For the first time this season, it is officially Blackhawks game day. While it is only preseason hockey, it is great to have hockey back. The Hawks are opening up their preseason schedule tonight as they battle the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center. I always enjoy these early preseason matchups, as the line-ups tend to be a good mix of full-time guys, bubble players, and prospects getting a taste of big league hockey before returning to their respective junior teams.
Hawks Projected Line Up
#Blackhawks projected preseason lineup for Wednesday: Teravainen-Bedard-Bertuzzi Hall-Nazar-Lardis Donato-Spellacy-Smith Savoie-Ludwinski-Anderson
The first thing I notice about the Hawks line-up is the new-look first line. Last year was a bit rough for Bedard as he tended to have new linemates, and most of the time it was guys who really needed him to carry them. Seeing the two big off-season signings in Bertuzzi and Teravainen on his wings definitely brings some excitement to see what he can do with true NHL talent around him. If this ends up being a line to start the season, I am all for it, but do fully expect the talent to be split up, and one of those guys will help boost the second line.
Speaking of the second line, I love that they are giving Nick Lardis and Frank Nazar big minutes. These guys played well together at the prospect tournament a few weeks ago. With Nazar being a bubble player this year, I love Coach Richardson giving him the big chance to make his case for being on the opening night roster. It’ll be nice to get a look at what Lardis can do, as he is a player that I have had my eye on since he was drafted last year and was deemed by many as a steal going 67th overall. He still has some work to do before he will be ready to make the jump, but that's what these games are for. The final thought on this line is Taylor Hall; it is going to be great to see him in game action after only appearing in ten games last year before suffering a torn ACL. He is coming up on the final year of his contract, so you know he is looking to use this year to get his next contract locked down.
The last player on the offense that I am interested in watching tonight is 2024 3rd round pick AJ Spellacy. This player is one of those guys who just doesn’t make sense, and I mean that in a very good way. He is listed at 6” 3’ and 201 pounds; he can throw his body around and be aggressive, as you would expect from someone his size, but the biggest part of his game is his speed. He is able to cut on a dime and catch defenders flatfooted, which makes his opponents have to respect him out there. With the combo of size and speed, I can't wait to see how it translates to the NHL, and while he won’t be making the team this year, I hope he gets a few games before getting sent back to Windsor.
The Hawks defense is going to be something to watch all season as they are going with a much different approach than last year. KD brought in some decent veterans to help boost the back end and allow our younger defenders time to develop in Rockford. It is interesting to see that Jones and Vlasic are going to be separated, as Martinez is expected to slot in on that top pairing for at least the start of the season. Vlasic will more than likely start off with Brodie as his partner, at least for now. I do like the idea of making this move, as it will allow Vlasic to step up and take more of a QB role on his line. I think there are big plans for Vlasic going forward, and this is just the start to help get him to the next level after a breakout season last year.
Detroit Projected Line Up
Red Wings lines at todays morning skate before flying to Chicago
No, we will not get a preseason Kaner sighting in Chicago, but we will get to see some familiar faces. Former Hawks Alex DeBrincat, Erik Gustaffson, and Olli Maata are projected to hit the ice tonight. I am also excited to see Wings 2024 first round pick Brandsegg-Nygard in the lineup as well. This Detroit team is going to be a team to watch this season as they look to battle their way back to the playoffs, and I think they have a really good shot at making that happen.
Thats going to be it from me, puck drop is set for 7pm central time and you can catch the action on the Hawks website. As always, Lets Go Hawks!
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