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Blackhawks Postgame

4 Thoughts from the Blackhawks big 4-2 win over the Ducks

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Chicago Blackhawks left wing Tyler Bertuzzi, left, takes the puck as Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe reaches in during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Chicago Blackhawks left wing Tyler Bertuzzi, left, takes the puck as Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe reaches in during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

After an incredible comeback win on Saturday night against the Los Angeles Kings, the Chicago Blackhawks traveled to Anaheim for one final game before heading home to the United Center. While it wasn’t the best start, the Hawks managed to get a win, entering the third period with a 3-0 lead and holding on to win 4-2.

Here are four thoughts from the Blackhawks win, including some positives and negatives.

1. Special teams can make an impact, something the Blackhawks have struggled with.

Lukas Reichel drew the Blackhawks first power play of the night after Alex Killorn’s stick tripped him up. The Blackhawks managed to find the back of the net on the man advantage, with the second power play unit on the ice no less. Teuvo Teravainen found the back of the net.

Yes, you might be wondering – Teuvo Teravainen (who scored the Hawks first power play goal) is on the second unit?

The first unit consisted of Bedard, Reichel, Donato, Bertuzzi and Jones. The second unit consisted of Smith, Maroon, Hall, Teravainen and Vlasic. The first unit also managed to score thanks to a Seth Jones one timer in the second period.

The Blackhawks won the special teams battle tonight, something they have struggled with throughout the road trip and in general this season. Tonight’s game can show just how big of an impact special teams can make, a 4 to 2 win would be a totally different finish if it wasn’t for the power play.

2. Can Richardson’s line juggling take a pause?

The second thought is in part a continuation of my first tonight. Head Coach Luke Richardson’s line juggling has been a lot. Here was the Blackhawks lines during warmups tonight via Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.

While seeing Kurashev reunited with Bedard is a sight to see, it wasn’t that long ago Kurashev was a healthy scratch. Teuvo Teravainen, who has been a staple for Bedard through October, now finds himself on the third line – a spot where Nick Foligno might make the most sense. Even Lukas Reichel has bounced around the lineup since missing the team’s first few games.

Shuffling the lines to try and spark more offense is one thing, but right now the Hawks might benefit with some more consistent linemates on a more consistent basis.

3. Third times the charm for Arvid Soderblom.

Stick taps all around for Arvid Soderblom who just won his first game of the season. Soderblom stopped 37 of 39 shots tonight, posting a .949 save percentage.

Soderblom has not played since a tough showing on Oct. 19 at home against the Buffalo Sabres in a 4-2 loss. Tonight, especially in the first period, Soderblom kept the Hawks in this game. While the Hawks have relied heavily on Petr Mrazek, Soderblom going 1-1-1 in his first three games is definitely a positive.

4. Isaak Phillips showing he belongs.

Isaak Phillips finished the night with 11:40 minutes of ice time. Phillips played in his first game of the season on Saturday and got back in again tonight. Phillips made a big impact early, scoring the Blackhawks first goal of the night, helping to set the tone.

Phillips played well tonight, and might be making things tough on Luke Richardson to get TJ Brodie back in. He played primarily with Alex Vlasic but also spent some time with Seth Jones and Wyatt Kaiser. Phillips, 23, has spent a lot of time traveling between Rockford and Chicago this season and it’s only Nov. 3 — maybe he can find a more consistent home in Chicago?

While young stars like Kevin Korchinski and Artyom Levshunov might warrant more excitement for the future of the Blackhawks blue line, guys like Phillips and Nolan Allan have showed this season they can be part of the future of this team.

The Blackhawks are back in action on Wednesday when the Detroit Red Wings come to town.

For more Blackhawks News from Jim Lynch and Brooke LoFurno, visit Chicago Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.

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