The Blackhawks did something Thursday that they haven’t done often the past few years: controlled play for three consecutive periods.
They took an early step toward differentiating themselves from the NHL’s bottom tier by comfortably beating the Sharks 4-2 in their home opener at the United Center. They’re now 2-2-1 this season.
Connor Bedard and Teuvo Teravainen set up power-play goals by Tyler Bertuzzi and Nick Foligno in the final minute of the first period and the opening minute of the second period, respectively, to break open a 3-0 lead.
The Hawks largely coasted the rest of the way, but the fact they could so and still win handily reflects the improvement of their roster. They finished with a 29-18 advantage in scoring chances, and goalie Petr Mrazek (20 saves) prevented the Sharks — who were without injured No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini — from threatening too much in the third period.
“Our goal was to start well, and we did that,” coach Luke Richardson said. “There’s a lot more experience in that room now, and they get on each other to stay on the game plan, and we stay a little more consistent. I’m happy with how we’ve played — I keep adding on games [to the list], but except for that first period of the season.”
Teravainen’s productive night gives him an impressive seven points in his first five games back on the Hawks; he has especially helped elevate the power play. Taylor Hall also scored his first goal since Nov. 5 of last year, shortly before he underwent ACL surgery.
Richardson on Teravainen’s impact on the power play:
“He sees openings and he knows exactly what the next play is before he gets it on his stick. That’s indicative of the Foligno goal. Nick was almost not ready for it, it came that quick.”
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) October 18, 2024
Reichel in flux
Lukas Reichel has not improved most of his skills as fast as the Hawks anticipated and hoped over the past two years, but one thing he definitely has improved is his mental resilience.
Even being a healthy scratch in each of the Hawks’ first four games of the season — before finally returning to the lineup Thursday — somehow didn’t derail his confidence.
“Of course you’re pissed and you’re upset…because you can’t play,” Reichel said Thursday morning. “I love the game, and if someone takes it from you, you want to go out there and play. But I couldn’t control it. Now I get my chance, and I want to take it.”
Even though he was dressed and sitting on the bench Thursday, that didn’t mean he got to spend much time on the ice. Richardson gave him just 8:31 of ice time as the fourth-line center between Pat Maroon and Craig Smith.
That’s not a role that will work for Reichel long-term; general manager Kyle Davidson specifically said during training camp the Hawks “don’t want him playing on the fourth line,” and he struggled mightily when the Hawks tried to make him a center early last season. For now, though, it’s as much as Richardson is willing to give.
First man down
The Hawks received their first bad injury-related news of the season Thursday as defenseman Alec Martinez was placed on injured reserve due to a right groin strain.
Martinez’s absence forced Richardson to reunite Alex Vlasic and Seth Jones on the top pair — something he seemed interested in doing during home games anyway, since he has last change and therefore doesn’t need to balance the pairs equally.
Meanwhile, veteran backup goalie Laurent Brossoit (meniscus) and rookie defenseman Artyom Levshunov (foot) aren’t quite ready to join team practices yet, Richardson said. Levshunov, wearing a suit, received a cheer when introduced to the United Center crowd.