With the regular season rapidly approaching, the Chicago Blackhawks wrapped up their home preseason slate against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night. While this was a preseason game, both teams approached this game like a regular season game.
The Blackhawks entered the game with a lineup that might have been a preview of the opening night roster.
last preseason game at home ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/S7AH997m8y
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 5, 2023
Minnesota countered with lineup filled with NHL regulars featuring two former Hawk in goalie Marc-Andre Fleury and forward Ryan Hartman.
Before the game, the Blackhawks honored Chicago Bears great Dick Butkus, who passed away earlier in the day.
Rest in Peace to a Chicago Legend 💙🧡 pic.twitter.com/uN74A7gDqU
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 6, 2023
On the ice early in the first period, the Minnesota Wild drew first blood with a goal from Marcus Foligno. Foligno deflected a shot past Arvid Soderblom.
Later in the first, Connor Bedard drew a penalty on Patrick Maroon to give the Blackhawks their first power play opportunity of the game. After the first power play unit with Bedard generated several chances, the second unit with Lukas Reichel and Nick Foligno got the Hawks the equalizer.
nick @ nite 🚨 ‼️ pic.twitter.com/ymeuYU3raO
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 6, 2023
Bedard drew his second penalty of the first period on Hartman who interfered with him. Despite the penalty, the Blackhawks were unable to capitalize. The first period ended with the Blackhawks and Wild tied at 1–1.
In the second period, Reese Johnson was level by Connor Dewar on a clean hit. Dewar and Johnson fought each other, with Johnson getting in some good shots. Shortly after the Johnson fight, Bedard drew his third penalty of the contest. But, while generating energy and good chances, the Blackhawks were turned away on the opportunity.
Following a Minnesota power play, newly acquired Ryan Donato was able to find Taylor Hall streaking down the middle of the ice. Hall beat the Flower with a nice move.
TAYLOR HALL 🤯 pic.twitter.com/unVR9dYTIz
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 6, 2023
The second period ended with the Blackhawks up 2–1
In the third period, the Wild were able to tie the game as Wyatt Kaiser blew a tire trying to retrieve the puck in his own end. Kaiser going down allowed Maroon to score the game-tying goal. The Blackhawks then had to kill several penalties to keep the game knotted at 2–2, which was the score at the end of regulation.
The Hawks went to overtime for the third time this preseason. The overtime chaos ended with the score staying tied. In the shootout, Bedard could not get a shot off on Fleury. Fleury would shut down bids from from Bedard, Hall and Reichel to get the win for Minnesota.
Analysis
There is no love lost between the Wild and Blackhawks. The game was physical and tense. The young players are going to drive this team, specifically Bedard. Bedard drew four penalties throughout the game and was buzzing around the ice all night. His top line with Hall had several great offensive chances. Every time Bedard is on the ice, he is a factor in the play.
On the defensive side of the ice, Kevin Korchinski is very quick on his skates and can often make up for mistakes with his speed. Kaiser had some nice defensive plays but also lost his edge that led to the game-tying to goal. These two young defenseman need to continue to grow defensively in their own end.
Other bright sports were bubble players like Johnson. Johnson brought a physical element to the game. He had two big hits toward the end of the first period and then got into a fight in the second period.
In net, Arvid Soderblom had a really nice performance despite being let down by his defense at times. He looks to take the next step in his development on becoming an regular NHL goalie.
The Blackhawks’ final preseason game is Saturday against the St. Louis Blues in St. Louis. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. CDT.