7 takeaways from the Chicago Blackhawks’ 3 1 loss to the Dallas Stars, including a bad bounce that played a big role

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones was back in action Saturday against the Dallas Stars after missing 15 games with a left shoulder injury. It didn’t take long for him to become a big factor. Advertisement He committed the game’s first penalty — a tripping call — but drew tripping and roughing penalties against Stars forward Mason Marchment to create a four minute power play for the Hawks.

Ultimately, Marchment got the last laugh on Jones. Advertisement In the third period, Marchment took advantage of a bad bounce off Jones’ stick at the blue line, deked by him and squeezed a shot past Hawks goalie Petr Mrázek to give the Stars the go ahead goal in a 3 1 loss at the United Center. “We found a way to score one goal and we just couldn’t hold it down again,” Jones said.

“And then it’s a bouncing puck on me, I’ve got to stay on the right side guy on that second (goal).” Jones elaborated on the one pivotal moment. “Just stay on the right side of it. Don’t take a chance,” he said. “I thought I could get a stick on it, but I just got to stay on the right side of that guy and make him come through me.

“It’s a 1 1 game with 5 minutes left, so take my chances and play it safe in that situation.” Ironically, playing it safe is probably what did the Hawks in the third period, because it’s usually what dooms them. It’s almost as if they’re surprised to be leading or tied going into the final frame, and they try not to make a mistake.

And that’s when they often make a mistake. Blackhawks goalie Petr Mrázek misses a goal scored by the Stars' Matt Duchene during the third period on Jan 13, 2024. (Paul Beaty/AP) “I think we played on our heels a little bit,” said Boris Katchouk, who scored the Hawks’ lone goal. “We got a little too comfortable with that 1 0 lead, and I’m a culprit of it too.

“It’s always the little battles and the little things that you need to do to make your team win. And we didn’t really do it.” Advertisement Here are seven takeaways from the loss. 1. What is it about the third period? The Hawks have a minus 27 goal differential in the final frame of regulation.

Only the Columbus Blue Jackets and San Jose Sharks are worse, tied at minus 34. Here’s how the Hawks imploded vs. the Stars: Jaycob Megna cross checked Marchment, then Matt Duchene scored on the power play 8 seconds later Marchment scored off a bobbling puck to put the Stars up 2 1 The Hawks survived several missed empty netters during a 6 on 5 but couldn’t capitalize on the good fortune before Joe Pavelski finally landed one in the empty net “I feel bad for the guys,” coach Luke Richardson said.

“We just couldn’t get that finish again. We’re stuck on that one goal a game and it’s just not getting us over the hump. “Anytime we have one little hiccup or turnover, it seems to be in the net at the wrong time, too. Guys are pretty down. I don’t usually go into the dressing room after the game, but I just wanted to let them know we’re really with them and we believe in them.

“It’s not acceptable to lose and only get one goal, but it’s going to lead to something if we continue that (hard play).” Advertisement 2. The power play turned into a forgettable 4 minutes. The Stars' Joe Pavelski celebrates with teammates at the bench after scoring during the third period against the Blackhawks on Jan.

13, 2024. (Paul Beaty/AP) The Hawks now have gone three straight games without a power play goal (with seven chances), but playing disconnected during a double minor is a particularly galling waste of an opportunity. “Yeah, it was sloppy,” Jones said. “We couldn’t get the puck in pretty much the whole four minutes.” As usual, the opposing penalty kills dare the Hawks to break in cleanly and have no fear in challenging them for the puck.

Jones said, “We never got it set up, and when our breakout’s not working, we just have to get the puck in and win a battle down low. “I know we’re falling in love with the drop, I know we rimmed a couple and we just couldn’t get them back low, and they cleared ‘em, so just try to be on the same page with that,” he added.

“It’s not always going to be pretty. “It’s not going to be tick tack toe all the time. I know we scored a tick tack toe goal against them last game, but sometimes you just got to get it in the corner, get gritty with it and work it up together and get set up.” Advertisement Turns out, it was only one chance the Hawks would have.

“You never know if you’re going to get that second opportunity, so that first four minute penalty, we were just not sharp,” Richardson said. “So that really hurts when you have four minutes in a row and we didn’t really generate much on scoring chances, let alone shots.” 3. Time for a Connor Bedard check in.

