The Chicago Blackhawks faced their third straight defeat in the preseason, falling to the St. Louis Blues 3-2 in overtime on Saturday at Enterprise Center.
Here are 10 insights from the game:
1. The Blackhawks started strong, netting two goals in the first period and appearing to have control of the game. However, while they held firm in the second period, their defense faltered in the third, allowing the Blues to equalize at 2-2 before securing the win in overtime. It was an unfortunate outcome.
2. The Blackhawks recorded 25 turnovers, compared to the Blues’ 26. For reference, last season, the Blackhawks averaged 8.5 turnovers per 60 minutes, ranking seventh for the most in the NHL. This is preseason hockey at its finest.
3. Petr Mrazek stood out by playing the entire game and delivering a strong performance despite the loss. He achieved 32 saves on 35 shots, resulting in a save percentage of .914, including several critical stops. After two preseason games, Mrazek appears to be in midseason form.
4. Philipp Kurashev made his preseason debut and wasted no time, scoring the game’s first goal and contributing a secondary assist, along with three shots on goal—tying for the team’s lead. It was a solid debut for Kurashev.
5. Taylor Hall also made a significant impact for the Blackhawks. He assisted Kurashev with a well-placed saucer pass on the opening goal and later provided a primary assist on Pat Maroon’s power-play goal, putting the Blackhawks ahead 2-0. When Hall was on the ice at even strength, the Blackhawks led in shots 9-1, according to Natural Stat Trick.
6. It was a nice touch for the Blackhawks to place the “A” on Maroon’s jersey during his return to St. Louis, where he captured a Stanley Cup in 2019. As previously mentioned, Maroon also scored on the power play, eliciting cheers when his goal was announced.
7. Chicago’s defensive pairing of Nolan Allan and Ethan Del Mastro had a remarkable first period together, allowing no shots on goal or scoring chances while on the ice during even strength. They’ve demonstrated strong chemistry from their time in the AHL.
8. Both Frank Nazar and Kevin Korchinski have participated in all three preseason games so far. Nazar has performed well in team scrimmages, but his preseason game play has been less notable. Korchinski led all players with 26:24 ice time and recorded a team-high of eight shot attempts. I anticipate that both will start the season in the AHL, although Korchinski may join the Blackhawks if the team faces injuries. Wyatt Kaiser has been sidelined recently with an injury and has missed several practice sessions.
9. Jason Dickinson and Nick Foligno are the only two players yet to participate in a preseason game. I expect them to play in at least two of the final three games, if not all three, as the Blackhawks prepare to finalize their roster ahead of Opening Night.
10. As AHL training camp kicks off on Sunday, the Blackhawks have sent seven players to the Rockford IceHogs: forwards Gayin Hayes, Paul Ludwinski, Jalen Luypen, and Marcel Marcel, defensemen DJ King and Austin Strand, and goaltender Ben Gaudreau. Additionally, Nick Lardis will return to the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs. The training camp roster now stands at 41 players.
Blackhawks Struggle in Preseason: Key Takeaways from Overtime Loss to Blues
Overview of the Matchup
The Chicago Blackhawks faced a challenging preseason matchup against the St. Louis Blues, culminating in a hard-fought overtime loss. This game provided crucial insights into the team’s performance as they gear up for the upcoming NHL season. Fans and analysts alike are keen to dissect the details of this game to understand the Blackhawks’ current standing and trajectory.
Key Takeaways from the Overtime Loss
1. Defensive Struggles
One of the most glaring issues during the game was the Blackhawks’ defensive play. Here are some key points regarding their defense:
- Inconsistent Coverage: The Blackhawks struggled with maintaining proper coverage, especially during crucial moments.
- Turnovers: A number of turnovers in the defensive zone led to scoring opportunities for the Blues.
- Goaltending Concerns: While the goaltender made some impressive saves, the overall defensive lapses put unnecessary pressure on the netminder.
2. Offense Still Finding Its Rhythm
On the offensive front, the Blackhawks showcased moments of brilliance but ultimately fell short:
- Individual Skill: Players like Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews displayed flashes of their elite skill, but team chemistry remains a work in progress.
- Shooting Accuracy: The team struggled with shot accuracy, missing key opportunities to capitalize on power plays.
- Puck Movement: While there were moments of good puck movement, consistency will be key moving forward.
3. Special Teams Performance
Special teams play is often a deciding factor in close games. During this matchup, the Blackhawks’ performance was mixed:
- Power Play Efficiency: The Blackhawks managed to convert one power play opportunity but need to improve their overall efficiency.
- Penalty Kill Vulnerabilities: The Blues capitalized on two power plays, highlighting the need for adjustments in the penalty kill strategy.
Statistics at a Glance
Understanding the numbers behind the game can provide further insight into the Blackhawks’ current challenges. Below is a summary of key statistics from the overtime loss:
| Statistic | Blackhawks | Blues |
|---|---|---|
| Shots on Goal | 30 | 34 |
| Power Plays | 1/4 | 2/4 |
| Faceoff Win Percentage | 48% | 52% |
| Hits | 25 | 30 |
Player Highlights
Despite the loss, several players stood out during the game. Here are a few notable performances:
- Patrick Kane: Displayed his playmaking ability with a goal and an assist, showcasing why he remains a key player for the Blackhawks.
- Alex DeBrincat: Continued to demonstrate his scoring prowess, contributing to the offensive pressure against the Blues.
- Kevin Lankinen: The goaltender made a series of impressive saves, keeping the Blackhawks in the game until the end of overtime.
Benefits of Analyzing Preseason Games
Analyzing preseason games like the Blackhawks’ match against the Blues can yield several benefits for fans and the team:
- Identifying Weaknesses: Recognizing areas of struggle helps in strategizing for improvement before the regular season.
- Player Evaluation: Coaches can assess the performance of new players and younger prospects, determining their fit within the team.
- Building Team Chemistry: These games are critical for players to build relationships and trust on the ice, crucial for success in high-pressure situations.
Practical Tips for Blackhawks Fans
As fans, engaging with the team and understanding their journey can enhance the experience. Here are practical tips:
- Stay Informed: Follow the Blackhawks’ official website and social media channels for real-time updates and news.
- Watch Post-Game Analysis: Engage with expert analyses of games to deepen your understanding of player performances and team strategies.
- Attend Training Camps: If possible, attend training camps or preseason games to experience the atmosphere and support your team firsthand.
First-Hand Experience from Fans
Understanding the fan perspective provides valuable insight into the team’s impact on community and morale. Here’s what a few Blackhawks fans had to say about the recent game:
“Even in defeat, it’s great to see the hustle from our players. I believe in their potential this season!” – Jane D., lifelong Blackhawks fan.
“The offense looks promising, but we definitely need to tighten up our defense. Can’t wait for the season to start!” – Mark H., season ticket holder.
Case Study: Previous Seasons’ Preseason Struggles
Historically, the Blackhawks have encountered challenges during preseason games that mirrored their performance this year.
- 2019 Preseason: The Blackhawks struggled with defensive consistency, leading to a slow start in the regular season.
- 2020 Preseason: Similar issues arose, but adjustments made during the season led to a successful playoff run.
By evaluating past performances and understanding the current struggles, the Blackhawks can take actionable steps to enhance their play and prepare for the regular season. As fans, it’s crucial to remain supportive and optimistic as the team works through these challenges.
