The Blackhawks won a game against a really good opponent — again — last night. Beating Vegas 5-3 was probably a result that some folks in the home town of the Golden Knights appreciated. The first period was one of the best they’ve played all year. The second was your classic wheels-about-to-fall-off that got bailed out by a late goal and the third period saw the Hawks get back on the horse and play strong, physical hockey.
If you’re a cynic and you look at the box score last night, it could be easy to say it was the best case scenario. The Blackhawks got goals from Lukas Reichel, Taylor Hall and Seth Jones — all of whom have been popular names in trade rumors this week. Jones had a three-point game and Reichel showed an offensive flash that makes you beg for more.
- After the game, once they cleared the players’ dads out of the room and the media entered, a very happy captain Nick Foligno was the first to speak. He referred to his line with Reichel and Colton Dach as his “two sons” with a chuckle. When he was asked about Jones having a three-point night and being the game’s first star, his response was… interesting.
“He played awesome. Heโs a proud guy. Heโs a pro. And he wants to be a part of this and itโs nice to see him leading the way. When he does, look how much better we are. Itโs just the reality of the position he holds. Itโs a privilege and he understands that.”
- “When he does” is the part that raised my eyebrows. Because this is absolutely spot on: when Jones plays to his ability like he did last night and against the Colorado Avalanche, the Blackhawks are a different team. As much as fans might want to bury the guy or drive him to the nearest airport on a daily basis, when he’s engaged and playing a physical game and skating with purpose like he did last night he’s a very good player. We saw that last night.
- A good read here from Mark Lazerus on the ongoing search for what exactly Reichel is as an NHL player.
- Pat Maroon fought Nic Hague once and then got launched for almost fighting him again after entertaining a dance with any/all of the five Vegas players on the ice in the third period. The Big Rig did what he does last night. Did the fight with Hague maybe superficially appear to spark the Vegas offense in the second period? Sure. But Foligno mentioned that his energy is something that matters on the bench and in the room.
- He didn’t impact the scoring in North Dakota’s 5-1 loss to Western Michigan last night, but Blackhawks 2024 first-round pick Sacha Boisvert has been outstanding as a true freshman this season. Ben Pope wrote a good piece about how his first collegiate season is progressing.
- This is really cool. I would love to see the Blackhawks do something like this, but we’re still waiting for the first giveaway at a home game this season so I might be asking too much.
Hey how about some Blackhawks prospect highlights?
- Nick Lardis didn’t play on Friday night but hoo boy he was in the lineup on Saturday. How about two goals and a helper! He was also credited with eight shots on goal. Here’s his first goal of the night:
BRANTFORD REGAINS THE LEAD 🚨🐶@NHLBlackhawks prospect Nick Lardis hits the 35 goal mark on the season as he picks the corner perfectly to give the @BulldogsOHL a 2-1 lead!#OHL | @CHLHockey pic.twitter.com/vg9gwX7RYA— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) January 18, 2025
- In the same game, Marek Vanacker scored this power play goal that stood up as the game-winner.
The power play strikes with a nasty goal!🚨 3-1 Bulldogs!#BFD | #Blackhawks | #OHL pic.twitter.com/wmxzMt6XkY
— Brantford Bulldogs (@BulldogsOHL) January 18, 2025
- Martin Misiak showed a little Andrew Shaw in his game, scoring this goal with his shoulder in Erie’s 5-1 win over Peterborough.
The Otters go up by two 🚨🦦@NHLBlackhawks prospect Martin Misiak scores his 12th goal of the season as the rebound finds its way off of his shoulder and into the back of the net to give the @ErieOtters a 2-0 lead!#OHL | @CHLHockey pic.twitter.com/WaSXBQQv1I— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) January 19, 2025
- Notre Dame beat Minnesota 4-3 last night. Oliver Moore had one assist and won 12 of 20 faceoffs (there were 61 total draws in the game). Sam Rinzel blocked two shots in the loss.
- Ryan Greene stayed hot this weekend, scoring this gorgeous overtime game-winner as Boston University beat New Hampshire 2-1. Greene was credited with a team-high four shots on net and won 9 of 16 faceoffs in the game.
Saturday night 🚨 from #Blackhawks prospect Ryan Greene for @TerrierHockey
Heโs on 🔥🔥 this weekend
pic.twitter.com/HxUL46hPUu— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@BN_Blackhawks) January 19, 2025
MORE FROM BLEACHER NATION:ย Check Out BN Fantasyย |ย Subscribe to The BN Newsletter
- Cubs owner Tom Ricketts was asked questions about the Cubs’ spending at the Cubs Convention on Saturday. He said words.
- The Bears interviewing a former Heisman Trophy winner for their head coaching job was not on my bingo card for this weekend.