Richardson said it might take the whole staff to rein in Bedard during his recovery from a broken jaw . If anyone knows how much Bedard’s itching to get back on the ice, it would be mentor and linemate Nick Foligno, right? “Oh, yeah, he’s dying,” Foligno said. “It’s pretty funny. The trainers were like, ‘Hey, you kind of got to help us, he’s not going to listen to us, so you’ve got to help us keep him at bay here a little bit.’ “He’s like: ‘I feel fine.’ I’m like: ‘Man, just pump the brakes a little bit.’ But that’s who he is.

That’s why you love him, and I’m sure he’ll come back (as) an even better version of himself, which is a scary thought.” Advertisement 4. Seth Jones paired up with a familiar partner. After the game, Jones said he felt OK after putting in a game high 24 minutes in his first game back from a bum shoulder.

“My legs felt good, my skating did,” he said. “Just some sloppy plays I can clean up going forward.” Before the game, Richardson said he’d pair Jones with Alex Vlasic just to make Jones’ return more “comfortable.” But it made statistical sense too. Entering Saturday’s matchup, Jones and Vasic ranked third in on ice save percentage (95.2%) in five on five, according to NaturalStatTrick.com .

“He’s just a phenomenal skater,” Jones said. “He uses his long stick, his ranginess to play a great defense, he gets a lot of sticks on pucks around the net and stops a lot of plays, a lot of rushes coming in our zone. “You see when he does create those turnovers, he’s able to get up in the rush with his legs.

He had another breakaway tonight.” Advertisement Vlasic just missed wide right on a shorthanded chance 5 1/2 minutes into the game. “I know he’s bummed at himself at the moment,” Jones said. “I think that’s three (chances) and he can’t seem to put one in, but you just see how dynamic he is and to see him grow.” 5.

Jonesing for Nick Foligno? Blackhawks left wing Nick Foligno takes a shot from behind the goal as Stars goaltender Scott Wedgewood defends in the second period on Dec. 31, 2023. (Richard W. Rodriguez/AP) Like Jones, Jonathan Toews could be soft spoken in tone, but his voice carried a lot of weight in the locker room — and he wasn’t shy about being direct.

Jones doesn’t come off as a boisterous guy, to say the least, but since Toews and the old guard’s departure, he’s counted on to be a locker room leader. Fortunately for him, Foligno is as chatty as they come . [ [Don't miss] Column: In Nick Foligno, the Chicago Blackhawks have someone who’ll fight for the team’s future — literally ] That odd couple will have at least a couple more years to shape the culture of the locker room, thanks to the two year contract extension Foligno signed on Friday.

Advertisement “He’s phenomenal for our locker room,” Jones said. “He’s one of the best communicators I’ve played with, one of the best leaders. “And he genuinely cares about everyone in this room and what we’re trying to build and grow here, so I couldn’t ask for a better situation.

And being here this year and extending him, I think it’s fantastic for the organization and for us.” 6. They’re not booing, they’re saying ‘Seiya Suzuuuuuuki.’ Loud boos rang out in the United Center when “Go Cubs Go” was played and several Cubs in attendance were shown on the giant video board.

Chicago Tribune Sports Weekdays A daily sports newsletter delivered to your inbox for your morning commute. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy . > Guess that means most Hawks fans are also White Sox fans? Actually, given the Cubs recent history, they could be Cubs fans too.

7. Getting ‘Fliggy’ with it. The Corey Perry saga was a ding on GM Kyle Davidson’s administration, but so far his acquisition of Foligno has worked out like gangbusters. In three months or so, he’s shown himself to be the type to defend teammates on the ice and hold them accountable off it. Advertisement He’s been around enough good teams to not tolerate slacking or excuses, but he’s got the kind of bedside manner you won’t tune him out.

For that reason and others, the Hawks made Foligno a fixture in the locker room for another two seasons. “It was a pretty easy decision on my side,” Davidson said. “He’s been invaluable for our team, the young players, the older players and just a great leader, great person. “Honestly, his play has been really good as well, so keeping him around two years is really important to make sure he feels more invested, that we believe in him, what he’s bringing to the table and I think it worked out for both sides.”.