Blackhawks need to rediscover their love for game amid struggles – Hockey Writer – Chicago Blackhawks

There is a dark cloud hanging over the Chicago Blackhawks. They are in a tough spot, having lost six of their last eight games. They suffered heavy losses in the Winter Classic on New Year's Eve and against the New York Rangers on January 5, which drew the ire of fans and players.

Players' comments and actions seemed more somber, such as when Jason Dickinson broke his bat in practice on Jan. 7. What's the image like, etc. This brings up another missing aspect: fun.

Blackhawks pressure has taken its toll

The Blackhawks have been under a lot of pressure the past few years. Players are asked (albeit expected) to endure plenty of defeat, but they hope to rise again as quickly as possible. But that doesn't mean they aren't trying to change their destiny. This season is difficult. The Blackhawks were expected to be better than last year, but they finished last.

“I'm sure it's going to be frustrating for the fans,” captain Nick Foligno said on Jan. 7. “No matter how they feel, it's a thousand times worse for us. Those words resonate because He's right. It's tough on the players, especially knowing they didn't live up to the expectations they set for themselves before the season in terms of trying to play meaningful games.

Mark Lazerus quotes after the Winter Classic Competitor Covering the team's culture: “It's fun to skate with the family. It's fun to play hockey outside. It's fun to go to the Winter Classic. But these days, being a Blackhawk — or being a Blackhawks fan — isn't A funny thing (Excerpted from “Outdoors, Indoors, Same: Blackhawks Disappoint Themselves and Fans Again” – The Athletic – December 31, 2024).

I realize I rarely hear players mention how much they enjoy it, which is understandable. Nothing goes their way.

Of course, winning would make that a reality. But when you're in the process of rebuilding and winning is fickle, how do you make the most of it?

Blackhawks need to get back to their roots

When I talked to NHL rookies Jake Harvey (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Michael Hager (Montreal Canadiens) during the draft, I asked them what they liked about hockey. They all had similar remarks about their love for the game. Hockey players are natural competitors. If you asked more players what they like about the game, they would definitely agree with Hager and Harvey, which is why they take failure personally.

However, this philosophy comes naturally to them, and perhaps “back to basics” involves that.

Head coach Anders Sørensen discussed the need to build culture, identity and good habits. All of this is important, but the same issues have plagued the team for years. Maybe the solution isn't just rooted in all the details, but just getting back to why they loved the game in the first place.

For example, the San Jose Sharks. They're the second-worst team in the NHL, but they're having fun. Just look at the team holiday video they made together last month. Or, look at the Columbus Blue Jackets. They currently find themselves in the second wild-card spot in a very tight race in the Eastern Conference, and forward Kent Johnson praised the fun and belief they have as a team.

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The Blackhawks' level of play has been poor all season long and has been a sore point. Foligno mentioned that the team was “a little off” and not reaching consensus as often as needed, but noted their pride and effort in resolving the issue.

These issues can be resolved at the end of the season. On January 8, they defeated the Colorado Avalanche 3-1, and as Frank Nazar said after the game, “It was a good team effort and yeah, it felt better in the locker room.”

This might just be Chicago's identity. We keep hearing “hope” and “patience” from organizations, but if they’re not happy, nothing will happen. The recent additions of young talent to the lineup such as Nazar, Colton Dach and, of course, Connor Bedard have brought new energy.

The NHL is an industry that cannot rely on a good atmosphere. It is results based. But in another losing season, playing for fun could be a motivating factor. Players always use “keep it simple” as a winning secret. Nothing is simpler than returning to your competitive roots. The Blackhawks proved that when that happens, it pays off.

Even Foligno said: “Everyone has to give a little more. If we do that as a team, work together, it's amazing how easy the game starts to get. Defensively Team member Connor Murphy said Coach Sorensen also told them that “hard work and fun go hand in hand. “This is something that resonates with them.

Sometimes the secret to success isn't just X's and O's, or even talent, but more importantly coming together and having fun. The same mentality that got them to the NHL in the first place. After that, the rest will follow.

They might even get one more win; no one wants that more than anyone in the room.