The Chicago Blackhawks penalty kill was one of the NHL's best over the course of last season. Through their first three games in 2013-14, it is by far the league's worst.
A 1-1-1 record to open the season can be explained in part by the five power play goals Chicago has allowed. The 'Hawks 44.44 percent rate of killing penalties has taken the shine off of what has been an impressive effort when Chicago has the man advantage.
The inability to keep the opposition's power play unit off of the scoreboard has been evident in each contest. The Washington Capitals were able to stay in the game opening night, paced by a trio of power play goals. Tampa Bay converted on it's only opportunity last Saturday, allowing the Lightning to come away with an overtime victory.
The Blackhawks' defeat at the hands of the St. Louis Blues Wednesday night was more about the defense getting burned in the closing seconds. Nonetheless, Chicago was shorthanded twice and gave up a goal, a second-period deflection by David Backes.
There is plenty of time for the penalty kill to even things out this season. However, when you've given up more goals than you've preven ...
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Article written by Jon Fromi
Chicago Blackhawks: Faulty Penalty Kill Is an Issue but No Reason to Panic
October 10th, 2013 by Jon Fromi Leave a reply »
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