The Blackhawks‘ losing streak previously hadn’t seemed too concerning because they had played well during sizable stretches of it. But a 4-3 home loss Friday against the struggling Predators marked a new low point.
The Hawks yet again crumbled during the second period, allowing a number of long shifts swamped in their defensive zone to turn into three Predators goals.
A third-period push in front of a sellout United Center crowd of 19,755 ultimately fell short and the Hawks suffered their fifth consecutive defeat, four of which have come at home.
“The last few games, we played great and we didn’t get the win,” forward Andre Burakovsky said. “Today, we just made it hard for ourselves. I think Nashville is a team that we should and can beat. We just mentally didn’t want it enough, I guess.”
Said coach Jeff Blashill: “The first few minutes of the game were all right. And then I didn’t think we were good enough the rest of the way.”
With just one more home date left (Sunday against the Ducks) before a four-game West Coast road trip, the 10-9-5 Hawks are in increasingly serious trouble.
“You have to earn your own confidence, and you earn it by doing things right…[with] your compete and your work ethic,” Blashill added. “I think only the most mentally tough survive this league, so we’re going to have to be mentally tough and dig in.”
Their poor outing Friday happened with a nearly full lineup, too, as Burakovsky’s return from injury enabled Blashill to reunite three forward lines that he really likes together.
Burakovsky slid in alongside Connor Bedard and Ryan Greene on the first line, and Tyler Bertuzzi moved down next to Frank Nazar and Teuvo Teravainen on the second line. The third line remained Jason Dickinson centering Ilya Mikheyev and Ryan Donato.
Those three specific line combinations entered the day having collectively outscored opponents 17-7 this season. No other combinations — even of the same players — had worked nearly as well. Only the first line, however, generated many scoring chances Friday.
Luke Evangelista wrists one right through the five-hole of Arvid Söderblom and the Predators retake the lead pic.twitter.com/HsR7DWzdos
— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) November 29, 2025
Greene’s permanence
It’s interesting that Greene maintained his first-line spot even with Burakovsky and Bertuzzi both healthy. What initially seemed like a curious idea — moving the defense-oriented rookie up there — has now stuck for a full month and counting.
“At first, it felt like it was going to be a big step, and then I feel like I handled it pretty well,” Greene said.
His hands and hockey IQ have helped him transition remarkably well. He has showcased a previously unknown side of himself with impressive consistency.
The only thing missing has been the production, most of which stems from finishing. He buried just his third goal of the season on the power play Friday; he also has four assists.
“You can’t be mad when you’re getting chances like that,” Greene added. “That means you’re getting in the right spots and you’re doing things right. I just can’t find a way to put it in right now. I hope I keep getting in those spots and…eventually start to bear down.”
Said Blashill: “His ability to pass, his ability to shoot, just his pure skill set is very good. Can he do it on a top line and produce the way those guys have to produce? I don’t know that. I honestly don’t. … [But] I know he’s going to be a good player in the league. I know that for sure. And I know he can fill different roles.”
Richardson’s return
Former Hawks coach Luke Richardson, now a Predators assistant coach, returned to the United Center for the first time since his firing last December.
“I don’t think he’s changed,” Predators head coach Andrew Brunette said. “He’s the same guy. He’s going to be who he is — it doesn’t matter what role he’s in. He’s been a great guy to lean on through some hard times here so far.”
It has indeed been a loss-laden season so far for the Predators, and Richardson is indeed very familiar at maintaining relatively upbeat vibes through loss-laden seasons. Brunette and his entire staff nonetheless could be in jeopardy in terms of job security if this continues, although two consecutive road games offer a glimpse of hope for them.