Eight seconds.
That’s how a lot time handed between targets on the finish of the second interval.
After the Blackhawks allowed a purpose with 15 seconds left within the interval, rookie Frank Nazar prevented a Maple Leafs defender with an attractive deke earlier than discovering fellow ahead Philipp Kurashev for a tap-in purpose.
However Kurashev’s purpose couldn’t spark a rally to undo the injury of the Maple Leafs’ three-goal second interval within the Hawks’ 5-2 loss on the United Middle.
‘‘Simply weren’t prepared, simply sluggish, not related,’’ ahead Tyler Bertuzzi mentioned of the Hawks’ second-period efficiency. ‘‘We’ve gotta be higher.’’
The loss, coming after a 5-1 blowout defeat Saturday in opposition to the Blue Jackets, is ominous for a Hawks crew that desires to complete the season sturdy.
‘‘It comes inside,’’ Bertuzzi mentioned. ‘‘We’ve simply bought to be extra on the identical web page. We’ve bought to speak extra to one another. We’ve bought to be extra in sync.’’
Interim coach Anders Sorensen benched ahead Lukas Reichel for the final interval and a half. Sorensen mentioned he ‘‘didn’t like his recreation’’ and can talk about the specifics with Reichel.
The Hawks have a three-game journey arising in opposition to Utah, the Golden Knights and the Geese. Bertuzzi mentioned it’ll be higher for the crew to be on the highway, the place they appear to ‘‘play extra easy, get to the purpose.’’
However the Hawks appear liable to lengthy stretches of poor play that doom them. They began the second interval wonderful earlier than the Maple Leafs scored their first purpose.
‘‘We misplaced momentum for a few shifts,’’ Sorensen mentioned. ‘‘However then towards the tip, we began tilting again once more. After which they bought that one fast break [forward Nicholas Robertson’s second goal], and it’s 3-1.
‘‘If you happen to take a look at the precise ups and downs of the interval, it wasn’t that unhealthy.’’
Lardis’ offensive explosion
Hope for the Hawks’ future resides principally within the prospect pipeline basic supervisor Kyle Davidson has constructed since being promoted to the job in October 2021.
One such participant is Nick Lardis, a third-round draft choose in 2023 who has garnered immense consideration for his offensive prowess. He has scored 19 targets in his final 10 video games for Brantford of the Ontario Hockey League and has 103 factors (63 targets, 40 assists) in 46 video games this season.
‘‘It’s spectacular,’’ Sorensen mentioned earlier than the sport. ‘‘We noticed him a little bit bit final yr in Rockford [of the AHL] for a recreation. You may actually see the potential and ceiling of his expertise degree. It looks like he’s actually placing it collectively this yr.’’
Lardis notched his seventh hat trick of the season in Brantford’s 5-1 victory Sunday and set a season report for factors for the Bulldogs.
Pellico’s retirement
Frank Pellico retired after 33 years because the Hawks’ organist.
On the five-minute mark of the primary interval, the Hawks confirmed a tribute video chronicling Pellico’s profession. When it ended, the followers within the United Middle rose for a standing ovation. Pellico was preventing again tears because the applause grew louder and louder.
Carrie Marcotte, who has carried out alongside Pellico since 2018-19, will take over organist duties.
