Finally after a long offseason with much anticipation and hype, Chicago Blackhawks fans got their first taste of top prospect Connor Bedard on Thursday night against the St. Louis Blues. It was the first time Bedard took the ice as a member of the Blackhawks on home ice.
In addition to Bedard’s Blackhawks debut, Hawks fans also got the first broadcast with Darren Pang as the lead color analyst alongside Chris Vosters. The former Hawks goalie returned to the organization after spending 14 years as the Blues’ lead analyst.
On the ice, the Blackhawks rolled out this lineup against the Blues.
LET’S GO ‼️ pic.twitter.com/0U1Dv132ig
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) September 28, 2023
The lineup featured a mixture of prospects and NHL veterans. With all eyes focused on Bedard, he dazzled the crowd on his second shift of the game.
Connor Bedard wowing the crowd in just his second NHL preseason shift. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/pueOByPIVF
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) September 29, 2023
Bedard was responsible for two of the team’s 11 shots in a scoreless first period.
The second period is when the fireworks started. Prospect Martin Misiak took a high hit and new additions Corey Perry and Nick Foligno rushed to his defense.
Martin Misiak hasn’t taken a shift since this hit and isn’t on the bench. Some line juggling going on right now. #Blackhawks https://t.co/2ec2HtBkpl
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) September 29, 2023
Later in the second period, the scoreless tie was broken by Philipp Kurashev; hopefully someone cashed in a winning ticket with that prediction.
Just like everyone predicted, with Bedard, Korchinski and Hall involved in the play ………. Philipp Kurashev scores the first #Blackhawks goal of the preseason! pic.twitter.com/BYsQZJu54i
— Brent Meske (@brentmeskepr) September 29, 2023
Midway through the second period, the Blackhawks switched goalies from Petr Mrazek to prospect Drew Commesso. Commesso finished three seasons at Boston University before joining the Hawks on an entry-level contract. Despite signing with Hawks, Commesso was still supporting the BU goalie mask during the preseason opener, albeit altered to feature Blackhawks decals.
After two periods of preseason hockey, the Blackhawks led the Blues 1–0.
In the third period, Robert Thomas tied the game for the Blues with a goal on Commesso, sniping one in off the iron. On the Blackhawks’ side of things, Bedard continued to dazzle in his preseason debut.
Connor Bedard strips the puck from Colton Parayko but can’t settled the puck and get a clean shot off. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/UCN5h3RqFF
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) September 29, 2023
The Blues and Blackhawks ended regulation tied at 1–1.
In overtime, everyone held their collective breath when Bedard had the puck on this stick. With less than two minutes remaining, Bedard found a streaking Andreas Athanasiou for the game winner.
THE OT GOAL FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE pic.twitter.com/DTVtvyQjve (http://pic.twitter.com/DTVtvyQjve)
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) September 29, 2023
Analysis
Bedard dazzled everyone with his creativity, stick handling and shooting throughout the game. He is undoubtedly going to be a big reason to watch the Blackhawks this season.
While all eyes were focused on Bedard, there were other prospects to evaluate in tonight’s game. Defensive prospect Wyatt Kaiser had very impressive offensive game but needs work in his own end. Kevin Korchinski had a similar game to Kaiser—very exciting with his offensive game and his skating, however, his defensive prowess needs some improvement before being considered NHL ready.
Nolan Allan had a solid defensive game and played well, providing steady defensive play. Commesso was good in his first taste of NHL action as well.
The Blackhawks’ next preseason game is Saturday against the Minnesota Wild. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. CDT.