Blackhawks 0, Canucks 3 — Three Stars, Key Takeaways

Alex Stalock Connor Murphy Alex Vlasic Blackhawks

The Blackhawks won their last game in Calgary against a team desperately trying to get into the playoffs, so what would they have for a team in the lottery race in the Canucks? How about absolutely nothing. This game was flat for almost a full 60 minutes. At least some of us watched the two exciting Frozen Four games to stay awake until the 9 PM CT puck drop…

Star 1: Kyle Davidson

After winning in Calgary, the Blackhawks needed a loss to keep pace with Anaheim and Columbus for the cellar in the NHL. Anaheim lost on Wednesday night and Columbus was blown out earlier on Thursday evening. With San Jose and Arizona also losing on Thursday night, the regulation loss was critical for the Blackhawks’ draft lottery odds.

Star 2: Alex Stalock

Another night with the Blackhawks’ goaltender doing everything he could to keep his team close enough to make things interesting. Only problem: the Blackhawks forgot to bring the offense with them from Calgary. Stalock stopped 26 of 28 in the game.

Star 3: Celeb Jones

Caleb led Blackhawks defensemen with five hits and three blocked shots. And he didn’t get put on his butt by Andrei Kuzmenko like his brother did (oops). Caleb was also second among Chicago defensemen in ice time, second behind Seth in power play ice time among blue liners, and was credited with two shots on net. His versatility has been valuable this season.

Takeaways

  • In the middle of the third period, Taylor Raddysh left the ice awkwardly and Reese Johnson took an elbow to the face that dropped him behind the net. Obviously not the time of year to have guys getting hurt, but the Blackhawks don’t have any extra forwards hanging around right now. Hopefully they’re both fine in time for Saturday’s game.
  • With Boston University’s season over, it will be interesting to see if Drew Commesso makes any appearances in Chicago or Rockford down the stretch this season or if he waits out the summer to make his professional debut. Stalock was good tonight and Mrazek has been adequate most of the time. And, frankly, the Blackhawks don’t need an improvement right now.
  • I love seeing Jonathan Toews still barking at his teammates and opponents. The passion is still there. For what it’s worth, the Captain won 10 of 14 faceoffs in the game and skated 18 minutes.
  • written by

    Tab Bamford has been writing about the Chicago Blackhawks for almost two decades. He joined Bleacher Nation as the lead Blackhawks writer in May 2022. Tab is a member of the Professional Hockey Writers Association and is the author of two books about the Blackhawks: "100 Things Blackhawks Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die" (Triumph Books) and "Chicago Blackhawks: An Illustrated Timeline" (Reedy Press, 2021). Find him on Twitter/X/Instagram/Threads at @The1Tab

    more blackhawks news

    Blackhawks at Kings – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    Okay, so here's the set up for tonight's final game of the 2023-24 NHL regular season -- and, with the latest start time on the slate, this is indeed the actual, final game of the entire regular season. And the...

    Lukas Reichel Will Play for Rockford, Not Germany

    Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson was asked before the regular season finale if forward Lukas Reichel would play for Germany at the upcoming IIHF World Championship, or if he was headed to Rockford to join the IceHogs for their playoffs....

    OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL: Former “Coyotes” Franchise Moving to Utah

    On Thursday afternoon, the NHL made it official: the Arizona Coyotes are no more. The league's Board of Governors voted to approve the franchise relocating to Salt Lake City, effective immediately. The franchise will be owned and controlled by Smith...

    You Can Buy IceHogs Playoff Tickets Starting Friday!

    Hey Blackhawks fans! Wanna see playoff hockey with some players who might be part of the future in Chicago? The IceHogs are heading to the Calder Cup Playoffs, and some tickets go on sale Friday morning! The final schedule for...

    Bedard’s Expectations, Dickinson’s Selke Case, Farewell Arizona, Records Made & Missed, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

    Welcome to the final day of the 2023-24 NHL season, hockey fans! The Blackhawks visit the LA Kings to close the books on their campaign tonight. Gotta love a 9:30 puck drop against a team that's beat the Hawks soundly...

