The Chicago Blackhawks can’t step out of their own ways during the 2024-25 NHL season. Despite a strong start during their game against the Seattle Kraken, Chicago was ragdolled by the visiting team, enroute to a lopsided 6-2 defeat. After the game, forward Jason Dickinson dropped a candid statement, with a subtle dig at Connor Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi’s game, along with the rest of the team.
The Blackhawks jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first period, with both Bedard snapping his point drought, and Bertuzzi scoring after a 20-game slump. It felt like the night would finally be different at United Center, but if this season has taught fans in Chicago anything, is to always expect the worst.
And that it did. All at once. The Kraken got one goal back before the first intermission, hinting at would be a catastrophic second frame for the Blackhawks. The Kraken scored six unanswered goals after falling behind 2-0, dismantling Bedard and Chicago in embarrassing fashion in front of the appalled Blackhawks fans.
The Blackhawks feel trapped in a loop, and it’s driving locker room morale toward rock bottom. After the game, veteran Jason Dickinson issued a harsh reminder to the team, suggesting that Bedard and Bertuzzi’s drought-snapping tallies were all for nothing.
Tyler Bertuzzi #59 of the Chicago Blackhawks arrives to the red carpet prior to the Chicago Blackhawks home opener against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center on October 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
“It doesn’t matter, it’s great for them that they got a goal, but we lose the game 6-2. What does it matter if we score on the power play or short handed? It doesn’t matter to me,” Dickinson firmly admitted postgame, via Chicago Tribune’s Phillip Thompson. “I don’t care. Let’s get our cookies on the power play, but let’s go win a freaking game.”
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When it rains, it pours
It certainly felt that way inside United Center on Tuesday night. Once the Kraken got rolling, they made lightwork of the Blackhawks, sending the home fans in utter awe and embarrassment for their team’s horrendous showing.
It’s just another chapter in the melodramatic season fans in the Windy City have endured, restlessly wondering: When will the wind blow in the organization’s favor instead of the impenetrable gusts that seem to be holding them back?
Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks reacts after a 6-2 loss against the St. Louis Blues in the 2024 NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field on December 31, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
Line change
After the harsh defeat at home, the Blackhawks returned to the ice on Wednesday morning for team’s practice, where interim head coach Anders Sorensen decided to shuffle the forward lines. After Dickinson’s bold comment, Sorensen opted to play the veteran alongside the young stars, Bedard and Frank Nazar, on the top line.
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Nazar and Bedard had a very difficult night against Seattle, making costly mistakes that led directly to goals for the away team. Perhaps Dickinson’s addition to their line is what Sorensen needs to keep the younglings in check. Up next, the Blackhawks will host the Los Angeles Kings on March 20.
