Tuesday night’s road win in Arizona was a huge one for the Blackhawks. No, the team isn’t suddenly back in playoff contention. It isn’t a scenario in which “every win counts”, and Chicago isn’t setting any records (good ones, at least).
Instead, the team’s big win was an important one on other levels. With the rare road victory, the Blackhawks were able to defy the odds and snap a handful of different streaks. The team took a deep breath on the plane ride home, at least according to Connor Bedard:
Franchise-Record Road Loss Streak
Before this season, the Blackhawks held the seventh-longest road losing streak in NHL history, taking 16 straight losses in 1954. Before the win in Arizona, Chicago had blown that franchise record out of the water, falling short 22 straight times in a stretch dating back to Nov. 9. Bedard said it best after the game.
“Oh my god, that was a long time.”
– Connor Bedard
Four Power-Play Goals
The Blackhawks somehow managed to score FOUR power-play goals over the course of the game for the first time since Jan. 2018. After they picked up four in the month of January and the same number in February, Tuesday’s outburst was definitely unexpected.
First Power-Play Goal From Defenseman
The outburst on the power play was kicked off by Seth Jones, who rifled home a goal in the first period. His goal was the first power-play goal by a Blackhawks defenseman all season, and his team’s first 5-on-3 goal of the year. After 47 games to start the season in which he scored just once, Jones finished the night with two goals, including an empty-netter.
Arvid Soderblom
It’s no secret Arvid Soderblom has had a rough season between the pipes. It isn’t cause for concern yet, but his 3-18-1 record, 3.88 GAA, and .880 save percentage aren’t pretty. Soderblom’s last win came on Nov. 24, so this one has to feel good.
Jason Dickinson
The all-around forward snapped a four-game pointless streak of his own Tuesday, picking up a goal and an assist. It’s always great to see Dickinson enjoying success on the ice, as he’s been an integral part of the Blackhawks all season.
Fun Fact
The last time the Blackhawks took a lead to start the game before Tuesday was Feb. 17, which was non-coincidentally the last time they got in the win column. Scoring quickly seems to have its perks.
Let’s hope the unexpected outburst is a sign of what’s to come, rather than just a blip on the radar. If the Blackhawks can capitalize on their newfound momentum, they’ll be able to at least put a bow on what has been a pretty wretched season.
