Blackhawks’ Seth Jones Continues Resurgence in Loss to Hurricanes
A Turnaround in Progress
RALEIGH, N.C. — Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones deserved the heavy criticism he received a few weeks ago. Now that he has turned his game around — as should be expected from a stellar, if overpaid, player like him — he deserves some praise.
Jones played extremely well again Thursday in the Blackhawks’ 3-2 loss to the Hurricanes, extending his point streak to seven consecutive games — one away from his career high.
Jones’ Breakout
“I feel good,” Jones said. “It starts with my breakouts and finding options there, putting guys in good spots. And then it goes to the neutral zone and my game works up from there. [I’m] trying to find plays offensively when I can, but it starts defensively, having a good stick all over the ice and keeping pucks out of my net.”
Since enduring arguably the worst performance of his career Jan. 13 against the Flames — the “infamous Calgary game,” Jones quipped — he has tallied nine points and 15 shots on goal in six games, during which the Hawks have outscored opponents 8-2 during his five-on-five ice time.
Dach’s Strides
Hawks rookie forward Colton Dach was talking with his parents last weekend, simply updating them on his schedule for this week, when it dawned on him how surreal this is.
“I was like, ‘Oh, I’m going to Tampa, I’m going to Carolina, I’m going to Florida,’” Dach said. “It’s a little different than being in Rockford. I’m trying not to take any day for granted.”
Sorensen scratched Dach for the first time this season in Tampa, however, calling on him to “have a little more presence, physicality-wise.” Dach heard that message loud and clear.
“[It’s about] making sure I’m getting three hard strides everywhere I’m going, getting a good stick on pucks and finishing through the body,” Dach said. “That’s my game [as] a power forward, and that’s what I’ve got to do to stay in the lineup.”
Notes
Seth Jarvis got the Hurricanes on the board with a shorthanded goal. The Hawks have now allowed three shorthanded goals in their last eight games and six total this season, tied for third-most in the NHL.
Rookie forward Frank Nazar had a rough night, struggling to make decisions fast enough to get rid of the puck before the ultra-aggressive Hurricanes got to him. Sorensen called it a “good moment to understand…how quickly space closes.”
Conclusion
Seth Jones’ resurgence is a welcome development for the Blackhawks, who have struggled to find consistency this season. His ability to turn the puck over and create scoring chances has been a key factor in the team’s recent success. Meanwhile, Colton Dach is learning valuable lessons about the importance of physicality and consistency in the NHL. As the team looks to build on its recent momentum, these developments will be crucial in determining their fate.
FAQs
Q: How many points has Seth Jones tallied in his current point streak?
A: Seven consecutive games.
Q: What is the Blackhawks’ overall record this season?
A: 16-30-5.
Q: How many shorthanded goals has the Blackhawks allowed this season?
A: Six, tied for third-most in the NHL.
