One of those nights for Blackhawks in 5-1 loss
After so many sterling efforts this season, the Blackhawks probably were due to deliver a clunker.
And did they ever Tuesday night, looking distracted, disorganized and just plain discombobulated in falling 5-1 to Winnipeg in front of what turned out to be an early-leaving crowd at the United Center.
The loss capped a tough 48 hours a stretch that began Sunday with the shocking news of assistant equipment manager Clint Reif's passing. The Hawks went out and blanked Toronto later that night but just couldn't match that same intensity two nights later.
"Tonight was a letdown," forward Kris Versteeg admitted. "You want to channel your energy in the right direction and do the best you can.
"And the guys have been extremely professional about everything and trying to be ready and trying to get as prepared as you can, but today we just fell flat."
The Jets took it to the Blackhawks every which way in the first period, outshooting. outhitting, outdefending and even outpunching them en route to a 3-0 lead on goals by Mathieu Perreault, Bryan Little and Anthony Peluso.
"They took it to us right from the start," defenseman Duncan Keith said. "They outworked us, threw pucks at the net and capitalized on their chances.
"Being down by 3 after the first is tough to come back from."
Peluso's goal, on Winnipeg's 13th shot of the opening period, signaled the end of the night for goalie Corey Crawford, who was replaced by Antti Raanta (11 saves).
"Whether it's momentum or the goals, we just wanted a change," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said.
It was exactly the type of start the Jets were looking for at what, for a very brief time, was a rollicking UC.
"The place is rocking, especially after the anthem," said former Hawk Andrew Ladd, who finished with a pair of assists. "We wanted to have a good start."
Done and done.
Joining Ladd on the scoresheet were a couple of other former Hawks: Dustin Byfuglien and Michael Frolik, each adding an assist.
One of the few bright spots for the Hawks came midway through the second period, when Marian Hossa beat Michael Hutchinson (38 saves) for the only time of the night.
"We look at all year long and this is one game that will stick out; one of those nights that we didn't have much going for us," Quenneville said. "Dig a 4-0 hole against you and you're not going to win many games.
"But all year long I think we've been in every hockey game … except for tonight."
• Follow Mike's Hawks reports on Twitter @dhspellman.