Blackhawks’ losing streak at seven

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Corey Crawford blocks a shot attempted by Sharks center Joe Pavelski during the first period Friday. | Tony Avelar~AP

Updated: February 11, 2012 1:24AM

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Jonathan Toews looked like a punching bag.

First, it was center Joe Thornton landing a punch to his face. Then it was edgy winger Ryane Clowe coming in and doing the same. The San Jose Sharks had more in store for the Blackhawks’ captain throughout the game Friday at HP Pavilion.

It was part of the Hawks’ first real taste of serious adversity despite what already had transpired on their ugly losing skid. The Hawks were down two of their top five defensemen, their unquestioned leader was getting seriously roughed up and the team fell behind by two goals — both scored on the power play — in the first period.

The Hawks showed some resolve and rallied, but during these days of bad positioning, bad penalty-killing and bad goaltending, that doesn’t count for much. In the end, the Sharks were too much. They won 5-3 to extend the Hawks’ losing streak to seven games overall and nine in a row on the road.

“We played hard out there,” Toews said. “We saw some fights. We saw some scratching and clawing, battling in front of the net and some ugly goals. We played the way we had to. We just gave them too many opportunities on the power play, and that’s how they separated themselves from us.”

The Hawks’ power play went 0-for-3 while their dismal penalty kill allowed three goals (Justin Braun, Dan Boyle and Jamie McGinn) on six opportunities. The Hawks’ forwards haven’t gotten in the way of many shots this season on the penalty kill.

“We need to make sure the pucks don’t get through, whether it is on the side of the net or in the rebound lane or the shot lane,” coach Joel Quenneville said.

Boyle’s power-play tally in the first came after Toews was given two minutes for roughing after Thornton and Clowe went after him. Each received penalties, and Duncan Keith and Sean O’Donnell joined Toews in box.

“It’s a little confusing why we get the extra penalty there,” Toews said. “I’m not sure how many free shots they’re allowed to get.”

Jamal Mayers, who later played on Toews’ line, fought Clowe in the second as a response.

But the Hawks still were in bad position, despite days of tutelage from the coaching staff on and off the ice. Corey Crawford (22 saves) also needs to improve.

Crawford allowed a crucial goal to Benn Ferriero at 5:40 of the third period after sliding out of his net. He was beaten by Thornton in the second when Thornton’s centering pass went off defenseman Dylan Olsen’s stick.

“It has to be better,” Quenneville said when asked about the goaltending.

It was the unexpected performances of Marcus Kruger, who attacked Sharks goalie Antti Niemi’s net, and Bryan Bickell that led the way for the Hawks. Kruger had two goals in the second to tie the game at 2. Bickell scored a game-tying goal early in the third and fought McGinn.

But nothing is good enough for the Hawks these days.

“We’re obviously disappointed and frustrated,” Quenneville said.