For the first time in the 2025-26 season, the Chicago Blackhawks find themselves struggling with an 0-3-0 start, having lost three consecutive games in regulation. While such a streak is troubling in the NHL, the team’s priority is now focused on overcoming this slump.
The three-game stretch saw various events unfold. The opening loss came against the Seattle Kraken, where Chicago initially led 2-0 but ultimately fell 3-2. On Friday, the Blackhawks suffered their worst defeat of the season, a 9-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabers on the road. The third defeat was a tight 1-0 shutout against the Colorado Avalanche at the United Center, where despite the loss, coach Jeff Blashill and the team felt their effort showed improvement compared to the previous game.
Currently, Chicago sits just below the playoff cutoff with a 10-8-4 record, competing with other teams trying to climb into the top eight.
Ahead of their game against the Minnesota Wild, here are five key observations:
1. Connor Bedard is a crucial player for the Blackhawks, both on and off the ice. Wearing the number 98, he is widely regarded as the team’s best player and was given an “A” leadership role even when some key players were absent. Despite frustrations with referees, coach Blashill stands firmly with his players. With his rising elite scoring ability, there’s pressure for Bedard to be selected for Team Canada in the 2026 Winter Olympics, and the Blackhawks are fully supporting him.
2. Ilya Mikheyev is among the league’s top penalty killers, excelling in defensive work and contributing to offense at even strength. The Blackhawks maintain an impressive penalty kill rate of 83.3%, consistently ranking in the top 10 all season.
3. Nick Lardis is showing promise. Playing in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs, he scored four goals in two games. Though he hasn’t yet made his NHL debut, his consistent scoring and the team’s injury troubles among forwards make him a strong candidate for a call-up.
4. Ryan Greene has performed well despite the team’s injury challenges, contributing positively on and off the puck. While his stats are modest so far, his quality play and disciplined approach indicate he could become a valuable asset once he starts converting more chances.
5. The Blackhawks have partly relied on an 11/7 strategy, emphasizing the balance between forwards and defensemen. Most of their defensemen are young, and this strategy helps coach Blashill manage player roles effectively. Though some key defensemen remain injured, the system could benefit the team if younger players are called up.
In summary, despite their recent struggles, the Chicago Blackhawks are working through a tough phase with some bright prospects and solid performances from key players. The ability to navigate this slump will be crucial for their playoff aspirations.
Fan Take: This news is vital for hockey fans as it highlights the resilience and potential within a historically prominent team facing early challenges. Watching young stars like Connor Bedard rise under pressure adds an exciting narrative to the sport’s future and keeps fans engaged with the Blackhawks’ journey.
