The Chicago Blackhawks should not off to the beginning they might have preferred. Veteran additions through the offseason to help sophomore Connor Bedard promised a extra aggressive group. In some methods, it has helped, however with a 3-6-1 report to rank fourth from final within the NHL standings, everybody—gamers and followers alike—is disillusioned.
Tyler Bertuzzi was one of many gamers acquired to reinvigorate a torpid offense. Nonetheless, just like the group, his first 10 video games haven’t gone in keeping with plan. With two targets and a minus-6 score, Bertuzzi continues to be discovering his footing in a brand new metropolis. That is his fourth group in three seasons, so an adjustment interval is comprehensible. Nonetheless, the query stays: how lengthy does he want?
The Blackhawks’ misfortunes don’t relaxation totally on his shoulders, however a snug, productive Bertuzzi would assist. A take a look at his begins since he entered the NHL additionally raises considerations about how he’ll fare all through the remainder of the season.
Bertuzzi’s First Ten Video games Traditionally
Bertuzzi doesn’t begin sturdy. His numbers by means of the primary 10 video games in every season of his profession make that clear – I excluded the 2016-17 season as a result of he solely performed seven video games. The chart under particulars his targets, factors, and plus/minus by means of the primary 10 video games.
| Season | Targets | Factors | Plus/Minus |
| 2017-18 | 1 | 6 | Plus-2 |
| 2018-19 | 2 | 5 | Minus-1 |
| 2019-20 | 3 | 10 | Minus-1 |
| 2020-21 | 5 | 7 | Even |
| 2021-22 | 9 | 15 | Plus-10 |
| 2022-23 | 1 | 4 | Minus-2 |
| 2023-24 | 2 | 3 | Minus-1 |
This isn’t a “let’s-put-down-Bertuzzi piece,” as exhausting as which may be to consider. Info are details, and thus far, they’ve been discouraging. However there may be motive for optimism. Bertuzzi tends to look a lot, significantly better after his attribute gradual begins.
Bertuzzi’s Constant Manufacturing for The rest of the Season
Bertuzzi’s manufacturing after the primary 10 video games ought to considerably quell considerations. You may knock him for beginning gradual, however he doesn’t play on cruise management after settling right into a season. In each full season with the Detroit Purple Wings (2017-2022), Bertuzzi constantly scored after the primary 10 video games. Notably, in 2018-19, he completed with 42 factors within the remaining 63 video games. Equally, he completed 2019-20 with 38 factors within the final 61 video games and 47 factors in 58 video games in 2021-22 (his 2020-21 season was shortened to 9 video games as a consequence of damage).
bert! bert! bert! bert! pic.twitter.com/aXpqOauOZJ
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 18, 2024
Bertuzzi averaged about .7 factors per sport in these stretches. With 70 video games left on the Blackhawks’ schedule, he ought to end with round 52 factors. Do they anticipate extra from a participant who’s being paid $5.5 million? Sure. Nonetheless, provided that solely Bedard and Philip Kurashev notched at the least 50 factors final season, we must always welcome this manufacturing.
Blackhawks House Candy House
Some lenience ought to be granted to Bertuzzi as he settles into Chicago. The town is his fourth residence in three seasons, however with a four-year contract, he ought to have safety and peace of thoughts. His earlier stops—Bruins and Maple Leafs—have been non permanent touchdowns in high-pressure cities with groups eying the Stanley Cup. He was anticipated to assist push these groups previous the end line whereas taking part in on an expiring contract in Boston and a one-year deal in Toronto.
Associated: Blackhawks’ Tyler Bertuzzi Can Carry Chicago Again to Glory
Bertuzzi didn’t know what the longer term held, and that may have an effect on a participant’s strategy. He might have been gripping the stick a bit of too tight. Regardless of that stress and his gradual begins in new cities, true to type, Bertuzzi recovered. He notched 11 factors in his remaining 11 video games with the Bruins in 2023 and elevated his sport with 5 targets and 5 assists in 7 postseason video games. Equally, he completed with 40 factors in 70 video games for the Maple Leafs the next season.
Bertuzzi now is aware of he can plan on being in Chicago. That stability does wonders for a participant’s confidence. It’s straightforward to overlook that NHLers are folks with households and lives exterior of hockey. With these priorities stabilized, specializing in hockey with out distractions ought to be simpler—that means extra manufacturing and higher play.
Balancing Persistence With out Decreasing Expectations
The Blackhawks signed Bertuzzi to extend the group’s offensive output. Up to now, he has not delivered. His complete profession signifies that can change. That doesn’t imply expectations ought to be lowered. His job is to supply. Ought to we attain the 20-game mark with out him discovering his type, then the priority ought to enhance.
Within the meantime, head coach Luke Richardson has his palms full making an attempt to jumpstart your complete Blackhawks’ offense. The group’s 29 targets for are almost the worst within the NHL, and solely Ryan Donato has greater than 3 targets (my prediction in regards to the Blackhawks scoring extra targets this season doesn’t look too good). It appears Bertuzzi is just one of many struggling to place the puck within the internet.
