The Chicago Blackhawks weren’t in a bad position to start the third period of Friday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche.
But the Blackhawks ended the night on the losing end of a 4-1 score, after allowing three goals in the span of 3:08 past the midway point of the final period. The final Colorado goal came off the stick of Brad Stuart, who lifted a bouncing puck in on Corey Crawford from center ice. The puck went under Crawford’s stick and in.
Corey Crawford on Avs' fourth goal: "Just a stupid play on my part. That should never happen. Just a dumb play." #Blackhawks
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) February 21, 2015
The Avalanche is a long shot to make the playoffs, with three teams to leapfrog just to get into ninth place in the Western Conference. The Avs are desperate, though, and seven points out of the final Wild Card spot.
Chicago’s captain Jonathan Toews wasn’t pleased with the effort of his team, especially at a time when other teams below them in the standings are trying to make a late push to the post-season.
“Not to blow any smoke in our favor, but it’s what we expect,” said Toews, as per the Chicago Sun-Times.
“Especially when we’re playing a division team that’s chasing a playoff spot, that’s on its last legs and has to win to survive. We’re in that position, too. We’ve got to think much the same. I don’t know why we’re so comfortable playing a team like that.”