Instant Analysis: Blackhawks Fall to Red Wings 6-1

Well, that one didn’t go as they likely thought. The Chicago Blackhawks fell into an early 2-0 hole to the Detroit Red Wings and eventually it caved into a 5-0 second period deficit. Jaxon Stauber, according to NBC Sports Chicago’s Darren Pang, was supposed to go the whole game.

It wouldn’t happen. Chicago fell 6-1 to Detroit and have a 1-2 mark on the preseason.

Three looks at what was a disappointing effort for the Blackhawks

Blackhawks Offense Struggles to Produce

The Red Wings did have three of their likely defensemen up along with a fourth in Simon Edvinsson–the Hawks had a good little test in beating NHL-caliber dmen. Bedard had a couple good plays, including one on the Louis Crevier’s goal where he screened Alex Lyon with just under 15 minutes left in the third.

Connor Bedard doing Connor Bedard things. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/NpMbDdVswX

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) October 2, 2023

He also had a jaw dropper on Edvinsson, that certainly impressed. But it’s another indicator that Bedard won’t be able to do it alone. He’ll make great plays, he’ll impress, and he’s going to produce highlight reel plays. Though they weren’t icing the lineup that will be out there on opening night, the message holds true that Bedard can’t do it alone.

Del Mastro Looks Solid Again

Maybe it was the breakup of a scoring chance on the five-minute power play, but Del Mastro always has a way to be in that right spot. Like Nolan Allan, he’ll start in Rockford this season. But also like Allan, he may very well be up with the Blackhawks in a full time slate as early as next season. His positioning is superb and his hockey IQ always on par. He’s going to be a fun one to watch develop as the season rolls on.

Commesso Holds His Own Again

He didn’t get a shutout and yielded one on a bang-bang power play goal by J.T. Compher, but he stood tall on a couple point blank shots. Like the aforementioned, he’s going to Rockford but he may also surprise and get to the big club quicker than most would expect. Goalies take a little big longer and don’t always have that same type of linear path to the pros. It’s often ping ponging or “overipening” to borrow a phrase from Edmonton Oilers general manager Ken Holland.

Commesso turned away nine of ten shots, making it a pair he’s given up in two preseason games. Combined, he’s made 26 of 28 saves in his pair of appearances.