3 major takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks' 2-1 OT loss to Winnipeg Jets 

The Chicago Blackhawks dropped a tough 2-1 OT decision to the Winnipeg Jets on Friday at Canada Life Centre.

Mark Scheifele scored twice to lift the Jets past the Blackhawks. Ryan Donato scored for Chicago to open the scoresheet in the second period.

Overall, the Chicago Blackhawks played a tremendous game, taking a 1-0 lead late into the third period but were unable to close the deal.

Here's a closer look at three major takeaways from Chicago's OT loss to Winnipeg on Friday.

3 major takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks' OT loss against Winnipeg Jets

#3. The Blackhawks ran into Connor Hellebuyck

The Chicago Blackhawks faced Connor Hellebuyck. As expected, Hellebuyck did what he does best. He kept the Jets in the game, giving them a chance to come back and force OT.

While the Blackhawks only managed 26 shots on Hellebuyck, the quality of scoring chances was good for Chicago. However, Hellebuyck robbed them multiple times. Hellebuyck topped Andrea Athanasiou and Nick Foligno on separate breakaways in the first period.

Then, Hellebuyck stoned Foligno in the third period with a wicked glove save off a one-timer. Had it not been for Hellebuyck’s tremendous performance, the Blackhawks could have scored four or five goals on the night. Unfortunately, Hellebuyck stole the game for Winnipeg.

#2. Soderblom was up to the task

After Petr Mrzak had a relatively lukewarm performance against the Utah Hockey Club, Arvid Soderblom was terrific against the Jets. Like Hellebuyck, he kept the Blackhawks in the game, preserving the 1-0 lead late into the third period.

Sodeblom faced 35 shots, making multiple tough saves. He was forced to make several tough stops in close, particularly on rebounds. For example, Soderblom made a big save on Rasmus Kupari in close during a scramble in front of the net in the second period.

Then, Soderblom was sensational during a Jets’ power play in the second. He made multiple saves with traffic in front of the net. It seemed as though the Jets had total control over the power play sequence, but they were unable to beat Soderblom.

#1. Late defensive lapses cost the Blackhawks

The Blackhawks played a solid defensive game for about 58 minutes. It was during the dying moments of the game when the Jets took advantage of the Chicago Blackhawks’ defensive lapses.

With about a minute to go, the Blackhawks did not pick up Scheifele off a face-off in the Hawks’ zone. After a point shot was stopped, the rebound came to a wide-open Scheifele who scored to tie the game.

Then, in over time, the same situation occurred. The Jets won a draw in the Chicago Blackhawks’ zone. The puck came to Kyle Connor who bought enough time by skating around until Scheifele was open and buried the game-winner home.

The Blackhawks will need to regroup quickly as they face the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday as part of back-to-back games in Western Canada.