The Chicago Blackhawks fielded much of their expected regular-season roster during their Monday night preseason game against the Minnesota Wild at the United Center. Conversely, the Wild once again chose to dress mostly AHL players for the matchup.
Right at the start of the game, the Wild scored just 15 seconds in, with Bobby Brink redirecting a shot past Blackhawks goalie Spencer Knight to give Minnesota an early 1-0 lead. Although this goal resulted from a defensive zone mistake, such errors are common during preseason testing.
Later, the Blackhawks took a penalty for too many men on the ice, which was served by Nick Lardis. After leaving the penalty box, Lardis made a smart play by stripping the puck from a Wild defender and then breaking away for a shot on goal. During this sequence, Lardis was tripped, but it’s unclear if the referee intended to call a tripping penalty or a penalty shot. Regardless, Lardis capitalized by scoring the game-tying goal on the ensuing play.
Lardis has been working on his skating and strength this offseason, and his ability to create turnovers and skate at high speed was evident in this moment. Many believe that if he remains healthy, Lardis could potentially approach 30 goals in the season.
In the second period, Bowen Byram scored his first preseason goal in a Blackhawks uniform, giving Chicago a 2-1 lead. Byram’s goal showcased solid teamwork, with Sam Rinzel and Ryan Greene cycling the puck effectively before finding Byram for a shot that beat the goalie.
Early in the third period, Byram netted his second goal of the game, putting the Blackhawks ahead 3-1. Initially, he tried to pass backdoor to Roman Kantserov, but the puck deflected into the net off a Wild defender, with Kantserov earning an assist. Alex Vlasic also contributed by moving the puck for the goal.
It appeared the Blackhawks were close to securing their first preseason win, especially after Byram’s goal gave them a two-goal lead. However, Minnesota’s young players Shabanov and Brink scored late in the period, tying the game at 3-3. It’s worth noting that Chicago had struggled with holding onto third-period leads last season.
The game went into overtime, and the Blackhawks controlled the puck from the start, never relinquishing possession until Bowen Byram completed his hat trick with a quick shot 29 seconds into the extra session. Byram’s three-goal performance secured a 4-3 victory for Chicago in their first preseason win.
Although the game wasn’t aesthetically perfect, head coach Jeff Blashill saw many positives. Byram, as an offensive-minded defenseman, introduces an attacking element that the team has lacked recently. His skillset, combined with skilled forwards and complementary defensemen, has the potential to elevate the Blackhawks’ overall play.
Fan Take: Byram’s impressive debut demonstrates that the Blackhawks might have found a dynamic defenseman who can impact the game on both ends, which is exciting for fans eager for a competitive season. This game reminds us that preseason is about developing young talent and building momentum for a sharper, more cohesive team come regular season.
What’s Next for the Blackhawks?
After their two preseason contests against the Wild, the Blackhawks will face the St. Louis Blues in a home-and-home series to conclude their exhibition schedule. The next game is scheduled for Thursday in St. Louis.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
