The Hawks opened their preseason schedule last night against former rivals the Detroit Red Wings. It was a sloppy game from both teams, as was to be expected for the first game of the preseason for both teams. Sloppy hockey or not, I think we can all agree that it was amazing to have hockey back. Here are a few takeaways from last night’s 4-2 loss:
Bedard is Going To Be Much Happier This Season
I talked in my game preview that the addition of solid NHL talent was going to make Bedard even more dangerous, and we got a little taste of that last night. The Hawks opened the scoring when Bedard threw a very difficult pass to the front of the net perfectly on the tape of Teravainen, who was able to get it past Ville Husso. While you can chalk that goal as lucky, it was just a refreshing sight-seeing that play happened. I couldn’t tell you all the number of times I remember that exact play happening last year, and the player Bedard was passing to would fumble the pass. If everyone stays healthy, I am really thinking we are going to see an exciting sophomore season from 98.
Mrazek Picks Up Where He Left Off
Last year, Petr Mrazek played out of his mind and was a big reason the Hawks didn’t get blown out more. He played 40 minutes last night, stopping 20 of 22 shots and finishing with a.909 save percentage. It is great to see him getting back to his old form and what he can do when he is fully healthy. A lot has to go right, but if he can keep this play up into the regular season, I do not see any reason why this team can’t see a nice bump in the standings, and no, I don’t mean playoff push just yet.
Power Play Struggles Continue
Again, this is a take it with a grain of salt observation, but the Hawks went 0-4 on the powerplay last night. The top unit of Bedard, Bertuzzi, Teravainen, Hall, and Jones seemed to work very well together, moving the puck with ease. Given enough time to build some chemistry, they could be lethal.
AJ Spellacy is Fun To Watch
Spellacy has been the feel-good story this training camp, and he continues to take advantage of the opportunities he is being given. The combo of size and speed showed up last night as he laid a nice hit on Lucas Raymond. I mentioned it yesterday that he still has a way to go before he will be considered for this team, but I think the signs are there that he is going to be a player; it is a matter of when, not if, he gets his shot in the NHL.
The Hawks will be back in action tomorrow as they travel to Detroit and then will head to St. Louis for a game Saturday against the Blues. With only six total preseason games for the Hawks, expect to see lines-ups that mirror what the team will suit up when the team takes the ice for the first official game in Utah Hockey history sooner than later.
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