Game 1 thoughts

Équipe: 2023-24 Blackhawks de Chicago

Date de création initiale: 11 oct. 2023

Publié: 11 oct. 2023

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

First off Mrazek was great. Shoulda been the #1 Star of the game, but had to settle for #2. I've been saying for years he's consistently inconsistent. That's a horrible trait for a goalie to have, but it does mean he can steal you a few games. He was amazing and his aggressive play paid off last night. Hopefully that continues. I wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing TOR trades trying to reacquire the guy because...well we all know why.

Kevin Korchinski - I haven't been critical of him getting his 9 games, but I HAVE been critical of him getting more than his 9 games. Last night was the best game I've seen him play at any level. He keeps that up...I'm all in for him staying at the NHL level.

Kaiser - Very impressed with his play. Just like Korchinski I thought he as a lock to go back to Rockford and continue his development. He played a great game. His penalty on Malkin was a fluke type penalty. Still a penalty. I'm not complaining about the call, but that stuff happens. He drew a nice penalty too though. One could argue that he grabbed that stick under his arm pit and forced the refs to make that call. That's a veteran move.

Vlasic - I'm glad he's up at the NHL level. He didn't look too out of place, but he's got to engage a bit more. I saw him a few times in front of the net trying to figure out what to do rather than just doing it. It's the 1st game of the season and he's a rookie...so I'm not too worried about it. Just stuff to work on. He's playing with Jones which means his assignments are always going to be against the best. Happy he wasn't afraid to engage offensively. Kept his game simple. Defense 1st and when you engage...pucks on the net and let the play happen. He's not going to dazzle anyone with stick handling. He knows his game which is a good trait to have.

Bedard - I'm glad he got a point. It's his first game. Hopefully that media circus calms down a bit. His metrics were good, but I'm sure not what he wanted. He'll continue to develop. Just happy game 1 is over.

Riechel - His speed was on view. He fought against the boards. Great effort. Not his best game though. Good news is that we've got another game tonight. He needs an 82 game season with the Hawks and he's about to get it. Just make sure he knows he's not getting sent down. Rough start to the season, but it'll come. Just work hard.