Blackhawks' loss to Oilers puts them off-track in new segment-based approach
For the second half of the season, the Blackhawks have broken up their schedule into five-game segments and set targets for each of them.
Interim coach Anders Sorensen didn’t reveal the specific thresholds or categories, but he said they range from big things, such as victories, to ‘‘little habits’’ the team also tracks. They also have set smaller targets for every game, forward Jason Dickinson said.
‘‘It’s an easy way to park things,’’ Sorensen said. ‘‘If things are going well, you’ve still got to go to the next game. Or if things aren’t going well, [look to] the next segment. You’ve got to move on. That’s the game, right? But the bigger picture is, we’ve got to create some [positive] habits.’’
The Hawks’ 4-3 loss Saturday to the Oilers cost them an opportunity to stay on the right track in their first five-game segment.
Despite playing on the second half of a back-to-back — coming off an awful performance in their 5-3 loss Friday to the Red Wings in Detroit — the Hawks started with plenty of jump, racing to 2-0 and 3-1 leads against the reigning Western Conference champions.
Momentum eventually shifted, however, and the Oilers climbed back. Former Hawks player Corey Perry tied the score late in the second period — and was booed loudly by a crowd of 19,387 at the United Center — and Zach Hyman scored the game-winner on a power play with 12:42 left in the third.
‘‘We’ve got to learn you’ve got to put together a full 60 minutes, and that’s about details and habits,’’ defenseman Alec Martinez said. ‘‘That’s . . . not consistent in our game. When you’re not doing that, you’re allowing teams opportunities to get back in [the game]. And the longer you play with bad habits, the more opportunities you give up.’’
The Hawks opened this segment with a victory Wednesday against the Avalanche, so Dickinson pointed out a winning record in it is still possible if they beat the Flames and Predators on Monday and Thursday.
This last-place Hawks team hasn’t given anyone much reason to believe they will do that, though.
Back to bench
Forward Philipp Kurashev’s lack of effort on the play leading to the Wings’ third goal Friday was inexcusable. He turned the puck over in the neutral zone, halfheartedly manned his position in the defensive zone, then gave up and stopped moving entirely after Erik Gustafsson deked around him, not even trying to recover and stick-check eventual goal-scorer Andrew Copp.
Making Kurashev’s laziness especially bewildering was the fact that Friday was supposed to be his chance to prove himself again after sitting eight of the previous 10 games as a healthy scratch. He promptly was scratched again Saturday.
Sorensen said he ‘‘expects better’’ from Kurashev and all of his players. The end of Kurashev’s tenure with the Hawks seems more and more certain by the day.
Notes
Forward Teuvo Teravainen had a goal and an assist, continuing his careerlong success against the Oilers. He has six points in two games against them this season and 26 points in 20 all-time meetings.
• Center Connor Bedard’s nine-game point streak ended without him getting a shot on goal. Oilers star Connor McDavid was also quiet with zero points and one shot on goal.
• The Hawks nearly went consecutive games without a power play, but they finally drew one in the final minute. They’ve had only three power-play opportunities in their last four games combined.