After four consecutive losses — including two straight by four goals — the Chicago Blackhawks might appreciate some fresh air.
Tuesday’s NHL Winter Classic against the St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field in Chicago offers the opportunity for a refresh, in more ways than one.
“Maybe something different, yeah. Switch it up,” Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones said. “I know a lot of guys have families and friends in town now. … It’s going to be a hectic couple of days but once we hit the ice for the game, business starts.”
Transition is a theme for both longtime rivals in the league’s annual showcase game, which pivots to New Year’s Eve from New Year’s Day for the first time.
Coaches who didn’t start the season on the bench for Chicago and St. Louis now guide the clubs, with Anders Sorensen leading the Blackhawks and Jim Montgomery in charge of the Blues.
The Blackhawks tote the fewest points in the NHL (26) into a matchup with a Central Division foe that is struggling to break past the .500 mark in a bid to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021-22.
Perhaps the outdoor game can serve as a springboard for better things over the final 40-plus games of the season.
“It’s always fun playing Chicago,” St. Louis forward Brayden Schenn said. “You just feel the energy in the building no matter what. It’s special to have the Blues vs. Chicago in the outdoor game, Wrigley Field. The whole thing just adds up.”
Unfortunately for the Blackhawks, miscues and goals against have been on the rise. Chicago has allowed 21 goals during its current skid, including five unanswered in Sunday’s 5-1 home loss to Dallas.
“I feel like there’s been a lot of games something goes wrong and the game starts going the wrong way,” Chicago forward Teuvo Teravainen said. “I guess we have to figure it out. There’s mistakes to be made, and when somebody (makes) a mistake, we just have to get better next shift. Got to be better. Everyone.”
As with its record, St. Louis continues an up and down trajectory. Trying for the sixth time this season to win three successive games, the Blues again were unsuccessful, losing 4-2 on Sunday to the visiting Buffalo Sabres.
Colton Parayko extended his point streak to three games to help the Blues tie the game in the third period. Shaky special teams were the difference, though, as the Blues went 0-for-4 on the man advantage while yielding a pair of power-play goals.
“Our sticks haven’t been great on the (penalty kill),” Montgomery said. “We’re getting seamed. … You’ve got to protect the middle of the ice and give our goalies a better chance at the saves that they should be expecting to see.”
Blues defenseman Cam Fowler is set to skate in the 1,000th game of his career, becoming the first player to achieve the milestone in an outdoor contest.
St. Louis is seeking to match the Boston Bruins with its third Winter Classic victory. The Blues defeated Chicago in St. Louis in 2017 and won in Minnesota in 2022.
Chicago is 1-4 in outdoor games all-time, including a 6-4 loss to Detroit at Wrigley Field in the 2009 Winter Classic.
–Field Level Media
