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Blackhawks Take Tough Loss to the Devils

Written by: EricC on 4th November 2010

This should have been an easy win for the Chicago Blackhawks, taking on the New Jersey Devils, who were currently off to the worst start in the NHL. The Blackhawks made it a very intense ending, but their lack of playing during the rest of the game left them trailing for a majority of the time. However, Viktor Stalberg had a very good night, snagging a goal and two assists. The Blackhawks are at risk at dropping three consecutive games for the first time this season; an outcome that Chicago did not face until about half way through last season.

About 15 and 1/2 minutes into the game, New Jersey netted the first goal, followed by a second goal during the opening minutes of the second period. Chicago got their first goal in the final minutes of the period, scored by Brian Campbell. It was Campbell’s first goal of the season, after missing a few games due to injury.

Early in the third period, Fernando Pisani tied things up with a Power Play goal, and his first of the season. Unfortunately, with under four minutes left to play, the Devils slipped in another one for the lead. Chicago pulled Marty Turco to gain the one man advantage, but it just led to an Empty Netter, which would have normally meant the end of the game.

However, with less than a minute, Jack Skille took the puck to the net hard, and Viktor Stalberg put it in, giving the Hawks hope. Turco was pulled from the net again, and the Blackhawks fought to tie things up in the final seconds. That hope lasted less than 30 seconds, when the Devils put in another Empty Netter and sealed the fate.

Turco didn’t receive a ton of shots, but he did well up until the final goal he let up. However, that game winner wasn’t completely his fault; Duncan Keith wasn’t able to clear it and the puck took an odd bounce off Turco’s pads, being shot from the right side of the net, nearly on the back line. As for the last two goals, Turco was on the bench. He had 19 saves against the Devils.

The Blackhawks will be battling the Atlanta Thrashers in their next match. In the off season, the Thrashers acquired four members from the Stanley Cup team. That game will take place this Saturday, November 6, at 6:00 P.M. CT.