4 Takeaways: Blackhawks fall to Dallas Stars despite an improved power play

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Rookie Dominik Kubalik scored his 26th goal of the season but the Blackhawks lost 2-1 to the Dallas Stars on Sunday. Here are four takeaways:

Opportunity lost

If the Blackhawks, currently seven points out of a playoff spot, wanted to climb in the standings before time runs out, they had to start out this four-game road trip with a win to grab some momentum. 

It was a close contest in Dallas and the effort was there, but the results didn't follow. 

Corey Crawford got his second straight start and was solid, saving 31 of 33 shots after stopping 42 of 43 in Friday's overtime win over the Nashville Predators. 

Right on, rookie

Blackhawks rookie winger Dominik Kubalik continued his fantastic first NHL season by scoring his 26th goal of the season in Sunday's game.  

After his goal was waived off following a questionable interference call against Jonathan Toews moments earlier, Kubalik buried a power-play goal at 7:06 in the second period to tie the game at 1-1. 

It was Kubalik's 15th goal in 20 games. Among rookies, he ranks fifth in points with 39 but leads the category in goals with 26. 

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Power Play trending up

Following an 0-for-17 dry spell in six games prior to Friday, the Hawks have power-play goals in two straight. 

One of Alex DeBrincat's two goals in Friday's 2-1 overtime win over the Predators was on the man advantage in the third period to tie the game at 1-1. Kubalik kept it going in the right direction on Sunday. 

First timer

With defenseman Erik Gustafsson not joining the team on the four-game road trip for precautionary reasons ahead of Monday's trade deadline, defenseman Lucas Carlsson made his NHL debut with Chicago.

Carlsson, 22, has 26 points (five goals, 21 assists) with the Rockford IceHogs this season. 

The Swedish blueliner had three hits and blocked one shot in 14:55. 

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