Look, this isn't a game worth analysing in depth. The Blackhawks entered the night as the better team with superior special teams. But they failed to score on their four powerplay attempts (while generating two shots on goal) and failed to close a 2-1 deficit. This was a game that should have been worth analysing, but it isn't.
The Blackhawks looked disjointed, despite starting okay. In the first period, they had a 52.38% Corsi and an 86.26% expected goals share. In the third period, the Hawks' expected goals share at 5v5 was a meager 26.81%. They were disconnected and lacked urgency even to tie the game.
I could excuse the Hawks for dealing with the flu. But that can't be an excuse now, can it? In their last four games, they've lost three. In those three losses, the Hawks only scored one goal. It's not like the Hawks were going up against the Oilers. This was a very beatable Calgary Flames team.
There's not a whole lot to dissect in this one other than: horrible effort.
But that power play deserves mention. The Hawks have struggled in the past with power play entries. Usually, it was Artyom Levshunov not doing a great job of initiating the double late entry. Last night, the forwards struggled to enter the OZ. Andre Burakovsky's turnover that led to Calgary's shorthanded goal is an example.
Blashill implied the Flames' shorthanded goal was actually Connor Bedard's fault: "We knew better than to make that late pass, to be honest with you. That was in the pre-scout. They do step on that forward side, and we kind of played into their hands."pic.twitter.com/l9KcmKtoZZ
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) January 16, 2026
It wasn't just the entries; when the Hawks entered the zone, they struggled with getting set up. In their four powerplays, the Blackhakws generated one shot on goal and faced two against. That's not good.
I'll go more into details in the newsletter with the way ahead, but next week expect limited (if any) posts from me. I will be out of town and roasting in the sun. Thanks for a solid first week of the website. Definitely some things I'd like to tweak with content and spruce up some things on the social media side. This has been a good "test week." Thanks to those who've subscribed, and if you haven't, feel free to sign up below (it's free!).