Nick Lardis has missed several Rockford IceHogs games due to an injury, dispelling rumors that his absence was related to a potential first NHL call-up. He made a strong return on Friday, scoring two goals in the third period to help the IceHogs come from behind and secure a 2-0 win against the Texas Stars.
During the final moments of the third period, Kevin Korchinski scored on a penalty, but Nolan Allan’s shorthanded goal gave the IceHogs the lead for the first time. The Stars managed to tie the game with just over a minute left, pushing it into overtime. In overtime, Aidan Thompson scored the winning goal, bringing Rockford a much-needed victory to spark momentum despite their slow start to the season.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres dominated the Chicago Blackhawks with a 9-3 win, effectively knocking the Blackhawks out in upstate New York. Prior to the game, NHL insider Frank Seravalli suggested that if the Blackhawks needed to call up a forward from the AHL, Lardis might be next in line. Seravalli also mentioned Brett Seney as a veteran option, but Seney would need an NHL contract since he only has an AHL contract currently.
The Blackhawks have already called up Oliver Moore and Landon Slaggert due to injuries to key forwards like Nick Foligno, Jason Dickinson, and Andre Burakovsky. To maintain a full forward lineup, the team may need to bring up at least three more players if those injured remain unavailable.
Seney is currently tied for the AHL points lead with 19, while Lardis ranks seventh with 16 points despite playing fewer games. Notably, Lardis has scored seven goals out of his 16 points, showcasing his scoring ability which was evident during his impressive rookie season with the Brantford Bulldogs, where he tallied 71 points. Though his scoring in pro hockey is more modest, his knack for finding the net signals a promising future.
While Seney is a solid veteran call-up option, Lardis offers more long-term potential and upside, making him a valuable player to watch. His shot and scoring instincts could translate well to the NHL, benefiting both him and the Blackhawks if given a chance.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for hockey fans because it highlights the emergence of a promising young talent in Nick Lardis, whose performance could bolster the Blackhawks’ lineup during a tough injury period. It’s exciting to see rookies stepping up, as fresh talent like Lardis could shape the future competitiveness of the team and keep fans engaged with the sport.
