3 key Chicago Blackhawks takeaways from 3-1 loss to Stars: Bedard's frustrations grow, faceoff struggles continue, and more

The Chicago Blackhawks were felled by the rival Detroit Red Wings last night at the United Center and immediately flew to Texas to face the Dallas Stars on Thursday evening. Unfortunately for the Blackhawks, the change of scenery did little to improve their fortunes. The Stars emerged victorious over Chicago with a 3-1 win at American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas.

The setback dropped the Blackhawks to 5-9-1 through 15 games, while the Stars improved to 8-4-0.

Stars forward Sam Steel opened the scoring with his second goal of the year, beating goaltender Arvid Soderblom with a wrist shot midway through the first period.

The Stars then added to their lead as veteran Tyler Seguin jammed in a rebound past Soderblom halfway through the second frame. Tyler Bertuzzi scored his fifth goal of the season and third in the past five games to narrow the gap.

But with Soderblom pulled for an extra attacker, Stars forward Logan Stankhoven deposited the puck into the vacated net, putting the game out of reach and sealing the win for Dallas.

Jake Oettinger was solid, making 24 saves for the win, while Soderblom finished with 37 saves.

Here are the three biggest takeaways from Chicago's setback against Dallas on Thursday night.

3 major takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks' 3-1 loss to Dallas Stars

#1. The Blackhawks were dominated in the faceoff circle

The Chicago Blackhawks struggled to create offensive opportunities from faceoffs due to their abysmal performance in the circle, winning just over 25% of their draws against the Stars.

When a team can't find success in the faceoff circle, it reduces their chance of a favorable outcome for a game.

#2. Tyler Bertuzzi is a rare bright spot in the Blackhawks' lineup

The scrappy winger was signed to a four-year contract over the offseason, and his power-play goal gave him his third goal in his last five outings.

Chicago's power play is ranked 12th overall in the NHL, and Bertuzzi's tally gave the team a glimmer of hope, though it wasn't enough for victory.

#3. Connor Bedard's frustration is growing

The Chicago Blackhawks selected the phenom forward, just 19 and not yet of legal drinking age in the U.S., with the first pick in the 2023 NHL draft, hoping he could soon be able to lead them back to contention.

But any realistic path to that goal still seems distant, and Bedard's frustration with the team's struggles is getting more apparent. He was even penalized in the second period for kicking away an opponent's stick:

Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks will attempt to get back into the win column when they host the Minnesota Wild at United Center on Sunday afternoon.