Blackhawks Postgame Chatter: ‘A lot of sloppy plays on both ends’

CHICAGO — The Chicago Blackhawks were one of the last teams to start their preseason schedule this season. Like many other teams the first game left much to be improved upon.

The Blackhawks fell 4-2 at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night. Despite a few good moments during the night, the Blackhawks lost the special teams battle giving up a goal on the penalty kill and failing to score on four power play opportunities.

Following the Blackhawks loss, Connor Bedard did not hold back.

“A lot of sloppy plays and stuff for sure on both ends,” Bedard said. “But it’s all of our first games in four or five months, so to be expected a little I guess. There’s definitely a lot of areas to clean up.”

While the first preseason game might have been a night to forget, Bedard did connect with his new linemate Teuvo Teravainen on the Blackhawks second goal of the night.

Cross ice pass from Connor Bedard

Backhand finish by Teuvo Teravainen!

2-1 Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/scCpNpjxxh

— Chicago Hockey Now (@chihockeynow) September 26, 2024

Bedard hopes to build some more chemistry with Teravainen in the coming weeks going into the season.

“I thought there were some moments, for sure,” Bedard said. “I feel like both of us were kind of saying we were maybe overthinking a little too much or being a little slow with our plays. That comes with just getting a couple games under your belt. I thought there were plays that felt good. Obviously he’s a very good player and they’re fun to play with.”

Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson highlighted the play of Petr Mrazek following the loss. Mrazek made 21 saves on 23 shots during the first 40 minutes before Mitchell Weeks took the net in the third period.

“Petr played really well right from the opening shift,” Richardson said. “We kind of gave them some free opportunities to really test him, and he looked really sharp.”

Blackhawks defenseman Kevin Korchinski has a lot riding on the preseason games. Korchinski’s play will decide where he starts the season, whether in Rockford or Chicago. Richardson spoke highly of Korchinski’s game after the loss.

“I thought he had some really nice shots,” he said. “We were trying to promote him to shoot the puck and in the second period of one shift he had two really nice shots and I think he’s settling his feet down. He’s in position and he’s ready to shoot.”

The Blackhawks are back in action on Friday.