“That’s just reality”: Chicago Blackhawks handled Avalanche push the right way

The Chicago Blackhawks returned to the United Center on Sunday night with something to prove. After suffering a painful 9–3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, the team faced the daunting task of regrouping against the NHL’s best squad, the Colorado Avalanche, who entered the matchup with a blistering 16-1-5 record. On paper, it was a mismatch. On the ice, however, the Blackhawks delivered one of their most disciplined and determined performances of the season, even though it ended in a 1–0 defeat.

Sometimes, a loss feels like a step backward. But in this case, Chicago left the rink believing they took an important step forward.

A strong response after the Buffalo meltdown

The Blackhawks came into the game desperate for a reset, and from the opening puck drop, they played with purpose. The first period was arguably one of their best starts in weeks. Chicago didn’t just keep pace with Colorado; it dictated the play. They outshot the Avalanche 11–2, generated multiple grade-A chances, and controlled the tempo. The only thing missing was the finish.

Despite the strong start, the scoreboard stayed locked at 0–0 after 20 minutes. Still, the energy felt different, and the team looked more composed and connected than in Buffalo.

The Avalanche predictably pushed back in the second period. Colorado outshot Chicago 19–1 in a dominant middle frame, and it was during this surge that Cale Makar finally broke through. His rebound goal was the only puck that got behind Spencer Knight, who was nothing short of outstanding. Knight made 25 saves on 26 shots and kept his team within striking distance all night.

In the third period, the Blackhawks pushed aggressively for the equalizer. They created traffic in front, cycled the puck effectively, and sent shot after shot toward Scott Wedgewood. But Colorado’s goaltender was flawless, stopping all 22 shots he faced and securing the shutout.

Even with the loss, head coach Jeff Blashill was encouraged.
“Even with the second [period], I think if we repeat that performance, we win lots of games,” he said. “The other team is going to push back, that’s just reality. I thought we did an excellent job in our structure and with some of the things we didn’t do in Buffalo.”

For a team still finding consistency, that felt like a genuine step in the right direction.

A loss that feels like progress, and what comes next

This 1–0 defeat marks the first time this season the Chicago Blackhawks have dropped three straight games in regulation, but considering where the team was a year ago, that stat highlights improvement rather than disappointment. Every NHL team hits rough patches, and this one is Chicago’s. What matters is how they respond, and the effort against Colorado suggests a rebound is on the horizon.

Blashill emphasized the value of the upcoming practice days:
“We’re going to have a couple of days of practice. Coming in and having greater urgency on Wednesday is going to be critical.”

The Blackhawks have been learning, adapting, and recovering from one of the toughest parts of their early schedule. Facing the top team in the league and nearly grinding out a point shows maturity and growth, especially after a demoralizing loss to Buffalo.

Now, attention turns to Wednesday night, when the Minnesota Wild visit the United Center. It’s the eve of Thanksgiving, historically one of the most electric home crowds of the year, and the Wild enter the matchup red-hot. The building will be loud, emotional, and eager for a bounce-back win.

If the Blackhawks play with the same structure, urgency, and fight that they showed against the Avalanche, they believe positive results will follow.

Sunday’s game may not have added two points to the standings, but it added something just as important: the confidence that this team can compete with anyone when they stick to their identity. And if they “repeat that performance,” as Blashill said, they’ll be on the winning side more often than not.

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/blackhawks-take-positives-from-1-0-loss-to-avalanche