The Chicago Blackhawks wrapped up their preseason schedule with a 4-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday at the United Center. The Hawks lost their last three exhibition games — all at home — to finish 2-4.
The preseason schedule will be shortened next season because the NHL regular season will be extended to 84 games, so new coach Jeff Blashill did not take this year for granted.
“We’ve been able to get to all the structure pieces and hit those time and time again to try to get it (because) there’s a lot of new here for the guys,” Blashill said. “Thankfully this year isn’t the shortened preseason because we needed all this time and continue to make sure we’re covering everything, but also hitting everything on a regular basis.”
The Hawks open the regular season against the two-time defending champion Florida Panthers at 4 p.m. Tuesday in Sunrise, Fla. The game will be televised on ESPN.
Before we look ahead, here’s who stood out for the Hawks at home.
Frank Nazar
It’s hard to predict how a player is going to perform, especially one as young at the 21-year-old Nazar. But the 2022 first-round pick could have a big year.
Nazar will be centering the second line with Teuvo Teravainen and Tyler Bertuzzi, which produced multiple scoring chances for the Hawks, including the opening goal from Nazar on Friday against the Minnesota Wild.
“It’s unbelievable, (I’m) super confident, I feel happy, having fun and excited.” Nazar said about the opener.
Of course, regular-season competition differs from preseason. And he’ll be expected to produce, having signed a seven-year, $46 million extension in August.
Colton Dach
Dach, 22, came into training camp without knowing whether he would make the roster. He appears to have answered that question after his preseason.
Skating on the fourth line with Nick Foligno and Ryan Greene, Dach made an impact on the ice. He scored in the third period of Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings, but his off-puck antics have given the team energy. He’s not afraid to get into a scuffle and said he’s hasn’t been this confident in his career.
“I thought I did pretty good showcasing my physical side, (so) I wanted to come over here tonight and try and showcase some other aspects of my game,” Dach said after the Red Wings game. “Playing last year and getting familiar with the guys, getting to know the staff, the trainers (and) everything (made me) feel more comfortable in the locker room.”
Sam Rinzel
The 21-year-old defenseman has plenty of strengths — he’ll be paired with Alex Vlasic. His biggest positive in the preseason was his vision leading the power-play unit. While the Hawks didn’t finish power plays to their liking, Rinzel made the best of his opportunities.
“It’s always good to have chances, but it can get frustrating not be able to put it in the back on the net,” Riznel said after the Red Wings game. “That’s what you want to do when you’re on the power play. Your job is to score … but chances are positive.”
He skated with a few defensemen this preseason, including Matt Grzelcyk on Friday against the Wild. No matter who’s beside him, Rinzel focuses on doing what he does best.
“I think everyone’s game kind of has their own little niche,” Rinzel said. “It’s playing to your strengths and (we’ll) complement each other well.”