    The Blackhawks Hosted Winter Classic at Wrigley Field will be on Dec. 31

    Before Wednesday night’s games on TNT, the NHL announced the Winter Classic between the Blackhawks and Blues will be played on Dec. 31, a change from its traditional New Year’s Day slot. The puck will drop shortly after 4 PM...

    Connor Murphy Named Blackhawks Nominee for the King Clancy Trophy

    On Wednesday morning, the NHL announced the 32 team nominees for the 2023-24 King Clancy Memorial Trophy, which is presented “to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution...

    History Tonight? Korchinski’s Season, Lots of Prospect Notes, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

    If you're a hockey addict who will watch non-Blackhawks games like me, and you maybe possibly want to see a little history on Wednesday evening, might I suggest tuning into the Toronto Maple Leafs at Tampa Bay Lightning game at...

    Blackhawks 1, Golden Knights 3 — Three Stars, Key Takeaways

    With the Golden Knights still having playoff positioning to play for, the Blackhawks could have easily been boat raced out of the barn. They weren't; in fact, they came out with the better speed in the opening half of the...

    Blackhawks at Golden Knights – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    Two games left. The penultimate game on the 2023-24 schedule for the Chicago Blackhawks comes in Sin City against a team that's battling for playoff position. Oh, and Vegas is (surprise!) getting healthy bodies back. Tomas Hertl will be in...

    Latest News

    Pirates vs. Red Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Friday, Bryan Reynolds and the Pittsburgh Pirates (11-8) open a series versus Jarren Duran and the Boston Red Sox (10-10) at PNC Park, with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 PM ET.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading...

    How to Watch Padres vs. Blue Jays: Live Stream or on TV

    On Friday, Matt Waldron will take the mound for the San Diego Padres (11-10) versus Yariel Rodriguez and the Toronto Blue Jays (10-9), with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at PETCO Park.If you're intending to watch this game,...

    Giants vs. Diamondbacks: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Blake Snell will take the ball for the San Francisco Giants (8-11) when they host starter Jordan Montgomery and the Arizona Diamondbacks (9-10) on Friday, with first pitch at 10:15 PM ET.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading...

    Dodgers vs. Mets: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Yoshinobu Yamamoto will take the ball for the Los Angeles Dodgers (12-9) when they host starter Sean Manaea and the New York Mets (10-8) in a series opener on Friday, with first pitch at 10:10 PM ET.See how to watch...

    Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    The Minnesota Twins will be hosting the Detroit Tigers for a three-game series, with the first matchup getting underway at 8:10 PM ET on Friday, April 19.Twins vs. Tigers Series Info Tigers @ Twins Time: Friday, April 19 at 8:10...

    St. Louis Cardinals vs. Milwaukee Brewers Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    In the opener of a three-game series, on Friday, April 19 at 8:15 PM ET, the St. Louis Cardinals are hosting the Milwaukee Brewers.Cardinals vs. Brewers Series Info Brewers @ Cardinals Time: Friday, April 19 at 8:15 PM ET Cardinals...

    Kansas City Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    On Friday, April 19 at 7:40 PM ET, a three-game series between the Kansas City Royals and the visiting Baltimore Orioles will get underway.Royals vs. Orioles Series Info Orioles @ Royals Time: Friday, April 19 at 7:40 PM ET Royals...

    Colorado Rockies vs. Seattle Mariners Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    The Seattle Mariners will be on the road, opening a three-game set against the Colorado Rockies on Friday, April 19 at 8:40 PM ET.Rockies vs. Mariners Series Info Mariners @ Rockies Time: Friday, April 19 at 8:40 PM ET Rockies...

    San Diego Padres vs. Toronto Blue Jays Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    The San Diego Padres will be hosting the Toronto Blue Jays for a three-game series, with the first matchup getting underway at 9:40 PM ET on Friday, April 19.Padres vs. Blue Jays Series Info Blue Jays @ Padres Time: Friday,...

    Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Mets Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    In the opener of a three-game series, on Friday, April 19 at 10:10 PM ET, the Los Angeles Dodgers will host the New York Mets.Dodgers vs. Mets Series Info Mets @ Dodgers Time: Friday, April 19 at 10:10 PM ET...

    more blackhawks news