Chicago Blackhawks
Blackhawks react to Taylor Hall’s first goal of the season
Before last night, Taylor Hall’s last NHL goal came on Nov. 5, 2023 against the New Jersey Devils. Just a few weeks shy of the one year milestone, Hall registered a big goal in the Chicago Blackhawks home opener against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday.
Early in the game, while playing four on four hockey, Taylor Hall got the Blackhawks on the board thanks to a great set up pass from TJ Brodie. All in all, the Blackhawks looked good throughout the night, with a lot of different players factoring into the game.
With a red carpet and fans welcoming players, the Blackhawks 2024 Home Opener got off with a bang thanks to Hall’s goal. Chicago would hold onto the lead for the rest of the night and it all started with a great shot from Hall to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead.
The first #Blackhawks goal of the year at the United Center belongs to Taylor Hall!😤 pic.twitter.com/CW72g2O07z
— Blackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) October 18, 2024
Following the Blackhawks 4-2 win, Connor Bedard spoke on Taylor Hall’s goal. Bedard and Hall were linemates together early last season before Hall went down with an injury that left him sidelined for the majority of the year.
“He is someone that lives the game,” said Bedard. “He was obviously hurt from not playing. Just seeing the excitement he has getting back and how much time he puts into it everyday. Last year he was being positive and being helpful for the whole team. Seeing him come back – look as good as he is – and obviously get one tonight was fun to see.”
Hall registered three shots on goal while playing just over 13 minutes last night. Hall has been a great piece of a capable second line with Philipp Kurashev and Tyler Bertuzzi.
Hall is in a contract season. This is a big year for the forward in establishing his future – whether or not he is in Chicago. Having Hall scoring goals and playing well offensively is a big bonus for the team, almost like another offseason addition from the summer.
For Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson, Hall’s impact on the roster includes more then just scoring goals. Richardson praised Hall’s ability to dump the puck in before changing lines early in the third period.
“Taylor Hall actually redirected the puck in at the blue line as he was changing and that let Anderson get in on the forecheck.”
Dickinson gets the Blackhawks going in the third! pic.twitter.com/IHUB6hAyj2
— Chicago Hockey Now (@chihockeynow) October 18, 2024
You can barely see it on the replay, but Hall puts the puck in deep which Anderson then chases down before passing off to Jason Dickinson in front of the net.
After scoring his first goal of the season, Hall’s celebration showed his excitement, something Richardson noted after the game.
“It was a great game by him,” said Richardson. “I think he’s showed signs of coming back. He works really hard and is in great shape.”
The Blackhawks need Hall to continue to play well throughout the season. A healthy and productive Taylor Hall could be a good trade piece for the Blackhawks at the deadline, but first we have to wait and see how he does on Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres.
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