The Blackhawks are still alive. Somehow. “Technically still in it” as head coach Jeremy Colliton said.
Back-to-back losses against the Kings on Saturday in Los Angeles, and now a 3-2 overtime defeat against the Jets on Monday night in Chicago, probably haven’t helped, though.
Former Blackhawk draft pick and noted stairwell pooper Kevin Hayes scored 3:38 into overtime for the Jets.
The Avalanche also fell in overtime to the Blues, which means the Blackhawks remain six points back. With three games to play, Colorado grab a point anymore games for Chicago to stay alive, and the Blackhawks need a three-game winning streak.
The way the Blackhawks played during the comeback and the way Corey Crawford stood on his head in overtime — five huge saves on six shots — give a glimmer of hope.
Jonathan Toews opened the scoring for Chicago with a power-play goal 4:25 into the game to tie his career high in goals in a season at 34 and set a new record for points with 77.
Jonathan Toews PPG … 1-0 Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/BbbMs0rx4T
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) April 2, 2019
Adam Lowry responded six minutes later with a wrister from the left circle then Jack Roslovic gave the Jets a 2-1 lead with 34 seconds left in the first.
Jack Roslovic stole the puck from Forsling and shot the puck from the goal line … bad goal to allow by Crawford. pic.twitter.com/onscgFZcXq
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) April 2, 2019
Mark Scheifele was awarded a penalty shot 40 seconds into the second after Toews was called for tripping him on a breakaway, but Crawford made the save.
Roslovic added his second goal at 5:11 of the second, with a slot from the left circle for a 3-1 lead.
Dylan Strome then pulled the Blackhawks within 3-2 just 72 seconds later.
Dylan Strome responds for the Blackhawks and it’s back to a one-goal game. pic.twitter.com/WsQ71h04sj
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) April 2, 2019
The Avalanche made it to overtime midway through the third in Chicago, which meant the Blackhawks had to make it to overtime to stay alive.
The scoreless frame would last until a goal from Mark Scheifele seemingly put the Jets up two goals with 3 minutes remaining. Chicago coach Jeremy Colliton challenged for offsides, and the goal was overturned after video review showed Blake Wheeler entered the zone ahead of the puck. The Blackhawks were alive again.
That’s when, with Crawford pulled, Strome scored his second of the night with 2:20 remaining.
19th of the year. Second tonight. Ties the game.@stromer19 is on fire. pic.twitter.com/RvBsxaV5WR
— NHL (@NHL) April 2, 2019
The Blackhawks made it to overtime, but because Crawford was seemingly the only one playing, they eventually lost on Hayes’ goal.
This power move from Kevin Hayes beats the Blackhawks in OT.
Great goal. pic.twitter.com/UUENmZKN04
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) April 2, 2019
Up next
Chicago stays home to take on the Blues on Wednesday night at the United Center.
3 Stars
- Dylan Strome (CHI) — 2 goals, 1 assist
- Jack Roslovic (WPG) — 2 goals
- Erik Gustafsson (CHI) — 3 assists