Blackhawks Fall 5-2 to Avalanche, Extend Slide
Chicago has lost three straight and six of its last seven, sitting last in the Central Division with nine points through 15 games.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Hockey
The Chicago Blackhawks lost 5-2 to the Colorado Avalanche on November 2, 2026, after leading 2-0 early. Colorado scored on the power play and twice in the second period before an empty-net goal sealed the result.
Why it matters
The loss deepens a difficult start for Chicago, which is 4-10-1 and has not reached the playoffs since the 2019-20 season. Head coach Jeff Blashill's post-game comments drew fan criticism, adding pressure as the club heads on the road.
Chicago's 4-10-1 record and nine points rank last in the Central Division after 15 games. Blashill's internal count showed a 17-16 edge in scoring chances for Chicago, but the source does not explain how that count was defined beyond his comments.
The players
Chicago Blackhawks
An original member of the National Hockey League's Original Six franchises, the Blackhawks have won multiple Stanley Cup championships and play at the United Center in Chicago.
Connor Bedard
A forward who was the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft and was named franchise captain in September 2026, becoming the 37th in team history.
Jeff Blashill
Blackhawks head coach whose post-game analysis of the Colorado loss, including his scoring-chance count, drew fan criticism.
The details
Wyatt Kaiser's point shot deflected in 57 seconds into the game to give Chicago a 1-0 lead, and Roman Kantserov finished a 2-on-1 with Bedard at 7:05 for a 2-0 advantage. Colorado answered with a power-play goal from Nazem Kadri at 13:38 of the second period and a Jaden Schwartz tally at 19:49, before Devon Toews added an empty-net goal.
Timeline
July: Connor Bedard signed a five-year, $75 million contract extension.
September 15: Bedard became the 37th captain in franchise history.
November 2: Chicago lost 5-2 to the Colorado Avalanche.
Wednesday: A three-game road trip begins against the Florida Panthers.
Season Trajectory
Chicago has not made the playoffs since the 2019-20 season, and its 4-10-1 start leaves it last in the Central Division. Bedard's point streak and franchise captaincy are the main offensive and leadership pieces the team is building around this season.
Chicago's loss leaves the Blackhawks at nine points, which keeps them last in the Central Division and far from playoff position. Fantasy managers tracking Bedard, who has 10 points in 15 games and a six-game point streak, should note his recent production as the team continues its road trip.
The takeaway
Early-season results can be hard to read, but Chicago's point total and recent losing streak show how much ground the team must make up in the division. Watching whether the team's scoring chances translate into goals will be key over the next several games.
What happens next
Chicago opens a three-game road trip against the Florida Panthers on Wednesday.
Further reading
For more on the team's early-season form, see Chicago Hockey coverage.
