Blackhawks Gameday #22: Roster Moves in Winnipeg

A Winnipeg visit for the Rockford IceHogs and Chicago Blackhawks led to a bit of shuffling. More on that in a second. The Blackhawks (7-14) take on the Winnipeg Jets (12-8-2) today with a 2pm puck drop.

Previously on Blackhawks Hockey:

The Blackhawks lost 5-1 to the Detroit Red Wings Thursday night. In an effort that Tyler Johnson referred to as “shitty,” Chicago has apparently made a few tweaks in anticipation of today’s game.

And now, a bit on the Jets

Sitting third in the division, the Jets are currently on a three-game losing streak. The Jets are in the top 15 of the league in scoring and goals against. They’re also looking to get back to winning ways so this may be the perfect storm for a Blackhawks team who’s also trying to get back in win column.

How to Watch and Listen

TV: NBC Sports Chicago
Radio: WGN 720

Miscellaneous Musings

Wyatt Kaiser and Isaak Phillips head back to Rockford while Louis Crevier makes his way up. Jarred Tinordi returns after an injury, well, the Blackhawks defense looks a lot different. More again, at the end.

Best Case/Worst Case/Final Verdict

Best Case – The lineup switches work and the Blackhawks gets a full 60-minute effort.

Worst Case – The Jets play like a team possessed and bury the Hawks early–and often.

Final Verdict –  Kaiser has been with the team since the first game of the season but has been slipping lately. I wrote yesterday that he’s young and will develop with time–but that prolonged experiences like Thursday won’t work well in the long run. The Hawks clearly feel the same. Phillips isn’t as surprising as he was called up because of injury. Anthony Beauvillier will make his debut and could he help things? The Blackhawks talked about needing to have more consistent efforts and today’s shakeup might help with that. They’re already doubled up in losses and though they’re designed to get a shot at the top pick in the draft again, there’s still a careful balance of making sure younger players are not having their confidence destroyed.

Will they get a full 60-minute effort, or will it be another “shitty” effort?

Follow Chicago Hockey Now on Socials!

Facebook: Follow Us Here

Twitter (X): Follow Nate