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Blackhawks Mon Feb 13 2012
Pressure's On For Hawks After 8 Straight Losses
The Blackhawks haven't won a game since Jan. 20 against the Florida Panthers. They've now dropped their eighth straight game, and tenth on the road. They have also allowed thirteen goals in their last three games. Their latest game against the Phoenix Coyotes was their sixth shutout loss this season, losing 3-0.
It's safe to say the Blackhawks need to find themselves and win their next game badly. The next three stops on their nine-game roadtrip aren't going to make that an easy goal to achieve either. The next three opponents the Nashville Predators, New York Rangers, and Columbus Blue Jackets are all going to take the ice in much better positions than the Hawks.
The Predators and Hawks have meet three times so far this season, and the Hawks have only been able to win one of those games. They have a clean slate with the Rangers, hopefully getting a win for their first encounter.
While the Hawks and Blue Jackets have meet four times so far this season, and while the Blue Jackets do give the Hawks a run for their money the Hawks have won every game played. If Chicago is able to get their groove back they could make it five wins in a row against Columbus for this season.
Hopefully the team's few day break between Saturday night's game against the Coyotes and Tuesday night's game against the Predators will give the Hawks the opportunity to find themselves all back on the same page. While the team has been able to keep their heads above water this season (until now) the Hawks are still not a major force to be reckoned with like they were two seasons ago. Some may even argue not as good as last season either.
Due to the major slide in play and points there has been just as much pressure added to Coach Joe Quenneville as there is on the players. Quenneville now under the microscope needs to think carefully about every adjustment he makes in hopes to solve the problems facing the team. The speculation of Quenneville not finishing out the season as Hawks head Coach seems to be unknown at this point, adding even more pressure than needed.
Collectively everyone on the Hawks from goaltenders to defense to even the coaching need to come together and win to bring the momentum back to the bench.
The Hawks play the Predators Feb. 14 at 7pm in Nashville.
