Reichel Scores, Bedard Struggles and more from Blackhawks 3-2 loss to Flyers

Despite the Chicago Blackhawks entering the third period with a 2-0 lead, the Philadelphia Flyers managed to win today’s afternoon hockey game 3-2 in overtime.

For the Hawks, this was a disappointing loss after starting the game with so much momentum, and marks the second loss this week that featured Chicago’s opponent staging a comeback in the third period. With today’s game in the books, here are four thoughts from the game.

1. The Blackhawks Fourth Line Made An Impact.

Pat Maroon, Lukas Reichel and Craig Smith played led all of the Blackhawks forward units in ice time at five on five. The group played 10:22 tonight, coming together for two goals and a team leading seven scoring chances.

Maroon scored his first goal as a Blackhawks and dished out a nice pass to Lukas Reichel as well. I am going to talk about Reichel soon, so right now let’s focus on Maroon and Smith.

Maroon has had himself a nice few games since getting back into the lineup on Thursday. Against the Florida Panthers he registered an assist and tonight he picked up two points as well. Smith also is now on a two game point streak.

Both Maroon and Smith are bringing some much needed energy and goal scoring to the Blackhawks lineup right now, it’s tough to see the team losing despite getting depth scoring.

2. Lukas Reichel was buzzing cross the ice.

Lukas Reichel registered his second goal of the season, in what was one of his most productive outings in his career. Reichel registered five shots on goal and looked like one of the best players out there for Chicago.

While Reichel might be taking advantage of playing on the team’s fourth line, and benefitting from the weaker matchups, it may be time for Chicago to consider moving him up in the lineup.

3. Connor Bedard’s struggles continues with Blackhawks.

It might be time for Luke Richardson to pull the plug on his Bedard with Dickinson and Anderson experiment.

Chicago’s last two outings against the Flyers and Panthers marked the first time in Connor Bedard’s career he has been held without a shot on net in back to back games.

Now, Richardson did pair Bedard with Taylor Hall and Teuvo Teravainen as well today and hopefully that line gets some more time to operate in the coming games.

4. Mrazek continues to impress for Blackhawks.

Petr Mrazek did his part today. If it wasn’t for him, Chicago very well could have lost in regulation. Mrazek made 34 saves on 37 shots, good enough for a .919 save percentage.

PETR MRAZEK! 🤯

What a stop to keep this a tie game!

📺: @NHLNetwork pic.twitter.com/1FH1VBwm8a

— NHL (@NHL) November 23, 2024

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