The Blackhawks werent throwing out the tired excuse on Tuesday night, and they werent willing to use it when they were asked about it.
Nevertheless, they sure looked it.
Four different Coyotes scored, including Shane Doan with the game-winner, as the Blackhawks dropped a 4-1 decision to Phoenix at the United Center on Tuesday night.
The Blackhawks, who wrapped up their 13-day road trip on Saturday night, were looking to bring their road gameat least the California part of it -- home. Instead they looked sluggish against a Coyotes team that improved to 7-3-1 on the road this season.
Coach Joel Quenneville said Monday that a game like Tuesdays was potentially dangerous: jet lag, tired legs and trying to get too cute at home could be culprits against a solid road team like Phoenix. And it looked like one or a few of those were at play, as the Blackhawks showed little fire or push-back against the Coyotes.
There were a couple of shifts that there was some (energy) but it wasnt enough for me, Quenneville said. We were really weak in the puck area. They had better, quicker sticks and quicker feet. We didnt win any puck battles.
Duncan Keith said I dont know if it was lack of energy. We were skating out there, we just didnt accomplish anything. Wed get the puck out of our zone and it seemed like it was rammed right back into it. It seemed like they were on top of us every time. I dont know if thats energy or just being smart with the puck.
NHL
And they didnt do much with the puck when they did possess it. The Blackhawks were once again looking for the perfect scoring opportunity instead of just firing it at Phoenix goaltender Mike Smith, who stopped 24 of 25 for his 12th victory this season.
Only Patrick Sharps power-play goal with 42.9 seconds got past Smith. Otherwise, it was just a lifeless night for the Blackhawks.
You sure fatigue didnt creep in just a little bit?
Maybe, but its still not an excuse, especially at this level and at home, Patrick Kane said. There should be enough energy and motivation to play in front of our own crowd and adrenaline to build off that, so thats really not an excuse for us.
Corey Crawford allowed all four goals and was pulled after Whitneys score 5:02 into the third period. Damon Langkow, Radim Vrbata and Ray Whitney also scored for the Coyotes, who will be back here on Monday night.
The Blackhawks wanted to continue their roll started in the Los Angeles area. Instead they came out decent and went to flat pretty quick. Theyll get some rest now before hosting the New York Islanders on Friday. By then, fatigue definitely wont be a potential excuse.
We know that scoring first was important, Quenneville said. We had a decent start. They played that perfect checking game and it frustrated us. It wasnt pretty.
Carbomb radio
Forward Daniel Carcillo will host a new show called The Bomb Shelter, debuting on Dec. 2 at 11 p.m. The hour-long program will focus on Carcillos love of all types of music, as well as personal anecdotes, special guests and more. Future shows will air following weekend home games on dates yet to be announced.
Briefly
Niklas Hjalmarsson was a minus-3 for the Blackhawks on Tuesday night.
Sami Lepisto, John Scott and Ben Smith were the Blackhawks healthy scratches.