Blackhawks Finally Getting Player They Expected With Bertuzzi

Tyler Bertuzzi has been an enigma this season. The biggest signing of the Chicago Blackhawks’ 2024 free agency was in a murky middle of knowing that he wasn’t producing enough, but also knowing that would probably not last. After all, there have been talks and jokes all season long about Bertuzzi being notorious for slow starts. Even last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he didn’t start to find his footing until January.

It looks like the tides are turning earlier, as the Blackhawks are in December, and Bertuzzi is heating up. He has three goals in his last two games, his best goal-scoring stretch of the season. He is also a plus-2 in that span. (13 points in 29 games this season)

When Bertuzzi and even general manager Kyle Davidson spoke after the signing, they alluded to Bertuzzi’s competitive streak that he could bring to the locker room. It seemed to come in spurts this season, but he has never gone more than four games this season without producing a point.

Last night’s game against the New York Islanders, I thought, was the perfect example of what Bertuzzi excels at as a player. There was a point in the third period with less than two minutes left, where he laid a hit on Islanders’ defenseman Scott Mayfield behind the net. It caused Mayfield to turn the puck over to Tayor Hall, who then got the puck to Bertuzzi for a goal in front. It made the score 5-3.

Then, a minute later, he netted another goal by deflecting Alex Vlasic’s shot in front of the net. Notice a pattern? He is always scrapping in front of the net.

Frankly, I think Bertuzzi’s net-front presence makes him one of the most important players on the team right now. It comes up hugely in the power play and for those greasy goals. Unfortunately, his two goals weren’t enough for the Blackhawks to overcome their 5-1 deficit in Long Island, but it shows that a team struggling to find a rhythm on offense needs more of the net-front presence. It reminds me of Andrew Shaw’s role during the dynasty years. He excelled at parking in front, screening the goalie, and scrapping for goals, similar to Bertuzzi, although he has more offensive firepower than Shaw.

He seems to have found a successful second-line pairing with Ryan Donato and Taylor Hall. Hall, especially.  It seems like Bertuzzi and Hall’s previous familiarity from their time with the Boston Bruins is paying off, as they’re positively influencing each other. Hall has three points in his last two games, too. They’re both hitting their stride, which was much needed for the team’s veterans. Per Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times, Hall even commented on Bertuzzi’s confidence and his recognition of his role on the team.

After the Blackhawks beat the New York Rangers, 2-1 (in which Bertuzzi scored), head coach Anders Sorensen said about him, “I really liked his intensity and the way he competed. Right? I thought that line was really good. I thought Donny’s [Ryan Donato] line there with Taylor Hall was really good. They drove, I thought they drove the pace for us early in the game, and it was really fun to watch.”

When asked about Sorensen’s new system seemingly fitting his style of play better after their 5-4 loss to the Islanders, Bertuzzi replied, “Yeah, like I said, it just helps us get on the forecheck, try to create turnovers. You know, our D are down keeping pucks alive, and it showed obviously in New York, and you know, for half of the game tonight.”

That competitive drive that he, Davidson, and now Sorensen mentioned is coming alive, and it makes the team better. As Sorensen said, it drives the pace of the game. It causes a good domino effect.

Now, he will play alongside Frank Nazar, who was recently recalled from the Rockford IceHogs, and he and Hall could be a great complement to Nazar due to their vet presence and game styles.

The Blackhawks are finally getting the player they signed for in Bertuzzi, which is very encouraging.

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

Follow us on 𝕏:

@CHIHockeyNow, @JimRLynch, @brooke_lofo

Follow us on Bluesky:

@chihockeynow.bsky.social,  @jimrlynch.bsky.social, @brookelofo.bsky.social