Jim’s Daily: Reichel’s Debut; Bertuzzi Scores; Division Check-In

The Chicago Blackhawks and half of the league were in action last night – with Chicago hosting the San Jose Sharks for the 2024 Home Opener.

Chicago took the lead early and never gave it back, winning 4-2 in front of the home crowd. Last night’s game had some takeaways worth mentioning this morning – Lukas Reichel’s regular season debut and Tyler Bertuzzi scoring his first of the year.

Bertuzzi was not a factor during the Blackhawks four game road trip. Averaging 16:49 minutes of ice time a night, Bertuzzi has gotten just eight shots on goal in the team’s first five games.

The Hawks need Bertuzzi to help provide offense. Last year Bertuzzi had 43 points – including 21 goals in 80 regular season games for the Maple Leafs.

At the beginning of the season, Bertuzzi was looked at as a potential linemate to Connor Bedard. Chances are that will be revisited at some point but for now the Hawks need more offense out of Bertuzzi.

Lukas Reichel got his first taste of action last night playing just eight minutes and 31 seconds. Reichel centered the fourth line of Pat Maroon and Craig Smith.

Reichel was not much of a factor in the game, unfortunately he was on the ice for one goal against. According to Natural Stat Trick, Reichel’s line did create three high dancer scoring chances, but overall it was not a big sample size from the 22 year old forward.

The Blackhawks Central Division Check-In:

1. DAL 4-1-0 (8 Points)
2. UHC 3-1-1 (7 Points)
3. WIN 3-0-0 (6 Points)
4. MIN 2-0-2 (6 Points)
5. STL 3-2-0 (6 Points)
6. CHI 2-2-1 (5 Points)
7. NSH 0-4-0 (0 Points)
8. COL 0-4-0 (0 Points)

Blackhawks Division Record: 0-1-1

Who would have thought after a week of hockey this is what the Central Division standings would look like? For Blackhawks fans, the last few seasons have been all about looking at where Chicago ranked amongst the bottom team’s in the league – this year should be all about the Central Division.

Colorado and Nashville starting the season winless is a bit of a surprise. Obviously it is too soon to press the panic button but the Blackhawks learned a few years ago just how easy a three or four game losing streak can turn into a lengthier problem.

Chicago won’t have to wait long to face some divisional teams as Nashville will be in town on Oct. 25 before the Hawks travel to Dallas and Colorado on Oct. 26 and Oct. 28 respectively.

News From Around The National Hockey Now Network:

San Jose Hockey Now: After a tough loss in Chicago, the San Jose Sharks spoke of mounting frustration after a winless start of the season.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Do the Pittsburgh Penguins have a goaltending problem? Tristan Jarry’s start to the 2024-25 Season has been underwhelming to say the least.

New Jersey Hockey Now: The New Jersey Devils are off to a hot start, leading the Metropolitan Division after failing to make the playoffs last season. Unfortunately Utah Hockey Club’s Sean Durzi was recently injured during a matchup with the Devils.

Philly Hockey Now: The Philadelphia Flyers started the season with a four game road trip, similar to the Blackhawks. While Chicago found positives from a 1-2-1 start, Philadelphia’s 1-2-1 record left much to be desired.