalized on a Jake Allen miscue and fed Ilya Mikheyev to give Chicago the lead.

The Devils answered right back with a power-play goal from Connor Brown.

Frank Nazar put the Blackhawks back on top with his 13 goal of season.

Nazar recorded a team-high five shots on goal in the first period and was very noticeable in the offensive zone.

The Hawks’ lead was 2-1 after one.

Second period

Spencer Knight was not on his A game against Philadelphia the other night, but in the second period, Knight was really good. He stopped an A+ chance from Timo Meier.

Simon Nemec scored to tie the game later in the period. On the Nemec goal, Wyatt Kaiser screened his own goalie.

Third period

Momentum was in favor of the Blackhawks early in the third period. Nazar scored his second goal of the game just past the midway point on a two-man advantage.

Nazar’s goal was set up by a slick pass from Bedard. After the Nazar goal, the game shifted on a dime, as the Devils scored three unanswered goals. Dougie Hamilton beat Knight glove side for his 11th goal of the year. Jack Hughes blew past Alex Vlasic for another goal and capped off the game with an empty-netter.

The final score was 5-3 in favor of the Devils.

Analysis

Despite the implosion in the third period, there were positives to this game. Nazar recorded the first multi-goal game of his career. Frondell recorded the first multi-point game of his career with two assists. Lastly, Bedard set his new career high in points with 68. Lardis, despite not showing up on the stat sheet, also had a good game.

While the offense garnered its fair share of positives, the defense was atrocious. The Hawks’ inexperience and lack of gap control was on full display. In addition to the lack of gap control, this team still gives up way too many shots, as Knight faced 39 shots. That was the second lowest amount of shots faced on this road trip. The Hawks have to do a better job of preventing and blocking shots.

If Chicago wants to run out the baby defense next season, this team has to be better at blocking shots and gap control. If these issues are not worked on all offseason, the Hawks are poised for another non-playoff season.

The Blackhawks’ next game is Tuesday against Jonathan Toews and the Winnipeg Jets.