"This team is a total disgrace": Windy City fans livid after Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks blow 2-0 lead in OT loss to Hurricanes

Fans reacted as the Chicago Blackhawks lost 4-3 in OT to the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday at the United Center.

Fresh from snapping their four-game winless streak with a 5-3 victory over the Pacific Division-leading Vegas Golden Knights, Chicago was poised to secure their second consecutive win. However, the hosts succumbed to a defeat despite leading 2-0 in the first period.

The game commenced with 25-year-old center Philipp Kurashev scoring at 9:46 of the first period, giving the Chicago Blackhawks a 1-0 advantage. The lead was extended to 2-0 at 16:55 in the same period, courtesy of left-winger Tyler Bertuzzi's goal.

The Hurricanes responded in the second period, with 22-year-old Seth Jarvis scoring at 1:25 to reduce the deficit. Jesperi Kotkaniemi tied the game at 7:26 before Ryan Donato restored the hosts' lead at 19:41 of the second period.

In the third period, Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal, playing in his 1,300th game, tied the contest t 3-3 at 13:37, securing his 700th NHL point. Sebastian Aho then sealed victory for the Hurricanes 59 seconds into overtime.

The Hurricanes' triumph propelled them to a 28-16-3 record, securing second place in the Metropolitan Division. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks slumped to 15-28-4, leaving them struggling at the bottom of the Central Division.

The Blackhawks' lackluster performance prompted fans to express their disappointment on X.

"This team is a total disgrace," one lamented.

"Not gonna complain with a 3 game point streak but I am gonna complain with blown leads and only 1 win in the last 3 games," another fan commented.

"Once again… the Blackhawks can NEVER HOLD A LEAD. It’s so sad," reacted one fan.

The game marked Connor Bedard's second consecutive game without making a significant impact.

The 19-year-old 2023 NHL Draft's first overall pick had tallied 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 12 games since Dec. 21. But he failed to register a point for the second straight game and concluded his outing with a team-worst -2 rating.

Goaltender Petr Mrázek was a notable exception for the Chicago Blackhawks, though, making 44 saves. Fans acknowledged Mrázek's impressive performance while criticizing the team's overall effort.

"Mrazek was great but this one hurts," one commented.

"U can’t ask your goalie to save 50 shots. Have some freaking pride man. My goodness," exclaimed another.

"Absolutely embarrassing 3rd period! Running around with no structure and discipline. Zero offense, can't expect your goalie to make every save!" added a third fan.

---

Chicago Blackhawks' struggles persist under Sorensen

NHL: New York Islanders at Chicago Blackhawks - Source: Imagn

The Chicago Blackhawks parted ways with coach Luke Richardson in early December, replacing him with Rockford IceHogs coach Anders Sorensen on an interim basis.

The change was expected to mark the beginning of the Blackhawks' rebuilding process. However, after 21 games under Sorensen, there are still no visible signs of improvement in performance.

Richardson's tenure was cut short two months into his third season, following an underwhelming start that saw the Blackhawks plummet to the bottom of the league with an 8-16-2 record. With Sorensen's arrival, the Blackhawks management and fans had high expectations, particularly given his historic distinction as the first Sweden-born coach in NHL history.

However, Sorensen's tenure has yielded disappointing results. Out of 21 games under him, the Blackhawks have lost 14, and their overall record stands at 15-28-4. Despite the change in leadership, the Blackhawks remain the worst-ranked team in the league.