In a game the Chicago Blackhawks needed to win, a former rival played the role of spoiler. Facing a team well out of a playoff spot, the Blackhawks couldn’t get two points, dropping a 4-2 decision on the road to the Vancouver Canucks.
So long to all the goodwill that the Blackhawks built up after knocking off Western Conference power Nashville Predators on Tuesday night.
It all started so well, too! Late in the first period, Brandon Saad made a smooth pass to spring Nick Schmaltz on a mini-breakaway, and he buried the puck between the legs of Vancouver goalie Jacob Markstrom for a 1-0 Chicago lead.