NEWSLETTER
The Blackhawks “improved” to 3-15-4 in their last 22 games with a loss in Minnesota on Friday night. It was cold and snowing outside in Chicago and the flu bug is going around, so hopefully you were able to enjoy a nice fire or perhaps a beverage with that special someone. Between the Bulls and Blackhawks, insomnia may have ended this night 0-2 against Chicago.
Star 1: Petr Mrazek
The poor guy can only do so much. Yeah, he’d probably like Minnesota’s third goal back; I would argue that cross-crease pass is just another example of a trend I’ve pointed out a few times in recent games. The Blackhawks are leaving the back door open and losing guys, and teams are finding lanes to take advantage. Anyways, that third goal Mrazek allowed easily could have been the Wild’s sixth or seventh goal of the night but the Blackhawks’ goaltender was marvelous.
Star 2: Kyle Davidson’s 2023 Draft Board
Star 3: Jonathan Toews
It was another lackluster night at the office for the Blackhawks offensively, but Toews continues to do work at the dot. He won 15 of 17 faceoffs in the first two periods; I noted in my pregame things to watch that he won 15 of 18 when the teams played last. With the offense doing next to nothing, Chicago got a power play mid-third and Toews was able to get the puck in to end the shutout bid of his former teammate.
