The Chicago Blackhawks snapped a five-game winning streak with a 4-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night. It’s the team’s second loss in a span of eight games, and only its third regulation loss at the United Center this season. The win is the Senators’ third straight in the last four days.
Injuries plagued the Hawks as Marian Hossa left the game after only 2:53 of ice time. Hossa’s last shift was taken with just over five minutes left in the first period, but he would not return to the game for undisclosed reasons. His absence on the ice was felt early as the Senators jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, outshooting the Hawks, 15-6, in the first period. Chicago tied the game with a wonderful power play goal from the trio of Patrick Kane, Brent Seabrook, and eventual goal scorer Artemi Panarin. The goal was Panarin’s 15th of the season, and Kane’s 23rd assist of the year.
Bread Man has 12 points on a six-game point streak. This one’s a laser. pic.twitter.com/LJqK1ojUP1
— NHL (@NHL) December 21, 2016
The second period saw Ottawa put its foot on the gas, scoring a total of three goals in the period. The first two goals came 10 seconds apart as Derick Brassard and Tom Pyatt tallied goals for the Sens early in the second. Things looked bleak as the Sens continued to outshoot Chicago, but Tyler Motte found the back of the net with eight minutes left in the period. The goal would be reviewed after Ottawa challenged that Chicago was offside, but the review was ruled inconclusive and the goal stood. For Motte, it was his fourth of the season and only his first goal since Nov. 1.
In the third period, Chicago would notch an early goal from Richard Panik to close the deficit to 4-3. The goal was Panik’s ninth of the season, and another assist from Kane puts him in third among all NHL players.
Turning Point
Marcus Kruger would be awarded a penalty shot late in the third period after the Hawks were short handed on a Ryan Hartman high sticking call. Kruger’s first-ever penalty shot attempt managed to sneak through the blocker of Ottawa goaltender Mike Condon, but wide of the net. The missed opportunity to tie the game up proved a difference-maker.
Mike Condon stones Marcus Kruger on his first career penalty shot. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/pCLPkjSH5t
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) December 21, 2016
SCH 3 Stars
1. Bobby Ryan, OTT (1 goal, 1 assist)
2. Kyle Turris, OTT (0 goals, 2 assists)
3. Patrick Kane, CHI (0 goals, 2 assists)
Play of the game
Kyle Turris’ shot that was deflected off Dion Phaneuf’s leg would ultimately be the game-winning goal. The goal came with a little over five minutes left in the second period.
Kyle Turris’ rip from the point ricochets off of Phaneuf’s knee and in the net. 4-2 Senators. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/iBJBHQpZ1A
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) December 21, 2016
What’s next
The Blackhawks will have two days of rest before facing the Colorado Avalanche in the United Center on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. CT.