The Chicago Blackhawks' losing streak has extended to six games following a 3-1 defeat against the Los Angeles Kings on March 20, 2025, further dampening the prospects for a team already grappling with a tumultuous season.
The match, held at United Center in Chicago, began with a precarious start for the Blackhawks. Nine minutes into the first period, Trevor Moore put the Kings on the scoreboard with a deft snapshot that clanged off the post and into the net. Not long after, just 59 seconds later, Alex Turcotte widened the Kings' lead to 2-0, deftly redirecting a shot from Vladislav Gavrikov into the goal.
Struggling to find their footing, the Blackhawks showed signs of life midway through the second period when Connor Bedard scored on the power play. After a lackluster first period, the rookie sensation found a sliver of space, unleashed a powerful one-timer from the left circle off a setup by Tyler Bertuzzi, making the score 2-1. This marked Bedard's ninth power-play goal of the season, demonstrating his emerging prowess in special teams situations.
Despite a more promising second period, during which the Blackhawks mounted a stronger offensive effort, they couldn't convert their chances. They outchanced the Kings 14-8 in the final two frames but struggled to find the back of the net, showcasing the same inconsistency that's plagued them all season.
As the game wound down, Joel Edmundson sealed the victory for the Kings with an empty-net goal, bringing the final score to 3-1. The loss officially marked the end of the Blackhawks' playoff aspirations this season, leaving them with a dismal record of 20-40-9 and an alarming 28 points behind the last playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Interim head coach Anders Sorensen expressed frustration over the Blackhawks' slow starts, a recurring theme throughout the season. “If you look at the last couple of games, the starts have been good,” Sorensen commented prior to the game, but added that when things don’t go their way, “we get discouraged.” The first period against the Kings saw them significantly outmatched, with a staggering 33 shot attempts for Los Angeles compared to just 12 for Chicago.
Jason Dickinson, who returned to the lineup recently from injury, has struggled significantly. While he was a standout player last season, finishing with career highs, he expressed his frustration following previous games, saying, “I’m not contributing, and it’s driving me nuts.” Sorensen had hoped Dickinson would regain his rhythm but acknowledged that it is challenging after missing so much time.
The line of Bedard, Dickinson, and Frank Nazar recorded just four shot attempts against the Kings during their time on the ice together. The Kings had a clear edge in high-danger scoring chances, indicating that the trio struggled to overcome the defensive prowess of their opponents.
Despite the team's struggles, Bedard remains a ray of hope for the Blackhawks' future, stating, “Every game still matters for us,” emphasizing the importance of growth in the remaining games, even though they are not in contention for the playoffs.
Colton Dach faced injury late in the third period, raising concerns as the team is already dealing with several injuries this season. While no update was provided immediately on Dach's condition, Sorensen's team was hopeful for better news following practice.
Looking ahead, the Blackhawks will play the St. Louis Blues next, a matchup that they hope will provide an opportunity to regroup and perhaps build some momentum despite their current challenges.
Overall, while the season has been marked by significant struggles, the focus now shifts towards player development and preparation for the next season, with an increased emphasis on rebuilding and crafting a competitive future for the franchise.
