It was bound to happen, eventually. Heading into Arizona on Tuesday night, the Blackhawks were riding, or should I say sliding on, a 22 road game losing streak; yes, no typo… 22 games in a row on the road ended with Ls. That’s just crazy… that’s more than half the road games you’ll play all year! I knew they were bad; I knew they had been bad on the road. But this bad?!?! Wow. Well, we can all step in from the ledge now…
The Blackhawks defeated the Coyotes 5-2 in Arizona on Tuesday night. Believe it or not, I actually bet on them in this game; I did cash out early after the 2nd period because of my lack of faith, but the Blackhawks did win me some money. Thanks Hawks! The Blackhawks have been the worst team to bet on all year long in the NHL btw; I’ve lost on them most recently against the Red Wings during Chelios’ retirement game. I haven’t bet on them much, thankfully. I did have them earlier in the year when they won in Vegas; that was back on October 27th. They won in Tampa on November 16th, and then this one in Arizona. Remember, they did start the season with 2 impressive road victories in Pittsburgh and Toronto. 5 road victories all year, and we’re in March. OK.
You see how frustrated Bedard has been; can’t blame the kid. I saw the coach comment on it… saying he should keep the emotions more to himself, not letting the other team know they’re getting to you… something like that. Well, I hear that, but if you’re used to winning most of your life, and have to endure a season like THIS? Not in Kansas any more Dorothy, or Canada Connor. It’s the NHL. At this point, it’s like men against boys when the Hawks step on the ice; I remember the Hawks being like this before.
I think it was like 2008 or so. Funny enough, I was in LA at the time; I got to watch a couple Hawks games out there, and actually went to see them play against the Kings. The Hawks looked completely overmatched on the ice, with a very young team, including some guys named Toews and Kane. Fast forward a couple years later, and, well, a dynasty began. So… am I saying we’re a couple years away? Yeah, maybe I am; I hope I’m right. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again… the Blackhawks need to build around Bedard sooner than later. If the losing is already taking a toll on him in his rookie year… he certainly isn’t going to put up with this for long. On the flip side, I love the competitive spirit of Bedard. With his skill and talent, and this desire… kind of feels like he’ll do anything and everything he can… that’s good.
Next up, across country in Washington against the Capitals. Can the Hawks win 2 in a row on the road? Would they dare? Well, they are now tied with the Sharks for worst team in the NHL, but we didn’t need to finish dead last to get the overall number one pick last year, now did we? Go Hawks!
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