Playing Out The String: Winning Streak Ends

I guess we shouldn't be surprised, not that the Blackhawks lost again, but the fact it'll get increasingly painful to watch this team for the rest of the season. It's a team that has absolutely nothing to play for the season so why bother trying, tight?. It's one thing if they wanted to play spoilers and want to end the season on a high note, but judging by the lack of intensity or pushing to gain zone time is reflected in their lack of actual chances to score. There have been moments when the team is playing the right way and there are some players that have something to prove (perhaps to get re-signed?) and it is an opportunity for players such as Vlasic and Regula to gain more pro-level experience. On the positive side there is only one more week to the regular season, so hang in there Hawks fans.

Quick takeaways:

• Need shots! The Hawks finished the game out-shot by LA 36-16, which is flattering considering at the halfway point of the game it was 23-6. The score was flattering as well as, Collin Delia kept the Hawks in the game especially in the first period when it seemed like the puck was in the Hawks end most of the period (which it was). Despite the lack of chances, the Hawks hung in there and were within a goal until around the 12 minute mark of the third. The Kings scored two goals in 15 seconds to take a 4-1 lead and it was game over. How many times this season have they given up goals in quick succession?

• Goal?: The Hawks only goal almost didn't happen. Patrick Kane's goal was challenged by the Kings for offside, as Kane was trying to tag up to the blue line before DeBrincat entered the zone (Kane had to get his skate to the blue line from inside the zone, before the Cat could fully cross the blue line into the zone). The replay angles revealed it was too close to call and fortunately the call on the ice was a good goal. This made it 2-1, plus the Hawks went on the PP, which went nowhere and they were lucky to get out of the period down by one. Jonathan Toews and Dominik Kubalik were stuck on the ice for the final 3 1/3 minutes of the second period. Toews was a little...well, a lot frustrated after the period (see photo above).
  

• After the the Kings 4th goal, Collin Delia left the game after laying on the ice in pain following the goal. He stretched across side to side and I suspect he must of pulled something. It's too bad because he played well and if not for the two quick goals, he almost stole one from the Kings.

Up next: The road trip concludes in San Jose on Saturday at 7:00 pm. Another meaningless match between two non-playoff teams. I'll watch anyways, of course.