The Chicago Blackhawks 11-game point streak has ended after a 4-0 loss in Winnipeg to start the annual Circus Trip.
The Hawks struggled to get onto the board on Tuesday night, with their top guns staying quiet. Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa, and Artemi Panarin had just one shot on net each in the game.
The road to the Jets win started just six minutes into the opening frame, with rookie Josh Morrissey putting the puck past Crawford for his first NHL career goal.
#NHLFirsts! Josh Morrissey blasts home #1 for the @NHLJets. pic.twitter.com/rzAJ7XI5bO
— #HockeyFightsCancer (@NHL) November 16, 2016
With 26 seconds remaining in the opening frame, Morrissey delivered a huge hit on Vinnie Hinostroza. Hinostroza left the game, and did not return. His status remains unknown at this point. Morrissey was given a two minute minor for charging on the play.
Josh Morrissey with a big hit on Vinnie Hinostroza…jeez. #Blackhawks #Jets pic.twitter.com/9jNQBR3I8h
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) November 16, 2016
Chicago was unable to capitalize on the man advantage in the seconds remaining in the first, but opened the second with 1:35 remaining on the Morrissey penalty. The Jets managed to kill off the penalty, to keep their 1-0 lead.
Under five into the second frame, Paul Postma was whistled for hooking, giving the Hawks their second power play opportunity of the night. During the Hawks power play, Winnipeg’s Ben Chiarot was sent to the box for delay of game, giving Chicago 1:07 of 5-on-3 play. The Hawks would complete just one shot on goal on the 5-on-3, to continue to trail by a goal for the remainder of the second.
The third period kicked off with a shot from Chris Thorburn at the 4:41 mark going over the right shoulder of Crawford, putting the Jets ahead by two.
Chris Thorburn beats Crawford. This puck had eyes. 2-0 #Jets. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/05OorAvSFy
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) November 16, 2016
Patrik Laine gave Winnipeg the three goal lead eight minutes into the final frame, from a wrap around pass from former Hawk Dustin Byfuglien, to put it past Crow.
The Laine goal.. For those of you who don’t think things happen when Buff does his wraparound effort.. pic.twitter.com/4DH0fsPhdF
— JetsNation (@NHLJetsNation) November 16, 2016
Just 11 seconds later, and before Laine’s goal was even announced, Nik Petan scored his first of the year, to give the Jets the 4-0 victory at home.
Corey Crawford allowed four goals in 22 shots, ensuing Scott Darling to come relieve him for the remaining 11 minutes of the game.
This was Chicago’s first game with less than two goals this season. It’s not the start to the Circus Trip that they were looking for, but an 11 game point streak is hard to complain about.
The Hawks remain in first place in the Central Division with 24 points, but with their win tonight, the Jets move within four points of Chicago to sit with 20.
The Blackhawks will continue their Circus Trip as they head to Calgary to take on the Flames on Friday at 8 p.m. CT.