Apparently the Blackhawks didn’t get the memo: Monday wasn’t a holiday for NHL players.
The Hawks appeared to take the night off in a timid 5-1 loss to a Columbus Blue Jackets team that had lost three straight while giving up 19 goals.
The loss was the third in a row for the Hawks, the first time they have lost three straight since their 1-5 West Coast trip in late November.
Despite gaining points in 14 straight games recently, the Hawk have won just twice in their last 10.
It seems long ago now, but after completing three games against the Detroit Red Wings, the Hawks talked about challenging for first place in the Central Division.
With the now first-place St. Louis Blues coming into the United Center on Thursday, followed by a seven-game trip, the Hawks find themselves closer to being out of the playoffs than a division title.
“You’re going to have nights where nothing goes your way,” Hawks coach Brian Sutter said. “Do I like it? No.”
Following a script written by the Blues in their 4-2 victory against the Hawks Saturday night, the Blue Jackets came out with the intention of hitting every Hawk every time one touched the puck.
Tyler Arnason, who spoiled Marc Denis’ shutout with a goal midway through the third period, allowed Sean Pronger to walk in front of the net and put a shot on goalie Jocelyn Thibault. Two shots later, Pronger finally was alone in front of the net to beat Thibault to make it 1-0.
Steve Sullivan, who has one point in his last 10 games, turned the puck over in the Columbus end three minutes later, then let David Vyborny beat him up ice to finish off a 2-on-1 to make 2-0.
The rest of the night was stat-padding. Hotshot rookie Rick Nash had his 11th goal to make it 3-0 after one, which gave Thibault the final two periods off.
