The Blackhawks didn’t exactly have the start they wanted in their exhibition game against the New York Rangers on Friday, nor did they have the finish.
A rather languid Hawks team occupied the ice at the United Center during the first period and came back for an encore during the third. Blackhawks Coach Joel Quenneville was far from satisfied with the team’s effort.
“Overall, our team didn’t really have much today,” said Quenneville.
Despite the defense having a rough night, veteran Blackhawks blue liner Brent Seabrook saw some good things in defensive prospects like Stephen Johns.
“I think he’s a pretty good player, he’s a big boy,” said Seabrook. “He’s using his body well. I think in front of the net he can definitely be assertive and he’s able to protect himself out there with counter hits and stuff like that.”
One of the best scoring chances of the game came when Blackhawks center Brad Richards all but scored on a 2-on-1 with Brandon Saad during the first period, but was denied by former teammate Henrik Lundqvist. Richards saw more time up the middle centering for Patrick Kane and Saad, as he’s been doing all preseason.
Tonight wasn’t about familiar faces for Richards, but for new beginnings and a new season. “It’s in the past and I’m excited to be here with this team,” said the former Ranger. “That’s where my focus is.”
The Summary:
The Blackhawks played with a fairly even mix of veterans and prospects. The group had trouble finding chemistry throughout most of the game, but collectively fought back in the second period. The Rangers’ goals belonged to Oscar Lindberg, Anthony Duclair, J.T. Miller, and Marek Hrivik.
Hawks’ Play of the Game:
Center prospect Dennis Rasmussen scored the Hawks’ lone goal in front of the Rangers’ net, assisted by Phillip Danault. Rasmussen and Danault were given loads of ice time during the exhibition game, and for the most part, took advantage of it.
Between the Pipes:
Corey Crawford didn’t have his best night, nor his best defensemen, and stopped 25 of 29 shots for the Blackhawks. Henrik Lundqvist stopped 15 of 16 shots faced, and Cedrick Desjardins stopped 15 of 15 for the Rangers.
The Quote:
Dennis Rasmussen: “I think our line played okay this game, but you can’t be happy after a loss like this. I think we created a couple chances and played alright.”
Up Next:
Coach Quenneville says there will be a “young” group of Blackhawks going to Saskatoon to take on the Edmonton Oilers at 5:00 pm Central on Sunday.
Twitter: @ScottKingMedia