UPDATE: The Chicago Blackhawks faced a crushing 3-2 shootout loss against the Vancouver Canucks on Friday, marking their 11th consecutive defeat against the Canucks since 2021. This loss follows a promising start where the Hawks led by two goals, only to let it slip away in a tense finish.
The Blackhawks, now sitting at 2-2-2 for the season, appeared strong in the first period, generating a 13-5 advantage in scoring chances. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second period. A pivotal moment came when Tyler Bertuzzi had a goal disallowed with just 5:12 left in regulation due to a controversial goaltender interference call.
Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy revealed that referee Kelly Sutherland explained the decision was based on the puck being lodged under Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen‘s pad. “They looked at that as a dead puck even though the whistle still wasn’t blown,” Murphy stated. The team felt the disallowed goal mirrored other successful plays they’ve witnessed, leading coach Jeff Blashill to assert he would challenge the call “10 out of 10 times.” Bertuzzi concurred, stating simply, “I think it was not that great of a call.”
Despite the setback, the Blackhawks managed to fend off two Canucks power plays and pushed the game into overtime. Goalie Spencer Knight made crucial saves during the overtime period, but the Hawks could not capitalize on four shootout attempts. Ultimately, Brock Boeser scored the decisive goal for the Canucks, sealing the game.
“To not put together enough of a push to take a team’s will away — when you have them down against the ropes — is a big difference in winning and losing,” Murphy reflected on the missed opportunity. “It’s a learning lesson.”
In an unexpected twist, no fight occurred involving Hawks forward Jason Dickinson, despite previous tensions with Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood. Instead, Sherwood engaged in a bout with Bertuzzi. Dickinson briefly left the game due to an apparent upper-body injury, raising concerns about his condition.
Meanwhile, Hawks defenseman Louis Crevier found himself in an impromptu fight against Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle, marking his first NHL fight. Crevier humorously noted that it was his first fight since the third grade. “I took the first punch to the left eye,” he recounted, “but then I used my size to take over the scrap.” This physicality highlights the grit Crevier has brought to the team, as he continues to earn his place on the roster.
Coach Blashill has praised the continuous improvement of Crevier, who has appeared in 61 career NHL games since his debut in December 2023. “His skating has been really good,” Blashill stated, emphasizing Crevier’s growth and contribution to the team’s defensive play.
As for rookie sensation Connor Bedard, Blashill showered him with praise following the game. Bedard unleashed seven shot attempts but could not find the back of the net. “He wants to win more than anything else,” Blashill affirmed, underscoring Bedard’s commitment to team success over personal accolades.
The Blackhawks are set to regroup as they analyze this latest setback, with fans eagerly awaiting their next match. The team must quickly learn from this loss to turn their season around and stop the streak against the Canucks.
Stay tuned for updates as the Blackhawks continue to navigate this challenging season.
