With their 2-1 win over the Hawks tonight at the United Center the Anaheim Ducks have jumped ahead of the Blackhawks for Seventh place in the Western Conference standings. The loss ended the Blackhawks streak of six consecutive home wins. A victory would have cemented the Hawks longest such streak since 2009.
It seemed the Blackhakws were on their way to another win for most of the game, as both of the Ducks’ goals on the night were scored in the third period, on shots by Corey Perry. Though the Hawks own Corey, Corey Crawford, managed 23 saves on the night, the Hawks offense, missing Patrick Sharp, was anemic. Marian Hossa’s first period goal would be the only scoring for Chicago in the game.
The Blackhawks have eight games left in the regular season, but none against their closest competition in the Western Conference. Instead, they have three dates against the Central leading Detroit Redwings.The Hawks next play on Monday in Detroit.