The Chicago Blackhawks are formally two months into their 2024-25 season. From their 12 video games in November, Chicago’s document was 5-6-1. That is higher than their 3-7-1 standings from October, so there’s been some enchancment. Sadly, the staff’s general document of 3-13-2 (18 factors) continues to be final within the league, they usually have but to string collectively three wins in a row. Child steps for these rebuilding Blackhawks, as they attempt to discover their manner. Let’s have a look at who stood out probably the most this month by naming our three stars of November.
No. 3 Star: Ahead Tyler Bertuzzi
I nearly went with Connor Bedard right here. He solely scored one objective this month, however he contributed seven assists (six of them major) for probably the most factors (eight) of the month. No matter his goal-scoring drought, the teen continues to be making an influence.
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However as an alternative, I’d like to offer kudos to Tyler Bertuzzi. After scoring three objectives in October (however solely one in every of them throughout five-on-five play) Bertuzzi contributed two objectives and 5 assists (all of them major) for seven factors in November. He tallied a five-on-five objective, an influence play objective, three five-on-five helpers and two energy play helpers. Clearly, this can be a way more well-rounded effort than his first month as a Blackhawk.
Bertuzzi has been a staple on the second line and the primary energy play unit for the Blackhawks, and he lastly appears to be getting right into a groove. Altogether, his 5 objectives and 10 factors is presently good for fourth on the staff.
No. 2 Star: Ahead Ryan Donato
Ryan Donato was the No. 1 Star in October, and he earns my No. 2 Star in November. This man simply doesn’t cease. He performs the sport the suitable manner, all the time giving 100% effort, digging onerous for free pucks and taking pictures at any time when he has the possibility. His 53 photographs on objective is presently second on the staff behind Bedard (61 photographs). However extra importantly, the 25-year-old contributed 4 objectives and three assists in November. Add that to 6 objectives and one helper in October, and Donato presently leads the staff in objectives (10) and is second place to Bedard in factors (14).
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Not surprisingly, head coach Luke Richardson has rewarded Donato for his robust play, selling him to second line middle and the highest energy play unit. In the latest tilt in opposition to the Minnesota Wild (Nov. 29), Donato registered three photographs on objective and scored on two of them. Right here’s his first objective of the sport.
Bert ➡︎ Dono ➡︎ 🚨 pic.twitter.com/tu8IPsWoBn
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 29, 2024
In typical Donato style he makes the additional effort to corral the puck and get it on internet for the objective. By the best way, this tally was assisted by Bertuzzi.
If the feisty ahead can hold this up, he simply may discover himself named as a star three months in a row!
No. 1 Star: Goaltender Petr Mrazek
Mrazek made an uncharacteristic flub in opposition to the Wild to permit a objective. However for probably the most half, he’s put collectively a wonderful displaying in internet all season lengthy, particularly in November. Out of eight video games performed, Mrazek boasted a document of 4-3-1, with a .927 save share and a 2.24 objectives in opposition to common. Each evening, the 32-year-old has made the saves wanted to maintain his staff within the recreation.
PETR MRAZEK SAYS NO!!!@NHLBlackhawks | #Blackhawks | #NHLNShowcase pic.twitter.com/Uj9PGHy114
— NHL Community (@NHLNetwork) November 23, 2024
In addition to his heroics within the crease, Mrazek is doing what he can to inspire and encourage his teammates. Coach Richardson lately expressed Mrazek’s influence on the remainder of the staff.
He’s been our First Star all 12 months. Our goaltending, usually, has been nice, however Petr’s the chief there. He’s so aggressive. He doesn’t simply play the sport, and give attention to himself, and be quiet. He’s speaking to the protection on a regular basis, ironing issues out, and pushing them alongside. If we will discover a little bit little bit of offense to assist assist the good goaltending, we will actually make some strides.
(from ‘Blackhawks Sport Day Preview: Petr Mrazek seems to be for some assist versus Stars’, CHGO Blackhawks – 11/27/2024)
We discovered on Friday (11/29) that offseason goaltending addition Laurent Brossoit (who has but to play for the Blackhawks) had a follow-up arthroscopic surgical procedure on his proper knee. He’s anticipated to be out at the least one other six weeks. This implies the Blackhawks will proceed to lean of Mrazek’s strong play in internet.
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The Blackhawks now head into December the place they’ll have a really busy schedule of 15 video games, culminating within the Winter Traditional on Dec 31st in opposition to the St. Louis Blues. Can the Blackhawks put collectively a greater document in December? Who will win the three Star honors to shut out the 12 months?
