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Instant Analysis: Blackhawks Dumped in the Desert 8-1

Originally posted on Chicago Hockey Now | By Nate Brown | Last updated 10/31/23

When the Chicago Blackhawks took an early 1-0 lead, it certainly looked as if that momentum from Friday’s win over Vegas had carried over. Arizona had other plans–far more a trick than a treat.

The Coyotes answered with a quick goal and then reeled off seven more unanswered in an absolute pre-Halloween thumping of the Blackhawks , 8-1. Nothing went right for Chicago Monday night, except maybe for Nick Foligno’s beatdown of Liam O’Brien, who sat and tried to get under Chicago’s skin all night long.

But even he got the last laugh, with a two point game that included Arizona’s seventh goal.

Coming off a big win against Vegas, it certainly seemed like Monday’s game would be a good matchup for the Blackhawks who had gone through a schedule gauntlet. Instead, it turned out to an absolute horror show on the eve of Halloween.

The Blackhawks won’t see it get any easier with Florida and New Jersey on the home slate this weekend.

Korchinski to Bedard a Beauty of a Play

Though little went Chicago’s way, the one highlight was seeing the future of the franchise in motion. Kevin Korchinski slid a perfect pass to Bedard just 28 seconds into the game. Aside from the excitement of the moment, it was a glimpse of what could be not only in the future–but maybe a little sooner than that?

This pass by Kevin Korchinski on the Connor Bedard goal was beautiful. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/uFn2OhVHNg

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) October 31, 2023

With Korchinski staying in Chicago and not being sent back to Seattle, maybe a top power play chance will be entertained if a few more of those find their way on the ice.

In a tough night for Blackhawks fans to watch their hockey team, that first goal at least reveals what could be.

Rough Night for Blackhawks Söderblom

Arvid Söderblom had been very good in his other three starts so a tough one like Monday’s game is a move on game. It’s a clunker, no way around it, but Söderblom didn’t get a lot of help either. Assignments were blown, offensive pressure was too much at times, and puck luck certainly didn’t go Chicago’s way.

It won’t look good on the stat sheet, and it’s certainly a game they all hope is an anomaly. But it doesn’t make it any easier to stomach.

This article first appeared on Chicago Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission.

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