The Daily: Rangers’ Loss Hurts Blackhawks; Dach Stars in WHL Playoffs

Many Chicago Blackhawks fans were rooting for more than just former star Patrick Kane Monday night. The visiting Rangers needed a win over New Jersey to advance to the second round of the playoffs. The implications on the draft pick traded to Chicago hinged on it. Unfortunately, their offense came out flat in their 4-0 loss to New Jersey in Game 7.

So, too, did Chicago fans hopes for another first round draft pick. Had New York advanced to the Eastern Conference Final, the 2023 second round pick would have morphed into a top-ten protected 2024 first rounder. If indeed the Rangers had a top-ten pick next year, it would have pushed to a 2025 first rounder.

But it wasn’t to be. Chicago now stands with two first-round picks and four second rounders in the 2023 NHL Draft.

Blackhawks Prospects Pacing Thunderbirds

The Seattle Thunderbirds hold a 2-0 advantage in the Western Hockey League Western Conference Finals thanks to a strong performance from Colton Dach. Dach potted one goal and had an assist on the tying goal in Seattle’s 4-3 win over Kamloops Sunday night. Fellow Blackhawks prospect and teammate Kevin Korchinski assisted on Dach’s goal.

The @SeattleTbirds come back to take Game 2 in OT!

STATS 📰 | https://t.co/c8IHtaU3wU#WHLPlayoffs | #FeedingTheFuture pic.twitter.com/vr2qATbBgB

— The WHL (@TheWHL) May 1, 2023

It’s been a riveting playoff performance for both of Chicago’s prospects. Dach currently stands with 11 points (3-8) in 10 playoff games while Korchinski has ten points (0-10) in as many games. The former is Chicago’s 2021 second round pick while the latter was taken seventh overall in the 2022 draft.

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• Chicago Hockey Now officially launched and the Hockey Gods couldn’t help but chuckle.

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