Emma: Blackhawks Looking For Killer Instinct
By Chris Emma-
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Three goals were on the board, and the Blackhawks were flying high Sunday night. A 3-0 first-period lead seemed to suggest Chicago was ready for a comfortable win. against San Jose, but the good feeling didn't last long.
A slapshot from San Jose's Justin Braun was deflected by Joe Pavelski and into the net. The Blackhawks' hearts sank a bit. Because even with all the sustained success since 2010, this is a new team, one that hasn't shown that killer instinct consistently. in an 8-6-1 that has the Blackhawks in fourth in the Central Division.
"We've lost some tough games that we're accustomed to winning," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said.
Sunday's final horn saw Chicago grab a 5-2 win over San Jose, its Western Conference foes, thanks to third-period goals from Bryan Bickell and Jonathan Toews. But too much of that third period saw the nerves of attempting to hold a late lead.
Friday night brought the Blackhawks another frustrating loss, blowing a 2-0 lead by allowing the Capitals to score three goals in the second period. Before then, Chicago had been shut out in its previous two home games.
Is confidence lacking for a Blackhawks team that's seen such great success?
"A little bit right now," winger Bryan Bickell said. "Lately, we're not seeing the puck go in the net. Confidence can go a long way, but we're getting opportunities."
Chicago has attempted 569 shots this season -- tops in the NHL and 55 more than second-place San Jose -- and has only 39 goals to show for it. Scoring struggles have never hampered the Blackhawks since Toews and Patrick Kane helped form a hockey revival on the West Side.
Frustration for Chicago is understandable. By not finding the back of the net, the Blackhawks aren't able to bury opponents as they have so often.
Looking to change things, the Blackhawks are re-evaluating how to make their shots more efficient.
"The shot attempts are there," Kane said. "The big thing we're kind of stressing now is trying to get to the net, so the goalie either has a tough time seeing those pucks or we can be there for rebounds or deflections."
What keeps the Blackhawks holding their heads high is that they've seen the success before. They're confident the shots are going to find the net soon, as they started to Sunday.
"If we're not getting opportunities, then we have to worry about what's going on," said Bickell, whose squad hosts the Lightning on Tuesday night. "Opportunities, we just need to cash in. They're going to come. Last night was a good step."
Chicago has been too inconsistent, but if the goals keep coming, confidence won't be a concern for the Blackhawks.
Notes: Forwards Marian Hossa and Brad Richards sat out of Monday's practice for a day of rest. "They're fine," Quenneville said ... Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith played his 700th game on Friday night. "It's pretty cool to play 700 games," position-mate Brent Seabrook said ... Corey Crawford will start in net on Tuesday against Tampa Bay.
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.
