The Chicago Blackhawks traveled to St. Paul on Saturday night to face the Minnesota Wild in their opening game of the 2026 NHL preseason. Both teams fielded predominantly AHL-level rosters, with only a few veterans present, making the game more of a development showcase than a competitive clash. Despite the lineup differences, the game was competitive and went into overtime, with the Wild emerging victorious 3-2.
Arvid Soderblom started in goal for the Blackhawks, while Calvin Pickard was between the pipes for Minnesota. Both netminders had solid performances, each playing the full game and making crucial saves to keep their teams in the contest. Coach Jeff Blashill emphasized that Soderblom and Spencer Knight would receive the majority of the preseason goaltending reps to prepare for the upcoming NHL season. In this game, Soderblom faced 26 shots and made 23 saves, demonstrating progress, although against a weaker lineup.
Early in the game, Kevin Korchinski seemed to score Chicago’s first goal, but it was ultimately credited to Dominic Toninato after a redirect. Korchinski’s involvement was typical of his game—he played over 25 minutes, the most of any player on either team, and showcased excellent passing, defensive skills, and composure on the ice. His performance suggests he has improved over the summer, raising the possibility of earning a spot for an exhibition game with the Blackhawks. A strong preseason could secure his place on the roster, while a weaker showing might send him to Rockford.
Dillon Boucher scored Chicago’s second goal, which kept the game tied and forced overtime. AJ Spellacy also stood out defensively, especially on the penalty kill, where he effectively disrupted Wild offense and demonstrated his role as a hard-nosed, bottom-six forward. Despite not being on the scoresheet, Spellacy’s effort in this role underscores the importance of depth players in preseason evaluations.
With this game completed using mostly AHL players, fans can expect to see some of the Blackhawks and Wild’s NHL stars in upcoming contests as both teams prepare for the regular season.
What’s Next for the Blackhawks?
The Blackhawks’ preseason continues with a rematch against the Wild on Monday at the United Center in Chicago. Fans are encouraged to follow updates on the team’s official site, where they can stay informed about game coverage, player features, and news.
Fan Take: This game shows the importance of preseason for young players and prospects, as their performances could influence roster decisions early in the season. For hockey fans, it’s a glimpse into the future of their teams and a reminder of how depth and development are crucial for sustained success in the NHL.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
