NHL Blackhawks Winning Streak Finally Ended
As amazing as the Chicago Blackhawks' winning streak has been this NHL season, whether they admit it or not, every ice hockey fan has been waiting for it to end, and end it finally has. The team from Illinois lost 6-2 at home to the Colorado Avalanche on Friday, and 6-5 on the road to the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday.
Chicago Still Well Positioned to Make Playoffs
As disappointed as Blackhawks fans will be that their team's incredible start to the season has been somewhat curtailed, at least they can take solace in the fact that they have still have a better than good shot at making the playoffs and beyond. Going on to win the coveted Stanley Cup is certainly not out of the question for Chicago.
But what happened to end the team's superb winning streak that has dazzled the team, its fans and its critics alike? In short the Avalanche happened. The team from Colorado refused to be intimidated by Chicago's superb record, bringing their A-game on the night. As well as the Blackhawks played, the Avalanche played better.
Colorado's Matt Duchene (who put 4 points on the board), John Mitchell and Jamie McGinn were too quick for Blackhawks goalkeeper Corey Crawford. But in a display of great sportsmanship, after the game Duchene was full of praise for the Blackhawks, who said: "Congratulations to them. What a run they had. I don't think they're going to slow down because of this."
Blackhawks Started Off Poorly Against Oilers
Then last night, it was the turn of the Edmonton Oilers to laud that winning feeling over the Blackhawks when they beat them 6-5. Edmonton's goalkeeper Yann Davis was on fire, racking up 10 saves in the third period alone to keep his team in the lead. And it wasn't lost on NHL betting fans that Chicago started off the game very poorly, and had to dig deep to rack up the 5 points they did.
Now the big issue is whether the Chicago Blackhawks can put these last two games behind them, and put their heads down to kick off their second winning streak of the season? Obviously that is hard to say right now, considering the team's confidence has taken a sizable hit.
That said, there is little doubt that physically and player-wise the Blackhawks have what it takes to go all the way this season. The only question is whether the team can keep it together mentally for the remainder of the season to cruise into the playoffs, and hopefully the final? For my betting buck, I believe they can and will.
Blackhawks vs Blue Jackets Betting Odds
Next up, the Chicago Blackhawks will be on the road when they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets Thursday night at 7:30pm ET at Nationwide Arena. Visit leading Canadian-friendly online sportsbook Sports Interaction closer to the time for the latest Blackhawks vs Blue Jackets betting odds.
