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Analysis: Blues rally to beat Blackhawks 4-3 in OT

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Drew Commesso faces pucks in net for the Chicago Blackhawks at the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase on Sept. 13.
Drew Commesso prepares for a shot in net for the Chicago Blackhawks during a 4-3 OT loss to the St. Louis Blues at the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase on Sept. 13.

Despite leading throughout various points of the Chicago Blackhawks first game of the Tom Kurver’s Prospect Showcase, the Hawks fell 4-3 in OT at the hands of the St. Louis Blues.

There were some good moments and there were some bad moments for the Blackhawks playing in St. Louis late on Friday night. After spending the last few days practicing together in Chicago, the young prospects made their way to Missouri with a game against the Blues to begin the showcase.

Chicago scored the first goal of the game early while on the power play. Frank Nazar began his quest for a spot on Chicago’s roster with a great set up to Nick Lardis.

Nazar, who was drafted 13th overall by the Hawks in 2022, definitely stood out on this play. Nazar played alongside Colton Dach and Landon Slaggert on the top line throughout the night. The three forwards looked strong together.

Its also worth noting the opening goal came on the power play. With limited practice time going into the showcase, the power play goal really showcased the Hawks prospects ability to play off of one another. The team didn’t have a lot of time to prepare in the Blackhawks system for the power play.

Chicago’s lead didn’t hold long. After the Hawks opening goal the Blues battled back to tie the game before the Hawks scored another go ahead goal thanks to AJ Spellacy with just a few minutes left in the first period. Spellacy showcased his speed in this one.

The Blackhawks drafted Spellacy in the third round this summer. He has been a standout from the first few days of practice and looked good tonight. This is Spellacy’s first time skating in a Blackhawks uniform at the prospect camp. Speaking with the media after practice on Wednesday, Spellacy spoke on the importance of the older more experienced players in the locker room.

“A lot of the older guys that I met at development camp have made me feel comfortable,” Spellacy said. “I’m just kind of following their lead.”

After Chicago held a 2-1 lead going into the locker room for the first intermission, the Blues would rally from a 2-1 deficit and a 3-2 deficit in the second period to tie the game. Landon Slaggert scored the Hawks third goal, but it was Paul Ludwinski’s strong play on the forecheck while shorthanded that led to Slaggert’s goal.

The Hawks fell in overtime after a scoreless third period. Unfortunately for netminder Drew Commesso, the 2024 Tom Kurver’s Prospect Showcase was not a repeat of last year’s. Commesso registered a shutout in 2023. While he gave up four goals tonight, a few goals Commesso barely had an opportunity to make a save on with screens in front of the net.

Chicago is back in action on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m.

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