Connect with us

Chicago Blackhawks

Instant Analysis: Blackhawks Down Wild 4-2 In Prospect Showcase

Published

3 weeks ago

on

The Chicago Blackhawks showing at the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase ended with a 4-2 win over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night in St. Louis.

The Hawks finished the three-team round-robin with a 1-0-1 record with the one loss coming at the hands of the St. Louis Blues on Friday.

Chicago fell behind 1-0 early but the Wild didn’t hold a lead for long. Martin Misiak gained the zone and sent an incredible cross-ice pass to Frank Nazar who did not miss redirecting it into the net for the tie.

Ethan Del Mastro, who has been an impact player at just about every level he’s ever played, continued to be a standout at this year’s showcase. Del Mastro’ set up Gavin Hayes for a great go-ahead goal while on the power play.

Later in the game, following a Minnesota-tying goal, the Blackhawks took the lead back on a play that came from the selflessness of Nazar. He took a massive hit in the neutral zone as he was making a pass to Ryder Rolston who was sent in on a breakaway. Rolston was able to beat the goaltender for the 3-2 lead.

 

Martin Misiak threw one into the empty net for insurance and the Hawks won the game by a final score of 4-2. Chicago was able to withstand the physicality of a Wild roster looking to make an impact on the ice.

Going 1-0-1 in the tournament is nothing for the Chicago’s prospects to be upset about. There were some big plays made on both sides of the ice throughout.

Nazar Stood Out Most From Blackhawks

Of everybody who played in the last few days for Chicago, Frank Nazar stood out the most. He was exceptionally good in tonight’s victory. In the first period, the game could have been 4 or 5 to 0 and Nazar would have been the main reason. Throughout the rest of the game, he was making great plays every time he stepped on the ice.

The top of his highlight list in the win was the play he made while being drilled by the Minnesota defender. He has it in him to do whatever is necessary to help his squad win the game. That is certainly going to stick with the coaching staff as they try to decide who makes the roster out of camp.

To help match the aforementioned physicality that Minnesota brought to the table, the Hawks had to bring a little bit of their own. Colton Dach was seen getting under the skin of the Wild by spending too much time in the crease which led to a scrum after the whistle.

The Blackhawks start training camp this upcoming week. There was a lot to like from this tournament. Blackhawks fans can take a lot of positives from the showcase. It might be a while before fans see some of these young guys in action again in a Hawks uniform.

Related Topics: