The Chicago Blackhawks wrapped up their preseason schedule with a frustrating 4-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Friday night at the United Center. It was supposed to be a tune-up, but the game exposed some lingering issues for a team still finding its footing under coach Jeff Blashill. The Wild, looking sharp in their own preparations, capitalized early and never really let up.
Spencer Knight started in net for Chicago and held his own for a bit, stopping 28 of 32 shots, but the defense in front of him faltered. Minnesota struck first just 3:12 into the game when Joel Eriksson Ek tipped home a point shot from Brock Faber. The Blackhawks responded midway through the period, with Connor Bedard rifling a wrister past Marc-Andre Fleury to tie it at one. Bedard, of course, showing why he's the centerpiece of this rebuild—his speed and vision were on full display all night.
However, the second period belonged to the Wild. They poured on the pressure, adding two more goals, including one from Marco Rossi on a slick give-and-go. Chicago managed to claw back with a power-play tally from Philipp Kurashev, but Minnesota sealed it late with an empty-netter. Fleury, turning 40 just days earlier, looked every bit the veteran in net, finishing with 25 saves. Indeed, the Wild's record now stands at 3-1-1 in preseason, while the Blackhawks slip to 2-3.
Key takeaway: Depth scoring remains a concern for Chicago. Bedard and a few others carried the load, but the bottom six forwards struggled to generate much. Blashill pulled no punches post-game, noting the team needs to "tighten up" before the regular season opener next week against the Stars. Moreover, injuries to key blueliners like Seth Jones sidelined him again, forcing adjustments that didn't quite work.
Still, there's optimism in the locker room. With rookies like Oliver Moore impressing in limited minutes, the Blackhawks aren't panicking. Yet as the real games begin, questions linger about whether this young core can avoid another long season in the Central Division. One wonders if these preseason hiccups are just that—or early signs of deeper troubles.