TAMPA -- The longest winning streak in Chicago Blackhawks' history ended Thursday when they lost 2-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning. But coach Joel Quenneville feels the defending Stanley Cup champions have put themselves in a strong position for the remainder of the season by running off 12 consecutive victories.
The Blackhawks were 13 points out of first place in the Western Conference after a 2-1 home loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Dec. 27. They began the streak two days later, and despite the loss to the Lightning are three points ahead of the Dallas Stars for the top spot in the Central Division and the Western Conference.
Quenneville feels the winning streak has the Blackhawks in a good position with 32 games remaining.