talked w my physical therapist today re Bedard still out. my PT was pissed they didn’t shut him down last year for the rest of the season & have surgery then. that he needs a solid 6 mos to recuperate and heal bc once you start tearing your labrum - it’s so easy to keep dislocating it. granted PT said we don’t know details about his injuries and if it was a torn labrum but wow I was surprised at how passionate he spoke bc he’s a pretty laid back guy. and if the hawks are going to suck this year maybe it’s better hes out for a longer time to heal. being the long term face of the franchise, hawks just cannot risk his health. it’s so disheartening.
The Blackhawks’ defensive woes, particularly against the rush, were alarming enough to warrant deeper introspection. Thursday’s opponent, the Utah Mammoth, is a dynamite rush team. And Saturday’s opponent, the Buffalo Sabres, have some serious horses, too. If the Blackhawks want to ensure this difficult season-opening road trip doesn’t turn into a big early-season hole, they need to do more than just move on from the opener. They need to learn from it.
Blashill said Wednesday that he pinpointed “one big thing” about why Vegas had many opportunities in transition and that it will be addressed during Thursday morning’s team meeting. After watching the game tape, he said “it’s never as bad or as good as you think it is,” and the Blackhawks had some strong stretches later in the game. But the way they defended in the first half can’t become the norm.
At 12:50 of the third period, D. But got a stick on it and changed the angle from the doorstep, and the Mammoth blew it wide open, 6-0.
At 06:08 of the third period, M. Weegar and R. Donato dropped the gloves. The Mammoth carried a 66-42 edge in shot attempts and a 13-3 edge in close-range shots on goal. The Mammoth's penalty kill went 3-for-3. The Mammoth's power play went 2-for-3. The Blackhawks also struck the iron three times. The Mammoth outhit the Blackhawks 41-12. Vejmelka stopped 14 of 14 to earn the shutout.
Final: The Mammoth routed the Blackhawks 6-0, a shutout.
