SAN JOSEThe Blackhawks had their version of a tutorial before they departed Colorado on Wednesday, a class session, so to speak, regarding their recent woes.
We were in an educational facility (the University of Denver), we had the perfect theater for a nice session, and we did (have one), longer than we generally do, coach Joel Quenneville said. We talked about details, positioning, more so on the defensive side of things. Thats an emphasis weve gone through, and probably let it slide when we werent preventing goals.
Talking, scheming, practicing, the Blackhawks are doing everything they can to shore things up. But it ultimately comes down to the game, and thats where the Blackhawks have to start bringing it, beginning Friday night against the San Jose Sharks.
The Blackhawks are struggling to find answers, their team defense and the right line combinationsyep, they were altered again on Thursdayduring this six-game winless streak. And theyre feeling the weight of the skid. Defenseman Brent Seabrook said it hurts when you lose this many in a row. It sucks coming to the rink.
I think theres all of that: disappointment, frustration. Everyones concerned with whats going on, Patrick Sharp said. We talked about it the past couple of days, and were going to be a better team for it. Now is not the time to go against each other and point fingers. The only way we can win and get better is by playing as a team.
But when a group is lacking confidence, as the Blackhawks are right now, thats easier said than done. Just like a slumping player who talks of squeezing the stick, the Blackhawks are pressing. And they know thats not going to help right now.
Its tough not to think about it, especially when youre on a skid like this, Patrick Kane said. If we can put everything behind us and worry about one game at a time, then going from there I think its going to help us out and well probably get out of this funk sooner rather than later.
NHL
The Blackhawks need results sooner rather than later. This road trip goes from tough to brutal, with the Sharks, Coyotes, Predators and Rangers still ahead. Theyre talking, scheming and practicing. Now it needs to come through in their playing.
Im sure there is (panic). Were doing a lot of different things to work at it. Its challenging to get ourselves out of it, Kane said. Im sure everyone has their two cents to put in. But its the coaches and our job to get out of it.
