This Disaster: Canucks 4, Blackhawks 1

After an already disastrous 0-3-1 start to the 2021-22 season, The Blackhawks were unable to avoid yet another loss on Thursday night in a 4-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night at the United Center.

Chicago hoped that a pregame ceremony celebrating Patrick Kane’s 1,000 game milestone from last season would be the catalyst for a strong first period of hockey.

After a lot of back-and-forth reminiscent of ping-pong, the Canucks grasped the lead with a goal from Jason Dickinson.

In true Blackhawks fashion, the power play responded when Alex DeBrincat — assisted by Patrick Kane of course — found the back of the net, tying the game at one apiece.

After both teams settled into the second frame, the Canucks broke the tie midway through the period when Tanner Pearson tipped in Quinn Hughes’ long blast from the blueline.

After being awarded a 5-on-3 opportunity, the Canucks added to their lead on a goal from Brock Boeser, sending them into the second intermission with a 3-1 lead.

The bulk of the third period saw little action of note until Vancouver’s Conor Garland committed a tripping penalty with 3:10 remaining in regulation, which sent the Hawks to the man advantage. While on the power play, the Kevin Lankinen headed to the bench to give the Hawks a 6-on-4 edge.

Chicago couldn’t score, however, and as the penalty expired, Tucker Poolman found Garland — fresh out of the penalty box — for an empty-net goal, sealing the 4-1 win for the Canucks.

Notes

• The Blackhawks have played five games and have not led once in any of those games.
• The power play continues to be the only avenue of scoring. The Hawks have now been outscored 17-3 at 5-on-5 this season.
• Brandon Hagel was the sole standout for Chicago, as he continued to make plays and help create opportunities.
• The numbers are bad and so is the eye test. There aren't many other positives to take away from this performance. The team does not just need to improve, they have to do a complete 180. This roster is too talented to perform this poorly.
• I don’t see any reason against making a coaching change. Otherwise, at this rate, an actual rebuild will be looming. Yes, there are 77 games left. It’s a long season, but it’s difficult to think that this team has given us any reason to believe they will turn it around anytime soon. They've continued to lose in the same ways — ad nauseam — over their last 200 games and its somehow gotten worse.
• There is no excuse for this. Simply put, these first five games have been disastrous.

Game Charts

Three stars

1. Conor Garland (VAN) — 1 G, 1 A
2. Thatcher Demko (VAN) - 28 saves on 29 shots, .966 SV%
3. Quinn Hughes (VAN) - primary assist on game-winning goal

What’s next

The Blackhawks will host the Red Wings at the United Center on Sunday evening. Puck drop is slated for 6 p.m.